
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!
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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! ⬇️
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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Explore the wonders of the Eternal City on our best of Rome walking tour. As you get your bearings around Rome’s cobbled historic centre, your expert storyteller will bring Rome’s most must-see sites to life, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Take photos, make memories, and most importantly, get the most out of your time in the Italian capital!
Your private guide will share the city’s secrets and narrate its story in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – from explaining how the stunningly intricate churches and palaces were erected, to how the grand fountains were used to channel water throughout the city.
We will start at Trajan’s Column, which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor during the Dacian wars in Eastern Europe. We’ll then head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy!
After taking a moment to marvel at the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, we’ll make our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the fountain, spend a moment soaking in its sounds and scenery (metaphorically, not literally!), and uncover the fascinating stories behind the fountain’s statues and symbols.
After discovering the incredible frescoes within the church of Sant Ignazio, we’ll make our way to the Pantheon where the spectacle of the 2000-year-old dome will blow you away. Marvel at one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient world, hear the story behind the man who built it, and discover the shocking architectural secret behind how the dome is (or isn’t) supported!
Your private walking tour of Rome finishes at Piazza Navona. The square is situated near some of Rome’s best and most vibrant bars and restaurants and your guide will be happy to recommend where to go.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can expect this memorable experience to last about two hours, which leaves you with more than enough time to explore the city beyond.
Rome may well be the world’s most beautiful city, but after dark a more sinister side emerges. The ghosts of popes, emperors, and artists lurk on every corner, their lives claimed by tragedy and conspiracy across more than 2,000 years of history. Our Rome Ghost Tour is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that are sure to keep you up late at night.
Your Rome Ghost Tour starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a central square, where you’ll be treated to the tale of Giordano Bruno, one of Rome’s greatest minds who got on the wrong side of the church. After learning about his grisly end, you’ll begin to explore the city. Venture through medieval backstreets; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where cosmetics killed.
Your tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions. If you’re (un)lucky, you might even encounter a ghost or two.
No matter what, you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
Learn to cook like an Italian in this small group pasta & tiramisù cooking class that gives you mastery over the country’s best-loved classics. Over the course of three-and-a-half-hour fun-filled hours, you’ll enjoy the expert guidance of our fluent professional chef and get hands on recreating real Roman recipes, culminating in a well-deserved dinner in which you feast on what you’ve made.
Situated in our centrally situated air-conditioned cooking school, your interactive class will give you the true sense of an Italian nonna’s loving kitchen. Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable English-speaking chef, our cooking masterclass is perfect for kids and adults, beginners and experts.
Savoiardi (ladyfingers) are gently dipped in rich coffee before being layered with dollops of delicately mixed eggs and panna (cream). Finished off with a sprinkle of cocoa, these delicious desserts are set aside to rest in time for an after-dinner energy boost. In fact, the espresso within a tiramisù is what gives it a name that translates literally as “pick me up”!
Rolling up our sleeves, here is where we channel our inner nonna. Mixing, kneading, rolling, and shaping our fresh pasta from scratch will work up a sweat but result in elegant end products. We will then combine these carefully crafted creations with the flavors of the season and locality; be it twangy cacio e pepe or creamy carbonara.
How else to conclude your cooking class than by fully indulging in your culinary creations! Celebrate your accomplishment with family-friendly company, a gorgeous setting, and a selection of red or white wines and soft drinks.
Whether returning a culinary maestro or a self-proclaimed novice, you’ll be sure to take the memories home with you and ruling your dinner parties back home!
The best way to understand Rome is to take a look beneath it. Our Rome Catacombs Tour is perfect for travellers who want to get off the beaten track, unearth underground passageways, and discover the secrets of the largest catacombs in Rome.
Prepare to discover the deeper, darker, and more mysterious parts of Roman history with a small group of like-minded adventurers. By digging downwards into the ancient labyrinth of tunnels, we’ll uncover all the secrets and dark tales of the catacombs of Domitilla.
Your friendly expert guide will meet you outside and give you a quick overview of the tour before we make our descent. With our close guidance, you’ll have the chance to explore and discover ancient passageways in the largest, most famous catacombs in Rome. These tunnels are sacred and an integral part of the Christian and Roman faiths. Learn how ancient Christian rites and rituals were held underneath the bustling city streets.
These tunnels were not only a place of ritual, but are still a sacred place of rest for more than 150,000 bodies. These catacombs and the bodies they hold stretch for almost 20 km underground, some of which is yet to be seen by the public eye.
