Tiber River (Fiume Tevere)

According to legend, the infants Romulus and Remus were abandoned on the Tiber before being rescued by a she-wolf; Romulus eventually became the founder of Rome in 753 BC. Since then, the river has been one of the city’s most important and strategic natural features, and the subject of myth and legend. Today this famous river offers unique views of Italy’s capital city and some of its most iconic sights, including Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Tiber Island. And three bridges across the Tiber date from ancient Rome: Ponte Sant’Angelo, Fabricius Bridge, and the Milvian Bridge.

Consider joining a Tiber River cruise to explore the city by water. Opt for a hop-on, hop-off cruise and take in the main attractions along the waterway, or book a romantic dinner cruise for a night tour of the Eternal City. Alternatively, follow the river’s route on foot or by bike on a small-group guided tour along the river walk, perhaps pairing your exploration with a tour of Vatican City or Trastevere.

• Enjoying the Tiber, whether by cruise or strolling its banks, is a must for first-time visitors to Rome.

• Tiber cruises are a relaxing way to see the city center with kids, but many walking tours are not recommended for young children.

• River cruises may not be accessible to wheelchair users, so confirm in advance. There are stairs down to the water’s edge to reach the river walk, so it is not wheelchair accessible.

The Tiber is crisscrossed by a number of bridges offering both lovely views of the river and access via stairs down to the river walk along the water’s edge.

The Tiber is particularly beautiful and enjoyable in the mild months of spring and fall. During the hottest months of summer, it’s best to visit the river in the early morning or late evening. Summer also sees an outdoor fair and market set up along the water with pop-up restaurants and bars, shopping, and entertainment.

A hop-on, hop-off cruise along the Tiber is a fun and convenient way to discover Rome’s most important sights, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum, and Piazza del Popolo.

Yes, there are tourist boat trips along the Tiber River, although they’re not as scenic or sight-filled as in other European cities. If you want to see Rome from a different angle and get a sense of travel in ancient times, the water offers a good way to do it.

The Tiber River is steeped in legend, most notably that of Romulus and Remus—aka the founders of Rome. Per the story, these twin baby boys were ordered to be drowned in the Tiber but floated to the riverbanks instead. As adults, they founded a town that grew to be Rome.

The Tiber River is roughly 252 miles (405 kilometers) long. After the River Po, the Tiber is Italy’s second-longest river, stretching from the Apennines in the Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions, through the city of Rome, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea beyond Ostia Antica.

Many sections of the Tiber River are navigable. Tourist sightseeing boats pass through the city of Rome from Ponte Sant’Angelo (close to Vatican City) or Ponte Marconi (south of Trastevere), taking in sights of the city bridges. Some routes head out as far as Ostia Antica where Roman excavations await.

The Tiber River is too deep to walk across, but bridges offer a pleasant crossing. The beautiful and historic Sant'Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant'Angelo) spans the waterway, is open only to pedestrians, and has views of Castello Sant’Angelo and Vatican City beyond it.

The Tiber River is home to the small island of Isola Tiberina, which many say resembles the shape of a fishing boat. While the fishing boat shape is only visible from high above, the island is most commonly at ground level, accessed by the footbridges Fabricio or Cestio.