How to Spend a Magical Day in Tivoli, Italy

One of my favorite day trips I took while in Rome for the month of May was to Tivoli. It was one of the places on my Rome bucket list and I was planning to go on my own, but the adult study abroad program organized a day trip! I decided to go with the group so I didn’t have to worry about transportation or securing a tour because it was all set up for us. One of our professors even came with us to teach us about the rich history of the two most popular attractions in Tivoli: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. I really enjoyed imagining what life might have been like in Emperor Hadrian’s countryside estate in ancient times or wandering the gardens of Villa d’Este back in the 16th century. Plus it was a nice escape from the busyness, and increasing heat, of Rome and the lunch was spectacular.

If you’d like to visit Tivoli, here’s what you need to know to plan your own day trip. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour and let them plan it for you!

There are two must-see attractions in Tivoli: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este. Start your day at Hadrian’s Villa. 

Things to Do in Tivoli: Visit Hadrian’s Villa

Hadrian’s Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 118-138 AD by Emperor Hadrian. It was the emperor’s countryside escape and in its prime it covered 296 acres. There were lavishly decorated residential buildings, thermal baths, theaters, pools, and gardens. 

Before you pass through the ancient wall, stop by a small building that has a scale model of what Villa Adriana looked like centuries ago. It’s nice to have an understanding of just how big this area once was. 

Currently, 99 acres are open to visitors and it will take around three hours to see the majority of the ancient ruins of the impressive villa of Emperor Hadrian. 

A few notable stops to make in Hadrian’s Villa

Antiquarium di Villa Adriana

A small museum that displays artefacts found during excavations of the site. You’ll see statues, crocodiles, as well as intricately engraved support columns.

The Canopus and Serpeum

Below the Antiquarium and perhaps the most iconic feature of Hadrian’s Villa is the Canopus and Serpeum. The Canopus is a long pool lined with columns and Egyptian-inspired statues. At the end of the pool is a curved dome, the Serpaeum, which was a dining space. This area was likely used for banquets and celebrations. Can you imagine having dinner here on a summer day in ancient Rome?

Thermal Baths

There are two thermal baths ruins, the Grandi and Piccole Terme. You can still see mosaics that adorned these baths. One of them even has a hole in the roof similar to the Pantheon, which was also built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign.

A third thermal bath, Terme con Heliocaminus, is visible as well. These are the oldest baths that were heated by sunlight and underfloor heating. It’s amazing that ancient baths had these. It’s like the heated floors in bathrooms in fancy homes!

The Piazza d’Oro

The Piazza d’Oro, or Gold Square, was an enormous space that was likely used to entertain important people back in the day. It also likely held a library. It was supposedly adorned with beautiful mosaics, marble floors, and statues. Some of what was found here is now in the Vatican, the Louvre, and the Capitoline Museums. 

Teatro Marittimo

This was my favorite part! It wasn’t actually a theater, but likely Emperor Hadrian’s personal home in the villa that was decorated with marine images. The main living space is on a central island surrounded by moat – the perfect introvert’s retreat!

Aside from the ancient ruins, take your time relishing in the quiet, the flowers in bloom, and the birdsong (especially if you go first thing in the morning).

Tips for Visiting Hadrian’s Villa

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on sometimes uneven ground so make sure you have good shoes on. I wore these Keen sneakers the whole time in Rome and my feet were very happy with them!
• Bring Water: There are limited places to fill up a water bottle on the grounds, so make sure you have water with you, especially if you visit in the heat of the summer.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
• Book a Guided Tour: There is so much to see here and not much of it is signposted. You’ll get more out of it if you have a guide, at least an audioguide, describing what you’re looking at. Check out Tivoli day tours here.

For individual tickets and opening times, visit Hadrian Villa’s official website. 

Enjoy Lunch in Tivoli

After you’re finished at Hadrian’s Villa, head into Tivoli’s historic center for a well-deserved lunch. There are plenty of places to choose from, but I recommend Il Ciocco which is immersed in the stunning Villa Gregoriana.

The patio of Il Ciocco overlooks the Villa Gregoriana gorge with multiple waterfalls and views of the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of the Sybil. 

The food and the service match the amazing views here as well. Relax into the atmosphere here and order yourself your favorite pasta. You’ll need energy for the next part of the day in Tivoli!

Things to Do in Tivoli: Visit Villa d’Este

If Hadrian’s Villa was a walk through ancient Roman grandeur, then Villa d’Este is a stroll through Renaissance dreams! Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa d’Este is an impressive palace filled with magnificent fountains and lush gardens. 

Villa d’Este was built on the grounds of a former monastery by Pirro Ligorio for the Governor of Tivoli, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este.

You’ll start in the palace, which is beautiful in itself, with frescoes and artwork covering all of the walls and ceilings. But the beautiful gardens are the real showstopper.

