When the leaves on the trees turn gold and copper and the air becomes cooler, Rome shows a new side of itself: more intimate, authentic, perfect for those who want to enjoy the city out of season. During this period, the Prati district (where our restaurant is located) becomes the ideal starting point for experiencing autumn in Rome. Here are five unmissable activities for those visiting Rome in autumn (many of which can be combined with a convivial stop at Ragno d’Oro).
1. Strolling through parks and Roman villas
Autumn transforms the capital’s parks into galleries of colour. Places such as Villa Borghese or Villa Doria Pamphili offer ideal settings for a relaxing walk among trees and ponds, in an atmosphere that exudes Roman tranquillity.
Furthermore, walking along the Via Appia Antica with its centuries-old pine trees and ruins immersed in the woods is an evocative experience that autumn enhances.
But it is not only nature that amazes: urban routes also tell stories. An unmissable destination for those who love the most authentic Rome is the Passetto di Borgo, the evocative elevated passageway connecting Castel Sant’Angelo with Vatican City, recently reopened to the public. This ancient papal corridor, about 800 metres long, offers a unique perspective on the rooftops of the Borgo district and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, making it an ideal stop for an autumn stroll through art, spirituality and historical secrets.
2. Autumn flavours: truffles, new wines and seasonal dishes
With the arrival of the cold season, Rome offers a rich gastronomic repertoire: truffles, mushrooms, pumpkin, new wine. In autumn, flavours become more pronounced.
It is the ideal time to abandon fresh salads and discover the fall dishes of Roman cuisine, such as creamy first courses or stews, perfect with a good glass of wine.
At Ragno d’Oro, the seasonal menus feature selected seasonal ingredients that capture all the flavour of autumn in Rome.
3. Culture, exhibitions and festivals: Rome awakens
Autumn in Rome is not only a season of colours, but also of ideas and creativity.
After the calm of summer, the city is once again filled with cultural events, art exhibitions, festivals and shows that enliven theatres, squares and museums. It is the perfect time to discover the capital through experiences that combine culture and emotion.
Every year, between October and November, the spotlight turns to the Rome Film Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events, which brings directors and actors from all over the world to the red carpet of the Auditorium Parco della Musica. But the autumn calendar does not stop there: the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery and the MAXXI host temporary exhibitions and retrospectives dedicated to the great masters of art, while the contemporary art galleries in Trastevere and the Flaminio district offer more experimental itineraries.
For music lovers, autumn in Rome is the season of the Roma Jazz Festival, which every year brings international artists to the stage in an elegant and intimate setting, and the Festival delle Letterature, which celebrates the written word with meetings with authors and readings under the stars.
4. Shopping and chic breaks in the streets of Rome
Autumn brings with it new collections, boutiques, shop windows and captivating urban atmospheres.
In Rome, areas such as Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti-Via Borgognona combine shopping with charm; shopping and strolling continue in Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district, which is full of various craft shops and other stores offering moments of leisure and well-being.
A good idea: treat yourself to lunch or an aperitif at Il Ragno d’Oro before returning to the shop windows.
5. Romantic atmosphere, sunsets and hidden views
One of the most popular places to admire the sunset is the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill, which offers a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Dome. Not far away, the famous ‘Keyhole’ reveals a unique perspective of the city, perfectly framing the Basilica in a play of light and shadow that becomes pure magic at sunset.
The Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese also offers spectacular views: from its balustrades, you can admire Piazza del Popolo as it lights up with orange shades while the city prepares for the evening.
For photography enthusiasts, this is the ideal time to capture Rome in its most authentic guise: the reflections of the Tiber at sunset, the leaves falling along the tree-lined avenues and the monuments tinged with gold and copper.
But autumn in Rome is not just about views: it is also the perfect time to lose yourself in the lesser-known alleys, such as those of the Jewish Ghetto, the Monti district or Trastevere, where you can experience a quieter Rome, made up of historic shops, lit lanterns and chatter echoing through the small squares.
Walking around the city at this time of year means rediscovering the pleasure of slowing down, letting yourself be surprised by quiet corners and hidden glimpses that only autumn can make so evocative.
If you have spent the day exploring Rome, walking in the park, visiting exhibitions or shopping, treat yourself to the relaxation you deserve. At Ragno d’Oro, we welcome you with authentic flavours, a Roman atmosphere and dishes designed for autumn: from hot pasta to hearty dishes and seasonal desserts. We are located in the Prati district: easy to reach, perfect before or after an evening in the city centre.
Book your table: ending the day with a flavourful dinner is the best way to take away a memory of Rome that will remain… in your stomach and in your heart.