A cocktail bar and Italian tapas in Rome’s historic centre
In the historic centre of Rome, a short walk from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, there’s an elegant yet easy-going hideaway. Its name is A’Mano: a place for a cocktail, an aperitivo with tapas, or a relaxed dinner.
A’Mano sits inside Dimora Coppelle, a boutique hotel from the BZAR Hotels group, housed in a striking Renaissance building that welcomes guests through an imposing sixteenth-century arched portal. History is in the air from the moment you step in: the palazzo was once the residence of Pope Urban VII.
Aperitivo and signature cocktails near the Pantheon
Whether you’re after a well-earned break at the end of a long day, a romantic toast for two or an evening with friends in the heart of Rome, A’Mano adapts to the occasion. It’s the kind of place made for stepping out of the city’s rhythm for a couple of hours.
The drinks list is wide and full of character. Signature cocktails, carefully made and named after Italian icons of music, film and art, sit alongside selected regional wines. Try the Caravaggio, an intense, powerful punch as singular as the work of the great seventeenth-century painter, or the Sophia, as striking and distinctive as the actress who inspired it.
Alongside the drinks comes a wide range of Italian tapas, made to be tasted and shared around the table. The dishes are built in dialogue with the bar list, for a dinner that’s lighter and more sociable than the usual sit-down affair.
Italian tapas and dinner made for sharing
Open from 6pm, A’Mano turns dinner into something more dynamic, built on the quick, easy rhythm of tasting and sharing.
The menu moves lightly through traditional flavours reworked in a contemporary key. In the evening the focus is on local-inspired dishes, like the handmade garganelli with Italian roasted peppers and Calabrian liquorice, or the Maremmana beef rump with brown jus, potatoes and tonka bean. To finish, the Vignola IGP cherries with chocolate, thyme and vanilla are worth saving room for.
A’Mano is a place designed to be lingered in: time slows down, conversations stretch out, and every sip and every bite becomes part of the evening, wrapped in the atmosphere of one of Rome’s most historic corners.
Discover the Top Spots in Rome for Authentic Roman or Neapolitan Pizza
Looking for the best pizza in Rome?
The city offers every style, from thin and crispy Roman pizza to soft Neapolitan-style pies and quick slices of pizza al taglio.
For a classic Roman pizza, start with 180g, L’Elementare or Ai Marmi. For contemporary or Neapolitan-style pizza, book Seu Pizza Illuminati, 50 Kalò, I Quintili or La Gatta Mangiona. If you want pizza by the slice, don’t miss Pizzarium, Antico Forno Roscioli and Forno Campo de’ Fiori.
Below, we’ve divided Rome’s best pizzerias by style, neighborhood and occasion, so you can find the right pizza whether you’re near the Vatican, Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Termini or Testaccio.
Ciro Salvo’s 50 Kalò brought his award-winning Neapolitan dough from Naples to Rome. The one in Rome on Via Flavia has two wood-fired ovens, which churn out particularly hydrated and light pizzas to satisfy the capital’s hunger and cravings. The pizza toppings are fresh and all strictly from Campania, and the menu also offers some fried dishes. Impossible not to try the frittatina di bucatini or the two supplì, one red, with rice in organic tomato sauce, sausages and provola cheese, and the other with Parmesan cream and provola cheese.
Angelo Pezzella’s Pizzeria in Capannelle specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza – soft, flavorful, and well-balanced. The menu features both classic and innovative options. Don’t miss the appetizers like fried or montanare pizzas, and save room for dessert.
La Masardona is the go-to spot in Rome for authentic Neapolitan-style fried pizza. Helmed by Cristiano Piccirillo, this corner of Naples in the heart of Rome offers light and flavorful fried pizzas. Traditional wood-fired pizzas are also available. With its simple yet elegant decor and a small outdoor seating area, La Masardona is right in the center of Rome.
I Quintili
Via S. Biagio Platani, 320 (Tor Bella Monaca) Via Eurialo, 7 (Furio Camillo) Via Francesco Cangiullo, 16 (EUR) IQuintili
One of the best (Neapolitan) pizzerias in Rome opens its third location in Montagnola. Fritters and doughs are always superlative, confirming the good work already done by Marco Quintili at the two historic locations in Tor Bella Monaca and Furio Camillo.
La Gatta Mangiona
Via F. Ozanam, 30-32 (Monteverde) 06 5346702 lagattamangiona
Located in Monteverde Nuovo, the ‘Greedy Cat’ Restaurant and Pizzeria serves gourmet versions of Italy’s famous pie. Seasonal and high-quality toppings, special flours, and a longer fermentation process make this pizzeria one of the best in town. La Gatta Mangiona offers original recipes and a long list of craft beers and wines. Ranked 39th in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026.
Margarì
Via Marco Vincenzo Coronelli, 30 (Pigneto) 06 21700650 margari.it
Filled with a certain rustic charm, Pigneto’s traditional pizzeria has an authentic Italian vibe that is both unpretentious and welcoming. Perfect for families or groups, it is always bustling with locals seeking a classic Neapolitan style pizza cooked in a traditional wood oven. Margarì offers a wide range of pizzas as well as a large selection of highly recommended cakes and craft beers.
Just steps from the Pantheon, VICO has rewritten the very idea of what a pizzeria can be: a late 16th-century palazzo with frescoed ceilings, a Tudor coat of arms, Art Nouveau boiserie and contemporary artworks on the walls, which has earned it the nickname of “the most beautiful pizzeria in the world”. The star of the show, however, is still the pizza, contemporary in style and awarded 3 Spicchi by Gambero Rosso: a 24-hour leavened dough, remarkably light fried starters (don’t miss the Montanarina Bomba Marinara) and signature double-cooked pizzas, first fried and then baked, like the Margherita Vico. It all pairs with a wine list of around 110 labels, awarded Best Pizzeria Wine List at Milano Wine Week.
Avenida Calò is a small, well-curated pizzeria, minimal but never pretentious, with around fifty seats, raw-wood tables, perfectly judged lighting and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down. Here, the dough is the real signature – structured, fragrant and highly digestible – and while pizza is the star, it isn’t the only option: the menu also includes starters and kitchen dishes for a more restaurant-style experience. Then there’s the wine: nearly 150 labels, a cornerstone of the project, which proudly defines itself as an “enopizzeria.” Sharing is part of the formula too, thoughtfully encouraged so you can taste more, and taste better. Avenida Calò cemented its reputation in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026 ranking, placing 6th nationwide, one of only two Roman pizzerias in the country’s top ten alongside Seu Pizza Illuminati.
Berberè
Via Mantova, 5 (Nomentana) Via dello Scalo San Lorenzo, 10 (The Social Hub) 06 45654390 berberepizza.it
Near the Villa Borghese Gardens, you’ll find this cool retro Roman pizzeria, started by two Italian brothers. This welcoming diner-style spot is refreshing, with its checkered floors and pastel colours. Their delicious artisanal pizzas are made with the freshest ingredients, and kept nice and simple. This really lets each ingredient shine. Pizzas are served already-sliced into 8 pieces, which is pretty cool when sharing a few different pizzas with friends. It recently opened a second location inside The Social Hub in San Lorenzo.
Piccolo Buco
Via del Lavatore, 91 (Trevi) 06 6938 0163 PiccoloBuco
Translating into “little hole”, you may realize that Piccolo Buco may not be the biggest eatery in Rome, but that it definitely does not shy away from its bigger neighbours. From the classic pizza options to other gourmet ones, having pizza here is a must. However, in case your meal partner isn’t big on pizza, fear not! There are plenty of other options that will have you leaving the restaurant happy. Right around the corner from the Trevi Fountain, booking a table is recommended!
Pizza & Bolle
Via Oslavia, 39E – 41 (Prati) Viale Europa, 15 (Eur) Lungotevere di Pietra Papa, 201 (Marconi) Via Siria, 1 (Appio Latino) 06 8982 2607 pizzaebolle.it
Sant’Isidoro, San Martino and San Biagio are the three pillars of the Pizza & Bolle group, each dedicated to a different style of dough: Neapolitan, Roman and pan pizza. For an authentic Neapolitan pizza experience, head to Sant’Isidoro in Prati, the group’s flagship, with San Biagio and its crispy pan pizzas right next door (plus another location in EUR). Thin and crunchy Roman-style pizza is the specialty of San Martino, on Lungotevere di Pietra Papa. The latest addition is the Appio Latino location, in the space that once housed the legendary pizzeria Sbanco. Ranked 47th in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026.
Pizza e Cucina at Eataly Rome
Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492 (Ostiense) 06.90279201 eataly.net
Don’t be fooled into thinking that all pizzas are created equal. There is no such thing. If you want to taste a delicious pizza near Ostiense, one made with super fresh seasonal ingredients, organic flours, top-quality tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil, you need to head straight to the Pizza e Cucina restaurant on Eataly’s first floor. The long fermentation process results in a flavorful and easily digestible pizza. Choose from classic favorites or unique creations.
Via Domenico Panaroli, 35 (Centocelle) Via Bergamo, 18 (Pinciano) Via Goffredo Mameli, 23 (Trastevere) dioriginelaziale.it
DOL started as an alimentari, a deli, offering meats, cheeses and other fresh produce from Lazio. Since then DOL has moved location and expanded to Pro Loco DOL, now serving lunch, dinner and aperitivo in three neighbourhoods in Rome: Trastevere, Centocelle and Pinciano. The atmosphere is warm & welcoming. Pizza and bread are freshly baked in its kitchen, and the daily menu is written up on the dining room’s big chalkboard. If you want to experience the best of Rome’s region of Lazio, this is the place to visit!
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Via Angelo Bargoni, 10-18 (Trastevere) 06 588 3384 seupizza.com
One of Rome’s most talked-about contemporary pizzerias, Seu Pizza Illuminati is the place to go if you want a creative, modern take on pizza in Trastevere. The dough is light, the crust is generous and the toppings move beyond the usual classics, while still keeping the experience fun and accessible. It’s a great choice for a proper sit-down dinner, especially if you want to try one of Rome’s most acclaimed new-generation pizzerias. Booking is recommended. In the newly released 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026 guide, Seu Pizza Illuminati was named the second-best pizzeria in Italy, tied with Caserta’s I Masanielli and behind only Milan’s Confine, making it the highest-ranked pizzeria in Rome.
This pizzeria in the Centocelle neighbourhood has become an institution for Roman style pizza. 180g is all about Roman tradition, you can taste one of the best pizzas in Rome with delicious toppings coming from small local producers. The starters, especially the fried dishes, deserve special mention: true masterpieces of flavor and craftsmanship, like their signature Sampietrino, a deep-fried, breaded cube named after Rome’s old cobblestones, with fillings that change with the seasons. Ranked 17th in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026. The only problem? Finding a spot! Booking well in advance is essential.
A Rota
Via di Tor Pignattara, 190 (Tor Pignattara) 345 547 9532 arotapizzeria
Pizzeria located in the Tor Pignattara area. Informal ambience that reconciles tradition and modernity. Their pizza is made in classic Roman style, flat and crispy, the toppings follow the seasons, which makes A Rota’s pizzas of excellent quality. The pizzeria has a regular presence in Italy’s top pizza rankings.
This simple and laid-back pizzeria is perfect for families and large groups looking for good, honest food at an equally honest price. Commonly praised for its supplì and fried zucchini flowers, as well as its efficiently prepared pizzas, you will never leave Ai Marmi feeling hungry or unsatisfied. The perfect lunch spot for those on a modest budget.
Pizza Clementina in Fiumicino is a place that blends tradition and innovation in a modern and welcoming setting, with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Here, pizza is an art, thanks to the expertise of Luca Pezzetta, a nationally renowned pizza chef and baker. Among their offerings, standout creations include the unique Pizza Capricciosa di Mare, featuring tuna prosciutto, bottarga, slow-cooked datterini tomatoes, strips of buffalo mozzarella, olive soil, and petals of artichoke alla giudia. A true landmark for lovers of artisanal Roman-style pizza. Ranked 14th in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026.
Emma
Via Monte della Farina, 28 (Campo de’ Fiori) 06 64760475 emmapizzeria.com
Pizzeria, but also restaurant, Emma’s divine thin crust pizza has been carefully engineered with the highest-quality ingredients by Pierluigi Roscioli, making it stand out from the crowd. The price naturally reflects this; however, it’s well worth experiencing the delicious blend of quality dough and fresh ingredients, all the while sitting outside in the historic center of Rome. If you’re looking for a pizzeria near Campo de’ Fiori, this one’s it!
Il Maratoneta, a historic pizzeria in San Lorenzo, reopened in 2024 under the guidance of Luciano Monosilio. The establishment retains a simple and authentic atmosphere, serving thin and crispy Roman-style pizzas, well-prepared fried appetizers, and affordable prices. A recommended stop for those seeking traditional pizza without frills.
This Roman pizzeria was started by Ivo Stefanelli and his wife over 40 years ago. Beginning as a sweet shop, it gained popularity fast, soon adding pizzas to the menu. Since then it’s grown bigger and bigger, and now has an extended menu that includes everything from starters to desserts. The pizzas are well-known for their perfect Roman crunch, “scrocchio”. It’s often busy, so be sure to get there early. Otherwise just get your pizzas takeaway and eat them in the nearby San Cosimato square.
L’Elementare
Via Benedetta, 23 (Trastevere) Via degli Stradivari, 27 (Testaccio) Via Licinio Stolone, 92 (Tuscolano) 06 589 4016 (Trastevere) – 06 7016 3482 (Testaccio) – 06 7720 8265 (Tuscolano) pizzerialelementare.it
Elementare has three locations, in Trastevere, in Testaccio, and in Tuscolano. Here, the pizza is authentically Roman: thin, light, and irresistibly “scrocchiarella” (crunchy). The focus is on simplicity and quality, with a selection of wines and beers exclusively from small, artisan producers.
Under the guidance of the renowned pizza chef Mirko Rizzo, the pizzas at Elementare achieve a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. The real highlight? Their divine fried dishes, starting with their supplì, offered in both classic and special variations. Elementare is the perfect place to enjoy the essence of Roman culinary tradition, elevated by its dedication to premium ingredients and craftsmanship.
Positioned in the heart of the Testaccio district, this pizzeria is most famous for its paper thin, crispy base. Consistently popular with local Romans, be sure to arrive early or be prepared to queue. The trick here is to keep things simple, which explains why da Remo’s margherita is widely famed and almost impossible to top.
Tac Thin and Crunchy
Via Fiume delle Perle 136/138 (Mostacciano) 06.45652738 seupizza.com
Tac Thin and Crunchy is the latest creation from Pier Daniele Seu and Valeria Zuppardo in Mostacciano, serving exceptional Roman-style pizza. This pizzeria blends modern design with bold colors and offers a menu featuring both classic and innovative toppings. Highlights include the unique Assoluti pizzas, like the pumpkin, and the stuffed Pizze Baciate, such as porchetta with potatoes. Don’t miss the sweet pizzas on brioche bread or the Seu Experience tasting menu. Ranked 45th in the 50 Top Pizza Italia 2026.
