Curator’s statement
Have you ever considered visiting Rome in winter? If not, you might be surprised at how much this magical city has to offer during the colder months. With average daytime temperatures in the upper 40s to mid-50s, Rome in winter is quite mild, especially compared to many other parts of Europe. The biggest reason to consider visiting Rome in winter is the complete lack of crowds! Imagine seeing all the historic sites without worrying about getting poked by someone’s selfie stick or queuing in long lines for hours. The mild weather and lack of crowds make perfect conditions for exploring the Eternal City. The festive atmosphere of Rome while decorated for Christmas lends even more magic to the air during a December visit.
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Where to stay in Rome, Italy
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Things to do in Rome, Italy
Classic must-see attractions
Visiting Rome in winter means experiencing all the must-see attractions with fewer crowds and more time to enjoy and explore:
The Colosseum & Roman Forum: With shortened daytime hours, I planned my visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum early in the day.
The Basilica of the Pantheon: The Pantheon has been an active place of worship since the year 609, so, with a little planning, you can attend Mass for a special experience. I visited during regular hours and did the audio tour, which is highly recommended to get an interesting history of this fascinating building.
Vatican City: The Vatican museums are an excellent cold or rainy day plan. The best way to see the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, is an early access tour to get you in before everyone else. If you love art and history, you could spend days admiring the impressive 70,000 works. Even if you don't, a good tour to point out the highlights is a must-do! St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City is a must-see anytime, but especially during a trip to Rome in winter. The square has a beautiful, large Christmas tree and nativity to observe for free. Since 2012, the nativity has been donated from other regions of Italy so each year is a fresh take on the first Christmas.
The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps: These can be enjoyed anytime. I recommend going both day and night to get a different experience.
If you’d like more information on visiting these must-see sights, check out my guide, Best 1 Week Itinerary for Rome, Italy.
Special winter experiences
In addition to all the must-see attractions, there are many wonderful winter experiences to be had in Rome. Ice skating, enjoying holiday light displays and visiting Christmas markets make Rome in winter especially festive.
Ice skating: Head to Grinzing Village at Piazza Adriana, next to Castel Sant’Angelo, for ice skating from December through February. After the ice rink, stop by the adjacent market to enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the holiday lights, Roman holiday treats and mulled wine.
Christmas markets: Several Christmas markets throughout the city offer local artisan-made souvenirs, good food and good cheer. Festa della Befana, a Christmas market honoring La Befana and held in Piazza Navona throughout December, is one of the best! Stroll around to enjoy the children’s carousel and stalls selling handicrafts and sweet treats. Bernini’s right on the piazza is a good option for lunch or dinner. They have heaters on their enclosed patio for enjoying al fresco dining year-round.
Christmas light displays: For the best Christmas light displays, head to Via Condotti to do some window shopping. There's a great mix of high-end names like Hermes and local Italian brands with beautiful window displays for Christmas. My favorite souvenir to bring back is always food! Find a local market to pick up some great olive oil, fun pasta and yummy snacks. If visiting in January, head here to take full advantage of Rome’s epic month-long deals that get better throughout the month!
Places to eat & drink in Rome, Italy
With all the sightseeing, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, Rome is the perfect place to be when hungry. Rome is a city that loves to eat seasonally, so Rome in winter is all about hearty stews, braised meat and rich egg pasta. See my Foodie Guide to Rome for all my best recommendations organized by neighborhood. Some of my favorites include stuffed artichokes from Ditirambo, lobster linguine from La Tavernetta 48, Suppli-Roma for amazing fried arancini and cheese balls and Flavio al Velavevodetto for the BEST tiramisu.
My best dining tip is to get into a local's home for a home-cooked meal. The least awkward way to do that is through a cooking class! I booked a cooking class with Debora and Fiamma, a mother-daughter duo, for a lesson on cut pasta, ravioli and tiramisu made from scratch. Everything was delicious and the best tiramisu I had all week! The best part is bringing home the recipes so I can continue to relive my time in Rome.
Need to know
I hope I've convinced you that Rome is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. The mild weather, smaller crowds and lower prices make it an ideal time to explore this captivating city. And the festive atmosphere during the holiday season adds an extra layer of magic to your Roman adventure.
Imagine strolling through the historic streets adorned with twinkling lights, savoring delicious seasonal cuisine and experiencing the warmth of Italian hospitality. Don't miss this opportunity to create unforgettable memories in the Eternal City. Click "Contact Taylor" now, and let's start planning your dream Roman holiday before this winter slips away!
Travel Advisor
Taylor Morris
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rome. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Carey Gooch's guide, The Perfect 2 Day Rome Itinerary.