Couple with umbrellas in front of St Peter's Basilica in Rome

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Rome still has plenty to explore even in a downpour!

Not even Rome can escape the rain sometimes. But don't worry, there's still plenty to do that don't involve you getting soaked! Here are our suggestions to ensure you see the sights while staying dry.

Ancient and modern at the same time, the city of Rome is like one big open-air museum, with classical forums, impressive squares, crumbling arenas, baroque fountains and broze statues around every corner. There’s nothing better than to just wander the streets and just see what you discover. On the other hand, since the city lies a mere 15 miles from the sea, it’s no surprise that sometimes it rains, and your best-laid perambulation plans get washed down Rome’s ancient (yet still remarkably efficient) drains. Winter is the wettest time, with expected rainfall peaking in December, though you might also be surprised by a sudden downpour in April or May. Never fear – with a concentration of churches, museums and restaurants, there’s always an indoor option in the eternal city. Things to do include:

  • The Big Bus Tour
  • St Peter’s and the Vatican
  • The Capitoline Museum
  • The Pantheon
  • Find food
  • Go underground
  • Go for a walk anyway

Big Bus tour

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Big Bus tour

The best way to get out and about while being protected from the elements is from the inside of a climate controlled Big Bus! Get cozy downstairs or enjoy the views from underneath the roof on the top. The tour will give you a good overview of the city, taking in sights like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Circus Maximus and Piazza Venezia. You’ll get audio commentary, too, so you can hear all the stories about ancient Rome. Enjoy the tour and get your bearings, then use your ticket to hop on and off for the rest of the day and keep dry between sightseeing stops.

The Vatican Museums and St Peter’s

Things to do in Rome when it rains

The Vatican Museums and St Peter’s

Between them, these two titans of tourism are enough to keep the serious art or history lover busy (and dry) for the whole day. Even if you’re not, allow at least a few hours to do them justice. Start by taking a self-guided tour through the Vatican museums, which are jam-packed with renaissance masterpieces. You’ll finish at the Sistine Chapel, where you can spend some time gazing up at Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes, then exit and make your way to St Peter’s Basilica. This vast place of worship warrants a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss treasures like Michelangelo’s Pieta, the crypts or the Papal Throne. If the weather’s eased a bit, it’s worth climbing the dome after your tour, for unobstructed 360-degree views over the city.

The Pantheon

Things to do in Rome when it rains

The Pantheon

The Pantheon – or ‘Temple of many gods’ – is one of the oldest structures from ancient Rome to survive in such good condition, mainly because of its ingenious construction. The circular interior feels both secluded and imposing, but watch out if it’s raining because water might be coming in through the oculus in the roof! Fortunately the Romans knew about drainage, so it’s still safe to wander around – ideally with a passionate guide who will tell you all about how it’s built, and some of the famous Italians who are buried there.

The Capitoline Museum

Things to do in Rome when it rains

The Capitoline Museum

Perched atop the Capitoline Hill between the Forum and the Victor Emmanuel Monument is the elegant and thought-provoking Capitoline Museum. The museum, which started as the private collection of Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th Century, features paintings by Titian, Caravaggio and Rubens, among others, but mostly features statues dating from classical to renaissance times. Highlights include busts of roman emperors, the marble sculpture of The Dying Gaul, and the bronze she-wolf depicted with the city’s legendary founders Romulus and Remus. It’s a great option for lovers of classical art, especially if you don’t fancy competing with crowds at the Vatican.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Castel Sant’Angelo

History meets intrigue at this star-shaped stronghold, with seven floors each serving a different purpose. Originally intended as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian and his family, it’s since been repurposed as a prison, a military base, an opulent papal residence and a fortress for popes to escape to whenever the Vatican was under siege. Use your audio guide to explore each level and hear stories of escape and expansion, and be rewarded with stunning views when you reach the top. Or, if the weather’s off-putting, grab a snack from the undercover café.

