8 Things to Do in Rome in August

While most travelers visit the elegant city of Rome in spring or fall, summer in Rome is actually worth the trip too! There’s a special glow in this architectural gem during the summer, when sunlight bathes the buildings and al fresco dining becomes even more inviting.

Rome also offers a stunning nightscape, making night walking tours especially popular. But hey, if you’re looking to craft your to-do list for Rome in August, we’ve got you covered. Read on below to find out the best things to do in Rome!

Maritozzi are Rome’s most famous pastries. These brioche-like buns are scented with orange zest, honey, and vanilla, then generously stuffed with sweet mascarpone—perfect to pair with a freshly brewed Italian espresso or cappuccino. 

This maritozzi breakfast tour will take you through Trastevere, a centuries-old, colorful neighborhood in Rome. Its districts are full of charm and history, and you’ll be delighted to have the opportunity to visit local and traditional bakeries and cafés serving authentic Italian breakfasts. The tour also comes with a local guide who will tell you everything there is to know about the city—so rest assured, you’re in good hands.

Like we mentioned earlier, Rome in August has a unique charm—especially at night. Good thing, there’s a night walking tour that will take travelers through some of the city’s most fascinating locations, such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 252, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Farnese, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Along the way, your tour guide will also let you in on captivating tales about Rome after dark.

Your trip to Rome won’t be complete without going on a Colosseum Arena Tour. While many travelers are content with taking photos of the Colosseum’s exteriors, this tour offers exclusive access to the arena itself! An exciting experience awaits you as you step through the Gladiator’s Gate and immerse yourself in the history of the Roman Empire and its famous gladiators.

Next, you’ll visit Palatine Hill, the central hill of Rome’s legendary seven hills. From the top, you can marvel at panoramic views and discover historic sites, including the Hut of Romulus and the Imperial Palace.

The final stop on your tour is at the Roman Forum, an open-air museum that was once the center of daily life in ancient Rome, where law courts, markets, and temples used to occupy the space. This tour is perfect for those looking to dive deeper into Rome’s history and culture.

For something unique to add to your list of things to do in Rome in August, add this underground catacomb tour that takes you to the depths of the city—yes, we’re talking about Rome’s underground tombs and chapels. This tour will guide you to several sites, starting with the crypt of Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Orazione e morte. Here, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the remains of an ancient cemetery. During your visit to this 16th-century church, your group will be accompanied by a nun as you go deeper into the crypt, where thousands of bones are carefully arranged.

Next, you’ll visit the Catacombs of Rome, where you’ll see ancient frescoes that showcase scenes from the Bible, as well as centuries-old bones. While the experience might feel a bit eerie, it’s still a fun way to learn about this era in Rome's history.

Some other famous places to visit in Rome are the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Most travelers flock to these two sites during the day, so we highly recommend paying a visit at night! There’s certainly a different glow and beauty to these attractions when they’re all lit up at night — and let’s be honest, it’s also a good way to avoid the summer heat. But before that, your Rome City night tour will begin at Piazza Navona, an open area perfect for a nighttime stroll, where you’ll also find the stunning Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). From there, you’ll head to the Pantheon, the most well-known temple in Rome, known for its rich history and impressive architecture. 

Next, you’ll visit the Trevi Fountain, popular among travelers because of the coin-toss tradition. The custom is straightforward: throw a coin into the fountain, and you’re guaranteed to return to the city. Another stop is Piazza Venezia, another iconic square in the city where you can take plenty of photos to commemorate your visit. Piazza Venezia connects to your next stop, the Imperial Fora, a line of monumental squares built by Roman emperors. The two sites are linked by Via dei Fori Imperiali, a road that was built to connect the piazza to the Colosseum.

Something unique to include in your visit to Rome in August is this kayaking experience in Castel Gandolfo near Lake Albano! Lake Albano is a volcano crater lake located in the Alban Hills of Lazio. Overlooking the lake is Castel Gandolfo, where you can indulge in Italian food and wine.

But also, get ready to be immersed in peaceful scenery as you kayak along the nearby beach, where you can also relax and swim. And hey, if you’re worried about your kayaking skills, the tour includes an on-land lesson in paddling techniques and more!

Aqua World is a new themed area in Cinecittà World, a theme park with over 30 attractions, live shows, several restaurants, and shops. The park also has five other themed areas—Cinecittà, Roma, Spaceland, Far West, and Adventure Land. 

Some attractions in Aqua World that you can’t miss include Cinepiscina, Italy’s first cinematic pool, which features water games and a giant screen so you can enjoy movies while in the pool; Pardiso Lazy River, a 300-meter-long water ride set among palm trees and golden sand beaches inspired by Thailand’s natural landscape; and Isola VIP Paradiso, an exclusive area with crystal-clear waters that make you feel as if you’re on a tropical island.

While there are so many things to do in Rome in August, taking a day trip out of the city can be a refreshing experience to beat the summer heat. 

You can take an Amalfi Coast + Positano day tour that will take you to the stunning town of Amalfi, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Some must-see attractions here are the Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea Cathedral and the Ancient Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi, now a maritime museum.

Another stop on this day trip is Positano, a picturesque cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast. Explore local shops to get souvenirs, and relax on beautiful beaches like Marina Grande, Fornillo, and Arienzo.

Yes. Since August tends to be hot, not many tourists fly to Rome during this time. But the good thing about summer in Rome is you get a chance to go swimming and enjoy doing outdoor—activities that seem underrated for most travelers.

Yes, many restaurants remain open in Rome in August. The only day when some establishments may close is August 15, which is Italy’s biggest summer holiday, known as Ferragosto. But don’t worry—most businesses that cater to travelers, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés, typically stay open.

Many things! Swimming, outdoor activities, and night walking tours are all popular things to do during summer in Rome. We’ve listed some of them above, but you can also find them below:

It can get quite hot, but with sunblock, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses, you’ll be fine. To prepare, do note that average temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C.