LOCAL ROUTE

Secret Rome — Aventine & Testaccio

Ancient legends, hidden views and a taste of real Roman life.

⏱ 4 hours

🚶 Moderate

🌇 Late afternoon / evening

Start at the Bocca della Verità, walk past the Circus Maximus and climb towards the Aventine for gardens and hidden viewpoints, then continue to Testaccio for an authentic Roman evening.

LOCAL TIP

Start early enough to visit the Bocca della Verità before it closes, then aim to reach the Aventine around sunset.

YOUR WALK

Ready to explore?

Start the route and we'll keep track of your stops.

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YOUR ROUTE

5 stops

Attraction

Bocca della Verità

25 min

One of Rome's most famous legends, hidden in the portico of a medieval church.

Local tip Go earlier rather than late in the evening. Opening hours follow the church and may change.

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WALK TOWARDS THE AVENTINE Pass alongside the Circus Maximus.

Take a moment to look across the ancient valley before climbing towards the Aventine. This was once the great arena of Roman chariot racing.

SEASONAL LOCAL PICK

Rome Rose Garden

SEASONAL 30 min

A seasonal garden on the Aventine with beautiful views over the Palatine.

Seasonal access

The Rome Rose Garden is only open during specific periods of the year. Check the official website before planning your visit.

Check official opening dates →

Local tip It is seasonal, so always check the current opening notice before planning your visit.

Viewpoint

Orange Garden

OPEN 30 min

A peaceful hilltop garden with one of Rome's best skyline views.

Local tip Late afternoon is the best time, especially close to sunset.

Attraction

The Aventine Keyhole

OPEN 15 min

A tiny keyhole with a perfectly framed view of St Peter's Basilica.

Local tip There may be a short queue, but the view only takes a moment.

Attraction

Explore Testaccio

OPEN 40 min

One of Rome's most authentic neighbourhoods, known for local food and everyday Roman life.

Local tip Take your time around Piazza Testaccio and the surrounding streets before dinner.

DINNER

Choose how to end your evening

Pizza or a traditional Roman dinner? Choose what feels right tonight.

Roman Pizza

Pizzeria Remo

OPEN

A classic Testaccio stop for thin, crispy Roman-style pizza.

Local tip Come for the atmosphere and classic Roman pizza.

What to order Roman-style pizza, supplì and fried starters.

Roman Pizza

Nuovo Mondo

OPEN

A traditional neighbourhood pizzeria with a very local Testaccio feel.

Local tip Choose this if you want something casual, traditional and straightforward.

What to order Roman-style pizza and traditional fried starters.

Traditional Roman Dinner

Lo Scopettaro

OPEN

A traditional Roman trattoria for classic local dishes.

Local tip A good option for discovering the more traditional side of Roman cuisine.

What to order Carbonara, Amatriciana, Coda alla Vaccinara or Trippa.

PLANNING TOMORROW?

See Rome's icons too.

Visiting the Colosseum tomorrow? Check tickets and availability before you go.