15 must-have local experiences in Rome

Unique travel experiences: things to do in Rome

Lots of people visit Rome, but most don’t get a unique and local experience that helps them see the Italian Roman culture to its fullest. If you are looking to have a genuinely extraordinary time while in Rome, you have to take advantage of some local only-in-Rome experiences. Below, you’ll find some one-of-a-kind local experiences in the Eternal City.

Are you planning your trip to Rome?

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, we highly recommend booking your experiences in advance to secure availability.

Best food and wine experiences in Rome

1. Learn to make gelato in an authentic Roman gelateria
2. Pasta and tiramisu making class in a family owned Roman restaurant
3. Wine tasting in an enoteca

Best activities in Rome

1. Street art vespa tour of Rome
2. Appian Way golf cart tour
3. Learn the art of mosaic-making in a studio in Trastevere

Bike Tour of Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs & Aqueducts Park

Exploring the center is essential when in Rome, but if you want a really unique experience you have to get off the beaten path. Get a view of Italy in a new light with the bike tour of Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs, and Aqueducts park. Most that come to Rome only get to see the sights that they’ve seen online, why not explore into the unknown a little bit? In this tour you can get to see the Baths of Caracalla, Circus of Maxentius, the Aurelian Walls, and much more. And no worries if you are not an active cyclist because these bikes include a quality electric-assist!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK BIKE TOUR OF ANCIENT APPIAN WAY

Learn to Make Gelato in an Authentic Roman Gelateria

Gelato in Rome is on every street corner and alley imaginable, so it is pretty hard to distinguish which places are authentic and which are tourist traps. We recommend that you learn how to make your own at an authentic Rome Gelateria that reminds you why gelato is such a classic Italian dessert. This class is perfect for families as the teacher will guide you through all the steps necessary to make this delicious treat. Then, try some of the best gelato for yourself!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT GELATO CLASS IN ROME

Street Art Vespa Tour of Rome: The Best Street Art of the Eternal City

Although Rome is primarily known for its ancient frescos and statues, modern Italy is booming with edgy street art, but you have to know where to find it. If art is your thing, we recommend that you take this exclusive vespa street art tour. In this experience, you will get to see how Rome is able to seamlessly blend ancient beauty with the best of modern art. This tour is about as unconventional as it gets so be ready for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK STREET ART VESPA TOUR

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Best Tours in Rome

Vespa Sidecar Tour of Rome

Hop on and turn the key on this authentic experience to discover the eternal beauty and secrets found in the streets of Rome. You will be transported in iconic style on a unique two-wheeled Vespa Sidecar, accompanied by an official guide for an up close and personal view of all that Rome has to offer.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK VESPA SIDECAR TOUR

Pasta and Tiramisu Making Class in a Family Owned Roman restaurant

This 4 hour experience incorporates both a cooking class in Rome, to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a locally loved Roman restaurant, as well as a visit to one of the cities most popular gourmet food shops for delicious tastings. The cooking class, led by Head Chef Angela or Luciano and Sous Chef Francesca, unfolds in a modern, spacious kitchen, praised by local and international food critics. As the class concludes, take home the recipes and newfound skills.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK PASTA AND TIRAMISU COOKING CLASS

Wine Tasting in an Enoteca

Indulge in an authentic wine tasting in a charming wine bar in the historic center, footsteps from Campo de’ Fiori. Step inside the boutique enoteca with wines stacked on every shelf where you will be greeted by your host Patrizia and her sommelier son, Giampaolo. Once you’re seated, let the games begin. Listen as the sommelier takes you on a journey around Italy and its wine production through the tastings of 6 different wines paired with cured meats, cheeses, bread and olives.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT WINE TASTING IN ROME

Latte art experience + Italian coffee tasting

Immerse yourself in the world of Italian coffee at this unique workshop. Discover the secrets of specialty coffee, from the journey of the bean to different brewing techniques. You’ll taste a variety of coffees and get hands-on. Master the basics of latte art and create stunning designs like the pros. Perfect for coffee lovers eager to experience authentic Italian coffee culture!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK LATTE ART EXPERIENCE IN ROME

