Tiber Island viewed from across the river

Rome in July

By Robert Heaney

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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Best Rome Souvenirs

A trip to the Eternal City is unforgettable for so many reasons: its world-class pizza, those beautifully preserved ancient monuments, romantic strolls through the gardens of the Villa Borghese. But, if your memory ain’t what it used to be, you’ll probably want a memento of your vacation to take home with you. Or maybe just a special gift for a loved one. Either way, we’re here to help, with our guide to the best souvenirs in Rome. Best Rome Souvenirs One tourist’s trash is another’s treasure and, like most capital cities worth their salt, Rome is awash with affordable trinkets and knick-knacks that will continue to bring a wistful smile to the face of their owners for many years to come. We’re talking those ubiquitous Vespa fridge magnets – available in every color under the Italian sun – and little ornaments in the shape of the Trevi Fountain, the Capitoline Wolf, the Mouth of Truth and the Pantheon. Chief among these is, of course, the Colosseum. There's seemingly no end to souvenirs related to the world’s most famous amphitheater. Keyrings, wine stoppers, mugs, t-shirts, tea towels, gladiator figurines, even snow globes – if you can think of it, it probably exists. What else? You can get rosary beads, crucifixes, jewelry and votive candles from the official Vatican gift shops in St Peter’s Square. Or, indeed, pick up the cheaper knock-off varieties elsewhere. You can even get an effigy of Pope Francis in bronze or marble. Or treat yourself to a more affordable plastic bobblehead Pope, though you’re unlikely to find the last of these in or around the Vatican itself... And sure, you could go shopping for expensive Italian haute couture along the exclusive Via dei Condotti, but who needs to get their threads from Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana when you can make like Pope Francis and head for Gammarelli instead? Opened in 1798, this shop sells a vast selection of ecclesiastical garments and is official tailor to the Pope himself. Pick up a pair of his famous bright red socks for yourself or for a relative, smug in the knowledge that these make a way better gift than the novelty ‘days of the week’ socks you send your dad every birthday and Christmas. Personalized Rome Souvenirs Nothing says ‘thinking of you’ like a gift you’ve had personalized for someone, and what could be more Italian than a piece of marble? These two things come together in perfect harmony at La Bottega del Marmoraro on Via Margutta, just round the corner from the Spanish Steps. On entering this tiny hole in the wall, you might legitimately feel like you’ve inadvertently stepped into the workshop of an ancient Roman craftsman: walls are festooned with inscribed marble slabs and statues and busts crowd the corners. Friendly proprietor Enrico Fiorentini will happily inscribe whatever message you like into a marble tablet, for the ultimate in personalized gifts. Prices for small tablets with short messages start at just a few euros and you’re guaranteed a high-quality souvenir for your dough. Pro-tip: give some thought to an inscribed saying or motto that will mean a lot to a friend or loved one and try not to leave with a stone reading, for example, ‘Gaz woz here 2022’. Liquid Gold Wine, glorious wine. Italy’s reputation for excellent vino is virtually unmatched, as anyone who has quaffed a chianti or guzzled a pinot grigio will no doubt attest. You’ll find fine wines just about everywhere here, from Tuscany to Puglia and Sardinia. But if you’re looking for something a little more local to Rome, try picking up a couple bottles of fruity red Cesanese, the Lazio region’s signature tipple, though certainly less ubiquitous than the (equally superb) local Merlot. Or grab some dry whites from Lazio’s Castelli Romani commune just south of the city. You’ll find these in any decent Rome wine shop, or at the Campagna Amica, a weekend market next to the Circus Maximus that deals almost exclusively in produce – including wine – from the Lazio region. Easily one of the best food markets in Rome, this is also the place to get your hands on authentic local oils. Think rich, velvety extra virgin olive oil, and earthy aromatic truffle oil. Pair with some fine balsamics for the perfect souvenir gift... to yourself, natch. Chocolate and Cheese While you’re there, why not really fill your boots and stock up on regional cheeses? Sure, you can also get these in Rome’s fantastic cheese shops, but what could be more authentic than getting free tasters straight from the farmer who made them? Pick your favorites and splash out on kilos of creamy buffalo mozzarella, pungent Pecorino Romano and soft, sweet ricotta. Your only challenge will be making it back onto home soil without scoffing the whole delicious lot. There’s also prosciutto, pickles, preserves and pasta galore to be found at the market, so you’re unlikely to go away empty-handed. Re: pasta, we strongly recommend buying yours here rather than succumbing to the short-lived schoolboy giggles promised by Rome’s ubiquitous packs of phallic pasta shapes. Trust us: no-one will be laughing when you inadvertently serve them up to the in-laws at your next dinner party. Prefer the sweet stuff? The Italian chocolate-making tradition is the stuff of legend, so expect to find dozens of places selling sweet treats. The best of these are to be found in the stores of genuine artisan chocolate producers, such as Moriondo and Garglio near the Pantheon. With almost two centuries of chocolate-making experience, you can be sure the quality is going to be high. Many of their chocs are made to traditional 19th-century recipes. Classic Rome Souvenirs Some of the best Rome souvenirs are also some of the simplest. How about some fine Italian leather, for example? The century-old Mancini store is just a hop and a skip from the Pantheon and stocks the briefcases and suitcases that made its name way back in the day, as well as belts, purses, wallets, and plenty more well-crafted accessories. Or seek out smaller, family-run leather shops, which may well be more willing and able to make bespoke items for you on request. Leather gladiator skirt and sandals, anyone? Meanwhile, the ceramics and glassware on display in so many shop windows and stall fronts around the city are not all destined to smash into a million pieces in your luggage on the flight home. For the good stuff – and we mean robust, good quality ceramics made by genuine artisans – dodge the tourist traps and make for Studio Forme, whose unique vases, plates, cups and ornaments are a color-popping cut above. Considered one of the very best souvenir shops in Rome, L’Artigianato on Piazza Navona is also great for ceramics... and so much more. Murano glass? Check. Designer Italian kitchenware and home furnishings? Yep, available right here. Chess and checker boards? You bet. Statues and busts of Roman emperors? Oh, go on then! 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
Hilltop town in Rome's seven hills
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Best day trips from Rome

