Rome is an ancient city that has been around for over 3000 years and it has always been a notch above most other European cities in every other way. The cultural, architectural, and artistic history that the city holds within its boundaries is second to none. Rome also has a culinary tradition that is highly respected and followed worldwide. And alongside this, the city has paced itself well to remain relevant to the fast-moving world. You are in for a great adventure if you are planning to visit Rome this October.
What makes Rome in October special?
The Eternal City is laden with beautiful avenues and buildings, add to that the arrival of the fall season. The warm tones of autumn brings out the most beautiful side of Rome. The foliage, alongside the stony architecture, makes the city look like it has rolled back a few 100 years. The weather is warm during the day and it cools down at night.
October also falls during the high season in Rome, which means you might encounter a lot of tourists at the major landmarks in the city. But fret not, Rome keeps itself and its tourists busy with a number of events during the month. You could indulge in the Rome Jazz Festival, or cater to your love of rum at the ShowRum Festival. Halloween is another exciting event in Rome towards the end of October. Overall, you can look forward to a wonderful tour of Rome in October.
Rome in October: Weather
Rome in October flaunts delightful weather. With an average of 18°C and highs of 23°C, Rome in October is warm enough during the day to walk around the city. With 8 hours of sunshine a day and approximately 94mm of rainfall over 12 days, explore the city without much rain and just enough sunshine.
Rome in October: Things to do
1
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica The Vatican Museums are one of the many important historical sites in Rome. The items held at the museums provide clear insights into the history of Christianity, Italy and Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica is the single most prominent feature of the Roman skyline. Sistine Chapel is another Roman essential, especially from an architectural point of view. All of these attractions are covered in a unified combo ticket by Headout.
Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Catacombs
History, like everything else in the world, has its dark side. The Roman Catacombs stand as a reminder of the not so flourishing days of the great city. There are subterranean tunnels spread throughout the city that were once used as a place to keep dead bodies. Currently, these tunnels are open for visitors, and you can experience this chilling adventure with an expert guide.
Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
For centuries, Rome has been symbolically represented by the Colosseum. A visit to this amphitheater is bound to be a humbling experience because of its scale and grandeur. Make sure you visit the Roman Forum after touring the Colosseum. It holds a number of artefacts that will let you discover the history of the city. Next door is the Palatine Hill, one of the best spots in the city to get a panoramic view of Rome in Autumnal colors. You can club all of these attractions with one ticket.
October Timings
Colosseum:
October 1st - 29th: 8:30am to 6:30pm
October 30th: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Palatine Hill: 8:30am to 7pm
Roman Forum: 9am to 7pm
Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
4
Borghese Gallery and Borghese Gardens
Borghese Gallery is undoubtedly a favourite amongst art lovers and historians. It houses the masterpieces of the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Bernini. Borghese Gallery wasn’t always what you see it now. It has an illustrious history of its own which demands to be discovered with a historian guided tour. A walk through the Borghese Gardens could be our best opportunity to experience the fall colors in Rome.
October Timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Monday: Closed
Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Rome Panthen
Visiting the Pantheon in Rome is a journey through ancient history and architectural marvel. This nearly 2,000-year-old temple, with its iconic dome and oculus, stands as a testament to Roman engineering. Once dedicated to all gods, it now serves as a church and burial site for Italian kings. The Pantheon's grandeur and rich history make it a must-see.
October Timings
9am to 7pm
Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Best of Rome: 3-Hour Bike Tour
If you aren’t on a whirlwind tour of Rome, take your time and go for a bike tour of the city. This 3-hour activity covers a number of important attractions including Trojan Forum, Colosseum, Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and the Arch of Constantine. Not only does the tour allow you to scrutinize the city in Autumn much more closely, but you also reduce your carbon footprint in the process.
Via di Santa Eufemia 15, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Best of Tuscany Day Trip
If you have a day in hand, you might want to make the most of it by visiting the mesmerizing Tuscany region. You would be accompanied by a professional guide, who would take you through the historic town of Montepulciano, followed by some native wine tasting. You would also be visiting Sant'Antimo Abbey and the town of Pienza. This tour also includes a three-course meal at the Montalcino vineyard. This is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city you need.
October Timings
Tour starts at 7:30am
Rome, Italy
Getting There ›
8
Rome Night Tour
When in Rome, never settle for tours during the day. Over three millennia of history has resulted in a number of blindspots in the city that are best explored after sundown. Accompanied by an expert guide, you can delve into this side of Rome. The night tour takes you to the sites of chilling tales like that of the young girl wronged by her family, the Pope, and a notorious murderer.
October Timings
Depends on tour chosen
S. Andrea della Valle Church, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
9
Angels & Demons Tour
If you are a movie goer or an avid reader, this tour is for you. The Angels & Demons Tour takes you into the world of Dan Brown's bestseller. You would be tracing the route of Professor Robert Langdon and solving puzzles at the Path of Illumination. You will also tour the Church of Illumination and witness the secret passage to the Vatican.
October Timings
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9am
Piazza del Popolo, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
10
Rome Food Tour
Obviously, you won’t be leaving the city without indulging in its famed cuisine. The food and wine tours of Rome make for wholesome experiences. You can pick from a range of dedicated food and beverage tours. Some of the tours include cooking classes and some degree of sightseeing as well.
Trastevere, Rome, Italy
Getting There ›
Rome in October: Events to look out for
Rome Film Festival 2023
October 16 - 27, 2024
The 19th Rome Film Fest will be held from 16th to 27th October 2024 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and in other venues throughout the city. The event will host several screenings, panels, special events, tributes etc carrying forward the celebration that started in 2006.