Il Pinsere is a hole in the wall pizzeria located near Termini station. Unlike most al taglio pizzerie, they serve round, simply smaller pizzas. Due to the delicious topping combinations, the lunch time rush is a bit chaotic and not for those in a hurry. If you have time to spare; however, it is definitely worth the wait.
Antico Forno Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21 (Campo de’ Fiori) 06 687 5287 roscioli.com
This is a historical bakery widely recognized for having mastered the simple art of the dough itself. For this reason, tourists and locals flock here for their pizza bianca by the slice and enjoy it while either on the go or standing outside. Always fresh and warm, it is well worth a visit anytime you need a quick pizza recharge.
Pantera is a must-visit in Garbatella for classic Roman pizza by the slice—thin, crispy, and topped with traditional ingredients. Be sure to try the coratella pizza and their delicious supplì. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, with walls adorned with Roma posters and flags.
Pizzarium
Via della Meloria, 43 (Vatican) 06 3974 5416 bonci.it
Near the Vatican, Pizzarium is owned by the widely acclaimed Gabriele Bonci, Rome’s most famous pizzaiolo. Toppings here can change regularly, but tend to be very creative and piled on generously to create intense flavours. The classic recipes, as well as their excellent supplì, are available year-round.
Trieste Pizza
Via Urbana, 112/113 (Monti) 06 481 5319 Trieste.pizza
“Round and proud to be Italian” that’s the motto of this historic pizzeria from Pescara. Located in Monti, Trieste is all about tradition, flavor, and a respect for high- quality ingredients. We have no doubt that this pizza cooked in a small pan will win the taste buds of Romans, locals, and tourists alike.
Zizzi Pizza
Piazza di San Martino ai Monti, 4/5 (Esquilino) 06 8693 5996 zizzipizza_roma
The brainchild of two siblings (one of whom is a cook and the other an architect) Zizzi Pizza is a place where great cuisine, creativity, and high quality biological products come together. The wide selection includes pizzas both by the whole and by the slice, hamburgers and danish meat, cacio e pepe, supplì, and fried anchovies. The pizzas are prepared in their artisanal laboratory, and the dough, which consists of stone ground biological flour and extra virgin olive oil is left to rise for 72 hours.
This little bakery has been around for over 30 years, and here you can get yourself one of the city’s best pizza al taglio, pizza by the slice. Just show them how much you’d like and then pay by weight. Be sure to try their popular pizza bianca, without the tomato base, yum! Apart from pizza, Forno bakes fresh breads, biscuits and lots more. A must-try when exploring the Campo area and perfect as a take away to munch on as you explore more of the city by foot.
Pizza-making class: learn to make the perfect pizza near Trevi
Learn the secrets behind the perfect pizza! You will learn how to recognise the types of doughs and how to make the perfect pizza with a professional pizza maker in a pizzeria near Trevi Fountain.
What is the difference between Roman and Neapolitan pizza?
Roman pizza is thin, flat and crispy, known locally as “scrocchiarella”, while Neapolitan pizza has a soft, elastic base with a high, airy crust called cornicione. Rome is one of the few cities where you can eat both styles at the highest level, along with pizza al taglio, sold by the slice and by weight.
Where can I eat great pizza in Rome’s city center?
Near the Pantheon, VICO Pizza&Wine serves award-winning contemporary Neapolitan pizza in a frescoed 16th-century palazzo. Emma and Antico Forno Roscioli are excellent near Campo de’ Fiori, Piccolo Buco is steps from the Trevi Fountain, and in Trastevere you’ll find Seu Pizza Illuminati, Ai Marmi, Ivo and L’Elementare.
How much does pizza cost in Rome?
In a traditional Roman pizzeria, a margherita costs around €7-9, while gourmet and contemporary pizzerias charge roughly €10-16 for signature pizzas. Pizza al taglio is sold by weight and a generous slice usually costs €3-5, making it Rome’s best quick lunch.
What is pizza al taglio?
Pizza al taglio is pizza baked in large rectangular trays and sold by the slice, priced by weight. You point at the varieties you want, choose how big a piece, and eat it on the go. Historic spots like Pizzarium, Antico Forno Roscioli and Forno Campo de’ Fiori are the benchmarks in Rome.
Celebrate a special occasion on a historic riverboat
Toasting and dancing on the banks of the Tiber is no longer a dream but a real possibility, thanks to The Boat by Gregory’s, a historic Roman riverboat that transforms into the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion. If you’re looking for a private event venue in Rome that breaks the mold, this is something no villa or rooftop can offer: a party on the water, in the heart of the city.
The Boat by Gregory’s is not open to the public, but can be booked exclusively for private events of all kinds, becoming an authentic floating lounge and ballroom on Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, just steps from Piazza del Popolo and the city center. The venue hosts a wide range of occasions: birthdays, graduation parties, anniversaries, marriage proposals and wedding receptions, as well as corporate events such as company dinners, brand presentations, networking and incentive events for both Italian and international companies.
A venue steeped in history and culture
The riverboat that today hosts The Boat by Gregory’s is the oldest on the Tiber: the structure dates back to 1890, when it was built as the home of a swimming society, the Rari Nantes. In 1920 it was inaugurated as the headquarters of the Dopolavoro Ferroviario, the railway workers’ recreational club, a role it still holds today: not just a mooring point on the river, but a true floating gym dedicated to swimming, diving, rowing and social gatherings. In those years, the bond between Romans and the Tiber was far closer and more part of everyday life than it is today: the riverbanks were a place to meet and unwind, not just a backdrop to be admired from the bridges and photographed for Instagram.
Over the decades, the structure has lived several lives without ever losing its connection to the water where it was born. The latest is The Boat by Gregory’s, born about ten years ago, which has added a new vocation for hospitality and private events to its sporting and social dimension. The riverboat also remains tied to cultural activities, first and foremost jazz, with an occasional program of concerts that every now and then brings the riverside evenings to life.
This musical connection stems from its link to the famous Gregory’s Jazz Club on Via Gregoriana, one of the historic venues of the Roman music scene, which gives the location a distinctive sound identity: piano bar, DJ sets, saxophone and live performances can all be woven into the evening’s program, always tailored to the tastes and needs of the event, without ever turning the space into a themed venue.
The spaces: indoor rooms and a panoramic terrace over the Tiber
The boat is divided into distinct spaces, each with its own function and atmosphere, designed to suit very different occasions. The Jazz Room is the most intimate and welcoming soul of the venue, perfect for dinners, cocktails, presentations or small private events where a cozier indoor atmosphere is preferred. The Marina Room, on the other hand, lends itself to more convivial moments such as buffets, aperitivos and corporate events, while maintaining a constant visual dialogue with the river even under cover.
The true standout feature, however, is the panoramic Terrace, overlooking the Tiber directly, offering an unusual perspective on the city and the adjacent bridge. It’s the ideal spot for sunset aperitivos, toasts, cake cuttings or small moments of entertainment with a view of the water. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes it possible to plan events all year round, always guaranteeing a sheltered alternative in case of bad weather or cooler temperatures, without sacrificing the charm of the location.
Private parties, but corporate events too
For the business world, The Boat by Gregory’s offers an unconventional alternative to the usual meeting rooms: a central, easily accessible position with plenty of parking nearby, combined with a secluded and distinctive atmosphere. Over the course of a single evening, different moments can follow one another, from the welcome drink to dinner and on to the DJ set, making it the ideal format for company dinners, product launches and networking events.
On the wedding front, it stands as an alternative to villas, rooftops and traditional reception halls, ideal for intimate receptions, welcome dinners or post-ceremony parties, where the Tiber becomes an integral part of the story rather than a simple backdrop. The offer is further enhanced by the possibility of adding private cruises and mini tours on the river, turning the venue not just into a place to host events, but into a true starting point for discovering Rome from an unusual perspective: that of its river history.
One final detail worth mentioning: the boat remains moored at all times, so there’s no risk of finding yourself stuck on the river with nosy colleagues or relatives. You can always step off and head back into the city whenever you like.
As autumn settles in, Rome’s concert season moves indoors and gets busier than ever. October brings a packed calendar of live music across the city’s best venues, from the Auditorium Parco della Musica to the Palazzo dello Sport and Atlantico Live: Italian pop icons, international acts and rising rap stars.
Here are the best concerts in Rome in October 2026.
One of Italy’s most visionary songwriters brings his theatrical universe of ballads, literature and folklore to the Teatro Olimpico for two nights, within the Romaeuropa Festival.
Italy’s longest-running band celebrates 60 years of history across two nights at the Palazzo dello Sport: a multigenerational celebration from start to finish.
A rare chance to see one of Italy’s greatest singer-songwriters up close: an intimate theatre residency at the Sala Umberto, four nights of poetry and song.
August in Rome is hotter than you could ever imagine, and it’s the month of Ferragosto, the national holiday on August 15th introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC, when Italians flock to the seaside. Some shops and bars in residential areas close as Romans take their well-deserved holidays, and for a couple of weeks the city belongs to visitors.
That’s exactly why August has its own charm. The streets are quieter, the lines for major attractions shrink, restaurants in the center stay open, and the city fills up with open-air festivals, concerts and night openings you won’t find any other time of the year. If you don’t mind the heat and plan your days around it, August can be one of the most enjoyable months to experience Rome.
Here’s everything you need to know: the weather, what to wear, what’s open on Ferragosto, and the best things to do. And to avoid long queues under the sun, remember to book your tickets and tours in advance.
The weather in Rome in August
Summer in Rome is hot and humid, and August is its peak. During the day, average temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F), cooling down to around 24-26°C in the evening. Rain is rare, the sun is relentless.
The trick is to plan your days like the Romans do: visit outdoor sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and ancient ruins early in the morning, keep air-conditioned museums and churches for the afternoon, and take a proper break after lunch. Evenings are when the city comes alive, so save your energy for aperitivo hour onwards.
What to wear in Rome in August
Pack light, but pack smart:
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable: Rome is paved with cobblestones. Breathable trainers or sandals with thick soles work best.
Shorts are fine for walking around, but you won’t be allowed into religious sites with knees uncovered.
T-shirts are ideal: light, and they cover your shoulders, so you can enter any church or the Vatican.
A scarf or light shawl is the smartest item in your bag: it lets you cover shoulders on the spot when entering churches, without wearing sleeves all day.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat: the sun is on full blast, and getting burnt on day one is not the souvenir you want.
Long pants or a dress for the evening: Romans dress smart-casual for dinner, and some clubs require a shirt, dark pants and proper shoes for men.
One more local tip: fresh drinking water is free and everywhere in Rome. The public fountains, known as ‘nasoni‘ for resembling big noses, are scattered across the city. Bring an empty bottle and refill as you go.
Events in Rome in August 2026
August in Rome is anything but empty. The Estate Romana program fills the city with open-air concerts, film screenings and festivals: outdoor cinema under the stars, music and nightlife on the river banks at Lungo il Tevere, opera and ballet at the Baths of Caracalla, jazz at Village Celimontana, and night tours of the Colosseum by moonlight. And on the night of August 10th, the feast of San Lorenzo, Romans head to Gianicolo hill, the Pincio terrace or the Appia Antica to watch the shooting stars.
Ferragosto is the heart of the Italian summer: families gather for long lunches, picnics and days at the beach, and many businesses close for the day or the surrounding week.
The good news for visitors: most of Rome’s museums and archaeological sites remain open on August 15th, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Borghese Gallery. The main exceptions are the Vatican Museums, which close for the holiday, along with many family-run restaurants and shops. Book your Ferragosto dinner table in advance, and double-check opening hours for anything on your list that day.
If the heat gets too much, do as the Romans do and head to the coast. Ostia is the closest, and pairs the seaside with a remarkable archaeological site: the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. About an hour away by train you’ll find Santa Marinella and Santa Severa, with its castle right on the sea, while Anzio, Fregene, Sabaudia and Sperlonga offer some of the region’s best beaches and seafood. Check out our guides to the best beaches near Rome and the best restaurants on the Roman coast.
If leaving the city is not an option, Rome has plenty of swimming pools open in August: from the athletic Piscina Belle Arti near Villa Borghese to the Olympic-sized Piscina delle Rose in EUR, up to luxury hotel pools where you can spend a full day between loungers and cocktails.
The August heat is the perfect excuse to make a real holiday of it. Relax in the shade of Villa Borghese or Villa Pamphilj, lose yourself in the Caffarella Park, or explore the Park of the Aqueducts at sunset. Discover all the best parks and gardens in Rome: the city rewards those who move slowly.
Restaurants open in Rome in August
Eating out is one of Rome’s greatest pleasures, but August requires a little planning: some restaurants close for a week or two as owners take their holidays, especially around Ferragosto. Most places in the center stay open throughout the month.
Even though Romans tend to flee to their summer escapes during August (especially on Ferragosto), Rome has some pretty cool events to keep you entertained during the hottest month of the year. Check out the best events in Rome this August 2026.
If you have a passion for art, Rome in August 2026 has a rich lineup of exhibitions to explore. Museums are also one of the best ways to beat the heat: air-conditioned halls, world-class art, and no queues compared to the rest of the year.
At the Musei Capitolini, don’t miss the major retrospective dedicated to Diego Rivera, one of the giants of Mexican muralism, while the Ara Pacis Museum hosts “Robert Mapplethorpe and Humanity as Art“, a powerful journey through the work of one of photography’s most influential figures. Photography lovers should also head to the Museo di Roma in Trastevere for “Rome after Dusk“, Hervé Gloaguen’s luminous portrait of the city at night.
Villa Medici offers two unmissable summer appointments: the Festival des Cabanes, with architectural installations throughout its historic gardens, and Oracles Beyond the Seas, the Villa Medici Fellows’ exhibition. Ancient history takes the spotlight at the Colosseum with “Troy and Rome. Myths, Legends, Stories of the Ancient Mediterranean”, which explores the links between Troy, Aeneas and the foundation of Rome.
Fashion lovers shouldn’t miss “After. Steps Through Work. Fendi / Karl Lagerfeld 1985” at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, a faithful restaging of the legendary 1985 exhibition celebrating the collaboration between Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld, conceived by Maria Grazia Chiuri for the maison’s 100th anniversary.
And if you’re looking for free art, Palazzo Bonaparte has you covered with two exhibitions running until 23 August, both with free admission: “Novecento italiano. Opere dalla Collezione Generali”, a journey through 20th-century Italian art featuring Gustav Klimt’s “The Three Ages of Woman” as a special guest, and “Marco Tamburro. Caravaggio Forever”, where over forty contemporary works enter into dialogue with the vision of the Baroque master.
August might not be as packed with concerts as June and July, but you can still catch a few good shows, especially at the beginning and end of the month. Check them out and pick your favourite!
Village Celimontana continues to bring live music to one of Rome’s most beautiful summer settings. Now in its tenth edition, the festival runs until September 5 at Villa Celimontana, with more than 100 free concerts throughout the season. Expect a rich programme of jazz, swing, manouche, rock’n’roll, Brazilian rhythms, dance nights and family-friendly events.
