Tiber River (Fiume Tevere)

The Basics

According to legend, the infants Romulus and Remus were abandoned on the Tiber before being rescued by a she-wolf; Romulus eventually became the founder of Rome in 753 BC. Since then, the river has been one of the city’s most important and strategic natural features, and the subject of myth and legend. Today this famous river offers unique views of Italy’s capital city and some of its most iconic sights, including Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Tiber Island. And three bridges across the Tiber date from ancient Rome: Ponte Sant’Angelo, Fabricius Bridge, and the Milvian Bridge.

Consider joining a Tiber River cruise to explore the city by water. Opt for a hop-on, hop-off cruise and take in the main attractions along the waterway, or book a romantic dinner cruise for a night tour of the Eternal City. Alternatively, follow the river’s route on foot or by bike on a small-group guided tour along the river walk, perhaps pairing your exploration with a tour of Vatican City or Trastevere.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Enjoying the Tiber, whether by cruise or strolling its banks, is a must for first-time visitors to Rome.

• Tiber cruises are a relaxing way to see the city center with kids, but many walking tours are not recommended for young children.

• River cruises may not be accessible to wheelchair users, so confirm in advance. There are stairs down to the water’s edge to reach the river walk, so it is not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Tiber is crisscrossed by a number of bridges offering both lovely views of the river and access via stairs down to the river walk along the water’s edge.

When to Get There

The Tiber is particularly beautiful and enjoyable in the mild months of spring and fall. During the hottest months of summer, it’s best to visit the river in the early morning or late evening. Summer also sees an outdoor fair and market set up along the water with pop-up restaurants and bars, shopping, and entertainment.

Rome Attractions Along the Tiber

A hop-on, hop-off cruise along the Tiber is a fun and convenient way to discover Rome’s most important sights, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum, and Piazza del Popolo.

Can you ride a boat on the Tiber River?

Yes, there are tourist boat trips along the Tiber River, although they’re not as scenic or sight-filled as in other European cities. If you want to see Rome from a different angle and get a sense of travel in ancient times, the water offers a good way to do it.

Why is the Tiber River famous?

The Tiber River is steeped in legend, most notably that of Romulus and Remus—aka the founders of Rome. Per the story, these twin baby boys were ordered to be drowned in the Tiber but floated to the riverbanks instead. As adults, they founded a town that grew to be Rome.

How long is the Tiber River?

The Tiber River is roughly 252 miles (405 kilometers) long. After the River Po, the Tiber is Italy’s second-longest river, stretching from the Apennines in the Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions, through the city of Rome, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea beyond Ostia Antica.

Is the Tiber River navigable?

Many sections of the Tiber River are navigable. Tourist sightseeing boats pass through the city of Rome from Ponte Sant’Angelo (close to Vatican City) or Ponte Marconi (south of Trastevere), taking in sights of the city bridges. Some routes head out as far as Ostia Antica where Roman excavations await.

Can you walk across the Tiber River?

The Tiber River is too deep to walk across, but bridges offer a pleasant crossing. The beautiful and historic Sant'Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant'Angelo) spans the waterway, is open only to pedestrians, and has views of Castello Sant’Angelo and Vatican City beyond it.

What is a fun fact about the Tiber River?

The Tiber River is home to the small island of Isola Tiberina, which many say resembles the shape of a fishing boat. While the fishing boat shape is only visible from high above, the island is most commonly at ground level, accessed by the footbridges Fabricio or Cestio.

Ways to explore

Walk along the pedestrian footpath—known as the lungotevere—that follows the river as it snakes through Rome. Or rent a bike from Ponte Garibaldi and head north on the lungotevere to pass Castel Sant’Angelo and the Olympic Stadium. The bike lane continues for about 10 miles (16 kilometers).

Many walking tours and foodie excursions cross the Tiber River via Tiber Island, before or after exploring neighborhoods like Campo’ de Fiori or Trastevere. Consider taking a river cruise if you’d rather give your legs a rest, with hop-on hop-off options available.

Accessibility

The lungotevere requires climbing down stairs, so is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses

What to wear

A hat in summer, layers in the shoulder seasons and winter

Not allowed

Swimming in the river, drinking from the river

Address

The Tiber River spans 252 miles (405 kilometers) from the Apennine Mountains to the beaches of Ostia. There are multiple points of access, but most people visit this famous waterway from central Rome.

Driving

Paid street parking is available along the Tiber River (look for the blue stripes), but spaces are hard to come by. If you can, take a taxi or rideshare to a drop-off point near Tiber Island or Ponte Sisto rather than drive yourself.

Public transportation

Take Metro Line A to Flaminio and walk to the river—don’t miss the Ara Pacis Museum, located near the water’s edge. Alternatively, take Metro Line B to the Circus Maximus and walk to Tiber Island, passing the famous Bocca della Verità. The nearest train station to the river is Trastevere, with direct links to Fiumicino Airport on the regional train; from there, walk or take trams 3 or 8 to get closer to Piazza Trilussa. Multiple bus lines stop here, including the 23 and 280.

Best times to visit

Come at sunset for the most photogenic views. Buskers often perform along pedestrian bridges such as Ponte Cestio and Ponte Sisto.

Best days to visit

You’ll find the fewest crowds on weekday mornings when you might have parts of the Tiber River to yourself, aside from the odd jogger or dog walker.

Best months to visit

Rome is best in the shoulder seasons, especially April to May and September to October. Winters are usually mild, although it often rains.

Special events

While summer in Rome is not for the faint of heart (the city swelters in triple-degree temperatures), the Tiber River is a great place to be, as bars, pop-up shops, and eateries crop up along the lower-level footpath, as well as outdoor concerts and open-air film screenings when the Lungo il Tevere Festival takes place.