Your Guide to Rome's Most Charming, Crowd-Free Gems
Looking for non-touristy things to do in Rome? To help you uncover the city’s quieter side, we’ve partnered with the creator behind Beantowntraveller. With a knack for finding charming local spots, she has shared her top recommendations for escaping the crowds in the Eternal City. Based on her valuable insights, here are some spectacular, lesser-known alternatives to Rome’s biggest attractions.
Alternative Views of Ancient Rome
Instead of battling for a photo directly outside the Colosseum or wrestling through the Roman Forum’s main entrance, try these smart vantage points for a more serene experience.
Via Nicola Salvi and Giardinetto del Monte Oppio (Oppian Hill Park): Located slightly above the Colosseum on the Colle Oppio (Oppian Hill), these two spots provide stunning, elevated views of the massive structure. You get a sense of the Colosseum’s scale framed by greenery, making for a superior photograph and a more relaxed moment of contemplation.
The Campidoglio Terrace (Capitoline Hill Terrace): For a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, head to the narrow terrace on Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill). The square itself, designed by Michelangelo, is a work of art. Walk along the right side of the Palazzo Senatorio (Senatorial Palace) to find a quiet balcony that looks directly down over the ancient ruins—an essential, free view that beats the crowds inside the complex.
A Peaceful Escape at Villa Borghese
When the Roman pavement gets too hot and crowded, a peaceful green space is essential.
Villa Borghese Gardens: This vast, tranquil public park is more than just a place to stroll. Beyond the famous Borghese Gallery, you can rent a rowboat on the small lake near the Temple of Asclepius. It’s a charming and affordable way to slow down and enjoy a classic Roman experience that feels miles away from the city bustle.
Explore Authentic Local Neighborhoods
While Trastevere is becoming increasingly popular, it still maintains an authentic, bohemian charm that offers a break from the historical center’s formality.
The Trastevere Neighborhood: Cross the Ponte Sisto for a change of pace. Trastevere is famous for its cobblestone alleys and ivy-covered buildings. By wandering the small side streets away from the main piazzas, you can still find quiet artisan workshops and beautiful ancient basilicas like the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Discover Rome's Quieter Churches
While St. Peter’s Basilica is an absolute landmark, Rome is home to hundreds of equally stunning, far less crowded churches that are masterpieces in their own right.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: As one of Rome’s four major Papal Basilicas, this is a globally important site yet remains less crowded than St. Peter’s. Its interiors are astounding, featuring some of the oldest Christian mosaics in Rome and a ceiling gilded with the first gold brought back from the Americas.
Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva: Located near the Pantheon, this church is Rome’s only example of an original Gothic-style structure. Inside you’ll find dazzling blue vaulted ceilings, and outside, the famous Elephant and Obelisk statue by Bernini. It’s a spectacular, accessible spot that offers a quiet moment for reflection and art appreciation.
Find a Hidden Shopping Street
If the luxury stores and crowds at the bottom of the Spanish Steps are overwhelming, a perfect antidote is just a short walk away.
Via Margutta: Just a few blocks from the Spanish Steps, this charming street is a world away. Once the legendary artists’ quarter of Rome, it’s a quiet cobblestone lane full of boutique art studios, antique shops, and picturesque residential entrances. Made famous by the movie Roman Holiday, it retains a sophisticated, tranquil atmosphere perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Enjoy Sunset from the Best Free Terraces
For a romantic sunset, bypass the crowded Tiber bridges and head for the hills for a panoramic view.
Terrazza del Pincio (Pincian Hill Terrace): Located atop the Pincian Hill at the edge of the Villa Borghese gardens, this terrace offers one of the most classic and celebrated views of the city. You get a sweeping vista overlooking the Piazza del Popolo and stretching west toward the Vatican, making it the perfect free location to watch the city turn golden at dusk. While popular, the terrace is wide and expansive, offering plenty of space for everyone to find a breathtaking spot.
Finding Your Own Rome
Exploring Rome’s quieter corners offers a more personal and rewarding travel experience. By swapping crowded main attractions for alternative viewpoints, peaceful gardens, and stunning local churches, you can discover the authentic charm of the Eternal City. These recommendations from Beantowntraveller provide a perfect starting point for seeing a different side of Rome, one that is just as magical but far more serene.
For more detailed information to help you plan your travels in Rome, please visit our Rome city page.