Top 10 Places To Visit Near Rome For Short Scenic Trips

Find more to explore beyond the capital, and the most rewarding experiences often lie just outside its borders. The places to visit near Rome offer a rich mix of ancient ruins, peaceful lakes, charming towns, and hidden medieval streets. Whether you want to admire Renaissance villas, taste local wines, or wander through ancient pathways, these destinations are perfect for a short escape. Most of them can be reached in under two hours, making them ideal for day trips that combine convenience with history, beauty, and a change of pace.

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10 Best Places To Visit Near Rome

Here are ten unique and unforgettable places to visit near Rome, each offering a fresh perspective of central Italy within just a few hours of travel.

1. Tivoli

Tivoli with multiple staircases lush green trees and Italian architecture places to visit near Rome.

Photo: Duc Tinh Ngo / Pexels

Tivoli is one of the most captivating places to visit near Rome, known for its grand villas and lush gardens. Villa d’Este enchants with elaborate fountains, while Villa Adriana reveals the vast scale of Roman imperial luxury. The compact old town offers trattorias, handmade lace, and olive oil shops. Trails at Villa Gregoriana wind through forests, waterfalls, and ruins. Set among olive groves and cypress trees, Tivoli is easily reached by train from Rome and makes a perfect day trip.

Distance From Rome: 34.2 km
Timings: 8:45 AM – 7:45 PM (Villa d’Este) & 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Villa Adriana)
Cost: €18 / ₹1800
Major Attractions: Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana, Villa Gregoriana, Renaissance fountains

2. Orvieto

Orvieto with unique long trees, traditional Italian architectural buildings and a distant clock tower.

Photo: Marián Moravčík / Pexels

Orvieto is one of the most striking places to see near Rome, rising above the Umbrian countryside on a dramatic volcanic tuff cliff. Beneath the surface lies a maze of Etruscan tunnels and the spiral St. Patrick’s Well. The Duomo, with golden mosaics and Signorelli’s powerful frescoes, anchors the town. Wander narrow lanes, sip Orvieto Classico, and admire valley views. Easily reached by train and funicular, Orvieto blends ancient history and quiet charm in a perfect day trip.

Distance From Rome: 121 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM (Duomo) & 10 AM – 5:15 PM (Underground tour)
Cost: €5 / ₹500 (Duomo) & €7 / ₹700 (Underground tour)
Major Attractions: Orvieto Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Well, Etruscan caves, medieval streets

3. Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo with tall green trees vibrant observatory and Italian buildings places to visit near Rome.

Photo: H. Raab (User:Vesta) / Wikimedia Commons

Castel Gandolfo is one of the most peaceful places to visit near Rome, perched above Lake Albano with views that have drawn popes and nobles for centuries. Its elegant centre features a Bernini-designed piazza, pastel buildings, and cosy cafés. The former Papal Palace now welcomes visitors, along with the vast Barberini Gardens. Down by the lake, you can rent pedalos or enjoy fresh seafood. Just a short train and bus ride from Rome, it’s a serene escape into history and nature.

Distance From Rome: 29 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: €11 / ₹1100
Major Attractions: Lake Albano, Papal Summer Residence, Barberini Gardens

4. Civita Di Bagnoregio

People walking up the hill on a long pedestrian bridge leading to Civita di Bagnoregio.

Photo: Luigi Cataldi / Pexels

Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places to visit near Rome, perched on a crumbling cliff and reachable only by footbridge. Its isolation preserves an ancient charm—no cars, just cobbled lanes, wildflowers, and sweeping views over the Valle dei Calanchi. Founded over 2,500 years ago, the village is alive with artisan shops, cafés, and quiet piazzas. Artists come for solitude, and visitors for history, geology, and rustic meals. Trains to Orvieto or Viterbo connect to local buses or taxis.

Distance From Rome: 125 km
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Cost: €5 / ₹500
Major Attractions: Cliffside village, footbridge walk, panoramic views, medieval architecture

5. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica with ancient architecture broken walls pillars and unique tree places to visit near Rome.

Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen (User:Jastrow) / Wikimedia Commons

Ostia Antica is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Rome, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman daily life. Once a thriving port city, its ruins include bathhouses, bakeries, apartment blocks, and a still-functioning amphitheatre. Highlights like marble-seated latrines and frescoed taverns bring the past to life without the crowds of Pompeii. Surrounded by greenery, the site is peaceful and easy to explore. Reach it via the Roma-Lido train from Piramide station, followed by a short walk.

Distance From Rome: 24.9 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Cost: €12 /₹1200
Major Attractions: Ancient Roman theatre, baths, mosaics, Forum

6. Bracciano

Castel Orsini Odescalchi in Bracciano with traditional Roman architecture and a distant lake.

Photo: Giosbriff / Wikimedia Commons

Bracciano is a peaceful lakeside escape and one of the most scenic places to visit near Rome. Its highlight is Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, a 15th-century fortress with frescoed halls, armour displays, and sweeping views over Lake Bracciano. The lake is clean and calm, perfect for swimming, with quiet picnic areas and lakeside cafés. The historic town is full of winding alleys and local charm. Easily reached by train from Rome, Bracciano offers history, nature, and tranquillity just an hour away.

Distance From Rome: 49.6 km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Cost: €10 / ₹1000
Major Attractions: Lake Bracciano, Odescalchi Castle, old town views

7. Nemi

Nemi town on a hill with snow and old architectural buildings places to visit near Rome.

