10 Things to Do in Rome in May

If you decide to visit Rome in May, consider yourself lucky —it will be a trip to remember. From May 1 (Primo Maggio Concert) through the end of the month (Roma Summer Fest), there’s a nonstop stream of exclusive events, including: Open House Roma, the 88th Rome Horse Race, Museum Night, and the opening of the Rose Garden, among other highlights.

Additionally, in the month of May, 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 to St. Peter’s Basilica, or by immersing yourself in the depths of ancient Rome through tours of the Roman Catacombs.

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

Additionally, the musical concerts at the Auditorium Conciliazione have a distinctive appeal in the spring, especially during the months of March and May. Therefore, if you’re traveling 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 packed with tourists, in May the weather is stable and very mild, especially after sunset. That’s why it’s a great time to enjoy the Italian capital under the moonlight.

“But why would I want to see Rome at night?” you might ask. For a very specific reason. Rome’s main monuments are illuminated, giving the city a unique and beautiful look. I assure you it will seem like a completely different city from the one you’ve seen during the 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 May Day Concert is one of Rome’s most important events. It’s 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 (where the concert takes place) shine brighter than ever.

The Piazza San Giovanni Concert has been organized by the three major Italian labor unions since 1990. It’s an exclusive May event, held on the 1st of the month (hence its name); so, if you’re planning to visit in May, it’s definitely worth making the effort to attend.

Information about the concert

The “Concertone del Primo de Maggio” is a free concert that usually starts around 2:00 PM and ends at midnight. Additionally, as a bonus, each artist typically performs 2 to 3 songs before making way for the next guest.

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

Traveler’s tip

Keep in mind that this is a very busy day in Rome, as many businesses 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 pleasant weather makes exploring the damp corridors that wind through the bowels of the ancient city a much more enjoyable 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’s almost a cultural tradition to see both tourists and Italians cycling around, enjoying 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 interesting to book a bike tour of Rome so you can ride with a guide who will show you the best routes and spots.

If you love art and travel frequently, you may have heard of this event, as it also takes place in other European countries. In Rome, this event occurs in mid-May, when most museums open their doors for free starting at 8 PM.

Who knows? You might get the chance to see the statue of Apollo and Daphne in person or even admire the artistic beauty of Caravaggio’s paintings. If you love art, May should be your favorite month to get 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 even 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 you’ll look back on every detail with fondness.

To enjoy these benefits, you must make reservations through 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 that will close out the month of May, allowing us to glimpse the arrival of summer with ever-greater clarity. The event takes place at the Parco della Musica Auditorium, not far from Piazza del Popolo, and is easily accessible by bus or tram.

The lineup features mostly rock music, but also includes the latest in jazz and international music. Also, 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 the schedule, 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 unparalleled 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 show in real time, and hear every gallop they make in the heart of the Roman capital.

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

If you decide to go in May, keep 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—and 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 inaugurating the opening of the Rose Garden—an unprecedented experience where you’ll be able to witness countless flowers and scents with your eyes and nose. It’s undoubtedly a magical place with a singular 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; in fact, 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 on almost any activity, from the most sedentary to the most dynamic, without fear that the weather might get in the way.

As for clothing, it’s best to pack a little of everything, since there will be days with a summery feel and other cooler days. While rain is rare during this month, it shouldn’t be ruled out entirely. That said, for more accurate planning, I recommend checking some of the official weather websites so you aren’t caught off guard.

Rome’s cuisine in May takes on a special flavor, standing out like never before. The good weather and bountiful harvests make the culinary diversity in the Roman capital a notable feature. Plus, let’s not forget that the love of good food was born in ancient 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 often combines both summer and spring-like qualities, which means there aren’t as many tourists as there might be in summer or during other specific holiday periods. This detail is a real treat for those who want to enjoy this historic city without feeling overwhelmed.

Plus, since tourist traffic isn’t as intense this month, you can find interesting exclusive deals and price drops that’ll let you indulge in a few treats and splurges to remember.

If I had to decide the best time to visit Rome, May would be one of my top 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, allowing you to enjoy several days with ideal temperatures. Plus, you’ll be able to visit squares, fountains, and other public areas with greater freedom thanks to the smaller crowds.

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