Why Visit Rome in Summer?

Best time of day to visit attractions in Rome during summer

How to avoid the heat in Rome? Seek out the city’s quieter moments, experiencing Rome's ancient landmarks at dawn or dusk, and escape both the heat and too many visitors. Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in cool tranquility, seeing history bathed in soft golden light before doing as locals do and taking it slowly in the heat of the day. Walk the platform for a close-up view of the newly restored Trevi Fountain — quiet, glowing, and crowd-free at night.

Destination Highlights in the Eternal City:

• Night tour of Colosseum
• Castel Sant’Angelo Sunset rooftop tour with Tiber views and aperitivo
• Nighttime walking tour of Trevi and Spanish Steps
• Campo de' Fiori: Morning market and food tasting tour
• Janiculum Hill sunset views
• Keyhole and secret gardens tour at evening
• Catacombs of San Callisto tour

Find a shady spot in the parks of Rome

Where are Rome’s best green spaces? Embrace a moment of serenity in nature at Villa Doria Pamphili, or find calm in Villa Borghese Gardens, the inspiration for Hotel de Russie’s leafy Secret Garden. Unwind with a picnic, rent a bicycle, or admire panoramic views of the city from the historic Parco Savello, known as the Orange Garden.

What to do at Rome’s beaches

For a day of rest and rejuvenation, rent a sunbed at a stabilimento – beach club – and enjoy casual snacks and cocktails. Visit beachside kiosks for supplì or a caprese salad, and cool off like a Roman with an icy lemon granita. At Fregene, one of the best-kept destinations close to the capital, stay to watch the sunset, announced with a gong on summer evenings. Whether you’re seeking an afternoon outing or a day’s sunbathing, you’re not far from the coast when in Rome. Just 30 minutes from its centre by train, Ostia offers both public beaches and private beach clubs with sunbeds, umbrellas, and refreshments. An hour away is Anzio with its crystal-clear waters, historic harbor, and excellent seafood. Sperlonga’s charming old town and white sandy beaches are a bit farther out at around 1.5 hours.

The best beaches near Rome:

• Santa Marinella - 1 hour by train
• Sperlonga - 1.5 hours by train or auto
• Fregene 45 - minutes by auto
• Lido di Ostia - 40 minutes by train
• Gaeta - 2 hours by train or auto

Aperitivo al fresco

The Romans have transformed a simple pre-dinner drink into a cherished daily ritual. A great place to experience this cornerstone of Rome social life is the lively Piazza Navona, with its fountains and street artists creating a perfect backdrop. Alternatively, visit Trastevere, the quintessential Roman neighborhood for outdoor dining and buzzing bars, or Campo de’ Fiori, a trendy square with many bars offering a great atmosphere and fun people-watching.

Gelato or Grattachecca? A uniquely Roman summer treat

To escape the heat like a true Roman, there’s a little etiquette to consider. Visit characterful gelaterias such as Giolitti or Frigidarium at dusk and decide whether you’d like a coppa or cono before choosing one scoop or two. Summer fruit flavours – colourful scoops of fragola, limone, and pesca – are popular, as well as creamier options like pistachio or hazelnut. Or discover our famous Grattachecca originating in Rome over 100 years ago, this ice-cool dessert of shaved ice, hand-crushed from large blocks, is topped with fresh, often homemade fruit syrups such as lemon, melon, cherry, or mulberry. Where to find it? Discover street vendors in Ostia, near Rome’s fountains, or in neighborhoods such as Trastevere on hot afternoons.

What do Romans drink in summer?

From the quintessential Italian summer cocktail, Aperol Spritz, to the classic bitter Negroni, and Frascati wine, a crisp white from nearby Lazio, Romans always choose the perfect drink for summer sipping. Want to experience summer in Rome like a local? Watch the banks of the Tiber come alive at sunset, where aperitivo blends effortlessly into lively evenings.

Dining at Le Jardin

Discover Chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s simple yet memorable menus at Le Jardin, whose botanical interiors extend to the elegant Secret Garden and courtyard, a favoured haunt of Rome's most sophisticated diners.

Private Dining on your Suite’s Terrace

For a truly personal culinary journey, enjoy a dining experience from the privacy of your suite's terrace, with chefs preparing classic summer dishes made with local ingredients and paired with exceptional wines, against breathtaking views of Villa Borghese or Piazza del Popolo.

Rome’s Summer Hotspot

At sunset, Stravinskij Bar’s art- and nature-inspired cocktail menu is waiting to be explored, featuring everything from the eponymous Straviniskij Signature to Maestro Salvatore Calabrese's celebrated Elderflower Sour, alongside indulgent non-alcoholic blends such as The Kiss, an homage to Picasso. Meanwhile, the brand new Aquazzura Bar – the Italian shoe brand’s debut cocktail bar – emerges as Rome's definitive summer social hotspot, offering an exciting selection of tequilas and mezcals alongside its delicious taco menu.