The Best Things to Do in Rome this Summer

Think Rome in summer means unbearable crowds and sweltering heat? Think again. While spring and fall steal the spotlight, summer in the Eternal City can be surprisingly serene - precisely because so many travelers try to avoid it. Sure, the city can be pretty darn sizzling from June to August, but Rome knows how to handle the heat. Early mornings are glorious, evenings are vibrant, and there’s no shortage of summer-specific events to enjoy. From moonlit operas in crumbling ancient baths to early-morning escapes into art and history, this is a season full of secret pleasures.

I love Rome in the summer, and I think you will too. Here are 10 ways to experience Rome at its sun-soaked, crowd-dodging best.

Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Cinema in Piazza

When the Roman sun goes down, the big screen comes up! Cinema in Piazza brings free open-air movies to one of the most magical spots in Rome - Trastevere’s Piazza San Cosimato. With classics, cult hits, and international films (this year all in original language with Italian subtitles), it’s a relaxed, culture-forward way to experience Roman summer nights. Some of the biggest names in cinema frequently take part too, presenting their films to the public. Past guests include Wes Anderson, Paul Scharader, Paolo Sorrentino and many others. This year sees Judd Apatow and Mark Rufalo heading the all-star lineup.

Best of all? It’s totally free! Just bring a bottle of wine and a blanket (in case you can't nab one of the limited number of chairs), and enjoy the show with locals under the stars. Additional sites across Rome now take part in the initiative too, including Monte Ciocci near the Vatican and Parco della Cervelletta in eastern Rome. The season lasts through all of June into mid July, so there’s plenty of time to get involved.

Beat the Heat with an Early Morning Vatican Visit

You might think that summer in Rome inevitably brings sweltering days and wall-to-wall crowds - but you don’t have to settle for either. Book an early-access Vatican tour and you’ll step inside the Vatican Museums before the masses arrive, giving you a rare chance to experience its treasures in peace and cooler temperatures. Gaze up at Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel without the press of a thousand shoulders. Linger over the Raphael Rooms, full of dazzling Renaissance frescoes that glow in the soft morning light. And with the bulk of the tour done before the heat hits its peak, you’ll be out just in time for a relaxed cappuccino and second breakfast in the charming Borgo district.

It’s the smart way to explore one of the world’s most iconic collections - without breaking a sweat.

See more about early morning Vatican tours here.

Enjoy an Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

If opera sounds stuffy, you’ve never seen it at the Baths of Caracalla. As the mercury rises in Rome the city’s historic opera house shutters its doors and the summer opera season decamps to the open air at one of the most atmospheric ancient sites in the city. Surrounded by soaring ruins and lit by moonlight, you’ll be swept away by the spectacle - whether it’s Puccini and Verdi penned bangers like Aida, Tosca or La Traviata or ballet under the stars. Even those usually left cold by classical music tend to fall for the drama when it’s staged in this jaw-dropping arena, so it’s the perfect opportunity for newcomers and connoisseurs alike to get immersed in the bombastic world of opera.

Take a Day Trip to Tivoli

When Rome starts to bake, savvy travelers follow in imperial footsteps and escape to Tivoli. Just a short ride from the city, this elevated retreat has been luring Romans since antiquity with its fresh air, stunning views, and spectacular villas. Hadrian’s Villa is a vast archaeological wonderland, once the emperor’s getaway palace, complete with baths, libraries, and even a miniature recreation of the Nile river (Hadrian was obsessed with Egypt).

In the center of Tivoli itself lies Villa d’Este, an expansive Renaissance pile famed for its magnificent gardens and extravagant fountains that seem to defy gravity. Wander through shaded paths while water splashes and cascades all around you - perfect on a summer afternoon. If it's really hot then consider adding nearby Villa Gregoriana to the mix, with its dramatic waterfalls and woodland trails carved into the hillside.

Tivoli is history, nature, and refreshment rolled into one dreamy day out! Get the full story of Tivoli's magnificent villas with our guide here.

Hit the Beach

Rome may not be an obvious beach destination, but that doesn’t mean you have to sweat it out all summer. The beaches of Ostia are just a short metro ride away, while cheap and regular trains will bring you to glittering gems along the Tyrrhenian in little over an hour. Want postcard views and a touch of glam? Head to Sperlonga, where whitewashed houses tumble toward the beach and crystal-clear water awaits.

For something closer and packed with charm, Santa Severa has golden sands right beside a medieval castle - history and beach vibes rolled into one. Looking for laid-back locals, fresh seafood, and a real Roman weekend vibe? Try Anzio. The fish here is legendary, and the beach framed by the ancient ruins of Nero’s seaside villa is hard to beat.

Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or simply lounge with a seafood lunch and sea breeze, Rome’s nearby beaches are your summer lifeline. Discover Rome’s best beach escapes here.

