10 Things to Do in Rome in May

If you decide to visit Rome in May, consider yourself lucky, as it will be a trip to remember. From 1 May (Primo Maggio Concert) until the end of the month (Roma Summer Fest), there is a constant stream of exclusive events such as: Open House Roma, the 88th Rome Horse Race, Museum Night and the opening of the Garden Rose, amongst other events.

Furthermore, in May itself, and thanks to its unique features, you’ll be able to appreciate Rome’s many architectural wonders up close and in greater detail by purchasing tickets for St Peter’s Basilica, or by delving into the depths of the ancient Roman city through tours of the Roman Catacombs.

If you are a lover of classical music, you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a seat and feel the sounds come to life and the notes resonate within your senses. Enjoying an opera concert in Rome is a unique experience, simply magical.

Furthermore, the musical concerts at the Auditorium Conciliazione have a distinctive appeal in spring, particularly in March and May. So, if you’re travelling in May and you love opera and symphony orchestras, missing out on such an opportunity would be a real shame.

Let’s not kid ourselves, Rome in May is peak season, but unlike other months that are also very busy with tourists, in May the weather is stable and very mild, and even more so once the sun goes down. That’s why it’s a great time to enjoy the Italian capital by moonlight.

But why would I be interested in seeing Rome at night? You might ask. For one very specific reason. The main monuments of Rome are illuminated, giving the city a unique and beautiful appearance. I assure you it will seem like a completely different city to the one you’ve seen by day.

In this case, I recommend booking a night tour of Rome, as this way you’ll be accompanied by a guide and can learn more about the city’s history.

The Primo Maggio Concert is one of Rome’s most important events. It is a musical marathon where numerous Italian and international artists fill the air with incredible musical performances.

There will also be plenty of other cultural activities that make Piazza San Giovanni (the area where the concert will take place) shine brighter than ever.

The Piazza San Giovanni Concert has been organised by the three Italian trade unions since 1990. It is an event exclusive to the month of May, falling on the 1st of the month (hence its name); therefore, if you’re planning to visit in May, it’s well worth making the effort to be there.

Information about the concert

The ‘Concertone del Primo di Maggio’ is a free concert that usually starts around 2 pm and ends at midnight. As an extra detail, each artist typically performs two or three songs before making way for the next guest.

It’s a good idea to arrive at the square as early as possible, as this is an event exclusive to the Italian capital, and it’s not uncommon to see the square packed with tourists and Italians before the concert even begins.

Traveller’s tip

Bear in mind that this is a very busy day in Rome, as many shops will be closed and the streets will be livelier and more festive than on almost any other day of the year.

May is a special month to visit Rome’s catacombs, as the good weather makes exploring the damp passageways that wind through the bowels of the ancient city a much more pleasant experience.

The same applies to the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll be able to appreciate this marvel with greater clarity and comfort.

May in Rome is undoubtedly the best month to enjoy pleasant weather and an atmosphere that blends springtime beauty with the first hints of summer. For this reason, it has almost become a cultural norm to see both tourists and Italians cycling around, taking in the beautiful scenery.

You can go for a bike ride in the morning and enjoy the beautiful Roman squares or even the ancient streets steeped in history in natural light. In this case, it might also be worth booking a bike tour of Rome so you can be accompanied by a guide who will show you the best routes and places.

If you love art and travel frequently, you may have heard of this event, as it is also held in other European countries. In the case of the Italian capital, this event takes place in mid-May, when most museums open their doors free of charge from 8pm.

Who knows? You might even get the chance to see the statue of Apollo and Daphne in person, or perhaps admire the artistic beauty of Caravaggio’s paintings. If you love art, May should be your favourite month for getting up close to some of the most iconic paintings, sculptures and monuments in human history . Don’t miss this event!

Don’t miss this exclusive and unique event in Rome, as it’s a day when public and private buildings—some of which are usually off-limits to most tourists— open their doors for free guided tours.

This event takes place on either the first or second weekend of May, offering access to various cultural and historical buildings, ranging from ancient to neoclassical. Whether you’re an architecture lover or not, I have no doubt that you’ll look back on every detail with fondness.

To enjoy these benefits, you must book via the official Rome Open House website.

What better way to bid farewell to May than with the Roma Summer Fest. This is a unique event with which we’ll close the chapter on May and look forward with ever-greater clarity to the arrival of summer. This event takes place at the Parco della Musica Auditorium, not far from Piazza del Popolo, and is easily accessible by bus or tram.

The programme mainly features rock music, but also includes the latest in jazz and international music. It’s also worth noting that just before the Roma Summer Fest – that is, just before the final days of May – you’ll be able to find out exactly what’s on, including the names of the artists performing.

The historic horse race is a true Roman tradition. If you’re a horse racing fan and you’re in Rome at the end of May, you shouldn’t miss this incredible annual event, as an unrivalled atmosphere is expected in Piazza di Siena.

If watching the horse races from a distance already makes quite an impression, imagine what it’s like to see those powerful horses in person, enjoy the spectacle in real time, and hear every gallop they make in the heart of the Roman capital.

You can check the programme on the event’s official website.

If you decide to go in May, bear in mind that you’ll see a very green and beautiful Rome. What’s more, you’ll be able to treat yourself to a visit to the Rose Garden every day, completely free of charge. Not only that, but officially by mid-May all of Rome’s gardens will be ready to welcome tourists.

Rome has a very unique way of enjoying spring in full bloom, and it does so by opening the Rose Garden, an unprecedented experience where you’ll be able to witness countless flowers and scents with your eyes and nose. It is undoubtedly a magical place with a unique atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your stay in the Roman capital.

The weather in May in the Italian capital is usually quite pleasant and welcoming; indeed, it is undoubtedly one of the best months to enjoy this magnificent city and all it has to offer. You’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant climate that allows you to take part in almost any activity, from the most sedentary to the most dynamic, without fear that the weather might spoil your plans.

When it comes to clothing, it’s best to bring a bit of everything, as there will be days with a summery feel and others that are cooler. Although rain is rare in May, it shouldn’t be ruled out entirely. That said, to plan more effectively, I recommend checking some of the official weather websites so you’re not caught out.

Rome’s cuisine in May takes on a special flavour, standing out like never before. The fine weather and bountiful harvests make the culinary diversity in the Roman capital a real highlight. Moreover, we mustn’t forget that the love of good food originated in the ancient city of Rome. Among the dishes most commonly served in Rome in May are:

• The Artichoke Festival
• The Sagra del Pesce
• Spring cake
• Jam tart
• Bruschetta
• Potato croquettes

If your mouth is already watering, here’s an article on the best places to eat in Rome.

What makes this time of year in Rome special is that it usually combines elements of both summer and spring; this means there aren’t as many tourists as there might be in summer or during other specific festive periods of the year. This is a real treat for those who want to enjoy this historic city without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s more, as tourist numbers aren’t quite so high this month, you can find interesting exclusive deals and price drops that’ll let you treat yourself to a few special moments to remember.

If I had to decide the best time to visit Rome, May would be one of my choices. Indeed, May is undoubtedly one of the most appealing months to explore every corner of this beautiful city. The weather in Rome in May is quite pleasant, with several days offering ideal temperatures. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit squares, fountains and other public areas with greater freedom thanks to the lower number of tourists.

And best of all, May is actually one of the most unique months for Rome, so you can sign up for a host of exclusive May events and enjoy incredible activities of all kinds.