Soft Rafting on Rome’s Tiber River

Experience Rome like never before by rafting along the Tiber River! Get away from the hustle and bustle and see the Eternal City from the river. The route starts near Piazza del Popolo, then goes down the river, playing on some white water rapids. From Castel Sant’Angelo to the Tiberina Island, get ready to see Rome from a different perspective, away from the noise and traffic.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK SOFT RAFTING ON TIBER RIVER

Kayak Tour at Castelli Romani

Lake Albano is one of the hidden gems of the Parco dei Castelli Romani. Travel back in time, kayaking from the “Villaggio delle Macine,” the oldest village dating back to the XX-XIX centuries BC, past the villa of the Emperor Domitian and the submerged stilt houses of the Village of the Mills. Relaxing kayaking experience paired with one of a kind informative tour around the ancient historical sites not so far away from the tourist crowds of the Eternal City. The tour is beginner friendly, experienced guides will give you all the necessary paddling instructions and as a bonus will take you to the beach that can only be reached by kayak for a refreshing swim.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK KAJAK TOUR AT CASTELLI ROMANI

Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome

Glistening sun, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful island, now that’s an ideal vacation! Take a break from the animated streets of the city and escape to beautiful Ponza Island on this day trip. Ponza Island is Rome’s secret Capri, where the tourists never go, and the beauty is kept intact. On this tour, you will get to explore the island, enjoy lunch on a boat, and indulge in the stunning seas of the Mediterranean.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK PONZA ISLAND DAY TRIP

Golf Cart Tour of the Appian Way & Roman Catacombs

Rome’s Appian Way (Appia Antica) is home to some of the city’s most fascinating Roman ruins, but many of the archeological sites are too far to walk to from the city. This 3-hour tour ensures an easy ride aboard an electric golf cart, stopping to take in highlights such as the Quintili’s Villa, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the Circus and Villa of Maxentius and combines the allure of the Appian Way and the mysterious depths of the Roman catacombs hidden in our stunning protected area..

CLICK HERE TO BOOK APPIAN WAY & ROMAN CATACOMBS GOLF CART TOUR

Golf Cart Tour of Rome

Turn a long walking tour into an adventure with one of our private tours by golf cart! Your own guide will meet you at your hotel (city center) so you can explore Rome at ease and comfort and class. Discover the legendary heroes and architectural innovations that made Rome the capital of the greatest empire the world had ever seen. The past will come to life as you retrace history from ruins and palaces, to temples and the Colosseum.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK GOLF CART TOUR OF ROME

Drink Like Italians: Cocktail-Making Class in the heart of Rome

Enjoy your mixology experience in Rome’s historic centre and learn how to prepare the most famous Italian cocktails: Spritz and Negroni. Next to that, our bartender will explain how to pair these drinks with food. Want to learn more? Get your answers in a cool atmosphere at Il Marchese while sipping on your own handmade Negroni and enjoy an italian aperitivo.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK COCKTAIL MAKING CLASS IN ROME

Learn the art of mosaic-making in a studio in Trastevere

Get hands-on and spend two to three hours in this mosaic-making workshop in a beautiful studio in Trastevere. Learn the techniques behind mosaic-making and create your own mosaic to take home with you. A professional artist will be with you every step of the way. If you’re travelling, not to worry–your mosaic will be placed in a box that you can carry anywhere!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MOSAIC WORKSHOP IN ROME

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Best Art Workshops & Experiences in Rome

Pottery Workshop in Monteverde

One of the many Italian excellences is the art of ceramics, known and exported all over the world. Although this art is not central to Rome, as it is to other cities in Tuscany or Emilia Romagna for example, the Italian capital is certainly not lacking in artists, craftsmen, handmade products, attention to detail and creativity. This workshop offers the opportunity to learn the fine art of pottery directly from local master potters in the beautiful Monteverde area. Get your hands dirty with clay, learn how to use the wheel and make whatever you like to take home your own ‘made in Italy’ pieces with you.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT POTTERY WORKSHOP IN ROME

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Best Tours of Rome

CUSTOM TRAVEL PLANNING

Are you travelling to Rome or Italy anytime soon? Better yet, is this your first time? Don’t worry about a thing, sit back relax and let us organize your dream trip to Italy. With years of experience, we can tailor to your ever need, preference and budget! Head on to our Custom Travel Planning page to send us your requests.

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