Forum of Augustus | Best things to do in Rome. It looms over the Roman Forum and is just a short walk from the Colosseum. The hop-on, hop-off boats stop right near storied sites such as Piazza Venezia and the Castel SantAngelo, meaning less time baking in the summer sun. You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments! One of the four temples is now being used as a cat sanctuary. It was damaged several times, by fire and by an earthquake. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations. In the center sits the Flaminio Obelisk, an Egyptian obelisk of Sety I. Bright rooms with wooden furnishings await you at Hotel Trastevere. This viewpoint is lesser known. Visit my dedicated pages for all the summer months in Rome. And you may get the same view we did, seeing more of that black bar than the dome of St. Peters Basilica. August in Italy is traditionally the month of summer holidays and this means many office workers and public sector employees will be away. Rome in Summer 2023 | Weather, Things to do, Events Romes Summer Fest is returning in 2023! 2016 - Greta's Travels. Let me know your Rome summer favourites in the comments below. Click here to read my top ten tips for keeping cool in summer. Vesuvius Volcano Day Trip from Rome, Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Full Day Tour from Rome, Full Day Tour of Florence by High-Speed Train. This area sits to the east of the Tiber River and includes the Theatre of Marcellus (just mentioned). Located within Rome is Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Let's see what the best things to do are in Rome, in Summer! The Sancta Sanctorum is the first private Papal chapel. Good resources to plan your colosseum visit are here: Find my guide to selecting the best Colosseum ticket for you here You can use them to refill your water bottle or you can drink directly from them: in that case, dont put your mouth on their nose. Brownie points if travelling for the gram is your jam. Visit the lovely parks in Rome 4. Thank you for supporting my site! Below is a big list of things to do in Rome. This day is national holiday and therefore many establishments and bus services operate a reduced service. In 770 AD, a church as built over the ruins. ), Stroll through the historic heart of Rome (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona), Enjoy the view from the Altar of the Fatherland, Tour an underground site (Catacombs, Capuchin Crypt, or the Domus Aurea), Have dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar and restaurant, Stroll through the historic heart of Rome, Visit St. Peters Basilica (visiting the basilica is free and it is worth paying a few euros to climb to the top of the domethe view is one of the best in Rome), Stroll along the Tiber River near Castel SantAngelo for iconic views of Rome, Altar of the Fatherland (free to visit and the view is nice from the terrace; for a few euros ride the elevator to the top for 360 views of Rome), Visit St. Peters Basilica (our kids were amazed with the sheer size and grandeur of this basilica; adding on the dome makes it an all-around great experience for kids), Visit the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel (this one can be boring for kids but it is such an important place to visit that it should not be missed on a visit to Rome), Rent bikes and cycle through the Villa Borghese Gardens. This is great for short distances, but not overly fun along Romes cobbled streets, which can be pretty bumpy on a scooter. Learn how to plan your time with our One Day in Rome Itinerary, 2 Day Rome Itinerary and 3 Day Rome Itinerary. The best rule of thumb for sight-seeing in the summer in Rome is to stay out of the heat in the middle of the day. They are located between the Colosseum and Roma Termini. One of the best things to do on Palatine Hill is to enjoy the view over the Roman Forum. Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a beautiful and historic destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. We don't get too much rain in summer but you may want to bring a light waterproof shell. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This lesser-known art gallery is worth it for art aficionados. You can head to Piazza Navona or Trevi and get photos before the crowds arrive or you can even opt for an exclusive guided tour of the Vatican early in the morning, so you get not just a head start but also get one of the most incredible museums in the world almost all for yourself. This doesnt usually affect the tourist sights, but many shops, bars and restaurants in less touristy areas will probably close. These walking tours combine some of Romes most interesting neighborhoods with local foods. Youll find a diverse range on the line up, from timeless Spielberg classics to innovative indie arthouse pictures. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano contain the remains of St. Sebastian and possibly Peter the Apostle. St. Peters Square (early in the morning) | Best things to do in Rome. For more detailed Rome guides, here are some helpful quick links! Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: Tour This popular tour is a must if you want to visit the Vatican Museum. Rome Bucket List: 40 Epic Things to Do in Rome - Earth Trekkers Situated in a historic building in the heart of Rome, BB Hotels Smarthotel Baileys is a wonderful option for your stay in Rome. Cool off with an artisanal gelato 3. Rome in summer: Your top 10 things to do and how to keep cool It also feels a little more chaotic here than the shops mentioned above. You will spend a little more money than purchasing your tickets directly from the Colosseum website, but at least you will get to visit the Colosseum. The views as you cross River Tiber in Rome. From this bridge, you can photograph Ponte SantAngelo and St. Peters Basilica along with the Tiber River. Many sights, such as the Colosseum and the Castel SantAngelo are gloriously illuminated at night, too, making it all the more worth it to head out for some nocturnal sightseeing. Our top recommendations for the best things to do in Rome, Italy, with pictures and travel tips. Located across the street from Basilica of Saint John Lateran is a staircase that is an important pilgrimage site in Rome. Summer is all about sitting outside and enjoying the weather. Pack yourself a picnic, pick up a blanket and head to some of the best parks in Rome. On warm evenings, its positively alive with visitors and locals alike making full use of the longer hours of daylight and the great weather. From here, you can see all of Romes major landmarks, including the Colosseum, St. Peters Basilica, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Dont forget your sunscreen and shades though! This obelisk was brought to Rome in 10 BC and erected in this square in 1589. The Eternal City shines with a special light, the colors of the streets are more vivid than ever and you can enjoy the best pastas and pizzas in the city in the shade of the outdoor terraces.. Colosseum. This is a maybe very empirical way of explaining the difference between the two, but maybe the most effective too! Then check out the replica Shakespeares Globe and the zoological museum. If you plan a visit to Rome in the summer, here is what you need to know. 39 Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy in 2023 - Romeing Palatine Hill | Best things to do in Rome. This is what the view is supposed to look like: photo credit: Matteo Gabrieli/shutterstock.com. If visiting Rome at any time during these month, you need to be ready for real summer temperatures and be equipped with light clothes, sunscreen and a sun hat. Each summer, this storied old site puts on an impressive laser light show dubbed Viaggio nei Fori (literally Voyage in the Forum). This bridge sits to the east of Ponte SantAngelo. If you make a purchase through them I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. They were built between 212 and 217 AD and were used until the 530s. From June to August, during the day Rome experiences average highs of 28-32C (83-91F), cooling off to an average of 14-17C (58-63F) at night. The beautiful facade of the Trevi fountain in Rome. If you can, get here at opening time. Lightweight and breezy summer clothes are essential and also help you to blend in with the locals to avoid pickpocketing. Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a 00136 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Budget:Palladini Hostel This hostel is super central, close to the train station and all the action of Rome, with spacious dorms and a lively atmosphere. Called Lungo il Tevere, this series of boardwalks features bars, food stalls, restaurants, stalls for shopping, games, and a whole lot more. One tip I would definitely give you for Rome in summer is to avoid public transport where possible. All that remains are eleven Corinthian columns and these can be seen on a walk through the historic heart of Rome, not far from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. But while you are here, it is a short walk to Terrazza Belvedere Aventino in the Orange Garden for a beautiful view of Rome. Hi travellers! Many visitors flock to these reverential establishments to witness the ethereal charm of ancient Rome. Piazza del Popolo from the Pincio Terrace | Best things to do in Rome. Theres a top tip for you there! Produced in, and dispatched from the United States, this book is available now for worldwide shipping*. For those who want to go off the beaten path, here are a few more things to do in Rome. This is where you will find Galleria Borghese, but as you stroll through the park, there are a few notable things to do and viewpoints of Rome to visit. Visiting Rome in June - All You Need . This basilica, which also goes by the name Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (in Italian), is the seat of the bishop of Rome, the pope. Rome in summer: At a Glance June - August Average Temperature: 17 - 45C It costs an extra 2 per ticket for the online reservation fee, but this is worth it to avoid standing in long lines. There are two different viewpoints. For some extra summer fun, hire roller skates or a bicycle at the front of the park and cruise around in style. Falling roughly from June to August, but with similar weather expected for late May and early September, its a long period that marks not only the hottest time of year in the city, but also the most popular months to visit. This tour is a great way to see many sights in the city, without having to slog it on foot. