Autumn in Rome is a season of elegance, when golden leaves frame ancient ruins and summer crowds disperse. The mild weather invites slow discovery, from the Vatican at dawn to the Roman Forum at dusk. The scent of roasting chestnuts mingles with truffles and figs at local markets, while the cultural calendar is filled with film, art, and music festivals. Visiting Rome in autumn is a chance to uncover the Eternal City at its most beguiling.
This time of year unveils a quieter Rome: stroll the Colosseum or admire the Sistine Chapel without summer’s throngs, or wander the Villa Doria Pamphilj as leaves fall. Rome during harvest season is also a feast for the senses; porcini, chestnuts, and figs transform trattoria menus, while cultural highlights include the Romaeuropa, and wine festivals.
Begin your journey by exploring the Roman Forum in the soft light of early morning or just before sunset. From there, walk up Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Capitoline and pause for a photograph of the soft light casting bronze hues over the ruins. Or, ascend to the top of the Terrazza delle Quadrighe in a glass lift for sweeping vistas stretched across domes and terracotta rooftops. Admiring the panoramic view, notice the tranquillity of this ancient city.
Rome’s autumn highlights:
For Rome’s quieter side, visit the city's ancient libraries and literary havens for a reflective afternoon. The Antica Libreria Cascianelli, near Pantheon, is one of Rome’s oldest. The scent of antique prints and old books fills the dust-specked air. A few streets away, the Biblioteca Casanatense holds globes, vaulted ceilings, and more than 400,000 volumes. The 17th-century library is filled with rare manuscripts and historical charm, creating a peaceful refuge for November afternoons.
Rome joins the heights of Italian fashion, as the season’s collections arrive fresh from the runways of Milan. Along Via dei Condotti, the designer boutiques showcase their winter collections. Stroll further to Via Margutta – the famed strada degli artisti, or street of artists – where ivy-clad walls, ateliers and antique shops create a cosy atmosphere. Near the Trevi Fountain, the beautiful Art Nouveau arcade, Galleria Alberto Sordi, with its mosaic floors and soaring glass dome, provides shelter while shopping.
The best shopping streets in Rome:
The shifting of the seasons signals a change of rhythm and the elegant evening stroll sees locals drifting through piazzas before an espresso or aperitivo. Trattorias serve braised oxtail, truffle pastas, and chestnut desserts. Wine bars pour Cesanese and Aleatico as conversation lingers into the evening. These gatherings offer a tantalising glimpse into the authentic side of Rome.
Autumn in Rome is a time when the city reclaims its streets, and locals indulge in time-honoured traditions. It’s an invitation for locals to embrace La Passeggiata, a leisurely Sunday walk through the city's charming streets, enjoying coffee or an aperitivo.
Best places for an autumn stroll in Rome:
This is the time of year when Roman cuisine takes on deeper, earthier tones. Chestnuts, porcini, pumpkin, figs and truffles enrich trattoria menus, as well as those at Le Jardin, adding seasonal character to beloved dishes. Classics such as cacio e pepe and saltimbocca alla romana return to the table, while pastas are tossed with mushrooms, and desserts make the most of seasonal ingredients such as chestnut and fig. By late autumn, chestnuts feature in everything from savoury stuffings to desserts.
Where to eat autumn dishes in Rome:
As days shorten, Romans gather at their favourite enotecas to enjoy the rich flavours of Lazio's wines. Cesanese del Piglio, elegant and spicy, pairs beautifully with comforting dishes, while Aleatico passito is a sweet counterpoint to chestnut desserts. In central Rome, wood-panelled bars with impressive cellars make an inviting place to pause between explorations. A glass of wine, a plate of pecorino, and the essence of Rome distilled into an evening.
Perfect Lazio wines to enjoy in autumn:
Wine bars and enotecas in central Rome:
At Hotel de Russie, nymphs peek from behind auburn foliage in the Secret Garden. The flavours of the moment inspire the menus at Le Jardin and the cocktails at the Stravinskij Bar, celebrating nature’s abundance. After a day of discovery – perhaps drifting by in a vintage 1960s riverboat – unwind at the Irene Forte Spa with a warming hot stone massage.
Giuseppe Valadier’s 19th-century Secret Garden is an oasis of terraces, grottos and fountains in the heart of Rome. Guests in garden-view suites wake to scenes of late-blooming roses and rustling trees as golden leaves transform it into a living painting. Step outside for an al fresco aperitivo as candlelight casts ivy-shaped shadows in one of the city’s most tranquil and storied retreats. Every moment is an invitation to relax and enjoy the changing colours of the season.
The olive tree takes centre stage as a key component of the Olive Oil Body Ritual, a soothing, rejuvenating treatment designed to nourish, moisturise and revitalise the skin. The treatment unfolds in two steps – it begins with an exfoliating scrub enriched with olive leaves, followed by the application of organic oil sourced from Verdura Resort in Sicily. A warm compress ensures the oil’s active ingredients are thoroughly absorbed through a relaxing full-body massage.
One of the best ways to experience Rome's autumnal beauty is gliding along the Tiber aboard a 1960s-era boat. Meticulously restored by a master shipwright and transformed into a veritable floating lounge, the boat is exclusively available to guests staying in Hotel de Russie’s Forte Suites. Set against a backdrop of golden light, the cruise offers a unique perspective of the historical centre, passing centuries-old bridges and ancient buildings including Castel Sant’Angelo and St Peter’s Dome.
This time of year offers a rich variety of culture, from lively jazz music to glamorous film festivals. Held annually in November, the Rome Jazz Festival is a highlight of the season. Rome Art Week transforms the city into an open gallery while Marino’s famous Wine Festival is a perfect addition to your list of things to do in Rome in October.
For one week in October, artists’ studios, independent spaces, and galleries across the city’s historic centre invite visitors inside. The result is an intimate exploration of Rome’s vibrant contemporary scene, where creativity thrives alongside Baroque churches and ancient ruins.
Spanning over two months, the Romaeuropa Festival is one of Europe’s most prestigious arts events. More than 20 venues host cutting-edge theatre, dance, music, and digital art. From experimental performances to international premieres, the festival reaffirms Rome as a global stage for innovation while rooted in timeless cultural heritage.
November evenings in Rome come alive with improvisation during the Rome Jazz Festival. Global jazz legends and rising stars perform in landmark venues such as the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Each concert transforms the nights into a celebration of rhythm, dialogue, and artistry, adding music’s heartbeat to the Eternal City.
Just 35 minutes from Rome by train, the town of Marino hosts its legendary Sagra dell'Uva each October. Locals and travellers gather for a feast of food, music, and parades, culminating in the extraordinary moment when fountains flow with wine. Experience a joyful celebration of abundance and Italian conviviality.
For more information and reservations, please call +39 06 32 88 81 or email concierge.derussie@roccofortehotels.com
A true Roman luminary between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the classical and cosmopolitan come together at Hotel de Russie.
A true Roman luminary between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the classical and cosmopolitan come together at Hotel de Russie.
A true Roman luminary between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the classical and cosmopolitan come together at Hotel de Russie.