Rimini is often considered a summer destination, a land of fun and crowded beaches, but the destination has much more to offer! The city of Romagna, land of good food (just think of the piade of Rimini) and of culture and film memories, can be an ideal stopover for a stay suitable for both young people and families, and not only in summer!
So let's discover together what to see in Rimini with this guide with practical advice on the city!
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1 - Historic Centre and Piazza Cavour
A concentration of history, culture, charm and nightlife. Elements so different from each other, but not incompatible for this reason, have contributed to making Rimini's historic centre a true top attraction. Lively and in constant ferment, the true heart of Rimini, it thrives thanks to the massive presence of citizens and tourists in the most important squares and close to the most important museums and monuments of the Romagna resort.
The most important square is Piazza Cavour, a true meeting place. Numerous palaces overlook it and in the centre is the Fontana Della Pigna, which until 1912 was the only point with drinking water in the centre of Rimini! All around are the Palazzo del Podestà, the beautiful Amintore Galli Theatre and the Palazzo Garampi, which today houses the city's Town Hall.
The historic centre is the heart of the city. It stretches between the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, and the best way to explore it is on foot. Piazza Cavour is a 5-minute walk from Tiberius Bridge. Reference bus station Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Coffee break at Café Cavour: located right in Piazza Cavour, in the heart of the historic centre, this is the reference point and meeting place for many of Rimini's citizens! Stop for breakfast or just a mid-morning coffee with a beautiful view of the square.
2 - Arch of Augustus and Piazza Tre Martiri
The gateway tothe historic centre is the Arch of Augustus and walking underneath it gives a feeling more unique than rare. This structure was built in 27 B.C. and is undoubtedly the oldest of the various Roman triumphal arches in our country. According to tradition, a marble quadriga led by Augustus himself was supposed to stand on top of the monument, which is over 10 m high; the versions, however, are rather conflicting.
From the Arch of Augustus starts Corso d'Augusto, the street that runs through the entire historic centre, full of shops and clubs, and crosses Piazza Cavour to the Tiberius Bridge. About halfway along is Piazza Tre Martiri, which in the past was the political and commercial heart of Rimini. This is overlooked by the characteristic Tempietto di Sant'Antonio and the Clock Tower, dating back to 1547.
The Arch of Augustus is located in the southernmost part of the historic centre, the reference stop being Arco d'Augusto (numerous city lines). From here, the 900-metre-long Corso d'Augusto runs (12 min walk). From the Arch it is an easy walk to Piazza Tre Martiri (300 m, 4 min) - Get directions
A place that has made history: it was in this square, after the Rubicon Passage, that Julius Caesar spoke to his legions, uttering the famous phrase 'Alea iacta est', or'the die is cast'. In remembrance of this, you will find a small column placed on the exact spot where, according to tradition, Caesar uttered these words.
3 - Tiberius Bridge
In the northernmost part of the old town is the Tiberius Bridge, one of the most important examples of Roman architecture in the city, together with the Arch of Augustus. However, the bridge is also known as the Augustus Bridge, as it dates back to the years of Emperor Augustus, only later to be completed by Tiberius.
This imposing structure is also called the Devil's Bridge. The reason is simple and is linked to a kind of legend: on the balustrade of the bridge, in fact, there are two notches in the shape of goat's feet. In numerous iconographic works and stories, the goat-like shape of the feet is attributed precisely to Satan.
The Tiberius Bridge is located to the north of the city centre, easily reached on foot from Piazza Cavour (400 m, 5 min) or from the City Museum (350 m, 4 min). Reference bus stop Via D'Azeglio (line 1) - Get directions
Enjoy the bridge from adifferent perspective: in addition to crossing it, we recommend you also enjoy the bridge from Parco XXV aprile, a wonderful city park with paths and play areas for children. Not only that, it is also one of the most photographed places in the city, especially at sunset!
4 - Malatesta Temple
Let's remain in the old city centre, where between one walk and another you can come across the Malatesta Temple, unfinished religious architecture but, perhaps also for this reason, extraordinary in the eyes of visitors, believers and non-believers alike, which for the people of Rimini is simply the Duomo.
