The 7 Best Things To Do in Lazio, Italy

Maybe you’re looking for a day trip, maybe you’re already determined to find the best things to do in Lazio. Trust us, if you’re looking for a day trip from Rome, you don’t have to go any further than Lazio, the region that’s home to Italy’s capital city, in order to have an extraordinary day trip.

Although many travelers skip over Lazio on their way to Tuscany or Umbria, we think that’s a mistake you shouldn’t make. That is why it makes Lazio a hidden gem, ready for you to discover it.

Discover the most authentic Italy in these towns of Lazio. Photo credit: Gabrielle Clare Marino

Is Rome in Lazio?

Rome is the capital city of both Italy and the Lazio region. While many visitors focus exclusively on Rome’s world-famous landmarks, it’s easy to forget that the Eternal City is just one part of a much larger and incredibly diverse region.

Beyond Rome, the region of Lazio is home to medieval hill towns, volcanic lakes, beautiful beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and some of Italy’s most underrated countryside. Exploring Lazio allows visitors to experience a different side of central Italy, often with fewer crowds and a more local atmosphere.

How Far Is Lazio from Rome?

Since Rome is located within Lazio, you’re already in the region the moment you arrive in the city. One of the great advantages of visiting other places in the region of Lazio is how accessible it is from the capital.

Many of the highlights, including Tivoli, Castel Gandolfo, Viterbo, and Lake Bracciano, can be reached in under an hour by train or car. Even more distant destinations, such as the beaches of Sperlonga or the gardens of Ninfa, are perfect for a day trip, making Lazio one of the easiest regions in Italy to explore beyond the capital.

The Best Things To Do In Lazio

Bracciano: Odescalchi Castle and Lake Bracciano

One of the best things to do in Lazio is to discover the charming lakeside town of Bracciano, explore the magnificent Odescalchi Castle, and spend time beside the beautiful Lake Bracciano.

Located around an hour from Rome by train, Bracciano makes an ideal day trip from the capital. The historic centre is a delight to explore, with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and lake. The town’s crowning jewel is the imposing 15th-century Odescalchi Castle, widely considered one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Italy.

Unlike many historic castles, Odescalchi Castle remains richly furnished and visitors can explore a fascinating collection of grand halls, period furniture, armour, weapons, tapestries, and artworks. Over the centuries, it has been associated with some of Italy’s most powerful families, including the Orsini and Odescalchi dynasties, and has welcomed popes, nobles, and dignitaries. In more recent times, it gained international attention as the venue for the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006.

Beyond the castle, Lake Bracciano is a popular destination for swimming, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the warmer months. The lakeside promenades, small beaches, and waterfront restaurants offer a more relaxed pace than Rome, making Bracciano a wonderful place to slow down and experience a different side of Lazio. On a clear day, the views across the volcanic lake towards the surrounding hills are simply spectacular.

Insider Tip: We included the castle in our post on 10 of the most beautiful castles in Italy for a reason, so it’s definitely worth the visit.

Bracciano and its lake make a great day trip from Rome. Photo credit: Paolo Margari

Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli

When he wanted to escape from Rome, Emperor Hadrian came to his luxurious villa outside the city. And, since Hadrian’s times, visiting Villa Adriana (Hadrian´s Villa) in Tivoli is one of the best things to do in Lazio.

Built in the 2nd century AD, the enormous complex was far more than a simple holiday home. Covering over 100 hectares at its peak, it functioned as an imperial retreat complete with palaces, baths, libraries, gardens, temples, and even artificial lakes. Hadrian, known for his extensive travels throughout the empire, incorporated architectural influences from places he had visited, creating a unique showcase of Roman engineering and design.

Much of the villa remains intact today, with columns, marble pavement, and ancient statues. It certainly gives a tantalizing glimpse into the opulence of ancient Rome.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa Adriana is considered a masterpiece of Roman architecture and a monument of outstanding universal value. For anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology, or simply experiencing one of Italy’s most impressive archaeological sites, it is an unmissable day trip from Rome.

Very few places can claim to be as idyllic as Villa Adriana, in Tivoli. Photo credit: Luca Ercolani

The Etruscan Tombs of Sutri

Here’s an archaeological gem that many visitors to Lazio overlook: the Etruscan Necropolis of Sutri. Yet it’s one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the region.

Long before Rome dominated central Italy, Sutri was an important Etruscan town. Today, you can explore 64 rock-cut tombs dating from the 6th to the 4th centuries BC (that’s 600 years before the current Roman Pantheon was built!).

The town is also home to an impressive Roman amphitheatre carved directly into the rock, as well as charming medieval streets that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and located just 45 minutes from Rome by car, Sutri makes an easy and rewarding day trip for anyone looking to discover a different side of Lazio’s ancient past.

Visiting Sutri, and the Etruscan tombs, can be a extraordinary day trip from Rome. Photo credit: Gabriele Delhey

Civita di Bagnoregio

This gem of a town is one of the most striking sights in Italy, and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lazio.

A devastating earthquake in the 17th century caused much of the original settlement to collapse, leaving only the small section that survives today. Even the childhood home of Saint Bonaventure, who was born here, disappeared over the edge of the cliff.

Connected to the modern world by a long pedestrian bridge, the town feels frozen in time. Wander its flower-filled lanes, admire the medieval stone buildings, and soak up the incredible views across the surrounding valleys. With only a small number of permanent residents remaining, Civita offers a rare glimpse of a quieter, older Italy, and one that is well worth experiencing while you still can.

