This post will provide a lot of different ideas for things you can do in Rome during the month of July. In addition to our top 10 list, you will also find sections devoted to free things to do, family-friendly attractions and nighttime events. If you’re looking for additional activities, make sure to read our post about the best things to see in City Centre.
- Top 10 Things to Do
- Things to Do at Night
- Free Things to Do
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Free Tours by Foot
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
1) Go to Rome Summer Fest
This is one of the biggest music festivals in Rome, and there will be quite a few notable musicians performing during the month of July. The cheaper tickets for each concert range from about €26 - €60 on average. Here are just a handful of the more popular acts:
- Simple Minds (July 3rd)
- Alanis Morissette (July 9th)
- Franz Ferdinand/Mogwai (July 10th)
- Ringo Starr (July 11th)
- James Blunt (July 17th)
- Jethro Tull (July 19th)
- Steven Tyler (July 27th)
- Sting (July 28th)
2) Watch a Movie at Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema
This movie festival provides free screenings for the masses from June 1st - August 1st. The entire month of July will include a variety of popular titles including modern classic horror films, animated films, science fiction and more. Here is a list of just a few movies you can see at this festival:
- Halloween (1978) - July 1st
- Dune (1984) - July 4th
- Aladdin (1992) - July 8th
- The Shining (1980) - July 13th
- Bambi (1942) - July 22nd
- Pinocchio (1940) - July 29th
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) - July 30th
Click here for more information about the Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema.
3) Attend Rock in Roma
There’s more than one concert series happening in Rome this July. Rock in Roma welcomes a variety of popular musicians to play each summer, and this year is no different.
Whether you’re a fan of hard rock or you prefer hip-hop there will probably be someone you like playing at this event.
Here is a list of concerts you can attend:
- Macklemore - July 3rd
- Hollywood Vampires - July 8th
- Roger Waters - July 14th
- The Chemical Brothers - July 19th
4) See an Opera at the Caracalla Baths
Every Summer, Teatro Dell’Opera puts on a series of concerts and operas at the Caracalla Baths. This is an incredible opportunity to see a show which uses the ruins of a historic landmark as a backdrop. There are four different operas to see in July and one concert you may also want to consider.
- La Traviata (July 3rd - 20th)
- Carmen (July 14th - August 2nd)
- Tosca (July 8th - August 8th)
- Nabucco (July 25th - August 9th)
- Concert: Roberto Bolle and Friends (July 11th - 13th)
TIP: The Caracalla Baths are included on at least one of the lines provided by bus tours in Rome. Check our Roman bus tours post for more information.
5) Celebrate Festa De’ Noantri
This festival takes place in the Trastevere district between July 16th - 31st. During this event, locals celebrate the Madonna of Mount Carmel. On July 22nd, an impressively adorned statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the Trastevere from one church to another.
After reaching its final destination, it will stay there until July 30th when it will return to its original location by boat along the Tiber.
Festa de’ Noantri is free to attend. Click here to read the program for this event.
6) Attend Estate Romana
Starting on July 1st, the annual Estate Romana festival will host hundreds of different events throughout the month. In years past, the festivities have included musical performances, a variety of stalls and bars opening up along the Tiber river, and a series of films at the open air theatre L’isola del Cinema on Tiber Island.
There is usually so much going on that it would be impossible to list it all right here. If you want to know more about the plans for Estate Romana, make sure to check their website for additional details.
7) Enjoy Live Music at the Museum
There will be a few different museums offering programs during July which will allow you to hear classical music while enjoying the various exhibits on display. Rather than listening to pre-recorded tracks, this activity will actually provide a live performance from a professional musician who will play period-appropriate songs. Experience the art of Rome in an entirely new way with one of the following events. Tickets will range from €20-€30.
8) See the Orchestra at the Courtyard of St. Ivo
If you’re not interested in the concerts taking place during either Rock in Roma or Summer Fest, this is an excellent alternative. The International Chamber Ensemble will be performing several different sets at the Courtyard of St. Ivo during the month of July. In addition to classical music, you can also attend events where they will perform show tunes from famous musicals or famous film scores.
- Adult Tickets: €23/Adults | €20/Seniors
- Youth Tickets: €15/Students | €10/Kids
Click here for more information.
9) Take Part in the Sales
There are two times per year when Rome celebrates massive sales throughout the city, and one of them just so happens to take place during the first few weeks of July. This sale will find several local shops slashing prices by as much as 50%, allowing you to save a lot of money on a variety of items.
That being said, you should be wary of any discount higher than that, because there are some people who will try to scam you during this period. As long as you stick to the main stores, chances are you’ll find plenty of excellent deals From July 1st - 15th.
10) Get Some Fresh Fruit
It may seem like a simple idea, but July is a wonderful time to visit local markets such as Campo De’Fiori. A lot of fruits are in season at this time of year, as is other fresh produce such as tomatoes. This is a great time to grab a peach and enjoy a sweet, healthy treat before moving on to your next destination. Although it isn’t free, this is a very affordable activity that you and your family can enjoy while wandering around Rome.
For additional ideas of fresh fruits & veggies to enjoy during July, check out this guide to seasonal eating in Italy.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
This section will provide some great ideas for things you can do at night while visiting Rome in July. If you’re looking for more activities, make sure to check our other sections for events such as Rome Summer Fest, Rock in Roma, an Orchestra at the Courtyard of St. Ivo or an Opera at the Caracalla Baths.
