Rome events in July 2024 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do

Rome events in July include plenty of outdoor activities.

While it's not a month with any specific holiday dates, there is a lot to do in Rome in July, like concerts, night visits, and the Summerfest along the Tiber River.

pin rome july sunsetOne of my favorite things to do in Rome in July is enjoy all the evening events like the light show on the via dei Fori Imperiali. Or just take in the stunning summer sunsets!

Find out all the things to see and do in Rome in July.

Rome events in July 2024 - What's happening

July is a great month to visit Rome.

Yes, it can get hot and muggy but the days are long and sunny, and you will enjoy pleasant evenings outside dining, drinking, sight-seeing, or just strolling through this beautiful city.

Keep reading for more info about the best Rome events in July 2024:

Holidays in Rome in July

July is one of those funny months when there are no specific holiday dates.

But it's a classic vacation month for Italians and visitors alike, so you will find lots to do in Rome this month.

There is one thing that happens every July in Rome, and that is the beginning of summer sales (usually the first Saturday of July).

So if you are a shopper, this is yet another great reason to visit Rome in July.

pin rome summer salesOne of the only actual things happening in Rome in July is the beginning of summer sales.

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Current exhibits at Rome's museums in July

There are several Rome events in July at various museums around the city.

These are confirmed for 2024:


emotion exhibition

Chiostro del Bramante

EMOTION.

The exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante, curated by Danilo Eccher, describes the emotions of twenty artists through their works to let visitors know which and how many emotions inspire an artist.

November 29 2023 - September 25 2025

For more information and tickets, click here.


colossus constantine

Capitoline Museums - Villa Caffarelli Garden

The Colossal Statue of Constantine

See the striking reconstruction of the Colossus of Constantine, one of the most representative works of late antique Roman sculpture.

February 6 2024 - December 31 2025

Free to enter, follow the path up to the right to reach the garden entrance. 

Don't miss my video all about the statue!


van gogh experience

Next Museum

Van Gogh Experience

Visit this immersive experience to see reproductions of Van Gogh's masterpieces in virtual reality, surrounding yourself in his work.

November 4 2023 - September 8 2024

For more details and ticket information click here.


day for night exhibition

Palazzo Barberini

Day for Night: New American Realism

This exhibition is dedicated to realism and the representation of truth in contemporary American art, winding through twelve galleries for temporary exhibitions, some of the halls of the main floor and the splendid Appartamento del Settecento, rarely open to the public.

April 14 2024 - July 14 2024

Click here for more information.


torlonia bunker

Villa Torlonia

Visit the Bunker and Air Raid Shelters at Villa Torlonia

Located below the Casino Nobile of Villa Torlonia, the two underground structures are reopening with a new multimedia set-up allowing for an immersive visit, reconstructing the Bunker's historical memory including information about Mussolini's life at the villa.

April 5 2024 - December 31 2024

Visit the website for all details and booking information.


The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.



Visit my dedicated pages for all the summer months in Rome

Visit Rome's Parks and gardens

July is a beautiful time to visit a park or garden in Rome (and cool down!)


Free Things to Do in July

Every month you can enjoy the "Free Sunday," in which state sites and museums are free the first Sunday of the month, and the Vatican Museums are free the last Sunday of the month.

Participating venues include the ColosseumRoman ForumCapitoline MuseumsGalleria Borghese and many more!

CAVEAT - I typically advise AGAINST visiting the big sites like the Colosseum (first Sunday of the month) or the Vatican (last Sunday of the month), because you cannot get tickets in advance.

It's first come first serve, so you will waste a lot of precious vacation time just standing in huge lines waiting to collect your free ticket, and then you will have even more massive crowds to contend with.

See below:


colosseum

In July 2024 the Free Sunday date for Rome's civic and state sites is Sunday July 7.

You can expect the Colosseum to be pretty much a mob scene.

I'd highly recommend visiting one of the other sites that is also free on this day, like the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, or Ostia Antica.

sistine chapel

On the last Sunday of the month, July 28 2024, the Vatican Museums are open and free.

