St. Peter's Basilica viewed from St. Peter's Square

Rome in March

By Robert Heaney

As the clocks prepare to jump forward, Rome is propelled into one of its most eventful months of the year so far. From religious festivities to athletic events, the city takes on a whole new buzz throughout this period. Between the newfound electric atmosphere and more pleasant springtime weather, Rome in March has plenty to offer.

Visiting Rome in March

Image of Fountain, Water, Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, People, Adult, Male, Man, City, Child, Female, Girl,

Average Temperature: 43 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day

Spearheading the beginning of spring, March stands to many as one of the truly best times to visit Rome. Though still in its low season with much of the capital remaining relatively quiet by tourism standards, a number of events see Rome take on more of a charged atmosphere throughout the month.

What that typically means is that, outside of large event days, many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks should be relatively straightforward to visit and absent of too many crowds. On top of that, visitors throughout this period can usually benefit from off-peak airfare and hotel rates, sometimes making for quite the substantial discount against high-season summertime prices.

To further sweeten the pot, March typically sees the weather in Rome begin to improve significantly. Temperatures throughout the month tend to range from comfortably cool to rather warm, and while you’d be best advised to pack an umbrella for the relatively high likelihood of rain, you’ll most likely be treated to largely clear, sunny days throughout most of your trip.

Things to do in March

Image of Car,

No trip to Rome is ever complete without touring some of the ancient city’s most lauded historical landmarks. The famous Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and provides a window into the gory pastimes of the lost civilization, while the Pantheon remains a marvel of religious architecture.

While you’re at it, be sure to take some time to explore the world’s smallest country with a jaunt into Vatican City. Despite its mere 0.2-square-mile footprint, the site is home to some of the most stunning and historically-rich buildings on the planet. As the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican boasts the masterful architecture and artwork of the Sistine Chapel, as well as one of the world’s most precious historical collections within the Vatican Museums.

For some stellar photo ops, make your way to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, where the smaller crowds of Rome in March should hopefully allow you the freedom to snap that perfect shot. But if you’re looking for something a little different, the likes of the Pyramid of Cestius and the ruins of the Roman Forum make for some slightly more niche photos.

If you find yourself with enough time during your trip, why not try to fit in a little more of Italy? Destinations such as Naples, Florence and historic Pompeii serve as a fantastic opportunity to experience more of the country’s celebrated history, architecture, cuisine and culture. Sitting only a short train journey from Rome, they each make for a great day trip away from the capital.

For those with a taste for the macabre, there’s somewhat of a darker and lesser-seen side to the Italian capital. The Roman Catacombs, for example, are a set of over sixty subterranean passages running for miles beneath the city, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletal remains of a civilization long since passed. In the same vein, the Capuchin Crypt is a small space located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, adorned with the skeletons of thousands of Capuchin friars buried by their order in centuries gone by.

What's On in March

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Shorts, Running, Marathon,

Easter

As the proud home to one of the world’s most important religious sites, it should come as no surprise that Rome takes its Catholic celebrations very seriously. Thousands of faithful pilgrims make their way to the Vatican each year to join in what may be the most significant Easter celebration on the planet, complete with a full program of masses, processions and traditions overseen by the Pope himself. While Vatican events are entirely free, those interested should be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Throughout the Easter period, many retailers, bakeries and cafés throughout Rome offer up a whole host of festive fare. Most common among these treats is colomba, a traditional dove-shaped cake made from a soft dough, not too dissimilar to panettone more commonly eaten around Christmas time.

Somewhat ironically given the brief influx of visitors is the fact that Easter is one of the few times when Rome is almost completely empty. With most visitors and locals alike taking part in celebrations at the Vatican or at home, this is the perfect opportunity for those with less of an interest in the holiday to enjoy some of the city’s often busiest attractions and venues at their quietest – most of which remain open throughout the Easter period.

Festa della Donna

Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, Italy’s Festa della Donna sees Rome in bloom with bright yellow Mimosa flowers in honor of its female population. The day serves as somewhat of a more Italian Valentine’s Day, with many men traditionally treating their partners to dinner and a bunch of pretty Mimosas.

Many women also take the day as an opportunity for a girls’ night out, gathering for dinner and drinks and often dressing fittingly in all yellow. A staple of Roman life for the best part of a century (or even longer, depending on who you ask), the Festa della Donna serves to recognize women’s day-to-day efforts and sacrifices.

