Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

It will be a birthday to remember with our fun suggestions!
By Dom Bewley

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!

Heading to Rome for a birthday? Well, you'll want to know what are the best birthday things to do in the city! You've come to the right place. So, check out our picks below and find the perfect birthday experience for you or the special birthday person!

Including

  • Circus Maximus Virtual Reality Game
  • Rome Ghost and Mystery Tour
  • Wine Tasting by the Colosseum
  • The Murder by the Pantheon
  • and more!

Circus Maximus Virtual Reality Game

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Circus Maximus Virtual Reality Game

The Circus Maximus was a massive stadium that held games during the Romans. Gladiatorial battles, sports, and, most famously, chariot races were held there to commemorate the ruler at the time, or to distract residents from rising up and taking down the ruling class. Guess not much has changed!

But you needn't hop in a chariot and risk your neck to get a taste of the Ben-Hur life. Just hop into virtual reality and try it from the comfort of a headset. You'll feel as though you're driving a chariot and competing against other charioteers in a fast-paced race around the stadium.

The game is designed to be both fun and educational, allowing players to learn more about the history and culture of ancient Rome as they play. It's also a great activity for a birthday celebration, as it offers a unique and exciting experience that's sure to be memorable.

Just make sure the birthday person dresses in some comfy clothes, because you'll want complete movement to make the most of this exhilarating experience.

 

Rome Ghost and Mystery Tour

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Rome Ghost and Mystery Tour

Is the birthday person a fan of the spooky? Do they believe in ghosts? If so, they'll love this ghostly tour of Rome!

With a knowledgeable guide in tow, you'll walk through creepy alleyways, across haunted bridges, and through bustling squares while they tell you the stories of the restless souls who dwell in these places.

Beginning outside the famous Castel Sant'Angelo prison, where both nobles and common criminals were executed, you'll then start your journey into the unknown. Passing the likes of the Pantheon, you'll learn all about every wicked rumor, sighting, and haunting at each stop.

One of your final stops will be at Largo di Torre Argentina, the site of Julius Caesar's assassination made famous by Shakespeare. Et tu, Brute? Et tu, indeed.

If you're a fan of the scary and supernatural, this tour is one of the best things to do in Rome for a birthday!

 

Wine Tasting by the Colosseum

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Wine Tasting by the Colosseum

We could hardly talk about things to do in Rome without mentioning wine. For a birthday to remember, why not check out a wine-tasting session beside the wonderful Colosseum?

And don't worry; you won't be stuck fumbling around for quality bottles. Instead, a certified sommelier will be on hand to pick out the poison. Every bottle is sourced from local, independent wineries, so you can be sure you'll experience an authentic tipple.

And, alongside the tasting itself, you'll also learn more about the processes used to create the wines, how to taste them properly, and what dishes they pair with best. So, if you or the birthday person is a big wine fan, this tasting should be top of your birthday itinerary!

 

The Murder by the Pantheon

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

The Murder by the Pantheon

The year is 1901, and you've just been handed an envelope of details about a murder. Can you cross the city, find the clues, and bring the murderer to justice? Find out at Murder by the Pantheon!

True-crime lovers will delight in this fun and interactive murder mystery game. Based on an actual crime, it will have you exploring the city and using that withered brain of yours to full effect.

You'll be divided into teams and given clues to follow that lead them to different landmarks and hidden corners of the city. Do your best Sherlock Holmes impression to deduce the mystery and solve the murder. Designed to be both challenging and entertaining, the game contains a combination of riddles, puzzles, and historical clues to help players cross the finish line.

If your birthday bash is a group affair, then Murder by the Pantheon is one of the most fun things to do in Rome for the big day!

 

Rafting Experience on the River Tiber

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Rafting Experience on the River Tiber

Are you or the birthday person the adventurous sort? If you're not afraid of water or rafting, and don't mind exerting yourselves, then a raft along Rome's River Tiber could be one of the coolest things to do for a birthday!

