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.
The idea sounds dreamy: a Vespa ride at sunset, gelato in your hand, a kiss in front of the Colosseum… simply living la dolce vita. But, unfortunately, the dream melts just as quickly as your gelato, under the Roman sun.
Summer in Rome means beauty, yes, but also fighting heat, humidity and sticky air. But don’t worry: we’re giving you our best tips to make your Roman dream still magical.
What’s the weather like in summer?
Let’s start with the obvious: Rome gets very hot in summer, and it’s getting hotter every year. 2025 was the city’s third-hottest year since 1991, with more than 40 days above 35°C (95°F) and over 110 “tropical nights”, when the temperature never drops below 20°C (68°F). From late June to early September, expect daytime temperatures regularly between 32°C and 38°C (90-100°F), with humidity making it feel even hotter.
When planning your days, build your schedule around the heat: avoid outdoor sightseeing during the hottest hours (roughly 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM), and explore in the early morning or after sunset, when the city is at its most beautiful anyway. Use the afternoon to cool off in a museum, enjoy a long lunch indoors, or take a well-deserved gelato break in the shade. Keep in mind that air conditioning is still not guaranteed everywhere, especially in older buildings, apartments and public transportation.
What to pack?
First of all: don’t overpack. Keep it simple and minimal: with temperatures this high, you won’t need layers, just light, loose-fitting clothes. Here’s what to bring to stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary sweating and fatigue:
Light and breathable clothing (cotton or linen is best)
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals, Rome’s cobblestones are unforgiving
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
A light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when visiting churches (knees and shoulders must be covered in St. Peter’s and most basilicas)
Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, and summer is peak tourist season. Major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Pantheon can sell out days (or even weeks) in advance. Not sure whether a simple ticket or a guided tour is the better choice? Here’s our full breakdown of Colosseum tickets vs guided tours to help you decide.
Heads up for Pantheon visitors: as of July 1, 2026, the entry ticket has gone up from €5 to €7, while the reduced €2 ticket for visitors aged 18-25 and all existing free-entry categories remain unchanged. Read all the details in our article on the Pantheon ticket price increase.
Pro tip: if you’re here in June/July or September, don’t wait until the last minute to book museum tickets, tours, or even popular restaurants. Planning ahead will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
The Roman Summer Experience changes in August: many locals leave the city to escape the heat, making the streets quieter, but also leaving some shops and restaurants closed. We always recommend checking opening hours in advance to avoid surprises.
Museums, Churches and Catacombs: Culture in the Coolest Places
Rome hides some of its greatest treasures behind thick stone walls, and often below ground. Churches like San Clemente, with its fascinating underground layers, or Santa Maria in Trastevere, a peaceful gem with golden mosaics, offer the perfect mix of beauty, history… and blessed shade. Prefer to stay indoors? Choose from Rome’s countless museums, where you can soak up centuries of art and culture while staying cool.
Need a true cool-down? Head underground into one of the catacombs of Rome, such as San Sebastiano or San Callisto: ancient, mysterious, and a solid 16°C all year round. A cultural escape and heat relief in one smart move.
And once the sun sets, ancient Rome has one more trick up its sleeve: on Tuesday and Thursday evenings you can explore the Colosseum by night, wandering the arena and underground chambers in the cool evening air, without the daytime crowds.
Beyond the Heat: Cool Escapes Outside the City
After you’ve done it all – museums, churches, early morning walks at 5am – you might just want to escape for a day and stop thinking about heat, sweat, and crowded streets.
Our top suggestion? Head to the beach, a pool, or even a lake. These are the perfect places to cool off, unwind, and remember what it feels like not to be melting.
Rome isn’t a beach city, but the coast is just a short train or car ride away. You’ll find sandy shores, beach clubs with loungers and umbrellas, and charming seafood spots by the water.
Take a day trip to Ponza Island, a Mediterranean dream that rivals Capri, but without the crowds. Ponza’s dramatic white cliffs, crystal waters, ancient grottoes, and pastel-hued port are best experienced by boat. Join a full-day excursion including transportation from Rome, a 5-hour boat tour with swim stops, and lunch on board.