This important religious building was built at the behest of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, with the aim of celebrating the splendour of his family. Its construction saw the participation of well-known names in art and architecture. Among them, Leon Battista Alberti was responsible for the exterior and structure of the cathedral, while the interior was embellished with frescoes and sculptures by 'sacred monsters' such as Piero della Francesca, Giotto, Giorgio Vasari and Agostino di Duccio.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Via IV Novembre 35, in the historical centre. Easily reached from Piazza Cavour (450 m, 6 min) and the Arch of Augustus (400 m, 5 min). Reference bus stop Alberti - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-12:00 and 15:30-18:30, Sat 8:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:00, Sun 9:00-12:30 and 15:30-18:30. Tours suspended for Holy Mass celebrations and religious festivities
Ticket price: free
5 - City Museum
Photo by sailko. In the historical centre, a few steps from Piazza Cavour, is the prestigious Museo della Città, housed in the former Jesuit college and former civic hospital, located on Via Luigi Tonini. Inside, the museum is full of artefacts, mosaics, furnishings and a rich picture gallery on two floors, with works ranging from the fourteenth-century Rimini School to the great masters of seventeenth-century art.
Make sure you plan your visit well and do not miss some of the great masterpieces on display here. These include the Crucifix by Giovanni di Rimini, the Last Judgement also attributed to Giovanni di Rimini, and the works exhibited in the Maltese Rooms, works that the Malatesta family commissioned to artists of great calibre.
Plan your visit: the City Museum and the Surgeon's House observe the same opening hours, so we recommend visiting both in one morning (open all day in summer). Be sure to take a map at the entrance to the Museum so as not to miss the most important works. For the Surgeon's Domus, on the other hand, you will have to follow a set route.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: Via Luigi Tonini 1, in the historic centre, next to the Surgeon's House. Easily accessible on foot from Piazza Cavour (300 m, 4 min). Reference bus stop Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Hours: June to August Tue-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, closed Mon. September to May Tue-Fri 9:30am-1pm and 4pm-7pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full price €7.00, concessions €5.00
6 - Surgeon's Domus
Photo by Fringio. Next to the City Museum is the Surgeon's Domus, a must-see, especially for lovers of 'naked and pure' archaeology. The discovery of this 700 square metre archaeological excavation happened almost by luck, following road works in Piazza Ferrari, when a digger dug too deep, unearthing this beauty.
The dwelling probably belonged to a 3rd-century surgeon, and its discovery represented a turning point in the reconstruction of the health and pharmaceutical profession in Roman times, to say the least. The domus represents the ideal 'extension' of the City Museum and provides the public with a view of its numerous exhibits: instruments closely linked to the medical profession, as well as the beauty of the dwelling, with marvellous mosaics, including that of Orpheus.
Practical information: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: in Piazza Luigi Ferrari, in the city centre, next to the City Museum. Easily reached on foot from Piazza Cavour (240 m, 3 min). Reference bus stop Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Hours: June to August Tue-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, Mon closed. September to May Tue-Fri 9:30am-1pm and 4pm-7pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full price €7.00, concessions €5.00
7 - Old Fish Market
Photo by Sailko. The Vecchia Pescheria area, which runs from Piazza Cavour, is the ideal location to breathe in the younger and livelier atmosphere of beautiful Rimini. It is, in fact, a real meeting point for the population, thanks above all to the widespread presence of pubs and restaurants in this area,
But the Vecchia Pescheria (Old Fish Market) by day will immediately attract your attention for its architectural elegance, the result of the inspiration of a true expert in the field, the architect Buonamici. Under these arches, the fish market was once held, but today you can shop at the city's nearby Mercato Coperto.
It is located in Via Pescheria, in the city centre, next to Piazza Cavour. Easily reached from the Tiberius Bridge (400 m, 5 min) and the Arch of Augustus (600 m, 8 min). Reference bus stop Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Experience the OldFish Market: this area of the old town is a real gem. During the day drop by the Libreria Riminese, one of the oldest in the whole of Rimini, while in the evening you will be spoilt for choice thanks to all the restaurants! For after-dinner drinks, we recommend Guenda Cocktail Sartoriali, a club with music specialising in cocktails and much loved by the young people of Rimini.
8 - Borgo San Giuliano
Photo by Roby Ferrari. The city of Rimini is the birthplace of one of the best Italian filmmakers 'exported' all over the world: Federico Fellini.