For those who miss wintry nights in the height of summer, fret not: La Madonna della Neve has got you covered. Each year, between 8pm-12am on 5th of August, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore transforms into a snowy wonderland filled with music, dance and light shows. This event, which draws thousands of visitors annually, originated from a dream. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius (352–366 AD) on the night of August 4th and told him that a location in Rome would be marked by snowfall. The next morning, snow was found covering the site where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore now stands. Even if you are not religiously inclined, this event that takes place in front of the imposing Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is not one to miss.
Even in August, Summertime at Casa del Jazz keeps the music going, though only through the 7th. Produced by Fondazione Musica per Roma, the festival brings Italian and international stars, jazz legends, big bands, acclaimed pianists, and genre-crossing experiments to the open-air stage set in the gardens of Villa Osio, on Viale di Porta Ardeatina. It’s the perfect chance to catch live music under the Roman sky in one of the city’s most charming green settings.
August Line-up: Enrico Rava (1 August), Enzo Avitabile (3 August), Cory Henry (4 August), Jalen Ngonda (5 August), Matteo Mancuso – Route96 Tour (6 August), Peppe Servillo & Solis String Quartet (7 August).
Seeing the Colosseum by day is one thing; exploring it under the moonlight, after the crowds have gone, is a different experience altogether. The Colosseum’s night tours are back: every Tuesday and Thursday, a 60-minute guided visit takes you through the arena floor, the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals once waited, and the first tier of the amphitheater. With cooler evening temperatures and a fraction of the daytime visitors, it’s one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Ancient Rome in August. Advance booking is essential, as spots fill up quickly.
On Tuesday, August 12, the archaeological area of the Circus Maximus will once again host Il Cosmo al Circo Massimo, with a special event dedicated to families and children.
The event will take place on the eve of the Night of San Lorenzo, traditionally associated with the famous shooting stars.
Gates open at 9:00 PM, with the show starting at 9:30 PM: an evening under the stars featuring a digital telescope, live astronomical puppetry by Gabriele Catanzaro, and a guided observation of the night sky.
The show will also be projected on a large screen and onto the Torre della Moletta. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit comfortably on the grass.
The incredible architectural space of the Auditorium will host the Fondazione Musica per Roma – Roma Summer Fest. This is one of the most important music events of the Roman summer, each year hosting many artists from the national and international music scene who return to the capital for a series of unmissable concerts.
After the mid-August break, concerts resume in the Cavea on August 24 with Djo, the musical project of Stranger Things star Joe Keery (already sold out), followed by Tony Pitony (August 29) and American indie rock legends Wilco (August 31). The most original event of the month is Cosmo’s “La Fonte” Matinée Tour on August 30: a one-of-a-kind sunrise concert starting at 7am, turning the early morning into an immersive sonic journey.
Experience the enchantment of open-air cinema in Rome this August. From piazzas like Piazza Vittorio to cultural venues like the Casa del Cinema, various locations offer outdoor movie screenings. Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema under the stars and enjoy a diverse range of films.
Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio – Piazza Vittorio, Esquilino – until 20 September
Casa del Cinema Summer Arena – Casa del Cinema, Villa Borghese – until 6 September
Arena Villa Lazzaroni – Via Appia Nuova, 522 – until 6 September
Festival del Cinema di San Lorenzo – Piazza del Parco Caduti del 19 Luglio 1943 1 – until 10 August
Notti di Cinema a Parco Tevere Marconi – Lungotevere di Pietra Papa – until 29 August
Villa Medici Film Festival – Villa Medici – 16-20 September
Get into the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside at the Lungo il Tevere summer festival along the Tiber, celebrating art, food, and nightlife. Enjoy free shows, cool shops, delicious cuisines, and cultural delights from July until late August.
If you’re up for a short day trip from Rome, August is the perfect time to explore the many sagre (local food festivals) taking place across the Lazio region. These traditional celebrations are all about seasonal produce, regional recipes, and community spirit, from sagre dedicated to porcini mushrooms, snails, and lamb to ones celebrating hazelnuts, wine, fried pizza, and even the world-famous Amatriciana. Expect charming hilltop towns, live music, open-air dinners, and authentic food experiences off the beaten path.
Rome’s riverside theatre becomes an open air cultural village from 14 to 31 July, with over 40 events and more than 50 artists
There’s a corner of Rome where summer tastes like a dream. From 14 to 31 July 2026, India Città Aperta returns for its second edition: the summer festival of Teatro di Roma, created with Dominio Pubblico, transforms the spaces of Teatro India, from the outdoor Arena to the stage nestled in the greenery of the Canneto, into a buzzing cultural village in the shadow of the Gazometro, the iconic gas holder of the Ostiense district.
The thread running through this edition is the dream: an oneiric dimension inspired by the poetics of Pier Paolo Pasolini, unfolding across more than 40 events with over 50 artists spanning theatre, dance, music, publishing, installations and projects for younger audiences. Best of all, most events are free to attend, while ticketed shows have a flat price of just 10 euros.
The opening night
The festival kicks off on Tuesday 14 July with a free opening party: Roman rapper and songwriter Piotta brings his Si riparano ricordi tour to the Arena, preceded on the Canneto stage by cartoonist and musician Davide Toffolo with Giulio D’Antona and their live drawn performance about legendary publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli.
Theatre highlights
The hottest ticket is on 16 July, when acclaimed actor Elio Germano and composer Teho Teardo present Il sogno di una cosa, based on Pasolini’s novel. Also worth marking in your calendar: spoken word star Lorenzo Maragoni with Tipico maschio italiano (17 July), Chiara Becchimanzi‘s Eroina (19 July) and comedian Paola Minaccioni‘s semi-serious reflection on happiness, La vita è bella? No, è un tipo (25 July).
Music, dance and a night at the opera
The music programme revolves around NeroIndia. Siamo fatti di canzoni, a series curated by Studionero and Giulia Ananìa featuring some of the finest voices of the new Italian songwriting scene: Emma Nolde (17 July), Giovanni Truppi (25 July) and Matteo Alieno (30 July). On 24 July, the Instant Composing Society led by Rodrigo D’Erasmo blends improvised live music and film, with actress Isabella Ragonese as special guest.
New this year is a section dedicated to contemporary dance, featuring Stefania Tansini‘s L’ombelico dei limbi (22 July) and the jump rope fuelled energy of HIT OUT by Parini Secondo (26 July). On 28 July the Arena even turns lyrical with ONIRICON, staged by the young artists of the Rome Opera House’s “Fabbrica” programme.
Families, talks and the grand finale
There’s plenty for kids and families too, from the historic Podrecca marionettes (21 to 24 July) to Antonio Catalano’s poetic installations. The talks calendar is packed: book presentations curated by Feltrinelli, which also runs the festival bookstore, a conversation between film director Mario Martone and writer Nicola Lagioia (23 July), plus events with Rome Future Week and the city’s liveliest cultural magazines. The festival closes on 31 July with the BeiRicordi Show, Rome’s beloved showcase for emerging performers.
Ten days of contemporary creation across Rome, from 3 to 12 September
From 3 to 12 September 2026, Rome hosts the 21st edition of Short Theatre, the international festival dedicated to contemporary creation and the performing arts. Over ten days, more than 65 events by some 40 companies and artists from Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Hungary, Algeria, Libya, Eritrea, Cameroon, Rwanda, Mexico and China take over the city. Expect a program that blends art, critical thought and politics, mapping today’s artistic geographies across the Global South and East.
The festival’s home base is La Pelanda at the Mattatoio, the former slaughterhouse turned arts hub in Testaccio, with events also at Teatro India, where the festival was born twenty years ago, Teatro Vittoria, Cinema Troisi, the MACRO – Museum of Contemporary Art and the MUCIV – Museum of Civilizations
The opening night at Rome’s Botanical Garden
ST26 opens on 3 September (6-10 pm) in one of the city’s most enchanting settings: the Botanical Garden of Rome in Trastevere, with a continuous flow of performances, sound rituals and site-specific interventions among the greenhouses, including Hungarian choreographer Eszter Salamon‘s celebrated Dance for Nothing (revisited), based on John Cage’s Lecture on Nothing, and the sound ritual Naturale sconosciuto by poet Mariangela Gualtieri at dusk.
Highlights of the program
Among the must-sees: Alberto Cortès‘ El corazón de Ester, a performance that will be staged only 50 times worldwide, two of them at ST26 (4-5 September, Teatro Vittoria); Chiara Bersani‘s Michel. The animals I am, which reimagines Swan Lake through three performers with disabilities; François Chaignaud & Aymeric Hainaux‘s Mirlitons, where opera singing battles beatbox (8-9 September); the Italian premiere of L’Echo by French-Algerian choreographer Nacera Belaza with actress Valérie Dréville, co-presented with Romaeuropa Festival (10-11 September, Teatro India); and Muna Mussie‘s Cinema Impero, a three-part journey through Italy’s colonial archives staged at Cinema Troisi, MUCIV and MACRO. Closing the festival on 12 September, Claudia Castellucci‘s dance piece L’Infinito Carnale.
Throughout the festival, DJs and live acts — from queer scene icon HABIBITCH to Chinese experimental artist otay:onii — soundtrack the evenings at La Pelanda, alongside free talks and workshops open to all.
Summer is coming to an end, but the season of live concerts in Rome continues. Discover the section featuring the best concerts and festivals happening in September in Rome.
The Swiss-Ecuadorian guitar duo brings its hypnotic, cinematic desert sound to the Auditorium’s Cavea, instrumental music that feels like a spaghetti western under the stars. Their only Italian date.
September 2
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Via Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
One of Italy’s most beloved voices pays tribute to two giants of Italian songwriting, Fabrizio De André and Ivano Fossati, marking 30 years of the masterpiece album Anime Salve.
September 4-5
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
The Sicilian singer-songwriter’s intense, poetic pop has made her one of the defining voices of contemporary Italian music. Expect a night of lyrics that cut deep and melodies that stay with you.
September 7
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
A rare chance to see one of Brazil’s greatest voices live: the queen of MPB stops in Rome for the only Italian date of her PHONICA world tour, in the Sala Santa Cecilia.
September 11
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
The grand finale of the Jova Summer Party: Italy’s ultimate showman turns the Circus Maximus into a giant open-air celebration, with music from early afternoon and guest DJs Benny Benassi (Sept 12) and Afrojack (Sept 13). Sept 12 is sold out, last tickets available for Sept 13.
Rome’s legendary electronic music festival returns with a stellar lineup topped by Björk and Peggy Gou. Two full days of sound and visual arts starting at noon in the Auditorium’s hanging gardens.
September 12-13
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
The Malian singer, guitarist and actress blends Wassoulou tradition with jazz, funk and Afro-pop — one of the most powerful voices in contemporary African music.
September 15
Auditorium Parco della Musica (Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30)
One of the greatest voices in Italian pop closes her record-breaking “G – Last Call” tour with a Rome homecoming, mixing new songs from her gold-certified album G with three decades of hits.
Night tours at the Colosseum are back – every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 11 PM
Starting Tuesday, July 14, the “A Night at the Colosseum” initiative returns — a guided tour that offers the rare opportunity to visit the Flavian Amphitheater after dark, including areas usually closed to the public.
The 60-minute tour once again includes the first level of the monument, the arena floor, and the underground tunnels — a truly unmissable chance to uncover the secrets of Rome’s most iconic landmark.
Special evening openings are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with last entry at 9:50 PM. Tours are conducted in small groups of up to 25 people per slot.
The visit unfolds like a story, told from the perspective of the spectators who once filled the Colosseum, as well as that of the protagonists of the spectacles held throughout the day, from wild animal hunts (known as venationes) to the munera, the gladiator combats – fighters who were admired and cheered like today’s football stars.
The night tour begins at the northern entrance arch, once the main access point for emperors. From the arena floor, visitors enjoy a striking view of the cavea while learning about the grand spectacles once offered to the Roman public.
The tour then leads into the underground area, featuring the permanent exhibition “Spectacles in the Colosseum Arena: The Protagonists”, which highlights the lives of gladiators and wild animals involved in the shows, with dramatic elements like:
A holographic projection of gladiators emerging from the darkness
A 2nd-century AD mosaic depicting a hunting scene
Ancient graffiti, oil lamps, and lift mechanisms used to bring fighters and beasts to the arena
Full-scale replicas of gladiator armor, from the retiarius to the murmillo
Are you ready to enjoy an unforgettable show? All you have to do is book your visit on the official website of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, just remember that tickets are available ONLY on the official website, starting 7 days before the scheduled visit date.
From July 14, 2026 Flavian Amphitheater – Piazza del Colosseo, 1
Guided tour times (in Italian, Spanish and English): From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Tickets:
€50.00 full price (includes Full Experience ticket €24.00 + guided tour €26.00)
Looking to spend a balmy evening doing aperitivo or dinner with a panoramic view over the city? Rome is one of Europe’s best cities for rooftop bars and panoramic terraces, perfect for a sunset aperitivo or a romantic dinner under the stars, but finding complete and up-to-date information online isn’t easy.
That’s why we have selected, visited and verified 35 rooftop bars in Rome: from the most iconic panoramic terraces in the historic centre to the best bars with views of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps, right up to the newest openings of summer 2026. A real-time updated guide, with addresses, opening hours and direct contacts, designed for those who don’t want to waste time searching through scattered, often outdated information.
Here are our favourite rooftop bars with a view in Rome, from sunset aperitivo to drinks under the stars.
Les Etoiles offers a truly spectacular 360° panoramic view of Rome, stretching across terracotta rooftops and the city’s most iconic monuments. The view takes in the best view we’ve ever seen of the facade and dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Spread across the top floors of the Atlante Star Hotel, Les Etoiles is composed of three distinct spaces: a refined indoor restaurant, a charming roof garden, and a panoramic rooftop bar. At aperitivo time, a fixed-price formula is available for €45, which includes a drink (cocktail or glass of wine) accompanied by a selection of finger foods.
Cielo Bar @ Hotel de la Ville
Via Sistina, 69 (Centro Storico) Bar: 12pm – 12am Restaurant:12.30pm – 2.30pm; 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Cielo is a glamorous rooftop bar at the very top of the Spanish Steps. Come to enjoy an aperitivo and bar menu, with live music from 7pm to 10pm. The rooftop is lined with red and white striped umbrellas so you might think you were in Positano if it wasn’t for the spectacular city views.
Gigi Rigolatto @ Hotel Orient Express La Minerva
Piazza della Minerva, 69 (Pantheon) Restaurant: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 7pm, 7pm – 10.30pm Bellini Bar: 12pm – 11.30pm
Gigi Rigolatto has recently made his debut in Rome, bringing his “La Vita alla Grande” philosophy to the exclusive rooftop of Orient Express La Minerva. One of the most stunning rooftops in the city, it offers an unparalleled view of the Pantheon and the timeless beauty of Rome. The design blends retro glamour with modern elegance, perfectly capturing the spirit of La Dolce Vita.
Masa Rooftop
Via di S.Maria Maggiore, 143 (Monti) Opening Times: 6pm – 1am
Hotel Major’s rooftop restaurant reimagines the classic Italian aperitivo experience with a Middle Eastern infusion. Masa embraces conviviality as its principle: customers embark on a culinary adventure, savoring the chef’s selection of small bites. If you’re seeking a romantic spot to dazzle your date or craving an evening of refined Oriental finger food, Masa awaits you for a memorable night!
