The Parco degli Acquedotti at sunset

Rome in August

By Robert Heaney

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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Italian National Republic Day Air Show
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Rome in June

Waving off the final days of spring, Rome prepares to welcome the busiest period of the year. Ahead of the academic summer break and the waves of holiday-making families, many choose this month to experience all that Rome has to offer during one of its most idyllic periods. A trip to Rome in June comes packaged with glorious Mediterranean weather, a bustling city atmosphere and a host of hotly-anticipated seasonal events. Visiting Rome in June Average Temperature: 63 - 84°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Standing as the boundary between spring and summer, June is very much a period of transition for Rome. Throughout the month, the city waves off the final days of the spring shoulder season and beckons in the coming flocks of summertime tourists. Though Rome can rarely ever be considered quiet, owing to the largely evergreen nature of its most popular attractions, you can expect Rome to get a whole lot busier from June onwards. Come sufficiently early in the month, and you may just be fortunate enough to benefit from the final few off-season deals on airfare and accommodation prices. For the rest of June, though, the eternal city truly begins to fill up with visitors from across the globe, all vying for a chance to experience Rome’s unique blend of culture, cuisine and history. If you’re keen to join in on Rome’s famous bustling atmosphere, then this is the time to come. As summer rolls around, Rome’s renowned Mediterranean climate falls into place. Average temperatures flirt between pleasantly mild and comfortably warm, aided by regular sunshine and low rainfall. Whether you see yourself exploring the ancient city’s streets or sunbathing on a traditional Italian terrace, Rome’s weather in June is hard to beat. Things to do in June Known as the eternal city, Rome is widely popular for its vast collection of world-class historical sites. Most popular is naturally the Colosseum, one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world’s largest standing amphitheater. Also protected by UNESCO is the Pantheon, the maintenance of which permits visitors a remarkable window into daily life in ancient Rome. Second only to these lauded historical sites, Vatican City is one of the most popular sights in Rome. The beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is famous for being the permanent residence of the Pope and the site of the famous Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes continue to inspire onlookers. Also popular with many tourists is the expert Baroque craftsmanship of Trevi Fountain and the monumental Spanish Steps traversing the steep slope between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Around this time of year, these areas can get very busy during peak times, so it’s best to visit early in the day if you want to enjoy them in their more authentic state. Those looking to retrace the steps of Europe’s most notable historical empire can explore the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the site of important Roman governmental buildings. A similar site stands atop Palatine Hill, Rome’s most ancient area and the supposed location of the fabled Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth. For those with a taste for the dark and macabre, there’s a hidden underworld to Rome waiting to be explored. The Rome Catacombs comprise hundreds of miles of subterranean tunnels stretching far beneath the city, notable for housing the remains of thousands of ancient Romans. While much of Rome is easily accessible on foot, a Big Bus Rome pass offers an alternative means of getting around while giving your feet a likely well-needed rest. With its hop-on, hop-off policy and its main route passing by many key landmarks and attractions, accompanied by optional audio commentary packed with local insights, this is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to explore the city. What's On in June Republic Day On June 2, Italy celebrates its most important public holiday with the Festa della Repubblica, marking the anniversary of the formation of the Italian republic in 1946 and the resulting unity of previously fractured Italian states into one uniform nation. As a public holiday, many stores and services are likely to remain closed for the day. While some take the opportunity to kick back with a day off work, many flock to grab a seat along Via dei Fori Imperiali to watch the annual military parade, attended by all departments of the Italian military and their accompanying marching bands. One of the parade’s highlights is a flyover by the Frecce Tricolori, in which nine Italian Air Force aircraft soar overhead, leaving streaks of green, white, and red smoke in the sky. 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
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
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Getting Around Rome

