Italy travel news: The unique way to visit Rome
The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City are all top tourist destinations for your trip to Rome.
But it can be difficult finding things to do if you’re looking for a less beaten path, or are unsure how to spend your evenings on your trip to Italy’s capital.
Here, Travel News Blitz’s Atlas Scholes gives you unconventional things to do during your visit to the ancient city.
Basilica di San Clemente
Starting off with some stunning architecture, the Basilica di San Clemente is only a 5-minute walk away from the Colosseum, but it is far less popular despite years of breathtaking history within its walls.
The Basilica di San Clemente offers the opportunity to experience Rome through three different centuries - the upper floor 12th-century basilica, a 4th-century lower basilica and finally some 1st-century Roman buildings, including a mithraeum.
You do have to book in advance to see the excavations - it’s not particularly busy and costs €10 for adults or €5 for students.
Catacombe di Priscilla
Out of 60 catacombs in Rome, only seven of them are open for the general public.
The Catacombs of Priscilla are less touristy than some of the others, and allow you to not only experience “underground-Rome”, but also see some ancient art galleries too.
Its 13-kilometre-long tunnels make these catacombs one of Rome’s most extensive and are definitely worth a visit.
Like the Basilica, you do have to book in advance, and it does come with a €10 fee.
Monte dei Cocci
This artificial hill is located near Rome’s port area, reaching almost 35 metres high.
It’s made out of broken amphorae shards that were used to transport goods like olive oil, which accumulated over time, and Monte dei Cocci is now estimated to have over 50 million shards.
None of the shards were dumped carelessly; the pieces were stacked, and lime was used to stabilise the structure. On some of the shards, you can see writings and inscriptions too!
The area around Monte dei Cocci is accessible without a reservation, but access to the actual hill itself does require booking in advance, which you can do through several booking agencies.
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Gregory’s Jazz Club
If you’re unsure of what to do during your evenings whilst on holiday, Gregory’s Jazz Club should definitely be on your list.
It has a very intimate atmosphere, but it’s not at all intimidating. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or just going for a drink and good music, Gregory’s Jazz Club has it all to offer.
They offer Japanese cuisine, cocktails and of course whiskey, and it would definitely be a highlight of your trip if you decide to visit.
Paint and Sip
Unleash your creative side at a paint and sip night in the heart of the city. Whether you’re solo-travelling or with a group of friends, it is a great way to get settled in and meet some new people.
With offerings of wine and pizza, a canvas and tips for your travels, a tipsy art class is a cosy, relaxing way to spend one of your evenings in the capital.
You’ll also walk away with a souvenir that you made yourself - a great way to remember your time away.
Ghost Legends and Mysteries of Rome Tour
If you have a thing for the more haunted side of life, you can experience the darker side of Rome on a guided tour around the city.
There are multiple different booking agencies for ghost tours, but it is a unique way to learn some of the harsher sides of Ancient Rome, and a fun way to spend an evening in the city.
Summary
Pairing the classics with some of the unique options listed will ultimately give you the trip of a lifetime.
Rome offers a mix of history and fun, making your trip one to remember and talk about for years to come.
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