Adèle Mixology Lounge
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14 (Veneto) Opening Times: daily from 5pm to 1am; Sunday brunch from 12pm to 3pm
Rome may feel immense, but from Adèle Mixology Lounge on the 8th floor of Hotel Splendide Royal, the city opens up in a sweeping panorama. From Villa Borghese’s greenery to Rome’s domes and the Vittoriano, the skyline feels close enough to trace with your eyes.
Set on Pincio Hill, just steps from Villa Medici and Piazza di Spagna, Adèle balances grandeur with intimacy: warm lighting, thoughtful design, and a refined atmosphere that never feels crowded or dispersive. A retractable window system makes the space enjoyable year-round, with both indoor and outdoor seating depending on the season and your mood.
Come for a Sunday buffet brunch (12:00–15:00), settle in for afternoon tea, or stop by for an aperitivo and after-dinner drinks. As daylight fades and the city lights come on, every moment here turns into a rooftop experience worth lingering over.
Singer Palace Hotel
Via Alessandro Specchi, 10 (centro storico) Jim’s Bar: 12pm – 12am Le TerrazzeRestaurant: Lunch 12.30pm – 2.45pm; Dinner 7pm – 10.45pm
The Singer rooftop is an oasis with an unbelievable view, allowing its guests to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Roman rooftops and Via del Corso just a stone’s throw away from the Trevi Fountain. Whether you choose to visit the rooftop for lunch, cocktail hour, dinner, or drinks, Singer staff will pamper you all the way through.
Discover our selection of the best Rome’s Tours & Local Experiences
ThRoof is an elegant rooftop terrace above boutique hotel Triviho, between Barberini and Piazza della Repubblica, offering 360° views over Rome as far as St. Peter’s and the Vittoriano. Open year-round with both outdoor space and a heated indoor area, it’s ideal for lunch or aperitivo with simple, well-crafted dishes (tartare, salads, pinsa, couscous) and classic or signature cocktails. Flexible corners of the terrace can be reserved for private events, while themed evenings with food, music and live entertainment create a contemporary, convivial atmosphere.
Ruby Giulia Hotel Rooftop
Via Agostino Depretis, 45 (Monti/Teatro dell’Opera) Bar: 24/7 Rooftop: 6pm – 11pm
Ruby Giulia Hotel brings to Rome a retro rooftop inspired by the 1970s and spy-story atmospheres. From the seventh-floor panoramic terrace, guests can watch the sunset over the rooftops of the historic center while enjoying classic and creative Spritzes, small plates and music. Just steps from Via Nazionale and the Monti district, it is a new central destination for an aperitivo with a view in Rome.
Paparazzo Bar & Rooftop @ Le Meridien Visconti Rome
Via Federico Cesi, 37 (Prati) Opening times: 6pm-1am
Paparazzo Bar & Rooftop at Le Meridien Visconti Rome, takes us back to 1960s Rome, and at the same time, hurls us into the future. The venue, a lounge nestled under the Roman sky, lulls us into a dolce vita, where drinking a cocktail becomes an irresistible social practice, where chatter, laughter and relaxation go hand in hand and give a concrete meaning to the concept of “happy hour”, making it the most anticipated moment of the day.
The Roof @ The Rome EDITION
Salita di San Nicola da Tolentino, 14 (Veneto) Opening times: 11am – 12am
The Roof at The Rome EDITION is one of the city’s most exclusive terraces, suspended above the rooftops of Rome with views of iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, the Janiculum Hill and Sant’Andrea della Valle. The elegant, light-filled space unfolds around a travertine pool, with a bar and restaurant area.
The culinary offer takes guests from lunch to evening, with Mediterranean dishes, freshly prepared cuisine, grilled specialties, signature cocktails and an atmosphere that brings a touch of the Riviera to the heart of Rome. Ideal for a panoramic aperitif, a sunset dinner or a refined break above the city.
La Griffe Hotel – Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Via Nazionale, 13 (Repubblica) Bar: 5pm – 11.30pm Restaurant: 7pm – 12am
In the heart of Rome, suspended between the sky and the rooftops of the Eternal City, Rooftop La Griffe offers an experience that goes far beyond a simple panoramic view. Located on the ninth floor of Hotel La Griffe, it is an exclusive rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar where spectacular sunsets, refined cuisine, and signature cocktails come together in a truly unique atmosphere. The perfect setting for a sunset aperitivo, a romantic dinner, or a special event, it offers breathtaking views that make every moment unforgettable.
Tiziano Terrace Rooftop & Cocktail Bar @ Monti Palace Hotel
Located in the Monti neighbourhood, and up on the 5th floor of the Monti Palace Hotel, this terrace boasts tall windows, a cosy outside area, an impressive bar, and a lovely seating area where customers can enjoy their meals in the sun. It’s the perfect place for the summer (and winter) months!
Via dell’Umiltà, 36 (Trevi) Opening Times: 5pm to 1am
Terrazza Flores, part of the renowned family of Argentine restaurants El Porteño, is located on the stunning panoramic terrace of Hotel Umiltà36, in the vibrant heart of Rome. Considered one of the most captivating rooftops in the city, it offers a breathtaking view of Rome’s rooftops and the Vittoriano—a postcard-perfect panorama.
Spacious and elegant, this rooftop features diverse and welcoming environments, complemented by impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail. The drink list is extraordinary, featuring original cocktails inspired by South American flavors and creative reinterpretations of classic recipes.
The food menu, specifically designed for aperitivo, features must-try dishes like the Wagyu Trio and the Asado Tacos Tasting, perfect to enhance your experience in this exclusive location.
Notos Rooftop @ Six Sense Rome
Piazza di San Marcello (Via del Corso) Opening Times: 6pm to midnight
Notos is the rooftop bar and restaurant of the beautiful Six Senses Hotel Rome. The terrace is a ‘secret garden’, rich with plants, terracotta ceramics, and comfortable loungers. The atmosphere is relaxing and the unparalleled view extends beyond the church of San Marcello al Corso and the bell tower of Montecitorio to other famous monuments and Roman terraces.
Mùn – Rooftop Cocktail Bar @ DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti
When daylight falls, Mùn – Rooftop Cocktail Bar is ready to welcome aperitifs, parties and events with its panoramic view over the rooftops of the city and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one step closer to the moon. An elegant setting with warm, natural tones is enhanced by the chef’s refined culinary creations, perfectly paired with signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
The Terrazza is Bulgari Hotel Roma’s breathtaking rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Rome, stretching from Villa Medici and Trinità dei Monti to the Tiber and the Janiculum Hill. As the day goes on, the ambiance transforms: it’s a place to bask in the sun during the day, enjoy a sophisticated aperitif at sunset, or revel in the enchanting starry sky at night. An intimate and exclusive retreat, it offers the same menu as the Bulgari Bar.
47 Circus Roof Garden @ Fortyseven Hotel
Via Luigi Petroselli, 47 (Circo Massimo) Opening Times: 12pm – 12.30am
From the Jewish Quarter to Circo Massimo, 47 Circus Roof Garden offers sensational views of Rome. Enjoy an aperitivo or dinner, take in the unparalleled views of Forum Boario and Piazza della Bocca della Verità, and watch the city illuminate during the evening.
The Organics Sky Garden @ Aleph Rome Hotel
Via di San Basilio, 15 (Via Veneto) Opening Times: 10am-12am
Head to the 6th floor of the Aleph Hotel near the Trevi Fountain for scenic views over the city. Alongside its restaurant, lounge bar and pool, the rooftop has relaunched as the new Organics Sky Garden, with a food menu inspired by Rome’s hills, signature cocktails dedicated to the city’s rioni, and a fresh entertainment format: Liquid Sessions every Wednesday and Sunset Panorama every Friday from 6.30 pm. Enjoy a beautiful Roman sunset or stay for an evening filled with music, food and drinks, and good company.
The Social Hub Rooftop
Viale dello Scalo S. Lorenzo, 10 (San Lorenzo) Opening Hours: 6pm – 11pm
Discover the rooftop bar at The Social Hub Rome. Located on the 7th floor, this panoramic terrace with pool is open daily to hotel guests and members from 9am to 6pm. After 6pm, the space opens to the public for sunset aperitivos and late-night drinks.
With an unexpected and edgy view over Rome’s Termini Station, the rooftop offers a unique perspective of the city, surrounded by cozy loungers, oversized cushions, and bar-facing seating.
Enjoy a bespoke cocktail experience curated by Bar Manager, Damiano Di Benedetto, featuring a rooftop-exclusive mixology menu inspired by the soul of Rome.
Seu Pizza con Vista @ W Hotel Roma
Via Liguria, 26-36 (Veneto) Opening times: 6.30pm – 12am
Enjoy the view from Seu Pizza con Vista, perched on the rooftop of the W Hotel Rome. Surrounded by lemon trees and accompanied by a live DJ set, you can sip a cocktail while tasting fresh seafood and the signature pizza by Pierdaniele Seu — an award-winning pizzaiolo considered one of the rising stars of Italian pizza.
I Sofà Roof Terrace @ Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George
Via Giulia, 62 (Centro Storico) Opening time: 12pm – 12am
Nestled along the iconic Via Giulia, inside the elegant Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George, I Sofà Bar Restaurant & Roof Terrace is where contemporary style meets timeless Roman charm. In the warmer months, the I Sofà Bar moves to the roof terrace, open daily from noon until midnight. Here, guests sip handcrafted cocktails and fine Italian wines while sharing tapas-style dishes, all set against a breathtaking 360° panorama of domes, rooftops, and ancient monuments. From sunset spritzes to starlit toasts, it’s the ultimate Roman aperitivo spot.
Mama Shelter Rooftop
Via Luigi Rizzo, 20 (Prati/Trionfale) Opening Hours: 5pm – 1am
Enjoy panoramic views overlooking Rome, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica at Mama Shelter Rooftop while you eat, drink, and mingle in the cool open air featuring the same live music from their downstairs bar and restaurant. Much like the rest of the Mama Shelter Hotel, the atmosphere at Mama’s Rooftop is delightful and welcoming yet sophisticated and glamorous. And the crowd is a good mix from business and young professionals to local singles and international tourists visiting.
Terrazza Hey Güey @ Chapter Roma
Via di S. Maria de’ Calderari, 47 (Jewish Quarter) Opening time – Three shifts: 6pm – 8.30pm | 8.45pm – 11.30pm | 11.45pm – 1am
Hotel Chapter’s terrace Hey Guey is revolutionizing the Roman landscape with accessible and contemporary luxury dedicated to Mexico. Uniting street art, healthy food, mixology and gastronomic excellence in an old building in Rione Regola, the terrace feels like taking a mini vacation to South America. Expect signature empanadas and mezcal drinks in a subtropical oasis among classic Roman rooftops. The menu is Mexican, prepared by the Chef in an open kitchen and displayed on a blue Ape Piaggio food truck.
Oro Bistrot @ NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali
Via di Santa Eufemia, 19 (Colosseo) Bar: Sun-Thu 1pm – 11pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-12am Restaurant: Mon-Sun 1pm-3pm (lunch); Tue-Sat 7pm-11pm with tasting menu (dinner)
Head up to the terrace of the NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali to enjoy one of the best views of the city. The Roman Forum, Imperial Forums, and the Vittoriano will be right in front of you! Taste the local specialties at the Oro Bistrot restaurant by Natale Giunta or sip a glass of wine with a snack at the bar.
Alto Ristorante & Cocktail Bar @ Hotel The First Musica
Lungotevere Dei Mellini, 27 (Prati) Bar: 6pm – 1am Restaurant: 12.30pm – 3pm; 7.30pm – 11pm
Located on the sixth and seventh floors of the boutique hotel The First Musica, Alto is a stunning rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar offering an exclusive experience. Expect five-star service, excellent signature cocktails, and a refined seafood menu. On the seventh floor, you’ll find a terrace featuring a centuries-old olive tree and an incredible, unexpected view over the Tiber River.
Terrazza Borromini
Via Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30 (Navona) “La Grande Bellezza” Rooftop: 12pm – 12.30am Ristorante: lunch from 12.30pm, dinner from 7.30pm
On the fourth floor of Eitch Borromini – Palazzo Pamphilj, you’ll find the charming view from Terrazza Borromini, a restaurant offering a menu inspired by Roman culinary tradition. Head up to the fifth floor to discover the rooftop Grande Bellezza, a true gem nestled between the bell tower and the dome of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Here, you can sip a cocktail or a glass of wine while enjoying Piazza Navona as you’ve never seen it before.
Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace @ Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Pair one of the most beautiful views of Rome with amazing contemporary Roman cuisine with a French twist. This rooftop restaurant and bar is the perfect place to soak under the sun and enjoy la dolce vita.
For an aperitivo or an after dinner drink during the summer months, La Terrazza del Cesàri should definitely be on your list. Not just because it’s located in the oldest hotel in Rome – founded in 1787 – but because it’s a hidden retreat from which you can admire the hustle and bustle of the city tucked away in an exclusive setting.
Il Giardino @ Hotel Eden
Via Ludovisi, 49 (Via Veneto) Restaurant: 11am – 10.30pm Bar: 7am – 12.30am
l Giardino is the elegant rooftop restaurant and bar of Hotel Eden, offering Mediterranean flavours, creative cocktails and sweeping views over Rome’s rooftops and historic landmarks. For the ultimate romantic dinner, head to La Terrazza, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, also set on the top floor and offering an equally spectacular view of the Eternal City.
Terrazza dei Papi @ Mecenate Palace Hotel
Via Carlo Alberto, 3 (Termini) Roof Garden Restaurant: 7.30pm – 11pm Sky Bar: 3pm – 12am
Get a taste of Rome’s skyline at the wonderful rooftop of the Terrazza dei Papi. With 360° views of Rome paired with a candlelit dinner with regional and Mediterranean dishes, you’re in for a special experience.
Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari @ The First Hotel
Via del Vantaggio, 14 (Popolo) Acquaroof Bar: 6pm – 8pm, 10.30pm – 1am Acquaroof Restaurant: 12pm – 2.30pm; 7pm – 10pm
Linger over lunch, enjoy a perfectly-mixed cocktail for aperitivo, and stay on for dinner at Acquaroof while taking in the breathtaking views of Rome. Located on the rooftop of The First Hotel, this restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Eternal City, paired with a sweeping menu.
Hotel Forum Rooftop
Via Tor de’ Conti, 25-30 (Monti) Roof Garden Restaurant: weekend lunch 12.30pm–3.30pm e Mon–Sat dinner 7pm–11.30pm American Bar: 4pm – 12am | Weekend 1pm – 12am
With arguably the best view of the Roman Forum, the old-fashioned Roof Garden is a must on the list of any rooftop lover. Whether you are just grabbing lunch between tours or settling down for the day with a nice meal, this is a great stop.
