Things to do in Rome

The ultimate summer escape awaits you in Rome

Last Updated:

Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, dates back to 3000 years ago. If anything, there is no bad time to visit Rome and the throngs of people in front of the Colosseum, despite the sweltering summer heat, bear witness to this claim. The temperatures sizzles at 30-45°C and yet, travelers remain undeterred, if only to claim their share of gelato. Nights are perfect for a glass of house wine and authentic handmade pasta from one of the local eateries. Summer is a two-way street in Rome, when popular spots are crowded, it serves as an excuse to explore the lesser-known areas like Trastevere.

Rome in Summer: Weather


In August, temperatures soar to an infernal 45°C while the nights are pleasant at 17°C. Summer months, i.e. June to August, are crowded, yet lovely for their romantic summer nights.

rome weather

5 Reasons to visit Rome in Summer


Rome in Summer - Gelato in Rome Summer

1. It's gelato day, every day! — Summer is an unbidden excuse to slurp on scoops of gelato. You can relish everything from tiramisu to raspberry sherbet at authentic gelaterias like Gelato San Lorenzo and I Caruso.


2. The city's in full bloom! — Look up at the balconies where bouquets of flowers in lavender, pristine white and fuchsia form an ornate symphony of colors against Rome’s rustic architecture that sits glistening under the cobalt sky.


3. Do it for the 'Gram! — The pictures are bound to be one in a million when the sky is an arresting blue and Rome’s cobbled streets are swathed in golden hues from the summer sun.


4. Prossecco galore! — Summer in Rome is an excuse to skip the lines and opt, instead, for a quaint café or restaurant such as Est Artigiani Del Gusto and sample wine paired with scrumptious pasta.


5. Color me Italian - pronto! — Don summer dresses, silk scarves and gladiator sandals for women and crisp shorts with linen shirts for men and you are well on your way to perfecting the quintessential Italian summer ensemble.

rome bucket list
Rome bucket list

52 ultimate list of things to do in Rome

Check out these must-do experiences in Rome and plan your itinerary like a pro!

15 things to do in Rome during the Summer


1

Bar hop by the Tiber

Tiber river rome Pub and Bar
Wine and Dine Festival Outdoor

During the summer months, Rome hosts ‘Lungo il Tevere’ by the river Tiber, a summertime festival inviting travelers to relish exquisite wines, shop and dine in the balmy night; charming white tents dot the embankment with quaint outdoor seating while the river shimmers from the iridescent lighting.

Hours
From 6:00 PM
Address
2

Catch a show at Terme di Caracalla

rome in summer
Opera Outdoor Open-air concert

The ancient ruins of the Roman baths, Terme di Caracalla, are not to be missed as they are reawakened from the sounds of performances by Teatro dell’Opera in the summer. Visitors can purchase tickets to these open-air concerts that retain the magic of classic operas reworked by contemporary writers.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Differ
Address
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Google Map Directions
3

Enjoy an outdoot cinema under the stars

outdoor night cinema
Image Courtesy : An American In Rome
Cinema Outdoor

There is not one but numerous venues where you can catch an outdoor cinema experience in Rome. San Cosimato, L’Isola del Cinema or Casa del Cinema are only a few of many cinemas screening classics to new releases. Hundreds gather to enjoy a night of revelry and a curated showcase.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Differ
Address
Piazza di S. Cosimato, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Google Map Directions

4

Hit up Ostia Beach

rome in summer
Beach Outdoor

Ostia Lido Beach is closest to Rome which makes for a nice way to skip the afternoon heat and cool off in the water that is ideal for swimming. The beach sports some areas with public access so you do not have to shell out for a private area.

Hours
Timings Vary
Address
Ostia Lido, Roma, Italy Google Map Directions
5

Cool off at Villa Borghese

rome in summer
Public Park Nature

Escape the summer crowds by paying a visit to the 16th-century Villa Borghese, which is the largest public park in Rome. The park has several museums and theaters that you can visit on a Segway tour. Additionally, the kids will love the zoological garden with its 200 animal species.

KNOW MORE
Hours
24 Hours,Garden - No entry after 7 PM
Address
Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM, Italy, Roma Google Map Directions
6

Head to Amalfi Coast

rome in summer
Coastal Architecture Nature
from €85

A scenic three-hour car ride from Rome or a two-hour train ride via Naples will take you directly to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Its beaches are pristine with crystal-clear waters. In the town of Amalfi, you can visit the Duomo with its exceptional mosaics and 9th-century Roman architecture.

KNOW MORE
Hours
From 8:20 AM
Address
84011, Amalfi, Province of Salerno, Italy Google Map Directions
7

Sign up for a cooking class

rome in summer - cooking class
Cooking Lesson Food
from €70

Gourmands will appreciate the art of Italian cooking with cooking lessons at select schools like Les Chefs Blancs and Coquis where you can learn to make pasta by hand, prepare fresh pizza dough and decadent tiramisu for dessert followed by a glass of Prosecco.

Hours
5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Address
Amore restaurant, Arcione 115, Rome Google Map Directions
8

Hike up Mont Mario

monte mario rome italy
Outdoor Hiking Sunset

A 20-minute hike up the undulating path of Monte Maria, the highest hill in Rome, is a rewarding experience that you can enjoy without losing breath. The summit offers a spell-binding view of the entire city and if you go during sunset hour, you can witness St. Peter’s dome shimmering in pink.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Vary
Address
00136 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Italy Google Map Directions
9

Eat gelatos, all day long

Gelato in Rome Summers
Food Gelato

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, or so the saying goes. You cannot miss freshly-whipped gelato during the summer as nothing beats a refreshing scoop atop its waffle cone throne. There is no such thing as too much gelato considering the number of flavors that need your attention.