St. Patrick’s Day

Second home to all manner of expats from around the world, Rome makes sure to put on a show for some of the year’s most popular international events. Early on March 17, one or more of Rome’s central churches will host a mass in honor of Ireland’s patron saint for the city’s growing Irish population, and many venues throughout the city host special events throughout the day (many alcohol-related).

If you’re looking to celebrate in true Irish fashion, you’ll want to make your way to one of Rome’s Irish pubs to sink a few pints of Guinness with your fellow visitors and expats. Some of the most popular venues include The Druid’s Den, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Finnegan’s and Scholars Lounge, most of which have live bands playing traditional Irish ditties through to the wee hours of the morning.

As you stumble between pubs or back to your hotel in the evening, keep your eyes peeled to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks bathed in a lush Irish green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening marketing campaign. Having now run for over a decade, this campaign has in previous years seen the likes of even the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column don their Irish jackets for the day.

Run Rome Marathon

Get your training shoes ready and lumber up ahead of your trip to Rome in March for one of the world’s most stunning marathons. Each March, Run Rome draws in hundreds of Romans and visitors alike for an exhilarating 26-mile exploration of the eternal city.

The course takes avid athletes on a whirlwind tour across the antique cobblestones of Rome, beginning by the Colosseum and continuing along the Fori Imperiali and through St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Passing by many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a ticket for the Run Rome Marathon means admission to a rare open-air museum available only to the athletically ambitious.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

View of St Peter's Basilica from Janiculum Hill in Trastevere, Rome
Blog

Is Rome Safe?

Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities, with over 10 million tourists being wowed by its ancient attractions every year. And, with so many bucket-list big hitters within easy walking distance of each other, it’s little wonder the Eternal City is so popular. We’re talking ancient sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus and the Capitoline Museums. Then there are the lush parks, the hills with their swoonsome panoramic views and medieval marvels like St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece. And, boy do the Romans know how to make great pizza, too! If you’re considering a trip to this most romantic of Italian cities, you’re probably also wondering how safe it is to visit. Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Read on for our guide to staying safe in Rome.   Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. Safe travels, and grab a Rome attraction pass to make the most of your trip!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Expertly-crafted interior walls of the Pantheon
Blog

