Things to do in Rome

The ultimate guide to planning a visit to Rome in July

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Strolling through the streets of Rome, you'll constantly encounter treasures of history and art at every turn – whether it's a majestic monument, a historic landmark, or a venue brimming with priceless artistic riches. The ancient ruins and intricately adorned churches narrate tales of bygone eras, while modern Rome propels itself into the new millennium with a vigor and zeal that will captivate you. Immerse yourself in the myriad museums, marvel at the grandeur of the monuments, appreciate the richness of art, indulge in the exquisite cuisine, and take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Tiber River. Even after all this, your appetite for Rome will remain insatiable, leaving you reluctant to bid farewell to this enchanting city.

July marks a vibrant time to explore Rome, as it's the zenith of the tourist season. To assist in planning your July excursion to Rome, here's a comprehensive guide to ensure you make the most of your visit.

What makes Rome in July special?


rome in august
Rome in July

Clear skies and long nights – In July, Rome is at the height of summer, offering clear skies and lengthy nights, albeit with intense heat. However, this weather ensures uninterrupted plans under the vibrant blue sky. Embracing the Italian lifestyle, you can start your day early, savor a leisurely lunch followed by a siesta, and then resume exploring well into the night.

Summer festivals abound – Romans love to stay out in the summer as long as possible and with the array of festivals happening you won’t know when the sun came up! From international rock festivals to film festivals, from the orchestra in the gardens to art exhibitions along the Tiber, there is something for everyone!

Local flavour – Immerse yourself in local culture as Romans postpone their vacations until August, ensuring their presence in July. Take delight in the ambiance of local piazzas and trattorias, and partake in events like Festa dei Noantri. Dive into the summer sales, engage in culinary adventures through cooking classes, or navigate the city on a bike to truly embrace the Roman way of life.

Rome weather in July


July stands out as one of Rome's sweltering months, with average highs hovering around 31°C and historical peaks reaching up to 35°C. Nighttime temperatures typically drop to 19°C. Expect clear skies and minimal rainfall during this time. Remember to pack sunscreen for your July visit to Rome!

Rome in July: Things to do


1

Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome in August


One might argue that Vatican City has the world’s highest per square foot of valuable art. In the middle of Rome, the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica all next door to each other exhibit the best art and a combo guided tour is the best way to explore them.

July Timings
Vatican Museum: Daily 8am to 8pm (Closed on Sundays)
Sistine Chapel: Monday to Thursday: 8am to 7pm, Friday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm, (Closed on Sundays)
St. Peter’s Basilica: 7am to 7pm everyday
Except Wednesday - 12:30pm to 7pm

Location

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

2

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Rome in August


Walk the path of the ancient Romans and explore the iconic Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, which are all located in the same vicinity. Take a tour and skip the line with your expert guide who will regale you with stories of gladiators and generals who shaped world history.

July Timings
Colosseum opening hours: 8:30am to 7:15pm
Palatine Hill opening hours: 9am to 4:30pm
Roman Forum opening hours: 9am to 7:15pm

Location

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›

3

Roman Catacombs

rome in august - Roman Catacombs


Crypts and burial grounds are ripe for myths and legends, and the Roman Catacombs are no less. These underground burial spaces spread for kilometres under Rome and were used by Christians and Jews between 2nd-5th centuries to bury their dead. Take a guided tour to discover these underground mazes!

July Timings
All the Roman Catacombs tours begin at 9:50am & 2:30pm.
They are closed on the following days:

  • Catacombs of San Sebastiano – Sunday
  • Catacombs of San Callisto – Wednesday
  • Catacombs of Priscilla – Monday
  • Catacombs of Domitilla – Tuesday
Location

Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

4

Borghese Gallery and Borghese Gardens

Rome in August - Borghese Gallery


The works of Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Bernini, all find a home in the Villa Borghese, a fantastic art gallery and museum that rivals the best in the world. The Villa is surrounded by exquisite gardens and you can take guided tours to explore it fully in a limited time.

July Timings
Tuesday - Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Monday: Closed

Location

Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

5

Rome Bike Tour

Rome in August


Explore Rome at your own pace on a bike! Cycle around the Trajan Forum, Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Jewish Ghetto and Campo de Fiori and learn about their history from an expert tour guide. No hassle of public transport and all the comforts of stopping and exploring!