To get to know Fellini better, we absolutely recommend a visit to Borgo San Giuliano, the working-class neighbourhood where the director was born, an ancient fishing village. Strolling through the streets, you will come across numerous murals depicting and representing some of the filmmaker's most important works from'Otto e Mezzo' (Eight and a Half)! But that's not all, this is an extremely romantic district, where the people of Rimini meet for a quieter and more relaxed aperitif in a more authentic atmosphere, or for a romantic candlelight dinner with their sweetheart!
The Borgo San Giuliano district develops on the opposite bank of Rimini's Canal Harbour, around Via Giovanni Battista Gervasoni. It is easily reached on foot from the Tiberius Bridge (300 m, 4 min). Matteotti reference bus stop (lines 2, 8, 9 and 91) - Get directions
SEE ALSO: Borgo San Giuliano: what to see and where to eat
Take part in the Festa de' Borg: if you find yourself in Rimini in the first week of September during an even-numbered year, you absolutely cannot miss the Festa de' Borg, an event where you can sample excellent street food, attend shows and listen to stories about the history of the borough.
9 - Castel Sismondo
Photo by Antonini.cristiano. In the historic centre of Rimini you will also find the ancient Castel Sismondo, also called Rocca Malatestiana, one of the most interesting and unmissable attractions to fully understand the history of the city! Its construction began in 1437 at the behest of Sigismondo and work was officially completed in 1446. This imposing building was constructed with a dual function, palace and fortress, a sign of power and supremacy over the city.
At present, the castle is open to the public and can also be visited on guided tours, which will take you on a discovery of the interior and the many rooms. It has also become a real meeting point for the people of Rimini, as several temporary exhibitions and also a twice-weekly market are held here, as well as numerous events. Absolutely a place to experience!
SEE ALSO: Designer Gardens, Rimini: a floral Renaissance at Castel Sismondo
Look for the coat of arms of the Malatesta family: right at the entrance overlooking the city, on the main door you can admire the coat of arms of the Malatesta family, with the classic shield with chequered bands, symbol of this powerful family. To the left and right of the coat of arms is the inscription 'Sigismondo Pandolfo' in tiny, tall, picturesque Gothic letters.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Piazza Malatesta, in the old town centre. Easily reached on foot from Piazza Cavour (230 m, 3 min) and the Arch of Augustus (850 m, 10 min). Reference bus stop Circonvallazione Occidentale (line 1) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-7pm
Ticket price: single ticket €2.00
10 - Palazzo dell'Arengo and the Art Palaces of Rimini
Photo by Laura Monetini. Among the many buildings overlooking the central Piazza Cavour, you absolutely must not miss Palazzo dell'Arengo, one of the city's historic buildings, unmistakable in its seemingly austere architecture, built in the crenellated Romanesque-Gothic style, with a wonderful loggia from which to admire various views of the square through the arches. It is a true jewel of the city.
Next to it is the smaller Palazzo del Podestà, of medieval origin and built in 1334. Its function was purely residential, hence the name'del Podestà'. It could be described as a miniature Palazzo dell'Arengo, with three arches at the base and a crenellated upper part.
Recently, since September 2020, these two palaces, joined directly together, have housed the Palazzi dell'Arte di Rimini (PART), where contemporary works of art are on display!
Buy a singlemuseum ticket: if you are interested in visiting this museum and also the City Museum and the Surgeon's Domus, we recommend buying a single ticket (full price €12.00, reduced price €8.00).
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Piazza Cavour, in the historic centre. Easily reached on foot from the Tiberius Bridge (450 m, 6 min). Reference bus station Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Hours: Loggia always accessible / Museum PART June to August Tue-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, Mon closed. September to May Tue-Fri 9:30am-1pm and 4pm-7pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-7pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: loggia free / Museum PART full €8.00, reduced €6.00
11 - Amintore Galli Theatre
Photo by Paperoastro. We remain in Piazza Cavour, this time to visit the beautiful Amintore Galli Theatre. Its history began in 1841, when architect Luigi Poletti of Modena was commissioned to create the design for the new theatre in Rimini. It was later inaugurated in 1857 by Giuseppe Verdi! Thanks to its large hall and important architecture, this theatre immediately became one of the largest theatres in Italy!
