Summer in Rome: Hidden Gems & Cool Escapes!

Rome in summer can be intense—hot sun, long queues, and busy piazzas. But for the curious traveler willing to look beyond the obvious, the Eternal City offers a cooler, calmer side full of hidden art, rooftop dining, shaded churches, and cultural gems tucked away from the crowds. Here’s your guide to experiencing Rome differently in summer, with plenty of shade, soul, and surprises.

🎨 Missed the Caravaggio Exhibition? See Him for Free in Churches

If you didn’t catch the latest Caravaggio exhibit, you can still see several of his masterpieces in situ across Rome, without paying a cent:

• San Luigi dei Francesi: Home to the stunning "Matthew" trilogy

• Sant'Agostino: Look for "Madonna di Loreto" near the front left

• Santa Maria del Popolo: Two powerful works in the Cerasi Chapel

Tip: Visit early in the morning or just before closing for quiet moments and dramatic lighting. Bring a few coins to light up the chapels if needed and don’t forget to bring something to cover your shoulders.

The Calling of Saint Matthew, Caravaggio, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

🎥 Photography & Modern Art Escapes (With Air Con!) Rome’s contemporary art and photo scene is thriving and offers cooler alternatives to crowded ruins:

• Palazzo delle Esposizioni: Grand exhibition space currently showing a landmark exhibition of the legendary Albert Watson with over 200 of his photographs taken in and around Rome.

• MAXXI (Museum of 21st Century Art): Zaha Hadid-designed, sleek and modern with rotating exhibitions and art-book shop

• Museo di Roma in Trastevere: Often features social documentary photography in a quiet courtyard setting

• Centrale Montemartini: Classical statues + industrial machines = unexpectedly cool photo moments

  
  

🍽 Hidden Gem: Tucked away high above Piazza Navona, Terrazza Borromini is a sophisticated eatery with a peaceful rooftop terrace, seasonal Roman cuisine, and a relaxed, elegant vibe. It's off the tourist radar but perfect for a summer evening - the rooftop bar one floor up is perfect for sunset, with fabulous views and great cocktails!

Address: Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima 30, 00186 Roma

☕ Best Coffee in Rome (No Debate) Romans are fiercely loyal to their coffee spots, but if you ask around, one name keeps coming up: Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè.

This tiny, historic café near the Pantheon serves what many call the best espresso in the city—rich, foamy, and perfectly balanced. Order at the bar like a local.

Pro tip: Their granita di caffè (coffee ice) with whipped cream is the perfect heat-beating afternoon treat.

🏖⃣ Cool Walks & Shady Spots

• Villa Doria Pamphili: Rome’s largest landscaped park, ideal for morning walks or picnic breaks

• Aventine Hill Garden (Giardino degli Aranci): Panoramic views + plenty of trees for shade

• Jewish Ghetto backstreets: Narrow, shaded lanes with history, quiet cafes, and air-conditioned pastry shops

  
  

🌐 Final Thought

Rome in summer doesn’t have to mean melting in a crowd. With a little curiosity and the right timing, you can enjoy the city’s cultural depth, food scene, and artistic treasures without the chaos.

Real Travel Guides: Discover Italy independently, sustainably, and by train.