Zuma Bar, Lounge & Terrace
Via della Fontanella Borghese, 48 (Spagna) Opening Time: 6pm-1am (Sun-Thu); 6pm-2am (Fri-Sat)
Located in Palazzo Fendi, this high-end Japanese fusion chain from London landed in Rome in 2016 and it’s an ‘in’ crowd hangout. Carefully mixed cocktails, views that stretch out over Trinità dei Monti and with at least half of what’s on the full Zuma restaurant menu, it’s great for an aperitivo or dinner.
The Bramante Terrace @ Hotel Raphael
Largo Febo, 2 (Piazza Navona) Bar: 11am-11pm Mater Terrae Restaurant: 12.30am-3pm, 7pm-10.30pm
Enjoy one of the most evocative panoramic views of the Eternal City at La Terrazza del Bramante. The views stretch from the Roman rooftops to St. Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo, beyond the Quirinal Palace and the Spanish Steps. As you take in the views, enjoy lunch or dinner with seasonal and organic food at Mater Terrae Restaurant.
Maio Restaurant & Rooftop @ La Rinascente
Via del Tritone, 61 (Barberini) Opening time: Mon – Sun 10am-11pm
The Maio Restaurant & Rooftop presents itself as a magnificent garden among the rooftops of Rome, located on the sixth and seventh floors of Rinascente on Via del Tritone. It is a balcony overlooking the Eternal City, welcoming lovers of unique gastronomic experiences with the creations of chef Umberto Vezzoli, paired with the prestigious selection of labels from Cantina Maio.
Where to eat on the Roman coast: Fiumicino, Ostia, Fregene, Santa Severa, Santa Marinella, Ladispoli and Anzio
The sun shines on the Roman cobblestones: it’s time to leave the city behind and head towards the salty breeze of the coast. Just a short drive from Rome, the Lazio coastline is one of Italy’s most exciting seafood destinations, home to Michelin-starred kitchens, family-run trattorias and beach clubs where you can eat with your feet in the sand.
Fiumicino, Ostia, Fregene, Maccarese, Ladispoli, Santa Severa, Santa Severa, Civitavecchia, Anzio, Torvaianica and Nettuno await you, your short sleeves and your sunglasses. The time for spaghetti alle vongole and orata in crosta is here.
From Gianfranco Pascucci and Lele Usai’s Michelin-starred tables in Fiumicino to historic seafood trattorias in Anzio and the new wave of openings along the coast, here is our complete guide to the best restaurants on the Roman coast, where to get your boost of iodine and so much more.
Da Alceste is a historical fish restaurant in Anzio, a point of reference for seafood cuisine and the portodanzese tradition. Alceste and Giuseppe’s children, Gino and Maria Elena Regolanti, keep the family tradition alive with historical dishes with a modern touch. Among the first courses, you’ll find big classics like spaghetti with clams or with anchovies and pecorino as well as main courses with a vintage taste like pesce all’acqua pazza, fresh fish, cooked in a flavorful broth, or guazzetto di pesce, a wholesome fish stew. The beautiful terrace is worth a mention.
Among the most well-known restaurants in Anzio, Walter Regolanti’s Romolo al Porto certainly deserves a shoutout. With about 100 seats between the indoor room and the porch, Walter offers a daily cuisine that bets everything on the local produce: fish, crustaceans, shellfish in an infinite variety of hors d’oeuvres, culminating in a pasta dish that feels like dessert. Their winery is also excellent, full of bubbles, not to be underestimated.
Alessandro Catarinozzi’s Pierino is a historical name. The seafood you eat here is in its most authentic and classical form. There are crudités, fresh pasta, risotto alla pescatora, ands simple main dishes accompanies by seasonal side dishes, like the orata al forno with porcini mushrooms. Foie gras is also available. The canteen is wide and the service informal but well-prepared and knowledgeable.
A beach club with restaurant for over sixty years. Nearly two hundred covers spread across the dining room, veranda and beach, you literally eat with your feet in the sand. Young chef Fabio Di Vilio experiments intelligently with locally caught fish and vegetables from the family garden: bruschetta with clams, strozzapreti alla pescatora, and a risotto with anchovies, almond cream and charred orange. A wine list of over two hundred labels.
A Benny Gili institution, despite the large number of covers, it’s almost impossible to get a table without booking days in advance. Authentic, unpretentious yet carefully crafted cooking: pasta with wedge clams or with vongole, seafood carbonara, raw seafood and the iconic bruschetta with smoked sardine and red onion.
A Spanish flair in a young, lively atmosphere: raw seafood and red prawn tartare, spaghetti with clams and bottarga, mixed fried fish, ceviche, Galician-style octopus and lobster. The outdoor grill is the real highlight of the place. A second location has opened in Fiumicino on the Lungomare della Salute, with sea views.
Puntarossa Da Renatone
Viale dei Monti dell’Ara, 425 – Maccarese 06.6672300
Puntarossa da Renatone is the meeting spot for tv personalities and foodies. Under the porch you will enjoy amazing food prepared daily by Renato Salvatori, who goes by Renatone. His first courses of the day are unparalleled, usually fresh pasta, sometimes stuffed. The crudités are delicious, and so are the bruschette and the fritti. The most popular choices are tonnarelli cacio e pepe con le cozze (mussels), tagliatelle alla gricia di spigola, and octopus salad and potatoes with red onion confiture. The service is welcoming and knowledgeable, just like the wine selection, curated personally by Maurizio.
The restaurant and farmhouse, Santa Lucia, located just three kilometers from the coast in Maccarese, offers a serene and high-quality experience. The carefully designed suites and restaurant are surrounded by two saltwater pools and a solarium, which altogether create a picturesque setting. Chef Daniele Lubei’s gastronomic offerings revolve around the principle of sustainability and the love for local agriculture, on which basis he designed an exquisite five-course vegetarian tasting menu. The wine, happy-hour and breakfast options are also of exceptional quality.
In the charming village of Maccarese, next to the Castello di San Giorgio, Stefano Callegari is behind this pizzeria that has become a go-to spot for the northern stretch of the Roman coast. Crispy crust, high-quality local ingredients, classic and seasonal pizzas, plus the “scudi”: small pizza-based bites topped with local specialities. A great selection of craft beers, a lovely outdoor seating area in the village square in summer. Average rating of 4.5/5 across over 600 Google reviews.
Located in La Posta Vecchia, the former residence of Jean Paul Getty, Da Aurelio Restaurant boasts a sunlit terrace overlooking azure waters. This restaurant redefines authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Chef Andrea Barcia and his team invite you to embark on a gastronomic journey. The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the hotel’s garden and trusted suppliers. Each dish reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability, central to their “Il Dolce Far Bene” program.
Set inside the Malibu beach club in Ladispoli, Malibu Mare e Cucina is a seaside restaurant and cocktail bar open daily from breakfast to dinner. Overlooking the water in a breezy, elegant setting, it offers a refined take on Mediterranean seafood. The menu features crudo platters, red prawn tartare, ricciola sashimi, and handmade pasta like tagliolini with sea urchin and scampi. Creative starters and beautifully plated mains are paired with a curated wine list and signature cocktails, perfect for a full-flavored experience by the sea.
Simple, genuine cooking based on locally caught fish and vegetables from the surrounding countryside. You can eat inside the hotel, on the veranda, or with your feet in the sand: excellent fried seafood, raw fish and freshly made pasta dishes. If in season, do not miss the persimmon tiramisù.
Just a few steps from Santa Severa Castle is the restaurant L’Isola del Pescatore. Here, guests are welcomed by Fabio Quartieri in a relaxed atmosphere where you can taste the amazing local produce, whether indoors or outdoors. Their antipasti are a must: many small dishes to try a bit of everything. First courses are generous and desserts fantastic. If you want to eat by the castle and be looked after by a knowledgeable team, this is the place for you.
One Michelin star and much more for Pascucci al Porticciolo, the restaurant of Gianfranco Pascucci and Vanessa Melis. Him in the kitchen, her front of house: in an ethereal, elegant and sea-inspired setting, the cooking is anything but conventional. Locally caught fish and the salt-marsh herbs of Fiumicino take centre stage, with touches drawn from game and the East. The menu changes constantly and can be explored through several tasting menus.
On the upper floor of Nautilus Marina is Il Tino, Lele Usai’s one-Michelin-star restaurant. A single dining room, very few covers, round tables and a romantic yet elegant atmosphere. At the open kitchen, the chef works with locally caught fish, elevating it through contemporary techniques and pairings: the iodine garden, smoked scampi and vanilla risotto, the Bouillabaisse as a tribute to Gérald Passédat. Two tasting menus to choose from, with an optional wine pairing.
Lele Usai moves between fine dining and neighbourhood trattoria: on the ground floor of Nautilus Marina sits his bistrot. In a bright, spacious setting, the cooking is direct, gutsy and changes day by day: raw seafood and spaghetti with wedge clams, Thai-style mussels sauté, smoked mackerel with mixed leaves and hard-boiled eggs. The pink prawn cream risotto is excellent, as is the mixed fried fish. Service is very informal and quick.
Osteria dell’Orologio is a small yet vibrant restaurant, where Chef Marco Claroni creates wonderful and innovative dishes using the local catch. From aged salted tuna heart to bresaola and bottarga, the cured seafood options are exceptional. The menu also includes excellent raw and cooked fish, fresh pastas, and daily specials. The desserts are also worth a try and the wine room, expertly tended by Marco’s wife Gerarda, offers a fantastic selection.
Elegant and refined, yet dynamic and easy-going. Quality cooking with a wide choice of seafood dishes and a nod to the land, a carefully curated cocktail list and a wine selection of over 700 labels with generous space given to champagne and French wines.
Some of the best Roman-style pizza in Lazio can be found here at Luca Pezzetta’s. Roman pizza, pizza al trancio, pizza al padellino and focaccia agricola, all topped with fish cured in-house in the walk-in ageing fridges on display. Try the Capricciosa with olive soil, tuna or amberjack prosciutto and grey mullet roe. The fried dishes are excellent too.
Alessandro Pietrini’s cooking is straightforward and sincere: fresh fish is the pride and backbone of the menu, with outstanding raw seafood, freshly made pasta dishes and juicy mains. The menu changes day by day according to the best the Fiumicino sea has to offer. Next door is La Marina Sushi Bar, with creations that blend Japan and Italy.
Ippolito
Via della Torre Clementina, 158/B – Fiumicino (RM) 392 846 1233
A contemporary osteria opened in January 2025 by Luca Pezzetta’s group, right next to the Clementina pizzeria on the canal port. Young chefs Marco Fedeli and Andrea Alberghetti propose a cuisine rooted in the territory, telling the story of Fiumicino through locally auctioned catch, vegetables from Maccarese and meat from small local farmers. The menu changes regularly: fettuccine with white octopus ragù, artichoke-stuffed cuttlefish, Roman-style braised rabbit. The name is a tribute to Sant’Ippolito, patron saint of Fiumicino.
Mare Bistrot
Via della Torre Clementina, 126 – Fiumicino (RM) 334 797 8290
A bistrot opened in spring 2024 by Gianfranco Pascucci (Michelin star), Alessandro Pietrini and Luigi Amoruso. An easy-going format for high-quality seafood cooking: a handful of tables inside with an open kitchen, a few seats outside on the waterfront. A dynamic menu built around the daily catch: sea bass carpaccio with walnuts and samphire, spaghetti aglio e olio with prawn tartare, bluefin tuna tataki. Spectacular fried seafood and excellent value for money.
Tenuta del Duca
Via Carlo del Prete s.n.c. – Fiumicino (RM) 366 238 6289
A few minutes from the airport, in a carefully restored 1930s farmhouse belonging to the Sforza Cesarini family near Lago di Traiano, Rosario Malapena and Cristina Sebastiani have opened their inn and restaurant. The Entroterra restaurant is led by chef Alessandro Lambiase, with a menu spanning sea and land: fresh fish from the Fiumicino fish auction and selected cuts from butcher Achille Cerulli. A wine cellar of over one hundred labels. Rooms available for those who wish to stay the night.
Since the 1930s, the terrace of La Vecchia Pineta restaurant has captivated Romans with its steadfast and unpretentious seafood cuisine. The menu features a trio of appetizers that include an enticing seafood salad, marinated mullet, and julienned vegetables with citrus shrimp, each honouring the local sea. To follow the appetizers, the risotto alla pescatora and the fried squid and shrimp have become over the years, key legends at the restaurant and are therefore a must-try!
And if you’re tired of fish, let there be meat! Royalbeef in Ostia breaks the mold and warmly welcomes you to indulge in delicious meat dishes in a coastal setting. Entrepreneur Giuseppe Domenico Larosa proudly presents a wide variety of meats from around the world, expertly grilled and cut at your table. The latest addition? RoyalBeef now serves pizza too, crafted by pizzaiolo Alessandro Splendori, featuring a high-quality dough and a menu worth exploring.
Osteria Landi
Via Claudio, 26/28 – Lido di Ostia (RM) 06 563 05565
In the heart of Ostia’s pedestrian island, Emanuele Landi (front of house) and chef Claudio Prossomariti (kitchen, trained at Lele Usai’s school) have created one of the best addresses on the Roman coast. A single, intimate space with a long leather sofa, counter and open kitchen. A short, essential menu built around the local catch: no vacuum-sealing or low-temperature cooking, just the grill and the pan, with homemade bread and pasta. A dynamic, artisanal wine list. Ranked first on TheFork in Lido di Ostia, with a 9.4/10 rating.
Molo21 in Santa Marinella is simple and relaxing, almost fit for meditation. It’s a restaurant facing the sea where you can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres like tuna tartare, trawl sashimi, shrimp mince, and then a traditional spaghetti alle vongole or linguine with pane, burro e alici. To start in great style, you can’t not order a selection of oysters.
Set above the sea in Santa Marinella, Il Trabucco offers a contemporary seafood experience at a historic seaside location. The menu balances raw and cooked dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and seasonal produce. Expect refined Mediterranean flavors – from classic recipes to contemporary reinterpretations – all served on a panoramic terrace that captures the spirit of the coast.
Lazio’s cuisine blends with that of Spanish Galicia: everything that’s freshest from local fishing boats, respecting seasonality and availability. The menu tells a family story rooted in Palermo, Ponza and northwestern Spain.
A historic seafood restaurant, fully renovated and reopened in summer 2025 under chef Anastasia Paris. The main dining room looks straight out onto the sea through large windows, while the lower level houses the more informal Terrazza Capri. The kitchen gives a contemporary spin to the day’s catch from the local port: raw, marinated, smoked and cured preparations in the “La geometria del porto” section, spaghetti alle vongole, risoni with mantis shrimp and grilled apricot, and red mullet with tuna mayonnaise. Sea-view suites are also available.
Highlighted by the Michelin Guide and awarded the Gambero Rosso 2026 Due Forchette, this small restaurant in the historic center of Nettuno surprises with its chic interiors — Carrara marble tables, soft lighting, large windows — and the creative cuisine of chef Filipe Dos Santos. A tasting menu builds an original bridge between tradition and innovation: monkfish with chocolate shavings, entrecôte with oyster and rhubarb sauce, venison glazed in chocolate with sour cherry. The cellar holds over six hundred labels between France and Italy.