And if you’re not in the mood to hop on a train, drive around, or get wet at all, we’ve got you covered too. Rome’s parks can be a lifesaver in the summer, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the air is cooler and the vibe is calm.
Dining Al Fresco: from Secret Gardens in Rome to Sunset Dinners by the Sea
When the Roman heat hits hard, sometimes the best way to cool off is… with dinner. Dining al fresco isn’t just a charming Italian tradition, it’s also a much-needed escape from stuffy indoor spaces and overheated streets.
In Rome, you’ll find garden restaurants tucked away in courtyards, shaded terraces hidden behind historic facades, and leafy spots where you can enjoy a cool breeze along with a plate of pasta. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long, hot day of sightseeing, no AC needed.
And if you’re heading to the coast, things get even better. Seaside dining means enjoying the sea breeze, fresh seafood, and a view that makes everything taste better. Whether you choose a casual beachfront trattoria or a fancier place with sunset views, the Roman coastline offers the ultimate cool-down dinner experience.
Summer Nights in Rome: Rooftops, Summer Bars and Outdoor cinema
When the sun starts to go down, head to one of Rome’s stunning rooftop bars. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset over the city or a cool place to sip a cocktail with friends, rooftops are where Roman summer nights truly come alive.
Some of the best rooftop spots can get busy, so remember to always book in advance.
After your aperitivo, instead of wandering endlessly around the city, you can sit back and enjoy an outdoor movie screening in a piazza, a park, or even in Villa Borghese. Most of these screenings are free and don’t require a reservation.
Summer brings a desire for fun, meeting new people, and staying out late. So what could be better than heading to one of Rome’s many open-air venues? Perfect for a sunset drink or dancing under the stars late into the night.
Remember: visiting Rome in summer should not be taken as a marathon. The best way to enjoy the city even with impossible temperatures is to slow down and accept that you won’t be physically capable of seeing everything you included on your to do list.
Sometimes, it’s better to just relax a bit and have an aperitivo instead of trying to squeeze all the piazzas and attractions in one day while surviving the heat.
So, in order to make the most without sacrificing both your physical and mental health, here are some don’ts you might want to consider:
Don’t skip reservations: Whether it’s restaurants, attractions, or workshops, Rome in summer is not the time to wing it.
Don’t underestimate the heat: Plan indoor activities during midday, and save walking for the morning or late afternoon.
Don’t expect A/C everywhere: Many cafés, shops, and buses don’t have air conditioning. Dress smart and stay hydrated.
Don’t try to do everything in one day: The heat will slow you down. Prioritize and enjoy at a slower pace, la vita lenta style!
Cool Cultural Experiences (Away from the Midday Sun)
Looking for something cultural but refreshing? Here are some indoor-friendly activities that combine creativity, food, and fun:
Pasta & Gelato Class: Make fresh pasta and creamy gelato from scratch with expert chefs in a cozy Roman kitchen.
Pottery Workshop: Shape and decorate your own clay bowl in a Monteverde studio, guided by local artisans.
Mosaic Workshop in Trastevere: Learn mosaic-making techniques and craft your own piece to take home, all in a charming studio.
Gelato Lab: Perfect for adults and kids alike: discover the secrets of Roman gelato and fruity sorbets.
Vespa Street Art Tour: Hop on the back of a Vespa to explore Rome’s colorful murals in spots like Tormarancia and Garbatella.
Golf Cart Tour: Discover Ancient Rome in comfort, with a private guide and zero walking, ideal for hot days.
Sunrise Tour of Rome. Explore Rome in all its splendour while the city is still asleep, and jump-start your day with a 3-hour private sunrise tour led by a driver-guide.
These experiences are air-conditioned, small-group, and a great way to dive into Italian culture away from the crowds.
We know summer in Rome can be very intense, but let’s be honest: we also know how to make it unforgettable. After reading this article, all that’s left to do is book your flight and pack your bags, because you’ll most certainly be able to enjoy la dolce vita (yes, even at 35 degrees!). Buone Vacanze Romane!
