Rome in September

By Robert Heaney
Rome's Colosseum among lush green trees

Seeing out the final glorious days of the Roman summer, the eternal city greets the last few waves of peak-season visitors in search of their own taste of authentic Italian culture, cuisine and history. Thousands flock to enjoy the veritable Mediterranean paradise of Rome in September exploring its world-renowned monuments, sampling its many culinary delights or joining in on some of the month’s largest summertime events.

Visiting Rome in September

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Average Temperature: 61 - 81°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day

With the academic summer break just about over and many families and holidaymakers alike returning home, September begins to see out the final days of Rome’s tourist high season. That certainly isn’t to say that Rome is by any means quiet throughout this month, though, as the final days of summer also stand as some of the most bustling of them all.

This period is most popular with individuals and couples making the most of summer following the peak waves of tourism in months prior. For the most part, Rome maintains its very much renowned electric atmosphere throughout September, owing in part to the vast program of events taking place throughout the period. As such, you can still expect a good deal of queueing and high-season airfare and hotel rates for the privilege of experiencing the eternal city in its prime.

No doubt a significant factor in this maintained flow of visitors is the city’s idyllic Mediterranean climate. With near-constant sunshine, relatively sparse rainfall and temperatures remaining reliably warm throughout the month, September is just as good as the rest of summer for taking a load off in one of Rome’s many serene outdoor spaces or enjoying a refreshing glass of local vino on a traditional Italian terrace.

Things to do in September

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Whether your itinerary is jam-packed with activities or a more laid-back exploration of this Mediterranean capital, any trip to Rome would be incomplete without exploring its poster UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Colosseum, now the world’s largest standing amphitheater, and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple, both offer unique insights into the daily lives and customs of one of Europe’s most historically influential empires.

Close second to these renowned monuments is Vatican City, famously the beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the permanent residence of the Pope. What makes this tiny nation truly remarkable, aside from its status as the smallest country in the world, is the world-renowned craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the iconic and sprawling St. Peter’s Square.

As far as popular sights go, few in Rome have quite as much of a reputation as the likes of Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, connecting Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Despite – or perhaps because of – the apparent serenity and highly photogenic nature of these landmarks, they tend to get particularly crowded at peak times, so be sure to visit early in the day to snap that perfect shot.

Those on the hunt to soak in as much culture and history as possible should make their way to the Roman Forum, once the site of many important administrative buildings in ancient Rome, now reduced to mere whispers of their former glory. For some truly ancient history, Palatine Hill stands as the cradle of Roman civilization, housing the city’s oldest ruins and maintaining an air of mystique with its fabled reputation as the site of the Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth.

What’s On in September

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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.

Romaeuropa Festival

One of the largest cultural events to take place each year in the Italian capital, Romaeuropa brings together hundreds of artists across a wide range of disciplines and from a variety of countries to help put together an impressive program of dance, music, theater, circus and digital arts performances.

Over the course of several months, Rome becomes the true cultural epicenter of Italy, with artists both established and upcoming sharing their multidisciplinary talents and passions for thousands to enjoy. Performances tend to range from classical compositions to cutting-edge technological displays, covering just about the whole spectrum of the modern performing arts.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Rome