Halloween
Date: October 31, 2024
Halloween wasn't originally very popular in Italy. However, in recent times, the event has become very popular among young adults and teenagers. Rome's nightclubs have been sold into the idea of organizing costume parties towards the end of October.
Rome Art Week
October 21 - 26, 2024
The 8th edition of Rome Art Week will see 350 artists, 49 curators and 150 galleries participating in project events or exhibition. This event aims to present the vision of contemporary art to the public free of cost, running throughout the city of Rome from 21 to 26 October, 2024. Indulge in varied art collections and events from a range of artists.
RomaEuropa Festival
September 4 - November 17, 2024
If you want to understand the cultural significance of Rome in the European context, the RomaEuropa Festival is for you. It is easily the largest cultural event in the city. The 39th edition of the event 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.
Rome in October: 5 day itinerary
Check out our Rome trip planners to plan your trip like a pro! For More Rome Itineraries:
5 days in Rome itinerary
1
Colosseum
€22.5
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Free Entry
Trevi Fountain
Free Entry
2
St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Necropolis
€13.65
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
€5
3
Borghese Gallery
€47
Roman Catacombs
€60
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
€10
4
Rome to Naples
€117.64
Rome to Pompeii
€130
Rome to Amalfi Coast
€149
5
Trastevere
Free Entry
Roman Ghetto
€82
Appian Way
€70
Rome in October: Seasonal delicacies
Caprese Salad is definitely one of the top picks for autumn. Roman restaurants and cafes use locally sourced tomatoes and mozzarella to prepare this Italian specialty. These are then seasoned with basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar achieve the unique flavor. The Caprese salad is served with a side of bread. Cantina e Cucina serves one of the best Caprese Salads in Rome.
Ribollita is a unique soup found in several Italian regions, each with its own preparation. The Roman version utilizes cannellini beans and seasonal vegetables. The Romans say that the soup tastes better with stale bread. If you visit Tuscany, you should try this soup at its place of origin. In Rome, one of the best Ribollita can be found at Il Chianti Vineria.
Roman street food is a different experience altogether from a restaurant outing. As you walk about the Trastevere neighborhood, you will notice food carts selling Supplì. It is a crumbled risotto ball with tomato ragu filling. On a particularly chilly day, you should try out mozzarella filling. Supplì Roma is one of the best places in Rome to get Supplì.
There are a few Italian essentials that you cannot miss out on your trip to Rome. Pasta Alla Carbonara is one of those things. This heavy pasta is known for its generous use of cheese and eggs. This is what differentiates Pasta Alla Carbonara from most other pasta dishes. Visit Marzapane to have a great Pasta Alla Carbonara in Rome.
Affogato can be your go to dessert in Rome. Everyone loves coffee, which is why this dessert is an instant classic. Affogato has a bitter coffee base which is topped with smooth gelato. At some places, you will have a choice of the flavor of the gelato you want. Give the Affogato at Fiocco di Neve a go.
Rome in October: Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, L, F
CurrencyEuros €
Rome weather in October
October witnesses fall weather in Rome. The highs over around 20°C while the lows can fall somewhere around 15°C. There is a noticeable change in the weather as the month rolls on. There is an average of 12 rainy days this month. The sea temperature is quite comfortable for a swim towards the beginning of October but grows colder later on.
Where to stay in Rome during October
Although the weather is getting colder at this point, you will not see any less crowd in Rome in October. Therefore, be prepared to look for your kind of accommodation for a longer time. It should not be too difficult though. Rome has hotels to fit your geographical and financial needs. Here are some of the hotels categorized by budget:
- Luxury: J.K. Place Roma, Hotel Hassler, Hotel De Russie
- Mid-Range: Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori, Barocco Hotel, Kolbe Hotel Rome
- Budget: Nerva Accommodation, Palm Gallery Hotel, Hotel Santa Maria
What to pack for visiting Rome in October
October has a very mixed packing requirements and the longer you plan to be in the city, the more detailed you need to be with this activity. You will require light clothes in October, especially owing to the effects of climate change. However, the nights are bound to get chilly and carrying a cardigan, a light jacket or sweater will serve you well. Do not leave your waterproof clothing behind either. Walking shoes are also a necessity for an October trip in Rome.
Getting around Rome in October
Rome is not spread too thin. This should make your daily commute shorter than usual. But you will need to acquaint yourself with the transport routes of the city. If you plan to head to the Vatican City, you best bet is the Linea A and Linea B metro routes. These routes also cover the Colosseum and adjoining attractions. The next best mode of travelling in Rome is the bus fleet. The buses operate on 338 routes within the city and are fairly convenient. During the night, you can avail the night buses. Trams are for you if you want to combine commute with sightseeing and don't mind the slower pace. You can also get bikes and scooter rentals in Rome.
Rome in October: Visiting tips
- Visit the parks and gardens of Rome or head to one of the many high observation points to make the most of your Autumn trip to the city.
- Look out for tours like the evening paint and sip tour that combines aesthetic pleasure with sightseeing, especially in the October weather.
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid being charged an exorbitant amount of money during the high season.
- Go to the museums of Rome on a free Sunday to avoid any charge, but do remember to reach early so as to avoid the midday crowd.
- Catch the photography exhibition that begins this October at Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
- To take a break from the peak season crowd by taking day trips to nearby attractions like Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast.
Explore Rome by months
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
