Best Day Trips from Rome

Rome is a beautiful city worth visiting in its own right. But its central location also makes Rome a great base for day trips. With famous cities like Florence and Naples and gorgeous beaches that are all easily accessible, there are tons of options for day trips from Rome. Check out our list of ideas for day trips from Rome, from cities, towns, and beaches, there is something for every traveler, no matter your interests. Our best day trips from Rome include...

• Florence
• Naples
• Castel Gandolfo
• Orvieto
• Tivoli
• Singita
• Santa Marinella

Save on admission

For the time you spend in Rome, you could save up to 47% on admission to top Rome attractions with a Go Rome pass.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture. Art fans who can’t get enough of what Italy has to offer must visit Florence. You’ll get to see Michelangelo’s ‘David,’ Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ and da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation,’ among other masterpieces. As well as artwork, you have to check out Florence’s classic architecture, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio. Florence is also known for its stunning landscapes, so take some time to see the sights outside of the city. Don’t forget your camera! Getting there: Florence is 1 hr 30 by train or a 3-hour drive from Rome.

Naples

Naples is a city in southern Italy and is a must-visit for any history buffs. Visit The National Archaeological Museum of Naples to see one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman artifacts. Another important attraction is Naples Cathedral. Construction began in the 13th century, and the cathedral is full of art, frescoes, and mosaics dating back to the 4th century. If you’d like to learn more about Naples’ history, take a short drive out of the city to visit Pompeii, the city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. You can see the city’s ruins as well as the preserved remains of Pompeii’s inhabitants. Getting there: Naples is 1 hr 20 by train or a 2-hour 30-minute drive from Rome.

Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a quiet town to the south of Rome. Taking a day trip here is a great idea if you want to avoid the bustle of Rome for a day. Or, if you want to escape the city in favor of spending some time with nature. You could spend a couple of hours exploring the local cafés and shops, and you have to visit the Papal Palace to see the beautiful gardens. One of the main attractions of Castel Gandolfo, however, is Lake Albano. Why not take a kayak tour of Castel Gandolfo to see the Roman villas and other historic spots? Admission to the kayak tour is included with the Go Rome pass. Getting there: Castel Gandolfo is one hour by train and by car from Rome.

Orvieto

One of the most unique aspects of Orvieto is its underground tunnel system. These tunnels were long hidden until their discovery in the 1970s. The tunnels had been dug over 2500 years, and their rooms included wells, grottos, galleries, cellars among other uses. An important use of the tunnels was an escape route for the city’s wealthier families. Now, you can take a tour of this subterranean world – it’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind vacation activity! Discover the pre-Roman history of the Etruscan culture in Orvieto. Not much is known about this ancient society, but traces remain throughout the town, and Orvieto is thought to be the lost ancient city of Velzna. You can visit the Etruscan necropolis, and see artifacts at the Orvieto National Archaeological Museum. Getting there: Orvieto is 2 hours by train or a 1-hour and 30-minute from Rome.

Tivoli

Head to the nearby Tivoli to see stunning Roman villas and gardens. Take a trip to Villa Adriana, which was the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s retreat from Rome, and eventually became his official residence. It was constructed late in the 2nd century AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Fans of BBC America’s Killing Eve may recognize Villa Adriana from the shocking Season 2 finale!). You have to visit Villa d’Este Palace and Gardens, which was the villa of Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este and was constructed in the 16th century. The villa’s architecture and grounds look like something out of a fairytale, complete with 51 fountains, 64 waterfalls, lush greenery, and marble statues. Getting there: Tivoli is a 1-hour drive from Rome.

Singita

Couples and groups of friends, or those traveling without kids, should visit Singita Miracle Beach. Singita is a beach club in Fregene, a town on the outskirts of the city of Rome. It’s known for its relaxed vibes, delicious food, and its sunset ritual. You can choose between outdoor beds or mats on the sand to rest on. There will be relaxing music and they mark sunset with a gong ritual. Then, Singita serves up a buffet for you to enjoy as the sun goes down. So head here for a chilled-out adults’ trip! Getting there: Singita is a 1-hour drive from Rome.

Santa Marinella

For a more family-friendly beach day, visit Santa Marinella. This beach can be super affordable, as it’s free to use your own towels to lie on the sand, but you should get there early for a good spot. If you don’t mind spending a little, it’s €10 for a bed and €10 for an umbrella, which might be worth it considering the hot Italian sun. There are lots of cheap eating options nearby, with local cafés selling pizza and coffee. Or, you could pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand! Either way, Santa Marinella is one of the best options for a budget-friendly family beach day. Getting there: Santa Marinella is 45 minutes by train or a 1-hour 10-minute drive from Rome.

In summary

So there are a few options for day trips from Rome, whether you want to see another city, historic ruins or to spend some time at the beach. Though there is so much to see in Rome, it’s definitely worth exploring a little further afield.

Save on admission

For the time you spend in Rome, you could save up to 47% on admission to top Rome attractions with a Go Rome pass.

Share your trip with us

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!