4 must-see cities near Rome and the best things to do in each

You could easily spend an entire trip to Italy just exploring the city of Rome, which is brimming with ancient ruins, classical artwork and historical neighborhoods. But why limit yourself to the Eternal City when Italy has so much to offer? Here, we recommend 4 cities that you can easily add to your itinerary for day trips or weekend trips from Rome.

Best for: UNESCO World Heritage sites and gardens

When ancient Roman elites needed a break from the bustle of city living, they would escape to nearby Tivoli, 19 miles east of the capital city. Today, Tivoli remains a picturesque town on the slopes of the Sabine Hills and a favorite summer vacation spot for visitors looking to escape the urban jungle of Rome for a bit.

Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Take a walk amidst the sprawling ruins of Villa Adriana, built in A.D. 120 by Emperor Hadrian as a retreat for when he got tired of his official palace on Palatine Hill. The Villa d’Este is a lovely 16th century complex known for its extensive and intricate fountain network within its terraced gardens–the villa itself has been well restored and is full of artistic treasures.

Also of note is the Parco Villa Gregoriana with its arched bridge and views of waterfalls cascading down Aniene Gorge. Most of these sites are within walking distance of the Old Town area, and a shuttle bus regularly services Villa Adriana at the foot of the hill.

The fastest way to get to Tivoli from Rome is by car–it takes about half an hour, though traffic can double that time. There are frequent and cheap Cotral bus and train services that take around an hour from Roma Tiburtina. Many tours offer a half-day option to explore Tivoli’s main sights, but we think a full day will let you truly experience the relaxing nature of this town.

Best for: Roman ruins

Located 19 miles southwest of the capital, Ostia Antica was once the main thriving harbor for ancient Rome, though political upheaval, disease and natural disasters resulted in the town being abandoned. Over time, sedimentation both pushed the port further inland and preserved its structures, and today it’s a giant archaeological site where you can see the excavated remains of this everyday port town.

The Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica is the main draw here–highlights include the Forum main square with the remains of the Capitolium temple, the excavated outdoor theater which is still in use today and the baths of Neptune with its black and white floor frescoes. Nearby, the Castello di Giulio II with its round tower is an impressive example of Renaissance military architecture. During the summer, combine this historical exploration with some time frolicking at Rome’s closest beach, Lido di Ostia.

This underrated town is much less crowded and easier to get to from Rome compared to Pompeii, which is four hours away and much more popular. It takes about half an hour to drive from Rome to Ostia Antica. Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute ride by metro to Piramide Station in Ostiense and a transfer to Porta San Paolo train station for a 30-minute journey to Ostia Antica. A half-day guided tour would be the best way to appreciate the stories behind the ruins in Ostia Antica.

Best for: Castle and lake views

Leave the cobblestone streets of Rome behind for Bracciano, located about 19 miles north of the city. Bracciano is a popular day trip from Rome, especially during the summer when the temperatures rise as it sits atop a hill on the southwest end of Lake Bracciano, the eighth largest lake in Italy.

You can’t miss the impressive medieval Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano–if the name rings a bell, this was where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married back in 2007. The castle is well-preserved and offers fantastic views of the lake and surrounding area. The terrace at Il Bastione della Sentinella also offers some incredible views. Bracciano’s historic center is nice for a wander in between swims.

The volcanic lake is a steep 15-minute hike downslope from the town center and has several beaches which are perfect for lounging around. Besides taking a dip in the lake, you can also do some water sports–rent a paddle boat or SUP board to enjoy your time on the water. In summer, there’s a ferry service that connects Bracciano to the two other villages around the lake–Trevignano Romano on the north shore and Anguillara Sabazia on the southeastern end.

Bracciano is about 45 mins by car or bus from Rome–take the Cotral bus from Cipro. By train it takes about an hour to get to Bracciano from Ostiense. Bracciano is perfect for a weekend trip if you want to relax away from the city, but a full-day tour is enough to cover the town and other nearby highlights like the Cerveteri Necropolis and Civitavecchia Port.

Best for: Wine and villas

Take a trip 22 miles southeast of the city to Frascati, a famous wine town in the Alban Hills. Frascati wine is typically a light, dry white wine–take a tour of the Minardi Frascati Winery and vineyards to learn how they produce this signature wine and indulge in a drink or two.

The town is also famous for its villas, status symbols of Rome’s aristocrats in the 16th and 17th century. Admire the detailed frescoes and landscaped park of Villa Falconieri, currently home to a school teaching classical languages. Take a step back in time by strolling through the sprawling Baroque gardens of the Villa Aldobrandini.

Frascati is one of the 13 towns in the Alban Hills that make up the Castelli Romani, towns that were established before the Romans existed. Other popular sights here include Castel Gandolfo, the summer home of the pope, overlooking the crater Lake Albano and Nemi, another crater lake famous for its strawberries.

Frascati is just 30 minutes away from Rome by car or train, making it a very convenient day trip from Rome. Trains leave every hour from Roma Termini to Frascati, making it the most convenient base if you plan to spend the weekend enjoying the wine and sights around the Castelli Romani.

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