Find something to eat

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Find something to eat

Let’s assume you’ve been pounding a lot of pavement while you’ve been in Rome, so you’ve earned a bit of a carbohydrate top-up. Even if you haven’t, what else are you going to do in Italy? If you need a bit of inspiration, try a pizza and craft beer pairing at Biond@mara, or perhaps a three-course feast with wine in the Prati District. If you’re feeling creative, you could try your hand at making your own pizza or pasta, or if you’re in need of comfort food you could head to the Hard Rock Café, where the wide windows allow for people watching while being protected from the elements. Whichever you choose, be sure to wash it all down with an espresso to pep you up for more sightseeing!

Go underground

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Go underground

You may have heard that Rome is a city of layers, as it’s been buried and built upon so many times. It’s also been built down, with so many underground caverns and networks that more are being discovered all the time. Stay warm and dry while you explore ancient Roman Catacombs, the eerie yet fascinating underground cemeteries established by early Christians. Or if you prefer to learn about ancient Roman legends and infrastructure, try an underground tour of the Trevi Fountain, or see Rome’s first and only masonry stadium underneath the Piazza Navona.

Go for a walk anyway

Things to do in Rome when it rains

Go for a walk anyway

In spring, the temperature during the day hangs around the high 60s and low 70s, so if you’ve got the right shoes and jacket there’s no reason not to rug up and head out anyway (in winter it’s more likely around 40 or 50, so we’ll leave that up to you). Marble and cobblestones glisten in the rain, there’ll be much less competition for prime spots like the Trevi Fountain, and places like the Colosseum are particularly atmospheric when it's raining. Perhaps go shopping for the latest Italian fashions on the Via Condotti or Via del Corso, or take the guided audio tour on your Big Bus ticket. If you’ve got a waterproof camera you’ll be able to get plenty of shots without people in the way – just be careful not to slip on the cobblestones.

Sing in the rain with Go City

It’s a glorious feeling when you can save on all your favorite Rome attractions! Get your Go City Explorer Pass today, and have a great time in Rome whatever the weather! So grab a Rome pass and save while you sightsee!

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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View over the Rome skyline
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Things to do in Rome

