When in Rome – the city beyond the landmarks

When in Rome… you know the saying. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican – there’s a long list of must-see sights to keep you busy on your city break, but it’s hard to know what to do once you’ve ticked off the big tourist sites.  

From pasta making to evening events, here are 4 things to do in Rome beyond the landmarks.  

1. The art of pasta making   

Italy ? pasta. So, it’s no surprise that a pasta-making experience in the charming town of Frascati ranks number one on my list. 

Nestled between rolling hills, historic villas and vineyards, Frascati’s only a 30-minute train from Roma Termini station, and the journey cost me €2.13. The town is well-known for its winemaking, thanks to the region’s rich volcanic soil. The class was run by a friendly local family, who made me feel super welcome and supplied lots of laughs during the session.  

We rolled up our sleeves and created our very own pasta from scratch, which we then sat down to eat after. Thankfully, the three sauces – amatriciana, cacio e pepe and carbonara – were already expertly prepared by the cook, so we could focus on perfecting the pasta. 

While the pasta boiled, we were treated to a private tour of the family’s old wine cellar, which dates back centuries. Getting a glimpse into the family’s life and stories, seeing the dusty old relics of wine bottles and learning about the cellar’s use as a bomb shelter in WWII really made the experience so much more than a cooking class.  

Show off your own chef skills with this small-group pasta cooking experience. 

2. Authentic cuisine + book scenes 

Round the corner from Piazza Navona, Ponte e Parione is a charming restaurant that does real Roman food minus the tourist price tag. If you’ve travelled a bit, you’ll understand why I usually try to swerve the overly-aesthetic restaurants – they’re normally the ones with the worst food. But this spot deffo wasn’t ‘style over substance’, and there were lots of locals eating here which is always a good sign. Plus, it just so happened to be on Via di Santa Maria dell’ Anima, a famous street from the novel Call Me By Your Name. I’m a big fan, so eating here was a win-win.  

I’d never tried burrata before – the look and texture had always put me off – but I thought this is the place to give it a go. I ordered the Ponte e Parione signature pizza and the combo of cherry tomatoes, peppery rocket, briny olives and creamy burrata was unreal.  

We ended the meal in the best way – with a complimentary biscotti and shot of local limoncello. It’s giving la dolce vita.  

3. Night projections at the Imperial Forum

Remember that list of must-see sights I told you about? The Imperial Forum is one of them. It’s a series of mega public squares built between 46 BC and 113 AD which served as the centre of political life in ancient Rome.  

But hear me out… rather than visiting during the day, go at night to catch the projections at Foro di Cesare – the Forum of Caesar. The event brings the ruins and the Roman Empire back to life – headphones are provided, immersing you in stories that gave me chills. A staff member acts as a guide, leading the group and highlighting the relevant items as you listen, as well as answering any questions you may have.  

Towards the end, I actually felt emotional from some of the stories (no spoilers!) and kept hoping I wouldn’t need to hand back the headphones as I desperately did not want the event to end. 

4. Cocktails at Raviolo d’Oro  

If you’re looking for a bar recommendation, buckle up because the happy hour at Raviolo d’Oro is not one to miss.   

Located on a charming cobblestone street, you’re greeted by friendly staff members. They had a happy hour special where you could get an Aperol for just €5 (compared to £12+ in your average London pub). I was shocked at how cheap this Italian drink was, especially right in the capital.  

Obviously, my first question for the waiter was ‘how long is happy hour on for?’ His reply? ‘Until you get drunk’. We sat down immediately, then made our way through the menu, which featured espresso martinis, Sex on the Beaches and mojitos (there was a group of us btw – not working through them solo). So, if you’re looking for good prices, lovely staff and great cocktails in the centre of Rome, look no further.  

I’m not saying don’t visit the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, but there’s so much more to Rome than these sights. Once you’ve tossed your coin in the Trevi Fountain, keep exploring. You just might discover a side of the Eternal City that feels entirely your own. 

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Author: Dimitrina Dyakova (she/her)
Last updated: 20/08/2025