Your experience will start with a safety briefing, where you'll learn techniques and procedures to get you out of a tough spot. Once the boring - yet necessary - stuff is out of the way, you'll board the raft and head out on an epic river adventure. This isn't white-water rafting, more of a relaxing glide through the heart of the city. That is, until you reach the rapids below Ponte Garibaldi and Ponte Fabricio. Then you'll need to use your key strength to get through it.

After that challenge, you'll finish the tour under the stunning Ponte Rotto, before finally docking at the Port of Ripa Grande. If river runs sound like fun, give this one a spin. Just make sure you dress for the water!

 

Happy Hour at Angie's

Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Happy Hour at Angie's

And finally, we'll end with a watering hole - where every good birthday celebration inevitably ends. We're heading to Angie's, baby, to get a complimentary drink, and perhaps a few more, at one of the city's hippest bars.

You can choose from any cocktail on the menu, so no matter your preference, you'll grab something refreshing to hit the spot. And, to sweeten the deal, you'll also be treated to a chef's platter of bruschetta to satisfy your hunger.

If the weather's good, take your drink on the outdoor terrace where you can look over the city. Or, sit inside and marvel at the paintings hanging on the wall. Either way, you'll have a grand old time.

 

And those were our picks for the best things to do in Rome for a birthday! If the above recommendations don't tick your boxes, check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass, you can see all of Rome's best bits for one low price. So grab a Rome attraction pass and make it one to remember!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Saint Peter's Basilica and Ponte Sant Angelo by night
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Rome in December

Renowned home to the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, few destinations match up to the genuine traditional festivity of Rome in December. Alongside its usual selection of historical wonders and culinary delights, the Italian capital truly comes to life throughout the holiday season, its streets adorned with all manner of Christmas décor and brimming with a jovial atmosphere. Visiting Rome in December Average Temperature: 39 - 59°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day As is the case for many European destinations throughout the festive period, Rome in December sees a slight uptick in tourism rates from its usual low-season numbers. While its largely evergreen attractions mean that Rome is never truly quiet, you can certainly expect busier streets and slightly more crowded venues than in November or January. Temperatures in December tend to vary significantly, ranging from mild and comfortable to only a little above freezing. Though you’re likely to get a good few sunshine hours on most days, there’s also a good chance of at least a day of rain each week. If you’re looking to explore some of Rome’s many open-air attractions, prepare to wrap up warm if need be and be sure to pack an umbrella! Things to do in December There are arguably few places better for observing the holiday season than the beating heart of Roman Catholicism. Both Rome and the Vatican pour their souls into honoring the festive period, with impressive Christmas displays housed on St. Peter’s Square and Piazza San Pietro alongside expertly-crafted nativity scenes at 100 Prespi and the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano. Nothing reflects the festive period in Europe quite like a Christmas market, replete with all manner of charming gifts and winter treats. Though still a relatively novel concept in Italy, many of the country’s best mercatini di natale take place in Milan, Florence and Bolzano in the north, making for a great festive day trip from the capital. There’s also a smattering of delightful markets throughout Rome itself, the