Rome travel guide: Explore the eternal city like a local

With its unparalleled history, renowned cuisine, awe-inspiring architecture, and lively atmosphere, Rome is one of the most romantic, charismatic, and unforgettable cities in the world. Fusing ancient wonders with a modern metropolis, Rome has everything to delight the traveler in you. Be it gazing at the Sistine Chapel or wandering about the cobbled alleyways and popular piazzas; strolling through the leafy expanses of Villa Borghese, or unwinding with a glass of wine at a popular bar; taking in the sights of the wondrous Colosseum or visiting centuries-old villas. There is so much to do that you will need an entire bucket list for Rome alone.

Leaving the airport

"Honey, I'm Rome!"

Rome has two airports of which Rome Fiumicino Airport (also called Leonardo da Vinci) is the main one. Ciampino is one of the oldest airports in Europe, although smaller than the busier and more distant (from the city center), Fiumicino.

Fastest way out of Fiumicino Airport is the Leonardo Express

Fresh out of the arrivals area, follow the signs that will take you to the Fiumicino Aeroporto train station. It's a 10-minute walk aided by moving walkways and escalators all the way. Hop onto the Leonardo Express that departs every 15 mins from the station. The journey to Roma Termini station will take 32 minutes.

Cheapest way out of Fiumicino Airport is the airport bus

With fares well under half that of the Leonardo Express, Terravision Bus service offers a reduced cost if you book in advance or if you buy the round trip formula. Departures to Roma Termini station are approximately every 30 minutes from 5:35am to 11pm.

Take the airport shuttle to avoid crowds

You can avail of an airport-to-hotel shuttle service to travel in a smaller group. These are small vans that can hold 8 to 16 passengers. Whether your hotel is first or last on the shuttle route is a matter of luck, but the service is definitely cheaper than a private car/taxi and it still provides door-to-door service.

Want a hassle-free transfer? Opt for a door-to-door car service

As you exit the airport you will see a well marshaled and organized taxi rank right in the front. While it's the most expensive way to reach your hotel, it's also the most convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Fixed tariff rates apply, which also include luggage. You can double-check the fare to your destination from the official information kiosk inside the passenger terminal.

3 ways to leave Airport Ciampino to reach the city center

• 🚕By Taxi: If you are planning to take a taxi to another neighborhood of Rome, be sure to check the fare with your driver ahead of the ride.
• 🚅By Train: A bus service outside the airport will take you to Ciampino train station with no intermediate stops; from there you can continue your journey to Italy's major railway hub, in the city's heart. Best way to beat the traffic.
• 🚌By Bus: Take the Terravision Bus service that connects Ciampino Airport directly with Termini Station every day. The journey will take approx 45 minutes.

What to pack?

Rome is a casual yet fashion-forward city, so pack stylish but comfortable clothing. A comfortable pair of shoes to walk around in is a must. Carry breezy linens, sundresses, and open sandals when traveling during summers. It can get chilly and wet in the winter, so bring rain gear and warmer clothing if you’re headed to Rome after October. Here's what you must carry with you to Rome, the weather notwithstanding.

Download this handy checklist 👇🏼

Best neighborhoods to stay in

Getting around in Rome

While Rome is a big city, all its major attractions are concentrated in the city center or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Most of these can be explored on foot. For a few attractions, such as Vatican City, you have to rely on Roman public transportation, which includes buses, trams, metro, and a suburban train network. What makes this even better is the fact that all these services use the same type of ticket.

Public transportation in Rome

🚇 By Metro

• There are three major Metro lines, of which lines A (orange) and B (blue) are the most useful. The metro runs from 5:30am-11:30pm on all days, and until 1:30am only on Friday and Saturday evenings. The last train on the A-line departs at 9pm.
• Take line A for the Trevi Fountain (Barberini), Spanish Steps (Spagna), and St Peter’s (Ottaviano-San Pietro). Take line B for the Colosseum (Colosseo).

🚌 By Bus

• Buses in Rome are reliable but often crowded. You can hop on and off at any stop. They offer an extremely efficient way of getting around the city, given you have a proper bus route map and an understanding of how to read the maps and the routes. You can find one ATAC's official bus route maps here. You have to purchase your tickets before you board any public transport in Rome. Purchase a pass beforehand for contactless payments. They are accepted across all the ATAC networks. These work in the same way as tickets, just using your card or device to tap in and out on your journey. Plan ahead if you are going to use the bus as they are not the most reliable when crowded.
• n1 follows the route of metro line A, n2 follows the route of metro line B. For route planning and real-time information, Roma Bus is a useful phone app.