With a maximum of ten travellers per tour group, you’ll have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. The price of the tour includes the tickets. If you’d like to join us on our Rome Catacombs Tour of the darkest, largest catacombs in Rome, book your spot now to make sure you don’t miss out!
Although our Rome Golf Cart tour follows a tried-and-tested itinerary, upon special request it can be 100% customisable—so you can hone in on the attractions that interest you most.
Forget the fatigue of traipsing around the Eternal City. This tour saves you time and energy as you see all the capital’s must-see sites in half the time. Jump aboard your horseless chariot and let us chauffeur you around Rome in comfort and convenience. Enjoy exclusive access to traffic-limited areas, and enjoy hopping on and off your golf cart straight at the foot of your attraction of choice.
Visit the stunning Trevi Fountain, immortalized in Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita, and throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome! Admire the tumbling terraces and balustrades of the famous Spanish Steps, and discover what exactly it is that makes the monument Spanish!
Gaze up in awe at the Pantheon, Rome’s best-preserved ancient temple, and learn the fascinating history of how it was founded and how it has fared. Drive to the foot of Piazza Navona, Italy’s most stunning square, which was built above an ancient structure your guide will bring to life.
Your Rome Golf Cart tour takes you up the Aventine Hill, where Romulus’ brother Remus tried—but failed—to found his city. Pass by the Orange Garden, stopping off to enjoy its views, and check out the famous Keyhole View over Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Territory of the Order of the Knights of Malta.
Stop off at the famous Mouth of Truth situated right by the River Tiber in the area where Rome was founded. This stunning stretch of road around the most ancient part of the Eternal City also takes us past the Theatre of Marcellus (a building started by Julius Caesar and finished by the emperor Augustus) and the impressive Capitoline Hill.
You can choose where your tour finishes: in Rome’s centre, at your hotel, or wherever you want to explore next! If you’d like to visit the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo or the Vatican on your Golf Cart Tour of Rome, we can also arrange for this, depending the time and location of your departure or finish point.
For all special requests, please contact us directly.
Did someone say Spritz? Discover the flavours of Rome on our Spritz and Spaghetti Class. Our centrally located kitchen is where you’ll learn everything you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails, and perfect the art of making fresh pasta. This is the only cooking class of its kind in Rome – a perfect blend of food, friends, and tipsy fun. So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
Our team will welcome you and your small, intimate group with a mixology demo making Italy’s best-loved drink: Aperol Spritz. You’ll then get started on your hands-on pasta-making lesson led by a fun-loving, fluent professional chef, during which we’ll also be making two other drink.
Your professional chef will guide you every step of the way – from kneading the dough to cutting the pasta. You’ll also be making a creamy carbonara sauce to coat your fresh pasta (vegetarians can try out another Roman classic of cacio e pepe). Travelling is all about meeting new people. At the end of this cooking class, you’ll dine on what you’ve made in the fun, tipsy company of your new foodie friends.
Book now and start making memories.
One of the best ways to meet people in a new city is to grab a drink together, and few city serve up more iconic drinks than Rome. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, for a long vacation or a short city break – our Rome Tipsy Tour is for you!
This unique nightlife experience combines all our favourite elements of travel: discovering new places, being immersed in different cultures, meeting fun people, and trying out a range of delicious drinks! It’s not a run-of-the-mill bar crawl. It’s a sociable tour that gives you a real taste of with Rome’s sights, stories, and signature drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with fun, local hosts. We also welcome sober travellers who want to join for a social experience but who want to forgo a hangover, so we’ll have non-alcoholic options available as well!
You’ll meet your guide and group at Piazza Madonna dei Monti, where we’ll break the ice with a warm Italian welcome – aka, a refreshing glass of local wine. After saying cheers—salute—we’ll head into Monti, an uber-trendy district filled with quirky bars and cobblestoned streets, and plenty to unpack. In ancient Rome, Monti was known as a suburra – the red-light district of Rome where prostitutes plied their trade and gangsters once roamed. As we wander through the cobblestone streets your guide will tell you scandalous stories of sex and bloodshed that you won’t hear on your typical walking tour.
After so much scandal, you’ll surely need a drink. So at our first stop on the Rome Tipsy Tour you’ll get an extra stiff one. The spotlight will be on Carpano Classico a venerable vermouth with a curious story! Unravel the history of the man who made it – Antonio Benedetto Carpano – back in 1786 whilst sharing some sips with your newfound friends.
We’ll keep the night going with some more saucy stories before trying a classic Italian Spritz. Indulge in the bitter flavours of Aperol or Campari Spritz while enjoying dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing—apart from getting tipsy of course!