Home to some of the world's most renowned cultural and historical sites, a visit to Rome is guaranteed not to leave you empty handed. Whether you're keen to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans or discover some of the impeccable craftsmanship of some of the city's top attractions, there's simply no shortage of fantastic things to do in Rome. Do as the Romans Did Ancient home to one of history’s most famous and influential empires, Rome is simply brimming with renowned historical sites and cultural hotspots. Taking pride of place, the iconic Roman Colosseum stands as the world’s largest standing amphitheater and boasts a deserved place among the seven wonders of the world. Once the epicenter of entertainment in ancient Rome, hosting all manner of battles, reenactments and plays, the site is now one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A similar reflection on the daily lives and pastimes of ancient Romans is the Pantheon. Rebuilt from the ashes of a former Roman temple during the second century, the site would continue to serve as a place of worship for many centuries to come, eventually transforming into a Catholic church. Another compelling UNESCO site, the Pantheon is most notable for its towering pillars and the open oculus in its ceiling, permitting both natural light and all weather into its domed hall. More pertinent whispers of the civilization long since passed exist among the ruins of the Roman Forum, now mere vague outlines of a formerly glorious and major administrative district for the city. Originally a marketplace, the site began to grow as the center of many important social, political and religious activities. Some of the city’s most impressive buildings and monuments stood here, still reflected in the imposing columns and architecture of the remaining ruins. As far as ruins go, there are none more pertinent in Rome than those built right at the beginning. Most central of Rome’s famous seven hills, Palatine Hill is widely considered to have been the cradle of Roman civilization. Credited in Roman mythology as the location of the fabled Lupercal cave in which the city’s supposed founding twins, Romulus and Remus, were raised by a she-wolf. Steeped in rich history and mysticism, Palatine Hill is home to the oldest ruins to be found throughout Rome. Somewhat lesser known but still rather remarkable are the remnants of Egyptian influence in Rome, most obvious of which being the impressive Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. Also worth seeing are the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Discover Vatican City One of the greatest draws of Rome is its role as the surrounding home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the world’s smallest official country, Vatican City. At its core, the Vatican attracts huge crowds of devout Catholics for its hugely significant role as the permanent residence of the Pope. Though its grounds are accessible year-round, the micro-country is often the center of many major religious events to take place in Rome. Around the likes of Christmas and Easter, the Pope himself delivers special masses and sermons open to all, though given their popularity, you’ll want to apply for a free ticket with the Vatican directly. While naturally very popular as a pilgrimage for devout followers, the city is also home to a wealth of astonishing architecture and expert artwork. St Peter’s Basilica, somewhat of a distant beacon for Rome as a whole, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Renaissance architecture, iconic in its arching dome and the impressive temple-style pillars at its entrance. Perhaps most famous of all, however, is the incredible craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel. While not quite so lauded for its exterior as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the chapel is known the world over for its spectacular vaulted ceiling, adorned with various famous frescoes by the legendary Italian artist, Michelangelo, including his most famous fresco, The Creation of Adam. Explore the City All roads may indeed lead to Rome, but it’s getting around once you’re there that might leave you stumped. Though the eternal city has a host of capable public transport systems for getting you seamlessly across town, there are some alternatives that can make your trip just that little bit more exciting. If you’d like a whirlwind tour of some of Rome’s top landmarks and attractions with the option to hop on and off at your leisure, then a Big Bus Rome pass could be ideal for you. Operating a primary route passing by the likes of the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo, tours also offer optional audio commentary in several major languages, brimming with cultural and historical insights into many of the capital’s most popular sights. If you’d like to truly live like an Italian, nothing beats swerving through Rome’s ancient streets on your own rental scooter. Besides being particularly well-suited to navigating some of the city’s narrower streets, they’re also typically very convenient to park and can be rented from vendors throughout the city. 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. Take a Break Should you find yourself keen to get away from the bustle of Rome’s often busy streets, the city happens to be home to a number of serene, open spaces perfect for an Italian-style picnic or a leisurely stroll amid the city’s often idyllic Mediterranean weather. Most central of Rome’s parks are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades and grassy banks of Villa Borghese, perfect for escaping most of the traffic of the capital. Not wanting to be a one-trick pony, though, the space is also home to an arena used for equestrian events and an impressive art-house cinema, complete with three projection halls, exhibition spaces and an outdoor cinema during ideal weather. For some of the most impressive views overlooking the stunning city skyline, few spots can be considered quite as romantic as Pincio Hill. Though somewhat of a climb from Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find the effort to be more than worth it for the unique glimpse it will afford you over the likes of St. Peter’s and the Gianicolo Hill. Rome’s 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.
Robert Heaney
Ruined temples at Largo di Torre Argentina square in Rome
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Quirky Things to do in Rome

