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!

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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

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Market stalls on Campo dei Fiori in Rome
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Best Markets in Rome

Rome has enjoyed a fine marketplace tradition ever since Emperor Trajan first threw open the doors to his vast shopping and entertainment emporium way back in the Second Century. You can still visit the fascinating ruins of this ancient shoppers’ paradise on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end to the Colosseum. It’s well worth checking out for its well-preserved balconies, marble floors and remains of what would have been libraries and concert halls. Alas, Trajan’s Market is now a mere tourist attraction – albeit a very fine one – but most certainly no longer the place to source ancient Roman essentials like wheat, mead, togas, sandals, urns, mobile phone cases and fidget toys. No! For those, we must look elsewhere, so join us on a voyage of discovery through the modern city, as we go in search of the best markets in Rome... Campo dei Fiori Admittedly not quite as old as Trajan’s shopping mecca, Campo dei Fiori does hold the accolade of Rome’s longest-running market. It’s been operating here since 1869, and brings its riot of color, sounds and scents to this popular piazza every morning except Sundays. Back in medieval times, the square was a meadow filled with flowers, and the name Campo dei Fiori is a literal translation of this. Carrying that tradition into the 21st Century, you’ll find flower sellers hawking all manner of vibrant seasonal blooms here, from romantic Tuscan poppies to rainbows of gerbera. Follow your nose to the the foodie stalls where delectable homemade cakes, freshly baked breads and pungent Italian cheeses await. You’ll also discover some of the freshest local vegetables here, with purplish artichokes, huge porcini mushrooms and vibrant puntarelle (a variety of chicory) often the stars of the show. And if you’re not, ahem, in the market for raw ingredients simply grab a sweet cannoli pastry and espresso and enjoy the bustle of the market from the comfort of one of the cafés that line the piazza. Porta Portese Rummagers, get ready! Porta Portese’s Sunday flea market is the biggest in Rome, stretching for around a mile beyond its entrance, the forbidding ancient city gate that lends the market its name. Expect a little bit of everything here and in the surrounding streets and alleyways, from vintage Roma and Lazio soccer memorabilia to old vinyl records and CDs (expect a very strong showing from Italian best-sellers like Pavarotti, Zucchero and Andrea Bocelli). There are also – deep breath – retro comics and old newspapers, antique silverware, leather goods, mountains of clothes, kitsch movie memorabilia and, well, just about everything else you can think of. Sure, you might have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince here but, who knows, you might just walk away with that limited edition reproduction Luke Skywalker lightsaber you always dreamed of owning. Pro-tip: arrive early and bring your best haggling game (in Italian, if you can) to bag the best items at the lowest prices. Fontanella Borghese Bibliophiles, cartophiles, deltiologists and philatelists: this one’s for you. Also known as Mercato delle Stampe, this is the place for antiquarian books, maps, postcards and other printed ephemera. Dodge the tourist traps around the edges (cheap identikit prints from stall to stall are a dead giveaway), plunge in, and you might just strike gold. The piazza itself, tucked between via del Corso and the east banks of the Tiber, is an elegant place to while away an hour or two, with the stately facade of the Palazzo Borghese on one side and the University of Rome’s architectural school in a suitably striking building adjacent. San Cosimato Set on a pretty piazza in Rome’s laidback Trastevere district, San Cosimato is a favorite with in-the-know locals thanks to its farm-fresh produce and long history, with some stalls dating back 100 years or more. Here’s where to stock up on glistening just-caught fish, aromatic cheeses, vine-ripe tomatoes and piquant Tuscan salamis. There’s even a little book stall and a fab playground for the kids. More than just a market, this is a favourite place for Trastevere residents of all ages to congregate and catch up on the latest gossip. Look out for the stall with the longest queues of chattering locals: a sure sign that the produce on that one will be the very best. Borghetto Flaminio Sellers and patrons of Sunday’s Borghetto Flaminio Market would likely balk at their beloved vintage emporium being described as a flea market. And yet that, in essence, is what it is: second-hand goods hawked and haggled for inside an old bus depot. But this is no ordinary flea market, no sir! For here is where you can lay your hands on the finest cast-offs of Rome’s elite: all immaculate vintage fashions, sparkling antique jewelry and pristine accessories such as purses and scarves. So confident is Borghetto Flaminio Market in the quality of its finery that there’s even a small entry charge. And, indeed, once inside it comes over as more boutique pre-loved treasure trove than regular flea market with its associated tat, trinkets and trash. Campagna Amica Situated right next to the Circus Maximus, Campagna Amica Market is easily one of the best food markets in Rome. It trades exclusively in produce sourced from within 100 kilometers, which primarily means goods from local Lazio farmers. Fill your boots and get stocked up on the region’s finest wines and fruity extra virgin olive oils. There’s also pasta, prosciutto, pecorino and pickles galore here, so you’re highly unlikely to go away empty-handed. All this talk of food making you hungry? Grab a porchetta sandwich stuffed with warm, garlicky roast pork shoulder so juicy it fairly drenches the bread, then try telling the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verita) round the corner it isn’t the best thing you’ve ever tasted. Go on, we dare you! Christmas! A towering Christmas tree bejeweled with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights, the intoxicating aromas of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, and the sound of excited young children badgering beleaguered parents for this or that shiny trinket: Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional market. Rome’s contribution – a daily event on Piazza Navona through the festive season – is no exception. In addition to dozens of stalls selling candy, antiques and unique handcrafted gifts, you can expect street performers, a beautiful old-fashioned carousel, sigh-inducing nighttime illuminations, carol singers and oodles of Christmas cheer. Save on things to do 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
Things to do in Rome for a Birthday
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Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Having some birthday celebrations in Rome? Look no further than our exciting guide on what to do and what to see on the big day! Buon compleanno!
Dom Bewley
Tiber Island viewed from across the river
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Rome in July