most notable of which can be found on Piazza Navona. If you find yourself in Rome over Christmas itself, you could be in for a real treat. Catholic churches around the world honor Christmas Eve by holding mass at midnight, and St. Peter’s Basilica is no exception; only this time, the Pope delivers mass himself. Reach out ahead of time, and there’s a chance you might be granted one of a small few free tickets to this very special midnight mass. While you’d have to be extremely lucky to see Rome in the snow, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the seasonal chill. For a limited time throughout the festive period, the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the Ice Space Village offer excellent ice-skating rinks for those with the right balance or determination to enjoy, both of which open early in December. Events in December Feast of the Immaculate Conception Should you happen to be exploring Rome on 8 December to find the streets buzzing with processions and lined with locals in prayer, you’re witnessing the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Held to honor the conception of the Virgin Mary, this festival marks the beginning of the holiday season in Italy. The festival is marked by a couple of key events, the most important being the Pope’s Angelus Prayer on St. Peter’s Square, followed by his procession from the Vatican to the Piazza di Spagna. Another key tradition is the inauguration of St. Peter’s Square, during which many locals and visitors alike gather to see the unveiling of the Vatican’s annual nativity scene and Christmas tree.. Note that the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or Immacolata, is a public holiday throughout Italy and is of great importance to many Romans. As such, many museums, attractions and services are likely to be closed for the day, including the Vatican Museums. However, most major stores and supermarkets in the center will remain open, along with a handful of restaurants, cafés and bars. Hanukkah Although Rome is known for being a predominantly Catholic city, it’s also home to a very substantial Jewish population. So substantial, in fact, that Piazza Barberini hosts an impressive annual event to honor the celebration. A 20-foot tall menorah is erected in the square, drawing in huge crowds as one of its candles are lit every evening of the festival. Whether you’re religious or not, this daily event is a great way to join in on some seasonal festivity. The lighting of the candles typically takes place at 4 PM on the Sabbath and the final day, and at 6 PM every other evening. Each evening is usually also accompanied by a night of partying and dancing, making for a truly joyful way to spend a winter’s evening in Rome. New Year’s Eve Though Christmas may be little more than a recent memory by this point, the festivities are still far from over. On the contrary, just about all of Rome veritably ignites with New Year’s Eve celebrations, making it one of the very best places in Europe to party away the twilight hours of the year. Many Italians traditionally spend the evening at home or among friends over cenone, or ‘a really big dinner’. Also known as the Festa di San Silvestro, many restaurants throughout Rome offer the meal as a set menu, often consisting in some degree of spiced sausages and lentils. These set menus will often come at a fixed price and may be accompanied by Prosecco and traditional cakes such as panettone or pandoro. One of the main epicenters of New Year’s Eve celebrations is along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, linking the Colosseum to the Piazza Venezia. Commencing with a late-evening concert, thousands of largely tipsy revelers flock to the area to attempt a collective harmony of Auld Lang Syne as a stupendous display of crackling fireworks bathes the Colosseum in a rainbow-strobing glow.
Robert Heaney
Women laughing and eating pizza in Rome
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Rome Airport to City Travel Options

