Welcome to Rimini in northern Italy!
Our comprehensive guide outlines EVERYTHING you need to know about this beautiful city. We’ll go over the best things to do, its history and Italian monuments, accommodations, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
- Historical and Cultural Significance: Rimini boasts a rich history dating back to its founding by the Romans in 268 BC, originally named Ariminum. The city has played a crucial role in trade and cultural exchange throughout the centuries, evident in its Roman and medieval landmarks like the Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus.
- Diverse Attractions: Rimini offers a wide range of attractions that cater to various interests, including history enthusiasts, beach lovers, and nightlife seekers. Notable sites include ancient Roman structures, medieval landmarks, picturesque beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Accommodation and Costs: The city accommodates all budgets, offering mostly luxury hotels, mid-range accommodations, and budget options like hostels.
- Local Cuisine and Lifestyle: Rimini’s culinary scene reflects its coastal location and rich cultural heritage, with local delicacies like piadina and seafood dishes.
FAQ
What is Rimini known for?
Rimini is famous for being one of the most important ports in the Roman Empire and Medieval ages. It is also known for its golden beaches next to the Adriatic sea, historic landmarks, and nightlife. It’s a city that shows you true Italian coastal life.
What is the meaning of Rimini?
The name “Rimini” has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times when the city was a significant coastal settlement. It’s believed to derive from the Latin word “Ariminum,” named after the nearby Ariminus River. Rimini, rich in history and culture, has been a gateway between the northern and central parts of Italy, playing a crucial role in trade and cultural exchange throughout the centuries.
Is there much to do in Rimini?
Of course, Rimini has many attractions that we think fit every interest, whether you’re a history enthusiast, beach lover, or nightlife seeker. Here are some of the best places to visit in Rimini:
- The Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio): Ponte di Tiberio is a fantastic stone bridge with five arches over the River Marecchia, built back in the year 20 BC. This is one of the most impressive Roman bridges still surviving in the country. The Ponte di Tiberio bridge marks the starting point of two important Roman roads: Via Emilia which connected Rimini to Piacenza, and Via Popilia, which connects the city to Ravenna. It also connects Rimini’s city centre to the ancient fishing village of Borgo San Giuliano.
- The Arch of Augustus (Arco d’Augusto): Erected in 27 BC, this is the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch. It serves as a grand gateway into the heart of ancient Rimini.
- Piazza Tre Martiri: The 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.
- Federico Fellini Park: Named after the famous filmmaker who was born in Rimini, this park offers lush green spaces, perfect for a relaxing day out.
- Rimini Beaches: With over 15 kilometers of sandy beaches, Rimini is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Castel Sismondo “Ariminum” is a 15th-century fortress that now hosts exhibitions and cultural events, offering a glimpse into Rimini’s medieval past.
- The Rimini Ferris Wheel (La Ruota Panoramica): offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast, especially at sunset.
- Borgo San Giuliano is a charming and colorful fishermen’s district, decorated with murals depicting scenes from Federico Fellini’s movies and rich with authentic Italian restaurants and bars.
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FUN FACT: Rimini is a place that has been known as one of the most famous seaside resorts in northern Italy for almost 200 years. The city was founded by the Romans in 268 BC and was then called ‘Ariminum’. More than 2000 years later, you can still find some beautiful remnants from that period.
Are the beaches free in Rimini?
Yes, many of Rimini’s beaches, next to the Adriatic Sea, are free to the public. However, some beach areas are managed by beach clubs that offer amenities such as umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms, and showers for a fee. Rimini Beach has lifeguards from 9am to 6am.
How expensive is Rimini?
Exploring Rimini, with its mix of historical landmarks and modern seaside resort amenities, was quite expensive for us. Here’s a breakdown of the costs of our 2-day stay in Rimini, targeting mid-budget options.
Accommodation
- Mid-range: For a more comfortable stay, mid-range hotels typically charge between $150 per night. For two nights, the cost would be around $300.
Dining
- Mid-range: We opted for a mix of casual dining and a few meals at mid-range restaurants, plan for $70 per day, totaling $140 for two days.
Attractions and Entertainment
- Public Beaches: Free access, but renting an umbrella and sun loungers at beach clubs might cost around $15 to $25 per day.
- Historic Landmarks and Museums: Entry fees vary, but allocating $20 to $40 for two days should cover several sites.
- Transportation: Assuming the use of public transport and occasional taxi rides, budget about $10 to $20 for two days.
Total Estimated Costs
For a mid-budget experience, the total cost for 2 days in Rimini is around $260 to $480 for two days.
DID YOU KNOW: Rimini remains one of the important towns in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the tourists and locals often visit the beaches and clubs.
