The best day trips from Rome for 2025

Best for: History buffs and cultural heritage lovers looking for an easy day trip from Rome

The elegant gardens and villas of Tivoli are a wonderful escape from Rome and will delight art history buffs and nature lovers. Tivoli can be reached by train in under an hour from central Rome and has two noteworthy villas that are UNESCO World Heritage sites; Villa d'Este, with its mesmerising fountains and terraced Renaissance gardens and Villa Adriana, is a large Roman archaeological complex constructed by Emperor Hadrian.

Get there: A 50-minute bus from Rome Tiburtina to Tivoli Piazza Garibaldi

Stay here: Residenza Carlandi Tivoli is right in the centre, and a short (scenic) walk from Villa d'Este

Don’t miss: Admire the splendid Teatro Marittimo, an island within Villa Adriana that has become a symbol of the ancient archaeological site

Best for: Foodies, families and anyone who appreciates small town life

Orvieto, a hilltop jewel that lies north of Rome in the Umbria region, is replete with small-town charm and makes for a perfect change of scenery from the bustle of the Eternal City. Orvieto boasts numerous artistic and cultural sights, in addition to delightful cafes and restaurants, for a relaxing day trip or weekend away in the countryside. Begin your tour marvelling at the Duomo di Orvieto, peek at the frescoes inside the San Brizio Chapel, shop for handmade olive-wood souvenirs and settle in for a traditional lunch of fresh pasta and cured meats. 

Get there: A train from Roma Termini to Orvieto for one hour 15 minutes

Stay here: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini belonged to the Papal family of the same name. It has comfortable rooms with plenty of historic touches

Don’t miss: At sunset, climb up the Torre del Moro bell tower for a wonderful 360-degree view of the city and the painterly landscape in the distance

Best for: travellers skipping Pompeii on this trip – this is a great alternative)

The Archeological Park of Ostia Antica is a wonderful site for a day trip from Rome and is on par with Pompeii for artistic and cultural value. Located at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome and dates to the fourth century BC. With an ancient theatre, public bath structures, a Christian Basilica, a Jewish synagogue and dozens of temples dedicated to the Persian god Mithra, Ostia Antica provides a gorgeous glimpse into the lives of the ancient ruins and will fascinate historians and anyone interested in Ancient Rome. 

Stay here: Ostia Antica is a better day trip than an overnight visit from Rome, but to make a lengthier stay, book in at the Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare Hotel at nearby Ostia Beach and soak in some sunshine on the beach the next day

Get there: A 32-minute train from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Aeroporto, followed by a 19 minute bus to Romagnoli/Calza

Don’t miss: The chance to catch a show at the Roman Teatro during the summer: from electronic music to theatrical performances, the ancient stage comes alive for spectators 2,000 years after it was first built, a truly unique experience

Best for: Art lovers who want to check out some of Italy’s most legendary museums

You can’t miss a visit to Florence while in Italy, and this incredible city is only an hour and a half train ride from Rome. The capital of the Renaissance is filled to the brim with art and history: it is an outdoor museum that is best explored on foot, admiring its incredible architecture like the Loggia dei Lanzi and Florence Cathedral. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, pop into the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and wander over to the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the Arno River to experience a quieter, more local side of this bustling city. 

Get there: A train from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M.N. for one hour 46 minutes

Stay here: With a panoramic loggia that gives a view of the city skyline, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is a hotel that packs excellent value in the heart of Florence. Another great bet is the boutique hotel Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1, with its little terrace overlooking the Arno River

Don’t miss: Piazzale Michelangelo has one of the best views of Florence at sunset and makes for a perfect end to a day full of beautiful sights

Best for: Pizza lovers and travelers who don’t mind a little grit and chaos

Previously people would pass through this seaside metropolis on their way to Pompeii, but now? Naples is having its moment. Replete with splendid architectural gems like the Cappella Sansevero and Castel dell-Ovo, vibrant street life and some of Italy’s most celebrated cuisine, Naples satisfies both body and soul. Start by wandering through Spaccanapoli and the winding streets of the Decumani before enjoying a Margherita at one of the many pizzerias along Via dei Tribunali, then make your way to the central Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront to take in views of Mount Vesuvius from across the Bay of Naples.

Get there: A train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale for one hour 18 minutes

Stay here: Book a room at the Palazzo Caracciolo near the Naples Central Station with its impressive 15th-century inner courtyard

Don’t miss: Naples has a long tradition of making elaborate nativity scenes and figurines, which you can discover along Via San Gregorio Armeno in the historic centre

Best for: Lakeside views, local life and papal lore

Just south of Rome, perched on the edge of a volcanic lake, Castel Gandolfo is best known as the Pope’s summer escape — but it’s a perfect getaway for anyone looking to swap city crowds for lake views. The Apostolic Palace is worth a visit for its grand interiors and beautifully manicured gardens, offering a peek into papal life outside the Vatican. After exploring, grab a table at Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli, a historic spot serving great food with unbeatable lake views. Then, take a slow stroll through the town’s quiet streets, pop into local shops, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Get there: A 45-minute train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo

Stay here: Hotel Castel Vecchio, a 4-star hotel set in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building, has beautiful views of the lake and historical flair

Don’t miss: Head to the Belvedere della Spiaggia for an excellent view over the city

Best for: Escaping the summer heat of Rome – Santa Marinella’s season runs from late May to September

When Rome’s summer heat gets unbearable, I head to Santa Marinella for a quick seaside escape. Just an hour by train, this little coastal town has some of the clearest water near Rome and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a day of doing nothing. Rent a sunbed, take a dip, and when hunger strikes, grab a plate of seafood pasta at Ristorante La Sirenetta or a quick bite at Gigi Bar. If you’re in the mood for something fancier, Molo 21 has a terrace right over the water: it has fresh food, great views and a nice sea breeze.

Get there: A 54-minute train from Roma Termini to S. Marinella

Stay here: A charming Liberty-style villa right on the sea, Hotel Villa delle Palme has a private sunbathing terrace for guests, rooms with coastal views and an excellent restaurant.