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. Until 7 August, the summer festival, produced by Fondazione Musica per Roma, continues to bring Italian and international stars, jazz-rock legends, great orchestras, renowned pianists, and cross-genre experiments to the open-air stage of Villa Osio on Viale di Porta Ardeatina. With over 40 concerts and performances, August is the perfect time to enjoy live music under the Roman sky in one of the city’s most charming green settings.
August Line-up: 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
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.
The sweltering heat isn’t the only thing rising in Rome this summer. As of July 2026, the standard Pantheon entry ticket has officially gone up from €5.00 to €7.00. It’s not going to break the bank: an extra €2.00 to preserve 2,000 years of history is a small price to pay to stand inside the ancient world’s greatest architectural marvel. Even with the price hike, the Pantheon remains the cheapest major monument to visit in the entire city.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Pantheon in 2026?
The standard Pantheon ticket price is now €7.00. Reduced tickets and free entry categories (under 18s, Rome residents, worshippers attending mass) remain in place. For full visitor information, opening hours and history, read our complete guide to visiting the Pantheon.
When Is the Pantheon Free to Visit?
If you happen to be strolling past the coffee-scented streets of Piazza della Rotonda on a Sunday, you may be in luck: like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the Pantheon is completely free on the first Sunday of every month. Keep in mind you’ll have to queue for a physical ticket, as online booking isn’t available on free days.
On any other day, our advice is to book your Pantheon tickets online and in advance, when the piazza gets crowded, nobody wants to melt in line under the midday sun.
Absolutely. The dome of the Pantheon is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian nearly two millennia ago. Born as a pagan temple dedicated to all the Roman gods, in 609 AD it was gifted to the Pope and consecrated as a Christian church, Santa Maria ad Martyres. The hole at the top of the dome, the famous oculus, is the building’s only source of light. And for those wondering what happens when the heavens pour: yes, it rains inside! Rain, hail, storms or religious upheaval, the most fascinating thing about the Pantheon is its survival story.
Want to Get More Out of Your Visit?
A guided visit brings the Pantheon’s 2,000 years of history to life. Here are two experiences we recommend:
(Vogogna, 09 Jul 26) Due to a major wildfire in the Pizzo Proman area, there is an absolute ban on using all trails starting from Premosello, Colloro and Cuzzago. The[...]
If you’re looking for something to do after a day of museum-hopping and cobblestone strolling, make your way down to Lungo il Tevere and spend your evening by the river
Every summer, the banks of the Tiber River transform into one of Rome’s most beloved gathering places. Lungo il Tevere Roma, now in its 24th edition, is the open-air festival that takes over the stretch between Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Sisto from 5 June to 24 August 2026, bringing with it restaurants, bars, markets, live music, exhibitions, and a packed calendar of cultural events that draws an expected two million visitors each season.
Whether you’re looking for a late dinner, a post-sunset cocktail, or simply a place to wander with good company, this is where Rome spends its summer nights.
The festival runs every evening from 7pm to 2am across 80 nights of continuous programming. This year’s edition includes 60 commercial stands, 15 food and drink outlets, 3 dedicated cultural areas, and over 200 artistic performances across the full run.
On the food side, expect everything from Roman street food classics to international kitchens, wine bars, craft beer, and cocktail stands set directly on the riverbank. The market area covers handmade jewellery, artisanal products, textiles, books, and accessories from local and regional producers.
Entertainment this year includes live screenings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, foosball tables, and various games and installations scattered along the walkway, enough to fill an evening even if you arrive with no particular plan.
With four entrances at Ponte Cestio, Garibaldi, Sisto, and Sublicio, and numerous ways to experience the walk, Lungo il tevere is the place to be on a gorgeous Roman evening. You do not want to miss this modern summer staple of Rome.
A sophisticated and modern restaurant within the Double Tree by Hilton Rome Monti Hotel.
The Mamalia restaurant is a culinary gem located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti Hotel. Open year-round from breakfast to dinner (from 6pm to 10pm), this restaurantin Rome offers a unique dining experience in a modern and elegant setting, bathed in warm natural light in the morning and soft lighting in the evening.
Starting with breakfast: the offerings range from sweet to savory, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as yogurt, cereals, fresh fruit, and typical products from Lazio, all accompanied by Lavazza tea and coffee.