Rome is an absolute treat for sightseers, with attractions including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain reading like the world’s most essential bucket list. In a city as old as Rome though, you need only scratch the surface to discover a hidden universe that’s teeming with weird and wonderful things to see and do, from secret fairytale neighborhoods to ancient relics. Heck, there’s even a McDonald’s with a section of 2,500-year-old city wall inside. We’ve put together a selection of offbeat ideas to help you dodge the tourist traps and experience the Eternal City at its most eccentric. Read on for our favorite quirky things to do in Rome... Step Into a Fairytale Tiny Quartiere Coppedè, with its peaceful gardens, huge ornate fountains and colorful gargoyle-and-fresco-festooned facades, is barely known to Rome locals, let alone the visiting tourist masses. Take a stroll through its hushed streets and piazzas to experience a fairytale mishmash of fantastical architectural styles, from Ancient Greek to Art Nouveau, and pretty much everything in between: gothic, medieval, mannerist and more. Expect Florentine towers, Baroque Roman palazzi and Moorish arches, as you wander, as if in a dream, through this fascinating enclave of the Trieste neighborhood. Look out for the Spider Palace, Fountain of Frogs, and the massive iron chandelier hanging beneath the archway at the entrance on Via Tagliamento. An Audience with the Pope You don’t have to be religious to attend the pontiff’s weekly benedictions and prayers at St Peter’s Square or the Vatican’s Nervi Auditorium. Just rock up with an open mind and let papa's calming tones wash over you. Tickets are free, or you can buy a combi pass that also gets you a tour of St Peter’s Basilica. Proceedings normally kick off around 9.30am on Wednesdays, assuming the pope is in town. We recommend arriving early to bag the best seats in the house. Dead Interesting If it’s crypts full of skulls and churches toting ancient relics you want, well, you’ve come to the right place. Treat yourself to a tour of the crypts at Santa Maria della Concezione, where the mortal remains of some 4,000 Capuchin friars decorate the walls, like some sort of ultra-macabre episode of Dream Home Makeover. Steel yourself for the bizarre crypt of pelvises and try not to be startled when you spot the skeleton on the ceiling clutching a scythe (made of bone, of course). If your hunger for dead things still isn't satisfied try San Silvestro in Capite, where a skull on display purports to be the decapitated head of John The Baptist. Meanwhile over at the Basilica di Santa Maria, young lovers can pay homage to the garlanded remains of their patron saint, Valentine. Quirky Basilica Views Of all the Instagrammable snaps of St Peter's Basilica available from various vantage points around Rome, the Aventine keyhole is perhaps the quirkiest. Here, curious tourists joining the queue to peer through this otherwise unremarkable keyhole are rewarded with a perfectly framed image of the Basilica flanked by the Villa dei Cavalieri’s garden hedges. Over on Via Niccolò Piccolomini, an optical illusion par excellence reveals itself as you stroll from the far end of the leafy avenue towards St Peter’s. Initially massive in appearance, the basilica’s distinctive dome seems to decrease in size the closer you get. Utterly baffling and even more dramatic when experienced at speed. From a Vespa sidecar, for example. Fries With That? Hungry for some history with your Big Mac? Make for the McDonald’s on the basement floor of Rome’s Termini train station, where you can view part of the Servian Wall that encircled the city as a defense against invading Gauls and Carthaginians in the 4th Century BC. It’s a pretty incongruous sight inside this otherwise identikit McDonald’s restaurant and fairly out there in terms of unusual things to do in Rome. There’s another, larger section of the wall to check out just outside the station. Visit a Circular Church With somewhere in the region of a thousand churches across Rome, you can be sure there are a quirky few among the more traditional styles. Take Santo Stefano Rotundo, Rome’s first circular church, which dates from the 5th Century. Cruciform from the outside, it's inside that things get really interesting, with a large circular central space replete with spiraling columns, and some amazing frescoes by 16th-century artists Niccolò Circignani and Antonio Tempesta depicting – in gruesome detail – the grisly demise of 34 martyrs. The Mouth of Truth Looking precisely like a character from the classic 80s movie Labyrinth, the Bocca della Verità – or Mouth of Truth – is a huge marble mask that lurks within the portico of Rome’s medieval Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin. Legend has it that pilgrims brave enough to place their hand inside the mask’s mouth will lose their fingers if they’ve been telling lies. You can test this for yourself, if you happen to be feeling particularly brave and/or virtuous. A Cacophony of Cats Amid the ancient ruins of the Theatre of Pompey and several Roman Republican temples, roam hundreds of homeless cats, protected here within the environs of the Largo di Torre Argentina square. You’ll spot them wandering among the ruins, peering out from behind columns and ancient stone walls. Some of the healthier and bolder cats have even been known to interact with the tourists here. A purr-fect afternoon out for cat lovers, in other words. Dinner and all that Jazz If you came here in search of quirky things to do in Rome, Tramjazz is unlikely to disappoint, for it is truly the jazz, dinner and sightseeing extravaganza you never knew you needed in your life. Until now. Your adventure begins when you board the Stanga 1947, a vintage tram that rolls gently through the streets of Rome while you enjoy a candlelit three-course dinner punctuated by bursts of live music from the in-house (or should that be in-tram) jazz band. This unique experience takes in various major attractions, with stops at the Colosseum and Villa Borghese for all your selfie-taking requirements. We defy even jazz haters not to love this one! Save on quirky 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
Tourists at the Colosseum
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Everything you need to know about Go City’s Rome passes

Skip the queues, see the classics and still have money left over for gelato – here’s how to do Rome the easy way.

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