Rome in May

As Rome waltzes toward the coming summertime rush, May offers a unique window of idyllic Mediterranean weather, delectable Italian cuisine and the last remnants of a somewhat quieter capital. If you’re looking for the best combination of circumstances to visit the eternal city, a trip to Rome in May is truly the one to beat. Visiting Rome in May Average Temperature: 55 - 75°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day May is perhaps one of the most idyllic periods in which to visit Rome. As spring begins drawing to a close, so too does the spring shoulder season as visitors begin flocking to the Italian capital in force for their own brief piece of Mediterranean paradise. This is typically the final hoorah before the coming peak season of tourism, which makes it prime time to experience the best that the city has to offer while it’s still comparatively quiet. Come early enough in the month, and you’re likely to still benefit from off-peak airfare and accommodation rates, with prices not quite as low as winter and early spring but often significantly lower than summertime rates. With summer just around the corner, Rome in May well and truly embraces its renowned Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range between mild and very pleasantly warm, complemented by regular sunshine ideal for exploring the city or relaxing on a traditional Italian terrace. That being said, at least one day of rainfall per week isn’t yet out of the question, so it’s always wise to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to do in May Just about any visitor to Rome is sure to be keen to tour some of the eternal city’s poster-boy landmarks and attractions. Of course, taking pride of place is the Colosseum, renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest standing amphitheater on Earth. Following closely behind, the Pantheon temple offers a remarkably intact insight into ancient Roman social and religious practices and pastimes. Whether you’re a devout Catholic, an architectural enthusiast or simply a keen traveler looking to tick off the smallest country in the world, Vatican City is certain to be of interest. Home to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, the vast historical collections of the Vatican Museums and, of course, the famous seat of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican is truly one of Europe’s greatest marvels and a real bucket-list destination. Among the most attractive places throughout Rome to take a break from wandering the busy city streets are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Popular with many tourists for their incredibly photogenic qualities, these are often some of the most crowded places during peak times, so be sure to arrive early enough in the day if you’re looking to snap that perfect shot. For an alternative way to explore the Italian capital and a chance to rest your feet between attractions, a Big Bus Rome tour passes by many of the city’s top landmarks and offers audio insights into their cultural and historical significance. Those looking to discover an otherwise untold underworld of Rome can explore the macabre underground passages of the Rome Catacombs, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletons of a civilization long since passed. If you find yourself in Rome for more than just a few days, why not take advantage of the idyllic weather to experience more of what Italy has to offer? Just over an hour away by train, the likes of Naples, Florence and Pompeii each offer a unique blend of Italian culture, history and cuisine ideal for a delightful day out. What's On in May Primo Maggio May 1 marks a rather important day for Italy, with a national holiday for Primo Maggio, or May Day, offering many businesses and services the opportunity to take the day off. Running in conjunction with the holiday, the Festa dei Lavoratori, or Worker’s Day, commemorates the efforts of the working population and the social and economic achievements of trade unions on behalf of their members. While much of the country takes the day to rest, Rome’s trade unions famously host the annual Concerto del Primo Maggio outside the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, just a short walk from the Colosseum. The concert typically begins in the late afternoon and continues right into the late hours of the night, with performances from a variety of established and upcoming Italian artists. With many stores and services closed for the day, May 1 is an ideal day for outdoor excursions. If the weather’s in your favor, the likes of Palatine Hill, the Botanical Garden, the Orange Garden and the Rome Rose Garden are fantastic for a relaxing day out beneath the sun with a picnic of traditional Italian meats and local wine. Rome Outdoor Festival For the best part of a month in late spring, Rome’s Mattatoio Testaccio museum comes alive as it hosts Italy’s largest annual metropolitan culture festival. Through a vast program of events, the Rome Outdoor Festival serves to celebrate Italian art, music and pop culture in all forms, centered around a different theme each year. The festival spreads itself across several key festival zones. Taking pride of place, the Art Pavilion is home to a variety of engaging and often interactive art installations from both established and rising international artists. The Television Section offers a program of screenings and events dedicated to entertainment, science, culture, sports, TV and movies. Guest speakers and organizations hold performances, debates and lectures on a variety of topics in the Conference Section, while the Market Area offers local and international artisans and designers the opportunity to exhibit and sell their wares. The market typically introduces a new theme each week, making for a rolling catalog of vendors and products, while the city’s best bartenders offer attendees a specialist menu of beverages and refreshments in the food area. Open House Roma In celebration of Rome’s world-class architecture and design, Open House Roma invites the public to explore some of the city’s most lauded buildings for one weekend each spring. The event aims to feature a balanced mix of architecture, from small-scale to large and ancient to contemporary, typically opening the doors to more than 200 sites dating back throughout the vast history of the city. Venues are spread across various categories, including private residences, buildings little known to many of Rome’s residents, hospitality establishments, key locations from throughout various historical eras and a collection of institutes dedicated to knowledge, culture and research. As an Open House event, visitors have a rare opportunity to discover some of Rome’s more exclusive architectural marvels free of charge. For those with more of a specialist interest in the design, heritage and preservation of the venues, the festival also features various talks, tours and special events hosted by experts throughout many of the buildings.
Robert Heaney
Ruins of the Roman Forum
Blog

