Rimini packs Roman history, Renaissance art, Fellini cinema heritage, and 15km of Adriatic beach into one city. The historic centre (centro storico) sits about 1.5km inland from the sea, connected by the broad Viale Principe Amedeo and the main Corso d’Augusto. Most Roman and medieval sites cluster around Piazza Cavour and Piazza Tre Martiri in the old town, while the Marina Centro and Lungomare hold the beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife. The city is flat and walkable, with a bike-sharing service (Rimini Bike) and a good bus network (Start Romagna) connecting all areas. Single bus tickets cost 1.30 euros from tabacchi or the MyCicero app. This guide covers the best things to do, from 2,000-year-old Roman bridges to modern theme parks. See our Rimini weather by month for monthly climate data.
Things to Do in Rimini: Historic Sites and Landmarks
Arco d’Augusto
Rimini’s most famous landmark, the Arch of Augustus was built in 27 BCE and is the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch in Italy. It stands at the southern entrance to the historic centre at the end of Corso d’Augusto, marking the terminus of the Via Flaminia, the Roman road that connected Rome to the Adriatic. The arch is 17 metres wide and made of Istrian stone. It’s free to visit 24/7 and is particularly photogenic at sunset when the stone glows gold. The merlons (battlements) on top were added in the 10th century when the arch was incorporated into the city walls. No ticket needed, just walk up from Piazza Cavour (5 minutes south on Corso d’Augusto). See our best time to visit Rimini for seasonal planning.
Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius Bridge)
Started under Augustus in 14 CE and completed under Tiberius in 21 CE, this five-arch Roman bridge spans the Marecchia River at the north end of the old town. Built from Istrian limestone, it has survived 2,000 years of floods, wars, and traffic and still carries pedestrians and vehicles today (cars restricted since 2021). The bridge is 62 metres long and 8.6 metres wide. Walk across for views of the canal and the colourful Borgo San Giuliano district on the far bank. Free access 24/7. Best photographed from the riverbank path below, especially at golden hour with the water reflecting the arches. See our Rimini events and festivals for seasonal events.
Tempio Malatestiano (Malatesta Temple)
Rimini’s cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Leon Battista Alberti and commissioned by Sigismondo Malatesta in 1450. The unfinished marble facade with its blind arcades and the interior with frescoes by Piero della Francesca and a Giotto-designed crucifix make it one of Italy’s most important quattrocento buildings. Inside, the Malatesta family tombs and the fresco of Sigismondo kneeling before St. Sigismund (by Piero della Francesca, 1451) are the highlights. Open Monday to Friday 8:30-12:00 and 15:30-18:30, Saturday 8:30-12:00 and 15:30-18:00, Sunday 9:00-10:30 and 15:30-18:00. Free entry. Located on Via IV Novembre, 3 minutes from Piazza Cavour. See our Rimini neighborhoods guide for area overviews.
Domus del Chirurgo (Surgeon’s House)
Discovered in 1989 during garden works in Piazza Ferrari, this is the best-preserved Roman domus in Rimini. The 2nd-3rd century CE house belonged to a military surgeon named Eutyches, evidenced by the largest collection of Roman surgical instruments ever found (150+ pieces now displayed here). The site features intricate mosaic floors with geometric and fish patterns, underfloor heating (hypocaust), and wall frescoes. A glass walkway lets you explore the rooms from above. Entry costs 7 euros (5 euros reduced), open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00 (summer), 10:00-17:00 (winter). Combined ticket with the City Museum available for 10 euros. Located at Piazza Ferrari, just off Corso d’Augusto. See our where to stay in Rimini for hotel recommendations.
Things to Do in Rimini: Museums and Culture
Fellini Museum
The Federico Fellini Museum opened in 2021 across three locations in Rimini’s historic centre: the Castel Sismondo fortress, the Palazzo del Fulgor (where Fellini watched films as a child), and the Piazza Malatesta square between them. It’s the world’s largest museum dedicated to a film director, with interactive installations, original costumes (including the iconic ones from La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2), and immersive video projections. The Palazzo del Fulgor houses a cinema screening Fellini’s films daily. Tickets cost 12 euros (9 euros reduced), open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00 (extended to 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in summer). The combined ticket covers all three sites. Fellini was born in Rimini in 1920, and the museum weaves his films into the city’s architecture. See our Rimini travel tips and FAQ for practical information.