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice. The lighting towards St. Peters Basilica is perfect this time of day but the city center of Rome looks hazy. 2. The Theatre of Marcellus and Porticus Octaviae are located in the Jewish Quarter. In hot weather a hot espresso is not ideal but Rome does have a hot weather alternative: granita di caffe (coffee granita)! Summer in Rome is an excuse to skip the lines and opt, instead, for a quaint caf or restaurant such as Est Artigiani Del Gusto and sample wine paired with scrumptious pasta. Hours: Hours vary by season. Rome, the Eternal City, dates back 3000 years. We purchased our tickets onsite and there were just a few other people here during our visit. The best clothes to wear in Rome in summer are light, breathable clothes that all you to stay as fresh as possible. It may not look like much on the outside, but San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) is another important church in Rome. The monument sits on Piazza Venezia, within walking distance of the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Museums. The Catacombs of San Callisto are the largest of Romes catacombs and about half a million Christians are buried here. There is not one but numerous venues where you can catch an outdoor cinema experience in Rome. 13 BEST Things to do in Atlanta in Summer. Read our detailed blog on Public Transportation in Rome and travel like a local! Castel SantAngelo, the area along the Tiber and many local parks have events: make sure you check whats on in Rome on google doe the days you are there for a full list of options. No matter when you visit Rome, there are five things you should always bring: Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Rome in Summer 2023 - Weather, Top Tips & More! (By a Local!) Watching the sunset over the Vatican and Ponte SantAngelo from Ponte Umberto in Rome. Note: There is also an upper level (the second tier) of the Colosseum that can be visited. In no particular order, here is our list of best things to do in Rome. Best Things to Do in Rome. Sitting in the center of St. Peters Square is the Vatican Obelisk, which is an Egyptian obelisk made of red granite as well as two fountains, the Maderno Fountain and the Bernini Fountain. The lineup is unmissable with Jazz artists to Bohemian Symphony the Queen Orchestra. If you live in a very hot climate, you may think Romes 35 degrees are a non issue for you but dont let numbers fool you. There are lots of room variations here, making it ideal if youre travelling with family, and breakfast is served daily. The fountain lights up in true Baroque fashion after dark for a surreal experience. You'll be glad to have a hat while walking around under Rome's summer sun. This can be a very busy place to visit. We also have a guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome. 2. This is the best place to see an optical illusion in Rome. A very pleasant place to be in summer is Villa Celimontana, a beautiful outdoor space that hosts a summer Rome jazz festival. Experience the Tevere River at night 5. Welcome! For advice on where to eat, read our guide about Where to Eat in Rome, that has restaurant recommendations near the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the historic heart of Rome, plus some great rooftop restaurants. When you visit Rome in summer, a great way to beat the heat is to enjoy a refreshing granita or grattachecca. Many of the ancient adornments, such as frescoes and statues, have been removed, and what remains are the massive walls. The city's in full bloom! Even when there is air conditioning, in Rome the standard power of it is lower. Colosseum. This incredible celebration is a highlight on the Rome summer events calendar, so you dont want to miss it. The Palatine Hill. Common souvenirs that are absolutely worth it are the silk scarves this area is known for, leather journals, calligraphy sets, and, of course, fashion. St. Peters Basilica (be sure to climb the dome! The 27 BEST THINGS To Do in ROME in 2023 - The Roman Guy Located in the vibrant area of Trastevere there are excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars right at your door. At the end of this list, you can see all of them on a map. Night time entry is not included on Roma Pass tickets. There are places to eat and drink, listen to music, play games, shop, and more! The view from Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II | Best things to do in Rome. I hope you love them as much as I do! Beware of pickpockets and opt for crossbody bags instead of backpacks and clothes with hidden zippers to keep money. Castel Sant Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. I know that for many people, summer is the only time you can travel. The food