Let’s dive deeper into Rimini!
Now, let’s take a deep dive into what your vacation in Rimini would look like. First of all, how do you get there?
Getting to Rimini
Reaching Rimini is quite easy, as the city centre is well-connected by transportation options, like flights, trains, and buses.
Rimini is a city in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy and the capital city of the Province of Rimini. It is located on the Adriatic Sea.
Below, we outline the different ways to get to Rimini.
Flights to Rimini
The closest airport to Rimini is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), located just 8 km from the northern end of Rimini to the city center.
Rimini’s airport primarily serves domestic and European destinations, with seasonal flights operated by airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
The approximate budget for a one-way flight from major European cities ranges from €50 to €200, depending on the season and booking time.
Use the widget below to book your flight tickets. We always use Aviasales as they are the BEST organization for CHEAP FLIGHT prices and easy rebookings.
Did you know? You can use the Audio Tour Guide App from NaviCup to learn more about Rimini. It’s perfect to listen to while travelling! You can find it here.
Trains
Rimini’s central train station, Rimini Stazione Centrale, is well-connected to major Italian cities and other European destinations.
High-speed trains like Frecciarossa connect Rimini to cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice, with travel times ranging between 2 and 4 hours. Regional trains also link Rimini with nearby cities like Bologna and Florence.
Train ticket prices vary depending on the type of train and class of service. A one-way ticket from Milan or Rome can range from €20 for a regional train to €50 for a high-speed train in standard class. Booking in advance can help you secure better deals.
Buses
Bus companies like FlixBus and MarinoBus offer intercity connections to Rimini from various Italian and European cities.
Buses usually arrive at Rimini’s main bus station, located near the train station. A one-way bus ticket from other cities, like Milan or Rome, can cost between €15 and €35, depending on the carrier and booking time.
DID YOU KNOW: Rimini was founded around 3200 BC and was a major port town in the Adriatic Sea during the Roman Empire and the Medieval Ages.
TOP Things to Do in Rimini
Enjoy One of Rimini’s Theme Parks
There are two separate theme parks around Rimini that are designed to appeal to families and children. The first is Italia in Miniatur (which simply translates as miniature Italy). Located just 10 minutes away by car, the park offers a wide variety of interesting activities as well as great photo opportunities. In the parks, you can discover replicas of some of the world’s most famous buildings, crafted with the utmost precision. Here, you can visit the Colosseum and admire the spires of Pisa and Saint Peter Cathedral.
Discover the Gates of the City
The three entrances are still available at Rimini Porta Montanari (known as Saint Andrew’s Gate only in Rimini), Porta Galiana, and Porta Marina. Porta Montana had a direct connection with Rimini via Monte. The majority of the doors of Porta Montanara were damaged in WWII, but restorations gave the structure new splendor. Porta Galliana was part of a defensive wall that protected Rimini, and it was constructed around 2500.
With Get Your Guide, you can pre-book your activities, skipping the hassle of long queues or sold-out experiences. It provides priority access to popular attractions, ensuring you make the most of your time. Additionally, their flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the activity begins.
Visit the Malatesta Temple
The most stunning temple in Rimini remains the Tempio Malatestiano. Although this impressive cathedral looks complete, there are some missing details, such as an internal tower in the center of the building. The interior temple offers an opportunity to view sacred objects such as paintings, sculptures, and crucifixes by Giovanni, as well as paintings by. The temple is located on Piazza Malatesta.
Three Martyrs Square
The most attractive square in Rimini is Piazza Tremartiri, a historic location surrounded by historic churches as well as souvenir stores, luxurious boutique restaurants, and trendy cafes.
The ancient Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar paused upon crossing the Rubicon (as shown by a statue and a memorial cippus), served as a marketplace for centuries. Afterwards, it was renamed ‘Piazza Tre Martiri’ in honor of three young partisans executed there on August 16, 1944. A marble inset marks the exact location.
If the street market is a fascination, the area is also home to weekly and seasonal markets, like Christmas markets in December. In summer, the Piazza hosts several musical performances and other cultural activities as well.
Admire Augustus’ Arch
Augustus’ Arch stands as a testament to Rimini’s rich historical tapestry, dating back to 27 BC. The ancient Roman gate, the oldest surviving Roman archway in the world, once marked the end of the Via Flaminia, which connected the city to Rome.
Today, it serves as a gateway not just to Rimini’s bustling modern streets but also to an era when it was a pivotal maritime and trading port of the Roman Empire.
Visit the City Museum
History and archaeological remains can be easily seen in the Rimini city museum (Museo della Città). It is a monastery located within a few steps of Tiberrius’ Bridge and contains more than 1500 collections of antique coins, glassware, and some unique mosaics of varying ages and styles.