You know the feeling. You’ve just stepped off the plane and cleared passport control, and your feet are already itching to get to the main attractions. And boy, what a cornucopia of treats await you here in the Eternal City. We’re talking world-famous sights like the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the spectacular Spanish Steps. And don’t even get us started on the pizza and gelato here. Delizioso! But first you need to get out of the airport and into town. Read on for our guide to the best, fastest and most cost-efficient ways to get from Rome’s airports to the city center. Rome Airports in Brief Rome has two main airports and, depending where you’re flying in from, chances are you’re going to end up in one or the other. Helpfully (or perhaps not), both airports also have two names. Here’s the lowdown: Rome-Fiumicino (aka Leonardo da Vinci International Airport): the larger of the two, Fiumicino is situated south-west of the city and is well connected by public transport. It’s around a 35-45 minute drive from Rome’s historic center. Rome-Ciampino (aka Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport): Ciampino is physically closer to Rome city center (around 13km to Fiumicno’s 25km), but traffic in the southern part of the city means that it takes about the same amount of time (35-45 minutes) to drive into town. But what’s the best way to get to Rome from the airport? Read on to find out… Rome Airport to City by Public Transport Traveling light on a short Rome city break? Then public transport might just be the best (and cheapest) option for you. Great news: both airports have direct connections by bus and train! Public Transport from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Da Vinci’s legacy looms large in Rome and we’re sure he’d be delighted that this also includes the ever-reliable Leonardo Express, which has turned public transportation into an art form. Well, nearly. This fast train takes just 32 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station in downtown Rome, with departures scheduled every 15 minutes, round the clock. Tickets cost €14 one way and group passes (€40 for four people) make this a comfortable and affordable alternative to taking a cab. If, however, you’re looking to save your Euros for Rome’s ubiquitous souvenir shops, opt for the shuttle bus. These are less convenient – departures are only every 40 minutes or so and journeys take up to an hour – but the cost of a ticket is less than half that of the Leonardo Express, which can of course make a real difference if you’re traveling with the family or a large group of friends. Public Transport from Ciampino to Rome City Center Ciampino Airport also offers reliable shuttle bus and train options. The train station is in nearby Ciampino, so you’ll need to take the short bus ride (€1.20) to reach it. From there, trains run every 30 minutes between 5.30AM and 10.30PM, taking around 15 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station and costing the princely sum of around €1.50 one way. Alternatively, you’ll find several shuttle bus services running from Ciampino Airport to downtown Rome. Prices range from a mere €1.20 for the least frequent departures up to €6. There are often surcharges for excess luggage and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Private Transfer Perhaps you’re looking to swing up to your Rome hotel in style. In which case, rejoice! There are good private transfer options from both airports. You can book these in advance for peace of mind on arrival and, who knows, you might even luck out and get a chatty cabbie who can give you the lowdown on Rome’s best under-the-radar restaurants and attractions. Private Transfers from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Join the queue outside the terminal to bag yourself the cheapest private transfer. Cab prices to central Rome are fixed at €48 one way for up to four passengers, including luggage. If in doubt about what constitutes ‘central Rome’, check with your driver and agree any surcharges before getting into the cab. Pre-booked airport-to-city transfers are a little pricier at €75 per vehicle but, as the driver will be waiting for you in the terminal (look for the sign with your name on it), it’s faster and more convenient than standing in line with the masses. Minibusses for up to seven people are a good option for large groups, and can also be booked in advance. All of these modes of transport from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center should take around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Private Transfers from Ciampino to Rome City Center Much like Fiumicino, cabs from Ciampino to downtown Rome also have a fixed rate. It’s €30 for up to four passengers and their luggage. Pre-booked airport transfers from Ciampino to city center hotels cost €50 and take 35-45 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Rental Vehicle Driving in Rome is very much the preserve of motoring masochists. It’s a city where having your vehicle rear-ended outside the Coliseum is practically a rite of passage, where the sound of car horns blaring angrily can be deafening (and rather stressful!), and where red lights and speed limits are often considered ‘optional’. If you like the sound of all that, you’ll find car rental agencies galore in and around both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome. We’re talking all the usual suspects: Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty and more. Prices vary wildly depending on whether you’re happy with a three-door Fiat or prefer a souped-up Merc, but there are plenty of affordable options for the casual driver. Note that parking in central Rome can be expensive and many city center hotels do not offer parking facilities. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
View of St Peter's Square and Basilica from a nearby apartment in the Vatican, Rome
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Where To Stay in Rome

