Rome in August

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
The Parco degli Acquedotti at sunset

Carrying on the summertime buzz from July, Rome remains well and truly in its prime in August. Alongside its near-perfect Mediterranean weather, world-class cuisine and wealth of fantastic heritage sites, Rome in August puts on a great spread of seasonal events and festivals to add to its already renowned bustling and electric atmosphere.

Visiting Rome in August

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Average Temperature: 64 - 86°F • Average Rainfall: – days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day

As far as tourism goes, August is the big boy for Rome. Deep into the academic summer break, many families, couples and individuals alike flock to the eternal city to make the most of its unparalleled summertime charm. While that does mean you should be prepared for plenty of queueing and advance booking for top attractions and venues, it also lends itself to the city’s famous citywide buzz.

There are few better times than August to enjoy the very best of Rome’s idyllic Mediterranean climate. Combining near-constant sunshine with typically very warm temperatures and next to no rain throughout the month, this is a wonderful time for sunbathing in one of Rome’s many open green spaces or enjoying a glass of local wine on a traditional Italian terrace.

Things to do in August

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Just about any trip to the eternal city is simply destined to include its most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both the Colosseum, the world’s largest-standing ancient amphitheater, and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple, offer unique insights into the day-to-day lives and culture of the now long-gone Roman empire.

In much the same way, the whispers of Europe’s most influential historical empire can still be heard among the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the site of many key administrative buildings. The oldest remnants of the Roman empire can be found atop Palatine Hill, where Rome was first founded and the supposed site of the fabled Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth.

Equally central to Rome’s historical and cultural appeal is its status as home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism. Vatican City is simultaneously one of the world’s most lauded religious sites, the permanent residence of the Pope and the smallest country on the planet. Adding to that are the fact that it boasts the stunning artwork and architecture of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, alongside one of the world’s largest historical art collections housed within the Vatican Museums.

If you know anything about Rome’s top sites, though, then you’ll be well aware that some of its top sights are far more modern. The graceful sculpture work of the Trevi Fountain and the sleek Spanish Steps linking Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti offer some of the capital’s most sought-after photo ops for their iconic architecture.

With Rome’s weather currently at its finest, it’d be a shame not to spend a free day or two exploring and lounging in some of the city’s open, green spaces. Among the best of these are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades of Villa Borghese and the unparalleled views atop Pincio Hill, alongside the impressive display of international foliage living among the Botanical Garden.

Should you find yourself with a day or two to spare, the likes of Florence, Naples and Pompeii each make for a fantastic day trip. Just a short train ride away from Rome, these and other nearby towns all offer a fantastic opportunity to explore more of what Italy has to offer, from its world-renowned cuisine to its rich and diverse historical sites.

What’s On in August

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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.

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
Go City Travel Expert

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View of St Peter's Basilica from Janiculum Hill in Trastevere, Rome
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Is Rome Safe?

Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities, with over 10 million tourists being wowed by its ancient attractions every year. And, with so many bucket-list big hitters within easy walking distance of each other, it’s little wonder the Eternal City is so popular. We’re talking ancient sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus and the Capitoline Museums. Then there are the lush parks, the hills with their swoonsome panoramic views and medieval marvels like St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece. And, boy do the Romans know how to make great pizza, too! If you’re considering a trip to this most romantic of Italian cities, you’re probably also wondering how safe it is to visit. Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Read on for our guide to staying safe in Rome.   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. Safe travels, and grab a Rome attraction pass to make the most of your trip!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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
Dome of St. Peter's Basilica over the Rome skyline
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2 Days in Rome

