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Rome, Italy
4.98(1839)
15 Guests Max
3 hrs
Flexible TravelRome isn’t just a capital city — it’s an open-air archaeological site, an epicentre of western culture, and a sensory overload of history, food, art, and culture. Like any Mediterranean city, Rome changes dramatically with the seasons. The city you experience in January is a far cry from the one you'll find in July, and even within a single season, crowd levels, weather patterns, and travel experiences vary more than most first-time visitors expect. That’s why deciding when to visit doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your priorities: weather, crowds, budget, food, festivals, family needs, or simply what kind of city you want to experience.
As someone who has lived in Italy since 2014 and Rome since 2019, I’ve watched the city evolve — especially in response to climate change, tourism trends, and the shifting pulse of local life. I’ve spent springs dodging Easter surges (or locked down during Covid), summers sweating through heat waves, autumns basking in what I consider Rome’s sweetest season, and winters catching up on culture enjoying near crowd-free museums.
This guide brings together personal insights, the latest data, and the kind of local know-how that comes only from living here long enough to remember Rome in the BC period (that’s before Covid reshaped the city’s visitor patterns, not back in the days of Julius Caesar).
If you're in a hurry, here’s the quick takeaway:
The best time to visit Rome is September–October, with April–May a close second.
To help you choose the time that’s best for you, we’ll walk through each season, each month, and each travel style — all backed by tables (linked above in your final article) that break down weather, rainfall, sunshine, crowds, and costs.
If you want the absolute best combination of weather, daylight, crowds, cultural activities, and general quality of life, September and October are unbeatable.
Spring also offers excellent conditions, especially April and May, but it comes with two caveats:
If you’re sensitive to pollen, fall is also the safer choice.
For quick comparisons, see the Weather by Season and Rainfall & Daylight Hours tables below.
Spring is when Rome starts to wake up. After the slower winter months, the weather gets warmer, the city’s parks burst into colour, and restaurant terraces begin to fill with locals and visitors. By mid-March, temperatures hover around the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (see the tables above), rising steadily through April and May. It’s one of the most comfortable seasons for walking, sightseeing, and spending long days outdoors, especially given that Rome receives between 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day.
Spring is Rome at its most romantic and classically beautiful — just avoid Easter week unless you’re specifically travelling for religious celebrations.
Let’s be honest: summer in Rome is not for the faint of heart. Each year temperatures rise, with July and August often exceeding 33°C / 92°F — and in recent years, surpassing 100°F during heat waves. That said, June is still extremely pleasant and remains one of the most popular months for families and students on early breaks. June is generally the “golden month” before the real heat arrives, while July is hot, crowded, and increasingly difficult for midday sightseeing. Indoor museums and early-morning tours become essential. Speaking as a local, July is my least favourite month in Rome as I find it far too hot and crowded. August, while still hot, is better as many locals flock to the coast, mountains, and countryside for the summer holidays.
August in Rome is an unusual month. Many restaurants outside tourist districts close, especially around Ferragosto (August 15). But hotels and museums remain open, catering mainly to those who cannot travel outside school holidays. See our Ferragosto guide for deeper insight into this uniquely Italian month.
No matter when you visit in summer, plan your days around early starts, long afternoon breaks, and late evenings.
While the fall of Rome was a disaster, fall in Rome is a dream.
This is when the city’s beauty peaks: warm golden light, comfortable temperatures, locals returning in style from holidays, and a cultural calendar bursting with festivals, food events, and performances. It's the season Romans themselves enjoy most — and for good reason.
September is warm but not overwhelming — similar to June, but with better food and more locals around. October is arguably Rome’s best month: perfect temperatures, soft light, shoulder-season energy. I find November strangely underrated. Sure, it’s cooler and often wetter, but it’s far quieter, more festive, and ideal for culture vultures and budget travellers.
If you’re only coming to Rome once, September or October is the moment you want.
Rome’s winters are mild compared to northern Europe or North America. Daily highs sit around 12–14°C (mid-50s°F), with short but often clear days. Rain increases, especially in December, but rarely lasts all day.
Tourism dips dramatically — except around Christmas, when the city glows with lights, markets, and nativity scenes.
Winter is Rome’s best-kept secret — a season where the city is once again for the locals.
Choosing the right month depends on what you value most. Here’s a quick overview:
May & September — warm, sunny, not too hot.
January, February, November
January & February
October–November
October–March — softer light, emptier streets.
Christmas & Easter
June
June & July
Check out this definitive guide to Rome's Nightlife in 2026.
After living here for years, I’ve picked up a few truths about how Rome “works,” regardless of when you visit.
Outdoor sites like the Roman Forum close an hour before sunset, which matters more in winter.
Roman buildings follow strict national energy regulations:
Use Rome’s nasoni — public fountains offering fresh, cold, drinkable water.