July Timings
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 3pm

Location

Via di Santa Eufemia 15, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›

6

Navona Square

rome in august - Vineyard Estate Tour


There’s nothing more beautiful in Rome than the Piazza Navona, also known in English as Navona Square. The piazza flaunts Bernini sculptures, elaborate fountains, a magnificent church, colourful casts of street artists, quaint cafes and lots of open space, bathing in sunshine and brimming with tourists. Like they say, Piazza Navona Rome is where the liveliness of Roman life is explicitly tangible.

7

Day Trip to Tuscany

Rome in August


You will feel like you've walked into a wallpaper, as you witness the sight of rolling hills, picturesque villages and the iconic Cypress trees in the beautiful region of Tuscany. Take a day tour of the region known for its vineyards and enjoy a tour with comfortable transport and a 3-course meal.

July Timings
Daily: Tour starts at 7:30am

Location

Piazza del Popolo 00187 Roma RM Italy, Roma
Italy
Getting There ›

8

Rome By Night

Rome in August - Rome at Night


Enjoy the mellow summer nights of Rome as you explore the alleys and streets lined with historic monuments and landmarks. Pick a tour that takes you across the best of Rome or one that introduces to the legends and ghosts of this ancient city. Either way, you will have a night to remember!

July Timings
Depends on the tour chosen

Location

S. Andrea della Valle Church, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›

9

Angels & Demons Tour

Rome in August - Angels & Demons tour


Walk in the steps of the fictional Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon from the famous book ‘Angels and Demons’ as you uncover the secrets behind the art and monuments in Rome. Even if you are not a fan of the book you will be amazed by the significance and symbolism in the artwork.

June Timings
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9am

Location

Piazza del Popolo, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›

10

Food Tours in Rome

Rome in August - Trastavere


Go beyond just savoring the best pizzas and pasta in Rome, learn about their origins and learn to cook them for yourself! Take your pick of a food tour that takes you to amazing trattorias, gelaterias, vineyards, and indulge in cooking pasta from scratch. No one feasts like the Romans!

June Timings
Depends on the experience chosen

Rome in July: Events to look out for


Rome in july events

Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

All of July
The Baths of Caracalla come to life during summer when the ancient ruins turn to a stage for Opera and Ballet performances. Catch the German violinist David Garrett, George Bizet’s Carmen and many more perform this July.

Rome in july events

21 Savage

July 16, 2024
Get ready for 21 Savage's concert in Rome! Fans can expect an intense and captivating show, with 21 Savage delivering his signature blend of music and rap. This event is set to be a highlight of the summer, drawing enthusiasts and new listeners alike in the heart of Italy's capital.

Rome in July: 5-day itinerary


Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed Rome itineraries here.

5 Days In Rome Itinerary

Day
1
Morning
Roman Colosseum Tour
Colosseum

€28

Afternoon
Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

€28

Late Evening
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain

Free Entry

Day
2
Morning
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Necropolis

€13.65

Noon
Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums

Afternoon
Sistine Chapel
Sistine Chapel

€5

Day
3
Morning
Borghese Gallery
Borghese Gallery

€47

Afternoon
Roman Catacombs
Roman Catacombs

€49

Late Evening
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

€10

Day
4
Day Trip Option #1
Rome to Naples
Rome to Naples

€173

Day Trip Option #2
Rome to Pompeii
Rome to Pompeii

€109

Day Trip Option #3
Rome to Amalfi Coast
Rome to Amalfi Coast

€198

Day
5
Morning
Trastevere
Trastevere

Afternoon
Roman Ghetto
Roman Ghetto

Evening
Appian Way
Appian Way

Rome in July: Seasonal delicacies


Rome in August
Melon and Ham

Every summer buffet in Rome will have this on the menu, delicious juicy melons wrapped with salty ham! The recipe dates back to 2 AD when healers of the time deemed the combination to be healthy. Healthy or not, it’s tasty for sure!
Where to eat: Ristorante Al Padovano

Rome in August
Caprese Salad

No other dish screams summer like the Caprese Salad! Gorgeous locally-grown tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and creamy mozzarella, all sliced up and garnished with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, that’s perfection right there! You can eat as a side or even make a meal of it.
Where to eat: Cantina e Cucina