If there’s any period best suited to discovering the eternal city in its prime, summer is most certainly it. Alongside its idyllic Mediterranean climate, world-class cuisine and stunning historical landmarks, Rome in July is veritably brimming with life, owing to both its huge tourism rates and its fantastic program of summertime events and festivals. Visiting Rome in July Average Temperature: 66 - 90°F • Average Rainfall: 3 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 11 hours/day With summer now in full swing, so too is Rome’s tourism scene. Though the Italian capital is never truly quiet, this is by far her busiest period. Though that does mean you should expect to queue for attractions and often book hotels, tickets and venues and advance, it’s also what gives the city its renowned buzz. Given the summertime climate of Rome in July, it isn’t tough to see why so many people choose the Italian capital for their summer vacation. With temperatures very consistently warm, near-constant sunshine and very little rain throughout the month, this is the perfect time for some outdoor city exploring or taking a load off on a traditional Italian terrace with a glass of vino in hand. Things to do in July Topping any Rome itinerary should be the eternal city’s poster monuments, some of UNESCO’s most famous World Heritage Sites. The iconic Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and offers insight into the dark entertainment practices of ancient Rome, while the Pantheon reflects the daily lives and core beliefs of a civilization long since passed. Much less well-known on the tourist trail are the remnants of the Roman Empire’s Egypt-mania phase, most notably the Pyramid of Cestius, the 120-foot resting place of the first-century BC Roman priest and magistrate, Gaius Cestius. Only slightly less loud are the Egyptian-style Flamanian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio, located on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio respectively. Aside from its ancient architectural wonders, chances are high that your initial mental image of Rome stems from the capital’s three most renowned and photogenic locations. These, of course, are the elegant Trevi Fountain, the wide Spanish Steps joining Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti and the beating heart of Roman Catholicism itself, Vatican City. Known for their stunningly picturesque architecture and the oh-so-Instagrammable photos they permit, these tend to be some of most tourist-packed locations in Rome at any given time. Those looking for a quieter, more genuine experience (and much better photo ops) should be sure to visit early in the day, ahead of the rising tourist crowd. To make the most of Rome’s idyllic weather, pack up a picnic of Italian treats and wine and head to one of Rome’s many open green spaces. Most central of Rome’s parks are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades and grassy banks of Villa Borghese, while one of its most romantic spots sits atop Pincio Hill, with balcony gardens overlooking the stunning city skyline. The 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. Should you find yourself with a little more time to spare during your trip, then summer is the perfect time to discover more of what Italy has to offer. With Naples, Florence and Pompeii just a short train ride from Rome, they each make for a perfect day trip to explore some of the country’s best culture, cuisine and historical sites. What's On in July Isola del Cinema Each summer, Tiber Island, located between Pons Fabricius and the Trastevere district, transforms into the magical Isola del Cinema, or Isle of Cinema. Over the course of several weeks throughout the summer period, the island becomes the epicenter of visual entertainment with a vibrant and evocative film festival dedicated to bringing to the limelight the best in Italian cinema. Inviting directors, actors, producers, screenwriters, musicians and film aficionados alike, the festival operates a vast program of outdoor screenings of great Italian films, alongside many critically-acclaimed international offerings from over 100 countries. Works on display typically include everything from full-length features and short films to virtual reality gaming experiences. Concerti del Tempietto Throughout summer, the ancient open-air Theater of Marcellus among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus comes alive with an historic Roman music festival. For roughly three months, the Concerti del Tempietto puts on an impressive program of concerts across a wide range of genres. Musicians both established and niche offer everything from classical concerts and opera arias to pop and jazz performances. Tickets to the festival typically include a guided tour of the archaeological park around the Theater of Marcellus, both in Italian and English, exploring the parallels between the venue’s modern day role and its original dedication to performing arts twenty centuries ago. Rock in Roma It wouldn’t be a European summer without the introduction of festival season. Rock in Roma takes place over multiple weeks and draws in thousands of rock fans of all shapes, sizes and nationalities to enjoy the stellar performances of some of the world’s biggest names in rock. Previous editions have included sets by the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phoenix and Marilyn Manson. Lungo il Tevere One of the most hotly anticipated festivals of the year, Lungo il Tevere (‘Along the Tiber’) attracts hordes of visitors keen to join in on its unique and exciting program of riverside events and activities. It isn’t difficult to notice when the festival comes to town, with the banks of the Tiber simply brimming with all manner of event stands, art installations and interactive exhibits. The event typically lasts the duration of summer, with a vast program of evening shows, performances, improvised theater and live music concerts by local bands at its core. During the daytime, though, the venue stands as somewhat of an interactive expo of art installations, unique photo ops and street arcade games like air hockey and foosball. Usually accompanying the festival is a market of local vendors selling all manner of wares, from vintage records to hand-crafted jewelry. Sometimes present at the market are the likes of tarot readers and petting zoos hosted by local animal shelters charities. The festival also hosts a number of pop-up restaurants, cafés and bars, offering cuisine and beverages both local and international.
Robert Heaney

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