Villa d’Este Fountains

After walking out onto the terrace, head down the stairs to the right. Here you’ll see the first of many fountains – Fontana dell’Ovato. It’s a semi-circular fountain framed by lush greenery. You can walk behind it to feel the power of the waterfall.

Up next is the Fontana dell’Organo. This unique water feature also plays music! I didn’t get to hear it play as it wasn’t running during my visit.

Directly below this fountain is the masterpiece of the garden, The Fontana di Nettuno, a multi-level fountain that is a must for photo ops!

From here continue your walk through the gardens, checking out unique sculptures like Fontana di Madre Natura. Find a bench to sit and relax, enjoying the sounds of the waterfall.

When you’re ready to go, walk back towards the palace at the other end of the pools from the main fountain. On a clear day, you’ll have a stunning view of Rome and can see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica!

As you head back up the stairs to leave, you’ll pass a few more water features like the viale delle cento fontane, which has 100 individual water spouts. Can you imagine taking a leisurely stroll through here in the 16th century, discussing the upcoming ball or the politics of the time?

Tips for Visiting Villa d’Este

• Wear comfortable shoes: Since you’ll likely visit this on the same day as Hadrian’s Villa, make sure you keep your comfortable walking shoes laced up!
• Prepare for Stairs: Multiple staircases lead down into the garden. You’ll have to walk back up these to exit. 
• Bring water: Some of the fountains have potable water, and they will be marked as safe to drink. Other fountains you can’t drink from. Either bring a full water bottle with you or keep an eye out for the potable water fountains to stay hydrated!
• Guided Tour: I don’t think an organized tour is necessary for Villa d’Este. I would have actually preferred not to be with the group because I felt we rushed through the gardens. I would’ve loved to spend more time there, taking photos and soaking up the tranquil vibes.

For individual tickets and opening hours, visit Villa d’Este’s official website. 

How to Get to Tivoli

Prior to knowing I’d be going to Tivoli with the adult study abroad group, I was planning to go solo so I researched how to get there. I was not planning to rent a car, so public transit was the most budget-friendly option, although not exactly straightforward.

Public Transportation to Tivoli

That being said, it did appear quite simple to get to Villa d’Este, but to get to Hadrian’s Villa it’s not as straightforward. There is a combination of trains and buses to take. But if I were to do this, I’d probably just take the train and then try for an Uber or taxi to get me from the train to Hadrian’s Villa.

Train & Bus to Tivoli

One option is to take the train from Roma Tiburtina Station to Tivoli and then walk about 15 minutes to Villa d’Este. 

From Villa d’Este to Hadrian’s Villa, you could take a Cotral bus to Via Tiburtina and then walk to the entrance. 

If you want to start the day at Hadrian’s Villa, take the train from Roma Tiburtina to Bagni di Tivoli station. Then take a Cotral bus to Via Tiburtina. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to Hadrian’s Villa.

The train costs anywhere from €3-4, and the buses are anywhere from €1-2.

I recommend using Trenitalia and Google Maps to help you figure out the best route.

Guided Tour to Tivoli

Since visiting, however, a guided tour may be better so that you can have a better understanding of the archaeological sites in Hadrian’s Villa and not have to worry about navigating public transportation.

This is a highly recommended day trips to Tivoli from Rome that includes lunch and both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. 

Where to Stay in Tivoli

If you really don’t like organized tours, I get it. Another option may be to spend the night in Tivoli so you can spend one day in each location and have time to explore the charming town of Tivoli. 

I found Tivoli to be a charming Italian town as we walked from lunch to Villa d’Este. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much free time to explore the narrow streets on our own. There are more things to see in the center of town, like the church of San Pietro alla carità. If you want to extend your stay to see a bit more of Tivoli or really take your time at either palace, consider staying overnight at one of these popular hotels.

Al Palazzetto

A charming and beautiful hotel in a historic 15th-century building located in the heart of Tivoli’s historic center. Some of the rooms have beautifully exposed wood beam ceilings, while others are painted similar to how Villa d’Este is, which is just a quick walk away. 

Check rates and availability here.

Regina Bed and Breakfast

A beautiful B&B in the heart of Tivoli, filled with beautiful rooms decorated with antiques that give it an updated, but classic feel. There is a gorgeous terrace with beautiful views of Tivoli, and breakfast is included!

Check rates and availability here.

Residenze Gregoriane

Looking for a luxury stay? Consider the stunning Residenze Gregorine. Located in a 16th-century palace, this hotel adds to the magical atmosphere of Tivoli. According to reviews, the staff is incredible and the pool is stunning. I’d love to stay here!

Check rates and availability here.

And there you have it, everything you need to know to plan a magical day trip to Tivoli from Rome. I hope you enjoy wandering around the historic buildings of Hadrian’s Villa, soaking in the historical charm of the town center, and having fun imagining yourself living in one of the most luxurious villas, Villa d’Este. Tivoli is 100% worth visiting and an excellent addition to your Rome itinerary. Have fun!

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