There are countless ancient sites in Rome to visit, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and beyond. Sometimes it’s nice to go beyond the usual tourist attractions though, and see what unique experiences are around every corner. Anyone looking to explore a different side of the Eternal City will love how many unusual things to do in Rome there are. A lot of tourists miss out on the off the beaten path locations around the city, which is why it’s so important to do extensive research before visiting Rome.
Whether you’re visiting Rome for the first time or you’re returning and are looking to uncover another side of Rome, there are plenty of options available at your fingertips. Everything from secret keyholes to underground hidden gems and historic tombs are just waiting to be explored, which is what makes Rome such an incredible destination to visit throughout the year.
Unusual things to do in Rome
1. Go under Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome. But did you know you can go underneath it too? The Stadium of Domitian was built in the 1st century AD and it once hosted athletic competitions for over 30,000 spectators. The ruins have been incredibly well maintained, and as you climb below street level you’ll be transported back in time thanks to the audioguide. This is one of Rome’s lesser known sports arenas but it still deserves a spot on any itinerary.
2. Place your hand in the Mouth of Truth
Near the entrance of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin sits the Mouth of Truth. In terms of unusual things to do in Rome, visiting this attraction is hard to beat. Legend says that if a liar places their hand inside the mouth, it will be bitten off. What was originally a 1st century AD drain cover or fountain decoration has been turned into a very popular attraction in Rome thanks to the film, Roman Holiday.
I would recommend arriving as early as you can to avoid the crowds. We went on a rainy day so not too many people were around, but we still needed to line up for around 15 minutes.
3. Gaze through the Aventine Keyhole
One of the most intriguing hidden gems in Rome is the Aventine Keyhole. It’s perched at the top of the Aventine Hill, in an unassuming door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. What makes stopping here one of the top unusual things to do in Rome is that when you look through the keyhole the garden’s path lines up perfectly with St Peter’s Basilica. No one knows if this was done on purpose or not, so although this photo spot in Rome is gaining popularity, it’s still very much a mystery.
4. Marvel at the remains of the Colossus of Constantine
If you’re planning to visit the Capitoline Museums, you have to stop and admire what remains of the Colossus of Constantine. This enormous statue once stood at around 40 feet tall and has been dated to the 4th century AD. It was originally housed in the Roman Forum, inside the Basilica of Maxentius, but today only a few fragments remain.
To understand how tall it actually was, a replica has been produced which can be found in a small courtyard at the rear of the Capitoline Museums. This courtyard is free to access so it’s a great place to visit if you’re coming to Rome on a budget.
5. Visit the tomb of St Paul
The Tomb of St Paul is located within the walls of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. It’s one of the most significant sites in Christianity, so it’s very popular with pilgrims. Inside, visitors can pray at the burial site of the apostle, who was martyred in the 1st century AD. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Rome because excavations beneath the main altar have uncovered part of the marble slab containing St Paul’s tomb, so you can see it up close. The basilica itself is also worth walking around, though it’s a much newer construction than other basilicas in Rome.
6. Walk through a crypt covered in human bones
One of the most unusual things to do in Rome is to visit this incredible crypt covered in human bones. The crypt is located underneath Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and it’s made up of a series of small chapels. Each chapel is decorated with the bones of over 3700 Capuchin friars dating back to the 17th century. It’s also a very spiritual place for people to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.
Before you enter the crypt you’ll make your way through a small exhibition with an audioguide where you can learn more about the history of the church. The audioguide will also share some interesting facts about the crypt and how it was developed.
7. Climb the same steps as Jesus
The Holy Stairs, or the Scala Sancta, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Rome. These steps are believed to be the ones that Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate. They were brought to Rome in the 4th century by the mother of Emperor Constantine, St Helena, and today the 28 marble steps are housed in a chapel across the road from the Basilica of St John Lateran.
Pilgrims will ascend the stairs on their knees in prayer so it really is something special to witness. Directly next to the Holy Stairs are another set of stairs that visitors can walk up to enter the chapel instead. Visiting the Holy Stairs is one of the most unusual things to do in Rome, and it’s a must-visit for Christians.
8. Find this lesser known crypt with human bones
Although Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini gets a lot of attention for its stunning bone-covered crypt, there’s a lesser known crypt in Rome that may be worth adding to your itinerary too. Located along Viu Giulia is the Church of Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte which dates back to the 17th century. It was built for the purpose of giving the city’s unclaimed dead a proper place to be buried.
Inside the crypt visitors will be met with skulls and bones that are arranged in unique patterns, forming an artistic display to remind people about mortality. If you’re spending 3 days in Rome or more, you’ll have enough time to visit this hidden gem in the city.
9. Explore under the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous attractions in Rome. What many people don’t know though, is that you can go underneath it and explore an ancient apartment complex and parts of an aqueduct. Vicus Caprarius, the “City of Water”, was discovered in the early 2000s during an excavation and it offers an interesting glimpse into the layered history of Rome. Inside the archaeological site there are also several display cases where you can view some of the artifacts that were found on the site.
10. Dine in one of the oldest restaurants in Rome
There are a lot of incredible places to eat in Rome, whether you’re on the hunt for Roman street food, tasty tiramisu, or fresh pasta dishes. One of the oldest restaurants in Rome is Spirito di Vino, located in Trastevere. This restaurant has origins dating back to the 16th century, but its historic wine cellar is much older. The ancient wine cellar offers an incredible glimpse into Rome’s past, and the restaurant’s culinary practices pay homage to Roman cuisine.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome Times Hotel (4-star hotel near the Trevi Fountain)
Generator Rome (4-star hostel/hotel with private rooms)
Roma Luxus Hotel (5-star hotel near the Colosseum)
Is Rome worth visiting?
There are countless unusual things to do in Rome, which is what makes the Italian capital such an intriguing city to visit. As you make your way through the streets of Rome, you’ll discover hidden gems at every turn. Most visitors to Rome only go to the main attractions such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, but there’s much more to uncover if you have the time and are willing to think outside the usual tourist box. With layers of history and charm to dive into, you’ll no doubt want to spend a week or more exploring the Eternal City.
If you have any questions about the unusual things to do in Rome mentioned above, or you have any other suggestions, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form. You can also follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips.
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