Things to do near Rome | Pompeii, Tuscany, Ostia & more!

Pompeii

This archeological gem offers a rare insight into the everyday workings of ancient Roman society, preserving the lives of Romans long gone through the ravages of time. Irrespective of your interest in history or art, Pompeii is an absolute must-see for anyone planning an Italian holiday.

Distance from Rome: 242 km (150 miles)
Accessible by: Trains (fastest), buses, cars
Best suited for: History buffs, art enthusiasts, and students.
Best time to visit: Winter & Spring (November to March)
Travel tip: The walls of Pompeii are covered in murals and mosaics. Read up on some of the popular works you’ll find at the site before you get there. You do not want to miss out.

The Temple of Isis

The Temple of Isis, dedicated to the Egyptian goddess of magic and wisdom, was one of the earliest excavated sites at Pompeii. This former forum for political and social gatherings, along with the Temple of Apollo, serves as a testament to the coexistence of multiple religions in ancient civilizations.

Don’t miss: The Purgatorium, a subterranean basin that collected the water of the Nile for purification rituals at the southeast corner of the courtyard.

Pompeii tickets

Mount Vesuvius

A stone’s throw away from Pompeii is Mount Vesuvius, an ominous peak piercing the Naples skyline. Spend your day trekking up the Gran Cono Trail to peer into the gaping mouth of the mountain, discover the diverse plant and animal life thriving on volcanic soil, and experience breathtaking views of Naples Bay from the peak.

Don’t miss: A local vineyard tour, where you can taste unique, traditionally-brewed wines, such as the popular Lacryma Christi.

Mount Vesuvius tickets

Herculaneum

Once a trading hub of ancient Rome, now an archeological wonder, Herculaneum contains a remarkable amount of well-preserved organic matter that is two millennia old. Spend your day drifting through this ancient town and discover artifacts and artwork from lifetimes ago.

Don’t miss: The ornate glass mosaic wall in the House of Neptune, which depicts Neptune and Amphitrite, the Roman god of the sea, and his nymph wife.

Herculaneum tickets

Tivoli

Nestled among rolling green hills, a mere 30 kilometers away from Rome, is the quaint postcard-perfect town of Tivoli. Spend your trip exploring its landscaped gardens, Graeco-Roman ruins, and maze of alleyways, staircases, cobblestoned streets, and surrounding hot springs.

Distance from Rome: 43.4 km (27 miles)
Accessible by: Trains, buses, cars (fastest)
Best suited for: History enthusiasts, leisure and budget travelers
Best time to visit: Late Spring & Fall (April, May, October)
Travel tip: Make the most of a drowsy afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch, find a cozy spot, and crack open a book when visiting the Villa d’Este.

Villa D'Este

This Renaissance villa with its landscaped gardens with intricate frescoes is the best place to spend a spring morning in Tivoli. Let the lush greenery and gushing fountains lull you into a sense of tranquility you can’t find anywhere else.

Don’t miss: The Fountain of Venus, located in the entrance courtyard of the Palazzo d’Este. Also, tour the villa to catch glimpses of Renaissance artwork and grand interiors.

Soak in a thermal bath

The waters of the Aqua Albule springs are known for their sulfurous and hypothermal properties, which can aid in treating many bodily ailments. So, leave your worries behind and treat yourself to a soak in the restorative waters of this thermal bath.

Tivoli tickets

Villa Adriana

On the edge of Tivoli is Villa Adriana, constructed in the 2nd century as Emperor Hadrian’s private retreat away from Rome. Today, you can wander amongst the ruins of this once-grand residence and take captivating pictures of the surrounding scenery.

Don’t miss: The Hall of the Philosophers, where once upon a time, statues of the seven sages of Ancient Greece were housed in niches built into the walls.

Ostia

If you do not have the time to head south to Pompeii, get a glimpse of Ancient Rome by taking a 50-minute train to Ostia. Once a bustling riverport, now a prominent archeological site, Ostia is one of the most well-preserved Roman cities. Explore this winding maze of a city that blends ruins of ancient temples, theatres, and shops with modern villas and parks.

Distance from Rome: 29.2 km (18 miles)
Accessible by: Trains (fastest), buses, taxis
Best suited for: History enthusiasts, budget travelers, leisure travelers
Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
Travel tip: If you have time to spare at the end of your visit, stroll along the Pontile di Ostia with a gelato in your hand and the sea breeze in your hair.

Capitolium

The Capitolium, or the Forum, was the religious center of any ancient Roman town. Ostia’s Forum, constructed in 120 AD, was dedicated to the Capitoline triad - the gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Due to its slight elevation, Ostia’s Capitolium is the only second-century building to survive the Middle Ages.

Don’t miss: The remains of the 1st-century Temple of Roma and Augustus, located near the south end of the Forum.

