What’s on in Rome this month?
International sports competitions, exhibitions and Carnival food. There’s so much to do in Rome this February 2026!
Without wasting a lot of time, let’s dive into these super exciting things to explore in the city! 🤩
Things to do in Rome in February 2026
“Greece in Rome” exhibition at Musei Capitolini
Why would you come to Rome to see an exhibition about Greece? Because Rome has always been so deeply connected to Greece, more than you probably imagined.
The Romans laid the foundations of their civilization, architecture and culture on the Greek culture that they imported into Rome since its very early times.
At the beginning Rome had commercial exchanges with Greece, and that brought Greek products in Rome and the Italian peninsula. That’s why in the Roman archaeological sites, archaeologists found objects made in Greece. It would be as if in 2000 years from now, archaeologists would find items made in China in our cities. Something that we would call globalization today!
At a later time, II century BC, Rome conquered Greece, which then became part of the Roman territories. At that point Rome was flooded with masterpieces from Greece.
The ancient Roman poet Horace said “Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit”, which means “the savage Romans conquerors were conquered by Greek culture”.
Over the centuries Greek masterpieces were imported and copied. The Greek culture was something that was in such high demand that many Greek artists moved to Rome and opened their shops and studios to make Greek art.
Eventually there was a fusion between Roman and Greek art that led to the masterpieces we see today in our museums.
In this wonderful exhibition you can find for the first time a collection of 150 artworks of the thousands of masterpieces that came to Rome from Greece. You won’t regret spending time here, promised!
You can visit the exhibition at the Musei Capitolini, the oldest museum in the world.. and one of our favorites museums in Rome!
More info here: https://www.museicapitolini.org/en/node/1017374
Cartier & Myths at the Musei Capitolini
This is the perfect opportunity to understand just how much ancient Rome lives on in today’s fashion: far more than you might ever have imagined.
We are not the first to stand in awe before an ancient masterpiece. For generations, people have travelled to Italy, and to Rome in particular, to admire its antiquities and draw inspiration from them.
One of these visitors was Louis Cartier. In 1923, he travelled across the Italian peninsula, taking countless photographs and absorbing what he saw. These experiences would go on to influence many of his jewelry designs.
In this exhibition, ancient creations are displayed side by side with Maison Cartier’s reinterpretations in jewelry. The similarities are truly mind-blowing.
From snake rings and bracelets to coral mythology, dazzling diamonds, and intricate mosaics, this exhibition offers a precious insight into how the beauty and design of antiquity continue to captivate us today. You may even be surprised by just how “modern” ancient jewelry appears. And as a bonus, you’ll be standing before exceptionally precious pieces that are rarely on display.
The exhibition is held at the Musei Capitolini and runs until March 15. Don’t miss it!
More info here: https://www.museicapitolini.org/en/node/1017133
Discover the side of Rome that most tourists don’t get to see: underground crypts, the Trevi fountain underground aqueduct and secrets hiding in plain sight. Check our our small group walking tours
Guinness Six Nations Rugby 2026 in Rome
On February 7th and March 7th, two matches of the Six Nations championship for 2026 will be hosted at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The championship will see Italy, England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales playing for the trophy!
The two matches that will take place in Rome are:
February 7th: Italy – Scotland
March 7th: Italy – England
More info: https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/
Valentine’s Day – February 14th
Rome is one of the most romantic cities in the world, but on February 14th things can go to the next level! Don’t just look for panoramic terraces and a bunch of roses. In Rome you can take your loved one in front of Saint Valentine in person (or at least, what’s left of him).
Go to the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Here you’ll find the most famous Mouth of Truth, an ancient and legendary lie-detector (remember Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holidays?). But don’t stop here, walk inside and go to the left nave. Here you’ll find the skull of Saint Valentine!
The biography and identity of this saint is still being debated, and you might hear that the real Saint Valentine skull is actually in Dublin or somewhere else. But the truth is, the experience will still be very romantic 😊
Check out our Rome 3-day itinerary to plan wisely your limited time in Rome!
Food to try – the traditional recipes of the Roman Carnival
Carnival time in Rome, since ancient times, consists in days of pranks, of forgotten rules, masked people and unbridled joy before the begin of the Lent and the forty days of penitence leading to Easter.
Nowadays not much is left of that tradition, but for centuries the Roman Carnival has been a wild celebration including also the most famous races in via del Corso (“corsa” means “run”, “race”).
At some point these parties went a bit too wild and the king of Italy decided to stop the tradition.
Today during these days you might come across masked people, confetti and streamers in the streets.
But one Carnival tradition that remained is the food one. This time of the year in bakeries and pastry shops (pasticceria) you will find lots of Carnival sweets, not available during the rest the year. And that you must try!
One of them is the frappe. A crumbly and thing sweet sheet, sparkled with icing sugar.
Live a unique experience with us!
If you want to make your February Rome trip special and looking for something fun, unique, personal… you’re in the right place!
Our small group walking tours grew from the legacy of our media content online, meaning that we focus on showing you Rome “behind-the-scenes”.
We explore the iconic neighborhoods of Rome where you get to discover lots of hidden gems and secrets hiding in plain sight, that most tourists miss.
And we do it in small groups only, to keep the experience personal and interactive 😊
Discover more about how our Rome tours work, the best Rome tours or browse all our small-group tours to see the experiences currently available.
