Hidden Spots in Rome: The Best Places I Discovered While Living in the Eternal City
- Emily Fata
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Let's dive into the hidden spots in Rome that reveal the city's secrets. Explore these gems for unforgettable experiences off the beaten path.
Rome is a city that doesn’t just wear its history on its sleeve—it practically throws it at you. Turn a corner, and suddenly you’re staring at a 2,000-year-old ruin wedged between a gelato shop and a Vespa repair store. But as much as I love the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain (even when battling through crowds of eager coin-tossers), some of the best experiences I had during my two-month stay were found off the beaten path—many recommended by locals or people who know the city like the back of their hand.
These hidden spots in Rome made me fall even deeper in love with the city, proving that the Eternal City has endless secrets to share.
The Camere di Sant'Ignazio: A Mind-Bending Hidden Spot in Rome
One day, after wandering through the grandeur of the Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, I learned that there was something even more impressive tucked away next door. Intrigued, I followed the directions into an unassuming building beside the church. Inside, I discovered the Camere di Sant'Ignazio, a small but mind-bendingly fascinating space dedicated to the life and visions of Saint Ignatius.
The rooms are adorned with illusionistic frescoes that trick the eye into seeing three-dimensional depth where there is none. Every wall, ceiling, and column appears to stretch into infinity, creating a space that feels like a portal into another world. Few tourists venture inside, making it an oasis of peace in the bustling city (this is especially so, with the opening hours being so limited). Plus, it’s totally free to visit—so you can save your euros for more important things, like…maritozzi!
Maritozzi: The Sweetest Roman Tradition
If you haven't had a maritozzo while in Rome, have you even lived? On my first weekend in the city, a friend introduced me to this heavenly Roman pastry, and I never looked back. It became my go-to snack, my guilty pleasure, and occasionally, my reason for getting out of bed in the morning.
A maritozzo is a soft, slightly sweet brioche bun filled with an obscene amount of fresh whipped cream. You can find them at nearly every pasticceria in the city, and trust me, you should. Whether you grab one from a historic bakery near Campo de’ Fiori or a lesser-known gem in Trastevere, each bite is a fluffy, creamy revelation. It’s the kind of food that makes you close your eyes in bliss and ignore the fact that you now have powdered sugar all over your shirt.
A Secret View of the Roman Forum
While everyone else is paying for entry into the Roman Forum (it definitely is worth going into at least once, by the way) and elbowing their way through guided tours, I was shown a far more peaceful (and free) way to enjoy it. Just behind the Capitoline Museums, there’s a quiet levelled terrace with benches and an unobstructed view of the Forum’s ancient ruins.
This little spot became my favourite place to sit and soak in Rome’s history without fighting for space. It’s a perfect place for people-watching, too—watching visitors take selfies with crumbling columns in the background never gets old. Plus, you get postcard-worthy pictures without needing a ticket, which means more money for maritozzi (are you sensing a theme here?).
Museo Pietro Canonica: A Hidden Gem in Villa Borghese
Tucked away in the sprawling greenery of Villa Borghese, the Museo Pietro Canonica is one of the best-kept secrets in Rome. It’s a small museum dedicated to the works of Pietro Canonica, an Italian sculptor whose stunning marble creations somehow never got the international fame they deserve. This one, I can take full credit for, finding it with a Google search while my sisters were visiting me in the city and I was looking for free things we could do together (and scouring the different free-entry museums for something all three of us would like visiting).
The museum is housed in his former home and studio, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. The best part? Like I mentioned: it’s always free to enter. So, don’t be surprised when it quickly becomes a go-to place to take a break from the crowds, all while appreciating art without being jostled by tour groups wielding selfie sticks like medieval weapons.
The Aventine Keyhole: The Longest (But Most Worthwhile) Wait
The Aventine Keyhole is one of those quirky, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it attractions that’s become Instagram-famous, but still retains its magic. A friend recommended it to me, so one morning, I made my way to the Aventine Hill, only to find a line snaking down the street.
It took over an hour to reach the tiny keyhole, but by that point, we had waited so long that leaving felt like quitting a marathon at the last kilometre (not that I would know what that’s like, because…well, you’ll only find me running if—maybe?—a bear or something is chasing me…and even then, I might just let fate run its course). But I digress.
Peering through the keyhole reveals a perfect, almost-too-good-to-be-true view of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by lush gardens. The experience is fleeting, but totally worth it. Remember: keep the line moving, people.
Giardino degli Aranci: The Most Romantic View in Rome
A short walk from the keyhole, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) offers another stunning panoramic view of the city. It’s one of the most ideal spots to unwind, watch buskers perform, and admire St. Peter’s in the golden glow of sunrise or sunset.
The park itself is beautifully landscaped, with orange trees that fill the air with a citrusy scent. It’s a popular spot for couples, and after spending an afternoon there (with my sisters…hahaha), I could see why. If you’re looking for a place that screams ‘romantic Roman getaway,’ this is it—just don’t expect to be the only one with that idea.
Roman Mosaics in McDonald's: The Most Unexpected History Lesson
When someone (and by ‘someone,’ I mean an Instagram reel) told me that a McDonald's near the Spanish Steps had actual ancient Roman mosaics inside, I thought it couldn’t be true. But sure enough, beneath the fast-food joint in Piazza Mignanelli, you’ll find a beautifully preserved mosaic wall from the days of the Roman Empire.
It’s a bizarre but wonderful juxtaposition—eating a Baci McFlurry while staring at centuries-old artistry. The mosaic is tucked away on the lower level as you walk up to the main section of the eatery, making it difficult to miss, but it’s well worth the small detour.
This is Rome in a nutshell, though: a place where history pops up in the most unexpected places.
Mercatino Conca d’Oro: A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
Just steps from the apartment I called home for a couple of months, Mercatino Conca d’Oro became my weekend ritual. This small-but-bustling flea market is packed with everything from antiques and vintage clothing to rare vinyl records and local art.
Unlike the more touristy markets in the city centre, this one feels truly local. It’s the kind of place where you can haggle with vendors, stumble upon hidden treasures, and leave with a completely unexpected find. One weekend you might walk out with a vintage silk scarf and another, a 1970s Italian film poster and a hand-painted ceramic dish.
Oh Rome, you unpredictable beauty.
All in All
Rome is a city that never runs out of surprises. While the big-ticket attractions are absolutely worth seeing, some of the most magical experiences come from wandering off the main roads and discovering places that aren’t in every guidebook.
So, if you find yourself in Rome, take the time to seek out its hidden spots. Climb up to a secret viewpoint, indulge in a maritozzo (or five), and step into a museum that isn’t packed with tourists. You never know what you’ll find—but trust me, it’ll be worth it.
This is the first time I heard about Maritozzo, and it looks really good. Would love to have the full experience and get it from Campo de Fiori.
By the way, thank you for sharing these hidden spots in Rome. Ever since we started "slow travelling", we have been keen on visiting spots like this.
Rome is the city that I am looking forward to visit when I have enough money because if its culture, tradition and a beauty they have there.
I can totally relate to your love for maritozzi! I discovered them on my first trip to Rome and they quickly became my favorite treat too!
So pretty, Rome is on my list of places to visit. The orange garden looks nice
Must be absolutely amazing to live in Rome. I remember the first time I visited I was totally blown away at every corner I turned. So many famous historical places in one spot. I returned one other time to try and enjoy more of the sites. And now, with your article I have another reason to return - still so much more to experience.