10 Things to Do in Rome That Don’t Involve Ruins

Parco Savello, also known as the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), sits upon a part of the Aventine Hill once occupied by a fortress. Those ancient walls enclose a pretty yet symmetrical park. A central avenue lined by Italian stone pines leads to a belvedere that offers panoramic views of Rome.

The park gets its popular name from the orange trees that were planted in memory of San Domenico, a saint who founded a convent here in the 13^th century. Close by, seek out the keyhole of the door that leads to the Villa dei Cavalieri. Through it, you see the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, perfectly framed by the garden’s hedges.

MAXXI - National Museum of the 21st Century boasts impressive modern architecture as well as a renowned art collection. As you approach, the Zaha Hadid cantilevered structure is simply breathtaking – a striking example of contemporary design. Step inside this extraordinary building and you’ll find 2 museums, the first showcasing modern art and the other focused on architecture.

There are permanent installations by Anish Kapoor, Sol Lewitt, Maurizio Mochetti, Giuseppe Penone and Massimo Grimaldi. This versatile space is used not only for exhibitions but also for a variety of other events such as fashion shows, theater productions and dance performances, so check local listings to see what’s on when you’re in town.

The Botanical Garden of Rome (Orto Botanico di Roma) is a centrally located oasis that occupies the parkland surrounding Villa Corsini. It follows a tradition of planting that was begun in the city at the Vatican many centuries ago.

The tranquil 12-hectare garden brings together species from all over the world. A particular highlight is the bamboo collection. The garden also has many impressive trees including cork oaks, Himalayan cedars, sequoias, cypresses and planes. A spacious glasshouse contains around 400 types of orchids, while another showcases succulents. Its rose garden is enchanting in May when these flowering shrubs are in bloom. Don’t miss the sensory Garden of Aromas and serene Japanese Garden as well.

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, or MACRO for short, celebrates modern art. It opened in 2002, repurposing the derelict Peroni Brewery site. Light floods in via a glass roof. French architect Odile Decq juxtaposed materials like concrete and iron with bold splashes of red and black to add drama to the space.

Among the artists whose work is represented at MACRO are those of Forma 1, Arte Povera and the Scuola del Popolo. An annexe known as MACRO Future occupies a former slaughterhouse in the Testaccio district. Entry is free.

Cinecittà World is a movie-themed park on the outskirts of Rome and the biggest theme park in Italy. Inside, you’ll find 7 zones, including an indoor snow park and a beach for hot summer days.

Attend a rodeo over in the Wild West, encounter aliens in Spaceland, discover a hidden temple in the jungle of Adventure Land or hang out on Cinecittà Street, which is styled to look like 1920s New York. In all, there are 40 attractions including several thrilling rollercoasters, 8 cinematographic sets and 8 restaurants.

Montemartini Museum (Centrale Montemartini) is a sculpture gallery that’s located in an old power plant. It’s not a new idea to house art in industrial buildings, but this one’s a little special. The diesel engines that fell silent when the electricity company moved out have been retained. The busts and sculptures of Greek and Roman gods stand alongside them. This unlikely marriage somehow works.

The unusual blend is not only imaginative, it is exceptionally pleasing to the eye: machines loom beside gods; industry sits in harmony with archeology; the functional pairs with the aesthetic. It’s one of the cool things to do in Rome that don’t involve ancient ruins.

ViGaMus is Italy’s first museum devoted to video games. A permanent exhibit takes a deep dive into the origins and history of video games. Visitors are taken on a journey following the evolution of the genre, homing in on protagonists and selected adventures.

As you’d expect, ViGaMus is a place to have fun: there are plenty of opportunities to get hands-on and try out both vintage games and the latest and greatest innovations. There are more than 150 games and consoles to discover.

Museo dell'Altro e dell'Altrove, or MAAM, translates as the Museum of the Other and the Elsewhere. More than 300 street artists and contemporary creators have supplied work for this place in the eastern suburbs of the city.

First and foremost, MAAM is a squatter settlement, home to around 200 people from various places around the world. Each Saturday, the residents invite others to come and see the art that adorns the walls and fills the space of this former salami factory. Guided tours take place at 11 am and lunch is offered.

Rome’s Ostiense District is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of the city, a place that’s undergone a significant transformation in recent years. This multicultural district is well known for its myriad restaurants, alternate music scene and above all, its funky street art.

Among the sights to see are the portrayals of Barack Obama, Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley that feature on the bold Wall of Fame by JB Rock. I Mille Volti by Blu draws attention to the plight of the homeless. What started out as an attempt to breathe new life into a rundown industrial area has been more successful than anyone ever imagined.

Monte Mario is a hill in the northwest of Rome that’s also the city’s highest point. It’s not one of the famous '7 Hills' as it lies just outside the limits of the ancient city. Nevertheless, at 139 meters, the view from the top is one of the most scenic in the city – it’s especially lovely for a sunset picnic.

The hill is forested – you’ll spot cork oaks and other native trees. The eastern flank of the hill is protected as a nature reserve and a further 2 nature reserves complement a linear park. An observatory on the peak is home to the interesting Copernicus Museum.