Home to some of the world's most renowned cultural and historical sites, a visit to Rome is guaranteed not to leave you empty handed. Whether you're keen to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans or discover some of the impeccable craftsmanship of some of the city's top attractions, there's simply no shortage of fantastic things to do in Rome. Do as the Romans Did Ancient home to one of history’s most famous and influential empires, Rome is simply brimming with renowned historical sites and cultural hotspots. Taking pride of place, the iconic Roman Colosseum stands as the world’s largest standing amphitheater and boasts a deserved place among the seven wonders of the world. Once the epicenter of entertainment in ancient Rome, hosting all manner of battles, reenactments and plays, the site is now one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A similar reflection on the daily lives and pastimes of ancient Romans is the Pantheon. Rebuilt from the ashes of a former Roman temple during the second century, the site would continue to serve as a place of worship for many centuries to come, eventually transforming into a Catholic church. Another compelling UNESCO site, the Pantheon is most notable for its towering pillars and the open oculus in its ceiling, permitting both natural light and all weather into its domed hall. More pertinent whispers of the civilization long since passed exist among the ruins of the Roman Forum, now mere vague outlines of a formerly glorious and major administrative district for the city. Originally a marketplace, the site began to grow as the center of many important social, political and religious activities. Some of the city’s most impressive buildings and monuments stood here, still reflected in the imposing columns and architecture of the remaining ruins. As far as ruins go, there are none more pertinent in Rome than those built right at the beginning. Most central of Rome’s famous seven hills, Palatine Hill is widely considered to have been the cradle of Roman civilization. Credited in Roman mythology as the location of the fabled Lupercal cave in which the city’s supposed founding twins, Romulus and Remus, were raised by a she-wolf. Steeped in rich history and mysticism, Palatine Hill is home to the oldest ruins to be found throughout Rome. Somewhat lesser known but still rather remarkable are the remnants of Egyptian influence in Rome, most obvious of which being the impressive Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. Also worth seeing are the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Discover Vatican City One of the greatest draws of Rome is its role as the surrounding home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the world’s smallest official country, Vatican City. At its core, the Vatican attracts huge crowds of devout Catholics for its hugely significant role as the permanent residence of the Pope. Though its grounds are accessible year-round, the micro-country is often the center of many major religious events to take place in Rome. Around the likes of Christmas and Easter, the Pope himself delivers special masses and sermons open to all, though given their popularity, you’ll want to apply for a free ticket with the Vatican directly. While naturally very popular as a pilgrimage for devout followers, the city is also home to a wealth of astonishing architecture and expert artwork. St Peter’s Basilica, somewhat of a distant beacon for Rome as a whole, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Renaissance architecture, iconic in its arching dome and the impressive temple-style pillars at its entrance. Perhaps most famous of all, however, is the incredible craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel. While not quite so lauded for its exterior as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the chapel is known the world over for its spectacular vaulted ceiling, adorned with various famous frescoes by the legendary Italian artist, Michelangelo, including his most famous fresco, The Creation of Adam. Explore the City All roads may indeed lead to Rome, but it’s getting around once you’re there that might leave you stumped. Though the eternal city has a host of capable public transport systems for getting you seamlessly across town, there are some alternatives that can make your trip just that little bit more exciting. If you’d like a whirlwind tour of some of Rome’s top landmarks and attractions with the option to hop on and off at your leisure, then a Big Bus Rome pass could be ideal for you. Operating a primary route passing by the likes of the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo, tours also offer optional audio commentary in several major languages, brimming with cultural and historical insights into many of the capital’s most popular sights. If you’d like to truly live like an Italian, nothing beats swerving through Rome’s ancient streets on your own rental scooter. Besides being particularly well-suited to navigating some of the city’s narrower streets, they’re also typically very convenient to park and can be rented from vendors throughout the city. Average rental prices can range anywhere from € 30 to € 350 per day depending on the size, specs and classification of the vehicle. Most rentals will also require a rather hefty security deposit of several hundred euros. Among the most popular and reliable scooter rental operators are Eco Move Rent, Roma Rent Scooter and BigaBike. Take a Break Should you find yourself keen to get away from the bustle of Rome’s often busy streets, the city happens to be home to a number of serene, open spaces perfect for an Italian-style picnic or a leisurely stroll amid the city’s often idyllic Mediterranean weather. Most central of Rome’s parks are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades and grassy banks of Villa Borghese, perfect for escaping most of the traffic of the capital. Not wanting to be a one-trick pony, though, the space is also home to an arena used for equestrian events and an impressive art-house cinema, complete with three projection halls, exhibition spaces and an outdoor cinema during ideal weather. For some of the most impressive views overlooking the stunning city skyline, few spots can be considered quite as romantic as Pincio Hill. Though somewhat of a climb from Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find the effort to be more than worth it for the unique glimpse it will afford you over the likes of St. Peter’s and the Gianicolo Hill. Rome’s Botanical Garden easily offers the city’s most impressive collection of flora from around the world. Dating back to the 17th Century, the garden comprises roughly 30 acres of exotic plant-life, from the serenity of the Japanese Garden to the humid tropical greenhouse and the splendidly colorful Rose Garden.
Robert Heaney
Italian National Republic Day Air Show
Blog

