The famous eternal city has many historical, cultural, artistic, climatic and gastronomic assets that attract curious visitors from all over the world. With over 35 million visitors a year, it is one of the cities most affected by mass tourism. The good news is that the city has so much to offer that it still keeps some secret, yet fascinating, places. In this article, we take a look at some of these secret spots, as well as some tips on how to avoid overtourism and see Rome off the beaten track.
When to go to Rome to avoid the crowds?
If you want to enjoy Rome without the crowds, you need to come in winter, particularly in November, January and February. These are the three months when crowds are at their lowest, and queues are much reduced or non-existent in some usually very busy places, such as the Vatican museums. As Rome is not a beach or hiking destination, but instead offers many indoor options, such as restaurants, museums and churches, the winter period remains very pleasant. During the summer months, Bologna is an excellent tourist alternative to the mass tourism of Rome.
Did you know? Rome is one of our selection of cities to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Where to sleep in Rome?
Choosing a base in an area far from Rome's overtourism and off the beaten track has many advantages: accommodation prices are cheaper, the streets are less noisy, and you avoid the gentrification of certain neighborhoods. Take your pick, for example:
- L'Aventino, a quiet, central hill,
- Monteverde, quiet and central,
- Testaccio, authentic and popular,
- San Lorenzo, student and alternative,
- Garbatella, with its village atmosphere.
Tips to protect Rome from overtourism by staying off the beaten track
Mass tourism does a lot of damage to Rome, which is why it's important to take steps to protect its natural and cultural sites. For example, gentrification is taking place in certain areas of Rome, which are being converted to tourism, driving out residents who can no longer afford to support rising rents. We recommend that youavoid AirBNBs , which cause rents to skyrocket. You can also adopt the principles of regenerative tourism, which seeks to have a positive impact on the places you visit, for example by taking part in collective protection actions, favoring locally-run accommodation and restaurants over chains, or supporting cultural or associative projects.
12 activities and places off the beaten track in Rome
To avoid overtourism, Rome off the beaten track does exist. Here are 12 confidential activities and places to discover.
1. Cycle the Via Appia Antica
Rome's heritage is one of the city's must-sees, so much so that it's often surrounded by masses of tourists, like at the Colosseum. But it's possible to enjoy it quietly, slowly and without the crowds, on the via Appia Antica. This ancient Roman road is particularly well preserved, with numerous remains and cobblestones still marked by the wheels of Roman carts.
2. Discover the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Rome has so many spectacular museums that some go virtually unnoticed despite their rich collections. Such is the case of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a superb 16th-century palace that today houses an impressive art collection. It's a rare opportunity to see works by Titian, Raphael, Veronese, Bernini or Rubens without the crowds.
3. Enter the Capuchin crypt
Thechurch of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini hides a secret in its depths that will allow you to avoid overtourism in Rome by being off the beaten track: the Capuchin crypt. Here, Capuchin monks have accumulated 3,700 bodies, with the aim of reminding us of our mortality.
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4. Visit the Galleria Sciarra
Despite overtourism, there's still Rome off the beaten track, as demonstrated by the Galleria Sciarra. This covered gallery, a true architectural gem, may be very close to the Trevi Fountain, but few tourists venture there.
5. Visit historic coffee roasters
Coffee is one of the Italian specialties you absolutely must try during your visit. To do so, sit down at one of the city's two most famous historic coffee roasters. The first, the Caffè Sant'Eustachiohas been roasting its own coffee near the Pantheon since 1938. The second is Tazza d'Orohas been doing the same since 1944, to the point where it now provides one of the finest coffees in the whole city. Take a break in one of these two legendary establishments, and you'll even be able to practice slow travel!
6. Explore the Coppedè district
Le Quartiere Coppedèquartiere Coppedè, in the north of Rome, is small, quiet and yet incredibly rich. Its few streets form an exceptional architectural ensemble designed by architect Gino Coppedè, with Art Nouveau, medieval and even mythological influences.
7. Stroll through the Aventino district
The Aventine is one of Rome's seven hills. Quite central, it nonetheless retains a quiet, residential atmosphere, as most tourist circuits completely omit it despite its rich heritage.
8. Visit Palazzo Colonna
This historic 15th-century family home is a great way to escape Rome's overtourism and get off the beaten track. Enter Palazzo Colonna as much for its architecture as for the works of great masters on display in its gallery.
9. Visit Cinecittà Studios
East Rome is home to the legendary Cinecittà studio, founded in 1937. Spread over 400,000m2, it is Europe's largest film studio. Many legendary directors and actors have worked here, including Visconti, Fellini, Scorsese and Sophia Loren. You can visit the studios to admire some of the filming locations and costumes, and take part in a variety of activities.
10. Enter the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
While Rome has no shortage of world-famous churches, there are also some that are almost secret yet superb, such as the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. Founded in 442, it houses the chains St. Peter is said to have worn when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem! Another treasure: the tomb of Pope Julius II, designed by Michelangelo.
11. Discover the EUR district
The EUR district, for Esposizione Universale di Roma, was built in the 1930s as a showcase for Mussolini's fascism. Excessively wide streets, massive buildings and numerous public spaces: this district, which is one of Rome's most unusual activities, is often overlooked by visitors.
12. Open the door to the Centrale Montemartini
Roman statues now stand in this former power station. The Montemartini Power Station is a superb example of industrial conversion, whose interest lies precisely in the striking contrast between the antique sculptures and the industrial décor.
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