You've likely heard it said that all roads lead to Rome, but how do you get around once you're there? Home to some of Europe's most impressive historical landmarks as well as one of the seven wonders of the world, it's no wonder that visitors flock to Rome from around the globe to explore all that the city has to offer. While much of the city center is fairly compact and its top attractions relatively easily accessible on foot, there’s a number of other options to help you get where you want to be much quicker. Below are details for all major means of getting around Rome to help keep your trip running smoothly. Metro Rome’s metro system leaves something to be desired when compared to many of the larger and more extensive transport networks in Europe, but it’s faster than most overground transportation. While comprising only three lines, the metro mostly services key parts of the city center, including the majority of its top attractions. Line A (orange) runs diagonally from the northwest to southeast and is most useful for visiting Vatican City, Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. It also stops at Roma Termini railway station, from which you can take a bus or train to both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, as well as to many other major cities in Italy. Line B (blue) runs from the northeast to the south, passing close by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. As with Line A, this line also intersects Roma Termini railway station. Line C (green) primarily connects the city center to the northern suburbs. For the most part, you’re unlikely to need to use this line unless you’re staying to the north of the city center. Urban Railway Rome’s urban trains, or Ferrovie Urbane, serve to complement the metro system and run under the same organization. Three lines extend the existing metro service to connect the city center to Lido, Viterbo and Giardinetti respectively. Operating Times Metro: Mon – Thu: 5:30AM – 11:30PMFri – Sat: 5:30AM – 1:30AMSun: 5:30AM – 11:30PM Urban Railway: Viterbo Line: 5:30AM – 10:30PMGiardinetti Line: 5:30AM – 10:30PMLido Line: 5:30AM – 11:30PM Exact service times will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as metro routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found at all metro stations. Information regarding the metro network can also be found on the official service website. Bus In stark contrast to the metro, the Rome bus network is incredibly extensive – sometimes overwhelmingly so. Over 350 lines comprise Rome’s public bus transport system, offering virtually around-the-clock services throughout the city. Servicing over 8,000 stops, the bus network provides the most precise and widespread mode of public transport in Rome. The network isn’t without its faults, though. Given the nature of buses and the often extremely busy metropolis that is Rome, services can often be delayed by traffic and the buses themselves can get fairly crowded during peak times. Even so, as long as you aren’t in any major rush and can bear the sometimes cramped conditions, Rome’s buses are your best bet for getting where you want to go. The network comprises four types of buses, identified by the letter beside their service number. Urban (U) lines make up the majority of services within and without the city center. Express (X) lines typically service the outskirts of the city and offer a quicker turnaround on long journeys. Exact (E) buses serve to connect the city center with the surrounding neighborhoods. Night (N) buses operate in the early hours before the other lines begin their service. Operating Times Day Buses (U/X/E): 5:30AM – 12:00AMNight Buses (N): 12:00AM – 6:00AM Exact schedules will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as bus routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found on each bus stop. Information regarding the entire bus network can be found on the official service website or via its Apple and Android apps. Big Bus Entirely unaffiliated with Rome’s primary bus network, a Big Bus tour is one of the best ways to get between some of the city’s top attractions. The tour passes by the likes of the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, accompanied by optional pre-recorded commentary in nine different languages offering local insights for each important location. You can choose a ticket covering one, two or three days, allowing you to explore the city center at your own pace. Depending on your personal itinerary, this could potentially be all the transport you need during your trip. Visitors can hop on and off at their leisure or sit tight for a whirlwind tour of some of the capital’s best touristic offerings. Operating Times Termini Station: 9:00AM – 5:19PMPiazza Barberini: 10:19AM – 6:42PM Operating times may vary from time to time. Be sure to consult the Big Bus Website or Apple and Android apps for more up-to-date information. Trams Although more extensive than the metro service, operating a total of six lines, Rome’s trams aren’t usually of much use to tourists. Very few routes offer a viable means of getting between tourism hubs, but may still be useful if they stop close enough to your accommodation. Among the six available services, Line 8 between Torre Argentina and Trastevere is likely the only potentially useful one to most visitors. Operating Times Daily: 5:30AM – 12:00AM Exact schedules will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as tram routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found at each tram stop. Information regarding the tram network can be found on the official service website. Taxis As with most destinations, taxis offer one of the most convenient means of getting around Rome. Officially licensed taxis are all white with a rooftop taxi sign and Roma Capitale printed on the front doors along with the taxi’s license number. While you can hail a passing taxi, it’s often cheapest to wait by a taxi rank. You can also call for a taxi directly, though this will typically be more expensive. Rome’s taxi drivers unfortunately have somewhat of a tarnished reputation for overcharging both tourists and locals alike, so it’s useful to have an idea of what you should be paying. Above all, you should always choose to pay a metered fare rather than an arranged price, except for airport and train station transfers which should always be the same price. Taxi Rates Min. Rate Mon – Sat: € 3.00Min. Rate Sun: € 4.50Min. Rate Night: € 6.50Journey Rate: € 1.10 – 1.60/km To/From Fiumicino Airport: € 48.00To/From Ciampino Airport: € 30.00To/From Termini Station: € 8.00 – 15.00 Telephone Reservations Radio Taxi: 06-3570Pronto Taxi: 06-6645Taxi Roma: 06-5551Taxi Tevere: 06-4994 Note that when ordering a taxi by phone, the meter will be turned on immediately from wherever the driver receives the call. You’ll be charged for the driver’s initial journey to your location on top of the rate for your own journey, as well as a € 3.00 reservation charge. Scooter While driving a car around Rome isn’t typically recommended, scooters and motorcycles offer one of the quickest ways for capable drivers to get around the city. Aside from being better for navigating the busy streets of the Italian capital, they’re also much more convenient to park and can be rented from various locations around the center. Most of the city’s historic center is closed to unauthorized traffic between 6:30AM and 6:00PM on weekdays, as well as between 11:00PM and 3:00AM on Friday and from 2:00PM to 6:00PM on Saturday. A number of Limited Traffic Zones also operate in various parts of the city. Be sure to consult official information surrounding these zones for permit and access details. 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.
Robert Heaney

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