Italian National Republic Day Air Show

Rome in June

By Robert Heaney

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

Image of Hat, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Sun Hat, Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Plant, City,

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

Image of Ruins, Person,

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

Image of Pollution, Smoke,

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.

Continue reading

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
View of St Peter's Basilica from Janiculum Hill in Trastevere, Rome
Blog

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. How Safe is Rome? First the good news: Rome is generally very safe, ranking 29th in The Economist's Safe City Index 2021, with a lower crime rate than many other Italian cities. Violent crime is rare here but, as with any large capital, there is of course an element of petty crime, with pickpocketing, bag-snatching and street scams all things to stay alert to. Car break-ins are also something of a problem but, unless you’re a fan of frighteningly chaotic city-center driving conditions and parking fees that constitute their own form of daylight robbery, we’d advise exploring Rome on foot and by public transport anyway. Inevitably it’s the tourists – especially those who look particularly disoriented, lost or otherwise hapless – who are most likely to be targeted by opportunistic thieves and scammers. Learning to spot the danger signs and taking a few sensible precautions should help ensure you enjoy a trouble-free break. Rome’s spring and summer seasons are a bonanza for the bad guys as tourists flock in to enjoy the balmy weather. You’ll find them plying their dubious trade in and around the major attractions, where crowds of distracted tourists make for easy targets. So keep your cash concealed at the Colosseum, your smartphone safe at the Spanish Steps and those precious passports in your pockets on Piazza Navona. Trains and train stations here are also fairly notorious for thefts, with those running to and from Fiumicino Airport having a particularly bad rep. Likewise the 64 bus which, thanks to a route that takes in many of the major attractions, is hugely popular with tourists. And therefore equally so with modern day Artful Dodgers. Meanwhile, residential neighborhoods including Corviale, Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina and San Basilio are probably best avoided, especially at night. A few basic tips that should stand you in good stead for keeping yourself and your belongings safe in Rome: Avoid carrying large sums of cash around with you. Don’t wave valuable devices like smartphones around or leave them out on café tables. Keep your bags zipped up and wallets secure in tight pockets. Be aware of your surroundings especially when using an ATM or your phone. The hotel safe is your friend – use it! Don’t give chase if you’re unlucky enough to have your possessions nabbed; instead report the incident to local police as quickly as possible. Follow these simple precautions and it’s likely the very worst thing that will happen to you in Rome is being on the receiving end of an earful from your waiter when you request pineapple on your pizza. Just. Don’t. Do. It. Common Scams in Rome Roman rascals are nothing if not inventive, and have devised any number of extraordinary techniques to part you from your belongings. Each and every one of these involves some element of surprise that’s designed to fluster and bamboozle you just long enough for the scammers to get what they came for before moving on to their next mark. Here are just a few of the scams to look out for. The map scam You’re sitting at a sidewalk café, sipping your espresso and contemplating a second pastry when – bam! – a passer-by slaps a huge paper map down on your table and asks for your help directing them to such-and-such attraction. When they lift the map to go on their merry way, they will also lift whatever was on the table underneath. Yep, that’d be the phone, the wallet and the various priceless family heirlooms you so carelessly left on display. Don’t bother trying to follow them either; it’s highly unlikely they were ever headed where they said. The freebie scam The scammer – usually a woman or child – approaches you in the street and tries to give you a ‘free’ rose, charm or trinket. Don’t fall for it: the second you take the item, that sweet little kiddie is going to change their tune and start loudly and aggressively demanding payment. There are many variations of this scam. Be firm, say no, and walk away with both cash and dignity intact. Dodgy dealers and ropey restaurants It may be more than 20 years since Italy adopted the euro but, remarkably, there are still some lira coins in circulation! They’re not legal tender of course but, due to the 500 lira coin’s remarkable similarity to the 2 euro coin, they've been given a whole new lease of life. Watch out for dodgy vendors handing out these impostors in your change. Watch out, too, for tourist rip-off restaurants who claim to have no menus. Order here at your peril: you’ll discover when the check arrives that what you expected to be an affordable sidestreet pizza has just cost you roughly the same as a 3-course dinner with champagne at The Ritz. Always ask to see a menu or price list before ordering and, if neither materialize, move on. Terrible taxis Rome’s official city cabs are white and metered. Inevitably, there are some unscrupulous drivers who, clocking a tourist, may ‘forget’ to start the meter in order to overcharge at the end of your ride. Or who will offer a flat fee that they know will exceed any meter reading for the distance you wish to travel. Don’t agree to this and always make sure the meter has been activated before setting off. Such instances are fairly rare though, and these white cars are by far the safest, most reliable way to travel if you need to take a taxi. It goes without saying that you should never get into an unlicensed cab, especially at night. These are unregulated and there is absolutely no guarantee you won’t be robbed (or worse) if you take one. So, is Rome safe to visit? Yes, it is. But does it pay to take a few basic precautions anyway, in order to ensure a vacation that’s memorable for all the right reasons? You bet! 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
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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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

    Thick check Icon