You will be happy to know that you can also visit the wonderful interiors via guided tours! The tour you will follow accompanied by a theatre guide will take you through the foyer, the stalls and the splendid ridotto, the entertainment rooms. The complete tour lasts 45 minutes and booking is compulsory.
An evening at the theatre: we really recommend that you book a ticket to see a theatre performance. The programme is very extensive and includes music, dance and theatre performances. You can consult the complete calendar on the official website.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Piazza Cavour, in the historic centre. Easily reached on foot from the Tiberius Bridge (450 m, 6 min). Reference bus station Piazza Ferrari (line 1) - Get directions
Hours: guided tours organised at weekends, reservation required. Consult the official website
Ticket price: single ticket €5,00, up to 7 years old free of charge
12 - Marina di Rimini and beaches
When you think of Rimini, your mind immediately flies to the sea and fun! If you are visiting this destination in the summer, it is impossible not to spend a few hours relaxing in Marina di Rimini and its beautiful beaches!
Marina di Rimini is all along the coast, very lively and busy in summer, quieter in winter, when the nightlife moves mainly to the historic centre. Here you will find numerous bathing establishments, to be chosen according to your needs: there are some livelier ones, with music and bars for younger people, and others quieter ones with all the facilities for those travelling with families. In addition, there are free stretches of beach and paid stretches with umbrella and deckchair service. Don't forget to also enjoy a nice walk at sunset in the Port area!
Marina di Rimini is only 3 km away, on the long coastal stretch, bus 18 connects the train station to the beaches - Get directions
Play itsafe and choose the right beach: if you prefer the comforts of a lido, you'd better choose the right one and especially book your beach umbrella and sunbed in advance, especially in the height of the summer season! Here are our tips:
- 67 Beach (umbrella, sunbedand drink from €37.00)
- Papaya Beach (umbrella, sunbedand drink from €39.00)
- Beach 42 (umbrella, sunbed and drink from €39.00)
- Bagno Tiki 26 (umbrella, sunbed and drink from€45.00)
13 - Italy in Miniature
If you are travelling with children, you absolutely cannot miss the Italia in Miniatura theme park, one of the most popular attractions in Rimini! It is a true'wonderland', with all the main attractions of Italy reconstructed in miniature.
You can walk along the route and go in a second from the Rialto Bridge in Venice to the Coliseum in Rome, passing by the Tower of Pisa and arriving at the Greek Theatre in Syracuse. A journey among no less than 273 miniatures representing all the symbols of our Bel Paese. There is also a smaller section dedicated to Europa in Miniatura and several fun areas designed for the little ones, such as the logs on water, the interactive driving school, the Cinema7D and the AreAventura.
Book your ticket online: avoid the queues at the ticket offices and enjoy more time inside the park by purchasing your entrance ticket for Italia in Miniatura online.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Via Popilia 239, outside the city centre. Accessible by car via Via Ennio Coletti and the SS16 (6 km, 12 min). By public transport: bus line 8 "Italia in Miniatura" (circular line) from Rimini or Viserba railway station to the park (€1.30) - Get directions
Opening hours: very variable, in the summer period generally 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Consult the official website
Ticket price: full ticket €23.00, reduced €18.00 - online purchase recommended to save time at the entrance
14 - Mirabilandia
It is impossible to stay in Rimini without spending a day at the marvellous Mirabilandia amusement park on the Romagna Riviera, one of the most famous in Italy! Not only attractions and fun, the park also hosts Mirabilandia Beach, an area with swimming pools, water slides of all kinds and lots of water games, ideal for hot summer days.
Returning to the amusement park area, here the attractions can basically be divided into three categories: quiet, ideal especially for the little ones; moderate, such as rides for the older ones; and extreme, such as roller coasters and all the most adrenalin-pumping rides! In short, there really is something for everyone! In addition, there are six different theme areas: Ducati World, Far West Valley, Bimbopoli, Dinoland, Route 66 and Adventureland. There is no shortage of shows of all kinds, themed restaurants and plenty of facilities.
