Exploring Rome During the Summer Months

Rome. The Eternal City. It is one of the most glorious places on the planet, with history spanning back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, there is no limit on what you can see in Rome. Walking around Rome is like being in an outdoor museum, with architecture from ancient times, to the Renaissance, to modern day surrounding you as you take every step. While Rome is a glorious city to visit year round, there is nothing like experiencing it during the summer months. This vast urban masterpiece is best experienced as a walking city, and there is no better time to walk outside than when it is warm! With so much to do and see in Rome during the summer, it can be difficult to know how to navigate. Read below to find some helpful tips for exploring Rome this summer:

See the City’s Incredible Churches

It would not be a true trip to Rome without experiencing it's historic and present-day religious history and edifices. It is truly imperative for any trip to the Eternal City to see the great Italian churches. First on your list should be Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City (which is actually the world’s smallest country!). This grandiose church is the heart of Catholicism and is located where the Pope resides. Nothing compares to seeing the beautiful architecture and the Bernini fountains that adorn the outside of the basilica. If possible during your visit, you should try to catch an outdoor church service with the Pope, where there are altered seating arrangements set up in order to accommodate the overflow of guests. As well as Saint Peter’s Basilica, you should check out some of the city’s other great churches, including Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Pantheon, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Giovanni in Laterano.

Enjoy the Beautiful Parks

Since you are visiting Rome in the summer months, it is important that you truly experience the city’s incredible natural beauty. One of the greatest parks within the city is Villa Borghese. This is one of the larger parks in the city and is where everyone comes to enjoy themselves in the warm weather! Stroll by the beautiful lake where you can rent a rowboat or perhaps even try out a Segway ride all around the park! Other great parks in the city include the Orange Garden, Orto Botanico, and Villa Sciarra.

Dine Outdoors

Another must do when visiting Rome in the summer is to enjoy the delicious Italian cuisine while outdoors. Plop down at an authentic café or trattoria to get some of Rome’s famous foods. You should definitely try the city’s famous pasta dish, Spaghetti a la Carbonara, as well as try some tasty pizza, gelato, espresso, and more! A fun thing to try that many people do not necessarily associate with Italian food is the Roman ghetto’s delicious fried artichokes.

Final Thoughts        

Rome is an incredible place to visit. It is a must-see for any traveler, whether you are a seasoned travel veteran, or a first time tourist. While Rome is a wonderful place to go to at any time of the year, there is no better time to be there than during the summer months. The warm weather will allow you to experience Rome as a walking city, the way it was meant to be experienced! As long as you remember to see the city’s incredible churches, enjoy the beautiful parks, and dine outdoors, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip to the Eternal City!