🚊 Tram

• There are six tram lines in Rome. The trams on lines #5, #14, and #19 are from the 1940s and are smaller, crowded, and do not have ticket vending machines or air conditioning. While Lines #3 and #8 have newer trams and are spacious, air-conditioned, have a ticket vending machine, and come with free Wi-Fi!
• The two main tram lines are the 8 (runs from Piazza Venezia to Trastevere) and the 3, (runs from the Colosseum, through Testaccio).

🚖 Cab

• You can catch a taxi anywhere in Rome - taxi stands are spread throughout the city. Remember that you can only board one at a stand and can't hail a cab standing on the side of the streets. Note, FreeNow is perhaps the most popular app in Italy for taxis. Taxis are expensive but also quite convenient.
• Note that when you request a cab, the meter is switched on right away, and you pay for the cost of the journey from wherever the driver receives the call. The Free Now app is a great alternative to Uber in Rome.

Data & connectivity

One of the first things you should do when in Rome is to buy a local sim card. In order to avoid high roaming charges, stay connected with your loved ones, as well as share the glorious sights and sounds of Rome with your Instagram family.

Buying a prepaid sim card in Italy is easy and affordable

Here are the top options you can consider when buying a sim card in Italy

🛜 Tim:

Tim has the best network coverage in Italy. Plus they offer a range of reasonable options. For instance, you can get 1000 minutes of domestic calls and 2GB of internet data.

🛜 Vodafone

Vodafone offers a holiday sim for visitors to Italy, which includes 300 call minutes and 300 SMS within Italy and to your home country.

🛜 Iliad

This is a decent option for a prepaid sim card in Italy for those on a budget. You can get and in addition, you get unlimited talk time. Decent network coverage throughout Italy.

🛜 Wind

With Wind, you will have unlimited data in Italy and 20 GB within the EU. As a bonus you also get 20 free minutes for international calls.

🛜 Tre

The best part about this one is that you can also buy data-only sims for 5GB and going up to 20 GB.

🚨 In case of emergencies while on a holiday in Rome...

• 113 for Police
• 118 for Ambulance
• 115 for Fire Department
• 1530 for Coastguard

🗣️ What to say

• Help! – Aiuto!
• Call the police – Chiami la polizia
• Is there anyone here who speaks English? – C’è qualcuno qui che parla inglese?
• There has been an accident – C’è stato un incident
• Someone has stolen my bag/wallet/phone – Mi hanno rubato la borsa/il portafoglio/il telef
• Please hurry – Fate presto, per favore

Headout Rome itineraries

When you think of Rome, you conjure up this image of an old world with its narrow winding streets and grand piazzas. The gleaming edifice of the Vatican, and the towering ruins of the Colosseum. Street art splashed against awe-inspiring architecture. Fashionably-suited Romans walking down cobblestones. The smell of yeast and mozzarella wafting through the air and the promise of a potent gelato with the Sun smiling down on you. Here's how you can experience it all with Headout's 5-day Rome itinerary.

Gram-worthy spots in Rome to go click

Hidden Gems: Cool and offbeat things to do in Rome

While the above itineraries have got you covered on everything you must do in Rome, Headout has also curated a list of the most unusual and offbeat experiences you can have in Rome. There's a lot more to the Eternal City than just the big-ticket attractions. So tuck away the must-do list for a bit and see Rome in a new light with the following 👇

See the magical optical illusion of St Peter’s Dome

As you travel down the street of Via Nicolò Piccolomini towards St Peter’s, the dome shrinks and appears to move into the distance. The nearer you get, the smaller it appears to the point where it looks tiny. Move away from the dome, and it expands in size. Take a few laps on a scooter for maximum effect!

Take a stroll along the oldest and longest road of Rome

Remember the saying 'all roads lead to Rome', The Appian Way (Via Appia) stretched all the way to the southeast of Italy in Brindisi! It was one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic.

