Near Piazza Navona
- San Luigi dei Francesi: see Caravaggio works without museum queues.
- Palazzo Spada: one of Rome's best perspective illusions.
Near Trastevere and Aventine
- Giardino degli Aranci: broad skyline view with less noise.
- Knights of Malta Keyhole: a short detour with a memorable payoff.
Near Santa Maria Maggiore
- Basilica di Santa Prassede: exceptional mosaics, minimal crowds.
When you need depth over speed
- Crypta Balbi: layered urban history in one site.
- Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza: architecture that rewards careful looking.
How to use this list
Pick two stops for morning, one for afternoon, and keep one optional. You will notice more by doing less.