Skip links

Best Things to Do in Rome in Winter: 2023 guide

-

If you’re looking for things to do in Rome in winter, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great activities to keep you busy during your stay. From visiting the ancient Colosseum to admiring the Christmas decorations throughout the city, Rome has something for everyone. Here is our list of the best things to do in Rome during winter!

Visit the Colosseum

One of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, the Colosseum is a must-see during your stay. Built in 80 AD, this ancient amphitheatre was once used for public events such as gladiator fights and plays. Today, it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in the world.

To organize your visit to Colosseum knowing all the hits and tips you can read the Colosseum guide here.

Admire the Christmas decorations

Rome is even more beautiful during the holidays! Be sure to admire the festive lights and decorations throughout the city.

Christmas in Rome is a magical time of year. Be sure to visit the Vatican City to see the Christmas tree and admire the beautiful decorations. You can also enjoy a festive concert at the Basilica of Saint Peter or take a guided tour of the city’s Christmas markets.

Take a cooking class

Rome is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so why not learn how to cook some of your favorite dishes? There are plenty of cooking classes available in the city, so you can learn how to make your own pasta, pizza, and more.

Imagine telling your friends that the pasta you cook is a traditional recipe that you learned from a cooking lesson in the heart of Italy! 

Visit Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a beautiful fortress located on the banks of the Tiber River. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it has been used as a fortress, papal palace, and prison over the years. Today, it is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.

See an opera

Rome is home to some of the world’s most famous opera houses, including Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and Teatro della Scala. Be sure to check out the opera schedule and catch a performance while you’re in town.

 

Take a day trip to Orvieto

Orvieto is a beautiful medieval town located about an hour outside of Rome. This charming town is home to stunning churches, cathedrals, and palaces, as well as a lively market square where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its charming streets and lovely piazzas.

This vibrant neighborhood is home to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around.

Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic buildings and was originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome. Today, it is used as a church and is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in existence.

The Pantheon is located in the heart of Rome, in the Piazza della Rotonda. You can reach it by walking from the Colosseum, or by taking the Metro to the Barberini stop. For the full guide for Pantheon in Rome you can read this article.

Check out the Indoor Market in Testaccio

Rome’s indoor market, located in the neighborhood of Testaccio, is the perfect place to find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. This lively market is a great place to people watch and soak up the local atmosphere.

Visit Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is a beautiful park located in the center of Rome. This large park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnicking, or even just relaxing in the winter sun. Within Villa Borghese, you will also find the Galleria Borghese, which houses a collection of art by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini.

Browse an outdoor market

Rome is home to several outdoor markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to handcrafted jewelry. The most famous market in Rome is the Campo de’ Fiori Market, but there are also markets located near the Colosseum and Spanish Steps.

Visit Vatican City

No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City, home of the Pope and the Catholic Church. While you’re there, be sure to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

What is the weather in Rome in Winter?

The weather in Rome in winter is generally mild, but there can be some cold days. The average high temperature in December is 56 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 41 degrees. January is a bit colder, with an average high of 50 degrees and an average low of 37 degrees. February is the coldest month, with an average high of 47 degrees and an average low of 34 degrees. However, Rome does get some snowfall each year, so there is a chance you may see a few flakes while you’re in town.

What to pack for Rome in Winter?

  • A coat: You’ll need a coat for the cold days, and a light jacket should suffice for the milder days.
  • Scarves: A scarf is always a good idea in Rome, as it can help keep you warm and also add a bit of style to your outfit.
  • Hats: A hat is essential for keeping your head warm in the cold weather.
  • Boots: A pair of comfortable boots is a must for walking around Rome in the winter.
  • Comfortable clothing: Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, be sure to pack clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in.

There you have it, our list of the best things to do in Rome during winter! We hope you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful city.