Visiting Rome in Summer 2025: Things to Do and Travel Tips

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The Original Rome Tipsy Tour

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Rome is a wonderful city to visit any time of the year, but summer is extra special. By day, the city is in full swing with all sites, galleries and restaurants vying for business ahead of the mid-August exodus. The evenings are cool enough to relax in a bar or restaurant overlooking a piazza, sip an Aperol Spritz, and dine al fresco

Rome wasn't built in a day. Nor could—or should—you explore it in one. During the summer your best bet is to balance your sightseeing between earlier in the morning and later in the evening, steering clear of the midday heat by ducking into galleries, shops and restaurants.

Carpe Diem has published this guide to help you get the most from your trip to Rome this summer. Here’s what to do (and how to beat the heat) when visiting the Eternal City!

When Does Summer in Rome Start?

Italy’s summer runs from June through to August, when temperatures reach as high as 45° C. 

Summer in Rome (and Southern and Central Europe more generally) are always hot and busy, but don't let this discourage you. Visiting Rome in summer makes for a different sort of city trip where you can combine more traditional sightseeing with some time outside the centre—visiting its nearby beaches and exploring lesser-known sites like the Via Appia Antica

When is the best summer month to visit Rome?

June is the best summer month to visit Rome. It’s the Goldilocks month - not too hot, not too cold, but just right with temperatures averaging highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 17°C (66°F). July is always hotter by a couple of degrees and many places shut in August as Italians flock to the beaches or mountains for Ferragosto

Best Things to Do in Rome During Summer

Leave your sightseeing until later in the evening

Sightseeing in 30-degree heat is no fun for anyone, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Rome’s city centre is easier said than done with sweat pouring from your brow! Rome night tours offer the best way to beat the heat while still visiting Rome’s must-see attractions.

Our Rome by Night Walking Tour is perfect for anyone looking to beat the heat, avoid the crowds, and discover Rome’s most famous monuments without streams of crowds surrounding them.

Meeting your guide at Piazza Navona, you’ll enjoy a cool, leisurely, and informative stroll to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Venezia, finishing with a walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali to end outside the Colosseum. 

Travellers wanting to discover the darker side of Rome should check out our Rome Ghost Tour. You’ll get to discover parts of Rome at night you’d never normally see during the day, and get an entirely different perspective on Roman history through the macabre history of its past inhabitants… and victims. 

Looking for more inspiration for things to do in Rome at night?

Head to the beach for sun, sea and spritz

Visit Rome during a summer weekend and you’ll notice that the Italian capital has surprisingly few Italians. That’s because at weekends Romans flock to several sandy local beach towns to get away from the heat. And even though Rome doesn’t boast the stunning sandy beaches of Sicily and Sardinia, they’re still well worth visiting.

Singita-Miracle-Beach

Singita Miracle Beach

The most picturesque (but farthest) beach resorts are Anzio and Sperlonga, but Ostia is very simple to get to by train from Rome and also contains the fascinating archaeological site of Ostia Antica. You can also comfortably catch the train to Santa Severa or Santa Marinella for more family-friendly stretches of white sandy beaches.

Try a ‘Tipsy’ tour unlike any other

The best way to meet like-minded travellers, explore the city centre and try traditional drinks while learning about Rome’s sex-fuelled history is to join us on our famous Tipsy Tour

This top-rated experience blends the best elements of travel: sharing scandalous stories, learning the local history, and trying traditional drinks with fun-loving, like-minded people. 

The Tipsy Tour is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Rome at night. But don't take our word for it. Check out these Tipsy Tour testimonials! ⬇️

See the Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

Going to see a live opera inside a 2nd-century imperial baths complex is one of the most authentic things you can do in Rome this summer. 

Caracalla's baths are a fantastic historical site, and in the summer they serve as a setting for major opera productions. This season, the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome will take over the historic baths for open-air concerts and music performances.

Check the schedule ahead of time to see what events are scheduled in this one-of-a-kind venue.

Enjoy a picnic in the Park of the Appia Antica

The Via Appia Antica is perhaps the most picturesque natural area on the outskirts of Rome. Stroll, cycle or—if you’re feeling particularly chilled—e-bike down this ancient Roman road, soak in the ruins, and discover a serene oasis to bask in the breathtaking scenery. 

The Park of Appia Antica is home to numerous archaeological sites and ruins. You can explore ancient tombs, catacombs, and remnants of Roman villas, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the area. Don't miss the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a well-preserved mausoleum that stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Monuments-on-the-Via-Appia-Antica

Monuments on the Via Appia Antica

In addition, the park's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Lush greenery, tall trees, and wildflowers dot the landscape, creating a picturesque setting for your picnic. Find a cozy spot, spread out your blanket, and indulge in a delightful meal while immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

Oh, and if you’re lucky you might see some bucolic passing traffic in the form of the Appia’s goats and sheep. 

Visit the Via Appia with a Specialist Guide

Indulge in creamy, dreamy gelato from a local gelateria

When the sun beats down on the streets of Rome during summer, who can resist the irresistible temptation of a perfectly crafted gelato? 