Hours are reduced (9:00am - 2pm, with last entry at 12:30pm).

Expect long lines.

If you are on a budget, or have limited time, this can be a great opportunity. 

You cannot buy tickets in advance for the Free Sunday, but you can book a tour of the museums through the Vatican.

If you don't want to book this tour, just come early.

By early I mean by 8am.

But otherwise I recommend you book your visit ahead of time and pay to go another day.


lungotevere roma estate

One of the best Rome events in July is the Romaestate Lungotevere.

From early June through the end of August, enjoy the annual outdoor festival, Roma Estate Lungotevere, along the banks of the Tiber River.

Entry is free, but you can also eat, drink, listen to music, watch movies and shop. Prices vary.

On both sides of the Tiber, between Ponte Garibaldi and Ponte Sublicio (entries near Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere.) 



Night time things to do in Rome in July

The below night time Rome events in July are mostly outdoor things to do in Rome (except for visiting the Vatican Museums on Fridays.)

They are not free and should be booked in advance.


gladiator battle show

When in Rome . . . why not attend a gladiator battle?

This fantastic show is produced by the Gruppo Storico Romano, with professional re-enactors, and real weapons and armor.

Take your seat in the re-constructed arena, not far from the Colosseum, and enjoy realistic gladiator fights, and other shows including ancient dances, rites of the Vesta, and more.

At the end of the show, you'll be treated to a small aperitif consisting of food and drink made with recipes from Ancient Rome.

Fridays and Sundays. 25€.


colosseum night

In July, you can visit the Colosseum at night .... dates and times TBA.

The Colosseum have announced they will be offering Colosseum night tours as of July but we are still awaiting the official announcement - bookmark this page!

Entry for night visits to the Colosseum is NOT part of the Roma Pass.

NB - Sometimes there is availability for this only a few days in advance, so if you don't see availability for when you want to go, check back!


In July, the Vatican Museums are open Friday and Saturday until 8 pm (Mon - Thu until 7 pm).

Last entry is 2 hrs prior to closing time.

The ticket is a regular ticket and must be booked in advance.

Click here to book your tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on Friday or Saturday night.



For more things to do at night in Rome in July, try these:


Ready to plan your trip?

Book your train

Planning to travel between cities in Italy and other parts of Europe?

Use Trainline to see all the different options available across the different rail companies.

Find your hotel

Find your perfect place to stay in Rome.

Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.

Buy your TurboPass

Purchase the convenient Turbopass and visit all of Rome's top attractions including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

With one handy pass, it's all included.

Rome events in July - Concerts, operas, shows


baths caracalla summer opera

A fabulous way to spend an evening in July is at the opera/concerts at the Baths of Caracalla.

Click here to see a schedule of concerts and shows and to purchase tickets for July 2024.


opera pass

Get your Rome Opera Pass to choose from a number of shows inside a scenic and suggestive setting in central Rome (locations vary).

These wonderful opera singers put on a mini-production of various operas, often in full costume.



concerts at marcellus theater

Celimontana Jazz

July - September 7th

100 free jazz concerts.

Open nightly and Sundays for brunch (a first!)

Plenty of food and drink to purchase.

For more concerts in Rome in July, click here.

Tours to take in Rome in July

July is such a hot month that taking a tour can be a great way to maximize your time and limit your exhaustion.

Most tours are 2-3 hours at most, and go either early morning or late afternoon.

A good guide will keep you focused so you enjoy the sites and get back out of the heat.

For tours to take in July, start here:

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:

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Day trips to take in Rome in July

July is a wonderful time to take a day trip, especially if you are looking to beat the heat in Rome.

We have lots of options for places to visit which you can easily reach within 1-2 hours of Rome. For organized day trips, visit Get Your Guide.

Activities with kids in Rome in July

July is when many families travel to Rome thanks to school breaks. There are plenty of tours and activities in Rome geared to children of all ages.

If you're looking for some fun activities with kids, start here:

I've listed some of what I think are the most fun and interesting Rome events in July, and most central.

For a complete list of Rome events in July, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.


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