Reaching Bagnoregio is easily doable in a day trip from Rome, and well worth the effort. Photo credit: Serena Ferracci

Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo

Easily reachable by train from Rome, Albano Lake makes an ideal escape in the warmer months, and it’s one of the favorite things to do in Lazio for Romans to escape summer in Rome.

The volcanic lake is surrounded by wooded hills and offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, lakeside dining, and relaxing walks with beautiful views. Its calm waters and peaceful atmosphere feel a world away from the bustle of the capital, despite being less than an hour away.

Overlooking the lake is the charming hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo, famous as the traditional summer residence of the pope. Today, visitors can stroll through its elegant piazzas, enjoy panoramic views across the lake, and even visit parts of the former papal residence and gardens, which have been opened to the public in recent years.

Combining natural beauty, history, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why this corner of Lazio remains such a beloved day trip from Rome.

Exploring Castel Gandolfo will make you understand why it’s been the Pope’s summer residency. Photo credit: Carole Raddato

The Town and Spa of Viterbo

With its 11th-century walls, Romanesque cathedral, and even a papal palace, Viterbo is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Italy.

Aside from the draw of its winding streets and attractions, including the Museo Civico with archaeological finds, Pinacoteca, and botanical garden, the biggest reason to go to Viterbo is its spa. Definitely, make sure to check the Terme dei Papi.

The thermal baths here have been used since the Etruscan and Roman times, and today, they make for a chance to truly relax and unwind. If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Lazio, Viterbo is your place.

Viterbo is a city full of history. It’s worth visiting the Pope’s palace. Photo credit: Saiiko

Cervara di Roma

Located on the top of a mountain in Lazio’s lush Monti Simbruini, Cervara di Roma is a medieval town unlike any other.

In an attempt to attract more visitors, the people of Cervara have made their town a destination for artists, welcoming international artists, and art students, and allowing them to create sculptures, murals, and other pieces on the walls and stones of the town.

As a result, a visit to Cervara doesn’t just mean striking views of the surrounding countryside, but a tour through a living art museum.

Cervara di Roma has managed to become a destination for artists from all over the world. Photo credit: LPLT

How to Plan a Day Trip to Lazio from Rome

One of the best things about exploring Lazio is how easy it is to do from Rome. Many of the region’s highlights can be reached in under an hour, making them perfect day trips whether you’re travelling by train, car, or guided tour.

Public Transport

For destinations such as Castel Gandolfo, Bracciano, and Tivoli, public transport is often the easiest option. Regular regional trains connect Rome with these towns, allowing you to avoid traffic and parking concerns. Tivoli, home to Hadrian’s Villa and the spectacular Villa d’Este, can be reached by train from Rome’s Tiburtina Station in around an hour. Bracciano and Castel Gandolfo are similarly well connected by rail.

Road Trips

For more remote destinations, including Civita di Bagnoregio and Sutri, hiring a car offers greater flexibility. Driving allows you to combine several smaller towns, lakes, and countryside attractions into a single itinerary while enjoying some of Lazio’s beautiful rural landscapes. Roads are generally good, but it’s worth remembering that historic town centres often have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs), so check local parking arrangements before arriving.

Whichever option you choose, the key is not to try to see too much in a single day. Lazio rewards slow travel. Pick one or two destinations, allow time to wander, enjoy a long lunch, and discover a side of Italy that many visitors never venture beyond Rome to experience.

Enjoy a road trip on the winding roads to get to the more remote villages in Lazio

FAQs – Best Things To Do in Lazio

What is the best way to choose which place in Lazio to visit in one day?

The best approach is to match your destination to your interests and travel style. If you enjoy ancient history and archaeology, Tivoli or Sutri are ideal. For scenic landscapes and relaxation, Lake Albano or Lake Bracciano are better choices. If you want a more dramatic, “bucket-list” experience, Civita di Bagnoregio offers one of the most unique views in Italy. It’s usually best to focus on just one destination per day to fully enjoy the experience without rushing.

Do I need to book tickets or tours in advance for Lazio attractions?

For some of Lazio’s most popular sites, advance booking is strongly recommended. This is especially true for attractions like Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, where guided tours can help bring the ruins to life. Smaller towns and outdoor destinations such as Bracciano or Sutri are generally more flexible, but guided experiences can still enhance your visit by helping you understand the historical and cultural context that you might otherwise miss.

Is it worth visiting Lazio without a car?

Many of Lazio’s highlights are well connected by regional trains and buses from Rome, making it easy to explore independently. Destinations like Tivoli, Castel Gandolfo, and Bracciano are particularly convenient by public transport. However, if you want to visit more remote places such as Civita di Bagnoregio or combine multiple stops in one day, a guided tour or rental car will give you more flexibility and save travel time.

Local expert guides really know the stories and secrets that reveal the layers of history beneath your feet

If you want to go beyond simply seeing Italy and truly understand the stories behind its cities, towns, and villages, the easiest way is with a guided experience led by a local expert. From the Colosseum and Vatican City to hidden medieval towns across Lazio and beyond, a knowledgeable guide can transform what you’re seeing into something meaningful, memorable, and stress-free.

Discover Italy with expert-led experiences at Walks of Italy, where every tour is designed to take the pressure out of planning and bring the history, art, and culture of Italy vividly to life.