15 fun things to do in Rimini, Italy – more than the beach!

Rimini is mostly-known as a summer beach destination in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy but the city has so much more to offer. Head toward the old historic center and you'll find there are plenty of things to do in Rimini.

Want to know more? Read on!

 

Fun things to do in Rimini

1. Cross the Ponte di Tiberio

One of the things to see in Rimini is the Ponte di Tiberio. It sports five arches that stretch across 70 m / 230 ft. Each archway has an average span of about 8m / 26 ft.

The bridge is also referred to as the Bridge of Augustus because construction began when Augustus reigned but was only completed when Tiberius reigned (in 20 AD). The crossing was the only one that wasn't destroyed in the Battle of Rimini and is still used for pedestrian and ordinary vehicle crossing – but is not suitable for trucks.
 

2. Roam the streets of the Borgo San Giuliano

Once you've crossed the Ponte di Tiberio, you'll reach the Borgo San Giuliano, which is also situated between the Marecchia River and the harbor. It used to be where the fishermen lived and one of the poorest parts of the city.

The cobbled streets and old fishing neighborhood is characterized by small houses and two-story restaurants that are adorned with colorful murals. These murals pay tribute to Federico Fellini and showcase movie scenes like “La Dolce Vita,” “The Road,” and “Nights of Cabiria.”

You may notice that many homes also have painted ceramic plaques that illustrate old boats and reveal the name of the sailor who used to own the house.
 

3. Chill at the Parco XXV Aprile

Parco XXV Aprile is the largest of the central city parks and is also known as Marecchia Park. The 25 ha / 61acre land stretches along the Marecchia River, the city center, and the Celle districts.

The luscious park is lined with small woods, sports facilities, and meadows, making it a great place for an afternoon stroll or a weekend picnic.
 

4. Step into the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Corte o dei Servi

Another impressive piece of architecture to add on your list of things to do in Rimini is the catholic church of Santa Maria in Corte, just a few minutes walking from the Ponte di Tiberio.

The Chiesa was built in the 14th-century on a site donated by the Malatesta family to the Servants of Mary in a single nave, but drastically changed in the later 1700s. The façade was rebuilt in the late 1800s.

Inside the church you can see stunning stuccos, gildings, and frescoes by Giotto's school.
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5. Stroll over the Piazza Tre Martiri

The square dates back to the middle ages and used to be known as Piazza delle Erbe. The Three Martyrs Square received its name after the three guerilla fighters ( Luigi Nicolò, Mario Cappelli, and Adelio Pagliarani) were executed here. It's located on Corso d'Augusto and connects the Arch of August to the Tiberius Bridge.

Today, the square is home to many famous buildings but some of the prominent ones are at the southern end of the square and called the Tempietto di Sant' Antonio and the Chiesa Dei Paoletti.

The Tempietto di Sant' Antonio is a small octagonal temple which was built in the 16th-century to celebrate the “Miracle of the Mula.” It had to be rebuilt in 1672 after an earthquake and it was then that it was given its current Baroque style.

The square is also home to the bronzed Caesar monument and the Column of Julius Caesar which reminds people of where Caesar spoke to the soldiers of the XIII Legion.

Besides admiring the historical venues in the piazza, you'll get to browse numerous shops and grab a bite at one of the restaurants. The square also often hosts seasonal markets and events.
 

6. Catch a movie or a tour at the old Cinema Fulgor

Cinema Fulgor forms part of the Fellini museum – mainly because of Frederico Fellini's fascination with the theater while growing up. It was closed for many years, but after a five-year restoration, the cinema reopened its doors in January 2018.

The stunning red velvet and gold-leafed accents are the handiwork of Italian production designer and art director Dante Ferretti and aside from playing movies, the venue also hosts exhibitions, concerts, presentations, and tours.
 

7. Learn about Rimini at the City Museum

The Rimini City Museum was first used as a hospital between the 18th and 20th-centuries and is located in the Piazza Ferrari. There are 40 galleries with over 1500 works showing various local historical-artistic exhibits. The ground floor is dedicated to Renè Gruau, who's famous for contemporary fashion design.

The garden-courtyard has Roman Lapidary with about 100 Roman inscriptions. A separate section is dedicated to movie director and screenwriter Frederico Fellini. You'll get a glimpse of his “Libro dei sogni” (the Book of dreams) – that shows his sketches of movie scenes that he made.

A part of the archaeological section is situated in the cellar of the museum. It exhibits stories of Rimini's prehistoric to the late antiquity times.

The archaeological division continues on the ground floor, which shows Imperial Rimini between the 2nd – 3rd-centuries. You'll get to appreciate coins, glass, decorations, bronzes, and the surgical instrument equipment from the “Domus del Chirurgo” in Piazza Ferrari.

The Pinacoteca picture gallery is found on the first and second floors. It showcases art until the 19OOs, including that of the 14th-century Rimini school. Wood paintings, ceramics, and beautiful frescoes (including a 14th-century fresco “the Last Judgement,”) are displayed in the conference room.

The medieval section holds over 300 pieces varied between sculptures, old manuscripts, and 14th-century fine art. On the second floor, you'll discover locally made relics by the likes of Guido Cagnacci, Simone Cantarini, Giovan Battista Costa, and Il Guercino.

If you visit Rimini and want to learn all about the city, this is the place to go.
 

8. Watch locals and tourists alike at the Piazza Cavour

Cavour Square is the second main town square in Rimini. Its stunning architecture and local markets are easily reached by a 5 minutes' walk from the Martiri Square and a short distance from Museo della Citta.

The most prominent building on the square is the Galli Theater and a columned walkway called Antica Pescheria, which leads off to the Via Pescheria.
 

9. Take a tour of the Castel Sismondo

The Sismondo Castle was created in the 1400s by Sismondo Malatesta but is no longer surrounded by walls. Although Malatesta designed the structure, architects such as Filippo Brunelleschi worked on it too and it took 15 years to complete it.

When it was initially built, the castle had a ravelin and a moat. The latter, however, filled up in the 1800s. The square towers face the city, with each one housing a bronze cannon.

Inside, you can see frescoes, rich-fabric curtains, and intricate tapestries while the exterior of the building is decorated with maiolica tiles. Catch one of the guided tours to learn more about the place or check if there's a special event going on on the day of your visit.
 

10. Visit the Tempio Malatestiano

If you're into history, the Matestiano Temple is one of the places to visit in Rimini. It was a gothic style church that was at one point converted into a burial chapel. Sismondo Malatesta designed Rimini's famous monument to glorify his love for Isotta degli Atti. Although the construction began in the 9th-century, you can see that it's still unfinished today.

The building is decorated with artwork, religious artifacts, ornate crucifix, sculptures, stucco artwork, columns, and archways – with the fresco of Sigismondo kneeling before Saint Sigismund worth getting a special mention.
 

11. Have gelato at Cuor di Cioccolato

One of the best activities in Rimini is to simply have gelato. You are in Italy, after all! Head to gelateria Cuor di Cioccolato which is situated on the Corso d'Augusto. They have plenty of flavors of home-made gelato to choose from and those who want to feel a bit healthier can opt for some frozen yogurt too.
 

12. Walk through the Arco d' Augosto

From Cuor di Cioccolata, you can already spot the historic Arch of Augustus. The archway was built in 27 B.C. to honor Emperor Augustus and indicated the end of the Via Flaminia – the road that connected Romagna to Rome. The Via Flaminia was later renamed to Corso d'Augusto.

The simple central arc is held up by two columns with fluted shafts and is embellished by Corinthian capitals with four shields appearing next to each capital. This Roman relic's gate supports a bronze statue of Augustus driving a four-horse chariot.
 

13. Relax at the beach

One of those typical Rimini activities for visitors and locals alike is to head to the beach. Rimini beach starts at the Federico Fellini Park and stretches for miles. Here, you get to experience beach bars, restaurants, hotels, and large areas covered with sun loungers.

Some of the popular beaches are Beach Village, Bagno 38 Egisto, Spiaggia Libera, Bagni Ricci, and the Women's Beach. Rimini's beaches are situated on the Adriatic Sea and famous for its golden sands.

Water temperatures peak around 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) in August but at lower temperatures in March at about 11 to 12°C (52 to 54°F).
 

14. See Rimini from above in the Ruota Panoramica Ferris wheel

What better way to do some Rimini sightseeing than from high above the city! The Ferris wheel is located next to the Rimini coastline and stands at 55m / 180 ft tall and weighs about 360 tons/ 326 tonnes. The 28 see-through cabins allow you 360° views that stretch from the Gabicce to the Lidi Ferraresi, and over the countryside to the Adriatic sea.

Because of its size, it holds up to 168 people at a time and turns slowly – allowing you the chance to really enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
 

15. Head out to Italy in Miniatura

In the mood for a quirky day out? Head to Miniatura! This theme park is situated about 15 minutes driving northeast of the city and holds over 270 miniature Italian and European buildings, jewels, and exclusive attractions (such as Venice). It's one of the main attractions in Rimini for families.

The park is surrounded by over 10,000 plants and miniature trees and uses 66,1000 gal/ 2,500 m³ of water to fill the water basins. You can see the Grand Canal of Venice with replicas of 119 buildings, St. Mark's Square Campanile, and the Castel Sismondo. Replays of water cannon battles between the Montefeltro and Malatesta families are set out.

You even get to admire miniature versions of the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Florence Cathedral. Among the attractions at the park are the Pappamondo (a tropical parrot nursery), the monorail, and gondola rides.

Don't feel like waiting in line to get in? Get a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
 

Where to stay in Rimini

Best hotels in Rimini, Italy

Budget: Hotel Panama Majestic
The Panama Majestic is a 4-star hotel right on the seafront. Rimini city center is about a 20 minute walk away. The rooms are large and stylish with marble floors and air conditioning, all with free WiFi and an ensuite bathroom. It features two rooftop hot tubs, a fitness area and sauna for guests to use. There’s also a restaurant and bar area.
View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
 

Boutique: Admiral Art Hotel
This quirky Rimini hotel right next to its own private beach has an urban vibe to the decor. Each room has a unique design with a cool feature wall. It’s all air-conditioned and there’s a terrace area, restaurant bar and communal lounge complete with grand piano.

View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
 

Chain: Best Western Maison B Hotel
Rimini’s Best Western hotel is a beachfront haven with a panoramic restaurant overlooking the waves. Free WiFi, air-conditioning, a swimming pool and private parking are just some of the great features of this classy hotel.

View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
 

Luxury: Card International Hotel
A city center option, Card International Hotel is really near both Rimini train station and Tempio Malatestiano, as well as loads of the other landmarks described above. The hotel has a 24-hour bar, sun terrace, fitness area, lounge area and you can rent bikes from the reception.

View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
 

How to get to Rimini

Rimini train station lies at the edge of the historical center and is well-connected with other cities in the region. Check Omio for an overview of train times and prices.
 

And that's it! I hope this list of things to do in Rimini gave you a better idea of what to do in Rimini.
 

Don't forget travel insurance

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.
 

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