Rome is a city that appeals to everyone. From those wanting a weekend filled with romance to travelers eager to learn about history, religion or art - Rome has a little bit of everything. And that goes for the thrill-seekers out there too! While it might not be something that springs to mind, Rome is actually a great city for those looking for a little bit of adventure. Some of the best tours in Rome are a bit adventurous, and there are plenty of other things you'll find to get your heart racing too…
Crawl underneath the city
While there is plenty to do above ground in Rome, you’ll find even more down below the city. The dark underbelly of this bright metropolitan area provides an amazing juxtaposition - and the best tours in Rome will give you a chance to explore it. The Dark Rome Original Crypts and Catacombs Tour leads you underneath the city to explore the fascinating catacombs (where ancient Catholics buried their dead) as well as the many layers of the Basilica of San Clemente and the incredible morbid Capuchin Bone Chapel, where the walls are decorated with human bones. This definitely isn’t a tour for the faint-hearted, but it isn’t too scary either - and it’s incredibly interesting. Providing a different view of the Eternal City, this is definitely one of the best tours in Rome for people wanting to step outside their comfort zone!
Head to Hydromania
Perfect for families and those wanting a bit of an adrenaline rush, this theme park in Rome is a great idea for something a little bit different. It is a water park, so perfect for cooling down on the hot and sticky days Rome has to offer sometimes; around half an hour from the city center, this is a great way to spend a day if you’ve somehow had your fill of beautiful artwork, stunning architecture and gelato! There are thrilling water slides galore, and places to relax too if that’s what you fancy. With a wave pool, food options and good value all round, this is a great option for something exciting to do in Rome.
Climb St. Peter’s Dome
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican! And for thrill-seekers, you can take it that one step further and climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica on one of the best tours in Rome. You’ll get views over Vatican City and out over Rome itself, an explosion of colors in front of your very eyes as you imagine the scenes that have taken place around here over the thousands of years that have come before. Completely safe and a really fun activity, climbing St. Peter’s Dome is a brilliant way to add some extra adventure into your trip to the Vatican. You can even do a combined St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb & Papal Crypts tour which takes you down into the Vatican Grottoes to discover the Papal Crypts. This is a fascinating visit and one that feels a bit eerie - hundreds of Popes are buried down here, including the first ever Pope - St. Peter himself. This is easily one of the best tours in Rome, and will definitely give you a bit of a thrill.
Skydive over the city
So you’ve walked around at ground level, and potentially been into the dark underbelly too, but have you ever seen Rome from above? You can do a tandem skydive over the Eternal City, just east of the city center. You’ll drop from a height of 4000m and free-fall for 45 seconds during this exhilarating experience that is bound to get your heart racing - it is the perfect thing to do in Rome for those wanting a bit of action and adventure amongst the beauty, history and culture the city has to offer. Spectators can watch from the airbase, in case there is anyone in your travel party who isn’t quite as brave as you!
Navigate Rome at night
A great option during the hot summer, take the chance to explore Rome of an evening instead with some of the best tours in Rome - see the city lit up with a golden glow and an ambiance that just can’t be recreated elsewhere. The Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends of Rome Night Walking Tour is a great example of a tour that allows you to explore the city while letting you into some dark secrets and bringing the streets to life with exciting stories that you might not have heard before. With Rome’s colorful past, it is no surprise that this tour opens you up to some amazing anecdotes and terrific tales: see the home of a dedicated executioner and lay your eyes on the building where Rome’s most notorious murderer worked! With an expert, English-speaking guide, you’ll get to know the dark side of Rome and spook yourself before bedtime… This is one of the best tours in Rome, especially for those who aren’t afraid to see the dark side of a city.
Speed along a zip line
While not actually in Rome itself, thrill-seekers can’t miss the opportunity to travel an hour away from the city and speed along the world’s longest zip line. Suspended 730 meters above the quiet medieval city of Rocca Massima, the line is 2225 meters long - you can get up to speeds of 160km/h as you fly above this gorgeous town, and it’s just something completely different to do on your Roman vacation!
Rome has it all - from art and architecture to adrenaline rush activities. This is what makes the city so perfect for a vacation no matter who you are or what you’re into - and the best tours in Rome provide you with experiences that make every trip a memorable one. Do something a bit different on your next visit to the Eternal City!