Especially:
Rome is magical at night, and temperatures become bearable. That's why Carpe Diem Tours offers a range of night tours, like our Rome by Night Walking Tour, Ghost Tour, and Tipsy Tour.
Rain usually comes in bursts — a café break, cooking class, or museum visit is enough to wait it out.
Tourist centres stay open, but neighbourhood restaurants often close for holidays. Stick to central districts or ask your accommodation for recommendations.
Rome’s cultural calendar shapes the experience (and prices) as much as the weather does.
To recap:
For perfect weather, vibrant city life, and unbeatable conditions.
Beautiful, lively, and full of spring charm — as long as you avoid Easter if you dislike crowds.
Quiet, peaceful, atmospheric.
Cool temps, great daylight.
October–April.
June–July.
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Rome, ItalyFeed your curiosity as you please your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! There's a reason our tour is multi-award-winning, and it's because we give you an all-access pass to savouring the Eternal City, stress-free. With everything pre-arranged, you’ll bypass the crowds as you taste your way through Rome; no queues, no guesswork—just authentic Roman cuisine. This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a group of fellow foodies a taste of the city's culinary treasures, from local delicatessens and pizzerias to traditional trattorias and restaurants, you'll try all the authentic spots that the locals keep to themselves but your guide will reveal to you.
Our award-winning Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome's most traditional medieval neighbourhood. While the area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and world-class cuisine, just like the rest of Rome, this neighbourhood also has its fair share of tourist traps. That's why we have teamed up with the places that keep to traditions and serve food for locals.
Because holidays are too short to eat badly, right?
This food tour in Rome will treat your tastebuds to at least 10 different tastings (vegetarian options available!) perfectly paired with a selection of local wines or non-alcoholic beverages for sober travellers. Try crispy Roman-style pizza by the slice, savoury supplì, and the best gelato in the city. Experience is more than just simply trying local cuisine, it's a glimpse inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
While you taste your way through the capital on this food tour; Rome will fully open up as 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 depend on the season.
Looking for a more intimate local experience with no strangers? We now offer an exclusive semi-private Rome food tour for groups of 6 or fewer.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits go 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.**
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Rome, ItalyJoin us on a journey through Roman history on our immersive Rome by Night Walking Tour. Your expert guide will share the city’s secrets, history, and fascinating tales—from antiquity through to the modern day, and at a pace to suit you.
Our tour starts in Rome’s most picturesque square, Piazza Navona, where the ancient Romans used to watch athletic contests (agones). Today’s piazza sits above the ancient stadium and boasts Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers as its centrepiece.
A five-minute walk from Piazza Navona takes us to the world-famous Pantheon. Constructed more than two-thousand years ago by the eccentric emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was consecrated as a monument to all the pagan gods (pan theos, in Greek meaning all the gods). This second-century temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Roman Empire and its unreinforced concrete dome still perplexes architects.
Our next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain. Immortalised by Anita Ekberg wading through its water in Federico Fellini’s iconic film La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain one of the most romantic spots in the Eternal City. Snap your photos of the monument in the moonlight, listen to your guide decipher its symbols, and toss a coin over your shoulder to guarantee your return to Rome.
We emerge from Rome’s winding backstreets onto Piazza Venezia. Stretching from the foot of the Capitoline Hill, against the backdrop of the Altar of the Fatherland, Piazza Venezia is Rome’s most recognisable square, and a repository of history involving figures from Napoleon to Mussolini.
Your guide will lead you down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the boulevard that cuts through ancient Rome, past Trajan’s Column and alongside the forums of Trajan, Augustus and Nerva. Your guide will feed your curiosity and nourish you with knowledge about ancient Rome and its empire as you make your way towards the most famous monument of all: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions that has survived from antiquity. As a colossal feat of architecture and engineering, its form has been replicated throughout the ages, manifested in stadiums and sports venues around the world. But while its form is familiar to us, the spectacles it accommodated are entirely alien, and remind us of the violent nature of Roman culture.
Group sizes are 15 people maximum.
Book your spot now to avoid missing out!
4.98(567)
Rome, ItalyOne 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!
4.94(2344)
Rome, ItalyTwirl, sip, and soak up the seasonal cheer, because from December 1st to January 6th, we’re giving our usual class a holly-jolly glow-up. You’ll stir up a limited-edition cocktail packed with Yuletide spirit and finish with a classic Italian Christmas treat.
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 before making a Hugo Spritz.
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 with a glass of Limoncello Spritz to wash it all down.
Book now and start making memories.
4.95(3841)
Rome, ItalyRome 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.
4.93(910)
Rome, ItalyGo back in time on a once-in-a-lifetime, semi-private exploration of Ancient Rome’s most legendary landmarks—the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
Designed for comfort and connection, this semi-private tour is limited to just 6 guests, giving you more one-on-one time with your expert guide, a relaxed pace, and the opportunity to dive deeper into the stories that fascinate you most.