Marvel at the art in Galleria Borghese

If you only have the time for one art gallery in Rome, make it Galleria Borghese. The collections are housed in a magnificent 17th-century villa with 20 rooms featuring masterpieces of the Renaissance and the beginnings of Baroque art.

Take an after-hours tour of the Colosseum Arena Floor and Roman Forum

Visit the Colosseum after hours and see it lit up in all its glory. In small groups of 12 or fewer, you'll get to see this famous Roman attraction after it has closed to the public.

Eat artichoke in the Jewish Ghetto

This culinary legacy originated in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome and is still a specialty of a lot of restaurants you will find in Rome's unique neighborhoods. Try this part crispy, part creamy dish at the  Nonna Betta, one of the charming kosher restaurants lining the cobbled stoned Via del Portico d’Ottavia.

Take an Italian cooking class and learn how to make pasta from scratch

Sip on local wine while you absorb the many tips and tricks to make yourself the perfect pasta. The highlight of your evening will be the dish you cook for yourself.

Bag a designer bargain at a local vintage market

Luckily, there are several places in Italy's capital where you can find designer apparel at bargain prices. The best place to look is in the section of town west of  Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. It gets busy so get there when it opens for fewer crowds. Also, explore Rome's largest open-air flea market, Porta Portese, in the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood. This weekly morning market offers a wide range of antique items and vintage clothes. You'll find a cluster of well-established vintage and used clothing stores.

Discover gelato gastronomy at the city’s first gelato restaurant

Gelato d’Essai da Geppy Sferra. Here you can eat gelato for every course, and not just dessert. You will find flavors like thinly sliced salmon with grapefruit and ginger gelato, sweet-and-sour pork with pineapple sorbet, and grilled polenta with broccoli, parmesan cream, and licorice gelato.

Pay homage to the iconic scooter at the Vespa Museum

Explore Rome by pretending to be Hepburn and Peck in Roman Holiday on a vintage Vespa. Visitors who venture into the basement of the Bici & Baci shop will find a Vespa shrine with vintage models from across the decades.

Dare to put your hand inside the Mouth of Truth?

Legend has it that if you were to stick your hand inside the disc’s mouth and tell a lie, the rocky maw would bite your hand off! The Mouth of Truth, which now rests outside the doors of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, was supposedly used during trials as a lie detector during the middle ages.

Rent a boat on the lake inside Villa Borghese

Rome's Villa Borghese park contains a small artificial lake, known as the laghetto, also featured in the Woody Allen movie To Rome With Love. The picturesque lake has a 19th-century temple and is home to about 100 turtles, 60 ducks and dozens of other water birds including swans and geese. The boating service is available every day, from 09.30 until dusk, although the opening hours can vary depending on the weather.

Visit Trevi Fountain

11 min away from Villa Borghese, the Trevi fountain is famous for its intricate artwork decorated in the Baroque style. Tossing a coin with your back to the fountain and using your right hand to toss a coin over your left shoulder will apparently ensure good luck and that you will return to Rome in the future. Escape the crowds at the Fountain and venture underground to explore this excavated site, which includes the remains of a Roman villa, an ancient cistern, and exhibits of unearthed artifacts.

You cannot miss this in Rome

While the traveler in you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to include (or exclude) in your itinerary from a wide array of attractions in Rome, you cannot miss the most historic sites in the world, that Rome boasts of. Here we list out all the information to make your visit to the big attractions of Rome stress-free.

Vatican

Visit Castel Sant’Angelo the same day you visit the Vatican

Imagine visiting a Roman emperor's tomb, seeing Raphael-inspired art, exploring the site of centuries-old battles with leftover cannons, and relaxing with a refreshing spritz in the picturesque views of Saint Peter's Basilica, all at the same time? The greatest reason to visit Castel Sant’Angelo is to see how Rome has changed over 2000 years. The Castel bears testimony to it all. It has been a mausoleum, fortress, site of a miracle, prison, papal hideout, and finally, today, a museum you can visit. Still not convinced? How about this view👇