For dinner, the atmosphere becomes even more refined, with an original gastronomic journey designed by the chef, respecting tradition and the seasonality of the ingredients. The cuisine honors Italian culinary tradition while embracing contemporary influences.
The restaurant’s menu, accessible directly from the hotel rooms for guests, offers a wide selection of refined Mediterranean dishes. Starters include Mediterranean prawns with mango, radishes, cucumbers and Serrano chili pepper, as well as tuna carpaccio with green bean salad. For first courses, highlights range from Acquerello risotto creamed with Roman courgettes, anchovies and mint to pici pasta with farmyard ragù, toasted hazelnuts and Pecorino di Fossa cheese.
For meat lovers, Mamalia relies on the expertise and quality of the Galli butcher shop, a symbol of excellence in Rome for over 70 years, offering the best meats from Italian and European farms.
Indulge in the beef ‘tagliata’ yoza selection, rosemary entrecôte yoza selection, or the scottona burger with burrata cheese from andria, caramelized onion and lettice.
Three types of Roman-style pizzas complete the menu: Margherita with Buffalo Mozzarella and EVO Oil, Diavola Pizza, and Vegetable Pizza with Mozzarella and Grilled Vegetables.
Alongside the culinary offerings, Mamalia also boasts a selection of prestigious national and international wines, with a special focus on Lazio wines. Let the staff help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your dinner!
Mamalia complements the food and beverage offering of DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti alongside Mùn rooftop cocktail bar. With top-quality local ingredients and the chef’s creativity, the restaurant combines originality and tradition in the heart of the Monti district, making it a refined choice for an unforgettable evening in Rome.
A rooftop cocktail bar in Monti with panoramic views, craft cocktails, and a chic industrial atmosphere
One of our most beloved neighborhoods in the heart of Rome’s city center is Monti. Rione Monti is an eclectic neighborhood where classic meets bohemian: the Colosseum is a stone’s throw away, yet the neighborhood is full of hip restaurants, shops, and creatives left and right.
DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti brings a fresh perspective to one of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering guests and locals a stylish setting where contemporary hospitality meets the timeless charm of the city. From its elegant interiors to its panoramic rooftop, the hotel invites visitors to experience Rome throughout the day and into the evening, with Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar as one of its standout highlights.
Of the three sister restaurants that are part of Enjoy Roma Monti, we have Mùn Rooftop: a dual space cocktail lounge bar and rooftop on the 8th floor of the hotel that transports guests to sky level, making the stars and moon seem right at your fingertips. The panoramic views showcase some of Rome’s most beautifully iconic places and sites, from overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to admiring Gianicolo Hill and the industrial Gasometro di Roma from a distance. A 360 view of the Eternal City that will be sure to leave you speechless.
Mùn is not just any rooftop bar, as the architectural and interior designs are well worth mentioning. Upon stepping out of the all-glass elevator, you are first welcomed to the cozy inside lounge and cocktail bar. There is an effortless flow and balance between warm Tuscan orange tones on the walls, wooden tables mixed with rustic chairs, and slate gray metallic fixtures, creating an environment that is elevated and chic with some modern hints.
As you step outside to the rooftop outside space, not only are you met with the views mentioned above but also with a warm, yet refreshing breeze during the summer nights with the light of the moon. Relax under the oversized umbrellas and couches, or choose a high-top table to enjoy your cocktail of choice with those you love.
Indulge yourself with drinks signed by Mùn’s very own bartenders. Cocktails are elegant and contemporary while still incorporating the heart of traditional Italian mixology. They also have a great selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic choices. Pair your beverage with an aperitivo accompanied by tapas.
Mùn is open everyday from 5.30 pm to 12.00 am and is accessible to the public, not just to the hotel guests.
Rome’s hidden treasures: a guide to unforgettable adventures for every age and interest.
Rome is one of those cities that never runs out of surprises. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your tenth, there are always new fun things to do in Rome that go beyond the obvious, and that’s exactly what this guide is about.
From offbeat food discoveries and secret viewpoints to Vespa rides through cobblestone streets and rooftop cocktails at sunset, we’ve put together a selection of experiences that capture what makes Rome so endlessly exciting. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. Whatever your pace, the Eternal City has something for you.
