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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A cobbled street full of typical ocher-colored houses in Trastevere, Rome
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Things to do in Trastevere Rome

Just downriver from the Vatican, Trastevere shares with its ecclesiastical neighbor a distinctly different flavor to the rest of Rome: quieter, less hectic and, well, more Trastevere. Not for this laid back neighborhood the impatient car horns and frantic bustle of via del Corso, the chaotic crowds that plague the Trevi Fountain or the tat-toting tourist traps hawking trashy trinkets. No: the pace of life in Trastevere is far more gentle – well, during the day anyway (its lively nightlife is part of its enduring charm). Wander this medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes, piazzas and hidden squares and you’ll soon feel a world away from Rome’s chaotic center. This in spite of Trastevere being a mere half an hour’s walk from bucket-list Rome attractions including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Spanish Steps. But, trust us, Trastevere is another essential addition to your itinerary of must-sees when visiting the Eternal City. Without further ado then, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Trastevere Rome. Fill Your Instagram Feed Trastevere is a neighborhood that just begs to be photographed. And it’s easy to while away a few hours just strolling its atmospheric alleys, pausing to people-watch over espresso and cannoli in cobbled piazzas, and snapping its achingly photogenic medieval churches, brightly painted window shutters, quirky cast-iron door knockers and that ubiquitous Rome style icon, the strategically positioned Vespa scooter. Washing hangs from balconies across narrow lanes where ocher-colored houses fairly drip with ivy and flower-crammed window boxes pop with bright blooms. Heck, even the graffiti here looks great on Instagram! Get snapping! Have a Religious Experience Did you know Rome has close to a thousand churches? Well, you do now. Better still, every single one of them is free to visit: great news for art-lovers and aficionados of fine architecture. And, boy, does Trastevere have some beauties! The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest, with parts dating back to the 4th Century, and many of its finer features dating from medieval times, among them a striking 12th-century Romanesque bell tower and beautifully preserved religious mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Visit the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere to view Cavallini’s huge Last Judgment fresco, considered by many to be his masterwork, and see the Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, a baroque marble statue by Renaissance sculptor Stefano Maderno. Climb the Janiculum At 88 meters, Janiculum Hill is the second highest in Rome (after the soaring Monte Mario). Pack some piquant Italian salamis, freshly baked focaccia, a wedge of pecorino and that all-important bottle of barolo and reward yourself with a picnic overlooking the city when you reach the summit. It’s around a 25-minute walk (or 5 minutes in a cab) from Trastevere to the top. Take in those majestic views of St Peter’s and the Eternal City as you lunch, then have a stroll round the various attractions up here. Don’t miss the imposing statue of Garibaldi on horseback and the monumental 17th-century fountain with decorative marble carvings of dragons and eagles, the Borghese family emblems. Time your visit to catch the daily cannon fire at noon, a tradition that dates back to 1847. Have a Gelato on Piazza Trilussa A favorite place for locals to meet and mingle, Piazza Trilussa is a bustling small square that overlooks Ponte Sisto and the Tiber. Grab yourself an authentic gelato from nearby Otaleg! (yep, that’s ‘gelato’ written backwards) where the rainbow of unusual flavors includes kiwi, mango with chocolate and, um, an artichoke sorbet. Slurp slowly from the excellent people-watching vantage point that is the piazza’s monumental fountain, before taking a stroll across the medieval bridge. Visit the Museo di Roma The Museo di Roma in Trastevere is set inside a converted 17th-century Carmelite convent with a picture-perfect apricot-colored facade. Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art and artifacts relating to the Eternal City. As well as historical scenes lovingly recreated in life-size – one depicting boozy revelry at a local inn being a particular highlight – visitors can expect exhibitions that focus primarily on Roman life in the 18th and 19th centuries, with stories told through the eyes of local artists. Chief among these is 19th-century watercolor maestro Ettore Roesler Franz, whose many works of disappearing urban and suburban views are well represented here, providing a fascinating insight into the rapid development of the city in the late 1800s. Relax in the Botanical Gardens There are more than 3,000 species of plants to explore at the Orto Botanico, set on the slopes of Janiculum Hill overlooking the baroque 17th-century Palazzo Corsini. This peaceful oasis feels a million miles from the bustle of the city – stroll among the bonsai trees and trickling waterfalls in the ultra-zen Japanese Garden and you’ll soon see what we mean. There’s also a sensory garden, a rose garden, several greenhouses containing tropical plants, and a fine bamboo grove sited next to a section of the city’s ancient Aurelian Walls, built way back in the 3rd Century. Hop over to the Palazzo Corsini afterwards to view its collection of artworks by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Hunt for Flea Market Treasure Porta Portese’s Sunday flea market is the biggest in Rome, stretching for around a mile from its entrance at the imposing city gate that gives the market its name. Incurable rummagers are in for an absolute treat here, where with the right amount of dedication to the hunt and an expert knack for haggling, you might just walk away with that rare 1994 Judge Dredd comic that’s eluded you all these years. But be warned: there’s an awful lot of trash here, too. Mountains of it, in fact. So be prepared to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Above all though, have fun! Pro-tip: take cash with you as stallholders here generally don't accept credit cards. Enjoy the Fabulous Trastevere Nightlife Trastevere really comes to life at night, as locals hit the piazzas for pizza, beer and a catch-up. Wood-fired, wafer-thin, ultra-crispy and hot from the oven, the pizza in Rome is – perhaps unsurprisingly – among the best on the planet. Locals swear by Pizzeria ai Marmi, a Trastevere institution with huge marble tables and a smattering of outdoor seating. Choose your toppings and get stuck in, but note that Romans consider pizza a meal for one. Trading slices is fine, but ask for a single pizza between two at your peril! Trastevere also has some great bars serving up fine local craft ales: dodge the ubiquitous Peronis and Morettsi and head to Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà on Via Benedetta for its ever-changing selection of artisanal ales. Just across the lane, Bir & Fud offers more of the same, with a side order of excellent, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza. The best of both worlds. Save on things to do in Trastevere 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
St. Peter's Basilica viewed from St. Peter's Square
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Rome in March

As the clocks prepare to jump forward, Rome is propelled into one of its most eventful months of the year so far. From religious festivities to athletic events, the city takes on a whole new buzz throughout this period. Between the newfound electric atmosphere and more pleasant springtime weather, Rome in March has plenty to offer. Visiting Rome in March Average Temperature: 43 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day Spearheading the beginning of spring, March stands to many as one of the truly best times to visit Rome. Though still in its low season with much of the capital remaining relatively quiet by tourism standards, a number of events see Rome take on more of a charged atmosphere throughout the month. What that typically means is that, outside of large event days, many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks should be relatively straightforward to visit and absent of too many crowds. On top of that, visitors throughout this period can usually benefit from off-peak airfare and hotel rates, sometimes making for quite the substantial discount against high-season summertime prices. To further sweeten the pot, March typically sees the weather in Rome begin to improve significantly. Temperatures throughout the month tend to range from comfortably cool to rather warm, and while you’d be best advised to pack an umbrella for the relatively high likelihood of rain, you’ll most likely be treated to largely clear, sunny days throughout most of your trip. Things to do in March No trip to Rome is ever complete without touring some of the ancient city’s most lauded historical landmarks. The famous Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and provides a window into the gory pastimes of the lost civilization, while the Pantheon remains a marvel of religious architecture. While you’re at it, be sure to take some time to explore the world’s smallest country with a jaunt into Vatican City. Despite its mere 0.2-square-mile footprint, the site is home to some of the most stunning and historically-rich buildings on the planet. As the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican boasts the masterful architecture and artwork of the Sistine Chapel, as well as one of the world’s most precious historical collections within the Vatican Museums. For some stellar photo ops, make your way to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, where the smaller crowds of Rome in March should hopefully allow you the freedom to snap that perfect