The majesty of Rome is also reflected in its surrounding area, with many beautiful places to visit, offering ancient ruins, lakeside views, or seaside castles, from the coast to the hills that surround the Eternal City. If you’re planning a day off from your stay in Rome, these are the top 5 day trips to do from the Eternal City, which will satisfy your wanderlust without straying far from the city.
Day trips from Rome: Ostia Antica the ancient Roman port
Part of the Rome municipality, located at the mouth of the Tiber River only 30 kilometers from the city center, Ostia Antica is the remarkable and well-preserved site of one of ancient Rome’s most important harbors.
Less crowded than other famous archaeological sites in Rome, Ostia Antica is an incredible park where it’s possible to walk along original cobblestone streets and visit baths, temples, markets, and even an amphitheater. Ostia Antica is also well-connected with Roman local public transport via the Roma-Lido train, a budget-friendly option to reach and visit a wonderful site without the tourist crush of central Rome.
Each summer, the ancient theater of Ostia Antica hosts a festival with live performances and concerts. It’s a unique experience that blends the charm of the past with the magic of contemporary events.
Cerveteri and the ancient Etruscan heritage
Located 45 km from Rome, Cerveteri houses the UNESCO World Heritage site Banditaccia necropolis, one of the most important Etruscan burial sites in Italy. Unlike the more famous Roman-centric ruins in the capital, this archaeological site offers a deep dive into pre-Roman civilization—the Etruscans—whose history is still not definitively known.
The Cerveteri burial site dates back to the 9th century BC and is one of the best-preserved of this civilization. In addition to the site, the nearby Etruscan Museum, located in the historical city center of Cerveteri, also deserves a visit.
Day trips from Rome: Tivoli and its majestic Roman villas
Tivoli is a jewel nestled in the Tiburtini hills east of Rome, famous for its beautiful gardens and majestic historical villas.
Located only 35 km from Rome, Tivoli’s main attractions are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este, known for its fountains and Italian gardens, and Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), the luxurious summer residence of the great Emperor Hadrian.
Tivoli town itself is a charming village with its baths, known since the times of ancient Rome, and it’s worth exploring on foot.
Castel Gandolfo: the Papal summer residence
One of the so-called Roman Castles (Castelli Romani)—the picturesque villages located south of Rome in the Alban Hills—Castel Gandolfo overlooks the beautiful Lake Albano and is located only 25 kilometers from the Eternal City.
Castel Gandolfo is most famous worldwide for having been the summer papal residence since the 17th century. The Apostolic Palace contains wonderful masterpieces, and its gardens are open to the public; they can also be reached by the papal railway coming from Vatican City.
Castel Gandolfo also offers the opportunity to try local trattorias that serve typical porchetta or freshwater fish dishes while enjoying breathtaking views over the lake.
Santa Severa and the seaside castle
Along the Tyrrhenian coast, 60 kilometers from Rome, Santa Severa is a seaside resort famous for its majestic medieval castle located right on the beach.
The castle, built in the 9th century over an ancient Roman port called Pyrgi, hosts a small museum dedicated to maritime history as well as events and exhibitions throughout the year.
During late spring and summer, Santa Severa town is a family-friendly spot, ideal for relaxing—a quick coastal getaway perfect for everyone who wants a day break from touristy sites but still wants to stay in touch with Italian culture, history, and natural beauty.