10

Visit the Trevi Fountain after dark

Trevi Fountain in rome at night
Architecture Lighting

The famous Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi is an extraordinary sight at a whopping 26 meters in height. As tradition goes, travelers throw a coin over their shoulders to make a wish. The fountain lights up in true Baroque fashion after dark for a surreal experience.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Vary
Address
Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, ItalyGoogle Map Directions
instagrammable places rome - colosseum
Instagrammable Places in Rome

Top 15 Instagrammable Places in Rome

If you're the first out of your friends to start posing for pictures no matter where you go, and you spend about 90% of your day Instagram (because same) - you're 110% at the right place. Brownie points if travelling for the gram is your jam.
11

Visit one of the 900 churches in the city

rome in summer - St Peter's Basilica
Church Religious Site

There are 900 churches in Rome including the most-visited St. Peter’s Basilica. Many visitors flock to these reverential establishments to witness the ethereal charm of ancient Rome. San Clemente is another church worth a visit that was destroyed and then rebuilt atop its ruins in the 12th century.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Vary
Address
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican CityGoogle Map Directions
12

Skip the Vatican and visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

rome in summer
History Architecture

The summer crowds in the Vatican can be daunting, so, for an equally beguiling experience head to the city of Castel Gandolfo and visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. It was recently opened to the public prior to which it served as the vacation home of the reigning pope.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Weekdays- 8.30 AM to 1:00 PM,Weekends- Vary
Address
Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, ItalyGoogle Map Directions
13

Enter the Colosseum from the Gladiator Entrance

History Architecture

The center-stage of the Colosseum was reserved for gladiators and you can experience the same by entering the Colosseum through the gladiator entrance. Skip the long lines and enjoy an immersive guided tour of the magnificent amphitheater that dates back thousands of years.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Show Timings Vary
Address
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Google Map Directions
Book Tickets Now
14

Take a bike tour of Rome

rome in summer
Outdoor Cycling Nature
from €35

Cycling around Rome is one of the best ways to acquaint yourselves with its cobbled streets and learn about its history. Each corner of the city is significant in some way and for an informative trip go for the Baroque Rome Tours, Segway tours, or an Appian Way tour.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Everyday at 10 AM
Address
Via di Santa Eufemia 15, RomeGoogle Map Directions
15

Sign up for an eerie tour of the Roman Catacombs

rome in summer
History Off-beat
from €35

Rome’s ancient underground burial sites or the Roman Catacombs are not for the faint-hearted. The catacombs are ancient and spooky with human remains on display for the public. There are many catacombs in Rome such as Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Priscilla’s Catacombs that are open to visitors.

KNOW MORE
Hours
Timings Vary
Address
Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM, ItalyGoogle Map Directions

Rome in summer: Events to look out for


Rome in Summer: Getting around


The most efficient way around Rome is taking public transport or walking your way to accessible spots in the city. Traversing through Rome can be tedious as it tends to get crowded in the summer.

Check the local news if there is an upcoming transport strike which are mostly on Fridays.

The best part is that for only €1.50 you can take any number of bus rides, one train ride and a metro ride for 100 minutes from its first use. Bus rides are longer due to multiple stops so the tram is a better alternative.

First-time travelers can go for the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours to get a feel of the city as they take you along the Tiber River and make stops at the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and other landmarks on a double-decker bus.

The trains are the fastest mode of transportation that can get you to places such as Trastevere and Monte Maria in no time.

Read our detailed blog on Public Transportation in Rome and travel like a local!

What to pack while visiting Rome in summer?


Light clothes

Lightweight and breezy summer clothes are essential and also help you to blend in with the locals to avoid pickpocketing.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most important thing to brave the hot sun if you do not want to be burnt to a crisp.

Clothing for religious sites

Appropriate clothing for Roman Churches that cover up the shoulders and legs so as to not disrespect any religious sentiments.

Water bottle

A refillable water bottle that you can fill with safe drinking water from the fountains to eliminate plastic waste.

Crossbody bags

Beware of pickpockets and opt for crossbody bags instead of backpacks and clothes with hidden zippers to keep money.

Rome in summer: Seasonal delicacies


Caprese Salad

Try a Caprese salad at Est Artigiani with fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and basil with a dash of balsamic and olive oil. Visit Est Artigiani.

Gelato

From the popular chocolate-coated gelato at Frigidarium to a local gelateria serving swirls of icy flavours, every cone is a lip-smacking delight. Head to Frigidarium.

Pizza

Pizza has no season and summer evenings are perfect for a slice with some wine. Try family-owned restaurants like Sforno for fresh flavours. Grab a pizza at Sforno .

Coffee and Wine

Caffe’freddo for breakfast, a few rounds of Aperol Spritz on the beach and some house wine complete your day in Rome.

Grattachecca

Grattachecca or shaved ice is a favourite summer treat served with fresh fruit toppings to escape the heat. Visit Alla Fonte D'Oro .

Summer in Rome: Insider visiting tips


  • Book early morning tickets for each of the major attractions, as early as 7:30AM, to circumvent the lines.
  • Campo de’Fiori is a good way to navigate Rome’s nightlife with many bars in the same radius.
  • The Roman Ghetto has its history rooted in the Jewish faith which now has a thriving restaurant street.
  • Trastevere is the quintessential Roman neighbourhood with a laidback vibe during the afternoon and the best nightlife once the sun sets.
  • Late nights in Rome are paired with an aperitivo at local wine bars such as Ai Tre Scalini.
  • Head out at night when the breeze is cool and the sights are magical as they light up for the evening.
  • The days are long in the summer for more incentive to explore the city before it gets dark.

Explore Rome through the year


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