The academic year has ended, the Class of 2019 has graduated, and life in Rome is starting to slow down. These are all signs that summer is upon us. Another telltale sign is that the weather has finally gotten hot! If you are planning to stay in Rome for the summer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Italian lifestyle, whether you are enrolled in summer courses, working or interning, or you just plan to enjoy some time off.
But living in a big city in the heat of summer can sometimes get a little tiring, so make sure to find some activities that will cool you off.
It's no secret that Rome is home to some of the world's most famous museums. Whether you are interested in art, history, or literature, you will find a beautiful museum to explore - and the bonus is that many of them are air-conditioned, or in buildings that are naturally cool! You will have more time during the summer to check out sights on your "must-see" list. So start visiting some museums and knock them off your list one by one. It's a great way to spend your time soaking in culture, while staying out of the hot sun.
On the other hand, if you would prefer to soak in the sun but still want to be able to cool off, you should head to one of the beaches close to Rome! You can stay cool under the shade of an umbrella, or by swimming in the sea. Hop on a train from Trastevere or Termini station, and you will be at one of the area's local beaches in around an hour.
If you want to go swimming but don't feel like going through the hassle of getting to the beach, why not check out some of the pools right here in Rome? There are plenty of swimming clubs and hotels with beautiful outdoor pools in Rome. You can pay a daily entrance fee and spend the entire day lounging and cooling off in a luxurious pool.
One of the easiest ways to cool off on a hot summer day is by grabbing a scoop of gelato or another frozen treat. You can try out different gelaterie around town, or you can find and stick to your favorite spot in Trastevere. Whatever you decide will be delicious, cool, and refreshing!
If you want to get out of the hot sun, a great way to spend your time is by treating yourself to a shopping day. Rome has plenty of shopping all over the historic center, of course, but if you really want to cool off, head to a shopping mall. The most central one is Galleria Alberto Sordi on Via del Corso. There are larger shopping malls in the suburbs, such as Euroma2 or Porta di Roma shopping centers.