shot. But if you’re looking for something a little different, the likes of the Pyramid of Cestius and the ruins of the Roman Forum make for some slightly more niche photos. If you find yourself with enough time during your trip, why not try to fit in a little more of Italy? Destinations such as Naples, Florence and historic Pompeii serve as a fantastic opportunity to experience more of the country’s celebrated history, architecture, cuisine and culture. Sitting only a short train journey from Rome, they each make for a great day trip away from the capital. For those with a taste for the macabre, there’s somewhat of a darker and lesser-seen side to the Italian capital. The Roman Catacombs, for example, are a set of over sixty subterranean passages running for miles beneath the city, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletal remains of a civilization long since passed. In the same vein, the Capuchin Crypt is a small space located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, adorned with the skeletons of thousands of Capuchin friars buried by their order in centuries gone by. What's On in March Easter As the proud home to one of the world’s most important religious sites, it should come as no surprise that Rome takes its Catholic celebrations very seriously. Thousands of faithful pilgrims make their way to the Vatican each year to join in what may be the most significant Easter celebration on the planet, complete with a full program of masses, processions and traditions overseen by the Pope himself. While Vatican events are entirely free, those interested should be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Throughout the Easter period, many retailers, bakeries and cafés throughout Rome offer up a whole host of festive fare. Most common among these treats is colomba, a traditional dove-shaped cake made from a soft dough, not too dissimilar to panettone more commonly eaten around Christmas time. Somewhat ironically given the brief influx of visitors is the fact that Easter is one of the few times when Rome is almost completely empty. With most visitors and locals alike taking part in celebrations at the Vatican or at home, this is the perfect opportunity for those with less of an interest in the holiday to enjoy some of the city’s often busiest attractions and venues at their quietest – most of which remain open throughout the Easter period. Festa della Donna Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, Italy’s Festa della Donna sees Rome in bloom with bright yellow Mimosa flowers in honor of its female population. The day serves as somewhat of a more Italian Valentine’s Day, with many men traditionally treating their partners to dinner and a bunch of pretty Mimosas. Many women also take the day as an opportunity for a girls’ night out, gathering for dinner and drinks and often dressing fittingly in all yellow. A staple of Roman life for the best part of a century (or even longer, depending on who you ask), the Festa della Donna serves to recognize women’s day-to-day efforts and sacrifices. St. Patrick’s Day Second home to all manner of expats from around the world, Rome makes sure to put on a show for some of the year’s most popular international events. Early on March 17, one or more of Rome’s central churches will host a mass in honor of Ireland’s patron saint for the city’s growing Irish population, and many venues throughout the city host special events throughout the day (many alcohol-related). If you’re looking to celebrate in true Irish fashion, you’ll want to make your way to one of Rome’s Irish pubs to sink a few pints of Guinness with your fellow visitors and expats. Some of the most popular venues include The Druid’s Den, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Finnegan’s and Scholars Lounge, most of which have live bands playing traditional Irish ditties through to the wee hours of the morning. As you stumble between pubs or back to your hotel in the evening, keep your eyes peeled to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks bathed in a lush Irish green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening marketing campaign. Having now run for over a decade, this campaign has in previous years seen the likes of even the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column don their Irish jackets for the day. Run Rome Marathon Get your training shoes ready and lumber up ahead of your trip to Rome in March for one of the world’s most stunning marathons. Each March, Run Rome draws in hundreds of Romans and visitors alike for an exhilarating 26-mile exploration of the eternal city. The course takes avid athletes on a whirlwind tour across the antique cobblestones of Rome, beginning by the Colosseum and continuing along the Fori Imperiali and through St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Passing by many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a ticket for the Run Rome Marathon means admission to a rare open-air museum available only to the athletically ambitious.