Discover Rome’s Unusual Foods
Carciofi alla Giudia
Alright, buckle up for a culinary rollercoaster ’cause we’re about to dive into Rome’s most unusual food tour! First stop, get your taste buds ready for some ‘Jewish artichokes‘ in the Jewish Ghetto – crispy, golden, and addictive. Next, scoot over to Testaccio, a regular stomping ground for foodies, and snag a bite of the quinto quarto (offal) if you dare.
Feeling adventurous? Try the pajata (intestines of an unweaned calf) – it’s a Roman delicacy that’ll have your palate doing somersaults. Don’t miss out on the trapizzino, a pizza-pocket filled with drool-worthy classics like oxtail stew.
Wrap it up with a gelato but go for quirky flavors like black sesame or blue cheese. Remember, when in Rome, eat as the Romans do – maybe with a side of fearless fun!
Rome Food Market Tour
Explore Rome’s foodie Trionfale district near the Vatican: start with a fresh cannolo and cappuccino, enjoy iconic slices at Pizzarium, then sample cheeses, cured meats, truffles, aged balsamic, and olive oils. Finish at the lively Trionfale Market, rich in colors, sounds, and local characters.
Looking for something spooky? Try a visit to the Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto – a macabre masterpiece lined with monk bones. It is several small chapels located under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione that’s walls are lined with the remains of about 3,700 skulls. The arrangement of the skulls and other bones are equally captivating and creepy. It’s not your average art gallery, but it’s a definite must-see for the morbidly curious.
Seeking some Roman art that is different from the standard classical era artworks in the museums? Hit the Ostiense District and get your fill of incredible street art. This place is a canvas for renowned artists who’ve turned these streets into a feast for the eyes. Snap some pics of these vibrant and edgy murals!
Stroll around, grab an espresso, orhop on vespa tourand watch as the walls tell you tales of modern-day Rome. Ostiense is where ancient history shakes hands with urban cool, and let me tell you, they get along just fine. Dive into this colorful world, and who knows, you might just bump into an artist creating their next masterpiece. Fun, artsy, and a little rebellious – Ostiense’s street art scene is an undefined must-see for your Roman holiday.
Ready to channel your inner chef in the Eternal City? Sign up for a cooking class with a local Roman chef! You’ll craft perfect pasta, and prepare a classic Italian tiramisu. It’s hands-on, it’s delicious, and hey, it’s a skill you can flaunt at your next dinner party.
Do not miss your chance to spice up your trip and your culinary game. Plus, you’ll get to eat your homework—talk about a tasty lesson! Whether you’re a young adult looking for an epic foodie experience or hunting for a family-friendly activity that’ll keep the kids entertained, this is a must-do.
Get ready to don that apron and cook up a storm, Roman style!
Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisù Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine during this hands-on cooking class in Rome.
With the guidance of an English-speaking chef, you will learn how to prepare fresh fettuccine from scratch, ricotta-filled ravioli inspired by a traditional grandmother’s recipe, and one of Italy’s most iconic desserts: tiramisù.
Discover the Secret Keyhole View of St. Peter’s Basilica
Oh, you’re in for a treat with this one! Make your way to the Aventine Hill, where a nondescript door hides a mind-blowing peek at St. Peter’s Basilica. This secret keyhole view is tucked inside the Priory of the Knights of Malta, and it’s not just a quirky hole in the wall – it frames the basilica perfectly through a lush garden avenue.
It’s a magical experience, and the best part? It’s free! So go ahead, play a little game of “I spy” with the grand St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a view you are guaranteed to remember for a lifetime!
Monks and Knights *slow* tour on Aventine hill
Discover Aventine Hill at a leisurely pace: medieval monasteries, historic basilicas, and the Knights’ sanctuary. Stroll through gardens with sweeping views—including a famed hidden vantage of Rome—hear legends of monks and knights, and finish with gelato overlooking the Circus Maximus. A compact, culture-rich walk.
Gelato is a must-taste while you are in Rome! So, if you were looking for an excuse to go for a sweet treat, here it is! Roman gelato shops feature a vast array of flavors, so be sure to branch out and try something new while you are here.
