October is one of the best times to visit the Eternal City. The capital traditionally enjoys an "Indian summer" known as the Ottobrata Romana, a period of usually balmy weather and wine-soaked festivities linked to the vendemmia grape harvest. After the last of the summer festivals drew to an end in early September, Rome welcomes a new season of cultural events, from free museums and opera to blockbuster exhibitions and live music. 

October kicks off with a series of concerts by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour at the Circus Maximus, his first live shows in Italy for eight years. After three dates at the end of September, Gilmour will play three more concerts at the landmark venue on 1, 2 and 3 October.