You could spend a week in Rome and not even scratch the surface in terms of exploring its rich culture, history and cuisine, but there is also plenty to discover beyond the bustle of the Eternal City. In less than an hour, you can leave the teeming Roman streets behind to wander tranquil medieval villages, sip wine in sun-dappled vineyards or lounge on sandy beaches. This guide highlights the best day trips from Rome, offering options that cater to nature lovers, families, history buffs and serenity seekers.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and free things to do, and how to spend a weekend in Rome.
Find a day trip by type:
History
Culture
Nature
History
Tivoli
Tivoli boasts two Unesco World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este, known for its Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, once home to the 2nd-century Roman Emperor. Offering dramatic waterfalls and grottoes alongside ancient ruins, Villa Gregoriana is also a must-visit.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2ijckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4ijckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeWebsite: visittivoli.it/enArea: TivoliHow to get there: Take the train from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli, then buses to various sites (about 90 minutes in total). A direct bus run by Cotral is another option.
Villa d’Este is known for its Renaissance gardens and fountainsArchaeological Park of Ostia Antica
This expansive archaeological site was the Eternal City’s main seaport during the Roman Republic. The Decumanus Maximus (main street) is still lined with traces of houses and shops – the legacy of a once-vibrant town.
Website: ostiaantica.beniculturali.it/en Area: Ostia AnticaHow to get there: Take the Metro line B to Piramide, then the Roma Lido commuter train to Ostia Antica. The park is a short walk away.
The ruins of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica - Alberto MasnovoViterbo
Once an Etruscan stronghold, this walled city north of Rome has a well-preserved historic centre that has remained seemingly unchanged throughout the centuries. Stroll through stone alleyways, go for a soak in the hot springs and learn more about why this was once a favourite papal hideaway.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2krckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4krckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeWebsite: comune.viterbo.itArea: ViterboHow to get there: There is a direct train from Ostiense or Roma Trastevere (1 hour, 45 minutes). If driving, take Autostrada A1 north to the Orte exit (90 minutes).
Viterbo’s well-preserved historic centre - Photo Beto/Getty ImagesCerveteri
A symbol of ancient Etruscan culture, Cerveteri is home to one of Italy’s most important necropolises (a Unesco World Heritage Site). A visit to this town just up the coast from Rome offers a unique glimpse into how the pre-Romans lived, in a peaceful, natural setting.
Website: visitlazio.com/en/cerveteriArea: CerveteriHow to get there: Cerveteri can be reached by train (heading to Ladispoli), then local bus, in about an hour.
Return to index
Culture
Naples
Thanks to the fast train, loud, colourful Naples is seemingly just down the road. With its rich history, vibrant street life and unbeatable cuisine (need we mention the pizza?) this southern port city is a destination in its own right but is also a jumping-off point for popular sites like Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2nbckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4nbckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeWebsite: visitnaples.eu/enArea: NaplesHow to get there: Hop on the fast train from Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina. The journey takes about an hour.
The colourful coastal city of Naples - Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Moment RFSanta Marinella
The former Etruscan port of Santa Marinella today is a laid-back seaside town and popular day trip from Rome. When not sunning themselves on the crescent-shaped beach, visitors can enjoy touring the nearby castle, exploring the archaeological sites and strolling the bustling promenade with its waterfront cafes.
Website: visitsantamarinella.itArea: Santa MarinellaHow to get there: There is a direct train from multiple stations in Rome. The journey takes less than an hour.
Orvieto
Perched atop a tuff cliff, this gorgeous town in Umbria is known for its showstopping Gothic cathedral, centuries-old buildings and a maze of Etruscan-era underground caves. After exploring this striking hill town, settle in at a café in one of the quaint piazzas to enjoy a glass of the area’s famous straw-hued Orvieto Classico white wine.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2pbckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4pbckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeWebsite: umbriatourism.it/orvietoArea: Orvieto How to get there: Orvieto is easily reachable from Rome by train in a little over an hour.
Orvieto streets are lined with centuries-old buildings - Alexander Spatari/Moment RFReturn to index
Nature
Castelli Romani
Visit this clutch of 17 charming towns for cooler climates in summer, along with scenic lakes, historic villas and wonderful cuisine. Head to Frascati for wine tasting or Castel Gandolfo, where popes go to relax. Meanwhile, Nemi is known for the lake of the same name and its luscious strawberries.
Website: visitcastelliromani.itArea: South of RomeHow to get there: Most towns can be reached by train, bus or car in less than an hour.
Nemi, one of the villages in Castelli Romani, is known for strawberries - yang haoGaeta
This seaside gem between Rome and Naples is known as the “city of 100 churches”, though visitors also flock here for the beaches, dramatic scenery and the montagna spaccata (a mountain split in half with a path leading down to the sea). The charming historic centre and local stuffed pizza make it a popular stop on the coast.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_2s3ckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4s3ckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeWebsite: visitgaeta.info Area: GaetaHow to get there: Gaeta is about two hours from Rome via train or car.
Gaeta’s beaches make it a popular stop on the coast - Panther Media Global /Alamy Stock PhotoLake Bracciano
Just north-west of Rome, Lake Bracciano is a large volcanic lake surrounded by three charming medieval towns. Known for pristine waters, it is a popular destination for swimming, sailing or even scuba diving. There is plenty of history (including a majestic castle) and authentic Italian charm to be enjoyed here, too.
Website: visitlazio.com/en/lake-braccianoArea: Towns of Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano. How to get there: Direct trains from Roma San Pietro station to Bracciano take about an hour.
Return to index
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Rebecca Winke
My first visit to Rome was a coup de foudre, and my affection for the Eternal City has only grown over 25 years of living in Italy. I’ve mastered the art of navigating the city’s sampietrini cobblestones in heels but have yet to come away from a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with an unsullied blouse.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