If you would like to learn the secret to tasty gelato you can try this hands-on gelato making class. It is perfect for adults and kids to experience the process of gelato making in the laboratory of an authentic Roman gelateria.
Learn To Make Gelato in Rome
Learn to make gelato with our hands-on gelato-making class in Rome. It’s fun for adults and it’s fun for kids too!
Cruising around Rome on a Vespa is the epitome of cool – it’s like starring in your own Italian movie! Imagine zipping through the bustling streets, wind in your hair, as you dart from one iconic landmark to another.
It’s not just a ride; it’s your ticket to feeling like a local, and truly experiencing the vibrant Roman atmosphere. Plus, it’s a nifty way to dodge the slower pace of tourist traffic. For young adults seeking a dash of adventure, it’s one of the most exhilarating fun things to do in Rome.
There are tons of different options for touring around Rome. You can enjoy a vespa sidecar tour, a vintage vespa tour, or a vintage car tour of Rome. Choose which mode of transportation best fits your style and have fun! Just remember to wear your helmet and live the dolce vita responsibly.
Visit a Rooftop
Rooftops in Rome are like pizza with the perfect crust – simply a must! Imagine sipping on a Spritz while catching a golden sunset with the silhouette of St. Peter’s Basilica in the skyline. It’s not just a drink; it’s a scene straight out of a chic Italian film.
Rooftop bars are a playground for young adults, offering not just killer views but also a vibe that’s buzzing even more than a Vespa on cobblestones. And when the stars come out, these high-rise hotspots turn into a nocturnal festa – think live DJs, swanky cocktails, and a crowd that’s dressed to impress. Ascend to one of Rome’s sky-high oases for a night or twilight to remember!
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.
Want to enjoy a view with your drink? It is time to soak up those summer sunsets at The Organics Sky Garden
There is a new energy moving across Rome’s rooftops. On the top floor of the 5-starred Aleph Rome Hotel (a member of the Hilton Curio Collection), just a few minutes from Rome’s Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, the Organics Sky Garden has relaunched with a new format dedicated to food, mixology, music and contemporary socialising. A season-long project that interprets the latest international lifestyle trends while telling the story of Rome through immersive, elegant and authentic experiences.
More than a simple calendar of events, the new format wants to be a different way of approaching free time and urban sociability: a more balanced, sophisticated and contemporary rhythm, with refined but never intrusive music, relaxed atmospheres and timings designed to enjoy the evening with ease, in line with the latest international trends in entertainment lifestyle. The terrace itself becomes a sort of urban jungle suspended above the city, where the panorama meets carefully chosen sounds, conviviality and a strongly distinctive identity.
A menu inspired by Rome’s seven hills
At the heart of the experience is a genuine tribute to the Eternal City. The new food menu offers a selection of bites and sharing dishes inspired by Rome’s hills: convivial small plates designed to accompany aperitivo and informal dinner with a contemporary, cosmopolitan spirit. The Palatino is told through a beef tartare with mustard and capers and a focaccia with Bassiano ham and Circe burrata; the Campidoglio becomes a small cacio e pepe pasta frittata or a pan brioche with fennel-seasoned porchetta and smoked provola foam, and so on through the menu, each dish reinterpreting a different corner of the city.
Cocktails that tell the story of Rome’s rioni
The mixology is conceived as a journey through Rome’s historic rioni, with a signature drink list built as a sensory narrative of the city. The menu itself is part of the experience: an original collectible cube, designed as an iconic object to keep and enjoy, turning the drink list into a piece of design and storytelling.
Each cocktail interprets a neighbourhood, its atmosphere, symbols and personality. Rione Parione is fresh and Mediterranean, built on Gin Mare, a tomato and basil cordial, dry vermouth and Organics Tonic Water. Rione Trastevere is spicy and fruity at once, made with Diplomatico Riserva rum, a pineapple and cinnamon cordial and Organics Ginger Beer. Rione Campo Marzio is tropical with smoky notes, combining Tequila Herradura, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime, orgeat, smoked salt and Organics Bitter Lemon.
Alongside the signature selection, The Organics Sky Garden also offers a classic cocktail list and a beverage proposal made with 100% natural ingredients, in keeping with the fresh, sophisticated identity of the terrace.