Italian gelato comes in an abundance of flavours, from classic choices like stracciatella, pistachio, and hazelnut to inventive combinations like tiramisu, salted caramel, and fruit sorbets. Some of the best gelaterie in Rome are small chains like Gelateria La Romana and Grom, the second of which has a store right at the top end of Piazza Navona. 

But if you’re looking for something really special, not far from Piazza Navona is Gelateria del Teatro, an oasis of artisan gelato right in the heart of Rome’s historic centre. 

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Knowing where to go for gelato can be tricky as the centre does have its fair share of rip-offs. As long as you hear some Italians standing in line, you can be pretty confident. But as a rule of thumb, avoid displays of tall, colourful gelato that resemble Marge Simpson’s hair, and prioritize places that cover up their gelato beneath stainless steel lids. 

→ Dive a little deeper into the Best Gelato in Rome

Tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Summer infuses the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a vibrant ambiance. Exploring it during the summer in Rome is a captivating journey back in time and offers a remarkable glimpse into the heart of ancient Rome. 

As you wander through these historical sites, you'll walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators, and citizens of the once-mighty Roman Empire. Discovering the remnants of temples, basilicas, and arches, you'll witness the rich architectural heritage that shaped the city.

Tips for Visiting Rome this Summer

We all know Rome is every foodie's paradise as well as an explorer's dream, with breathtaking churches that will take your breath away. When you see it, you'll be hooked like a fish and keep coming back for more. But in order to do so, you need to understand its rules. 

There are a lot of tips available to help you make the most of your time in the big city, from when to get coffee to when days you can receive free admission to museums. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Rome during the summer.

Book Your Tickets in Advance

When in Rome, do as the smart travellers do and book your tour or skip-the-line tickets ahead of time. Trust us, you don't want to spend your precious vacation time waiting  If you're planning to visit the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, or Galleria Borghese, make sure you prioritize them like your morning coffee - they're essential!

And, in a post-2020 future, it's literally required: cities around Europe are experimenting with retaining reservation rules for major attractions. It takes a little more planning, but it truly makes for a better experience.

Pack your clothes accordingly

Summertime in Rome means sightseeing in sweltering heat, but there are a few ‘heat hacks’ to make your visit more comfortable. 

If you’re prone to sweating, pack some moisture-wicking clothing. Nike dri-fit shirts and shorts are great, as are sandals or trainers that allow your feet to breathe. Sure, you might not look as cool as Italians in suits, but believe us— they’re suffering. They just don’t want to lose face.  

If you still want to dress to impress while surviving the summer, invest in some light, linen shirts. Rome does get breezy due to its proximity to the sea, so light clothing like this will let your skin breathe. 

Do bear in mind that several of Rome's historic sites—particularly its churches and St. Peter's Basilica—require visitors to wear appropriate clothing. The Vatican’s dress code specifies that shoulders, waists, and shorts or skirts must all be covered, so wear loose, flowing clothing that doesn’t conform to your body. Carrying a lightweight shawl or scarf to wrap around yourself and cover your shoulder inside churches is also a great idea.

Don't expect air conditioning everywhere.

Many businesses, restaurants, and hotels in Rome have air conditioning, but if you're used to American standard air conditioning, you might be disappointed.

First, air conditioning is not available everywhere: if you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, make sure it is specifically stated on the listing that they offer air conditioning; if it is not listed anywhere, odds are there is none.

Even when there is air conditioning, the standard power in Rome is lower. Entering an air-conditioned area in Rome usually provides some relief, but not much more.

Then again, air-conditioning is only contributing to warmer temperatures in the long-term, and we believe that there are other things we can do as tourists to ensure we keep travel sustainable

Keeping the windows closed and the blind down in your accommodation during the day might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the best way to keep it cool. Only open the windows after the heat of the day has dissipated and the warm air has cooled down. 

Avoid going on trips during the warmest hours of the day.

Most of Rome’s most famous attractions, like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Piazzas, are outside and without trees to provide shade, so if you visit during the summer, avoid seeing between 10.30 and 4.30 pm.

This may seem like a long time, but being out in the sun at that time is very likely to result in heatstroke, so make alternate plans.

Refill drinking water from Rome's public fountains

In the summer, Rome's fountains are lifesavers. Dispersed throughout the city are free-flowing drinking fountains called nasoni (big noses) which supply delicious drinking Appenine water that is ice cold and completely free.

Drinking-from-a-nasone-fountain-in-Rome

Drinking from a nasone fountain in Rome

If you choose to drink directly from them, avoid putting your mouth near their nose. Either block the tap with your finger to make the water spurt up out of the little hole and drink from there, and/or fill up your water container for later. 

Plan Your Summer Vacation in Rome with Carpe Diem Tours

Carpe Diem offers a range of tours and experiences for everyone from first-timers to return visitors. Trusted by travellers, with thousands of five-star reviews, we pride ourselves on offering unforgettable experiences — from Tipsy Tours and Spritz & Spaghetti Cooking Classes to spooky Ghost Tours you won’t find anywhere else.  

Planning your trip to Rome? Pop your email into our sign-up form below and you’ll get plenty of insider travel tips and tricks delivered directly to your inbox.

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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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