One of Europe’s most popular city break destinations, the eternal city of Rome houses some of the continent’s most sought-after sights and attractions. As such, it can often seem overwhelming to try to fit everything in if you find yourself with only a short amount of time to explore it all. Fret not, though, as we’ve put together this brief guide to some of the city’s most lauded attractions to help you decide how best to spend your time. With this guide, we’ve gathered a selection of popular attractions that you should easily be able to cover with 2 days in Rome, alongside average visit times to help you draw up your ideal itinerary. Top Attractions Colosseum Renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum is easily one of the most globally-recognized icons. Once the site of many battles, re-enactments and theater performances in ancient Rome, this impressive venue serves as the world’s largest standing amphitheater. Average Visit: 1 hour Pantheon Another iconic UNESCO site, the Pantheon stands remarkably intact as both a former Roman temple and later Catholic church. Although famous for its pillared entrance and domed interior, the site’s main draw is the open oculus in the ceiling, permitting all natural light and weather into the vast space below. Visit on a rainy day for a true spectacle! Average Visit: 20 minutes Trevi Fountain If you come across any front-page photos of Rome, chances are many of them include this iconic fountain. Built upon one of Rome’s oldest water sources, at the end of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct, the elegant sculpture work of this fountain has undergone various transformations and reconstructions over the years to become the popular tourist hotspot we know today. As the local legend says, throw in a coin if you hope to return to Rome, or two if you hope to find love. Average Visit: 10 minutes Spanish Steps Alongside the Trevi fountain, this famous stairway joining Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti is most popularly photographed with the emblematic Trinita dei Monti Church looming at the top and the quirky Fontana della Barcaccia at the foot. Built between 1723 and 1726, the site now stands as one of the most popular photo ops in Rome, making it a particularly busy destination the later into the day you choose to visit. Average Visit: 10 minutes Roman Ruins Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Atop the most central of Rome’s seven hills sit the oldest ruins in the city. Considered the cradle of all Roman civilization, Palatine Hill is replete with ancient history, with an added flair of mystique given its fabled reputation as the site of the Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth. Once the center of many important social, political and religious activities in Rome, the Roman Forum was originally the site of a number of impressive and important administrative buildings. Located at the foot of Palatine Hill, visitors can stroll among the remaining ruins and columns, now mere whispers of their former glory in an era long since passed. Average Visit: 2 – 4 hours Pyramid of Cestius Though somewhat of a lesser known monument, the Pyramid of Cestius is nevertheless very much worth a visit if you can fit it into your route. Resting place to the once priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC, the understated site is a prime example of Egyptian influence in ancient Rome ahead of the Empire’s conquest of Egypt. Average Visit: 30 minutes Rome Catacombs Certainly not quite so mainstream as many of Rome’s most popular attractions, the Rome Catacombs are worth a visit for those with a penchant for the macabre. Over sixty subterranean passages stretch out for miles beneath the busy city streets, lined with the many skeletal remains of those who once walked them long ago. Though somewhat unsettling, these tunnels offer a unique insight into a more hidden side to the eternal city’s ancient history. Average Visit: 1 hour Vatican City St. Peter’s Square Think of the Vatican as a whole, and it’s likely that the first image in your mind is the impressive vista of its vast courtyard. Named after the apostle St. Peter, believed by Catholics to have been the very first Pope, the square stands as a stunning example of Italian Baroque architecture and serves as the site of several annual religious events. Average Visit: 20 minutes Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Founded during the early Sixteenth Century by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museums are home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art and historical artifacts. Comprising roughly four miles of exhibits housing everything from Egyptian mummies to Old Masters paintings, the museum’s impressively lavish halls intersect with the Apostolic Palace, the official residence to the Pope himself. Tucked away within the halls of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel houses perhaps the world’s best-known Catholic works of art. Though impressive enough in its vaulted, Renaissance-style architecture, the true jewels of the chapel’s crown are the renowned frescoes adorning the chapel’s ceiling, painted over the course of five years by the legendary Italian artist, Michelangelo. Average Visit: 2 – 3 hours St. Peter’s Basilica Among the many outstanding churches and religious sites spread throughout Rome, none quite match up to the glory of St. Peter’s Basilica. Consecrated in 1626 after 120 years of construction, the basilica’s cavernous interior houses three of Italy’s most lauded masterpieces – Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, his imposing dome, and Bernini’s baldachin standing over the high altar, itself placed atop St. Peter’s grave. Average Visit: 2 – 3 hours Getting Around To make the most of your two days in Rome, you’ll want to be able to fit as much as possible into your itinerary. Although most of the city’s top sights and venues are easily accessible on foot and within relative walking distance of one another, you may find yourself looking for quicker and more convenient means of getting around. Fortunately, Rome has a fairly extensive transport system covering much of the city. The fastest options are naturally the metro and tram services, but with only a small few serviced lines running through the city center, they aren’t always of much use to most tourists. Buses, on the other hand, operate a much more convenient alternative, with over 350 lines servicing over 8,000 stops throughout the city center and wider suburbs. However, most public transport in Rome tends to get rather busy at the best of times, let alone over the weekend. For somewhat of a more convenient, comfortable and entertaining means of getting around, a Big Bus Rome tour runs a main route passing by most of the capital’s top attractions, along with a hop-on, hop-off policy and optional audio commentary in several major languages
Robert Heaney

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