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May 1 (Labour Day) is a public holiday throughout Italy – including in Rome. Many shops are closed, but visitors can look forward to a very special highlight: the famous Concerto del Primo Maggio at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. There are also plenty of alternatives – walks, museum visits and day trips await. Here is everything you need to know about May 1 in Rome.
The May Concert – Concerto del Primo Maggio
With around 300,000 visitors, the Concerto del Primo Maggio is one of the largest free open-air concerts in Europe and the most important event on May 1 in Rome.
Location: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano Admission: free Time: 3:00 pm to midnight Music: pop, rock, rap, indie
The concert draws enormous crowds – allow plenty of time to get there and arrive early if you want a good spot.
Museums on May 1 in Rome
Not all museums are open on May 1 in Rome.
Closed are the Vatican Museums and the Municipal Museums of Rome (Musei Civici).
Open are the state national museums, including the Colosseum with the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Borghese Gallery, Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este in Tivoli, and the Bioparco.
As visitor numbers at popular sites are particularly high on public holidays, booking tickets for the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo well in advance is strongly recommended.
Shopping on May 1 in Rome
Shopping on May 1 is limited, but far from impossible. Many supermarkets are open in the morning only, while some larger ones remain open all day. Most fashion stores in the city centre – especially around the Via del Corso – and souvenir shops are open as normal.
Walks on May 1 in Rome
May 1 is an excellent day for walks and outdoor activities. A visit to the Via Appia Antica is particularly popular on public holidays – you can visit the catacombs, enjoy a leisurely lunch and stroll along the ancient “Queen of Roads”.
Those looking for a quieter retreat will find it in the Botanical Gardens below the Gianicolo Hill, with its entrance in Trastevere on Largo Cristina di Svezia.
Ostia Antica – A Day Trip on May 1
Ostia Antica is one of the finest archaeological sites near Rome, easily reached by local train from Ostiense station. The sprawling ancient city is far less crowded than Pompeii and makes for a wonderful outing. All the details are on our Ostia Antica page.
Day Trip to Tivoli
Tivoli lies around 30 kilometres east of Rome and is a classic destination for a day out. The highlights are the Villa d’Este with its celebrated fountains and water features, the vast Villa Adriana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the charming historic town centre. Tivoli is particularly rewarding in spring.
Castelli Romani – Nature & Wine
The Castelli Romani south of Rome are known for their picturesque villages, excellent wine and idyllic lakes. Popular destinations include Frascati, Castel Gandolfo and Lake Albano – all easily reached by train. The Castelli Romani are ideal for a relaxed lunch, scenic walks and a few peaceful hours outside the city.
What Do Romans Do on May 1?
For many Romans, May 1 is the perfect opportunity for a long weekend. Traditional activities include a family barbecue or a trip to the seaside. If you are planning to enjoy a fish lunch on the coast, be sure to book a table well in advance – demand is very high on this holiday.
The Bioparco on the edge of the Villa Borghese park is also open and offers a great day out for families and animal lovers.
Transport on May 1 in Rome
Public transport runs until 1:30 am on the holiday. In the afternoon, traffic around the Basilica of St. John Lateran is rerouted due to the May Concert, bus lines are diverted and the metro station is closed. Long queues are to be expected at major attractions such as the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo – book tickets in advance to avoid them.
Book Tickets & Tours
On May 1, the most popular sights in Rome are particularly busy – booking ahead is strongly recommended. For a full overview of tickets and tours in Rome, visit our Rome Tickets page.
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Is Rome Worth Visiting on May 1?
With good planning, May 1 in Rome is a varied and memorable day. The Concerto del Primo Maggio is a unique experience, the open national museums offer a rich cultural programme, and those who prefer the outdoors will find attractive options in the day trip destinations around Rome. One note for those seeking peace and quiet: the area around San Giovanni is best avoided in the afternoon.
FAQ
Is May 1 a public holiday in Rome?
Yes, May 1 (Labour Day) is a public holiday throughout Italy. Many shops, supermarkets and public institutions are closed or have reduced opening hours.
Which museums are open on May 1 in Rome?
The state national museums – including the Colosseum with the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Borghese Gallery and Ostia Antica – are open. The Vatican Museums and the Municipal Museums of Rome remain closed. As visitor numbers are high on public holidays, advance booking is strongly recommended.
What is the Concerto del Primo Maggio and how do I get there?
The Concerto del Primo Maggio is one of the largest free open-air concerts in Europe, attracting around 300,000 visitors. It takes place from 3:00 pm to midnight on Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. Admission is free. Please note that in the afternoon, bus lines around San Giovanni are diverted and the metro station is closed due to the concert.
Are the Vatican Museums open on May 1?
No, the Vatican Museums are closed on May 1. Plan your visit for another day of your stay and book tickets well in advance.
Is a day trip from Rome worth it on May 1?
Yes – Ostia Antica, Tivoli with Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, and the Castelli Romani are all popular and easily reachable destinations. If you are planning to eat on the coast, be sure to book a table in advance as demand on this holiday is very high.
