Rome-any hidden secrets?

Probably not off the beaten path, but do look into the Scavi Tour. We enjoyed it more than the Vatican.

Rome is so popular there really are no "off the beaten path" sites to see. There are sites that are less popular than the colosseum, pantheon and vatican but you'll still find crowds everywhere.

My favorite less crowded sites are the Baths of Caracalla, the Ara Pacis, Ostia Antica, though that may be crowded as October is high season.

Donna

Definitely see the Baths of Caracalla. Other suggestions: Keats house, cat sanctuary in the ruins at Largo Argentina, Protestant Cemetery (beautiful park really), Scala Santa, Teatro Marcello near Giggetto Restaurant, Pamphlij Museum (may attend concert there), concert/opera in a church (St Michael's on Via Nazionale), walk along Via Guilia and find the fountain that is fed by an original aqueduct--this is near Ponto Sisto.

Nothing specific, but we enjoyed our day of just wandering. You might want to schedule that in. We were going to go to Ostia Antica, but were "ruined" out. So, we just wandered, and it was so much fun.

Use your map to figure out the general direction you need to go, put it away and then start off and decide which street to take by what looks more interesting. You'll come across little piazzas and churches that you would never find otherwise. For meals, walk a few blocks away from the main tourist attractions and then follow your nose. This almost always got us great meals at lower prices, and usually some great experiences with people in the restaurant.

Wherever you are when the lunch or dinner rumble starts walk two or three blocks off of any tourist sight (maybe 5 or 6 for the big tourist sites... Vatican etc). Obviously don't go looking for a good lunch at 3 p.m. (be in the local grove dining time wise). Look for a local crowd, order the day's special off the board (doesn't matter if you know what it is or not) and memories are made. OK there was that unfortunate calf's tongue thing but I sure remember it! My husband and I each order a different thing off the day's specials board to hedge our bets (calf's tongue dear?)...

We got lost on our first day walking 3 extra miles to get to the Colossuem and we walk past old houses and buildings and were in Romean people only area. that was so nice!

I really like the Aquaduct Park. Ron in Rome has great step-by-step directions on how to get there via the metro and a short walk.

Thanks to everyone for all the great ideas. Please keep them coming! Linda

This isn't quite 'off the beaten path', and guidebooks feature it, but not many tourists find time for the Aventine Hill. There's a garden with orange trees where there's a terrace with a great view of Rome. Next to the garden is the Santa Sabina church which dates back to the 5th century AD. Walk to the square of the Knights of Malta - look for the green door of a walled garden - peep through the keyhole for an unusual view of St Peter's dome.

This isn't a first-hand experience -- just something we're planning the next time we're in Rome.

We've seen most of the "top of the list" of Roman sites, and saw information on touring underground Rome. You can google it and find different sites offering information. Most commonly you'll be directed to the Basilica of San Clemente, which you can go down a number of levels (church built upon church, etc.) and other locations where they've excavated below ground.

Here's one link, although there are lots:

http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/under_rome.htm

I think Ostia Antica counts as off the beaten path. It's not in Rome proper but it's a very easy train ride. It's like Pompeii without the crowds and heat.

Or you could take the Dan Brown approach and just make up a bunch of stuff about Rome.

Remember to check out Rome's many lovely, small churches. Some of my favorites are the Basilica of Santa Prassede, Basilica of San Clemente, San Stefano in Rotondo, and Basilica of Quattro Santi Apostili. And it's not entirely "off the beaten path," but do go to the Borghese Gallery -- just make sure to book in advance! For more insiders' tips to Rome, check out my blog below.

www.revealedrome.com

Try the theater. We have gone to both plays and musicals. Yes, they are in Italian but if you choose a show you know it is great fun. The story and the music is the same. We saw CATS last year and have seen others. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Promises, Promises, Barefoot in the Park.

I highly recommend visiting the new openings in the Ancient City's archaeological area. On the Palatine hill there are weekly openings of the House of the Griffins, the House of Augustus, the Severan Arcades and the Loggia Mattei. The Roman Forum has opened the Temple of Romulus, the Chapel of 1000 martyrs, and the house of the vestals. Also near the Forum the Mamertine prison has reopened after over a year of restoration. Hope that is helpful!

this isn't off the beaten path but if you go to the vatican museum on the way to the sistine chapel once you enter the second building after the little garden area, turn left and there are some 3 or 4 floors of exhibits that nobody goes to see. I wandered through these floors for two hours and saw only the museum guards. everyone hurries to the chapel and misses all the other interesting stuff. there are also some great views of rome from the windows on these upper floors. It's pretty cool.

Nemi Lake, 19 miles south.
Check out whats left of Caligula's party boat.

Here's a whole list for Rome.

http://atlasobscura.com/globe/europe/italy/roma

Thanks everyone. So many great ideas. I need to extend my vacation!