10 Best Things to Do in Rimini

Piazza Tre Martiri is a historical square in central Rimini and has plenty of picturesque architecture dating back to the Ancient Roman period. The northern end of the square is home to reputable shops, restaurants and cafes. The southern part is where you can visit many important landmarks, including the 16th century church Tempietto di Sant Antonio, Torre dell'Orologio clock tower, and the statue of Julius Caesar. Piazza Tre Martiri is a popular meeting place thanks to its central location and pedestrian-friendly streets. It also hosts markets, festivals, and concerts throughout the year, especially in spring and summer. 

Arco d’Augusto was constructed 27 B.C. and named after Caesar Octavian Augustus, who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire. One of the oldest surviving examples of Roman architecture, its central arch is flanked by 2 Istrian stone columns with elaborate Corinthian orders. There’s also an inscription dedicated to the emperor and intricate reliefs of 4 Roman gods, Jupiter, Apollo, Neptune, and Roma. Located in Corso d'Augusto, this picturesque archway is a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tre Martiri.

Corso d'Augusto is a vibrant shopping street between the Arco d'Augusto and Ponte d'Augusto in central Rimini. Here, you can find many upmarket and high-street fashion brands alongside quaint shops selling a variety of souvenirs, jewellery and beauty products. Corso d'Augusto is relatively small, so you can easily explore the entire street on foot or bicycle. There are also plenty of cafes and pubs with outdoor terraces overlooking many historical sites within central Rimini. 

Tempio Malatestiano (Malatesta Temple) is a fine example of Early Renaissance architecture. This structure was originally a 13th century cathedral called the Church of San Francesco before it was converted into a massive tomb for the Malatesta family, who had ruled Rimini between 1295 and 1500. Today, it houses a collection of 15th century artefacts, including Sigismondo Pandolfo’s sepulchre, sculptures by Agostino di Duccio, and an ornate crucifix by Giotto.

Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberio Bridge) dates back to ancient Roman times, when Rimini was under the reign of Roman Emperor Caesar Octavian Augustus in 14 A.D. Made with Istrian limestone, it’s one of the oldest Roman bridges and features 5 semi-circular arches with a total length of 70 metres. Today, the bridge connects central Rimini with the Borgo San Giuliano hamlet. It’s still in relatively good condition and is only open to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

Borgo San Giuliano is a traditional fishing hamlet about 1.6 km south of Marina Centro. It’s made up of cobblestone streets and charming cottages. It’s also a good place for enjoying seafood and authentic Italian cuisine such as pastas and piadina (flat-bread sandwiches). Borgo San Giuliano’s most popular feature is its extensive collection of murals depicting scenes from Federico Fellini’s films, some of them dating back to 1980. 

Festa de’ Borg is a biannual festival that takes place in the first weekend of September. Over the course of two days, the neighbourhood hosts colourful parades, live music and dances, and ends with a fireworks display over the Ponte di Tiberio River. 

Italia in Miniatura (Miniature Italy) is home to over 250 miniature historical buildings and natural landscapes of Italy. Founded in 1970 by Ivo Rambaldi, this theme park features an open-air exhibition space spanning 85,000 sq m, where you can see highly detailed models of the monuments such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Duomo of Milan. Children’s activities are plentiful as Italia in Miniatura also has a bird park, science fun fair, and an interactive driving school. The Arcobaleno monorail ride lets you view the theme park’s attractions from a height of up to 6 metres. 

La Sagra Musicale Malatestiana is a long-running festival commemorating classical music in Rimini. The event was first held to celebrate the reconstruction of Tempio Malatestiano in 1950. Today, it offers a month-long series of classical concerts by renowned European conductors, soloists, pianists, and opera singers. La Sagra Musicale typically starts in late-August and is held at popular auditoriums and music halls throughout Rimini. Past venues include the Augustinian Complex, Ermete Novelli Theater, and the Church of the Suffrage

Marina Centro is a sea-fronting promenade in Rimini, where you can find some of the city’s busiest nightlife spots. A 20-minute walk from the historical Piazza Tre Martiri, it’s a popular spot for activities such as sunbathing, jogging, and jet skiing during the day.

At dusk, the entire area transforms into a giant party, especially along the tree-lined avenue Viale Vespucci. Stylish nightclubs, discos, and cocktail bars are plentiful, most of which are fitted with outdoor terraces overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

When you hear the call of rides and adventures, it's time to head to Fiabilandia. Children can plunge into colourful ball pits, take a ride on the little train, visit the Native American camp or experience an adrenaline rush on the different roller coasters: the rotating cars of Spacemouse, the floating logs of Castoria or the mining wagons of Miniera d’Oro (Gold Mine). Prefer water rides or entertainment? Experience the 4D cinema, circus acrobatics or laser show. Small children can explore the Valle degli gnomi (Valley of Gnomes) on a giant caterpillar or take a cruise across the pond aboard an unusual vessel that resembles a steamboat. Want to know how to get to the park? It's in Rivazzurra and is reachable by bus and trolleybus from Rimini's centre and station.