Rome in August
Fiori di Zucca

You might find bright yellow-orange blossoms in all produce markets in July, these are zucchini flowers and are found abundantly in summer. They are eaten as toppings on pizzas or added to pastas but the best way to eat them is fried and with a side of a Bellini!
Where to eat: Ristorante Fiore di Zucca

Rome in August
Caponata

The spicy, meaty and tangy flavours of a traditional Caponata will burst in your mouth all at once! This cooked salad is a favorite of Romans in summer thanks to the fresh produce of eggplants, tomatoes, capers, and olives.
Where to eat: Osteria dell'Ingegno

Rome in August
Affogato

There is coffee and there is gelato, how can you go wrong with this? Affogato is the perfect way to get your shot of caffeine in the summer in Rome. A cold dessert, the Affogato is a scoop of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso.
Where to eat: Fiocco di neve

Rome July essentials


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LanguageItalian

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Time zoneGMT+2

☎

Country Code+39

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Socket Type C, L, F

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CurrencyEuros €

Rome Weather in July

The sun is at its hottest in July and you will experience temperatures around 31°. The days are long with around 14 hours of sunlight, the sun rises at around 5:45am and sets around 8:40pm. There is low humidity and almost no chance of rainfall.

Where to Stay in Rome during July

Rome is a tourist city but it is also where millions of Romans live and work and you can have an option of picking a variety of styles and budget of accommodation. The most romantic areas are Aventine and Monti, Trastevere is for the bohemian traveler, Centro Storico is the central historic part ideal for the first timer and Termini is good for those on a budget.
Here are our recommendations :

What to Pack for Visiting Rome in July

When preparing for sightseeing in Rome, it's essential to consider two distinct types: religious and general. Visiting churches and religious sites, including synagogues, necessitates modest attire, with elbows and knees covered, applicable to both men and women. For other excursions during your trip, pack lightweight summer clothing and accessories like hats, caps, or umbrellas to combat the heat and sun. Additionally, don't forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, as the ancient streets of Rome are unfriendly to high heels!

Getting Around Rome in July

Rome does not have an extensive public transport network like other European cities, yet you can get around to major landmarks in an inexpensive way. Here is how you can do that –

  • Metro – Two lines A and B, they run from 5:30am to 1:30am and are cheap.
  • Tram – An exhaustive network of six lines, convenient to hop and hop off.
  • Urban Railway – There are three lines and connect to Lido, Viterbo and Giardinetti.
  • Buses – Extensive network of 338 bus lines, 22 night buses and 8,260 stops, however can be a bit confusing to find the right bus and stop.

The best way to go around the city is to use a Roma Pass, and if you still need more information you can read all about the Public Transportation system in Rome here.

Tips for visiting Rome in July


  • Summer means late night specials in Rome and you can visit the Colosseum until midnight. If you love light shows then head to the ones at Forum of Augustus and Julius Caesar’s Forum.
  • Summer sales are big in Italy and Rome starts its ‘Saldi’ or sale season in July. With huge discounts on designer brands, this is the right time to fill up your wardrobe.
  • Water is your best weapon against the summer heat and you can bring a reusable water bottle and keep refilling it from the water fountains across the city. There are hundreds of water fountains called ‘nasoni’ and they have safe drinking water.

Explore Rome by months


Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Rome in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ready to visit Rome in July?


Here are some quick links to articles that will make your Roma vacation all the more special !

FAQs


What's the weather like in Rome in July?

The average highs lurk around 31°C with historical highs of up to 35°C, while at night the temperature goes down to 19°C in Rome in July.

What do I wear in Rome in July?

All the churches and religious sites like synagogues require you to dress modestly with elbows and knees covered, both for men and women. For the rest of your trip you can carry the best summer clothes, add in a hat, cap, or even an umbrella to ward off the heat and shine.

Is Rome crowded in July?

Since July and August are peak travel seasons, you can expect crowds at the major tourist attractions and in restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Rome.

What are the best attractions in Rome in July?

Some of the best attractions in Rome in July are Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum, and the Roman Catacombs.

What's the easiest way to travel within Rome?

The best ways to travel around Rome is via the Metro, Trams, Urban Railways and Buses.

Rome in July