Where to Stay in Rimini
Rimini offers many accommodation choices. Let’s take a look at the luxury, mid-budget, and budget options!
To book all our accommodations when we travel, we always use Booking.com, they have the best prices and very flexible cancellation policies depending on the accommodation you choose.
Luxury Accommodations
For a more luxurious experience, Rimini has exactly what you need:
- Grand Hotel Rimini: We stayed at the Grand Hotel in Rimini, it is a 5-star hotel steeped in history and elegance, featuring big rooms, fine dining, and a private beach. Room rates start at around €150 per night for a double room. We can promise you that the hotel will not disappoint you!
- i-Suite Hotel: This design-forward 5-star hotel overlooks the sea and offers spacious suites, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Prices for suites start at approximately €200 per night.
Mid-range Accommodations
- Hotel Villa Rosa Riviera: This is a stylish 3-star hotel located near the beach and within walking distance of the historic center. Room rates start at around €60 per night for a double room.
- Mercure Rimini Lungomare: This modern 4-star hotel is situated along the seafront, offering well-appointed rooms with prices starting at €80 per night for a double room.
Budget
- Sunflower Beach Backpacker Hostel: Located close to the beach in Rimini and a short walk from the city center, this lively hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, with prices starting at around €20 per night for a bed in a shared room.
Discovering Rimini’s Beaches
Rimini’s sun-drenched coastline has an impressive array of sandy beaches, renowned for their cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and inviting atmosphere.
Stretching over 15 kilometers, the city’s shoreline offers a variety of beach areas to suit every preference, from bustling hubs to more tranquil spots.
Popular beach areas in the southern part of the coast and sea of Rimini province include Marina Centro, Viserbella, and Miramare.
- Marina Centro is the heart of Rimini’s beach scene, featuring lively beach clubs and a vibrant promenade teeming with shops and restaurants.
- Viserbella, situated to the north of Marina Centro, offers a more family-friendly environment with calmer waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Further south, Miramare provides a blend of lively entertainment venues and laid-back vibes, making it an ideal choice for both fun-seekers and those looking to unwind.
To enjoy a less crowded beach experience, consider visiting Rimini during the shoulder seasons of May–June or September–October.
During these months, the weather remains pleasantly warm, while the beaches are generally less busy than in the peak summer season.
Local Cuisine
We have loved Rimini’s culinary scene, from the beginning. The city has a wide variety of local restaurants, from cozy trattorias to upscale seafood restaurants, offering an array of dishes that showcase the best of local produce and cuisine.
One must-try local delicacy is PIADINA, a thin flatbread that has been a staple in the Emilia Romagna region for centuries. Typically filled with ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables, piadina can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a delicious meal. Prices for piadina range from €3 to €7, depending on the filling.
For an authentic dining experience, visit traditional trattorias where you can savor homemade pasta dishes like CAPPELLITTI (stuffed pasta) or tagliatelle al ragù, accompanied by flavorful local wines like SANGIOVENESE or Trebbiano. A meal at a trattoria typically costs around €15 to €30 per person, depending on the dishes and beverages chosen.
If you love seafood just like us, then you will not be disappointed, as Rimini’s coastal location ensures a bounty of fresh fish and shellfish.
Local seafood dishes to try include brodetto di pesce (FISH STEWS), grilled squid, and marinated anchovies. Dining at a seafood restaurant can cost anywhere from €20 to €50 per person, based on the menu selections and the restaurant’s reputation.
To complete your culinary adventure, indulge in some of the region’s signature desserts, like BUSTRENGO (a fruit and nut cake) or ZUPPA INGLESE (a trifle-like dessert made with sponge cake and custard). Pair your sweet treat with a glass of local dessert wine, like Albana Passito, for the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Exploring Rimini’s History and Culture
Rimini’s rich historical and cultural heritage dates back over 2,000 years, with its origins as an ancient Roman settlement.
One of the most important iconic symbols of Rimini’s Roman heritage is the ARCH OF AUGUSTUS, built in 27 BC to honor Emperor Augustus.
This triumphal arch, adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions, is the OLDEST surviving Roman arch in Italy.
Another remarkable landmark in Rimini is the Tiberius BRIDGE, an iconic five-arched structure that spans the Marecchia River.
Constructed during the reigns of EMPERORS Augustus and Tiberius, the bridge has withstood the test of time and remains a vital connection between the historic center and the Borgo San Giuliano district.
Built in the 15th century as a mausoleum for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and his Malatesta family, this remarkable structure showcases the artistic brilliance of the Renaissance period, featuring stunning sculptures, frescoes, and architectural elements.
