15 things to do in Rome in October: which ones do you want to start with?

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Rome in October transforms into an irresistible stage: the days still have the golden light of summer, but the fresh air invites you to discover exhibitions, concerts, events and festivals that enliven the city and its surroundings. Whether you are a Roman doc, a newcomer or a curious tourist, this is the perfect time to enjoy the capital in its autumn version.

If you’re wondering what to do in Rome in October, here are 15 original ideas to experience the month amid culture, fun and relaxation.

Set sail aboard the Titanic

A breathtaking experience is coming to Forte Trionfale: a VR journey into the history of the Titanic. You’ll be able to explore the wreck as it appears today, nearly 2.5 miles (3.8 km) below the ocean, and then go back in time to 1912 to relive life aboard the world’s most famous ship. Stroll the Grand Staircase, explore the dining rooms, and hear stories from passengers.

Tickets from 11€, a unique opportunity to really step into history.

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a light show

A magical event is staged at Teatro Ghioneon October 17: Ballet of Lights – Peter Pan. Six local dancers will bring to life the journey of Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell with luminous costumes that leave trails of light and color. Two performances, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., will take audiences to Neverland.

Tickets start at 28€: perfect for those seeking a unique experience between dance and technology.

Visit the pumpkin farm

What to do on Saturdays and Sundays in October? This is the month of the pumpkin and from September 27 to November 2 and Friday, October 31, you can visit the Pumpkin Farm, the enchanted pumpkin field near Rome, where you can search for the ideal pumpkin to decorate or carve. Thanks to the workshops there you can create a very personal Jack O’Lantern, or pumpkin for Halloween, to take home with you.

Where: Pumpkin Farm, Via Sacrofano-Prima Porta, 3547, 00060 Borgo Pineto I RM.

Discover the wonderful medieval villages near Rome

The Roman october days were not coincidentally Sunday outings that took place in the city. In fact, the month of October still allows us to spend warm days outdoors. On weekends, it is nice to explore places surrounded by nature with interesting stories behind them. Out-of-town trips enrich us and allow us to escape the chaos of the metropolis.

Near Rome there are many wonderful natural places— find out what they are!

Visit the most beautiful rooftops for an after-dinner getaway

Rome from above is wonderful and there are many rooftop venues in the capital where you can enjoy a good cocktail. If you’re planning a romantic outing or with friends, take a look at our selection (you might find your place of the heart). Some of these clubs also organize aperitifs with DJ sets.

Go to a concert

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October 2025 will be full of concerts in Rome: starting on Oct. 2 with Rose Villain at the Atlantico and continuing with Fabri Fibra (Oct. 4, Corviale), Damiano David (Oct. 11 and 12, Palazzo dello Sport), Salmo (Oct. 21) and Negramaro (Oct. 29). And then Claudio Baglioni (Oct. 27, Opera House) and Coma Cose (Oct. 30).

Rap, rock and pop: in short, a calendar that pleases all musical tastes.

Visit an exhibition

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If you’re a culture lover, October is the perfect month to visit exhibitions in Rome in October. Here are some unmissable ones:

• Dali – Palazzo Cipolla, from October 17, 2025
• Picasso – Historical Museum of the Infantry, from October 4, 2025
• Mucha – Bonaparte Palace, from October 2025
• Gauguin – Historical Infantry Museum, through January 25, 2026
• Treasures of the Pharaohs – Scuderie del Quirinale, from Oct. 24, 2025
• George Hoyningen-Huene – Palazzo Braschi, through Oct. 19, 2025

An autumn that delivers excitement among surrealism, classics and millennial culture.

A day in a heated pool when it’s raining outside

If it rains in Rome, no problem: You can take refuge in a wellness center like Livia Wellness & SPA inside the A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel, near the Vatican. With more than 3,000 square meters inspired by ancient Roman baths, it offers Finnish sauna, biosauna, sensory showers and the Roman Impluvium for hydrotherapy. Packages start at €55 (spa + apericena). A perfect way to disconnect from the city routine and regenerate among hot water, massages and aromatherapy. Find all the information here.

Visit Subiaco, Italian Capital of the Book 2025

Just over an hour from Rome, Subiaco is the village that has won the title of Italian Book Capital 2025. Surrounded by the Simbruini Mountains, it holds the monasteries of St. Scholastica and the Sacro Speco, defined by Petrarch as the “threshold of Paradise.” Here, in 1465, the first printed book in Italy was born-a record celebrated with events, exhibitions and literary festivals that are still ongoing.

These are the last months to discover a jewel between nature, culture and spirituality, which in autumn is tinged with spectacular colors.

Behold the capital’s foliage

For a few weeks in autumn, the leaves of the trees are tinged with different shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and brown. This phenomenon, known as foliage, transforms certain places into breathtaking landscapes. Where to admire this magnificent spectacle in Rome?

Autumn in the capital offers enchanting and colorful sights. That’s why today we suggest 5 places to visit in the city during this season. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the extraordinary colors of this period.

Go to Ocktoberfest by train from Rome

Have you ever thought of experiencing Oktoberfest from Rome without taking a plane? FS offers the “Espresso Munich,” an overnight train that leaves Termini on Oct. 3 and arrives in Munich the following morning. With couchettes and sleeping cars, it crosses the Alps offering breathtaking scenery. It is scheduled to return on October 5. Craft beers will be sampled on board: the journey is already part of the party!

Here we give you all the details.

Shop at the Vintage Market

On October 11 and 12, Vintage Market returns to the Sao Paulo District, a former Atac depot transformed into a creative fair. Over 200 exhibitors will offer vintage clothing, design, vinyl, books, handmade and more. There will be music, street food and activities for the whole family. It is the ideal opportunity to do sustainable shopping, discover unique pieces and experience an alternative weekend of color and creativity.

Festivals for all tastes

For those who love authentic flavors, October festivals in Rome and Lazio are a must:

• Sagra dell’Uva di Marino (Sept. 27-Oct. 6): 100 years of tradition, with wine flowing from fountains.
• Sagra delle Castagne di Soriano nel Cimino (Oct. 3-19): historical parades and roasted chestnuts.
• Truffle Festival in Canterano (Oct. 11-12 and 18-19): unique truffle-scented dishes.
• Pappardella al Cinghiale Festival in Sacrofano (October 18-19).
• Marrone Segnino in Segni (October 23-26).
• Sagra della Salsiccia in Morlupo (October 25-26).

A mouth-watering itinerary for true gourmets.

Cultural experience: The mysteries under the Trevi Fountain.

Want a truly unusual experience this fall? Join a guided tour of underground Rome at the Trevi Fountain. You will discover the aqueduct, domus and ancient foundations, accompanied by expert guides. It’s a fascinating journey through archaeology and hidden history, right beneath one of the world’s most famous monuments. Tickets from 18€, to experience Rome from a whole new perspective.

Candlelight: Halloween Classics.

For those who love a dark atmosphere, Candlelight Halloween at Palazzo Ripetta is the perfect event. The Bernini Hall lights up with thousands of candles for a string quartet concert dedicated to the most iconic pieces of horror cinema: from Psycho to The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Duration: 60 minutes, tickets from €22. A mix of suggestion and music that will make your Halloween night in Rome unforgettable.