Archeological Museum of Ostia

Discover some of the finds from archeological excavations of Ostia and glean some insight into the lives of urban ancient Romans.

Don’t miss: The statue of Perseus holding the severed head of Medusa, located in a villa outside Porta Laurentina.

Baths of Neptune

The Baths of Neptune derive their name from their richly adorned mosaic floors that depict mythical sea creatures, such as mermaids, hippocampi, and the god of the Sea, Neptune himself. As with every other public bath in ancient Rome, this one also contained heating and cooling facilities, and even a gym to keep its visitors in shape.

Don’t miss: The magnificent view from the top of the baths, where you can see the full extent of the black and white mosaics depicting marine landscapes.

Tuscany

If you’re in the mood for laid-back adventuring that involves charming small towns, historic spots, and plenty of wine, head northwest from Rome to the emerald hills of Tuscany. Medieval villages, Renaissance masterpieces, vineyards, hot air balloon rides, cooking classes, and more; there’s something for every type of traveler in Tuscany.

Distance from Rome: 329 km (204 miles)
Accessible by: Trains (fastest), buses, cars
Best suited for: Honeymooners, art and culture enthusiasts, and leisure travelers
Best time to visit: Late Spring (April to May)
Travel tip: Wi-Fi can get spotty out in the hills and small towns of Tuscany. Take this as a sign to unplug from the cloud and make the best of your sun-soaked vacation.

Wine-tasting tours

Some of the best Italian wines are brewed in the vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. Set off on a wine-tasting tour across Chianti, Siena, and San Gimignano, and spend your day sipping on delectable reds and whites, paired with fresh cheeses and olives.

Don’t miss: Savouring authentic Tuscan wines like Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans.

Wine-tasting tour tickets

Pisa

Popular for its almost four-degree tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic landmarks to grace the Tuscan landscape. However, the town of Pisa is a charming treat for travelers looking to get away from the lights and noise of the city. Climb to the top of the Leaning Tower, stroll along the Arno River, visit Galileo’s birthplace, and many more underrated activities on your trip to Pisa.

Don’t miss: A visit to the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cattedrale di Pisa to marvel at the breathtaking Romanesque architecture.

Pisa tickets

San Gimignano

This quaint medieval town with its 13th-century architecture and skyline of towers is a postcard-perfect destination for someone looking to unwind away from the city.

Don’t miss: The Herbarium of Santa Fina, a reconstructed pharmacy depicting what an apothecary from 3 centuries ago might have looked like.

San Gimignano tickets

Assisi

Religion, history, and art come together to weave this quaint Umbrian town, renowned as the birthplace of two of Catholicism’s venerated saints (St. Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena). This UNESCO World Heritage site carries a hushed, mystical aura, that can rejuvenate the weary city dweller.

Distance from Rome: 192 km (119 miles)
Accessible by: Trains (fastest), buses, cars
Best suited for: Religious/devout travelers and history buffs
Best time to visit: Fall (September to October)
Travel tip: Shop from local artisans during your visit. Umbrian cured meats and chocolate are popular in the region. You might even find a St. Francis bobblehead in some of the tourist-friendly shops.

Basilica di San Francesco

If all you see in Assisi is the Basilica of Saint Francis, then so be it. Built in the years following Saint Francis’s death, the Basilica serves as both the resting place for his mortal remains as well as a monument to preserve his memory and continue his mission.

Don’t miss: The ceiling of the Upper Basilica, where frescos damaged during an earthquake, were restored in a near-impossible feat.

Rocca Maggiore

Enjoy stunning views of Perugia, Assisi, and its surrounding valleys from atop this 14th-century castle perched atop a hill. Over the centuries, this castle has been plundered and renovated, with all its riches lost to the wind.

Don’t miss: The Rocca Maggiore Museum, with its coats of arms and expansive rooms that showcase the majesty of Assisi during the Middle Ages.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

This ancient Roman temple dedicated to Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, was converted into a church in the 1st century BC. While the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva looks Roman on the outside, with its simple exteriors and Corinthian columns reflective of Imperial Roman architecture, its interiors were opulently refurbished to resemble a Catholic church.

Don’t miss: The Tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena, resting beneath the High Altar, where the marble depicts an image of the saint in intricate detail.

Seasonal trips to take from Rome

Average temperature: 5ºC-25ºC (41ºF-77ºF)

Amalfi Coast: Blooming gardens, historic villas, and panoramic coastal views make Amalfi Coast the perfect seaside Spring destination from Rome. Take a break from the rush of the city, dive into the Tyrehhthian waters, and feast on Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Sfogliatella all day.
Florence: In the summer, amidst the heat and crowds, it can feel stuffy to explore Florence. In winter, it can be isolating. Springtime, on the other hand, is when Florentine weather is at its best. The winds are cool, the sun merciful, and the crowds thin. Visit prominent landmarks such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Pitti at your own pace.
Cinque Terre: These five seaside villages with their candy-colored roofs cascading down the cliffside have been the face of Italy’s coastal paradise in recent years. But Cinque Terre is more than an aesthetic photo op; there is an enduring heart to this place that welcomes all visitors, inviting them to soak up the rugged landscapes, the salty breeze, and sun-dried grape wine.

Average temperature: 18ºC-38ºC (64ºF-100ºF)

Capri: Off the coast of Naples lies the rocky island of Capri, a Mediterranean beauty considered the epitome of La Dolce Vita, or the sweet life. Spend a couple of days admiring the stunning views from Anacapri, marvel at the azure waters of the Blue Grotto caves, and view the Fraglioni rocks on a ferry ride around the island.
Lake Bracciano: A summer swim in Lake Bracciano is a popular local pastime. Alternatively, you can spend your day kayaking and sailing across the waters of this volcanic lake. Also check out other activities nearby, like visiting Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano, exploring medieval villages along the shoreline, or simply going for a stroll along the lakefront at sunset.
Positano: A postcard-perfect destination along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is the perfect coastal getaway to help you unwind. Wander through bustling streets, climb steep hiking trails, and shop for local art and trinkets in this scenic town tucked into the cliffside.

Average temperature: 8°C-28ºC (46ºF-82ºF)

Carletti: Spend an evening under the stars by soaking your chilly bones in the waters of Carletti. These thermal hot springs are free and open to everyone. Looking for a quick dunk in the water or interested in thermal well-being? Head to Carletti for a day and wash away the grime of the city.
Civita di Bagnoregio: The dying city with its slowly eroding base, is a poet’s paradise. Carry a sketchbook, pen, or camera with you as you meander through the cobblestoned streets that feel like something right out of a storybook, and seek inspiration in the ivy crawling over stone arches or in the potted plants lining balconies.
San Gregorio da Sassola: Nestled amongst mountains in the Lazio countryside, San Gregorio da Sassola is the perfect medieval retreat for the fall. Rediscover long-forgotten local histories on a guided tour or set off on nature walks to decompress from the demands of city life.

Average temperature:5ºC-15ºC (23ºF-59ºF)

Naples: If you prefer milder temperatures and vibrant traditions, head to Naples for the winter. You can escape the tourist crowds that typically flock north and immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays by visiting local Christmas markets and touring nativity maker’s workshops.
Castel Gandolfo: At the edge of Lake Albano is Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer palace. Only a 45-minute ride from Rome, this charming village makes for an off-beat winter day trip for anyone on a budget. Experience breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills, stroll along the lakefront, and feast on local dishes such as wild mushroom risotto with a glass of vintage wine.
Venice: Decked in festive finery, rid of the clamor of tourists, Venice glows in the winter. Set off on a romantic gondola ride, take winding, introspective walks along the canals, and discover Renaissance masterpieces housed in the city’s galleries and museums.

Things to keep in mind when visiting attractions and towns near Rome

Download local maps, bus timetables, and e-tickets to attractions in advance. Wi-Fi at off-beat destinations might be spotty and so will your data connection.
The Italian sun can be merciless. The best way to cool down is with a gelato in your hand. Choose shops advertising gelato artigianale, which means the gelato is made on-site and will be of excellent quality.
When in Venice, shop for Murano Glass sculptures and trinkets, known for their exquisite craftsmanship from local glassblowers.
Want to taste local wines but worried they would burn a hole in your pocket? At dinner, ask your waiter for vino della casa or house wine, a more affordable option for budget travelers.
Most stores and restaurants in popular cities accept cashless transactions. However, this may not be the case for small towns. So always have some cash on hand.

Frequently asked questions about things to do near Rome

What are some popular day trips to take from Rome?

Some popular destinations from Rome include wine-tasting tours in Tuscany, exploring the ruins of Pompeii, and exploring Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.

What do I need to carry on day trips in Italy?

Carry your essentials - phone, wallet, keys. Pack some sunscreen for the summers and an umbrella for the fall. We also recommend carrying a powerbank in case you have a long day of activities planned.

What do I wear when I’m traveling in Italy?

Dress in linens during the warmer months and in your coziest sweaters during the winter. At all times of the year, wear your best walking shoes. Also carry a shawl to cover your shoulders when visiting holy sites.

Is a trip from Rome suitable for senior travelers?

Yes, it is. Senior travelers can escape the bustle of the city by visiting picturesque towns such as Civita di Bagnoregio and Castel Gandolfo. Towns such as Tivoli and Ostica also make for short trips from Rome, in case you cannot travel long distances.

Are there any family-friendly trips to take from Rome?

Yes, there are! Florence and Naples have plenty of kid-friendly museums that will keep them engaged and excited. You can also visit family-friendly farms out in the Tuscan countryside or plan a beach vacation to the Amalfi Coast.