From concerts under the stars in archaeological sites to the breeze of Roman coast villages, discover what to do in Rome during summer to best enjoy the most beautiful season.
Rome in summer is a vibrant place of history, culture, and pure Italian joy. As the temperatures rise, the Eternal City transforms into an open-air museum, music venue, and food lover’s paradise. From riverside festivals to moonlit concerts beneath ancient ruins, summer in Rome offers once-a-year experiences that you won’t find any other season.
Rome’s summer gets hot in July and August, but locals and savvy travelers know how to dance through the heat and make the most of it, especially during the captivating golden evenings. If you’re planning a summer getaway to Rome, follow our ultimate guide about what to do in Rome during summer and get ready for an unforgettable vacation which embraces the Roman spirit.
Rome in Summer: enjoying the Tiber and its Festival
It is a true summer highlight for locals and tourists to enjoy the Tiber for an evening strolling, since every year the Tiber River banks come alive with a vibrant open-air festival.
From June to early September, you’ll find pop-up bars, diverse food stalls, artisan markets, and live entertainment stretching along the river. Lungo il Tevere Festival has its entrance gates at Sisto Bridge, Garibaldi Bridge, and Sublicio Bridge, and it’s the perfect place for a quintessential Roman evening buzzing boardwalk.
Watching movies under the stars
Summer in Rome means one thing for movie lovers: open-air cinemas. From June to August, every district has its own open-air arena to watch movies under the stars; some of them are located in stunning locations.
From Tiber Island to Trastevere district, there are so many places to enjoy this Roman summer activity. The most famous arenas in Rome are: the Isola del Cinema in Tiber Island with art movies and blockbusters by the river, and the Cinema in Piazza in the heart of Trastevere with free screenings and often Q&As with directors and actors.
Joining live concerts in stunning locations
Immerse yourself in classical or pop-rock music surrounded by the great beauty of the Eternal City; this happens only during summertime. Rome, with a varied and great offer, gives the opportunity to join open-air live concerts in wonderful locations. From June to August, it is possible to listen to classical music and opera at the majestic Baths of Caracalla. While the Auditorium Parco della Musica — designed by Renzo Piano — hosts the Roma Summer Fest with a diverse lineup of international and Italian artists. Furthermore, the beautiful gardens of Villa Celimontana, close to the Colosseum, are the venue for the annual Jazz Festival.
For pop and rock lovers, Rock in Roma at the Capannelle Racecourse hosts international icons, rising talents and some of the most famous Italian artists.
Travelling to the Roman coast villages
When the summer heat turns up in Rome, locals head west for a refreshing escape to the Roman coast. Just 30 to 60 minutes from the city by train, seaside spots like Lido di Ostia, Santa Marinella and Fregene offer sandy beaches, seafood trattorias, and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle.
Some of these seaside locations also offer wonderful cultural venues like the Archaeological Park of Ostia antica or the medieval castle of Santa Severa. Swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, tasting a spritz, or dining with spaghetti alle vongole (clams) is the ideal Italian summer day to recharge.
Tasting summer sweet delights
No holiday in Rome is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures, and summer brings its own unique flavors. Gelato is the king of Italian summer, and artisanal Rome’s gelaterie reach their creative peak during this season. Cool down with an authentic hand-made gelato or try a grattachecca, the summer ritual for locals to hit summer temperatures. This sweet and refreshing cold treat, made with grated ice and flavored with fruit syrups, with its original recipe coming from Ancient Rome, is the best way to enjoy a summer vacation in Rome.
