Let me be honest—May is when Rome hits its stride. The tourist crush of summer hasn’t kicked in yet, the days are long, and the city feels like it’s quietly showing off. After almost 15 years of living here, I can tell you this is one of the best months to experience Rome—not just see it, but live it.
This isn’t about ticking landmarks off a list. It’s about knowing which Roman gardens are in bloom, which festivals are actually worth your time, and where the locals go when they want to celebrate a perfect spring night. PLUS, the once in a blue moon chance to be in the city during conclave.
Whether you’re here for a few days or you’re lucky enough to call Rome home, these are the things happening in May 2025 that I personally don’t want to miss.
Things to Do in Rome May 2025
May 1: Festa dei Lavoratori – Primo Maggio, or May Day in Italy, is a day dedicated to workers. You can plan for a picnic in the park (it is a national holiday), or celebrate with a massive free concert at Piazza San Giovanni featuring renowned artists. Whatever you do, make sure you eat fave and pecorino, the traditional snack this time of year.
May 4: Free Museum Sunday – Enjoy free admission to Rome’s civic museums, including the Capitoline Museums and Ara Pacis.
May 6–18: Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open) – Witness world-class tennis matches at Foro Italico, featuring top ATP and WTA players.
May 7: Conclave to Elect New Pope – The Vatican initiates the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor; the Sistine Chapel are closed and will be closed during conclave and a few days after. Expect people to gather in St. Peter’s Square to watch the smoke rise. White smoke means we have a new Pope!
May 9–June 1: Giro d’Italia – The prestigious cycling race starts in Albania and concludes in Rome, with the final stage dedicated to Pope Francis
10 May: Vino Pigneto – A chance to discover the quartiere (neighborhood) of Pigneto and enjoy unlimited tastings of natural wine. The event runs from 1 pm to 8 pm and costs €20 (glass included).
May 10 – 11: Era di Maggio – A weekend of events at Rome’s botanical gardens for kids and adults, around the theme of women and nature. Some events and tours are also available in English.
May 11: Race for the Cure – A run/walk through the center of Rome to raise money for breast cancer research.
May 14: Coppa Italia Final – Football fans can watch Milan face Bologna at Stadio Olimpico in the Italian Cup final.
May 21–25: Piazza di Siena International Horse Show – Enjoy top international equestrian competitions in the picturesque Villa Borghese park.
May 24–June 1: Open House Roma – Explore Rome’s architectural gems with free access to buildings and sites usually closed to the public.
Throughout May: Rome Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale) – Visit the Roseto Comunale on the Aventine Hill to see a stunning collection of roses in full bloom. [Note – the lower section of the garden is closed to the public this year and the entrance has been moved to close to the Orange Garden].
Art Exhibits in Rome
- February 11 – June 2: Munch: The Inner Scream Exhibition – A major exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of Edvard Munch’s death, featuring 100 paintings, drawings, and prints at Palazzo Bonaparte.
- 14 February – 14 September: Flowers. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence. Over 90 artworks and two sensory experiences (that even kids will love), the exhibit at Chiostro Bramante celebrates the naturally fragile and symbolically powerful theme of flowers.
- 27 February – 29 June: Picasso Lo Straniero – More than 100 works by Picasso, alongside photos, letters, and documents on display at Palazzo Cipolla.
- 7 March – 6 July: Caravaggio 2025 – A exhibit of the master of light’s major themes, both the sacred and the profane. The exhibit at Palazzo Barberini includes rarely seen works from a private collection as well as loans from national collections across Europe.