The Roman Catacombs are not for the faint of heart

The Roman Catacombs are not for the faint of heart

• The Roman Catacombs are definitely not for the claustrophobic or faint of heart. Keep in mind that you will be walking through narrow, underground tunnels dug out by hand to bury the dead.
• The catacombs are considered sacred, so dress appropriately. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered at all times.
• There are more than 60 catacombs under Rome, and they combine to create hundreds of kilometers of passageways with thousands of tombs. Domitilla is the largest and one of the most popular of the 60 catacombs.
• It is advisable to take a guided tour for a never seen before side of Rome. Visit the eerie Christian Catacombs, the Capuchin ‘Bone Chapel’, and the Basilica San Martino Ai Monti, with Headout's top experiences.
• When visiting the catacombs of St Sebastian, pay a visit to the church of the saint who just wouldn’t die. Here you can see one of the arrows that supposedly pierced him and part of the column which he was tied to during his martyrdom.
• The church of Domine Quo Vadis, just across the road has marble footprints said to belong to Jesus Christ!
• There aren’t many places to eat near the catacombs, you may want to bring along snacks in case you feel peckish after the long walk.

Rome with kids: Top 13 things to do

• Learn to swing a sword like a Gladiator: Let your kids don a gladiator suit and learn authentic gladiator swordplay. The two-hour class begins with a visit to the museum of Gruppo Storico Romano as an introduction to the life and times of the gladiators.
• Row your boat through Villa Borghese: The Borghese Gardens have a lot of fun options for the little ones. Rent a rowboat on the lake, pedal around in a surrey, rent a bike, or ride a Segway, to explore Villa Borghese.
• Get spooked at the Capuchin Crypts: Kids love a good ghost story. At Capuchin Crypts, the burial site of 4000 monks, there will be plenty of stories to regale them with. Gelato at Come il Latte—a 10-minute walk away—should provide ample distraction later though. You may also visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, the largest in Rome. The complex once housed the remains of martyrs, popes, and an estimated half a million Christians. The best way to get from Rome to Catacomb of Callixtus without a car is to line 218 bus which takes 20 min.
• Make your own pizza inside a pizzeria: There is only one activity that beats eating pizza for lunch, it's making pizza for lunch. There are local pizzerias in Rome that allow for a family pizza making activity.
• Go on a fun food tour: Rome has a glorious variety of food but the easy availability of kids' favorites such as pizza and gelato often mean kids eat nothing else but that. A food tour maybe a good idea to help them experiment with all the delicacies that Rome has to offer.
• Watch a puppet show at San Carlino theater: The traditional open-air puppet theater in the park on Colle del Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) offer half-hour puppet shows on weekends. It's free but be sure the kids have a few coins to put in the hat that will be passed around.
• Meet a mummy at the Egyptian museum: If your kids have had enough of the art museums, take them to the Egyptian Museum in the Cortile della Pigna. Many exhibits were brought from the Villa Adriana in Tivoli (a fascinating place to visit just outside of Rome), where the Emperor Hadrian had collected them.
• Look out for a giant foot (or two!): There's a giant marble foot at the Pantheon, that might fascinate the young ones. It's all that's left of a huge statue of the Egyptian goddess Isis. In fact it isn't the only disembodied giant foot your kids can find in Rome, there's one in the Vatican Museum, and a barefoot one in the Capitoline Museum too.
• Take a family art class: A form of art you will come across in Rome quite often is mosaic. Kids are often taken in by the colourful tiles **that make up a mosaic. Take a mosaic art class and follow it up with a visit to Santa Maria in Trastevere for the exquisite mosaics in the church's dome.
• Roma World: Are you ready to live like an ancient Roman? The theme park will bring you back in time to 2000 years ago, giving you the opportunity to live a whole day surrounded by nature, in a real camp of the Roman legions.
• Visit Bioparco: The Zoo of Rome is an oasis of exotic animals in the heart of Rome. If you are looking for a child-friendly activity, visit the Bioparco di Roma and discover a magical zoo that has been fascinating to visitors since 1911! Here, you can stroll along the green avenues and get up close and personal with hippos, giraffes, tigers, bears, leopards and many others, representing the incredible biodiversity of the planet.
• Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class: Join this interactive cooking class with your kids to learn the art of making traditional Italian pasta. Under the guidance of an expert chef, you'll learn the secrets of creating homemade pasta from scratch, mastering techniques like mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough.
• Visit Ostia Archeological Park: A great learning opportunity and an adventurous day out for your kids and schools for field trips. Get to explore the many excavations of this well-preserved city which include a theatre, several houses, baths, and temples, as well as countless mosaics and frescoes. You'll also find shops, public baths, and a large theatre, which is still used during the summer.