Rome’s most futuristic cultural celebration, Videocittà – The Festival of Vision and Digital Culture, is back
From 10 to 12 July 2026, Videocittà – The Festival of Vision and Digital Culture – returns to Rome’s Gazometro for its ninth edition.
Light installations, immersive and interactive experiences, VR, video art, A/V live shows, DJ sets, talks and performances will once again animate the Gazometro di Roma, one of Europe’s largest urban industrial archaeology sites.
After previous editions dedicated to the Moon, Earth, Galaxy and Sun, Videocittà 2026 focuses on water: the origin of life, an essential resource and a universal symbol connecting cultures, landscapes and imaginaries. Across installations, performances and talks, the festival explores water’s ecological, political and cultural value.
Among this year’s highlights is the arrival of German composer, musician and producer Apparat. His iconic track Black Water will become part of In Lympha, a major immersive installation conceived and produced by Eni in collaboration with Videocittà, hosted at Opificio 41 throughout the festival. Apparat will also perform a special DJ set on Saturday 11 July on the Main Stage, moving between electronic, ambient and experimental sounds.
UNDA is another major new feature: a site-specific light installation produced by Eni for Videocittà and created by Visioni Parallele and Niulab, with executive production by Eventitaliani. For the first time, the Gazometro G4 becomes an artwork visible exclusively from the outside, transforming into a luminous urban landmark inspired by the movement of water.
The central structure among the three smaller gasometers, known as G2, becomes a space where images, technology and live performance meet. Oceans, rivers and rain from around the world shape Water: always the same, always different, an immersive installation combining the work of Giuseppe La Spada, the sounds of Francesca Heart and the movement research of Brazilian performer Amanda Lana.
Chinese artist Cao Yuxi also makes his festival debut with the Italian premiere of Nature’s Computility, an enveloping immersive waterfall that uses algorithms to translate the flow of water into high-resolution dynamic visualisations.
Audio-Visual Music
The audio-visual music section turns water into a sound and visual experience, with a Main Stage conceived as a hybrid between installation and performance space. On 10 July, the programme opens with Sara Persico and Mika Oki, winners of the Videocittà Awards 2025 for AV performance, followed by an audiovisual DJ set by Mace with Sugo Design.
On 11 July, Nziria presents Syysma, followed by Populous live with visuals by Furio Ganz. The evening closes with Apparat.
On 12 July, the Main Stage hosts Voices From The Lake, the project by Donato Dozzy and Neel, alongside Liminal State with FREEFALL, a live AV improvisation where sound, music, light and generative visuals unfold in real time.
Virtual reality experiences
At the Anfiteatro, Videocittà presents the world premiere of In Pinus, an Italian VR experience dedicated to the stone pine, produced by Impersive for Videocittà in collaboration with the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano as part of the European project CO-VISION.
On the first floor of G3, audiences will discover L’acqua in virtual reality, a selection of four VR experiences presented in their Italian premiere by Diversion: Jellyfish, Biolum, Plastisapiens and The world came flooding in. The section also includes Sweet end of the world!, a VR documentary by Stefano Conca Bonizzoni selected from the Rai Cinema VR library.
Video art
Curated by Damiana Leoni and Rä di Martino, the Video Art section presents works by leading international artists on 10 July, including Shahzia Sikander, FLATFORM, Cecilia Bengolea and Monira Al Qadiri, all exploring water through different visual and narrative languages.
On 11 July, internationally renowned artist Adrian Paci presents, in dialogue with the curators, the works Turn on, Di queste luci si servirà la notte and The Column, a powerful reflection on labour, cultural identity and the dialogue between East and West.
The Tiber, a vital presence in Rome, is at the centre of Tommaso Cherubini’s new digital artwork Invisible Ecologies: Tevere, presented as a world premiere. Confluence, produced by Signal as part of CO-VISION, focuses instead on one of Europe’s largest floodplain forests.
Interactive works also take over the garden with Particle Catharsis by Giuseppe La Spada and Maelstrom by Lake Heckaman, curated by Luca Martinelli and powered by RNMW. Meanwhile, OS Ocean Suite, created by CMCC with Nova System Academy and Planetaria, transforms climate data into an immersive sound experience.
The festival’s programme of talks opens on 10 July with a meeting on water scarcity, intense rainfall, prevention, adaptation and “sponge neighbourhoods”, introduced by Giulio Boccaletti, Scientific Director of CMCC.
On 11 July, the discussion turns to the lessons of ancient Rome, from baths and fountains to the role of water in the history of the Caput Mundi. On 12 July, the focus shifts to seas and oceans in a changing world, exploring geopolitics, navigation, energy, underwater resources, communications and security.
The programme continues with three informal AQUA talks, where new media scholar Simone Arcagni meets artists, creators and thinkers including N.A.I.P., Valentina Tanni, Siamounmagazine, Eki, Valerio Ferrara, Elisabetta Modena, Vino, Matilde De Feo and Federico Ferrazza.
Videocittà also hosts the IGPDecaux Graphic Award, revealing three winning works that reinterpret Rome as the “Eternal City” through the new frontiers of artificial intelligence.
Agorà returns
On 9 and 10 July, Agorà returns as Videocittà’s professional programme, coordinated by Guido Pietro Airoldi. Dedicated to the internationalisation of Italy’s creative technologies, immersive audiovisual, digital art and contemporary cultural industries, it brings together operators, buyers, curators, institutions, festivals, studios and companies.
Arte al Gazometro
During Videocittà, the third edition of Arte al Gazometro opens with “Riflessi”, a widespread exhibition of installations and site-specific works by national and international artists. Curated by Marco Capasso in collaboration with the galleries Il Sole, Orma and Eidos, the exhibition explores water as an active force of transformation.
Tickets for Videocittà 2026
For its 2026 edition, Videocittà introduces a new accessibility policy, aiming to make the festival and its artistic, immersive and performative experiences even more open and inclusive.
Tickets will be available at the following prices:
Daily Ticket: €20
3-Day Full Pass: €50
Free entry for children under 12
Entrance is from Via del Commercio 9/11. Doors and ticket office open to the public from 7pm.
Rome,the eternal city, is always a fantastic destination, but the summer months bring an extra dose of excitement! It’s hot, it’s sexy, and there’s so much to explore and enjoy. In this article, we’ve got some awesome suggestions for the best events in July 2026 in Rome, such as exhibitions, summer festivals, and other cool activities happening in Rome this July.
Exhibitions this July in Rome
If you are an art lover, July is a great month to explore Rome’s museums and galleries.
Photography lovers should not miss Robert Doisneau’s poetic images of Paris at the Museo del Genio, nor the powerful Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition at the Ara Pacis Museum. At Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Mario Schifano takes centre stage with a major exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential figures of post-war Italian art.
Villa Medici offers two unmissable summer appointments: the Festival des Cabanes, with architectural installations throughout its historic gardens, and Oracles Beyond the Seas, the Villa Medici Fellows’ exhibition. Ancient history takes the spotlight at the Colosseum with Troy and Rome. Myths, Legends, Stories of the Ancient Mediterranean, which explores the links between Troy, Aeneas and the foundation of Rome.
Finally, Galleria Borghese opens Metamorfosi, a new exhibition that dialogues with the museum’s extraordinary collection and its timeless themes of transformation and myth.
The month of July is when the Olympic Stadium gets filled with music, with big concerts planned and it is also the month of summer festivals, taking place all over the city. Many artists from a variety of musical traditions and backgrounds will be performing on various stages. Check them out and pick your favourite!
Twelve evenings of free live music dedicated to contemporary jazz: the Esquilino Jazz Festival returns to Horti Magici in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II from July 1 to 12, 2026. Every night, from 9pm to 11pm, audiences can enjoy open-air concerts surrounded by the greenery of the Piazza Vittorio Gardens, in the charming Art Nouveau setting of Horti Magici. Highlights of the 2026 edition include British saxophonist Trevor Watts with Jamie Harris, Pino Jodice’s Tribute to Morricone in Jazz with special guest Gianni Oddi, as well as performances by Pasquale Innarella, Fabrizio Mocata and Stefano Rossini.
Giardini Nicola Calipari, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II discover more Esquilino Jazz Festival
2 – 29 July | Accademia di Santa Cecilia at Basilica di Massenzio
This summer, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia returns to the Basilica of Maxentius after 47 years, bringing a month of open-air concerts to one of Rome’s most spectacular archaeological settings. From 2 to 29 July, the programme will fill the Roman Forum with music under the stars, ranging from Čajkovskij, Verdi, Mozart, Vivaldi and Gershwin to the cinematic scores of Alexandre Desplat, including music from Harry Potter, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water. Designed around a new temporary installation by Alvisi Kirimoto, the season combines classical music, film soundtracks, dance and opera in a setting that makes this one of Rome’s most evocative cultural events of the summer.
July line-up: Čajkovskij Gala (2 July), The Four Seasons with Mourad Merzouki (4 July), Alexandre Desplat film scores (9 July), Verdi tribute (15 July), Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with Stefano Bollani (17 July), Chopin night (21 July), Mozart’s Requiem (24 July), Handel and Vivaldi with Concerto Köln (29 July).
2 July – 4 October | L’Angelo e la Luna: Summer Performances at Castel Sant’Angelo
L’Angelo e la Luna 2026 returns to Castel Sant’Angelo from July 2 to October 4, 2026, turning the museum into an atmospheric evening stage. The programme features 15 shows and 41 performances across dance, theatre, music, performance and contemporary circus, with Italian and international artists. Events will take place in different areas of the castle, including courtyards, historic halls, bastions and panoramic terraces. Admission is included in the museum ticket by selecting the “museum + performance” option
The Rally di Roma Capitale returns from 3 to 5 July 2026 for its 14th edition, bringing three days of motorsport, adrenaline and spectacle to Rome and the Lazio region. This special edition will serve as a preview of Rome’s entry into the official WRC calendar in 2027, marking a historic milestone for the event. Highlights include the photo opportunity at Piazza di Spagna on 2 July, the opening ceremony and special stage at the Colosseum on 3 July, and the final ceremony in Via della Conciliazione, against the backdrop of St. Peter’s Basilica, on 5 July.
4-5, 10-11, 18 July | Ostia Antica Teatro Festival
In July, the Teatro Ostia Antica Festival continues in the evocative setting of the Roman Theatre of Ostia with three highlights blending classical myth, contemporary theatre and dance: Lysistrata by Aristophanes on July 4 and 5, Requiem(s) by Angelin Preljocaj on July 10 and 11, and Alcestis by Euripides, directed by Filippo Dini, on July 18.
Fendi returns to Rome this July for one of the most anticipated fashion events of the summer. On July 9, 2026, the Roman maison will present its Fall/Winter 2026–2027 Haute Couture collection at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, marking Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first Couture show for the house. The event also coincides with the opening of After. Fendi / Karl Lagerfeld 1985, an exhibition dedicated to the long creative relationship between Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld, open to the public from July 10 to October 25, 2026.
10-12 July | Videocittà The Festival of Vision and Digital Culture
From July 10 to 12, the iconic Gazometro in Ostiense will once again come alive with innovation and creativity, thanks to Videocittà. The festival transforms the space into a vibrant hub of immersive installations, audiovisual performances, virtual reality and digital art.
This year’s programme brings together major Italian and international names including Apparat, Mace, Donato Dozzy and Neel’s Voices From The Lake, Populous, Nziria, Cao Yuxi, Giuseppe La Spada, Adrian Paci and Tommaso Cherubini, inviting audiences on a journey through audio-visual and digital creativity, with screenings, performances, DJ sets, talks, video mappings and video art.
The Rock in Rome Festival began in 2009 and fifteen years later it has become one of the main international rock festivals in Italy. The event is a must for any rock music lover, with two months of programming starting in mid-June until the end of July at the huge Ippodromo delle Capannelle. For thousands of rock fans, this is THE unmissable event of the year in Rome!
July Line-up: Emma (2 July), Mumford & Sons with CAAMP (7 July), Mannarino (10 July), OneRepublic (12 July), Litfiba (16 July), Luchè (17 July), Bluvertigo (18 July).
Starting on 13 June, Italian and foreign stars, jazz-rock legends, great orchestras, leading pianists, contaminations and new trends… the summer season of the Casa del Jazz, produced by the Fondazione Musica per Roma, offers once again this year a program full of novelties and surprises. More than 40 concerts and performances will take place on the open-air stage set up in the park of Villa Osio on Viale di Porta Ardeatina.
July Line-up: Anouar Brahem (2 July), Cécile McLorin Salvant (4 July), Nate Smith (6 July), Kurt Rosenwinkel (8 July), Fred Hersch Trio feat. Drew Gress & Peter Erskine (9 July), Kris Davis Trio (10 July), Dee Dee Bridgewater (13 July), Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland (14 July), Hiromi’s Sonicwonder (15 July), Bill Frisell Trio & Greg Tardy (16 July), Fabrizio Bosso & CDJO Casa del Jazz Orchestra (17 July), MonoNeon (18 July), Billy Cobham (21 July), L’Antidote (22 July), Paolo Fresu, David Linx & Gustavo Beytelmann (24 July), Samara Joy (27 July), Fantastic Negrito (29 July), Temple Jazz Orchestra diretta da Terell Stafford, special guest Barbara Parisi (30 July).
Until 31 July | Teatro dell’Opera at Circo Massimo
This July, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma brings its summer season to the Circo Massimo, after moving from the Baths of Caracalla due to restoration works. The programme includes opera, ballet, cinema, symphonic music and special performances under the Roman night sky. Highlights include The Gladiator in Concert on July 3 and 4, Riccardo Cocciante on July 6, Aida on July 12, 15, 18, 22, 26 and 28, Roberto Bolle and Friends on July 14, Edoardo Bennato on July 20, Romeo e Giulietta on July 24 and 25, Patti Smith on July 27, and Carmina Burana on July 31.
July Line-up: The Gladiator in Concert, Riccardo Cocciante, Aida, Roberto Bolle and Friends, Edoardo Benneato, West Side Story, Roberto Bolle and Friends, Romeo and Juliet, Patti Smith, Carmina Burana
The incredible architectural space of the Auditorium will host the Fondazione Musica per Roma – Roma Summer Fest. This is one of the most important music events of the Roman summer, each year hosting many artists from the national and international music scene who return to the capital for a series of unmissable concerts.
July Line-up: Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton (1 July), John Legend (2 July), Ambrogio Sparagna (4 July), Pat Metheny Side Eye III + (5 July), Anastacia (6 July), Europe (7 July), Goran Bregović (8 July), Bresh (10 July), Dogstar (11 July), Subsonica (12 July), Marilyn Manson (14 July), Diana Krall (15 July), Johnny Marr (17 July), Jacob Collier (18 July), Fra Quintale (19 July), Marcus Miller (20 July), Kool & The Gang (21 July), Gregory Porter (25 July), Alice Sings Battiato (26 July), Capo Plaza (29 July), Elio e le Storie Tese (31 July).