Photo: brunobarbato / Wikimedia Commons

Nemi is one of the most charming places to visit near Rome, set above a serene crater lake and surrounded by chestnut woods. Famous for its wild strawberries, the town’s cafés and bakeries offer sweet treats and liqueurs featuring the local fruit. Flowered balconies and panoramic terraces overlook Lake Nemi, while the Museo delle Navi Romane displays ancient Roman ship remains. With antique shops, family-run eateries, and frescoed chapels, Nemi offers a peaceful escape—easily reached by regional bus or a scenic drive from Rome.

Distance From Rome: 36.8 km
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Cost: €5 / ₹500
Major Attractions: Lake Nemi, wild strawberries, Roman Ship Museum, volcanic surroundings

8. Viterbo

Viterbo with Christian crosses on top of the multiple buildings and multiple street lights.

Photo: Mac9 / Wikimedia Commons

Viterbo is one of the most historically rich places to visit near Rome, with medieval quarters, papal landmarks, and ancient thermal springs. The San Pellegrino district feels like a step back in time, with stone towers and cobbled alleys once walked by pilgrims. Highlights include the 13th-century Palazzo dei Papi and nearby hot springs like Bullicame and Terme dei Papi. Local trattorias serve hearty regional dishes. Easily reached by regional train, Viterbo blends history, wellness, and tradition in one scenic day trip.

Distance From Rome: 79.7 km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Cost: €8 / ₹800
Major Attractions: Papal Palace, medieval district of San Pellegrino, thermal spas

9. Tarquinia

Tarquinia with ancient Etruscan ruins medieval buildings and countryside views places to visit near Rome.

Photo: AlexanderVanLoon / Wikimedia Commons

Tarquinia is one of the most culturally rich places to visit near Rome, known for its Etruscan heritage and peaceful hilltop setting overlooking the sea. The Necropoli di Monterozzi features painted tombs with rare Etruscan wall art—scenes of banquets, dancers, and chariots. In town, the National Archaeological Museum displays ancient sarcophagi and bronzes in a medieval palace. Shaded streets, sea views, and quiet cafés add to the charm. Reachable by train and short transfer, Tarquinia offers a deep dive into pre-Roman history.

Distance From Rome: 90 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Necropolis) & 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Museum)
Cost: €10 / ₹1000
Major Attractions: Etruscan tombs, frescoes, Tarquinia National Museum

10. Frascati

San Pietro Frascati and other distant structures surrounded by hills and dense greenery.

Photo: Davide Papalini / Wikimedia Commons

Frascati is one of the most enjoyable places to visit near Rome, known for its sunny piazzas, baroque villas, and renowned white wine. Just 30 minutes from the city, it offers a relaxed vibe with vineyard tours, wine tastings, and porchetta-filled lunches. Villa Aldobrandini overlooks the town, while local enotecas serve Frascati wine with regional treats like maritozzi and ciambelle al vino. Walkable and welcoming, Frascati is a favourite Roman escape into the hills, perfect for a half-day or evening trip.

Distance From Rome: 29.4 km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Cost: €15 / ₹1500
Major Attractions: Wine estates, historic villas, panoramic Rome views, Villa Aldobrandini

The most rewarding places to visit near Rome lie just beyond the city’s edge, offering quiet ruins, hilltop views, and small-town flavours without the crowds. These towns each hold something unique—an Etruscan tomb, a Renaissance villa, or local wine grown on volcanic soil. Easy to reach and rich in charm, they don’t require much planning. Start exploring Lazio day trips with TripXL and uncover places truly worth your time.
Cover Photo: Livioandronico2013 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any food markets or local festivals in towns near Rome?

Yes. On weekends in Frascati, the open piazza near Via San Francesco fills with market tables selling fresh bread, roast meats, and homemade wine. In Nemi, the annual Sagra delle Fragole is held every June. Local families set up stalls with trays of small wild strawberries, strawberry pastries, and handmade liqueurs. In Viterbo, the Christmas market around Piazza del Gesù sells local sweets, chestnuts, and olive oil from nearby farms.

Which day trips are suitable for families with kids?

Bracciano is a good option for children who enjoy exploring the castle’s towers and seeing real suits of armour. Ostia Antica gives kids space to run between ruins, and there’s shade along many of the paths. In Viterbo, the thermal pools outside town are shallow and family-friendly.

What’s the best way to combine two destinations in one day?

You can easily pair Nemi and Castel Gandolfo. Both sit above volcanic lakes and are just 15 minutes apart by car. For those heading north, Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio work well together if you're driving. Start early in Orvieto, have lunch in the old town, then continue to Civita before sunset.

What places to visit near Rome are good for winter?

Viterbo is ideal in winter, the thermal baths stay open and the hot water feels even better in cold air. Tarquinia is also a good choice. The painted tombs stay open year-round, and the town centre is quiet. In December, several towns decorate their historic centres with nativity scenes and lights.

Can I use the same train pass for multiple towns?

No. If you’re going from Rome to Bracciano, then later to Tivoli, you’ll need two separate tickets. Regional tickets are only valid for the route you buy. There’s a Lazio day ticket sold at main stations, but it’s only worth it if you’re taking more than two long-distance trips in one day.

Discover Places To Visit Near Rome For Peaceful Countryside Views, Ancient Towns, And Relaxing Escapes