Rome offers endless possibilities, but it’s the small moments that make the difference: those authentic experiences that capture the soul of the capital in their simplicity. As part of Secret Media Network’s Global List of the Best Micro-Experiences of 2026, our editorial team has curated a selection of hidden gems in Rome (and nearby) that join the most extraordinary activities chosen from cities across our global network.
Visit the hidden underground lakes just a few steps from the Colosseum
Photo: @undergroundrome
Few people know that in the heart of Rome, right next to the Colosseum, lies an incredible system of underground lakes situated beneath the foundations of the majestic Temple of Claudius, dating back to 54 AD. These spaces, originally created as quarries for the extraction of tuff and pozzolana, have endured through the centuries, even serving as shelters during World War II. Today, walking through the evocative tunnels amid stalactites and a constant temperature of 12°C, you reach pools of pure, crystal-clear water. To enjoy this timeless experience, the Roma Sotterranea association organizes guided tours every weekend, with online reservations.
📍Meet in front of the bell tower of the Church of Saints John and Paul.
Enjoy an aperitif among the beautiful vineyards of the Castelli Romani
A sensory experience that combines the pleasure of wine with the beauty of the Lazio landscape. Imagine sipping a glass of Frascati DOCG at sunset, seated among the rows of historic vineyards just a few kilometers from Rome, where the fresh air of the hills meets the tradition of locally sourced, zero-kilometer products. It’s the perfect retreat for those seeking a moment of authentic relaxation, far from the city’s chaos, immersed in a postcard-perfect landscape.
📍Giardino l’Olivella
Discover Settecamini: Rome’s “mural district” off the beaten path
© Secret Roma
Just a few kilometers from the city center lies Settecamini, an area that in recent years has transformed into a veritable open-air museum. Away from the classic tourist crowds, this neighborhood is home to massive works of street art that adorn the facades of its buildings.
Strolling through its streets means immersing yourself in a visual narrative… It’s the perfect destination for those seeking the most contemporary Rome, where color revitalizes industrial architecture and captures the vibrant spirit of the suburbs.
📍Settecamini
Venture into the underground labyrinth hidden among the paths of the Caffarella
Photo: Chiara Carlini
Beneath the greenery of Caffarella Park lies the capital’s largest underground labyrinth: a 5-kilometer-long network of tunnels, created in Roman times for the extraction of pozzolana. Accompanied by guides from Sotterranei di Roma, you can explore a section of about 1.5 km (on foot or by bike) among the still-visible marks of the slaves’ pickaxes and the benches carved into the rock. Over time, these quarries have undergone a transformation: in the 1980s and 1990s, they were converted into mushroom farms, which is why the walls are now covered in protective white lime.
📍Via della Caffarella 44, Rome.
Taste Rome’s best ricotta cake in the historic Jewish Ghetto
In the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, on Via del Portico d’Ottavia, lies a true Roman institution: the Antico Forno Boccione. This small bakery with no sign, recognizable only by the constant line at the entrance, is the guardian of the Jewish-Roman confectionery tradition. The star of the show is the legendary ricotta cake, available in the classic version with sour cherries or in a variation with chocolate chips. Don’t expect modest portions: the slice is generous, overflowing with creamy filling and encased in a rich, fragrant brown pastry. More than just a dessert, it’s a symbol of the city to be savored strictly while strolling among the ruins of the Portico d’Ottavia.
📍Via del Portico d’Ottavia 1, 00186, Rome.
