Top 10 Things To Do In Rome In October For An Unforgettable Experience

Visit the stunning Colosseum with family, among popular things to do in Rome in October.

Imagine strolling through the stunning cobblestone streets of Rome with the aromas of traditional Roman cuisine from every corner. October is a great time to visit this marvellous city. You must explore the things to do in Rome in October for a great vacation with your loved ones. Whether your holiday dreams are of sipping espresso at a charming café or listening to the sounds of street musicians filling the air, this city will not disappoint you. This is a timeless journey through history, art, culture, and beauty with so much to offer every visitor.

Top 10 Things To Do In Rome In October

It’s time to find out what to do in Rome in October for an amazing vacation. Check out this guide for complete details!

1. Explore The Iconic Colosseum

Visit the stunning Colosseum with family, among popular things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons

The Colosseum is the icon of ancient Rome and is popularly known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. This is also the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. You can visit and explore its underground chambers, Arena floor, and upper levels, offering panoramic views of the beautiful city. It can hold more than 50,000 spectators. This place has hosted gladiator battles, Mock sea fights, and public events. You can visit early morning or late afternoon to have a peaceful experience. A guided tour or night tour is a great way to appreciate the rich history and hidden stories of this place.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

2. Attend The Festa della Zucca (Pumpkin Festival)

Visit the famous Pumpkin festival, among popular things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: Llez / Wikimedia Commons

This is a popular local celebration with a variety of pumpkin-related activities. There are pumpkin contests where people showcase their pumpkins with awards for the largest, strongest, and thickest pumpkins. There are various beautifully decorated pumpkins at the festival. You can also relish local dishes prominently featuring pumpkins and other winter vegetables. Pumpkin carving is also an attraction where you can visit and learn techniques. There are many pumpkin-related products and food stalls to buy products of your interest. The festivals are lively, with music and entertainment as the highlights. The pumpkin harvest is also celebrated at the event.

Address: Castelnuovo di Porto, Rome
Distance From The Airport: 28 km

3. Admire The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Plan a trip to the Vatican museums, among popular things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: U.S. Department of State / Wikimedia Commons

The Vatican Museums feature rich art collections popular all across the globe. There are ancient Roman artefacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern works. There are interesting artistic halls, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael rooms, and the Egyptian Museum. The Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s legendary fresco, is a great attraction for visitors from all across the globe. It is popular because of the masterpieces like the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets or take an early morning guided tour to have a peaceful exploration. The museum is closed on Sundays.

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City.
Distance From The Airport: 28 km

4. Explore The Roman Forum

Plan a trip to the Roman Forum, among the popular things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: BeBo86 / Wikimedia Commons

The Roman Forum is a great attraction for tourists to explore the ruins of temples, basilicas, and arches, including the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, and House of the Vestal Virgins. It was popular as the commercial Centre of ancient Rome for a long period. This was also a prominent political and religious place earlier. The tourists climb to Palatine Hill, believed to be the place where Romulus founded Rome. You can have a great experience by downloading an audio guide that provides great details about the ruins.

Address: Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

5. Attend The Roma Jazz Festival

A day out with family at the Rome Jazz Festival as a part of a trip to Rome in October.

Photo: ScubaBeer / Wikimedia Commons

The Roma Jazz Festival is a yearly celebration of jazz music in Rome, Italy. The festival celebrates various international and Italian Jazz artists across several iconic venues. There are different themes exploring the evolving nature of Jazz, focusing on its fusion with different cultures and styles. Several prominent artists with exceptional talent perform at the festival, such as Lakecia Benjamin, Pat Metheny, and Bill Evans. It is a great attraction for jazz music enthusiasts visiting Rome in October. This is a unique opportunity to experience world-class performances in a beautiful city.