Museo della Citta (City Museum)
Housed in the former Jesuit convent, Rimini’s City Museum covers 3,000 years of local history across 40 rooms. The archaeological section has Roman mosaics, ceramics, and inscriptions from Ariminum (Rimini’s Roman name). The Renaissance wing features works by Giovanni Bellini, Guercino, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Don’t miss the 14th-century frescoes from the church of Sant’Agostino. Entry costs 7 euros (5 euros reduced), open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00. Located on Via Tonini, 2 minutes from Piazza Cavour. The combined ticket with the Domus del Chirurgo is 10 euros.
Things to Do in Rimini: Beach and Water Activities
Rimini Beach (Marina Centro)
Rimini’s 15km beach stretches from Torre Pedrera in the north to Miramare in the south. The main section (Marina Centro) runs for 5km with fine, golden sand and shallow water that’s safe for children. Over 200 stabilimenti balneari (beach clubs) line the coast, each numbered (Bagno 1 through Bagno 150+). A typical beach club charges 15-25 euros per day for two sun loungers and an umbrella in high season, less in June and September. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, bars, restaurants, and kids’ play areas. There are also free public beaches (spiaggia libera) between the clubs, marked by blue signs. The water is clean (Blue Flag certified since 2000) and the gentle slope means you can wade out 50 metres before it gets deep. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet-ski rentals are available at most clubs. The lungomare (seafront promenade) behind the beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and gelaterie, and is closed to cars in the evenings during summer.
Things to Do in Rimini: Theme Parks and Family Activities
Italia in Miniatura
Italy’s oldest and largest miniature park displays 273 detailed scale models of famous Italian and European landmarks across an 85,000 sq metre park in Viserba (3km north of Rimini centre). You’ll see the Colosseum at 1:50 scale, a miniature Venice with gondolas on real water, and the Alps with working model trains. The park also has a monorail, log flume, science area, and parrot show. Tickets cost 24 euros for adults, 18 euros for children (3-11), open daily 9:00-19:00 from March to October (extended to 23:00 in July and August). Bus line 4 from Rimini station takes 15 minutes. Plan 3-4 hours minimum.
Fiabilandia
Rimini’s oldest theme park targets families with children aged 2-8, set in a leafy 150,000 sq metre park near Miramare (5km south of the centre). Rides include a magic castle, pirate galleon, log flume, and a small roller coaster, all themed around fairy tales. Tickets cost 22 euros (free for children under 3), open daily 10:00-18:00 from April to September (extended hours in July and August). Bus line 11 from Rimini station goes directly there in 20 minutes. The park has plenty of shade, making it manageable even on hot days.
Aquafan
One of Europe’s largest water parks, Aquafan sits in Riccione (10km south of Rimini) and draws over 500,000 visitors each summer. It has 25 attractions including the Extreme River rapids, Kamikaze slides with 90-degree drops, a wave pool, and children’s areas. Tickets cost 32 euros for adults, 25 euros for children, open daily 10:00-18:30 from early June to early September. Bus line 11 runs from Rimini station to Riccione; the park is a 5-minute walk from the Riccione bus stop. Arrive at opening time to secure sun loungers and beat queues on the main slides. Lockers cost 5 euros. Aquafan is the summer home of Radio Deejay, one of Italy’s top radio stations, so expect a party atmosphere with DJ sets throughout the day.
Things to Do in Rimini: Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
San Marino
The world’s oldest republic sits on Monte Titano, just 22km southwest of Rimini. San Marino’s three medieval towers, the Palazzo Pubblico (government palace), and the panoramic views over the Romagna plain make it the most popular day trip from Rimini. The Bonelli bus from Rimini station (line 7) takes 45 minutes and costs 5 euros each way. Once there, walk the narrow stone streets of the Citta (old town), climb the Guaita Tower (first of the three, built in the 11th century) for 4.50 euros, and browse duty-free shops for perfume, electronics, and souvenirs. The Museo di Stato (National Museum) covers San Marino’s 1,700-year history and costs 4.50 euros. Restaurants serve passatelli in brodo and piadina at lower prices than in Rimini. Half a day is enough for the main sights.
Santarcangelo di Romagna
This medieval hill town 12km inland from Rimini feels worlds away from the beach crowds. Santarcangelo is known for its tufa cave dwellings (grotte tufacee) dug into the hillside, the 14th-century Malatesta fortress with panoramic views, and the historic printing tradition dating to the 1500s. The town is also a food destination: the annual Santarcangelo dei Teatri festival in July combines theatre with food events, and November brings the Festa del Tartufo (truffle fair). Local restaurants serve strozzapreti pasta and the prized fossa cheese aged in underground pits. Train from Rimini takes 7 minutes (2.20 euros), bus line 9 takes 20 minutes. Worth 3-4 hours to explore the medieval centre and have lunch.