Shopaholic's guide to Rome

When it comes to shopping in Rome, the city has everything. Be it luxe international brands or wallet-friendly shops, fast-fashion stores, or one-of-a-kind boutiques. Equip yourself with a big-sized shopper bag, and die-hard bargaining skills, because shopping in Rome is no less than an adventure. You'll have to traverse neighborhoods and meander down narrow alleys to find that meticulous leather artisan, a vintage bargain store, or one-of-a-kind souvenir shop all hidden in plain sight.

Keep space for the following from Rome in your suitcase

Cheat sheet to Roman food

If you’re a foodie, Rome is much more than sightseeing. In fact, your best memories will revolve around the food of Rome. As they say, Colosseum is good but Carbonara is better! Bury yourself in food that employs generous amounts of black pepper and shepherd’s cheeses, and relish drippy scoops of gelato. Whatever you do, don’t overthink it — it’s Rome.

The Big Four Roman Pastas

🍝 Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe means "cheese and pepper". The dish consists of pecorino (sheep's milk cheese), black pepper, and any of the long noodle pasta. The allure of the dish is rooted in its simplicity and intensity of flavor. Go to Felice in Testaccio to find just the right mix of old-school and modern recipes, creamy enough to curl around the fork with a bold amount of pepper.

🍝 Rigatoni alla Carbonara is another variation of the guanciale and pecorino recipe, but with egg, carbonara is the best known of the classic Roman Four pasta. The most crucial ingredient is a ladleful of pasta-cooking water, which creates the creamy, golden sauce. You will get carbonara almost everywhere in Rome, but the version at Santo Palato is a winner.

🍝 Spaghetti alla Gricia consists of guanciale (cured pork jowl), fried until it renders its flavorsome fat. Then al dente pasta, traditionally spaghetti or rigatoni, and pecorino are all tossed together, resulting in a full-bodied sauce. Tavernaccia di Bruno, located on a quiet street between Testaccio and Trastevere serves delicious Gricia.

🍝 Bucatini all’ Amatriciana Amatriciana is a spicy red sauce named after the Italian town of Amatrice. The attraction of bucatini is that it holds sauce well and has a slightly chewier texture than spaghetti. Some people enjoy the challenge of twirling the pasta on their fork without letting the sauce fall through the hollow center. While it is true that bucatini can be difficult to slurp, it is a delicious pasta that many people enjoy. While there are a lot of variations of this dish, there are only six ingredients that make up a real amatriciana: guanciale (pork jowl), pecorino cheese, white wine, tomatoes, black pepper, and red paprika. Perilli in Testaccio is a popular choice for this dish.

🍕 Your hunt for the best Pizza in Rome ends here

While Naples is all about that soft dough, when it comes to pizza, Rome celebrates a crispier dough. The city is packed with pizzerias that serve this famous dish in an array of different forms. From rectangular slices for snacking to thin-crusted Roman-style personal pies. You can get the stuff al taglio (by the slice), tonda (round, by the pie), or even pinsa, an oval-shaped pizza pie.

🍽️ When in Rome, eat what the Romans do

🍦 A sweet tooth's guide to Rome

🍾 Rome Nightlife: Wine and dine in style

There are two stages of nightlife in Rome: early and late. Since dinnertime in Rome does not start until after 9 pm, the first part of the evening always kicks off with *aperitivo*, Italy’s version of the happy hour. Don’t be surprised if bars are empty at 7 pm—have a little patience and they will soon start to fill up.

Clubs and bars fall into the later stage of Roman nightlife, where the action doesn't kick off until midnight. Remember, coming home at 6 am is normal for party-goers in Rome. So don't worry if you end up burning the midnight oil – there will be plenty of espressos available to keep you going the next day.

During summers outdoor places turn into huge bars, white tents line the river banks near Tiber Island. Best time to grab a drink within an outdoor setting. From June to September, you can witness a lot of live shows, music concerts, and events in the streets of the city.