Experience an Open Air Opera
In addition to the operas you can see at Caracalla Baths, there will also be special performances at Piazza Navona. Enjoy the music of Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini as you take in the incredible views. Hear songs from classic tales such as La Boheme, Tosca, La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, I Pagliacci and Rigoletto with the unforgettable skyline of Rome in the background. Tickets are €98 per person.
Click here for additional details about the venue and how to purchase admission.
Experience the Capuchin Crypts After Dark
These historic crypts can be pretty creepy during the day, but the atmosphere gets even more disturbing at night. If you’re up for the macabre, this is an excellent location to visit after the sun goes down. The Capuchin Crypts are open to professional tours after hours which provide a lot of useful information about the Bone Chapel and the 4,000 monks whose remains adorn its walls.
- Ticket Prices: €75/Adults | €68/Children
- Availability: Daily at 6 pm
- Duration: 2 ½ hours
- Click here to purchase tickets
See a Jay Z & Beyonce Concert
In addition to all of the other concerts taking place this month (Summer Fest, Rock in Rome), hip-hop/r&b artists Beyonce and Jay Z will also be performing at Stadio Olimpico on July 8th. It’s not every day that this duo will go on tour, so fans may want to take advantage of this opportunity while they are in town. Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend ordering your tickets well ahead of time. Cheaper ticket prices range from around €56-€86 per person.
Click here for more details or to find tickets.
Take a Night Tour of the Colosseum
The summer is a very popular time for historic landmarks such as the Colosseum, and it can also be pretty uncomfortable to visit on a hot day. As a result, one of the best ways to see this site during July is on a night tour. There are a few different tour companies that offer this service, allowing you to see areas that are usually off limits and enjoy a trip after the sun sets. Break away from the crowds and experience a guided trip through one of the most notable locations in all of Rome.
- Tickets: €89/Adults | €78/Children
- Availability: Daily at 7 pm
- Duration: 4 ½ hours
- Click here for more information or to get tickets
FREE THINGS TO DO
The following section will discuss some of the more fun and interesting things you can do in Rome during July. If you’re looking for more ideas, make sure to check our other sections for events such as Festa De’ Noantri and the Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema.
Go to a Free Museum
If you don’t feel like paying to see the Colosseum at night, you can always brave the crowds and see it for free on the first Sunday of every month. This date will fall on July 8th of 2018, and there are many additional museums and historic sites you can visit for free on this day. Here is a list of locations you are free to enter on the first Sunday of July:
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Borghese Gallery
- Caracalla Baths
- National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Click here for a more extensive list
Take a Walk Through Villa Borghese
This is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Rome, and there are many locations in Villa Borghese where you are free to walk around and enjoy the view. If you’re interested in other activities, this is also where you will find the Bioparco and Cinema dei Piccoli, both of which are perfect for children and families. See our post Things to Do at Villa Borghese to plan your visit.
If you plan on seeing the landmarks of Rome, Villa Borghese is only around a 55-minute walk from sites such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. These might be great locations to either start or stop your trip around the city.
See the Pope at the Vatican
There are two different opportunities to see the Pope for free each week. You will require a free ticket to see him on Wednesday, but on Sunday he will perform the Angelus from the window of his apartment which you can watch simply by arriving at the right time.
While the Sunday Angelus takes place at 12 pm, the Wednesday Papal Audience starts in the morning at 10:30 am. If you’re trying to beat the heat, you may want to consider applying for a ticket to see one of these audiences instead of the Angelus. During the summer, this event is usually held outside in St. Peter’s Square.
For more details, make sure to read our post about things to do at St. Peter’s Basilica.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
This section will focus on activities that families may want to consider while visiting Rome in July. For even more ideas, make sure to look at our other sections to learn about attractions like Villa Borghese, Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema and Estate Romana.
Visit the Bioparco
Located in Villa Borghese, the Bioparco (Rome’s Zoo) has a lot of exotic animals to see and experience. This location offers a summer center for children which will provide unique opportunities to learn about wildlife. See a variety of different animals like Elephants, Giraffes, Alligators, Tigers, Camels and more.
- Tickets: €16/Adults | €10/Disabled | €13/Seniors
- €13/Children (Over 1 metre tall & up to 10 yrs old)
- Kids under 1 metre tall are FREE
- Hours: 9:30 am - 7 pm
- Click here for additional details
Grab a Gelato
It’s going to get pretty hot in Rome during July, so you may want to consider getting a classic summer treat while visiting. There are several wonderful Gelato shops located all around the city centre, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a place to enjoy this Italian treat.
You’ll undoubtedly find many popular flavors no matter which shop you choose, but some locations will have very unique and interesting flavor combinations. Check this list of ten excellent gelato places in Rome to get an idea for where you might want to go.
Go For a Swim
The summer is a perfect time to go swimming either at the pool or at the beach. Thankfully, both of these are options you can consider in Rome. The Ostia Beach is only about an hour away from the city centre, and you can get there using the metro system.
Alternatively, you may want to consider getting a hotel that has a pool. There are several hotels in Rome with swimming pools, and you might be able to avoid some pretty big crowds by choosing this option. Rooms at these locations typically cost between €60 - €170 per night.
Take a Tour For Kids
It’s not always going to be easy to keep your children engrossed while visiting historic locations around Rome. As a result, there are several companies who provide tours specifically aimed at children. Some excursions include things like gelato and pizza to keep everyone well fed and happy during a hot summer day. This is a great way to bring the history of Roman landmarks alive for your family. Here are just a few options you may want to consider:
- Colosseum Family Tour – €45-€50 per person
- Vatican & Sistine Chapel for Kids – €62 per child
- City Centre Family Tour – €30-€72 per person