With priority, fast-track access, you’ll also glide past the crowds and straight into the heart of the Eternal City. Save time, avoid the stress, and make the most of every moment with the people who matter most to you.
Your 3-hour journey begins inside the iconic Colosseum. We’ll take in the breathtaking views from above the arena that most visitors miss. Here, you’ll stand where gladiators once battled and hear captivating tales of emperors, epic contests, and ancient innovation. With fewer people in your group, your guide can personalise the experience, answering your most burning questions and focusing on what interests your group.
Next, we’ll ascend the legendary Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome and site of the Empire’s most extravagant palaces. Then, descend into the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of Roman public life. As you walk through the ruins of temples, arches, and political buildings, your guide will bring the ancient world to life.
This isn’t just a tour, it’s a meaningful journey into history, crafted for curious travellers seeking a deeper, more intimate Roman experience.
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.
4.95(452)
Rome, ItalyFrom December 1st until January 6th, our pizza class gets a merry makeover: mix your own seasonal spritz and indulge in a classic Italian Christmas dessert.
This isn’t your average elementary school pizza party; this is Rome, and we’re turning up the heat! Just ten minutes from the Colosseum, our high-energy cooking class is where pizzas fly and glasses are raised high.
In this dough-lightful evening experience, you’ll toss, top, and toast your way through a night of pizza-making, drink-sipping, and full-on Roman revelry. Ready to make your very own pizza? You’ll get a slice of pizza history from Rome and beyond, and a charismatic local chef will show you how to work the dough like a pro.
Roll, knead, and spread the dough before topping it off with everything your heart desires, except pineapple of course, we've got to stick to the rules. Then, as the dough rises, so does the mood because you'll get a crash course in Italian mixology. Sip on traditional Italian cocktails like Aperol and Hugo Spritz and socialise with your fellow chefs while your pizza bakes to Roman perfection.
Then, when everything is ready, it’s time to eat! You’ll dine like the Italians over a homemade pizza while continuing to sip on a Limoncello Spritz until your heart's content. You know the saying, when life gives you lemons, we turn it into a toast.
Whether you’re coming with friends, your amore, or are ready to make new pizza-loving pals, this isn’t just dinner, it’s a hands-on, wine-filled, flour-dusted party you’ll never forget.
So come hungry, bring your appetite for fun, and let’s raise a glass (and a pizza peel) to the tastiest night of your Roman holiday!
5(234)
Rome, ItalyExplore the wonders of the Eternal City on our Wonders 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 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.
After meeting your guide at Piazza d'Aracoeli, we'll head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy! We'll then admire Trajan’s Column, a second-century AD monument which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor Trajan in his Dacian wars in Eastern Europe.
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.
We’ll then 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!
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.
Our Rome Walking 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. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Secure your spot today!
4.97(2485)
Rome, ItalyWe’re spinning up festive flavours, Italian-style! From December 1st until January 6th, our pasta and tiramisu class gets a holiday twist, complete with mulled wine magic and made-from-scratch fun.
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 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 and dessert.
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 flavours 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 glass of local wine or prosecco.
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!
4.96(1852)
Rome, ItalyAlthough 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.
5(142)
Rome, ItalyWith perfectly paired wines and a gourmet interpretation of classic Roman dishes, dining experiences in Rome do not get more exclusive than this.
Your evening unfolds inside a 15th-century palazzo that has been shaped by more than 100 years of winemaking tradition. Beneath its Renaissance-era vaults and arches, you’ll experience a carefully curated multi-course menu, each dish paired with wines selected by your expert sommelier from the Casale del Giglio winery. Casale del Giglio, a locally beloved winery, is celebrated for rediscovering indigenous regional varieties such as Bellone and Cesanese, and crafting innovative wines that pay homage to Lazio’s deep-rooted traditions. By sampling from its cellar, you’ll be venturing off the well-beaten path and doing as the Romans do.
Your fine-dining experience begins with fried anchovies served with ginger mayonnaise, paired with Satrico 2024 — an award-winning fruity, aromatic white wine that blends Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Trebbiano Giallo grapes. Next come two elevated versions of traditional Roman primi (pasta dishes). Begin with a rich, creamy rigatoni alla carbonara served with Anthium 2024, a white wine made from the Bellone grape, whose near ancestor was enjoyed by the ancient Romans. Then try pasta all’amatriciana, a typical regional pasta dish made from pecorino cheese, locally-sourced tomatoes, and rendered guanciale (pork jowl), paired with an elegant Syrah and Sangiovese rosé: Albiola 2024.
For the secondo (main course), savour the beloved local delicacy of Saltimbocca alla Romana paired with Matidia 2023 – an elegant Cesanese with strong cherry, spice and pepper notes. To finish, indulge in classic tiramisù, perfectly complemented with Aphrodisium 2023 – a golden late-harvest dessert wine with fresh floral notes and a citrusey, juicy finish.
Ready to make dining out in Rome extra special? Book this experience today.
5(17)
