Rome is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With 28 centuries under her belt, the Eternal City has no shortage of monuments and sights to visit. You could spend an entire month visiting local attractions and you still wouldn’t have seen every church, monument, or historical landmark. That means that, for first-timers, planning an itinerary of what to see in Rome in only a handful of days can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task.
As a local, I always encourage walking around the city center, where you can stumble upon the most famous landmarks at your own pace. I advise against booking a “comprehensive” group tour of the main sights. The groups are often too big, chaotic, and a nuisance for locals. Plus, visitors do not get to visit places in their own time. You can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, or the Vatican on your own. If you would like the added benefit of a knowledgeable professional tour guide, you can often join tours directly at the venues.
What I do recommend, instead, are small or private tours that feature a particular experience, perhaps more off-the-beaten-path. If you are going to spend money on a private tour, do it for something you would not be able to do on your own.
Here are 3 of my favorite non-mainstream tours in Rome hosted by The Tour Guy.
Bike in Rome’s latest UNESCO Site
Yes, you read that right. In July 2024, another of Rome’s landmarks gained UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Appia Antica, the ancient Appian way. Given that it’s a street, about 10 miles long, the best way to visit it is by biking. This tour provides e-bikes and a tour guide who will help you make the most of the experience while experiencing a place you might not necessarily pick in your top 10 sights to visit in Rome.
A delicious food tour
The district of Testaccio is often associated with some of Rome’s best food. The neighborhood’s market known simply as Mercato Testaccio is one of the most beloved by local Romans, and this tour takes you right there. You can experience how locals shop for groceries (without spending a fortune as you would in other markets) as you taste 15 Roman specialities, including wine and gelato. There is also time to learn something cultural, as you will walk by the Piramide Cestia, Rome’s only pyramid, and the haunting Protestant Cemetery.
Cycle back in time…
If you don’t have enough time in Rome to speed walk through the main sights, you should consider this bicycle tour of the city center. By cycling, you cut walking times and get to visit more places. Some of the highlights you will cycle by in this 3-hour tour include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Circus Maximus. The most interesting thing is that thanks to a provided VR headset you can do at the various stops, you will also be able to see how these places were during their prime, allowing you to travel back in time to Ancient Rome.