10 things to do in Rome in September

Unlike other months of the year, Rome in September does not have many cultural or religious events. The predominant activities are those centred on social, entertainment and even sporting activities. There are options for people of all ages and preferences.

With citizens returning from their holidays and students going back to school, tourists still have plenty of plans ahead of them. Read on to find out what the highlights are.

In the first two weeks of September there are still Kaleidoscope festival events taking place. Those who attend have the opportunity to enter film screenings of all kinds, plus sometimes opera and ballet performances are planned.

Kaleidoscope in the gardens of Villa Borghese lasts for three months, with activities taking place for just over 90 consecutive nights. Don't be surprised if there is no dance or singing performance when you attend, as the festival is mainly focused on film.

As September is the last few days to enjoy Kaleidoscope's performances, it's worth attending if you can. Tickets are free and the number of people allowed is limited, as the capacity of the venue is respected. Oh, and don't forget to take the opportunity to visit the amazing Galleria Borghese.

September is an ideal month if you want to discover all the beauty of the city from a totally different and original point of view. And for that, I recommend you to book a sightseeing cruise on the Tiber River in Rome. Ideal to get the best views of the city and a photo album that will be the envy of your friends and family.

Besides, you won't miss any detail because you will be provided with an audio guide that will tell you interesting comments about the architecture, history and most emblematic points of the city.

You have two options. On the one hand, you can take a round trip, which lasts approximately 1 hour; or you can choose to access the boat 24 hours a day, so you can get on and off at the most interesting points. A very entertaining and, above all, original visit!

Useful information

• Price: From 16 €.
• Where: You can leave from different points in the city.

Of course, an essential plan for the hottest days of September is to visit its main museums. You have several options to choose from depending on your tastes, preferences and who you go with. Here are the ones that, in my opinion, are essential

• Tickets for the Rome Wax Museum, from RM48: Ideal if you go with the little ones at home or with friends and family, as, in that case, laughter is guaranteed. With over 250 wax figures, you'll have the chance to meet and share a photo with musicians, poets, actors, politicians and popular characters. In addition, you can enjoy a premium experience by booking an audio guide.
• Tickets for IKONO Rome, from RM71: A museum with more than 12 interactive installations and a ball pool where you can take some dreamy photographs. A magical world full of creativity and, above all, colour.
• Tickets for the Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome, from RM90 And in this museum you will take a trip back in time to discover Etruscan and pre-Roman treasures. Plus, with the audio guide available, you won't miss any historical details. And best of all, with this ticket you won't have to wait in line.

Useful information

• Price: A plan for less than €20.
• Where: Different locations around the city.

Another ideal proposal for the month of September, when the nights are still very pleasant, is to take a night tour of Rome by vespa, lasting about 3 hours, in which you will visit the most emblematic places of this wonderful city such as the Basilica of the Four Crowned Saints, the churches of Santo Stefano Rotondo and Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, the Circus Maximus, the Protestant Cemetery or the Orange Garden, among many others.

And since you'll be accompanied by an expert guide, you won't miss a single detail of each of these iconic spots in the Eternal City. And to top it all off, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious espresso coffee or Italian ice cream.

Useful information

• Price: From 153 €.
• Where: Transfer to and from the hotel (at selected hotels).

It is possible to do these activities at other times of the year, but why do I recommend them for September? In this month, the heat of July and August is behind us and the temperatures are not yet so low. Thanks to the cooler weather, it's a good idea to take part in these activities without ending the day too exhausted.

What I recommend doing outdoors in Rome in September is hiking or excursions, such as going to Pompeii from Rome or going to Florence from Rome. There are many activities of this kind in the Italian capital that you can do with your family. You can enjoy incredible landscapes and get to know Rome in an original way.

Gay Village is one of the most important LGBT events in the Italian capital, organised since the beginning of the 21st century. Over the years it has become one of the main meeting points for Romans who are part of the gay community.