Our final stop is Rome’s most iconic road, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading down to the Colosseum. The views of the ancient city are best enjoyed after dark with an ice-cold Limoncello – trust us. Sip away as your guide tells shocking stories of the power-hungry Roman emperors who once ruled the known world.
At 11 p.m., the Tipsy Tour officially ends, but the night out begins! We will continue drinking with our new friends at some of Rome’s most popular bars!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We promise to make your night in Rome one you’ll never forget! Skip a boring walking tour, and come get tipsy with us.
Book your spot now!
Feed your curiosity while pleasing your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a small group of others insider access to Rome’s best delicatessens, pizzerias and restaurants as well as Rome’s tastiest traditional food the locals keep to themselves.
Our Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome’s most traditional medieval neighbourhood. The area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and fantastic eateries with delightful aromas spilling out of them. However, it’s also known to have its fair share of tourists traps! Our team of expert foodies invite you, and your tastebuds, to try some of the finest flavours in the city! Vacations are too short to eat bad food, right?
During the experience, we will try at least 10 different tastings together with a selection of local wines. However, this experience is more than just simply trying different local foods while sipping on red wine. This is a journey inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
Not only will you experience the mouthwatering flavours of Rome, but you’ll also discover the process, meet the makers, and truly understand why Italian cuisine is considered the best in the world. So book your spot on our Rome Food Tour today and get ready for a true taste of the capital!
Please note: the places that we visit and the food that we try depends on the season.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits goes towards reforestation and other sustainable projects. We also ask all of our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at one of the water fountains along our route to stay hydrated and help us reduce waste.
**Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate a gluten-free or vegan diet but we hope to be able to in the future. While we can cater to vegetarians, we ask that you let us know about dietary requirements in advance so we can best suit your needs.**
Home to Rome’s most impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculpture, the Borghese Gallery is a must-visit for all art lovers. The 17th-century villa is an artwork in itself, furnished with frescoes by the Florentine-trained artist Ludovico Cigoli and situated in the midst of a vast landscaped garden. But the artworks it contains are unrivalled in Rome, featuring sculptures and paintings by the likes of Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Canova.
Tickets to the Borghese Gallery are had to find – and for good reason. Everyone wants to step inside, but few get the chance. Book your tour of the Borghese Gallery today and you can be among the lucky few. Simply turn up on time, and we’ll take care of the rest.
After meeting the rest of the tour group in the lush surroundings of Villa Borghese park, you and your expert art-historian guide will make your way into the gallery. This 17th-century villa is home to countless works of priceless art and is named after a passionate and wealthy cardinal, Scipione Borghese.
As an art enthusiast and nephew to the Pope himself, Borghese was known for going above and beyond to make sure he could own and display the masterpieces that caught his eye. You’ll have the chance to learn everything there is to know about the Cardinal, from how he hosted extravagant parties to the infamous threats he made to artists worldwide in an attempt to take their art for his own.
Unlike some of the other museums in Rome, the Borghese Gallery only allows a certain number of visitors at a time. Not only does that make for a more exclusive experience, but it also gives you the peace and quiet you need to really absorb the sheer beauty of its art.
Bernini’s sculpture of Apollo and Daphne and Raphael’s sensual depiction of La Fornarina are just a few of the masterpieces you’ll have the honour of seeing during this leisurely, private tour.
Book your spot now to avoid disappointment, skip the lines, and immerse in Roman history with Carpe Diem.
Take your Roman adventure to the next level with our semi-private tour of the Ancient City! With a small group of just 6 people, you’ll enjoy more personal attention from your guide as you explore the legendary Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This means more chances to ask questions, deeper dives into history, and the opportunity to truly engage with both your guide and your fellow explorers.
What are the holes that pockmark the ancient amphitheatre? Why is one side shorter than the other? And how much do we really know about the gladiators—and even emperors—who battled on the arena sands? (We promise the answers will surprise you!)
After exploring the Colosseum, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill to discover the birthplace of the ancient city. Here, your storyteller guide will recount the mythical foundation of Rome, the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the stories of the emperors who resided on the Palatine, like Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Next, we’ll explore the ruins of some of the most luxurious palaces in Roman history, the emperor’s residences on the Palatine Hill, from which we get our word ‘palace.’
Last but not least, we’ll head into the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Discover what life was really like for everyday Romans as we explore the social, religious, and political hub of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the remains of towering temples, triumphal arches, sprawling basilicas, and the ancient senate house as you walk on the very same stones that the likes of Caesar and Cicero once did.
Prepare for a unique, unforgettable journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks with a small, friendly group that lets you explore at your own pace.