Day 5: Exploring Rome’s Hidden Gems

Unveiling Rome’s Hidden Gems: Exploring Monti, Capuchin Crypt, and More

Batuhan Ertan
3 min readMay 18, 2023
Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash

Monti: Rome’s oldest residential districts

Start your day by visiting the charming neighborhood of Monti, one of Rome’s oldest residential districts.

Here, you’ll find a mix of trendy boutiques, artisanal shops, and historic landmarks. Begin by wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the colorful buildings and street art.

Then, make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas of Rome. This stunning church features intricate mosaics, beautiful frescoes, and a stunning ceiling.

Esquilino

After exploring Monti, head to the nearby neighborhood of Esquilino for lunch.

Here, you’ll find a diverse range of restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world.

Sample some of Rome’s famous street food, such as supplì or pizza al taglio, or try some authentic ethnic cuisine, such as Ethiopian injera or Indian curries.

Capuchin Crypt

In the afternoon, visit the Capuchin Crypt, a unique and macabre site that’s sure to leave an impression.

The crypt contains the remains of thousands of Capuchin monks, whose bones have been arranged into intricate patterns and designs. It is located just a short walk from the Barberini metro station.

Pigneto

For dinner, head to the trendy neighborhood of Pigneto, located just a few metro stops from the city center.

Here, you’ll find a wide variety of hip and trendy restaurants serving up everything from artisanal pizza to fusion cuisine.

You’ll also find a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.

Villa Borghese Gardens

After dinner, take a stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens.

This sprawling park is filled with walking paths, fountains, and sculptures, and offers stunning views of the city at night.

You can also visit the Galleria Borghese, a famous art museum housed in a beautiful villa in the heart of the park.

Day 5 in Rome took us on an exciting adventure, uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems.

From the charming neighborhood of Monti to the macabre Capuchin Crypt and the trendy Pigneto district, Rome is full of surprises and unique experiences. And of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without indulging in some delicious cuisine and taking in the city’s breathtaking views.

5 Bonus Tips for the Day 5 in Rome:

  • Consider taking a guided tour of the Capuchin Crypt to learn more about the history and significance of this unique site.
  • The Villa Borghese Gardens are free to enter, but admission to the Galleria Borghese requires advance booking.
  • If you’re looking to experience Rome’s nightlife scene, be sure to check out some of the city’s popular clubs, such as the Black Market or Goa Club.
  • The Esquilino neighborhood is also home to the famous Mercato Centrale, a food hall featuring dozens of food stalls and vendors serving up everything from traditional Italian cuisine to international street food.
  • If you have extra time in the morning, consider visiting the nearby Domus Aurea, an ancient Roman palace built by Emperor Nero that features stunning frescoes and architectural details.

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Batuhan Ertan

Experienced education abroad consultant. Passionate about sharing my experiences and recommendations of various places around the world