Beyond Rome: 10 day trips you must take

Money-saving hacks when traveling to Rome

1. If you're landing at the airport, you can use the [airport shuttle] instead of taxis as they are more cost-efficient and have many stops in the city.
2. The Roma Pass is a wise choice as it gives you free transportation for a selected number of days, along with free access to major attractions in Rome. Read more about the best city passes in Rome.
3. It's free museum day every first or last Sunday of the month, so plan your visit around that day. It might be more crowded than normal, but if saving money is your priority then a few shoulder rubs are doable.
4. Throw in a few free sights into your itinerary, like the parks, churches and such. That way you're still acquainting yourself with Rome and the Romans without burning a hole in your pocket.
5. For tourists visiting Rome for the first time, hop-on hop-off tours is perfect for you. Not only is the getting around sorted, you also get to enjoy the free commentary and WiFi access.
6. Have your coffee at the bar. If your morning ritual involves enjoying a mug of coffee, grab it to go and sit at a cozy spot on the piazza and enjoy your coffee. Your pocket will definitely feel better, if not you!
7. Carry your bottle or flask around and fill it up from these water fountains as you make your way around the city. Water bottles are quite expensive, so save the money and have an extra gelato instead!
8. There is almost always a charge for bread, so if you don’t want bread (or rather, don’t want to be charged for it) tell your waiter as soon as you sit down as they mostly bring it automatically.
9. Anything that is around the famous attractions and Piazzas is mostly tourist traps. They are exorbitantly priced and if you walk 500m away from them to the closest lane, you'll get the same dish for a better price. Check out these affordable eateries in Rome.
10. Accommodation can get quite expensive in the city, hence taking a hotel or Airbnb outside the city center can help you save big bucks.

Festivals, public holidays & annual events in Rome

There is always something happening in Rome. Given the town's many piazzas, gardens and cultural venues, as well as its proximity to the Vatican, it is no surprise that many holidays are marked by elaborate celebrations, while neighborhoods put on smaller events to commemorate patron saints or historic events. These events are crowd magnets, squeeze them into your itinerary.

Here's a month-by-month guide to festivals, events & holidays in Rome.

🗓️ January: New Year's Day, Festa della Befana, St. Anthony's Day

• Jan 1: New Year's Day is a national holiday in Italy.
• Jan 6: La Befana is a friendly witch who leaves sweets and trinkets for children in a sock. This public holiday is celebrated with numerous gatherings in Rome’s main squares.
• Jan 17: The feast on Saint Anthony's Day is held at the church of Sant'Antonio Abate on the Esquiline Hill and the traditional "Blessing of the Beasts" that accompanies this day takes place in the nearby Piazza Sant'Eusebio.

🗓️ February: Beginning of Lent & Carnevale, Festa di San Valentino

• Feb 3: Carnevale is one of the most celebrated and historic festivals in Rome. It is essentially an 8-day long festival that precedes the Christian tradition of Lent.
• There are fun events and activities that take place throughout the city, with the most famous being the parade in the Via del Corso.
• Feb 14:There is no better place in Italy to spend Valentine’s Day than Rome. During this holiday, a lot of restaurants and cafes run special offers and promotions, so make sure you check them out!

🗓️ March: Women's Day, Ides Of March, Maratona di Roma

• March 8: Every year on International Women’s Day Rome celebrates the festival of women, wherein men traditionally give yellow mimosa flowers to the ladies and take care of the household chores.
• March 15: On the Ides of March, an annual fest is organised to commemorate Julius Caesar's Death. A number of cultural events including a re-enactment of his assassination, are held at Torre Argentina within the Roman Forum.
• The Maratona di Roma, is an annual event that invite runners from around the world to tread across some of most famous sites of the city including the Vatican, starting from the Roman Forum and ending at Colosseum.

🗓️ April: Easter, Spring Festival, Rome's Birthday, Liberation Day

• Doused in Easter spirit the town offers religious events such as Holy Mass by Pope on Easter Sunday and candlelit procession around the Colosseum, lead by Pope on Good Friday.
• The Rome Spring Festival observes various sports events, theater events, concerts, special exhibitions throughout the city. Streets are adorned with flowers and the beautiful Spanish Steps are strewn with hundreds of pots of bright pink azaleas.
• April 21:The eternal city celebrates its birthday with all the fanfare. The whole city comes alive during the birthday weekend with parades, reenactments of historical events, concerts, cultural events at the Circus Maximus, and gladiator displays and fireworks at the Colosseum.
• April 25: A very important and historic occasion for Rome as it celebrates the end of Nazi occupation during WWII. Notably, no tourist sites are closed on Liberation day.