SEE ALSO: Visit Mirabilandia Amusement Park: info, prices and useful advice
Book your ticket online and, if you can, avoid weekends: especially during the summer months, the park is very crowded and long queues may be created at the ticket offices and individual attractions. To avoid queues at the ticket offices in any case, buy your ticket online and skip the lines.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: along the SS16, locality of Savio, province of Ravenna. 40 km from Rimini, by car via the SS16 (40 min, on-site parking, average cost €5.00). By public transport, arrive first in Ravenna, then from there direct line 176 or dedicated shuttle bus - Get directions
Opening hours: April to November from 10 am. Closing times vary by season and day, see official website
Ticket price: for one day and one park the online price is €29.90, at the ticket counter €35.90. Various family packages and hotel + ticket offers available
Other attractions to visit
Strolling through the streets of the historic centre, you can come across the remains of the RomanAmphitheatre (free of charge) or the façade of theEx Convento di San Francesco (free of charge), as well as little hidden gems such as the Chiesa dei Paolotti (free of charge) and the Chiesa Di S. Bernardino (free of charge). Finally, enjoy a trip to the Mercato Coperto Rimini, a true gourmet's paradise, full of fresh, local produce! Here you can also experience a market tour and dinner with a local chef.
If you love green areas, we recommend a walk in the Alcide Cervi Park or the Fabbri Park surrounding the Arch of Augustus, or in the XXV Aprile Park near the Tiberius Bridge. If you are travelling with children, don't miss the Fiabilandia Amusement Park (€24.00, children €17.00), designed for the little ones with slides and water games.
Finally, if time permits, we recommend a visit to the wonderful inland villages. Among the most beautiful are San Leo, Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna, Montegridolfo and Saludecio. Surrounded by greenery and with marvellous castles to visit, these villages are at most an hour's drive from Rimini.
8 things to do in Rimini
Borgo San Giuliano - Fellini's places in Rimini
Aquilonata on the Sea Rimini
Le Befane Shopping Centre
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Discovering Fellini's places: follow an itinerary to discover Borgo San Giuliano, Piazza Cavour, the Fulgor Cinema and the Grand Hotel on the Lungomare, ending with a visit to the Federico Fellini Foundation
Relax atthe Riminiterme: enjoy an afternoon, or a day, of relaxation at the Terme di Rimini, a large spa complex opened in 1873 and overlooking the sea
Takea ride on the Ferris wheel: Rimini's big Ferris wheel is located on the seafront and is clearly visible even from a distance! At night it is fully illuminated and by taking a ride you can admire the whole city from above.
Pure fun at BoaBay: directly on the sea, this is a real floating aquapark. Open in July and August, here you can jump on inflatables and dive straight into the water, a paradise for young and old.
Experience the movida: Especially in summer, Rimini and other resorts on the Riviera such as Milano Marittima and Riccione come alive. Among the most famous discos in the area are Baia Imperiale, Carnaby, Velvet, Altromondo and Coconuts.
Participate in the Kite Festival: on 9 and 10 April in Rimini, the wonderful Kite Festival is held on the beaches from Office 15 to 25. Various workshops and laboratories are also organised, ideal for participating with the little ones
Shopping at Le Befane Shopping Center: this huge shopping centre is a paradise for shopping lovers! Over 100 shops with the best known brands, but not only that, here you will find numerous restaurants and even a theatre
Excursion to San Marino: given the proximity, if you have time to spare, make a trip to San Marino. Between spectacular views, ancient towers and good food, this is the perfect day trip.
Plan your stay in Rimini: flights and hotels
Photo by Uncle Roby. Rimini is easily accessible by car, train or bus. For those arriving by plane, the most convenient stopover is Bologna (124 km away, flights from €19.00). The city is mainly frequented in the summer, with a consequent increase in prices, but it is also worth a visit in the mid-season!
For accommodation, choose between the old town and the marina(accommodation from €45.00 per night). Movida is concentrated in the Marina area in summer, and in the historic centre in winter, especially around the Old Fish Market! Staying in the centre, you can easily get around on foot, and there are several buses available to reach the beach area.
If you are travelling with children, there are plenty of activities to do with them: in addition to the beach, you can go to Fiabilandia and Mirabilandia, run in the city parks and visit Italia in Miniatura! Finally, if you are travelling low-cost, prices in summer increase dramatically! Better to opt for a period such as May and June or September. We recommend buying a single ticket for the museums, and many characteristic areas of the city can be visited free of charge!
