Beyond the Colosseum: unmissable attractions of Rome to visit according to locals

Rome is famous all over the world for its iconic monuments, some of which are a once-in-a-lifetime dream to see: the Colosseum with the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, and the Borghese Gallery with its collection of masterpieces. Rome’s cultural heritage is so vast that it is almost impossible to see everything in one trip, indeed locals often say that one lifetime is not enough to visit all the monuments and museums that the Eternal City offers. The number of attractions in Rome is enormous, and many places deserve a visit even though they are not as famous as the Colosseum. From archaeological sites to art museums, follow our guide to discover the best attractions to visit in Rome according to locals.

Most tourists travel to Rome to see its most famous monuments, which are breathtaking postcards of the Eternal City. However, Rome is full of beautiful artistic and archaeological sites, and visiting less popular ones is a great way to escape the crowded tourist areas while still enjoying the city’s majestic atmosphere.

The attractions in this guide are included in the Visit Rome Pass, the tourist pass that helps you explore Rome easily with free entry, discounted tickets, skip-the-line access, and unlimited public transport—an unmissable travel companion for discovering not only Rome’s major tourist sites but also other stunning attractions. Let’s find out together the best places to explore in Rome according to locals.

One of the most stunning museums in Rome, Centrale Montemartini is a wonderful fusion of industrial archaeology and classical art. Ancient Roman sculptures and artifacts are displayed in a former, well-preserved public power plant from the early XXth century. Centrale Montemartini, which is the result of an urban regeneration project, showcases ancient Roman sculptures from the Musei Capitolini collection, making it one of the most unique museums to visit. Although located in the Ostiense district, outside Rome’s city center, it is well worth a visit.

A hidden gem of Rome’s art exhibition spaces, the Carlo Bilotti Museum is a modern art oasis in the heart of Villa Borghese Park. Located close to the famous Borghese Gallery, the Carlo Bilotti collection is a small but rich museum of paintings and sculptures, with a focus on the captivating works of Giorgio de Chirico, the Italian artist known to have been the founder of the Metaphysical Art movement. Housed inside the orangery of Villa Borghese Park, the museum also hosts artworks by Andy Warhol, Larry Rivers, Gino Severini and Giacomo Manzù.

Once the ancient port of Rome during the Roman Empire, the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica contains remarkably well-preserved ruins of one of the most important harbors of ancient Rome. This site, located near the sea at the mouth of the Tiber River and reachable by public transport included in the Visit Rome Pass, offers a glimpse into the past, with its well-preserved streets, buildings, baths, and even a theater. Walking through the park is an incredible experience that brings ancient Roman daily life to life, making it a must-see destination during a vacation in Rome.

A unique museum in Rome, the Museum of the Walls takes visitors on a journey through centuries of Roman military history. The museum provides an opportunity to explore the ancient Aurelian Walls, built in the 3rd century by Emperor Aurelian. It offers insight into the construction, significance, and expansion of the walls, and visitors can even walk along a 350-meter stretch, which includes a gallery, ten towers, and an uncovered walkway. This experience allows for a better understanding of the Aurelian Walls and their role in defending ancient Rome.

The most important Etruscan museum in the world, the ETRU - National Etruscan Museum in Rome showcases the richest collection of artifacts from the Etruscans, an ancient civilization that lived north of Rome before being conquered by the Romans in the IIIrd-IInd centuries BC. The exhibition features jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and the famous Sarcophagus of the Spouses, offering visitors a deep dive into Etruscan culture and art. The museum is housed inside Villa Giulia, a beautiful Renaissance villa built in the XVIth century by Pope Julius III, renowned for its stunning gardens and remarkable nymphaeum.

A hub of contemporary art in Rome, MAXXI - the National Museum of 21st Century Arts is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. As Italy’s first national institution dedicated to contemporary arts, MAXXI hosts a permanent collection of national and international contemporary artists, as well as temporary exhibitions, workshops, performances, and creative projects connected to XXIth-century art. Located in the Flaminio district, not far from Rome’s city center, MAXXI is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Rome’s contemporary art scene.