Visiting Rome in Summer 2023 – Everything you need to know
When it comes to Rome, there is no wrong time of the year to plan your visit. But seeing Rome in summer is simply a must-do! At this time of the year, temperatures are high, and the city looks magnificent. Even if you’re not a fan of hot weather, there are numerous things to do in Rome in the warmer months. With extended daylight hours and warm evenings, this is always a popular time of year for outdoor events of all kinds.
Best things to do during summer in Rome, Italy
Cool off at Villa Borghese
Escape the summer heat by visiting Rome’s largest park – the 16th-century Villa Borghese. The park has several museums, theaters, and an incredible zoological garden with over 200 animal species. Take your time to discover it all by booking the Borghese Gallery tickets online. Also, while being there, you can explore the iconic Borghese Gallery. This gallery holds one of the world’s largest art collections, including important paintings and famous works by master artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. If you decide to visit this site, please note that booking a Borghese Gallery tour in advance is a must!
Visit Colosseum at night
The Colosseum is remarkable at any time of day, but at night, it’s somehow even more magical. During sunset, the huge amphitheater glows from inside, creating a beautiful glow. Night tours of the Colosseum are a good idea if you want to escape large crowds and enjoy this monument to the fullest. Also, to get the most out of your visit to this incredible site, we highly recommend you read our Colosseum visiting guide.
Take a bike tour of Rome
In a city as big and famous as Rome, it is often hard to choose between the hundreds of different opportunities to explore it. There is a wide range of available tours for everyone, and the one we highly recommend is the Rome Bike Tour. In recent years, bike rides in Rome have become increasingly popular, resulting in an improved cycle lane network, making it safer and more accessible for those looking to discover the Eternal City in a new and exciting way.
Go on a guided tour of the Roman Catacombs
Another great thing to do during the summer days in Rome is taking a guided tour of Roman Catacombs. That way, you will be able to explore the former burial sites of early Christians accompanied by an expert tour guide. Walk through the vast underground maze while admiring the view of unique frescos that date back to the 2nd century. Due to the underground location, they can get quite cold, even in summer, so be sure to pack a lightweight jacket when heading underground.
Take an Early Morning Vatican Tour
You might already know that a visit to Eternal City can’t be concluded without exploring the Vatican. And the best way to do that is by going on an Early Morning Vatican Tour or Vatican Night Tour. By doing so, not only will you escape from the summer heat, but you will also be able to explore all the main landmarks without the crowds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, and Sistine Chapel all in one day!
See the opera in Caracalla
One of the must-do things in Rome during the summer is going to see a live opera in Caracalla.
Caracalla’s baths are a beautiful archaeological site, and in the summer, they become the backdrop for big opera shows.
Getting Around Rome In Summer
The most convenient way to get around Rome is by walking your way to accessible spots in the city or by taking public transport. For only €1.50, you can take multiple bus rides, one train ride, and a metro ride for 100 minutes from its first use. Bus rides are usually longer because of the multiple stops, so the tram is a better alternative.
If you’re a first-time traveler, we suggest taking a Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour to get a full experience of the city. That way, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the view of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Tiber River, Piazza Navona, and other landmarks from a double-decker bus. The trains are the fastest type of transportation that can get you to places such as Trastevere and Monte Maria in no time.
Summer In Rome – Tips for surviving the summer heat
Do not underestimate the temperatures
The first essential tip is to never underestimate the temperatures and weather in Rome. This is because thermometers aren’t always accurate. For example, if you live in a region that has a very hot climate, you may think Rome’s 32°C degrees are not that big of a deal for you, but don’t let numbers fool you. Rome is surprisingly humid, and this means 32°C degrees often feel much hotter than you expect.
Avoid sightseeing in the hottest hours of the day
Most of Rome’s attractions are outdoors and without trees to offer shade. So, if you are visiting Rome during the summer, make sure you avoid sightseeing anytime between about 10.30 and 4.30.
This might sound like a long time, but getting out in the sun at that time of the day is highly likely to result in sunstroke, so seriously, consider alternative plans.
Replace espresso with coffee granita
During the hot weather, espresso is not a good idea, but Rome does have a hot weather alternative: granita di cafe (coffee granita)!
Granita is shaved ice with cream and coffee on top and by the best drink, you can enjoy in Rome in summer.
Eat tons of gelato
There is no better way to fully enjoy Italian summer than by eating delicious gelato. Feel free to load up on your favorite flavors and eat as much as you need to keep cool!
Along with eating tons of gelato, go on a Rome Food Tour and taste the delicious local food while visiting the Eternal City.
Stay hydrated!
The temperatures in Rome during the summer months can be really high. So, when you’re going on sightseeing tours, we highly recommend always bringing a water bottle and taking breaks in the shadows.
Take a break in churches
Rome has over 900 churches, and they are all shady and cool in summer. If you need to take a break from your sightseeing tour, simply enter the closest one and take a seat. Just ensure you are appropriately dressed.
Escape summer heats in Rome with a day trip to the lakes or the sea
When the summer heat in Rome is excessive, the best way to deal with it is to just get out of town. Several pleasant areas are easily accessible from Rome, such as Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the Tuscany region. Before you decide which destination you want to visit, read our blog post and discover the seven best places to visit in Italy.
