Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

Pay a visit to where some of your favorite films were set, walk in the footsteps of great characters and actors and feel transported to the silver screen from Rome!

UPDATED AUGUST 2024
By Dom Bewley
Movies Set in Rome

If you're considering visiting Rome this year but need more inspiration before you book, check out our picks of movies set in the city and get hyped!

Including:

  • The Bicycle Thief (1948)
  • Roman Holiday (1953)
  • La Dolce Vita (1960)
  • Gladiator (2000)
  • and more!

The Bicycle Thief (1948)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

 

The Bicycle Thief, also known as Bicycle Thieves, is arguably one of the greatest Italian films of all time. A film about poverty and struggle in the wake of the Second World War, it tells the story of Antonio Ricci, who's trying to find his stolen bicycle, which he needs to keep his job. Director Vittorio De Sica paints every frame with Antonio's fear and desperation, but also has plenty to say about the community. After World War 2, working-class neighborhoods in the Italian capital were hit particularly hard, and The Bicycle Thief captures the era and mentality perfectly.

Landmarks to look out for

Porta Portese Market: The bustling Sunday market plays a pivotal role in this neorealistic masterpiece.

Palazzo delle Scienze: Visit the location of a memorable scene involving the stolen bicycle.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

Featuring the late, great Audrey Hepburn in one of her most memorable performances, Roman Holiday is a timeless romantic comedy set in Rome. Hepburn stars as Princess Ann, a member of an unnamed royal family that's definitely not British, as she undertakes a tour of Europe to promote relations with neighboring nations. But there's just one problem: she doesn't want to be there. Sick of the lack of freedom her position demands, she escapes her room and explores Rome, meeting charming journalist Joe Bradley, played by Gregory Peck. From there, they both explore the city, and their growing feelings for one another, in a film that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside - just as any good rom-com should!

Landmarks to look out for

Trevi Fountain: Audrey Hepburn's iconic scene where she throws a coin into the fountain is a must-see.

Spanish Steps: Visit the spot where Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn enjoy an ice cream.

La Dolce Vita (1960)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita shows the other side of post-war Rome compared to The Bicycle Thief. Following gossip journalist Marcello Mastroianni as he navigates the high society of celebrities, it highlights how the rich and famous weren't affected by the same travails as more impoverished people over that period. Marcello's journey takes him on a journey of boozy parties, romantic trysts, and odd encounters that change his view of the world forever. It's a film that explores the pursuit of happiness in a world of excess, where nothing is ever fought for, and the worries of the lower classes aren't worries at all.

Landmarks to look out for

The Colosseum: Marcello Mastroianni's character takes a memorable stroll by this ancient amphitheater.

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola: The famous scene with Anita Ekberg in the Fontana di Trevi was filmed here.

Gladiator (2000)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

While Russell Crowe has slowly been making a name for himself with roles like Romper Stomper, LA Confidential, and The Insider, it was Gladiator that propelled him into superstardom. In what would be director Ridley Scott's first successful foray into historical epics (we don't talk about 1492: Conquest of Paradise because you've probably not even heard of it!), we follow the life and near-death of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who the newly-anointed Emperor - played with incestuous delight by Joaquin Phoenix - betrays. With his family dead, Maximus is enslaved and forced to fight his way to revenge. Winning multiple Oscars following its release, Gladiator is also credited as revitalizing the historical epic.

Landmarks to look out for

Roman Forum: Witness the grandeur of ancient Rome, a key setting for the film's epic battles.

Cinecittà Studios: Explore the studio where much of the film was shot and discover the magic of movie-making.

Angels & Demons (2009)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

Hey, this isn't a list of the best movies set in Rome! Enter Angels & Demons, the second film in the Tom Hanks/Ron Howard/Dan Brown cinematic trilogy. Hanks stars as symbologist and quasi-adventurer Robert Langdon in all three, as the character navigates author Dan Brown's twisty-turney thrillers. This time around, Langdon must race against time to solve a murder in the Vatican as he explores famous landmarks around Rome and deciphers clues. If that sounds fun and interesting, wait until you watch it. Brown's pulpy, addictive novels grace the shelves of every airport shop on the planet, but the films struggled to capture his breakneck sense of pace. Still, it takes place in Rome, so it makes it onto our list!

