Borgo Maggiore is the second-largest town in the Republic of San Marino, a small independent state surrounded by Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. It sits at the foot of Mount Titano, where the capital, the City of San Marino, is on the ridge above. The two towns are linked by a cable car, so the lower town is the usual starting point for a visit to the mountain.
The lower town has everyday shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels, and it suits a traveler who wants a simpler base than the old city on the ridge. Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, is the nearest large rail station and has buses to Borgo Maggiore, so a day trip from Rimini is an easy option. Plan one day for the walled old town and its views, or stay one to two nights for a slower pace. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking and sightseeing, and summer can be hot.
Borgo Maggiore in five
- Ride the cable car from Borgo MaggioreThe cable car links Borgo Maggiore with the old city of San Marino on Mount Titano. It saves the steep climb, so check its operating hours on arrival.Getting around
- Take the bus from Rimini stationBuses from Rimini station run to Borgo Maggiore, which makes Rimini the easiest base for a day trip. Allow about an hour for the journey.
- Carry euros for small purchasesSan Marino uses the euro and mints its own euro coins, which are valid across the euro area. Keep small change for buses and cafés.Money and costs
- Check entry rules before you cross from ItalySan Marino is not in the EU and sets its own entry rules, so Italian entry rules do not settle yours. Check your passport and the San Marino rules before you leave.Visas and entry
- Set up data before you cross the borderCheck with your mobile carrier whether your plan covers San Marino. Download offline maps for the lower town and the old city.Phones and eSIM
Things to do in Borgo Maggiore
See all attractions in Borgo MaggioreNeed to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Own entry rules; check your passport before you travel Read more
- Emergency
- 112 for police, ambulance and fire
- Tipping
- Not expected; round up or leave small change
- Time
- UTC+1, daylight saving in summer (UTC+2)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, clear
- MarchMild, changeable
- AprilSpring walks
- MayMild, green
- JuneWarm, longer days
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, crowded
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, damp
- DecemberCold, short days
Right now in Borgo Maggiore
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 9°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 25 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 45%
City of San Marino
02:01 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today11°8°45%Tuesday: Rain. High 11°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Wed12°8°23%Wednesday: Rain. High 12°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 23%.
- Thu11°9°20%Thursday: Fog. High 11°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri11°8°61%Friday: Rain. High 11°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Sat9°8°63%Saturday: Rain. High 9°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 63%.
- Sun14°7°18%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 18%.
Updated 10:07 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Riminiabout 1 hour by busThe Adriatic coast city with the nearest large rail station.
- Ravennaabout 1.5 hours by bus and trainByzantine mosaics in its churches, a short train ride from Rimini.
- Bolognaabout 2 hours by bus and trainArcaded streets and medieval towers in its historic center.
Before you go to Borgo Maggiore
Rules for Borgo Maggiore, checked
- Check entry rules for your passport with Italy's foreign ministry before you travel, since San Marino sets its own rules.Source
- Cover your shoulders and knees to enter churches, including the basilica in the old city of San Marino.
Plan around Borgo Maggiore
Rimini hotels and rooms in the old city of San Marino
Read the guideGetting around San MarinoThe bus from Rimini and the cable car up the hill
Read the guideMoney and costsEuros and small change for buses and cafés
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check for your passport before you travel
Read the guideSan Marino guideThe old city on Mount Titano and what to see there
Read the guideAll of EuropeOther European destinations and trip ideas
Read the guideBorgo Maggiore FAQ
Is Borgo Maggiore worth visiting?
Yes, if you are going up to the old city of San Marino. The lower town is where the cable car starts.
How many hours do you need in Borgo Maggiore?
A few hours covers the lower town and the cable car up to the old city. Add a longer day or an overnight stay if you want to walk the ridge and see the towers.
Where should I stay near Borgo Maggiore?
Rimini has the nearest large rail station and buses to Borgo Maggiore. Stay in the old city of San Marino if you want to be there after day visitors leave.
Can you visit Borgo Maggiore as a day trip from Rimini?
Yes. The bus from Rimini station takes about an hour. Ride the cable car up to the old city and return the same day.
Do I need a visa for San Marino?
It depends on your passport. San Marino sets its own entry rules, so check the foreign ministry pages for your nationality before you travel.