A visit to the Malatesta CASTLE, also known as Castel Sismondo, is highly recommended to further immerse yourself in Rimini’s history.
The castle houses an insightful historical museum, where you can explore exhibits detailing important examples of sporting events from the city’s past, from ancient Roman times to the present day.
The ancient forum, meanwhile, is now the Piazza Tre Martiri, which sports elegant colonnades, a clocktower, and a little chapel marking the spot of a 13th-century ‘miracle’.
Yet the streets of today are layered on top of the Roman ones. In the middle of Piazza Ferrari, protected by modern glass walls, stands the Domus del Chirurgo (The Surgeon’s House). The Domus del Chirurgo is a sprawling former Roman home, carpeted with sumptuous mosaics, in which a huge collection of ancient surgical equipment was found. Today, the scalpels, forceps, and bone saws are on display next door at the Museo della Città.
FUN FACT: If you cannot get enough of seeing artifacts from the Roman Empire, then visit Ravenna. The city centre of Ravenna itself takes you back in time.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Rimini’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas, with MANY nearby destinations that we recommend for a few hours or even for day trips.
1) San Marino
A visit to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest and oldest republics, is a must when staying in Rimini. Just a 30-minute drive away, this picturesque microstate perched atop Monte Titano offers stunning views and a wealth of other historical sites and landmarks.
Explore the medieval streets of its UNESCO-listed capital, San Marino City, and visit the famous Three Towers for panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. With its rich history, unique culture, and breathtaking scenery, San Marino makes for an unforgettable day trip.
For a taste of Italy’s coastal charm, consider visiting the nearby towns of Riccione and Cattolica. Both situated along the Adriatic coast, these towns are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly attractions.
In Riccione, don’t miss the bustling Viale Ceccarini with its trendy shops, cafés, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Cattolica offers a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls along the promenade and marina.
3) Emilia Romagna Region
Venture beyond the coast and immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside of the Emilia Romagna region.
Emilia Romagna is home to picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint medieval villages. A popular destination is the town of Brisighella, nestled in the lush Lamone Valley and known for its charming streets, impressive fortress, and stunning clock tower.
The countryside also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With its scenic landscapes and idyllic charm, the Emilia Romagna region provides a delightful escape from bustling city life.
Nightlife
As the sun sets, Rimini’s vibrant nightlife scene comes alive, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to suit every mood and preference. The city centre’s lively atmosphere is especially evident in popular nightlife areas like Piazzale Fellini and Marina Centro.
Piazzale Fellini, situated near the iconic Grand Hotel, is a hub of evening entertainment, featuring trendy bars, stylish lounges, and open-air dance clubs. Enjoy a cocktail or two at chic establishments like Coconuts or Carnaby Club before dancing the night away under the stars.
In Marina Centro, the seafront promenade transforms into a nightlife hotspot, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the streets.
Here, you can enjoy everything from laid-back beach bars to pulsating dance clubs like Altromondo Studios or Baia Imperiale, which offer a memorable night out with their electrifying music and energetic crowds.
Best Time to Visit and Weather Conditions
The ideal time to visit Rimini is during the summer.
If you’re looking to enjoy the beach and warm weather, the peak summer months of July and August are perfect, with temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). However, this is also the busiest time of year, with larger crowds and higher prices.
For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May–June or September–October.
Packing Essentials
To have the most comfortable and safe experience at Rimini, we recommend these travel accessories:
- Universal Adapter
- Osprey Backpack
- Power Bank
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Traveler’s EHBO Kit
- Ebook reader
- Travel Bottles
- Multi-tool
- Packing Cubes
- Neck Pillow
- RFID Wallet
- Raincoat
- Walking shoes
- Eye Mask
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Microfiber Towel
Local Customs and Etiquette
To navigate the city comfortably and respect local customs, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
- Greet people with “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Buonasera” (good evening) when entering shops, restaurants, or other establishments
- Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites
- Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, but it is appreciated. A 5% tip at restaurants or rounding up the bill for taxi drivers is a nice gesture
- Respect the afternoon “riposo” or siesta hours, when many shops and businesses close for a break (usually between 1 pm and 4 pm)
Basic Italian Phrases
Learning a few basic Italian phrases can greatly enhance your experience and make communication with locals smoother.
- Hello: Ciao
- Good morning: Buongiorno
- Good evening: Buonasera
- Please: Per favor
- Thank you: Grazie
- Excuse me, sorry: Mi scusi, Scusa
- Do you speak English?
- Where is… Dov’è?
Conclusion
So there you have it:
Our FULL GUIDE to Rimini in Italy!
Have fun visiting, and leave us your experience in the comments!
