Things to Do in Rome in November in 2023 (by Local Tour Guides)

This post will provide a variety of different ideas for things to do in Rome during the month of November 2023.

As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences, but also answering your questions.

The top 10 list includes family-friendly activities, nighttime attractions, and free events.

We lead thousands of people each month through the streets of Rome and on every tour guests ask us about things in the city.

We also grabbed ideas from the members of our popular Rome Travel Tips Facebook group.

Many people get answers to questions about visiting Rome in November.

The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, veteran travelers, as well as newbies to the city.

You don't need to join in order to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link can be found at the end of this post.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

In the following section, we will provide our ten most interesting events and attractions in Rome during the month of November.

For more ideas on popular things to do, check out our post on tourist attraction discount passes as well as bus tours of Rome.

1. Attend a Concert

No matter when you choose to visit Rome, chances are there will be more than a few great musical options you won't want to miss.

Classical Music/Opera

Vivaldi/Bach at St. Paul's Within the Walls | Mondays
Rooftop Bar Opera Show: The Great Beauty in Rome | Wednesdays
Capuchin’s Crypt: Sacred Music in the Heart of Rome | Thursdays
Open Air Opera Concert: Best Arias and Love Duets | Fridays
Open Air Opera Concert at Terrazza Borromini | Fridays
La Traviata at St. Paul's Within the Walls | Fridays
The Three Tenors in Rome | Saturdays
Mefistofele | November 27th, 29th, 30th

Music Festivals

Rome Jazz Festival | dates TBA

For something really special, you might try Sacred Music in the Heart of Rome, in the Capuchin Crypt.

It comes with both a guided tour and a concert.

2. Attend the Romaeuropa Festival

Until mid-month, the Romaeuropa Festival will host performing artists and musicians at theatres and auditoriums around Rome.

Some events are free, others will have an average ticket price of €10 - €40 per person.

Dates are September 6th-November 19th. Find details here.

For other free things to do, check out our post on Free Things to do in Rome.

3. Take a Free Walking Tour

There are several free walking tours available in Rome, each covering different topics and areas of the city.

If you're interested in learning some Roman history, these outings are an excellent option.

While some tours focus on the most notable sites in the city center, there are also services covering the history of ancient Rome, Trastevere, and the Vatican.

If you're hungry, you may also want to consider a free food tour!

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Most of these outings are pay-what-you-wish, which means you decide how much to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

However, there are also some self-guided tours you might enjoy.

For more details, please read our post covering free walking tours in Rome.

3. Commemorate The End of WWI

National Unity and Armed Forces Day takes place each year on November 4th.

This day in 1918 marked the end of Italy's engagement in WWI.

This is Italy's oldest national holiday, one that was even celebrated when the fascists were in power.

There will be a flyover by the Italian Airforce with their contrails in the colors of the Italian Flag.

You'll find a military display, usually attended by Italy's President and Minister of Defense in Piazza Venezia at Altar della Patria, with a laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Armistice Day/The Day of Remembrance is celebrated throughout Europe on November 11th, a date in 1918 that marked the formal end of World War I for all.

You might find concerts by military bands in local squares, and the army often opens their barracks to the public with exhibitions about the war.

4. Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Most people come to Rome for two things: eat the food and see the sights!

The Colosseum is perhaps the most recognizable site in the city and on most people's lists of must-see Rome.

Other iconic sights and areas to see are the Trastevere neighborhood, Piazza Navona, the Vatican Museums, and the Trevi Fountain.

A convenient way to travel between sights is to take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

These tours allow you to cover much more ground than you would on foot.

Spend time at the sights you want by hopping off - and the great thing is that in November there is much less crowding at famous spots like the Borghese Gallery.

If you do want to explore by foot and get up close and personal with the Eternal City, take a look at these tours of the city center to find a walk that is right for you.

5. Celebrate the Feast of St. Cecilia in the Catacombs

On November 22nd, Roman Catholics will celebrate the Feast of St. Cecilia.

There are a number of ways to honor this saint, but one of the most interesting activities is the festival which takes place every year at the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.

Alternatively, you could also visit the location where St. Cecilia was formerly buried – the Catacombs of San Callisto.

Located conveniently on Via Appia Antica, this could be an excellent opportunity to combine your trip to the catacombs with a walk down Appian Way.

NOTE: Big Bus Tours provides transportation to and from Appian Way. For more details, check our post about hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Rome.

6. Take a Food Tour

If you want some help finding the best food in Rome, there are several tours you can take which cover a variety of different dishes that you can find throughout several districts in the city.

A few of them you might enjoy include:

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider taking our self-guided food tour of Rome.

There are also cooking classes you can take to learn how to make excellent pasta or pizza the way they do in Rome.

Here are a few you might want to consider:

7. See the Trevi Fountain at Night

One of the best times to see the Trevi Fountain is after dark.

When the sun goes down, this fountain lights up and truly shines as one of the most impressive structures in the city.

As if that weren’t good enough, it’s also entirely free to visit whenever you want.

While you’re there, consider throwing three coins in – but make sure to throw them over your left shoulder!

Why? Well, you can learn more about that by reading our post on visiting the Trevi Fountain.

And don't forget to find more things to do at night in our full post.

NOTE: This fountain is located very close to other historic sites such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.

8. Celebrate All Saints Day

In Italy, November 1st marks a holiday known as All Saints Day.

On this day, Italians will typically honor family members who have passed by visiting them at the cemetery.

There are quite a few churches in the area that you can visit to pay respect to relatives who are no longer with you.

That all being said, this would also be a good time to visit major landmarks in Rome.

Since most Romans will be taking part in the traditions of All Saints Day, there won’t be as many people visiting major sites.

This is a great time to see attractions like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

TIP: If you are interested in visiting some of the more popular historic attractions in Rome, it’s worth noting that admission to many of them is included for free with various Roman tourist passes.

NOTE: The Vatican Museums will be closed on All Saints Day and the following day as well. If you want to visit this attraction, make sure to schedule your trip for after November 2nd.

9. Watch or Take Part in a Sport

October continues football season, and Rome has two teams you can support.

There's also a race you can take part in, or stand on the sidelines and cheer runners on.

Football (Soccer)

If you'd like a tour of the field both teams play on, visit Rome's Olympic Stadium.

Football matches are played in the evening so they make for a fun nighttime activity.

Running

La Corsa dei Santi, a 10k race wides its way through Rome's historic center.

Both professional and amateur runners take part, and there is a 3km fun run for those who want an easier course.

10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

With a tourist attraction discount pass, you’ll get to see much more at a bulk discount – up to 55% for some popular attractions!

Some passes include skip-the-line tickets at specific locations, making it easier to save time while exploring the city.

Although discount passes aren’t free, they can easily save you enough money that you would eventually have an opportunity to enjoy free activities with the pass.

Here are a few of the more notable activities offered by various Rome tourist passes:

For more details, read our post covering Rome tourist attraction passes.

For more information on these opportunities, read our post about Rome tourist passes.

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What to Do in Rome in November