Robert Heaney
Ruins of the Roman Forum
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Rome in April

With the clocks now long since turned forward, the Italian capital embraces a season of fertility. As the country’s agriculture moves into second gear, so too does the influx of tourists to the eternal city. Between its bountiful springtime delicacies, charming weather and renowned historical hotspots, a trip to Rome in April is nothing if not a true seasonal delight. Visiting Rome in April Average Temperature: 46 - 68°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day With springtime now in full swing, the city of Rome really comes into its own. Famous capital of one of Europe’s most agriculturally bountiful countries, Rome in April comes into full bloom with all-new, fresh seasonal produce throughout its restaurants and stores. For those chasing a genuine taste of Italian culture and cuisine, this is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit. While you’ll just about never see Rome in any state of quiet, its evergreen attractions bringing in everlasting appeal, April stands as one of the final months of the city’s tourism shoulder season. As summer draws closer, so too do the waves of peak-season tourists. Those choosing to get their Roman fix ahead of time will often therefore be rewarded with reduced airfare and accommodation rates, occasionally at somewhat of a significant discount against summertime prices. Throughout spring, Rome finally begins to truly embrace its famed Mediterranean weather. Though the lows can still be somewhat chilly, the highs make for some very pleasant days of exploring the ancient city or lounging on a traditional Italian terrace, and some pretty consistent sunshine only sweetens the pot. Contrary to the popular idiom, you can probably expect sunshine and rainbows during your stay, with rainfall likely on at least a couple days per week. Things to do in April It’s unlikely that you’d be taking a trip to the eternal city without making the rounds of its most famous landmarks and attractions. Explore the vastness of the Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheater, alongside the remarkably intact architecture of the former Roman temple known as the Pantheon. Somewhat more reflective of a civilization now long since passed, the Roman Forum houses the bare ruins of a number of important government buildings, now mere specters of their former glory. Palatine Hill, in much the same way, is home to the most ancient part of Rome on the most central of the city’s seven hills, said to be the location of the fabled Lupercal cave. Among the most photogenic landmarks in Rome include the astonishingly intricate Trevi Fountain, with its enormous 160-foot wide footprint, as well as the wide, eighteenth-century Spanish Steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti. The attractive craftsmanship of these architectural icons make them very popular with tourists as both great photo ops and delightful places to take a break from the bustle of the city. Equally remarkable but comparatively underrated are the likes of the 120-foot tall Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. The site is a prime example of Egyptian influence in Rome in the wake of the empire’s conquest of Egypt in 30 BC, alongside landmarks such as the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Those with a taste for the dark and macabre may enjoy exploring somewhat of a literal underside to the famous ancient city. Stretching for miles beneath the streets of Rome, six of the Roman Catacombs are open for public tours, lined floor to ceiling with skeletons dating back almost 2,000 years. What's On in April Spring Festival Each year in April, Italy bursts into celebration of the spring season with the Festa della Primavera, or Spring Festival. Typically running through to June, the country organizes all manner of seasonal events and activities in an historical tradition honoring agricultural fertility. Throughout Rome specifically, signs of the springtime festival are hard to ignore. Alongside glorious floral displays at the Orange Garden and Rose Garden on Aventine Hill, the Spanish Steps erupt with the flaming tones of pretty pink azaleas. Rome also organizes a vast program of events to take place throughout the season, from art fairs and street markets to diverse exhibits and installations throughout the city. Theater shows, concerts and sporting events often join in on the fun, while a variety of activities and entertainment also tends to sprout up along the banks of the Tiber. Birthday of Rome On the closest Sunday to April 21, widely considered the anniversary of Rome’s foundation in 753 BC, the ancient city jumps back in time as the streets are taken over by hundreds of historical re-enactors from across the continent in one of the season’s most locally-anticipated events. Parading through the historic streets of the city center, attendees come dressed in historically accurate costumes from various eras of Ancient Rome. The procession typically takes place between 10 AM and 4 PM, accompanied by a variety of re-enactments, historic events and activities throughout the city, often followed by an impressive light show and fireworks display. Romanesco Artichoke Festival Held each year in the nearby coastal city of Ladispoli, the Romanesco Artichoke Festival typically takes place over several days in mid-April in celebration of some of the region’s most traditionally lauded seasonal produce. The humble Romanesco artichoke was a staple of peasant diets for centuries, before becoming widely cultivated around Rome in the wake of the Second World War. Since the war, the typically sleepy seaside resort of Ladispoli now serves as the epicenter of the artichoke industry for one week each spring, blossoming in celebration of the popular crop. Throughout the festival, the city hosts an impressive program of events, including a traditional conference on the economics and cultivation of the artichoke, an artichoke-based cooking contest, sporting events and cultural activities, often accompanied by live music. Fried artichokes are often handed out to attendees, while many local restaurants serve special, fixed menus throughout the season featuring an assortment of artichoke-based dishes. Elaborate artichoke sculptures line the city streets in every imaginable arrangement, with a prize awarded to the most creative piece. Other such artichoke-centered festivals also take place in other Italian towns around April, but the Ladispoli is easily the biggest and most important of them all. The Romanesco Artichoke Festival is well worth visiting for those keen to explore a niche yet exciting aspect of Italian culinary culture.
Robert Heaney

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