So, you’ve landed in Rome, gelato in hand, heart full of gladiator dreams and head slightly overwhelmed by the number of cobblestones underfoot. You’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain, taken a hundred photos of the Colosseum from every angle possible and had your first (accidental) espresso shot at 10pm.
But wait. Rome isn’t just a walking museum. Beneath the ancient ruins and romantic piazzas lies a city packed with pulse-raising, story-worthy, slightly sweaty adventure. Yes, even in a place where most locals think the height of excitement is honking at tourists who can’t cross the road properly.
So, lace up your trainers, grab a bottle of water the size of a small child and let’s dive into the top 10 adventure activities you can enjoy in Rome without accidentally knocking over a 2,000-year-old column.
1. Cycle the Appian Way Like a Chariot Racer With a Helmet
🚴♀️ Want to feel like a Roman centurion on a budget? Hire a bike and ride the Appian Way.
This ancient Roman road is a bumpy, tree-lined beauty that stretches straight out of the city, past aqueducts, catacombs and the occasional goat. You’ll dodge potholes older than democracy and yell “salve!” to the joggers.
Top tip: Go early in the morning when it’s quiet and not yet hot enough to grill a bruschetta on the pavement.
2. Climb St. Peter’s Dome for a Stairmaster Session with Divine Views
🧗 Who needs a gym when you’ve got 551 steps of spiritual cardio?
St. Peter’s Basilica is stunning from below, but the real magic is at the top. You’ll spiral up narrow staircases, duck under low arches and question your life choices more than once. But once you reach the summit, the panoramic views of Rome will make every thigh tremble worth it.
Pro tip: Skip the lift. If you’re going to suffer, do it properly.
3. Zip Around Rome on a Vespa Without Crashing into a Gelato Stand
🛵 There’s something about riding a Vespa in Rome that makes you feel 75% cooler and 100% more Italian.
Rent a scooter and zip past monuments, over bridges and through traffic like an espresso-fuelled film star. Just don’t forget the helmet or your travel insurance policy.
Pro tip: Don’t try this during rush hour unless you’ve made peace with chaos.
4. Explore the Catacombs and Pretend You’re in an Indiana Jones Film
🦴 Ready to meet thousands of skeletons in one go?
Rome’s catacombs are dark, eerie, fascinating and refreshingly cool in the summer. You’ll walk through underground tunnels lined with bones and history, dodging low ceilings and existential thoughts.
Pro tip: Don’t wander off. It’s not fun until someone gets lost next to a fourth-century martyr.
5. Go Kayaking on the Tiber and Wave at Confused Tourists on Bridges
🚣 Yes, you can kayak in Rome.
The Tiber may not be the cleanest river on Earth, but it’s calm, central and offers a completely different view of the Eternal City. Glide under ancient bridges, past crumbling walls and pretend you’re on a very niche Roman holiday.
Pro tip: Don’t fall in. Seriously. Don’t.
6. Join a Gladiator Training School and Shout “SPQR” a Lot
⚔️ Always wanted to swing a sword in a tunic while shouting Latin? Of course you have.
At the Gruppo Storico Romano, you can dress up like a gladiator, learn how to fight like one and possibly scare a few pigeons in the process. It’s sweaty, silly and surprisingly good exercise.
Pro tip: Bring your sense of humour. And maybe a towel.
7. Hike the Janiculum Hill and Pretend You’re Discovering the City for the First Time
🥾 Not technically one of Rome’s “seven hills”, but definitely one of its best-kept secrets.
The Janiculum offers spectacular views over the city and far fewer tourists to accidentally photobomb. You’ll climb through shady paths, hear the noon-day cannon and feel very pleased with yourself for leaving the beaten track.
Pro tip: Bring a picnic. Nothing says “I win at life” like cheese with a view.
8. Hunt for Street Art in Testaccio and Ostiense Like a Cool Urban Explorer
🖼️ Who said Rome was all marble and mosaics?
Testaccio and Ostiense are two edgy neighbourhoods where gritty walls meet great food. Grab your trainers and start spotting murals from world-class street artists tucked between warehouses, bars and very confused cats.
Pro tip: Combine with a food tour. You can call it “fuel” for your adventure.
9. Do a Nighttime Ghost Tour and Question Every Draught of Wind
👻 Rome’s history is long and occasionally very spooky.
Join a guided ghost tour through dark alleyways and cursed buildings. You’ll hear tales of hauntings, betrayals and headless spectres, all while nervously pretending you’re not afraid of the dark.
Pro tip: Don’t walk home alone afterwards unless you fancy speed-walking like it’s the Olympics.
10. Run a Sunrise 5K Past the Colosseum Like a Roman Legend
🏃♂️ Ever wanted Rome all to yourself? You can have it, if you’re willing to wake up stupidly early.
Set your alarm, lace your running shoes and jog past the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Palatine Hill as the sun rises. The air is cool, the streets are quiet and you’ll feel smug for the rest of the day.
Pro tip: Post-run espresso and cornetto are non-negotiable.
Final Adrenaline-Fuelled Thoughts for the Adventurous Roman Holidaymaker
Rome isn’t just a city of ruins and pasta. It’s an adventure playground in disguise. Behind every basilica is a new challenge. Under every cobblestone is a chance to twist your ankle dramatically. And through every piazza runs the spirit of travellers who dared to do more than queue for a museum.
So go forth. Climb high. Paddle far. Sweat profusely. You’ll leave Rome with stories that involve more than just pizza and fountains. And that’s the kind of adventure that deserves a second helping of gelato.
Possibly pistachio. Definitely large.