Village Celimontana continues to bring live music to one of Rome’s most beautiful summer settings. Now in its tenth edition, the festival runs until September 5 at Villa Celimontana, with more than 100 free concerts throughout the season. Expect a rich programme of jazz, swing, manouche, rock’n’roll, Brazilian rhythms, dance nights and family-friendly events.
Get into the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside at the Lungo il Tevere summer festival along the Tiber, celebrating art, food, and nightlife. Enjoy free shows, cool shops, delicious cuisines, and cultural delights from July until late August.
Rome’s summer nights are made for open-air cinema. In July, the city’s piazzas, archaeological sites, gardens and cultural venues turn into outdoor movie theatres, offering everything from cult classics and auteur films to French cinema, contemporary Italian works and special screenings under the stars. Here are some of the main open-air cinema events to keep on your radar this month:
Nouvelle Vague sul Tevere – Casa del Cinema, Villa Borghese – 2-6 July
Il Cinema in Piazza – Piazza San Cosimato, Parco della Cervelletta and Monte Ciocci – until 12 July
Quo Vadis? – Cinema in the Heart of Rome – Temple of Venus and Roma – 7-16 July
Effetto Notte – Arena Archeologica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme – 17-26 July
Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio – Piazza Vittorio, Esquilino – 18 June- 20 September
Casa del Cinema Summer Arena – Casa del Cinema, Villa Borghese – throughout July
Contemporary circus, dance, theatre and music return to Castel Sant’Angelo from July 2 to October 4, 2026
One of Rome’s most atmospheric summer cultural events returns to Castel Sant’Angelo with a new edition of L’Angelo e la Luna, the evening festival curated by Anna Selvi and promoted by the Istituto Pantheon e Castel Sant’Angelo – Direzione Musei nazionali della città di Roma.
From July 2 to October 4, 2026, the historic fortress will host a rich programme of 15 performances and 41 repeats, bringing together Italian and international artists across contemporary circus, dance, theatre, performance and live music. The festival will unfold through the many evocative spaces of Castel Sant’Angelo, transforming its courtyards, halls, bastions and terraces into open-air stages after dark.
The 2026 edition opens on July 2 with a concert by Baba Yaga, one of the most interesting emerging names on the international music scene. The band will present its latest album, Grenzenlos, with an energetic and virtuoso sound that blends Balkan rhythms, klezmer melodies, swing and gypsy jazz.
Dance will play a central role in this year’s programme. On July 16 at 9pm, the Courtyard of Alexander VI will host Cuor di Coniglio, a dance performance for adults and children aged 6 and up. Conceived as a modern fairy tale, the show explores fragility, courage and the importance of self-acceptance.
On July 23 at 9pm, Segni. Excursus will bring together contemporary music and dance in a performance curated by Michelangelo Lupone and Ricky Bonavita, also taking place in the Courtyard of Alexander VI.
On August 5 and 6, audiences can experience Promenade, an itinerant dance and theatre performance for adults and children aged 8 and up, with two performances each evening at 7pm and 9.45pm. Also on August 5 at 8.30pm, the Courtyard of Alexander VI will host Partita, created and performed by Ambra Senatore and Jonathan Kingsley Seilman, where dance and music interact in a continuous dialogue.
On September 2, with performances at 7pm and 9.30pm, dancers and choreographers Riva & Repele will present an evening of dance and music in the Courtyard of Alexander VI.
Contemporary circus at Castel Sant’Angelo
One of the highlights of the festival will be Il Castello degli Angeli ostinati, a site-specific itinerant circus performance created by circus playwright Giacomo Costantini.
Taking place on July 28, 29 and 30, and August 1 and 2, with performances at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, the show will lead audiences through a double route inside Castel Sant’Angelo, moving across the Courtyard of the Theatre, the Sala Paolina, the Courtyard of the Angel, the Library and the panoramic terrace.
Music
Music will also feature in the programme with two special events. On August 12 at 9pm, 100 Miles. The Journey Continues will present a project of original compositions inspired by the artistic vision and innovative spirit of Miles Davis.
On August 26, with performances at 7pm and 9.30pm in the beautiful Sala Paolina, Gennaro Lauro will perform Mondo.
Theatre and performance
The theatre programme opens on July 10 at 9pm with L’anima del mondo per Adriano imperatore, nostro contemporaneo, staged in the Courtyard of Alexander VI.
On September 9 at 9pm, the Bastion of San Matteo will host Every Brilliant Thing, winner of the 2022 Franco Enriquez National Award.
On September 16, with performances at 7pm and 9.30pm, AeReA will take over the Courtyard of Alexander VI with a performance centred on the symbolic and spectacular art of flag-waving.
On September 23, the programme features a double bill: Io, a cult theatre piece created in 1998 by artists later awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale, and Pitecus, a sharp and surreal portrait of a chaotic microcosm of characters.
The festival closes on October 4 at 9pm with Francesco, l’angelo degli ultimi, a moving recital in the Courtyard of Alexander VI dedicated to the life and stories of one of the most beloved saints.
Info and tickets
Admission to the performances is subject to availability and is included in the museum ticket by selecting the “museum + performance” option at the time of purchase.
Tickets can be purchased through the Musei Italiani App, online via CoopCulture, or directly at the Castel Sant’Angelo ticket office.
Rome in summer is all about open-air nights: garden bars, rooftop terraces, riverside venues, and outdoor clubs where you can eat, drink, listen to music and stay out late. From Trastevere and Testaccio to Ponte Milvio, Ostiense, the Appian Way and the Tiber, here are the best summer hangouts in Rome for aperitivo, dinner, cocktails, DJ sets and live music in 2026.
To make it easier to choose where to go, we’ve divided Rome’s best summer hangouts by area: from the historic center and North Rome to Trastevere, South Rome and Pigneto.
Via di S. Maria de’ Calderari, 47 (Jewish Quarter) Daily from 6pm ChapterRoma
Hotel Chapter’s terrace Hey Guey is revolutionizing the Roman landscape with accessible and contemporary luxury dedicated to Mexico. Uniting street art, healthy food, mixology and gastronomic excellence in an old building in Rione Regola, the terrace feels like taking a mini vacation to South America. Expect signature empanadas and mezcal drinks in a subtropical oasis among classic Roman rooftops. The menu is Mexican, in an open kitchen and displayed on a Ape Piaggio food truck.
Nimbus – Temporary Cocktail Bar
Via Gramsci, 57 (Belle Arti area) Open Wed–Sun, 6:30pm–2am nimbusroma
In the heart of a secret Roman garden, between the Japanese Academy and Piazza Thorvaldsen, Nimbus is a temporary cocktail bar just steps from Villa Borghese, designed to feel like a place suspended among the clouds.
Surrounded by greenery, it offers an aperitivo formula at €25 or €30, including a drink or glass of wine and a choice of dishes, alongside sharing plates such as salmon tartare and sea bass ceviche. Cocktails, priced at €17, focus on contemporary and scenic mixology. At sunset and midnight, light installations and soundscapes transform the garden into an immersive, intimate and dreamlike summer escape.
Osteria Coppelle is considered by many Romans a small local oasis, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Located in the beautiful Piazza delle Coppelle, it is open every day for lunch and dinner, with an outdoor space that feels exactly like a classic Italian osteria.
Good food and good drinks are always guaranteed. Reservations are recommended: +39 334 253 2673.
Parco Caracalla
Viale Guido Baccelli, 71 (Caracalla) Wednesday to Saturday, from 6pm to 3am. Sunday from 12pm. parcocaracalla.com
Parco Caracalla is a 6,000-square-metre summer venue surrounded by greenery, just a few steps from the Baths of Caracalla. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm, it hosts live music, DJ sets, markets, stand-up comedy, shows, picnics and Thursday jam sessions.
The food and drink offering ranges from pizza and street food to grilled dishes, natural wines, beers and cocktails, with aperitivo packages starting from €20. With illuminated olive trees, relaxation areas and outdoor tables, it is a relaxed and atmospheric place to spend summer evenings in the heart of Rome.
Satyrus
Scalea Bruno Zevi (in front of Galleria Nazionale) Daily, 7.30am-4.30pm coffee bar; 4.30-9pm aperitivo; 9pm-2am after dinner SatyrusBar
Satyrus: The name of the ancient nature dweller, wine lover, flute player and tireless dancer in Greek mythology now belongs to one of Rome’s most magical summer cocktail bars. Spilling onto the steps between the National Modern Art Gallery and Villa Borghese, the venue’s musicians, candlelight tables, plentiful bar, and entrancing entertainers seem to have materialized out of thin air. Satyrus is the perfect venue for groups of friends to relax with glasses of wine and cocktails and observe dedicated performers, whose costumes and makeup reflect the evening’s theme.
Terrazza Mirador, located on the slopes of the Gianicolo Hill, is a true Balearic-Mediterranean garden, ideal for escaping the city’s chaos. Overlooking Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber River, it is the perfect location for your summer evenings, from aperitifs to dinner. Try the fantastic signature drinks crafted by the bartenders and enjoy the culinary creations of Japanese chef Koji Nakai, whose dishes uniquely combine traditional Japanese flavors with fusion elements.
Just a few steps from Castel Sant’Angelo, Terrazza Tevere is a new venue that promises to become one of the most captivating meeting spots of the Roman summer. Open daily from 11am to midnight, it offers an experience that takes you from lunch to aperitivo and into the evening, with live music every night and a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo.
With deck chairs and small tables, the atmosphere is laid-back and enchanting—perfect for escaping the city chaos. Among its unique features is a curious inflatable installation depicting two people embracing.
Get ready for al fresco drinks with perhaps the best view of the Eternal City: the Colosseum at sunset. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, during aperitivo you can also sample a generous selection of finger food straight from the kitchen of Aroma, the acclaimed Michelin Star restaurant located at the top level of the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel.
With an amazing list of cocktails created by Amaro King Matteo Zed, The Court also has a great selection of bitters (obviously) and wines. But apart from the incredible views, food and drinks, the bar service is top notch. For one of the most sophisticated, luxurious, and memorable evenings in Rome, The Court should be at the top of your list. Reservation required.
Via delle Terme di Traiano, 4a (Celio) Tue-Wed-Sun 11am-2am; Thu-Sat 11am-4am thesanctuaryecoretreat.com
Step into The Sanctuary Eco Retreat and you will feel like you’ve entered another world. This exclusively outdoor venue is unlike anything Rome has seen before – a unique concept that is exotic, sexy and cool. Part tropical restaurant, magic garden, enchanted park, healing area, and pool. International dishes, cocktails, and live shows can all be found here.
If you’re a little bored of the usual hangouts and looking for something on the unconventional side, look no further than Baja. A boat, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and a concept space suitable to host any kind of event along the banks of the Tiber river. This exotic and luxurious location makes you feel like you are on a summer vacation. Float on the beautiful Tiber River while sipping on expertly mixed cocktails. The perfect getaway from the bustling city.
Cugino is the bar of The Hoxton Hotel in Parioli. Whether you want to enjoy your aperitivo in the outdoor garden or in the hotel’s cozy yet sophisticated lounge with AC, the food and drink choices are very versatile. For aperitivo, starting at 6:00pm Cugino proposes: gourmet sandwiches, typical snacks, dried fruit, cold cuts and cheese platters, and so much more. Everything is perfectly paired up with the best wines and cocktails of your choice mixed by expert bartender Simone De Luca.
Via del Forte Antenne, 12 (Villa Ada) Wed-Sun, from 7pm till later forte_antenne
Forte Antenne is one of the 15 forts in Rome, built between 1877 and 1891. After years of neglect, it has been revitalized, and now you can enjoy aperitifs, dinner, free cinema, live music, and DJ sets. Within the walls of Forte Antenne, Rebel Rebel hosts international electronic and techno DJs every Friday.
Nestled in a true nature reserve in North Rome, Giardini dell’Eden is a unique restaurant, cocktail bar, and event space located within the Monte Mario Nature Reserve, near Ponte Milvio. Surrounded by lush greenery in an eco-sustainable setting, this dreamlike garden will make you feel as though you’ve left the city behind and stepped into another world. From dinner shows to DJ sets and live entertainment, it’s the perfect spot for a young, vibrant crowd.
Hotel Butterfly returns this summer to the historic garden of Villetta Ruggeri, bringing back one of Rome’s most atmospheric open-air experiences. Open from May to October, the venue blends nature, music, dining and nightlife in a unique setting made for long Roman evenings.
The space includes the Garden, dedicated to aperitifs and dinner, and Bosco Parallelo, a former plant nursery turned nighttime club surrounded by greenery and immersive sound. The programme features DJ sets, special events and curated nights throughout the season.
The restaurant, curated by chef Andrea Fava, offers Italian cuisine with a contemporary touch, from gourmet starters and Roman-style pizzas to carpaccios and warm dishes. The Tapas Bar completes the experience with sharing plates, fermented drinks, kombucha and natural wines.
Lùmina Roma is a new open-air summer venue overlooking the lake in Tor di Quinto, where aperitivo, dinner, live music and DJ sets come together in a scenic garden atmosphere. A dreamlike circus of soft lights, lakeside sunsets, curated performances and an art market, it offers a suggestive escape in northern Rome, perfect for an evening that starts with cocktails and dinner and continues into late-night music
Metropolita
Piazza Gentile Da Fabriano, 2 (Flaminio) Sun – Thu 6pm – 12.30am; Fri – Sat 6pm – 2am metropolita.it
Piazzetta Metropolita is back: an open-air space where you can stop for a drink, meet up without rushing and soak up the vibes of a Roman summer. With outdoor tables, a relaxed atmosphere and evenings that always end later than expected, it’s the perfect spot for an aperitivo or an after-dinner drink under the stars.
Naos
Via Torrita Tiberina, 6 (Ponte Milvio) Tue – Sun 7.30pm-2am naos.com
Naos is a contemporary Greek restaurant and concept space that promotes design, gastronomy, art, and music. It is an exclusive venue in the capital, where you can enjoy an intimate or friendly aperitif with live music and background music curated by exceptional DJs. Summer news: throughout the season, Naos will host the celebrated Roman-style pizza by Gabriele Tomassetti, awarded Due Spicchi by Gambero Rosso.
Profumo Spazio Sensoriale
Via di Villa Lauchli, 1 (Cassia) Tue-Sun 8.30pm – 2am profumoroma.com
Profumo Spazio Sensoriale returns in a renewed format in Roma Nord, bringing together aperitivo, dining, clubbing and private events in its lush setting on Via di Villa Lauchli. Designed as a sensory escape between indoor spaces and a large outdoor garden, the venue combines contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, cocktails, live music and DJ sets, creating a stylish spot for summer evenings near Ponte Milvio.
Perched up alongside the Lungotevere, overlooking the river bend is a magical place, the perfect escape from the hot summer heat and sometimes chaotic city. The Magick Bar is like day and night. One side is focused on food and flavor-focused, the other side concentrates on sounds and music – both serving some stellar drinks. The Magick Bar restaurant has one of the most impressive and eclectic menus in Rome featuring dishes that bring flavours from all over the world. The menu is a wide range of international plates inspired and influenced from South America, North Africa and Japan, all with a Mediterranean base and of course products (and olive oil) from Italy. There are DJ sets and special nights with international DJs. Unfortunately, this mystical summer pop-up bar is not open all year round but only until the end of September.