🗓️ May: Labor Day, Italian Open

• May 1: Italy's equivalent to Labour Day, Primo Maggio is a national holiday to celebrate international workers. While most sites are closed for the day, trade unions plan a free rock concert outside the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
• Italian Open, a nine-day, clay court event is the largest tennis tournament before the Grand Slam French Open tournament attracts many major tennis players.

🗓️ June: Republic Day, Corpus Domini, Rock in Roma

• June 2: Celebrated on 2nd June, the Italian Republic Day is a national holiday in Rome, and is often commemorated with fireworks and a parade.
• Romans celebrate numerous religious holidays in June, including Corpus Domini, 60 days after Easter Sunday, the Feast of St. John (San Giovanni) on June 23, and Saints Peter and Paul Day on June 29.
• June 23: Rock in Roma is a rock-music event that takes place every year. It brings various headlining artists from around the world and thousands of rock fans from different walks of life together at venues across the city.

🗓️ July: Lungo il Tevere, Festa dei Noantri, Opera

• Lungo il Tevere, literally meaning ‘Along the Tiber’, is a summer festivals celebrates music, theatre, dance and the arts at venues along the Tiber River in the heart of Rome.
• July 28: If you thought the neighborhood of Trastevere was happening, then visit it during the Festival of Noantri when a procession of Madonna del Carmine takes place through the area. Street art, open-air concerts and performances take place for two weeks after!
• The Baths of Caracalla come to life during summer when the ancient ruins turn to a stage for Opera and Ballet performances.

🗓️ August: Festa Della Madonna Della Neve

• August 5: La Madonna della Neve or Our Lady of the Snows is celebrated on August 5th. The festival is celebrated at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore on Esquiline Hill to honor the patron saint. There is a ‘snowfall’ of confetti and fresh white petals on the day!

🗓️ September: Taste of Roma, Football

• Sep 24-27: The Taste of Roma food festival is a four-day festival where some of the top chefs in the city bring out their best dishes and even provide cooking classes. The event takes place in the open space adjoining the Parco Della Musica.
• Stadio Olimpico is a 72,000 seater sports stadium in Rome. The grand structure hosts Serie A games all through September. Watching a Serie A game is a truly unique experience at Stadio Olimpico. Look up the fixtures and head to the stadium for a game during your Rome stay.

🗓️ October: Roma Film Festival, Roma Art Week, RomaEuropa Festival

• The film festival hosts several screenings, panels, special events, tributes, etc carrying forward the celebration that started in 2006.
• The art week aims to present the vision of contemporary art to public free of cost, running throughout the city of Rome. Indulge in the varied art collection and events from a range of artists.
• Roma Europa is easily the largest cultural event in the city. It features technological demonstrations, fashion exhibits, dance shows, and concerts among many other events. This two-month-long cultural extravaganza engages all communities at a common social ground.

🗓️ November: All Saints Day, Baroque Music Concert

• November 1: All Saints Day observes a holiday throughout Rome, so make sure you plan your trip wisely so as to not encounter the closed shops and tourist places in the city.
• A complete guided tour that includes the captivating Capuchins Crypt, stellar Capuchins Church, and the museum along with an intense live concert performing a Gregorian chant and sacred polyphonic music.

🗓️ December: Hannukkah, Nativity Display, Christmas

• Rome has a rather large Jewish population, and therefore Hanukkah is a big deal in the city. Piazza Barberini becomes the focal point of celebrations, as candles are lit on all of the eight nights of the holiday.
• Throughout Rome, depictions of Nativity scenes are displayed during the festive season. The one that you must catch is at [Sala del Bramante] near Piazza del Popolo. This display remains up well into January.
• Christmas Eve is when nativity displays are traditionally completed by unveiling the life-size nativity in Saint Peter's Square. On Christmas Day, most businesses are closed, but midnight mass at St. Peter's Basilica is a unique Roman experience.
• On New Year's Eve, Piazza del Popolo has the city's biggest public celebration with music, dancing, and fireworks.

Other Rome guides to check out

Make the most of your time in this fascinating, multifaceted city that deserves a lot more than a stopover with Headout Experiences. Check out our top Dubai deals & offers that will come in handy on your trip. Our detailed Dubai blogs will help you plan your vacation like a pro! 💜

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