Sunset Panorama and Liquid Sessions
The musical direction is curated by Glauco Di Mambro, DJ, producer and music curator, who brings his cutting-edge vision to the terrace.
Among the most anticipated appointments is “Sunset Panorama,” the Friday format starting at 6.30 pm, aimed at global travellers and an international crowd looking for a relaxed, vibrant take on contemporary luxury. Soft, sophisticated electronic sounds accompany the Roman sunset with a musical selection that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, striking a balance between elegance, energy and panorama.
Every Wednesday, Liquid Sessions takes over: refined, deep vibes that explore new sonic territory, blending eclecticism and electronic innovation into a listening-focused evening that builds slowly, unhurried, developing its tones in sync with the sunset.
With this new format, The Organics Sky Garden confirms its role as an iconic destination on Rome’s hospitality scene, a place in constant motion, where music, taste and lifestyle merge into a new urban experience to be lived above the city.
Reaching The Organics Sky Garden couldn’t be easier. The hotel enjoys an enviable location, steps away from Piazza Barberini and Via Vittorio Veneto, the Borghese Gallery and the main shopping routes — and the sophisticated entrance hall, in the former headquarters of Italy’s central bank, with its grey marble floors and ceilings, is well worth a visit on the way up to the rooftop.
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
A historic residence surrounded by greenery, with a summer pool, charming rooms and spaces ideal for weddings, private events and corporate gatherings.
Castello della Castelluccia is only a few kilometers from the center of Rome, yet it feels like you’re stepping into a fairytale. This castle near Rome, surrounded by lush greenery, was built in 1100 on the ruins of an imperial Roman villa. Over its eight centuries of history, it has belonged to various noble families.
Today, this splendid building is fully restored and boasts many different facets: it’s a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a venue for events, perfect for weddings and corporate events.
Outdoor pool
The semi-Olympic pool at Castello della Castelluccia is a true dream. Nestled in nature, the pool offers a peaceful retreat. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the summer sun, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Castello della Castelluccia offers daily and half-day passes, with discounted subscription options starting from 10 entries. The pricing is highly competitive: 20 euros for a full day for adults during the week, and 25 euros on weekends.
The rates include an umbrella and sunbed, with the option to rent a towel if needed. For an even more relaxing experience, the Pool Bar offers a selection of snacks, hot dishes, fresh fruit, and refreshing beverages. What could be better than a Spritz by the pool?
Reservations are mandatory. You can book on their website.
Sunday Lunch (reopening in September)
On Sundays, Castello della Castelluccia offers a formula designed for families and groups of friends who wish to enjoy a relaxing lunch in a historic setting surrounded by greenery.
Adults can enjoy lunch from the à la carte menu, while children take part in the Kids Workshops: creative workshops and recreational activities designed for little ones, with the support of the entertainment staff. The children’s formula, generally dedicated to ages 4–10, includes supervised lunch with the staff and creative activities at a cost of €30.
Reservations can be made through the official website or by calling +39 06 30207041.
Weddings and events
Have you always dreamed of getting married in a castle? At Castello della Castelluccia, you can make that dream come true. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or live in Rome and are looking for a stunning location, Castello della Castelluccia is ready to accommodate you.
The venue features two halls, terraces, and a large park, perfect for setting up a romantic reception. There are also two sacred spaces: a chapel and an external cloister for religious ceremonies. Unfortunately, starting 2025, it will no longer be possible to hold religious ceremonies in the chapel and cloister. However, symbolic ceremonies can be arranged in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces of the Castle.
Castello della Castelluccia has a dedicated staff to assist the bride and groom every step of the way, offering wedding packages to take the stress out of planning and ensure a flawless day.
Their rooms provide perfect accommodations for you and your guests. They are luxurious and ancient, with frescoes, and can accommodate up to 46 guests.
Castello della Castelluccia is also an ideal backdrop birthday parties, anniversaries, and corporate events. The versatility of the spaces and the beauty of the location make it ideal for any type of celebration. Choosing Castello della Castelluccia means experiencing something unique, where the charm of history blends with modern comforts, for an event that will be remembered by all guests.
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