Tree Bar
Via Flaminia, 226 (Flaminio) Tue – Sun 11am – 2am TreeBar
Set in a small park in the Flaminio neighborhood, Tree Bar is a wooden treehouse-style spot surrounded by greenery, benches and outdoor seating. A true neighborhood gem, it’s perfect for aperitivo, cocktails and casual bites, from pizza and fritti to primi, meat dishes and poke. Expect a lively atmosphere, good music and a relaxed open-air vibe in the heart of Rome.
L’Oratorio returns to Trastevere for 2026, moving just a few steps away from last year’s location to the large garden of Ripa Grande, with entrance from Lungotevere Ripa 3.
Set behind the Oratorio, the new space keeps its relaxed Roman summer vibe while offering a larger garden with porticoes, retro lights, vintage furnishings and plenty of greenery. Expect cocktails, summer food and outdoor games, from ping pong and bocce to table football, cards and silent open-air cinema screenings.
The food offering has also expanded, with stuffed rosetta sandwiches, fried bites, panzanella, bruschette, prosciutto and melon, watermelon and gelato from vintage carts. A convivial spot for aperitivo, dinner or a slow summer evening outdoors.
Lungo il Tevere 2026
Along the Tiber banks between Ponte Sublicio & Ponte Sisto Daily 7pm – 2am lungoiltevereroma.it
Lungo il Tevere is one of the highlights of summer nightlife in Rome. The event can be recognized by the long series of white tents lining the Tiber River. A variety of pop-up restaurants, bars, and vendors stand between the Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Sisto bridges where you can also find two street entrances. There are also exhibits, foosball tables and experiences of all kinds. The many choices make Lungo il Tevere perfect for a different aperitivo or dinner.
Check out the full article for our recommendations!
On the same green hill in the EUR district that hosted La Bibliotechina for ten years, you’ll now find Eur Social Park: over 2,000 square meters of space, 3 areas, 1 stage, 4 LED walls, 1 kitchen, and 2 bars. It’s the perfect spot for an open-air evening, surrounded by greenery and a festive atmosphere—whether it’s for dinner with friends, a drink, live music, DJ sets, free open-air cinema, or stand-up comedy.
Check out the full program on their website.
Flor de Maga
Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 698 (Marconi) Wed – Sun, from 6pm to 1am flordemaga_roma
Flor de Maga is a summer botanical cocktail bar set inside the lush Fleur Garden nursery in Rome’s Marconi district. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it transforms the space into a tropical oasis filled with bamboo, palms and ferns, serving Caribbean-inspired cocktails and sharing-style tapas. Live music on Fridays and Latin-influenced DJ sets complete the relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Latta
Via Antonio Pacinotti, 83 (Ostiense) Mon-Wed-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 11.30am-2am; Sun 11.30am-1am latta-roma.it/
Latta is the project from Alessandro Procoli of The Jerry Thomas Project and Paolo Bertani and Leonardo Di Vincenzo (formerly of Open Baladin and L’Osteria Birra del Borgo) serving street food, fermented cocktails, natural wine, and beer in an industrial-style pub. Below street level of the former Biondi Mills, this secret hot spot with a piazza-like feel to it is perfect for the summer. Especially for an outdoor meal or drink.
Parco Appio
Via dell’Almone,105 (Appia) Mon-Thu 6pm-12.30am; Fri-Sat 6pm-3am; Sun 12pm-12.30am instagram.com/parcoappio/
Parco Appio reopens for the summer as one of Rome’s liveliest outdoor spaces, bringing together food, music, culture and social life in a large urban garden along the Appian Way, open seven days a week until September.
The food offering revolves around L’Elementare, known for its thin and crispy Roman-style pizza, alongside other food partners. New this season is Bar Bello, created from the former Edicola De Zona in collaboration with Mattia from Blind Pig, with refined cocktails, intimate concerts, listening sessions, vinyl DJ sets and guest bartenders.
Parco Schuster returns for summer 2026 as one of Rome’s most laid-back open-air venues, with concerts, DJ sets, comedy, theatre, street food and community events in the green area beside the Basilica of San Paolo. Open from the early evening, with events generally starting between 8pm and 9pm depending on the programme, the park offers a mix of free-entry nights, ticketed concerts and special events throughout the season.
Stadlin
Via Antonio Pacinotti 83 (Ostiense) Daily 10am – 2am stadlinrome
And right next door to Latta is Stadlin. Different in concept and style but sharing that same amazing outdoor space and notorious Italian hospitality. Family owned and operated with one of Rome’s favorite bartenders, Daniele Arciello, running the show. Stadlin is a popular spot among Roman locals where you will find friendly service and great cocktails and grub in a relaxed yet trendy setting.
Testaccio Estate
Città dell’Altra Economia, Largo Dino Frisullo (Testaccio) From June to September, everyday testaccioestate
Testaccio Estate returns to the Città dell’Altra Economia, transforming the spaces of the former slaughterhouse into one of the liveliest destinations of the Roman summer. Every evening, the area comes alive with music, lights, food festivals, diverse cuisines, craft beers, selected wines, talks, performances and open-air concerts, in an informal and inclusive atmosphere designed to welcome audiences of all ages. A great meeting point in the heart of Testaccio, where conviviality, culture and entertainment come together under the stars.
Utopia Open Air is Rome’s new summer club by The Sanctuary, bringing open-air music, DJ sets, dinner and late-night vibes to Via Appia Antica. Set in a green outdoor space, the venue opens from 6pm and hosts a rotating programme of club nights, guest lists and special events throughout the summer.
Pigneto & Portonaccio
Borgo Pigneto
Via Prenestina, 216 (Pigneto) Thur-Sun, 6pm-12am borgopigneto.com
Set in the beautiful park of Villa Lauricella, Borgo Pigneto is a green oasis and multicultural space where cuisine and mixology come together. From the picnic area to the Locanda and the Salotto, Borgo Pigneto welcomes you from early evening until midnight.
Relax on the grass with an aperitif served in a wicker basket, enjoy a traditional Roman pizza, or try local dishes paired with creative cocktails from the Chiosco and Food Truck.
Monk Garden
Via Giuseppe Mirri, 35 (Portonaccio) Wed – Sun 6.30pm – 1am monkclubroma
Il Giardino di Monk is a multifunctional space made up of two farmhouses totaling 500 square meters and two outdoor areas set within a one-hectare park. It’s a free and open space where you can spend your time without any obligation to make a purchase—whether you want to play, relax, read, be with the people you love, or even meet someone new.
A welcoming garden with a bar and osteria, it offers a rich calendar of events ranging from concerts and DJ sets to theater performances, book presentations, and workshops.
Nothing says summer in the Eternal City like a movie under the stars (preferably with a gelato in hand). This month, piazzas, and lush villas transform into open-air cinemas, showing everything from classic flicks, to kid-friendly favorites.
Read on for our top picks of outdoor flicks in the city.
Cinema in Piazza 2026
From May 28th to July 12th, Rome’s piazzas are once again being transformed into a movie theater, as the free outside movie festival, “Il Cinema in Piazza,” has returned to Rome for its 11th year. Just like last year, it will be hosted in four locations: Piazza San Cosimato (May 28 – July 12), Monte Ciocci (June 6 – July 12), Casale della Cervelletta (June 4 – July 12) and Cinema Troisi. The eleventh edition of the festival offers a very rich program; special attention devoted to screenings in the original language (with Italian subtitles) honors the culture of the films by maintaining their authenticity, while simultaneously catering to the diverse tourists and residents living in Rome.
Till July 12, 2026
Piazza San Cosimato; Monte Ciocci; Casale della Cervelletta in Tor Sapienza; Cinema Troisi
Summer programming returns to the Casa del Cinema, curated by the Fondazione Cinema per Roma. The Ettore Scola Theatre, the large open-air arena immersed in the Villa Borghese Park, will host numerous free screenings.
Four film series are scheduled for June. Alongside the tribute to Ettore Scola, “Marilyn 100”, marking the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, returns, together with a selection of films celebrating Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday.
Starting on June 14, “Via Terra” will also begin: a cinematic journey featuring directors such as Gianni Amelio, Dennis Hopper, David Lynch, Dino Risi and Ridley Scott.
Then, from July 2 to 6, the fifth edition of “Nouvelle Vague sul Tevere” will take place, with French films and special events celebrating the partnership between Rome and Paris.
The 14th edition of “Under the Stars of Austria,” a festival dedicated to the best of contemporary Austrian cinema, awaits you in the beautiful garden of the Austrian Cultural Forum. Four screenings over two weeks to present you with the latest in Austrian cinema, along with talks with directors. Reservations mandatory via email.
The Program:
June 16: Mother’s baby
June 18: The loneliest man in town
June 23: Veni, vidi, vici
June 24: Ingeborg Bachmann– Journey into the desert
From June 18 to September 20, the 26th edition of Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio returns to Piazza Vittorio, in the Esquilino district.
Every evening at 9:30pm, the season’s major films will be screened on the historic outdoor screen, offering a carefully curated selection of cinematic works. This year’s programme will once again be enriched by numerous meetings with leading figures from contemporary Italian cinema, guiding audiences through the films presented.
From July 2 to 6, Casa del Cinema will host the fifth edition of Nouvelle Vague sul Tevere, a festival dedicated to French cinema and the cultural dialogue between Rome and Paris. The event is twinned with the Parisian festival Dolcevita-sur-Seine, strengthening the cultural exchange between the two capitals. The programme features screenings, special guests and encounters in the open-air setting of the Ettore Scola Theatre. The festival opens on Thursday, July 2 with Jacques Demy’s Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, in the presence of French singer Clara Luciani.
The program:
July 2: The Young Girls of Rochefort, by Jacques Demy, with a special appearance by Clara Luciani.
July 3: The Red Balloon, by Albert Lamorisse, presented to the public by director Valentine Cadic
July 4: Vénus Beauté (Institut), by Tonie Marshall
July 5:Les Immortelles, by Caroline Deruas
July 6:Les Quatre Cents Coups, François Truffau’s first feature film
All screenings of “Nouvelle Vague sul Tevere” will be introduced by Aureliano Tonet, culture and entertainment correspondent for the newspaper Le Monde.
From July 1 to 22, the fifth edition of Roma Cinema Arena awaits you at Parco degli Acquedotti. Every evening, 22 free-entry screenings will take place. Guests at this year’s edition include Andrea and Brando De Sica, Francesca Comencini, Andrea Segre and Isabella Ferrari.
Cinema alle Mura, promoted by the Comitato Mura Latine, was born from the desire to create a moment of community sharing, using an inclusive space nestled in the unique setting of the Aurelian Walls. Bring your blankets and cushions, and enjoy the films seated or lying on the grass!
From July 7 to 16, the fifth edition of QUO VADIS? – Cinema in the Heart of Rome returns to the Temple of Venus and Roma, with entrance from Piazza del Colosseo. Promoted by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and the Colosseum Archaeological Park, this year’s edition is titled “Dying of Laughter: Horror Classics Between Fear and Parody.”
The programme features ten horror classics with grotesque twists, many of which have become true cult films over the years. The screenings will be introduced by various figures from the world of culture.
July 7: Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau (1922, 94′)
July 8:The Fearless Vampire Killers by Roman Polanski (1966, 107′)
July 9: L’orribile segreto del dr. Hichcock by Riccardo Freda (1962, 88′)
July 10: Histoires extraordinaires by Roger Vadim, Louis Malle, Federico Fellini (1968, 121′)
July 11: Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht by Werner Herzog (1979, 107′)
July 12:Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks (Frankenstein Junior, 1974, 105′)
July 13: Frankenstein di James Whale (1931, 71′)
July 14: Opera by Dario Argento (1987,107′, presented by the director)
July 15: Freaks by Tod Browning (1932, 64′)
July 16: La caduta di Troia by Giovanni Pastrone and Luigi Romano Borgnetto (1911, 33′)
From July 17 to 26, the Arena Archeologica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme will once again host Effetto Notte, the free initiative by the CSC – Cineteca Nazionale.
The ten-night programme is summed up by this year’s title: “The Future is Woman: Female Perspectives in Cinema Between Freedom and Innovation.” The edition will feature films and short films directed by women, including several former students of the CSC – National Film School.
July 17-26
Area Archeologica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme
The sixth edition of the Villa Medici Film Festival returns from September 16 to 20, 2026, with almost 40 screenings taking place both indoors and outdoors at Villa Medici.
Rome celebrates LGBTQ+ rights on Saturday 20 June 2026.
On 20 June 2026, Rome will celebrate the 32nd edition of Roma Pride with a vibrant demonstration of visibility, rights and LGBTQIA+ pride. As it has for more than three decades, the city will come alive with a colourful parade featuring floats, music and dancers.
The theme of Roma Pride 2026 is expressed through the slogan “La Repubblica è di chi la abita” — “The Republic belongs to those who live in it.”
Marking the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, this year’s edition draws inspiration from the values of the Constitution: freedom, equality, dignity and self-determination. The message underlines that citizenship and fundamental rights must belong to everyone, including LGBTQIA+ people, without discrimination or exclusion.
The official campaign also highlights the need to defend LGBTQIA+ rights at a time when communities in Italy and abroad continue to face marginalisation, violence and attacks on trans and non-binary identities.
The official ambassadors of Roma Pride 2026 are singers Levante, Francesca Michielin and Margherita Vicario, three artists joining the event as allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Pride Croisette opens its doors from 11:30 a.m., kicking off a packed programme of events that will lead the city towards the Roma Pride Grand Parade.
The parade will kick off at 3pm from Piazza della Repubblica, winding its way through the city and past iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum. The festivities will conclude at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla (Pride Croisette).
The celebrations will begin on Friday, 19 June with Amiche del Roma Pride, a special concert at Atlantico Live opening the Roma Pride weekend. The evening will bring together Levante, Francesca Michielin, Margherita Vicario, Sarah Toscano, Malika Ayane and Ariete for a collective celebration of music, freedom, visibility and LGBTQIA+ rights. The concert starts at 9pm, on the eve of the main parade.
The Pride Croisette
In the weeks leading up to the parade, the Pride Croisette returns to the Baths of Caracalla from 28 May to 20 June 2026. Now in its tenth edition, the free festival brings together live music, performances, comedy, talks, political debates, nightlife and community events in one of Rome’s most atmospheric summer settings.
This year’s programme features artists, activists and personalities including BigMama, Federica Cacciola, Fabio Canino, Serena Bortone, Marco Bianchi, Pierluca Mariti, Chiara Galeazzi, Karma B and many others. Roma Pride ambassador Margherita Vicario officially opens the Croisette with a special live performance.
August is not the busiest month for live music in Rome, especially around mid-month, when the city slows down and many Romans leave for the summer holidays. Even so, there are still some interesting concerts and open-air events worth checking out, particularly at venues such as Casa del Jazz and the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Here is our selection of the best concerts taking place in Rome in August 2026, with dates, venues, ticket information and useful links to help you plan an evening of live music in the city.
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