Rome’s Weird Side: 10 Unusual Things to Do That Locals Won’t Tell You About

Think you’ve seen everything in Rome? Think again. From skeleton crypts to secret keyholes, here are 10 unusual things to do in Rome that reveal the city’s strangest, spookiest, and most surprising side.

Forget the postcard-perfect piazzas and standard sightseeing routes — there’s a stranger, spookier, and more surprising side of Rome that most visitors completely miss. If you’ve already marveled at the Colosseum and stood in line at the Vatican, it’s time to dive into the city’s curious corners. From skeleton-stacked chapels to secret keyholes, here are 10 unusual things to do in Rome that will leave you amazed — and maybe just a little creeped out.

1. Spy on St. Peter’s Through a Keyhole

Hidden atop the peaceful Aventine Hill lies one of the city’s most magical secrets: a tiny keyhole in the green door of the Knights of Malta headquarters. Peer through and you’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica, lined up down a garden path. No tickets, no crowds — just pure, accidental beauty.

2. Descend Into a Pagan Temple Beneath a Church

Step inside the modest Basilica of San Clemente, and you’re really stepping into a time machine. Beneath it lies a 2,000-year-old Mithraeum — an ancient sanctuary for followers of the god Mithras. It’s dark, echoey, and undeniably mysterious. One of the most unusual things to do in Rome, especially for history lovers.

3. Wander the Macabre Capuchin Crypt

A short walk from Barberini metro station brings you to one of Rome’s eeriest locations: a crypt decorated with the bones of 3,700 Capuchin monks. Skulls, femurs, and vertebrae are arranged into chandeliers and wall art. It’s unsettling and beautiful all at once — and you won’t forget it.

4. Tour Rome’s Unexpected Pyramid

Yes, there’s a pyramid in Rome. The Pyramid of Cestius, built in 12 BC, stands near the city’s Protestant Cemetery — the final resting place of poets Keats and Shelley. It’s a bizarre and beautiful reminder of how many cultures have shaped Rome. And yes, it’s as random as it sounds.

5. Sip Water the Roman Way

Rome’s iconic “nasoni” fountains aren’t just for show. Locals know the trick: cover the spout with your finger, and a second stream will arc upward like a built-in water fountain. It’s a small, strange ritual — and once you learn it, you’ll feel like you’re in on a local secret.

6. Get Your Game On at Vigamus

Rainy day? Skip the ruins and head to Vigamus, Rome’s video game museum. Play retro arcade games, browse classic consoles, and geek out over rare gaming memorabilia. Whether you’re a Mario fan or a Halo veteran, it’s a surprisingly fun break from the past.

7. Sip Wine Inside an Ancient Aqueduct

Just outside the city, some wine tours offer tastings inside old Roman aqueducts, repurposed as atmospheric wine cellars. The combination of fine wine, candlelight, and ancient engineering makes this one of the most unusual — and romantic — experiences near Rome.

8. Watch Opera in the Ruins

Every summer, Rome transforms its ancient ruins into dramatic performance spaces. Catch opera or ballet under the stars, surrounded by weathered columns and historic silence. It’s hauntingly beautiful and unlike anything you’ll find in a traditional theater.

9. Visit the Creepy Museum of Criminology

Tucked away in a quiet building, the Museum of Criminology holds a chilling collection: execution tools, mafia artifacts, and bizarre objects used in historical crimes. It’s offbeat, intense, and completely fascinating — definitely not your average museum stop.

10. Track Down the “Talking Statues”

Scattered throughout Rome are stone figures used for centuries to voice political protests and witty complaints — anonymously, of course. Pasquino, the most famous of these “talking statues,” is basically the original version of Twitter. Read the notes, leave one yourself, and become part of an ancient conversation.

Final Thought: Go Offbeat, Go Deeper

Rome is full of surprises if you know where to look. These unusual things to do in Rome take you far beyond the crowds and give you stories most travelers will never hear. So go ahead — get weird with it. The Eternal City has layers, and the strangest ones are often the most unforgettable.