Rome in June

Waving off the final days of spring, Rome prepares to welcome the busiest period of the year. Ahead of the academic summer break and the waves of holiday-making families, many choose this month to experience all that Rome has to offer during one of its most idyllic periods. A trip to Rome in June comes packaged with glorious Mediterranean weather, a bustling city atmosphere and a host of hotly-anticipated seasonal events. Visiting Rome in June Average Temperature: 63 - 84°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Standing as the boundary between spring and summer, June is very much a period of transition for Rome. Throughout the month, the city waves off the final days of the spring shoulder season and beckons in the coming flocks of summertime tourists. Though Rome can rarely ever be considered quiet, owing to the largely evergreen nature of its most popular attractions, you can expect Rome to get a whole lot busier from June onwards. Come sufficiently early in the month, and you may just be fortunate enough to benefit from the final few off-season deals on airfare and accommodation prices. For the rest of June, though, the eternal city truly begins to fill up with visitors from across the globe, all vying for a chance to experience Rome’s unique blend of culture, cuisine and history. If you’re keen to join in on Rome’s famous bustling atmosphere, then this is the time to come. As summer rolls around, Rome’s renowned Mediterranean climate falls into place. Average temperatures flirt between pleasantly mild and comfortably warm, aided by regular sunshine and low rainfall. Whether you see yourself exploring the ancient city’s streets or sunbathing on a traditional Italian terrace, Rome’s weather in June is hard to beat. Things to do in June Known as the eternal city, Rome is widely popular for its vast collection of world-class historical sites. Most popular is naturally the Colosseum, one of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world’s largest standing amphitheater. Also protected by UNESCO is the Pantheon, the maintenance of which permits visitors a remarkable window into daily life in ancient Rome. Second only to these lauded historical sites, Vatican City is one of the most popular sights in Rome. The beating heart of Roman Catholicism and the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is famous for being the permanent residence of the Pope and the site of the famous Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes continue to inspire onlookers. Also popular with many tourists is the expert Baroque craftsmanship of Trevi Fountain and the monumental Spanish Steps traversing the steep slope between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Around this time of year, these areas can get very busy during peak times, so it’s best to visit early in the day if you want to enjoy them in their more authentic state. Those looking to retrace the steps of Europe’s most notable historical empire can explore the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the site of important Roman governmental buildings. A similar site stands atop Palatine Hill, Rome’s most ancient area and the supposed location of the fabled Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth. For those with a taste for the dark and macabre, there’s a hidden underworld to Rome waiting to be explored. The Rome Catacombs comprise hundreds of miles of subterranean tunnels stretching far beneath the city, notable for housing the remains of thousands of ancient Romans. While much of Rome is easily accessible on foot, a Big Bus Rome pass offers an alternative means of getting around while giving your feet a likely well-needed rest. With its hop-on, hop-off policy and its main route passing by many key landmarks and attractions, accompanied by optional audio commentary packed with local insights, this is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to explore the city. What's On in June Republic Day On June 2, Italy celebrates its most important public holiday with the Festa della Repubblica, marking the anniversary of the formation of the Italian republic in 1946 and the resulting unity of previously fractured Italian states into one uniform nation. As a public holiday, many stores and services are likely to remain closed for the day. While some take the opportunity to kick back with a day off work, many flock to grab a seat along Via dei Fori Imperiali to watch the annual military parade, attended by all departments of the Italian military and their accompanying marching bands. One of the parade’s highlights is a flyover by the Frecce Tricolori, in which nine Italian Air Force aircraft soar overhead, leaving streaks of green, white, and red smoke in the sky. Rock in Roma It wouldn’t be a European summer without the introduction of festival season. Rock in Roma takes place over multiple weeks and draws in thousands of rock fans of all shapes, sizes and nationalities to enjoy the stellar performances of some of the world’s biggest names in rock. Previous editions have included sets by the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phoenix and Marilyn Manson. Lungo il Tevere One of the most hotly anticipated festivals of the year, Lungo il Tevere (‘Along the Tiber’) attracts hordes of visitors keen to join in on its unique and exciting program of riverside events and activities. It isn’t difficult to notice when the festival comes to town, with the banks of the Tiber simply brimming with all manner of event stands, art installations and interactive exhibits. The event typically lasts the duration of summer, with a vast program of evening shows, performances, improvised theater and live music concerts by local bands at its core. During the daytime, though, the venue stands as somewhat of an interactive expo of art installations, unique photo ops and street arcade games like air hockey and foosball. Usually accompanying the festival is a market of local vendors selling all manner of wares, from vintage records to hand-crafted jewelry. Sometimes present at the market are the likes of tarot readers and petting zoos hosted by local animal shelters charities. The festival also hosts a number of pop-up restaurants, cafés and bars, offering cuisine and beverages both local and international.
Robert Heaney

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