Rome is a city filled with iconic sights around every corner, but when you take time to look beyond the crowds you find that there is a mystery about Rome that often gets missed by tourists.  From the seats that line The Vatican courtyard waiting for The Pope to arrive to the glistening, golden lights of dusk, there are secrets waiting to be discovered if you look close enough.  

While I've been to Rome several times now, there aren't many recommendations that I can give you that you wouldn't either already know of or be able to find on TripAdvisor. Rome is my least favorite city in Italy and even though I think everyone should see it once, that's about it. 

Here are a couple secrets you might not know about:

Scavi - Underground Vatican Tour

This is one of those lesser known amazements of the city. There are very few English spots daily and the only way to get a ticket is to send in a request (via mail!), with a special stamp, to The Vatican and hope you get a ticket in return. Be sure to book as soon as possible to have any fighting chance, it’s definitely worth it!

Capuchin Crypts

Right in the heart of the city is this strange, but mesmerizing spot where the bones of friars adorn the rooms of these crypts. It's so strange that you have to see it for yourself and definitely worth a visit.