and drinks are great, too. Sitting on a small lake in the Villa Borghese Gardens is a temple dating back to 1786. We are committed to respecting your data. Of course, you can just get around Rome by using the power of your own two feet, but that can get sweaty very quickly. Before jumping right into the best things to do in Rome, we give a quick overview of the city. Click here to book your Rome by night walking tour! Escape Rome with a day trip to the sea or lakes. When you walk through Rome, it feels like you are walking through a string of archaeological sites. A good way to get around this is to wear loose, flowing clothing that doesnt stick to your body, and make sure to pack a wide brim hat and comfortable sandals for walking. Its a good idea to avoid doing your sightseeing in the hottest part of the day. When packing, I highly recommend you bring airy cotton clothes with long sleeves to help with the sun and mosquitoes. These sculptured gardens, the largest in Rome, feature shaded paths through manicured lawns, making it a cool space to explore in the city. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Both of these forums can be seen while walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via Alessandrina, which runs alongside the Roman Forum and connects the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia. Head to Piazza della Madonna dei Monti for a local feel, Piazza Navona to watch the tourists, or Piazza di Spagna for golden sunsets. It is also considered to be the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture. Trastevere is a great mix of locals and tourists, charming cobblestoned streets, and some of the best restaurants in town. Construction of the Pantheon was completed around 120 AD. We include free events, family-friendly activities, and things to do at night. For the most part, weather in Rome in summer is hot and humid. Head out at night when the breeze is cool and the sights are magical as they light up for the evening. San Clemente is another church worth a visit that was destroyed and then rebuilt atop its ruins in the 12th century. Reservations are made for two-hour time slots, starting at 9 am, and the last time slot is at 5 pm. Its large dome, made entirely of concrete, is another Roman engineering win. Summer in Europe is all about dining outdoors, and Rome is no exception to this. You will not see Castel SantAngelo from this bridge since trees block the view. Some sights, such as the Baths of Caracalla, take on a completely different personality in summer. Located close to the Trevi Fountain, the views from the roof top terrace restaurant are astounding. Ponte SantAngelo | Best things to do in Rome. The first great superhighway of the Roman world, Via Appia Antica , to the south of Rome, is a gorgeous place to be on a clear, sunny morning. There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting Rome in summer! Venchi. This very old church has a circular shape and is covered with some of the most interesting, yet morbid, frescoes that we saw in Italy. Discover the secrets behind these monoliths in Rome and how to see them! This national monument was built between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of unified Italy. 5 (+1) Things to Do in Rome during the Summer Months Rome is located in a perfect position to reach a lot of great areas such as: Lago Martignano, Lago Bracciano, Foregone, Ostia, Anzio etc. Rome is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe. On your visit to the Colosseum, you can either wander through it on your own, take the audio guide tour, or join a guided tour. Cooking Classes. Find out how to get the most out of a summer visit to the Eternal City! READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE ROME 3-DAY ITINERARY! The first settlements date back to a time even before Romulus and Remus. At the end of this loop, you will enter the center building, and climb to the top on a series of ramps and steps. We are talking up to 3-hour waits on the busiest days. This is the official Mediterranean port of Rome and can easily be reached by public train. There is a second viewpoint of the Roman Forum and Via dei Fori Imperiali. Exploring Rome in the summer on foot can be exhausting, but luckily you can take a cruise on the Tiberand see many of the top sights along the way. Many monuments lie along this road, including the Circus of Maxentius and numerous catacombs. Many of the catacombs in Rome lie along Via Appia Antica, so its easy to combine both of these together in a half day trip from central Rome. Michelangelos Moses is the bottom middle statue. Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf and they were later raised by a shepherd. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. While inside, see the dome, which was designed by Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Donato Bramante, and Carlo Maderno, St. Peters Throne, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Baldacchino, and the Vatican Grottoes (tombs of the popes). Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. Dine and drink on the Tiber River. Disclaimer: Articles on this website may contain affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. But getting here can be challenging, you need to be prepared to wait in line, and you may not get the view you were hoping for. The water is clean and safe to drink, theyre free to use, and most refreshingly of all, its cold! Tickets can be bought online or at the palazzo. Enjoy the nearby beaches (+1). Get hours of operation and pricing on the official website. Milan in Winter Weather, Best Things To Do, Top tips & More! early in the morning, crowds are lower and the city loses that tourist trap feel you often catch in the middle of high tourism season and shows its true nature as living and breathing city. Some places may be closed on this day. For the full list, check out our guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome. There are also a few must-see fountains and sculptures. Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome. Pack a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine and make a night of it! We also have a post on the weather in June. If you want to relax during your Rome summer trip, and have someone else take care of the planning hassle, plus have a local guide teach you about the beauties of Rome, here are some of the most popular Rome tours. The people lived in poverty under terrible conditions until 1870, when the Papal State ceased to exist. In terms of tourist services, however, August has hardly any impact. But the best part of the Pantheon is the oculus, the circular window in the top of the dome, the only source of light inside of the building. Caracallas baths are an incredible archaeological site and in the summer they become the backdrop for big opera shows. For more information, visit the official website. I know you are in Rome to sight-see and not to go to the pool but sometimes, the heat is so bad you just need to stay near water. From Campidoglio Square, walk between the Senatorial Palace and Palazzo Nuovo, look for the replica of Lupa Capitolina (the she-wolf statue) on your right, and walk out to the terrace for this view: View of Via dei Fori Imperiali and a portion of the Roman Forum. Welcome to Beaumont Church in Lexington, KY #allarewelcome | Kentucky, May, Lexington In Rome, that goes without saying. 1. 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. We are committed to respecting your data. Note, no photos are allowed in the Sistine Chapel and this is strictly enforced. It is one of the oldest buildings in Rome. The famous Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi is an extraordinary sight at a whopping 26 meters in height. While here, have lunch or dinner in an outdoor caf, see the Turtle Fountain, stroll along Via Del Portico dOttavia, and visit the Great Synagogue (Tempio Maggiore di Roma). Instead, put your hand under the main flow of water and drink from the spring coming out from their top! Gretas Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I hope you enjoyed this list of tips and ideas to enjoy Rome in summer. Spend a sunny afternoon enjoying Italian favourite Aperol Spritz in one of the glorious piazzas. Ancient ruins and excavations can be seen throughout the city and new discoveries continue to be made. I estimate it was at least a 45-minute wait to enter the basilica (this was at the end of September in 2022). 3. Heading to Rome in 2021? Here are the best things to do in Rome! When you first walk up to it, the Pantheon looks like an ancient, bulky, worn-out building. For the best viewpoints of Romes famous landmarks, take a look at our article Best Views of Rome. Let me know in the comments below! After the fire, Nero built a palace in the center of Rome, spanning 80 hectares. In Italy, we have sales twice a year, once in winter and once in summer. It's gelato day, every day! It leaves your hands free for picture-taking, holding onto rails, and riding a bike or scooter if you decide to rent one. Go to Trevi Rooftop, a rooftop bar with a view of the fountain. So, have you started packing your bags for Rome to check out all these great summer activities yet? This viewpoint is located on the west side of the park. Dont miss our detailed guides about How to Visit the Colosseum and How to Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peters Basilica. The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch that is dedicated to Constantine the Great. In August, temperatures soar to an infernal 45C while the nights are pleasant at 17C. Also on Via Appia Antica are the Catacombs of Domitilla, which are the only catacombs to still hold human remains. Belvedere del Gianicolo | Best things to do in Rome. The main attraction here is the perspective gallery that was created by Borromini. June is generally the coolest of the summer months. Pizza has no season and summer evenings are perfect for a slice with some wine. Its not quite as good, but it is just a short walk to get here. Its great fun! From about mid-June temperatures in Rome start to soar and the heat becomes increasingly relentless until it reaches a peak, usually in the middle of July.