Rome is like a lasagne – it’s a city of layers. It’s been buried and built on over the centuries, with so many statues, churches and monuments packed into its corners that will keep surprising you no matter how many times you come back. Despite that, it can be oppressive – it’s very hot and there’s a lot of stone and concrete about, so if you have time escape for a day and explore the regions and delicacies around Rome’s famous seven hills. Here are our best suggestions, from just outside the city centre up to a couple of hours away: The ancient Via Appia Antica Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli Hilltop views from Orvieto Lake Bracciano St Francis' Assissi The art and architecture of Florence Pompeii Cycle the Ancient Via Appia Antica All roads may lead to Rome, but they also lead away from it, so if your feet are getting a little cobble-sore swap them for a bicycle and head out to the Via Appia Antica – the old Roman road originally linking Brundisium (modern day Brindisi) to the capital. It’s an ideal choice if you’re in town on a Sunday (when the Vatican is closed), as it’s closed to motorized traffic. The entire road is 350 miles long but don’t worry, the most scenic bits are all in the first few miles from the visitor center, which is 15 minutes from Circo Massimo. Companies like Go City offer full day bike rental with map and helmet, so you won’t have any trouble finding the churches, monuments and catacombs along the way. Visit Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli Emperor Hadrian liked to get out of the city when he could, so follow in his footsteps and head to the Tiburtine Hills – although unlike Hadrian, you can take the train from Termini Station and be there in an hour. Hadrian also liked to build things, and along with the Pantheon and his very own wall he left a magnificent villa complex in Tivoli, complete with baths, temples, theatres and gardens. If ruins aren’t your thing, you could visit the nearby Villa d’Este, a 16th century palace. Its extensive grounds feature one of the earliest Italian renaissance gardens, and inspired the fashion in other European gardens for geometric shapes, fountains and ornamental statuary. Enjoy hilltop views from Orvieto 90 minutes from the city is the hilltop town of Orvieto, perched on an enormous volcanic rock and overlooking the hills around Rome. Take a cable car ride up to the Duomo (or walk and enjoy your lunch guilt-free), then climb the clock tower for 360 degree views of the surrounding hills. If you have a car – or a Vespa – you can take the long way home and meander through the rich agricultural regions of the Sabine Hills, sampling locally produced olive oil and truffles as you go. If not, you can still get your foodie fix by heading back to the city in time for a traditional pasta dinner by the Trevi Fountain. Lounge by Lake Bracciano If you don’t have time to visit the Alps, then the next best thing is a day trip to Lake Bracciano, an hour north of the city. A popular spot for canoeists, scuba divers and swimmers, the volcanic lake is protected both by the surrounding hills and its location within a national park, which restricts the number of motorized watercraft. Day-trippers can also visit the small town of the same name, and the medieval Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, which holds an impressive collection of medieval armour and weaponry but is perhaps more famous for being the wedding venue of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Go on a pilgrimage to Assisi Less famous but just as pretty as Tuscany is its neighbour, Umbria, where pilgrims and art devotees have been journeying for centuries to the Basilica di San Francisco in Assisi – some for the celebrated cycle of frescoes by Giotto, others to pay respects at the tomb of St Francis. Near the basilica, the town of Assisi has plenty of charm without the tourists, with narrow cobbled streets and lanes packed full of family-owned shops. Stay for a quiet dinner or head back for an evening walking tour when the crowds and the heat have gone down a bit. Marvel at the art and architecture of Florence Rome has its fair share of great masterpieces (most of them are in the Vatican and Capitoline Museums), but art lovers won’t be able to resist Florence, which had more artists-in-residence during the renaissance than any other city – a fact which is evident in its architecture as well as its impressive galleries. An early train will get you there to tour the Uffizi Gallery in the morning, leaving the afternoon to visit the Accademia or climb the Duomo. Finish the day with a self-guided walking tour that takes in the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza Della Signoria, where you can soak up the atmosphere over a cooling aperitif before heading home. Be immersed in the past at Pompeii Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, the city of Pompeii was only rediscovered in the 18th century, perfectly preserved by its covering of ash. As a result, almost everything we know about everyday Roman life comes from what archaeologists have discovered at Pompeii – which includes everything from vegetable gardens, bakeries and brothels to lamps, kitchen wares and even graffiti. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the ruins, but you’ll need to set off early to avoid being there in the middle of the day – there isn’t much shade in Pompeii. Once that’s done, you’ll have the afternoon free for hiking up said volcano, or you can backtrack to Naples for a pizza and spend the afternoon lounging on the beach with a gelato. Explore Rome with Go City Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can easily see a lot of it in that time. Whether you prefer ancient ruins, renaissance splendour or baroque fountains, with a Go City Explorer Pass you’ll save time and money with discounted tickets and priority entry – so be sure to have a look at what else the eternal city has to offer!
Karleen Stevens

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