15 fantastic things to do in Rome in April, including concerts, festivals, and day trips

Candlelight concerts offer an immersive multisensory experience. In April , the spotlight will be on tributes to Queen, Ennio Morricone, and great Italian singer-songwriters like Lucio Dalla and Pino Daniele, all illuminated by thousands of candles. And then there are the concerts featuring Hans Zimmer’s soundtracks and those with Coldplay classics.

These events take place in historic and evocative locations, with perfect acoustics and a visual impact that makes every performance a one-of-a-kind experience.

Located within Villa Borghese, the Bioparco is a European leader in the protection of endangered species. And right now, there’s buzz about four very special new arrivals. With over 1,200 animals representing 200 different species, it’s the perfect activity for families looking to spend quality time together, exploring the enclosures surrounded by greenery while respecting their inhabitants.

To admire the magnificence of Ponte Sisto and St. Peter’s from a privileged vantage point, I recommend a sunset boat tour. Departing from the S. Angelo pier, you can sip a glass of wine accompanied by Roman appetizers while the city’s history unfolds before your eyes.

The cruise lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, offering carefully curated background music and a magical atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening.

Dubbed “the most romantic garden in the world,” Ninfa reopens its gates in April for the 2026 season. Located in Cisterna di Latina, this natural monument stands on the ruins of a medieval city. I recommend combining your visit (€15.75) with a trip to the nearby Caetani Castle in Sermoneta for a true journey through time.

Online booking is required, especially for April 6 and 25, given the very high turnout expected.

Once again this year, Tulipark is bringing color to the Torpignattara area. It’s a “u-pick” nursery where you can choose and pick your favorite tulips from rare varieties like the “Banja Luka” or the “Ice Cream Tulip.” Admission costs around €9, with 3 flowers included and €1.50 for each additional tulip (2025 prices).

With windmills and themed attractions, the park offers a unique sensory experience for families and botany enthusiasts. I recommend stopping by on one of the weekends in April because it’s a great opportunity to escape the urban chaos and let yourself be swept up in the joy of these colorful flowers.

Sunday, April 5, Easter Sunday, coincides with the“Sunday at the Museum” initiative, which offers you the opportunity to visit major archaeological sites and state and civic museums for free. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Rome at Easter, because it allows you to admire great masterpieces without paying an admission fee.

It might be wise to book your visit to the most crowded sites, such as the Colosseum or the Capitoline Museums, given the overlap with the Easter holiday.

If you want to take advantage of Easter to enjoy a nice day trip, on April 5, Florence offers the spectacle of the “Scoppio del Carro. “ In front of the Duomo, a historic cart loaded with fireworks is ignited by a mechanical dove during Easter Mass. It is a centuries-old tradition that combines faith, history, and pyrotechnics in an architectural setting unique in the world.

It’s easily accessible from Rome by high-speed train: a perfect option for a change of scenery.

Looking for a truly alternative plan for Easter Monday? Want to meet new people? Then you should know that on April 6, WeRoad is organizing an unmissable trip to Ariccia: it starts at 12:00 PM with an aperitif in the park to socialize, followed by a visit to the fraschetta “Da i Fratelli” for a traditional lunch featuring endless appetizers and Roman-style first courses. You’ll experience an authentic Easter Monday celebration featuring folk songs and karaoke, guaranteed even in case of rain thanks to the covered veranda.

It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a friendly atmosphere, excellent wine, and new friendships.

If you love sustainable shopping, the Vintage Market at the former ATAC depot is a must-visit. With over 200 vendors offering crafts, vintage clothing, and collectibles, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces for your spring wardrobe. The April event will take place on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th and will feature workshops for children, DJ sets, and a food area curated by FAD Centocelle.

It’s a creative hub where recycling becomes art, perfect for spending an unconventional afternoon surrounded by design and music.

Rome turns 2,779 on April 21, 2026, and, as you can imagine, there is a great desire to celebrate the event. The theme of the year is “City of Law and Hospitality” and will be celebrated with historical reenactments at the Circus Maximus and parades at the Imperial Forums featuring over 1,500 participants. You’ll be able to witness gladiator fights and ancient rituals such as the “Tracciato del Solco.”

A tip: visit the Pantheon at noon to witness the sunbeam that perfectly illuminates the entrance—a breathtaking astronomical and architectural spectacle.

On Sunday, April 26, Largo Venue hosts an evening dedicated to jazz legends. This live concert celebrates the legacy of Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, reinterpreting iconic songs like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “What a Wonderful World.” In a super cozy setting, you can enjoy the power of the brass section and the elegance of swing.

It’s the perfect event for anyone looking for a high-class concert in Rome this April.

The music lineup for April 2026 is truly rich. At the Palazzo dello Sport, you can catch Tommaso Paradiso on the 18th and 19th and Blanco on the 29th. For electronic music lovers, Apparat will perform at the Auditorium on the 16th, while the Teatro dell’Opera presents prestigious productions such as Roméo and Juliette. T

I recommend booking your tickets well in advance, especially for dates that coincide with the long weekends of April 25 and Easter week.