Address: Various venues including Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

6. Throw A Coin At The Trevi Fountain

Visit the popular Trevi fountain, among popular things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons

The Trevi fountain is popular in the world as a masterpiece of baroque art. It is 26 m high and 49 m wide and was completed in the year 1762. As per popular legend, visitors are supposed to toss a coin over their left shoulder with their right hand, ensuring their return to Rome. This way, more than €3000 is collected every day and is donated to charity. The fountain is beautifully lit after sunset. It is a great spot to take memorable photographs with your loved ones. You can visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

7. Admire The Performances At Roma Europa Festival

The vibrant Roma Europa Festival in Rome is a great spot to go to in October with family.

Photo: tato grasso / Wikimedia Commons

This festival is popular as the celebration of contemporary arts with dance, theatre, music, and visual arts. It was started in 1986 and is a popular cultural event in Rome. It attracts artists and viewers from all across the world. This annual celebration features many international dance performances with exceptional works like Mycelium by Christos Papadopoulos and Biped by Merce Cunningham. There are special musical tributes and film screenings as well. Great plays and performances inclined towards contemporary themes are an attraction. Multiple venues throughout Rome host this festival.

Address: Various venues, including Teatro India and Teatro Vascello, Rome
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

8. Dine At A cafe Near Piazza Navona

The serene atmosphere of the Piazza Navona is what you can explore in Rome in October.

Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons

This is the elegant Baroque Square of Rome where you can admire the fountain of the four rivers, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. These four rivers include the Nile, Ganges, the Danube, and Rio De La Plata. It is a great place to enjoy the outdoor cafes where you can have an espresso or spritz as per your preference. The street artists and performers, including painters, musicians, and mime artists, make it an exceptional experience, especially during afternoons and evenings. You can also visit the Sant’Agnese in Agone Church, right opposite the fountain.

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Distance From The Airport: 30 km

9. Participate In La Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Festival)

Check out the Chestnut festival, among popular things to do in Rome in October this year.

Photo: Frameofashik / Wikimedia Commons

This festival is another annual event celebrated in Rome and nearby areas. It is celebrated to honour the rich chestnut harvesting traditions of the region. There is a vibrant procession where you can observe the food stalls, artisans, and musical performances all across the room. There are various traditional dishes to try. It includes pasta, roasted chestnuts, and desserts. The festival atmosphere attracts visitors to the festival, where they can attend a delightful immersion into the local culture. It celebrates gastronomy and traditions hand in hand, making your travel plans exceptional.

Address: Monti della Laga, Lazio
Distance From The Airport: 90 km

10. Attend The Notte Bianca (White Night Festival)

Attending the stunning White Night Festival is among the things to do in Rome in October.

Photo: Fotofelix59 / Wikimedia Commons

This is a great event with a mix of cultural activities, performances, and entertainment where the city comes alive throughout the night. The city uniquely celebrates vibrant culture and art. The dynamic and festive atmosphere makes it a popular event to experience. There is a mix of music, art, sports, cinema, literature, and gastronomy in this festival. You can shop your heart out and visit the festival with your family. There are special activities for children to explore. There are several accommodation options near the festival that you can book in advance. The events begin in the evening and continue till dawn.

Address: Various locations in central Rome
Distance From The Airport: 28 km

Now that you have checked out the things to do in Rome in October, you are all set to explore this iconic cultural hub of Italy. It is known for its great history and timeless secrets that you can uncover one at a time. Here, every turn unveils a piece of history, and you must grab the golden opportunity to listen to it. The affable welcome by the locals makes it a magical place to explore. Do not miss this gem of a destination, and schedule your trip with TripXL today!

Cover Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and the city looks beautiful in autumn light. You can visit for a peaceful exploration with your family and friends in October.
Yes, Rome hosts several notable festivals in October. The Rome Film Fest runs from October 18–29, 2025, showcasing international cinema at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Also, the Marino Wine Festival occurs on the first Sunday of October.
Yes, the Vatican is open in October, and it’s a great time to visit with fewer crowds. You can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and even attend the Papal Audience.
Yes, guided tours are worth it in Rome during October. The cooler weather makes walking tours pleasant, and guides bring history to life at every site.
Great souvenirs to buy in Rome include handmade leather goods, Vatican mementoes, and locally made pasta or limoncello. Don’t miss artisanal jewellery, Roman coins, and traditional Italian ceramics for unique keepsakes.

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