Rimini is far more than just endless Adriatic beaches. A city with ancient roots, it offers an interesting mix of Roman and medieval landmarks, romantic little streets, and a lively evening scene — which is exactly why it's worth setting aside a few hours away from the beach.
The Historic Center
The best place to start a walk through the city is at the Arch of Augustus (Arco d'Augusto) — the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch in Italy, built in 27 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus. From there, the main street leads straight to the Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio), a five-arch bridge dating back to the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius that still carries traffic across the Marecchia river today — and offers some of the finest views in the city at sunset.
Not far from the center stands Castel Sismondo, a 15th-century castle named after Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the lord of Rimini at the time. Its walls and towers are impressive in their own right. Other stops worth including are the Renaissance Tempio Malatestiano, a cathedral remodeled by architect Leon Battista Alberti, and Piazza Cavour, with its Fontana della Pigna fountain, around which most of the historic buildings and shops are clustered.
Fellini and Borgo San Giuliano
Rimini is the birthplace of Federico Fellini, and his legacy is felt at every turn. The Borgo San Giuliano neighborhood, with its colorful houses and narrow cobbled streets, was once a poor fishing quarter and is today one of Rimini's most photogenic spots. Fans of the director can also visit the Fulgor cinema on Corso di Augusto, where he spent time as a child, or the museum dedicated to his work.
The Beach and the Promenade
Rimini's coastline is lined with more than 15 km of wide sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, ideal for families with children as well as water sports enthusiasts — windsurfing, water skiing, and parasailing are all common sights here. An evening stroll along the Lungomare promenade is something not to be missed, as is sitting down at one of the seafront cafés.
Day Trips Beyond the City
If you have time to spare, it's worth venturing outside Rimini too. Barely 10 km away lies the tiny republic of San Marino, with its clifftop fortress and stunning views over the surrounding area. Another popular destination is the Italia in Miniatura theme park, where a 12-hectare site displays more than 350 scaled-down replicas of Italy's and Europe's best-known landmarks — a visit with kids can easily fill an entire day.
Where to Eat
Rimini has no shortage of restaurants, but one I can wholeheartedly recommend from personal experience is Bounty, on the promenade right across from beach number 36. Styled like a pirate ship, this place has been running for more than 30 years and combines a restaurant, steakhouse, and nightspot all in one — the kitchen runs non-stop from noon until late at night, so you can drop in for lunch or a late dinner alike. The carbonara and burgers are particularly good, and in the evening you can easily stay on for a drink and some music.
If you'd like to try something different, the seafood restaurant Guido right on the beach also has a great reputation, as do Il Veliero and Zodiaco — a good pick for lovers of fresh seafood.
Final tip: the best way to enjoy Rimini is to combine it all — beach in the morning, a walk through the historic center or a trip to San Marino in the afternoon, and an evening on the promenade capped off with a good dinner.
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