Landmarks to look out for

St. Peter's Square: Tom Hanks races against time in the heart of Vatican City.

Piazza Navona: A central location for clues in this thrilling Dan Brown adaptation.

To Rome with Love (2012)

Movies Set in Rome To Inspire Your Visit

Woody Allen's To Rome with Love is a whimsical ensemble comedy that weaves together various stories of romance, comedy, and existential exploration in Rome. Allen might be a controversial figure these days, but that didn't stop superstars like Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, and Penélope Cruz from jumping on board. The film is a collage of life and love for myriad people living in or visiting Rome, and features some of the city's most recognizable landmarks in the process. As with much of Allen's work, the film is a lighthearted exploration of love, art, and people's idiosyncracies, so if that sounds like your thing, check it out!

Landmarks to look out for

Villa Borghese: Stroll through the lush park where some of the film's comedic moments unfold.

Campo de' Fiori: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic square featured in the movie.

 

And those were our picks of movies set in Rome! With any luck, a quick watch will help inspire your visit and help you build a list of must-visit places! If you need any more inspiration, look no further than Go City! With our Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price! So grab a Rome attraction pass and save while you sightsee!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Detail from Michelangelo's Creation of Adam panel on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Blog

Best Museums in Rome

It goes without saying that Rome is one of the world’s finest open-air museums, with ancient temples, amphitheaters, monuments and Roman baths around almost every corner. Think the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus... we could go on. Here’s our selection of 10 of the best museums in Rome, to whet your appetite for a trip to the Eternal City. Galleria Borghese Set within the Villa Borghese’s lush landscaped gardens, the Galleria Borghese contains one of the finest art collections in all of Rome, with landmark pieces from Italian masters including Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini and Titian. Step inside this grand 17th-century Italian villa to marvel at works including Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne and Canova’s semi-nude Venus Vitrix, both sculpted from smooth Carrara marble. Don’t miss Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome and Titian’s controversial 16th-century masterpiece Sacred and Profane Love. Afterwards, rent a boat and paddle across the lake to see the 18th-century Temple of Aesculapius in close-up. Baths of Caracalla When in Rome, do as the Romans do... and head for the thermal baths. Though, admittedly, the Baths of Caracalla are more fascinating history lesson than relaxing spa day. In their heyday 2,000 years ago, the baths would have accommodated somewhere in the region of 1,500 bathers at a time. Discover the tepidarium, calidarium and frigidarium and admire well-preserved floor mosaics as you explore this vast 3rd-century complex, its honey-colored crumbling stone walls and soaring arches presenting dozens of fine photo opportunities. Vigamus From the ancient to the modern, Vigamus is Italy’s first museum dedicated to video games, their artwork and cultural legacy. Gaming addicts can view exhibits including an 8-bit computer once owned by legendary games developer Dino Dini as well as the original Doom master disks and other important historical artifacts from the gaming universe. Head to the VR room for immersive video game experiences and relive your youth on the retro Street Fighter and Space Invaders arcades. There’s even a shop, for all your Sonic and Mario souvenir needs. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel No visit to Rome would be complete without seeing the world’s most famous ceiling fresco. Inside the Sistine Chapel, tourists gaze heavenwards, jockeying for position to get the best shot of the Creation of Adam, the centerpiece of this mesmerizing work of High Renaissance art. But there’s way more to it than just this (relatively small) section, with eight further scenes from the Book of Genesis and several more biblical paintings, including a vast wall fresco behind the altar depicting the second coming of Christ. Astonishingly, Michelangelo completed some sections of this huge masterpiece in just one or two days. Tickets also get you access to the Vatican’s majestic halls, galleries and courtyards. Unmissable. Capitoline Museum It’s well worth the effort to climb the Michelangelo-designed steps up to the vast complex of museums on top of Capitoline Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a quite astonishing array of archaeological discoveries including ancient Roman statues and pottery, plus important sculptures and paintings from the likes of Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the statue of the Dying Gaul and the symbolic Capitoline Wolf, a bronze she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the mythical twin brothers who founded Rome. Though the wolf’s origins are disputed (possibly Etruscan, but arguably much later) she has called the museum’s Palazzo dei Conservatori her home since way back in 1471. Capuchin Crypt For bone-chilling experiences, the spooky crypts beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini take some beating. The five rooms include the Crypt of Skulls, the Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and the Crypt of Pelvises (complete with pelvis chandelier). Mummified hooded figures lurk in dark corners; in one room a skeleton on the ceiling clutches a scythe (also made of bone), in another a pair of mummified arms cross over each other in macabre representation of the Capuchin coat of arms. The ossuaries are said to contain the mortal remains of some 4,000 Capuchin friars. If a visit to this fascinating museum doesn’t cause you to reflect on your own mortality, perhaps nothing will. Leonardo da Vinci Experience Take a deep dive into the genius mind of the most celebrated sculptor, painter and engineer of the Italian Renaissance. This excellent interactive museum contains recreations of more than 50 of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, including flying machines, a bicycle, excavation equipment, weapons and a sewing machine, some of which you can even have a go at operating yourself. You can also get much closer to the Mona Lisa here than in the Louvre, with this and several other da Vinci paintings including The Last Supper and Lady with an Ermine presented in dazzlingly accurate reproductions, all painstakingly recreated by restoration artists from the Vatican Museums. Explora Rome isn’t exactly renowned for its child-friendly museums, so Explora – aimed squarely at under-12s – is a boon for beleaguered parents worn down by toddler complaints about ‘boring ancient stuff’. Several themed areas feature interactive, hands-on fun for the little people in your life, from train drivers’ cabins and fire engines to water play, construction areas and space for young inventors. Activities are grouped by age to ensure there’s something to entertain very young kids as well as pre-teens. We recommend booking in advance as Explora is, perhaps unsurprisingly, rather popular. Centrale Montemartini The temporary removal of a number of statues and sculptures from the Capitoline Museums to the Centrale Montemartini in 1997 became permanent when visitors responded positively to the juxtaposition of ancient Greek and Roman statues, busts and friezes against the industrial-age interiors of their new home. Here’s a unique opportunity to marvel at majestic wonders hewn from marble and stone set against the backdrop of huge pipes, engines, turbines and dials inside a former electrical power station. Truly one of the best museums in Rome. Castel Sant’Angelo Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum nearly 2,000 years ago, Castel Sant’Angelo is an imposing cylindrical edifice on the banks of the Tiber. It’s long and storied history has seen it used as a fortress, a prison and a papal residence. Today, mere mortals like you and I are able to visit this extraordinary museum, where a huge collection of paintings, frescoes, sculptures and military weaponry are displayed over seven floors. Suitably wowed by the opulent treasures within, head up to the castle terrace for some fresh air and far-reaching views across ancient Rome, including the picture-perfect bridge with its 10 angelic statues directly below. Save on the best museums in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
View over the Rome skyline
Blog

