Top Things to Do in Rimini Italy: Beaches and Landmarks

Imagine starting your day with golden light pouring over Roman ruins, wandering through quiet alleyways where murals tell stories of fishermen and poets, then landing on a breezy beach with a glass of local wine in hand. That’s Rimini, bold, soulful, and far more layered than its party-town reputation suggests. This isn’t just a place for sunbathing. It’s where ancient roads still lead to Renaissance gems, where Fellini’s dreamy lens captured everyday life, and where you can hop between historic piazzas and Emilia-Romagna wineries. From the street art of Borgo San Giuliano to the elegance of the Tempio Malatestiano, the things to do in Rimini are as colorful and unexpected as the city itself. Ready to shake off clichés and explore one of Italy’s most underrated treasures? Let’s go.

What are the best things to do in Rimini?

Walk to the Arch of Augustus

Start your Rimini stroll where history hits you right in the face, at the Arco di Augusto, proudly standing since 27 B.C. Yes, it’s that old. As the oldest surviving Roman arch in northern Italy, this stone giant has seen it all: emperors, invasions, beachgoers in flip-flops. Originally built to honor Emperor Augustus, it once marked the entrance to the city via the ancient Via Flaminia. Today, it’s more of a backdrop for selfies, but still just as grand. You don’t need to study Latin to feel the wow factor, just look up and let 2,000 years of Roman drama wash over you.

Explore the Ponte di Tiberio

Just a short walk from the city buzz, the Ponte di Tiberio is Rimini’s real Roman flex. Built over 2,000 years ago, started by Augustus, finished by Tiberius, this five-arched beauty still carries cars and locals across the Marecchia River like it’s no big deal. It’s not just a bridge, it’s living history with serious photo-game potential. Come by at night when the whole thing glows over the water, it’s like Rome meets romance.

Stroll through Borgo San Giuliano

If you’re up for a little magic off the beaten path, Borgo San Giuliano is Rimini’s soul in full color. Once a modest fishing village, today it’s a postcard-perfect maze of cobbled alleys, pastel houses, and murals that pay tribute to Rimini’s most iconic dreamer, Federico Fellini. It’s the kind of place where every corner whispers a story, and every trattoria tempts you with handmade pasta and a glass of Sangiovese.

Visit Tempio Malatestiano

The Tempio Malatestiano isn’t your average church, it’s Rimini’s boldest love letter to art, ego, and Renaissance ambition. Commissioned by the colorful Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and designed by none other than Leon Battista Alberti, this marble-clad gem fuses sacred devotion with personal glory. Step inside to spot frescoes by Piero della Francesca and the tomb of Sigismondo himself, nestled among ancient columns and unexpected pagan symbolism. It’s part cathedral, part mausoleum, part statement piece, and completely worth your time.

Marvel at Castel Sismondo

Step into Rimini’s medieval drama at Castel Sismondo, the brick-and-battlemented fortress dreamed up by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta himself. Half palace, half fortress, this 15th-century stronghold once echoed with the footsteps of knights, nobles, and a few notorious scandals. Today, it’s a cultural hub hosting exhibitions, art shows, and events that breathe new life into Rimini’s past. Don’t skip the inner courtyard, it’s like stepping into a quiet chapter of history, far from the beach crowds.

Relax at Rimini beach and Marina Centro

Golden sand, turquoise waves, and that easygoing Adriatic rhythm make it the perfect place to drop your towel and forget the world for a while. Swim, nap, flirt with a game of beach volleyball, or sip a spritz under a pastel umbrella, it’s your call. And when the sun starts to dip, head to Marina Centro for a lazy stroll, a seafood bite, or a front-row seat to one of Rimini’s famous sunsets.

Discover Piazza Cavour and Piazza Tre Martiri

Rimini’s got not one, but two piazzas that deserve your full attention. Start at Piazza Cavour, where grand old buildings like the Palazzo del Podestà and the classic Fontana della Pigna set the scene, it’s like stepping onto a Renaissance stage. Then wander over to Piazza Tre Martiri, once a Roman forum, now a buzzing mix of café tables, boutiques, and local chatter.

Savor local flavors in the old fish market

When your feet need a break and your stomach starts talking, follow the locals to Rimini’s old fish market, Mercato del Pesce. This lively corner of the city has transformed into a foodie haven, where historic vibes meet clinking glasses and sizzling plates. Grab a table at a modern osteria or a no-frills tavern, and dive into fresh seafood, artisan piadina stuffed with local goodness, and a glass (or two) of Emilia-Romagna wine.

What are the best things to do around Rimini?

Explore the medieval charm of San Leo

Just over an hour from Rimini, San Leo feels like a secret plucked from a medieval fairytale, perched dramatically on a cliff in the Marecchia Valley, with views that stretch all the way to the Adriatic. Often overlooked in favor of nearby San Marino, this fortified gem is pure Renaissance charm: quiet cobbled lanes, stone churches, and the mighty fortress where the infamous Count Cagliostro met his fate. If you’re in Rimini and craving a change of pace from beach towels and umbrellas, San Leo is your peaceful, dramatic, and utterly photogenic escape.

Visit the Republic of San Marino

Just 30–40 minutes from Rimini, San Marino makes for an unforgettable day trip. Perched atop Monte Titano, this independent microstate is one of the world’s oldest republics and feels like a real-life time capsule. Wander medieval streets, climb the iconic Three Towers, and soak in panoramic views over the Adriatic coast. It’s a refreshing contrast to Rimini’s beach buzz, packed with history, charm, and postcard-worthy moments.

Taste Tuscany-Romagna richness at a historic villa

Tucked into the foothills between Bologna and Florence, this 18th-century villa, known as the House of 100 Windows, is now Casa di Noelia, a stunning gem surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Here, you can wander through lush rows of Sangiovese vines, step into atmospheric underground cellars, and taste wines crafted from centuries-old traditions. Don’t miss the “From the Cellar to the Table” experience: a 90-minute tour that includes three tastings and stories from the winemakers themselves. Feeling hands-on? Try the pasta-making class, knead dough with local ingredients, and taste your creations alongside Noelia’s pours.

Explore mosaics and myths in Ravenna

Step into the streets of Ravenna and you’ll quickly feel its calm energy and timeless charm. Just over an hour from Bologna, this understated city on the Adriatic once served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and it shows. Its claim to fame? Glorious Byzantine mosaics that sparkle inside ancient churches like San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Ravenna feels like an open-air museum with a relaxed rhythm: ideal for wandering past palazzos, sipping espresso in peaceful squares, or discovering Dante’s tomb hidden in a shady courtyard.

Follow our guide to the most inspiring things to do in Ravenna Italy, where every corner holds a glimmer of gold and a whisper of history.

Good to Know before visiting Rimini Italy