Rome in July

By Robert Heaney
Tiber Island viewed from across the river

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

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Head, Face, Male, Man, Happy, Laughing, Fountain, Water, Photography,

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

Image of Car, Person,

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

Image of

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
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Red Vespas parked in a line
Blog

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
Things to do in Rome for a Birthday
Blog

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
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, illuminated at dusk
Blog

5 Days in Rome

Packed to bursting with more household-name attractions than you could shake a very large scepter at, Rome is one big open-air museum. Think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and St Peter’s Basilica. And that’s just for starters. There are also lush green parks to relax in, hills to climb for sigh-inducing city views and, of course, all the authentic wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato you can eat. Spend five days in Rome and you’ll just about scratch the surface of this endlessly fascinating city, experiencing just enough of its atmospheric cobbled lanes, charming piazzas and ancient monuments to whet the appetite for a second visit. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city is staggering, making it difficult to know where to even start. Fear not though: our suggested 5-day Rome itinerary is here to help guide and inspire you. Day 1: Ancient Rome Bucket List Bonanza There’s no point beating about the bush: you came to Rome to snap a selfie in front of the Colosseum. Everything else is just gravy, right? So let’s dive straight in with a day one itinerary that takes in not just one, but four of Ancient Rome’s biggest hitters. First stop on your self-guided walking tour is – you’ll be pleased to hear – the Colosseum. Grab that much-anticipated snap then step inside to experience the largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheater ever built. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to imagine the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood in one of the deadly battles that were staged here on an almost daily basis nearly 2,000 years ago. Suitably roused, it’s onwards to the Roman Forum, the city’s ruined former heart, which contained markets, temples, brothels and more, then up Palatine Hill where, legend has it, Rome’s mythical twin founders Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf. Wildflowers grow among the ancient ruins atop this verdant oasis and there are excellent views of the Forum and Aventine Hill from one side, and the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and Capitoline Hill from the other. Not ready to throw in the towel just yet? Continue your walk to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spa complex that would have accommodated up to 1,300 bathers at a time back in the day. If you still have energy after that, you’re not a million miles from Aventine Hill, atop which stars of the show include the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and a keyhole through which you can view the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by perfectly manicured cypress trees. After all that, your first large glass of chilled pinot grigio will be richly deserved. Pro-tip: Go City’s Rome Explorer Pass includes an audio tour that covers part of this itinerary, taking in the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Day 2: Villa Borghese Footsore and hungover, you’ll be looking for something a little less taxing on day two of your 5-day Rome itinerary. Step forward Villa Borghese, Rome’s great green lung, packed with beautiful villas, gardens and monuments. Grab a picnic from the morning market on Campo dei Fiori – some salami, pecorino and fresh focaccia ought to fit the bill – and find a shady spot among the park’s towering plane and pine trees to stretch out, savor your lunch and enjoy some blissful Rome relaxation. Afterwards, pop by the Galleria Borghese, home of landmark works by Italian masters, including Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, and Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne sculpture in smooth Carrara marble. There’s also a temple, a slew of grand villas, several fountains and gardens, a lake and a puppet theater to explore in and around the park. The ever-popular Spanish Steps are tantalizingly close by, too, should you wish to tick off another of the city’s top attractions before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Trastevere For the third of your five days in Rome, head for the laidback Trastevere neighborhood. Just downriver from the Vatican, it feels a long way from the honking car horns of the city center, with oodles of atmospheric alleys, pretty piazzas and Instagrammable ocher-colored houses with painted shutters, vines that wrap around wrought-iron balconies and window boxes that burst with joyful blooms. Take time to visit the duo of stunning churches here. One of Rome’s oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has sections that date from the 4th Century, as well as a Romanesque 12th-century bell tower and incredible mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini’s masterpiece, a huge fresco depicting the Last Judgment, can be seen at the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, alongside several other fine medieval artworks. Climb Janiculum Hill for sweeping views along the Tiber to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and beyond, find your inner zen in the Japanese garden at the Botanical Gardens, and take in a little more art at the Palazzo Corsini where the collection includes fine pieces by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Reward yourself with an authentic artisan gelato – flavors in these parts range from traditional stracciatella to a somewhat more challenging artichoke sorbet – and stick around for evening, when Trastevere’s piazzas burst into life as locals come together for fine wine, delicious local craft ales and the best thin and crispy pizza this side of Naples. Day 4: Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo There aren’t many cities you can visit where you get two countries for the price of one, but this is one of them, and a visit to the Vatican City should be considered an essential part of any 5-day Rome itinerary worth its salt. You’ve spent the last three days snapping St Peter’s Basilica from various other vantage points around the city. Now’s your chance to get inside and see Michelangelo’s iconic dome up close, with its biblical scenes by Botticelli, Perugino and Michelangelo himself. The basilica also contains dozens of other works of fine art and sculpture, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini's vast bronze Baldacchino, as well as relics such as St Peter’s chair and tomb. And of course no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the planet’s most famous fresco on the planet. You can get a combi ticket for access to the Sistine Chapel as well as several other Vatican museums, including impressive collections of classical sculpture, modern art and more. Sure, there’s a lot to take in here, but if you arrived early enough it’s worth making time to pop over to Castel Sant’Angelo for a quick mooch around. This imposing cylindrical fortress was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago. It’s now a fantastic museum chock-full of frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, all topped off with far-reaching views across the Eternal City from the lofty castle terrace. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir Shopping Now’s the time to mop up any of those must-see attractions that you just didn’t have time to visit. Whaddya mean you haven’t thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain yet? Or enjoyed the uniquely mesmerizing experience of watching rain cascade through the Pantheon’s oculus during a downpour? Make time to grab some gifts for loved ones and a few souvenirs for yourself. We’re talking fruity Lazio region wines and olive oils, tangy pecorino cheeses and – naturally – armfuls of Colosseum keyrings, Forum fridge magnets, Vatican votives and Trevi Fountain t-shirts. Finish up with an atmospheric evening stroll through baroque Piazza Navona, pausing for a romantic selfie at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), before settling in at one of the local trattoria for wood-fired pizza and a few local craft ales. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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