Top Things to Do in Rome This Summer: A Complete Guide to the Eternal City

Rome in the summer is a sun-soaked marvel of ancient ruins, vibrant street life, open-air piazzas, and irresistible gelato. The Eternal City offers an intoxicating mix of history, culture, cuisine, and romance that comes alive under the golden summer sun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are the top things to do in Rome this summer to make the most of your unforgettable journey.

1. Take an Early Morning or Sunset E-Bike Tour

With Rome’s summer temperatures soaring during midday, one of the smartest and most enjoyable ways to explore the city is by e-bike tour—especially during the early morning or at sunset. You’ll cover more ground without tiring yourself out and enjoy cooler, more comfortable weather.

Tours often include iconic routes such as:

• The Appian Way, flanked by cypress trees and Roman ruins.
• Hidden neighborhoods like Monti, Testaccio, or Trastevere.
• Scenic routes that lead to Janiculum Hill or Villa Borghese Park for panoramic views.

Plus, electric bikes make it easy to tackle Rome’s famous seven hills!

• Hidden Rome – Experience by E-bike with Street Food
  Discover authentic Rome off the beaten path while enjoying delicious local street food.
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• Ancient Appia Delight
  Explore the Roman countryside along the ancient Appian Way, immersed in history and nature.
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• Roman Sunrise – Experience by E-bike with Breakfast
  Experience the magic of Rome at dawn with an included breakfast as you ride through its wonders.
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• Rome by Night – E-bike Tour with Food and Wine Tasting
  Admire Rome at sunset and after dark, enjoying local food and wine in a magical setting.
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• Gems of Rome – Experience by E-bike with Food
  Discover Rome’s hidden gems while indulging in culinary delights along the way.
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• Private Tour in Rome with Local Food
  Customize your private e-bike tour to explore Rome and savor local cuisine at your own pace.
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2. Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Summer brings crowds, but with the right timing—early morning or late afternoon—you can still have an incredible visit to Vatican City. Walk through the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms, then admire the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pro tips:

• Book skip-the-line tickets or guided tours.
• Visit on a Wednesday morning to attend the Pope’s audience in St. Peter’s Square.
• Dress appropriately (no sleeveless tops or shorts above the knee).

3. Cool Off with Rome’s Best Gelato

Nothing beats the Roman heat quite like a scoop (or three) of authentic gelato. Skip the overly colorful tourist traps and head for the real artisans.

Top gelaterias to try:

• Gelateria del Teatro – Seasonal and creative flavors made from local ingredients.
• Fatamorgana – Known for unique, natural combinations.
• Otaleg in Trastevere – Serious about texture and quality.
• Come il Latte – Creamy and rich with toppings like melted chocolate.

Make it a mission to try a new one each day!

4. Explore Rome’s Parks and Villas

Rome’s parks are not just green retreats—they’re open-air museums. Spend a summer afternoon under shady pine trees, having a picnic or riding a rented e-bike.

Top parks to explore:

• Villa Borghese – With gardens, fountains, and the Borghese Gallery.
• Villa Doria Pamphili – Rome’s largest landscaped park, perfect for long rides and quiet escapes.
• Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) – Offers one of the best sunset views over the city.
• Villa Celimontana – A peaceful spot near the Colosseum often overlooked by tourists.

5. Experience Roman Nights: Piazzas, Wine & Music

As the sun sets, Rome transforms into an open-air stage. The city’s piazzas buzz with energy: street performers, romantic dinners, clinking glasses, and golden-lit fountains.

Best piazzas for summer evenings:

• Piazza Navona – Elegant, with fountains, cafés, and musicians.
• Campo de’ Fiori – Young, loud, and lively.
• Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere – Charming and bohemian.
• Piazza della Madonna dei Monti – A favorite hangout for locals and creatives.

Enjoy a glass of wine, an outdoor dinner, or simply a stroll—Roman evenings are pure magic.

6. Discover the City’s Rooftop Bars

Elevate your summer nights with panoramic views and refreshing cocktails. Rome’s rooftop bars offer a chic escape from the heat with stunning vistas.

Top picks:

• Terrazza Borromini – Overlooking Piazza Navona.
• La Grande Bellezza at Eitch Borromini – Lavish, romantic, and cinematic.
• Zuma Rooftop at Palazzo Fendi – Modern, stylish, with sushi and skyline views.
• Hotel Raphael Rooftop – A green terrace near the Pantheon.

These spots are perfect for aperitivo, dinner, or just soaking in Rome’s eternal glow.

7. Walk the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

If you’re up for something a little off the beaten path, rent a bike or join a guided tour on the Appian Way, one of the oldest roads in the world. It stretches for miles through ancient aqueducts, catacombs, and countryside.

What you’ll see:

• Cecilia Metella Mausoleum
  
• Catacombs of San Sebastiano
  
• Ancient aqueduct ruins
  
• Rolling Roman landscapes, dotted with olive groves and stone pines

It’s a unique way to time travel without leaving the city limits.

8. Attend Summer Festivals and Open-Air Events

Summer in Rome means open-air cinema, concerts, and festivals. From music to theater to cinema, there’s always something happening:

• Isola del Cinema – Outdoor movie nights on Tiber Island.
• Estate Romana – A full program of events: concerts, exhibitions, food festivals.
• Caracalla Opera Festival – Opera and ballet performed under the stars at the Baths of Caracalla.
• Lungo il Tevere – Riverside pop-up bars, restaurants, and artisan stalls.

Check local listings for up-to-date events, and be sure to book in advance.

9. Step Back in Time at the Colosseum and Roman Forum

No visit to Rome is complete without standing inside the Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s especially atmospheric in summer with early morning light or golden evening hues.

Your ticket usually includes access to:

• Roman Forum – Once the political, commercial, and religious heart of the empire.
• Palatine Hill – Offers sweeping views of the Forum and Circus Maximus.

Consider an underground tour or arena floor ticket for a deeper dive into history.

10. Take a Day Trip to the Coast or Castelli Romani

If the summer heat becomes too intense, escape the city for a refreshing day trip:

• Ostia Antica – Ancient Roman harbor city, less crowded than Pompeii and closer.
• Castel Gandolfo – Home to the Pope’s summer residence, set by a tranquil volcanic lake.
• Lido di Ostia or Fregene – Rome’s closest beaches.
• Frascati – A charming hill town known for its white wine and traditional Roman dishes.

Pack a swimsuit or a wine glass, depending on the direction you go!

Final Tips for Summer Travel in Rome

• Stay hydrated: Water fountains (“nasoni”) around the city offer cool, clean drinking water.
• Use sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
• Book attractions in advance: Summer is peak season, so secure your spots early.
• Be mindful of the heat: Plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and rest during the midday hours.
• Dress appropriately for churches: Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Summer in Rome is a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors. From dawn bike rides along ancient roads to gelato-filled afternoons and rooftop aperitivos under a pastel sky, Rome offers an unforgettable summer experience for every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re strolling through centuries of history or discovering a hidden piazza over a glass of local wine, the Eternal City never stops inspiring. Plan wisely, pace yourself, and let Rome’s timeless beauty guide your summer adventure.