Picnic in a Roman Park

When the city starts to simmer, it’s time to find some green space. Rome’s parks are leafy sanctuaries - perfect for catching your breath (and your tan) without leaving town. Villa Borghese is the city’s best-known park, where Renaissance gardens meet sculpture-studded avenues, and shady pine groves give way to sweeping city views. Rent a bike, bring a book, or sprawl out with a sandwich beneath the umbrella pines. For a more local feel, head to the vast Villa Doria Pamphilj, where you'll find joggers, dog walkers, and kids playing amid the wild meadows and cypress-lined lanes. Other gems include the Orange Garden on the Aventine, or the Aqueduct Park in the city’s southern suburbs.

Pack a blanket, picnic provisions and maybe a frisbee, and let Rome’s umbrella pines do the rest. Check out our guide to the best parks in Rome here.

Visit Palazzo Massimo for Cool Culture

Want to see ancient Rome this summer without melting amidst the red hot stones of the Colosseum and Forum? Head to Palazzo Massimo alle Terme - one of the city’s most underrated (and air-conditioned) museums. Just steps from Termini station, this peaceful haven is packed with jaw-dropping Roman art and artifacts. Among the highlights are hauntingly lifelike portrait busts, intricately detailed mosaics, and the remarkable bronze Boxer at Rest - one of the finest artworks to have survived from ancient Greece anywhere in the world.

But the ultimate showstopper is upstairs: the frescoed garden room from the Villa of Livia, the powerful wife of Emperor Augustus. Step into this painted illusion of lush trees, flowering plants and chirping birds, designed to evoke an eternal springtime - it’s like walking into ancient air-conditioning. Best of all, Palazzo Massimo is rarely crowded, so you can take your time and soak up the quiet cool of this cultural gem.

See more about Palazzo Massimo here.

Chill Out Riverside at Lungo il Tevere

Rome’s riverside comes to life in summer, and there’s no better place to soak it up than Lungo il Tevere. This seasonal pop-up transforms the banks of the Tiber into a buzzing maze of food stalls, artisan markets, cocktail bars, and live music. Stretching all the way from Trastevere to Castel Sant’Angelo via the Tiber Island, it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll or aperitivo with a view. Cool breezes off the river also help keep the heat of the Roman summer mercifully at bay.

Take Me to Church

Looking for shade, silence, and splendor? Duck into one of Rome’s many churches. Their thick stone walls keep things cool even in the dog days of summer; but they’re more than just a place to breathe! The city’s basilicas double as magnificent free museums, brimming with masterpieces. Santa Maria Maggiore is a particular summer favorite of ours: it’s open all day, which means you can pop in during the sizzling afternoon hours when much of the city slumbers. Be dazzled by its glittering 5th-century mosaics and golden ceiling, said to be gilded with the first American gold brought back by Columbus, before paying your respects at the tomb of Pope Francis, laid to rest here earlier this year.

Beyond the famous papal basilicas, even quiet neighborhood churches often conceal works by Caravaggio, Bernini, or Raphael. So whenever you pass a house of prayer in Rome make sure to duck in, cool off, and let the beauty surround you.

Find out what you need to see in Santa Maria Maggiore here.

Cool Off with an Award-Winning Gelato

When the heat is on, nothing cools you down quicker (or more deliciously) than gelato. Luckily for us, the city is home to some of the best artisanal gelaterias in the world. Try Fatamorgana for adventurous, all-natural combinations like basil and walnut, or wasabi and chocolate. Otaleg (that’s gelato spelled backward) is a local favorite known for its creamy, decadent texture and elegant flavors like hazelnut and pistachio. For something more gourmet and out there, Torcè wows with off-the-wall creations like gorgonzola, pecorino or black sesame. Whether you’re a cone or a cup person, make it a daily ritual when in Rome. Just don’t settle for neon tubs of synthetic flavors - life’s too short for bad gelato!

Click here for our guide to the best gelato shops in Rome.

BONUS TIP: Take a Night Walk Through Rome

There’s something unforgettable about Rome after dark. As evening falls, the heat lifts and the crowds melt away, leaving the city quieter, cooler, and more cinematic than ever. The fountains sparkle under lamplight, ancient monuments glow, and reflections shimmer in the Tiber. It’s the perfect time to stroll—with no real destination in mind—through softly lit piazzas, along quiet cobbled alleys, or past the illuminated ruins of the Forum. Landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi fountain feel even more powerful bathed in golden light, while Trastevere buzzes with life late into the night. If you’re looking to fall in love with the city in summer, a nighttime wander might just do the trick.

See tips for the perfect night walk in Rome here.

Coming to Rome this summer? Let us help you make the most of it - with expert-led tours, insider tips, and unforgettable experiences tailored to the season! For 25 years, Through Eternity have been organizing itineraries showcasing the best of Rome led by our resident expert guides. If you're planning a visit to the Eternal City this year, be sure to get in touch to help plan your perfect trip.

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