As the Gay Village is characterised by non-discrimination, foreign tourists are welcome. Entertainment, business and even political figures who support the LGBT community are invited to the event. The opportunity to attend when you visit Rome is in the first days of September.

The festival features many activities, the most common of which are dance and electronic music. There are also food and drink stalls in the Gay Village which add to the festive atmosphere.

Useful information

about the Gay Village

• Price: free admission.
• Where: Testaccio neighbourhood.

In Romaeuropa it has been held since the 1980s, its steady growth has made it one of the most important cultural festivals in the country. It starts around the second week of September and features performances of dance, music, theatre and avant-garde local and international cinema.

Due to the wide variety of events available at Romaeuropa, it is recommended for the whole family. If you go to Rome with children, they will be entertained by the musicals, choreographies and plays. There are also specific activities for children at this festival.

Useful information

about Romaeuropa

• Price: from €10.
• Where: Opificio Romaeuropa, Via dei Magazzini Generali.
• More info: on the Romaeuropa Festival website.

During these months, film festivals abound in Rome, one of the most prominent of which is the Arena Garbatella. The most renowned films are presented there during the first weeks of September. In addition to the screenings, theatrical plays and live music are often presented, but these are not very common.

The screen is open-air and surrounded by trees and houses that make for a pleasant environment. Tickets can be bought on site from 20:30 and there is a daily programme at around 21:15.

Useful info

about Arena Garbatella

• Price: from €6.
• Where: Arena di Garbatella, Piazza Benedetto Brin.
• More info: Arena Garbatella website.

In September, craft fairs are usually held in different streets of the Italian capital. These are perfect for you to buy some items to take home as souvenirs of your trip to Rome in September. If you look hard enough, you will be able to find wonderful paintings at great prices.

One of the streets where you can find these fairs is in Via Margutta, which is known for having modern art centres. In Via dell'Orso, exhibitions are also usually held in the last weeks of September. Via dell'Orso is located near Piazza Navona.

Useful information

about craft fairs

• Price: free admission.
• Where: different streets in Rome, the main ones being Via Margutta and Via dell'Orso.

Rome's Notte Bianca usually takes place at the end of September, when Romans opt for night-time activities. Throughout the night you can visit squares, where there are music, dance and cinema performances.

Shops, restaurants and other buildings in the city remain open on the Notte Bianca. Public transport offers discounts and runs until almost dawn. You are sure to find something to entertain you if you take part in Rome's Notte Bianca.

Useful information

about the Notte Bianca di Roma

• Price: free access to many street and square shows.
• Where: The Notte Bianca is celebrated all over the city.

One factor you need to take into account when planning all the things to do in Rome is the weather. As I mentioned before, Rome is cool in September, with the highest temperature being 26°C and dropping to as low as 18°C, not at all comparable to travelling to Rome in summer.

The weather is perfect for walking around the city without feeling too hot and humid or too cold. In September there are rainy days, ranging from 8 to 15 days. Daylight hours are approximately 10.8 hours.

Most of the foreigners who travel to Rome choose July and August, so by September the number of tourists has already decreased. Because of this, monuments and other widely visited places are not too crowded. Although there is still a possibility of queues, they are not too long.

I mentioned earlier that Romans return to work and school in September. Therefore, there are few people on the city streets at most times of the day.

One of the ways to make the most of your visit to Rome without any inconveniences is to prepare your suitcase properly. What I recommend you bring if you visit the Italian capital in September is:

• Blouses, mostly cool and some thicker ones.
• Shorts and long, comfortable trousers.
• Jumper in case it rains on any of the days you are in the city.
• Comfortable shoes to protect you from the heat and rain.
• Sunglasses and hat.
• Umbrella.
• Sunscreen and a bottle of water to take with you on your outings.
• A bag in which you can carry what you need when you go out and about in Rome.

Are you ready to go to Rome? The tips I have given you will help you to have fun and be prepared. I wish you a safe journey.