Rome in April

With the clocks now long since turned forward, the Italian capital embraces a season of fertility. As the country’s agriculture moves into second gear, so too does the influx of tourists to the eternal city. Between its bountiful springtime delicacies, charming weather and renowned historical hotspots, a trip to Rome in April is nothing if not a true seasonal delight. Visiting Rome in April Average Temperature: 46 - 68°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day With springtime now in full swing, the city of Rome really comes into its own. Famous capital of one of Europe’s most agriculturally bountiful countries, Rome in April comes into full bloom with all-new, fresh seasonal produce throughout its restaurants and stores. For those chasing a genuine taste of Italian culture and cuisine, this is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit. While you’ll just about never see Rome in any state of quiet, its evergreen attractions bringing in everlasting appeal, April stands as one of the final months of the city’s tourism shoulder season. As summer draws closer, so too do the waves of peak-season tourists. Those choosing to get their Roman fix ahead of time will often therefore be rewarded with reduced airfare and accommodation rates, occasionally at somewhat of a significant discount against summertime prices. Throughout spring, Rome finally begins to truly embrace its famed Mediterranean weather. Though the lows can still be somewhat chilly, the highs make for some very pleasant days of exploring the ancient city or lounging on a traditional Italian terrace, and some pretty consistent sunshine only sweetens the pot. Contrary to the popular idiom, you can probably expect sunshine and rainbows during your stay, with rainfall likely on at least a couple days per week. Things to do in April It’s unlikely that you’d be taking a trip to the eternal city without making the rounds of its most famous landmarks and attractions. Explore the vastness of the Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheater, alongside the remarkably intact architecture of the former Roman temple known as the Pantheon. Somewhat more reflective of a civilization now long since passed, the Roman Forum houses the bare ruins of a number of important government buildings, now mere specters of their former glory. Palatine Hill, in much the same way, is home to the most ancient part of Rome on the most central of the city’s seven hills, said to be the location of the fabled Lupercal cave. Among the most photogenic landmarks in Rome include the astonishingly intricate Trevi Fountain, with its enormous 160-foot wide footprint, as well as the wide, eighteenth-century Spanish Steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti. The attractive craftsmanship of these architectural icons make them very popular with tourists as both great photo ops and delightful places to take a break from the bustle of the city. Equally remarkable but comparatively underrated are the likes of the 120-foot tall Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. The site is a prime example of Egyptian influence in Rome in the wake of the empire’s conquest of Egypt in 30 BC, alongside landmarks such as the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Those with a taste for the dark and macabre may enjoy exploring somewhat of a literal underside to the famous ancient city. Stretching for miles beneath the streets of Rome, six of the Roman Catacombs are open for public tours, lined floor to ceiling with skeletons dating back almost 2,000 years. What's On in April Spring Festival Each year in April, Italy bursts into celebration of the spring season with the Festa della Primavera, or Spring Festival. Typically running through to June, the country organizes all manner of seasonal events and activities in an historical tradition honoring agricultural fertility. Throughout Rome specifically, signs of the springtime festival are hard to ignore. Alongside glorious floral displays at the Orange Garden and Rose Garden on Aventine Hill, the Spanish Steps erupt with the flaming tones of pretty pink azaleas. Rome also organizes a vast program of events to take place throughout the season, from art fairs and street markets to diverse exhibits and installations throughout the city. Theater shows, concerts and sporting events often join in on the fun, while a variety of activities and entertainment also tends to sprout up along the banks of the Tiber. Birthday of Rome On the closest Sunday to April 21, widely considered the anniversary of Rome’s foundation in 753 BC, the ancient city jumps back in time as the streets are taken over by hundreds of historical re-enactors from across the continent in one of the season’s most locally-anticipated events. Parading through the historic streets of the city center, attendees come dressed in historically accurate costumes from various eras of Ancient Rome. The procession typically takes place between 10 AM and 4 PM, accompanied by a variety of re-enactments, historic events and activities throughout the city, often followed by an impressive light show and fireworks display. Romanesco Artichoke Festival Held each year in the nearby coastal city of Ladispoli, the Romanesco Artichoke Festival typically takes place over several days in mid-April in celebration of some of the region’s most traditionally lauded seasonal produce. The humble Romanesco artichoke was a staple of peasant diets for centuries, before becoming widely cultivated around Rome in the wake of the Second World War. Since the war, the typically sleepy seaside resort of Ladispoli now serves as the epicenter of the artichoke industry for one week each spring, blossoming in celebration of the popular crop. Throughout the festival, the city hosts an impressive program of events, including a traditional conference on the economics and cultivation of the artichoke, an artichoke-based cooking contest, sporting events and cultural activities, often accompanied by live music. Fried artichokes are often handed out to attendees, while many local restaurants serve special, fixed menus throughout the season featuring an assortment of artichoke-based dishes. Elaborate artichoke sculptures line the city streets in every imaginable arrangement, with a prize awarded to the most creative piece. Other such artichoke-centered festivals also take place in other Italian towns around April, but the Ladispoli is easily the biggest and most important of them all. The Romanesco Artichoke Festival is well worth visiting for those keen to explore a niche yet exciting aspect of Italian culinary culture.
Robert Heaney

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon