Free walking tours in Rimini and what to see

Must-sees

Rimini combines a long Adriatic beach with a historic centre that keeps traces of two thousand years. The Arch of Augustus and the Bridge of Tiberius, both Roman, mark the two ends of the ancient main street. Close by is the Tempio Malatestiano, the cathedral, with a Renaissance façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Castel Sismondo, the Malatesta fortress, and Piazza Cavour complete the walk through the centre.

The Domus del Chirurgo is a Roman house excavated in Piazza Ferrari, where a large set of medical instruments was found. Rimini is Federico Fellini's home town, and the Fellini Museum occupies several spaces in the centre. Across the Bridge of Tiberius, the Borgo San Giuliano is an old fishermen's quarter with murals dedicated to the film-maker. Then the seafront stretches for kilometres past beach clubs, and piadina is the typical snack.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis offers a guided walk of Rimini covering the historic centre and its Roman and Renaissance monuments, although there is no free tour as such. It also sells tickets to parks such as Italia in Miniatura and Fiabilandia, a motorcycle museum and a venue dedicated to piadina, as well as a city tourist pass. From Rimini it is easy to make trips to San Marino, Ravenna or the villages inland.

How long to spend

The historic centre can be seen in a day, including the Domus del Chirurgo and the Borgo San Giuliano. If you add the beach or a theme park, allow two or three days. With more time, Rimini is a good base for San Marino, Gradara castle or Ravenna. In summer the city fills with holidaymakers, so it is worth booking ahead.

Where to stay

Rimini has a huge choice of hotels, concentrated by the sea. Marina Centro, between the old town and the beach, is the most practical area if you want to combine the two. To the north, Viserba and Torre Pedrera are quieter and family-friendly, and to the south Bellariva and Miramare have many beach hotels. Out of season, staying near the historic centre lets you get around on foot and find restaurants open.