There’s no straight-out winner when it comes to deciding where to stay in Rome, so densely packed is the Eternal City with extraordinary things to see and do: think ancient monuments, baroque palazzi, lively piazzas and atmospheric mazes of cobbled alleys. And, in spite of its famed seven hills and seemingly impenetrable labyrinth of streets, it’s actually deceptively easy to get around, thanks to a relatively compact center and a user-friendly public transit system that includes metro, buses and trams. Check out our short guide to where to stay in Rome below... Best for Seeing it All Rome’s Centro Storico – the ancient city’s historic center – is where you’ll find almost all of the big-hitting attractions. We’re talking the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona and more. Plus, within a mere 20 minutes’ walk, more bucket-list beauties, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and St Peter’s Square. In short, if you’re a first-time visitor, an insatiable sightseer, or a family with kids who demand to be as close to the main action as possible, a stay bang in the center of town is likely to be your best bet. Sure, the noise – a 24-hour cacophony of tooting Vespa horns, over-excited tourists and partying locals – can be irritating at times, particularly if you’ve booked a hotel overlooking a busy piazza or thoroughfare. But, hey, what price that epic view of the planet’s largest surviving Roman amphitheater? Or the ability to step straight from your hotel or apartment onto a bustling baroque piazza for your morning espresso and cornetti? It goes without saying that there are hundreds of eating and drinking options in the historic district, from tiny trattoria to luxury fine dining and dive bars to classy cocktail joints. So you won’t want for places to fill your face with delicious pizza romana. There’s an equally impressive variety of accommodations on offer here, too: glam luxury hotels, roomy family apartments, modest boutique B&Bs and more, though you’ll of course pay a premium for the location. But, boy, is it worth it. Best for Luxury Strictly for those on an A-list budget, the Tridente neighborhood is Rome’s swankiest postcode. Named for the three huge prongs (oh ok then, roads) that radiate out from Piazza del Popolo, this area is packed with bucket-list attractions (hello, Villa Borghese, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain!) as well as picture-postcard palm-lined piazzas, elegant townhouses, and some of the most wallet-worrying designer boutiques in town. That’s right: it’s here you’ll find Via dei Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street, where the likes of Armani, Fendi, Gucci and Valentino – to name just a few – ply their trade. Unsurprisingly then, many of Rome’s glammest hotels can be found in this neighborhood from celeb hangout The Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps to fashionista favorite Portrait Roma, where personal shoppers can be arranged for trips to nearby Via dei Condotti. Proximity to other big attractions including the Pantheon and Forum also make Tridente a surprisingly good choice for families – assuming you have deep enough pockets. Best for Living Like a Local Cute ocher-colored houses with brightly painted shutters and iron balconies that drip with vines and ivy, charming cobbled piazzas where locals chatter in the shade of olive trees, and some of the best gelato in town! Welcome to Trastevere on the west bank of the Tiber, arguably Rome’s most photogenic neighborhood. Still within walking distance of the historic center and with some fine close-up views of St Peter’s Basilica (especially from Janiculum Hill), Trastevere is la dolce vita writ large, all café culture during the day and lively nightlife as dusk descends. It’s well-connected to the city center by bus and tram, largely car free, and has plenty of affordable Airbnb accommodation to boot! What’s not to like? Join the locals for evening aperitifs on the steps of the monumental fountain on bustling Piazza Trilussa, as the sun sets over the medieval Ponte Sisto bridge. And make for San Cosimato market (daily except Sundays) for farm-fresh local produce including pungent Lazio cheeses, piquant Tuscan salamis and just-baked focaccia. You’ll quickly find that being on the edge of the main action needn’t mean missing out. Bars and restaurants are just as plentiful here as anywhere else, and trattoria, cafés and craft pubs have a pleasantly local feel. Best for Visiting the Vatican Wondering where to stay in Rome if you’re primarily interested in exploring the Vatican’s extensive museums, snapping selfies in front of St Peter’s Basilica, marveling at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece and attending an audience with the Pope himself in St Peter’s Square? Prati may be the neighborhood for you. A little off the beaten track and therefore less touristy than more central districts, Prati is a suave suburb of smart shopping streets and broad Italian boulevards that makes for easy access to the Vatican and nearby Castel Sant’Angelo, an imposing cylindrical fortress commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago, and now a fantastic museum packed with frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, topped off with sweeping terrace views of the magnificent Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II and the city beyond. There’s a good range of mid-range hotels to be found in Prati and, should you wish to bypass the Vatican and go straight to town, it’s just a short hop on the metro’s A-line. Stick around for what some say is the best pizza in Rome, courtesy of dough demon Gabriele Bonci and his legendary local foodie favorite Pizzarium. Try a slice of potato and mozzarella heaven. Serious carb overload for sure, but there’s a reason it’s their best seller. Best for Hip Young Things Hip with a dollop of history is perhaps the neatest way of describing the post-industrial landscape of Ostiense, which is still dominated by the towering gasometer from the city’s decommissioned gasworks. Locals have taken the theme and run with it: here’s where to find trendy bars and experimental cuisine, and some of the best street art in the city. Metro subways, abandoned factories, apartment blocks: there’s no canvas too big or small for the up-and-coming Ostiense graffitos. Take a stroll and marvel at these impressive murals before heading over to the utterly amazing Central Montemartini museum, a former power station inside of which ancient Roman and Greek statues are juxtaposed against an industrial backdrop of huge turbines, vents and pipes. It’s really quite something. If this all feels a bit modern, fear not: Ostiense is also home to some excellent old-school attractions, including one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, St Paul Outside the Walls, an enormous Neoclassical confection with sections that date back to the 4th Century. And the rather incongruous Pyramid of Cestius, a gleaming white marble tomb that’s almost as old as the city itself, Find it at the northern end of Via Ostiense, the district’s main thoroughfare. Note that Ostiense is a little way from the main city center attractions so may be best reserved for second or third-timers when deciding where to stay in Rome. 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

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