Things to do in Rome

Home to some of the world's most renowned cultural and historical sites, a visit to Rome is guaranteed not to leave you empty handed. Whether you're keen to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans or discover some of the impeccable craftsmanship of some of the city's top attractions, there's simply no shortage of fantastic things to do in Rome. Do as the Romans Did Ancient home to one of history’s most famous and influential empires, Rome is simply brimming with renowned historical sites and cultural hotspots. Taking pride of place, the iconic Roman Colosseum stands as the world’s largest standing amphitheater and boasts a deserved place among the seven wonders of the world. Once the epicenter of entertainment in ancient Rome, hosting all manner of battles, reenactments and plays, the site is now one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A similar reflection on the daily lives and pastimes of ancient Romans is the Pantheon. Rebuilt from the ashes of a former Roman temple during the second century, the site would continue to serve as a place of worship for many centuries to come, eventually transforming into a Catholic church. Another compelling UNESCO site, the Pantheon is most notable for its towering pillars and the open oculus in its ceiling, permitting both natural light and all weather into its domed hall. More pertinent whispers of the civilization long since passed exist among the ruins of the Roman Forum, now mere vague outlines of a formerly glorious and major administrative district for the city. Originally a marketplace, the site began to grow as the center of many important social, political and religious activities. Some of the city’s most impressive buildings and monuments stood here, still reflected in the imposing columns and architecture of the remaining ruins. As far as ruins go, there are none more pertinent in Rome than those built right at the beginning. Most central of Rome’s famous seven hills, Palatine Hill is widely considered to have been the cradle of Roman civilization. Credited in Roman mythology as the location of the fabled Lupercal cave in which the city’s supposed founding twins, Romulus and Remus, were raised by a she-wolf. Steeped in rich history and mysticism, Palatine Hill is home to the oldest ruins to be found throughout Rome. Somewhat lesser known but still rather remarkable are the remnants of Egyptian influence in Rome, most obvious of which being the impressive Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. Also worth seeing are the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Discover Vatican City One of the greatest draws of Rome is its role as the surrounding home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the world’s smallest official country, Vatican City. At its core, the Vatican attracts huge crowds of devout Catholics for its hugely significant role as the permanent residence of the Pope. Though its grounds are accessible year-round, the micro-country is often the center of many major religious events to take place in Rome. Around the likes of Christmas and Easter, the Pope himself delivers special masses and sermons open to all, though given their popularity, you’ll want to apply for a free ticket with the Vatican directly. While naturally very popular as a pilgrimage for devout followers, the city is also home to a wealth of astonishing architecture and expert artwork. St Peter’s Basilica, somewhat of a distant beacon for Rome as a whole, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Renaissance architecture, iconic in its arching dome and the impressive temple-style pillars at its entrance. Perhaps most famous of all, however, is the incredible craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel. While not quite so lauded for its exterior as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the chapel is known the world over for its spectacular vaulted ceiling, adorned with various famous frescoes by the legendary Italian artist, Michelangelo, including his most famous fresco, The Creation of Adam. Explore the City All roads may indeed lead to Rome, but it’s getting around once you’re there that might leave you stumped. Though the eternal city has a host of capable public transport systems for getting you seamlessly across town, there are some alternatives that can make your trip just that little bit more exciting. If you’d like a whirlwind tour of some of Rome’s top landmarks and attractions with the option to hop on and off at your leisure, then a Big Bus Rome pass could be ideal for you. Operating a primary route passing by the likes of the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo, tours also offer optional audio commentary in several major languages, brimming with cultural and historical insights into many of the capital’s most popular sights. If you’d like to truly live like an Italian, nothing beats swerving through Rome’s ancient streets on your own rental scooter. Besides being particularly well-suited to navigating some of the city’s narrower streets, they’re also typically very convenient to park and can be rented from vendors throughout the city. Average rental prices can range anywhere from € 30 to € 350 per day depending on the size, specs and classification of the vehicle. Most rentals will also require a rather hefty security deposit of several hundred euros. Among the most popular and reliable scooter rental operators are Eco Move Rent, Roma Rent Scooter and BigaBike. Take a Break Should you find yourself keen to get away from the bustle of Rome’s often busy streets, the city happens to be home to a number of serene, open spaces perfect for an Italian-style picnic or a leisurely stroll amid the city’s often idyllic Mediterranean weather. Most central of Rome’s parks are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades and grassy banks of Villa Borghese, perfect for escaping most of the traffic of the capital. Not wanting to be a one-trick pony, though, the space is also home to an arena used for equestrian events and an impressive art-house cinema, complete with three projection halls, exhibition spaces and an outdoor cinema during ideal weather. For some of the most impressive views overlooking the stunning city skyline, few spots can be considered quite as romantic as Pincio Hill. Though somewhat of a climb from Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find the effort to be more than worth it for the unique glimpse it will afford you over the likes of St. Peter’s and the Gianicolo Hill. Rome’s Botanical Garden easily offers the city’s most impressive collection of flora from around the world. Dating back to the 17th Century, the garden comprises roughly 30 acres of exotic plant-life, from the serenity of the Japanese Garden to the humid tropical greenhouse and the splendidly colorful Rose Garden.
Robert Heaney
Couple with umbrellas in front of St Peter's Basilica in Rome
Blog

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Not even Rome can escape the rain sometimes. But don't worry, there's still plenty to do that don't involve you getting soaked! Here are our suggestions to ensure you see the sights while staying dry.
Karleen Stevens

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon