10 Reasons Why Winter in Rome is the Best Time to Explore the Eternal City!

Rome in the cold is as unworthy of a visit. Actually, some would argue that now is the greatest time to come because of the smaller crowds and cheaper prices. Perhaps Rome isn’t the first European city that comes to mind when someone mentions a certain place to go for Christmas. However, we assure you that a vacation to the Italian city during the winter months can be quite rewarding. Find out why we say this by reading our blog post, especially if you’re considering a winter visit to Rome.

10 Reasons To Visit Rome In Winter

Wintertime in Rome could be the ideal destination for a holiday. Between the abundance of cultural attractions, the vibrant bistro lounge scene, and the calm ambiance that provides you with a happy trip. These are the top ten reasons to visit Rome over the winter months.

1. Weather

Wintertime Rome offers a completely new experience that you should definitely not miss. Rome is renowned for its intense and magnificent winter sunshine, which shines down on the city’s cobblestone streets when the sun sets low in the horizon. In Rome, snowfall is rare. Nonetheless, the temperature is above freezing, which is more comfortable. Wintertime averages for daytime temperatures are about 12.9°C (55.2°F), with nightly lows of 2.6°C (36.7°F). However, that also means that, on sunny days, you may expect some lovely highs of 16–22°C, which means you should take off your coats in the late morning.

2. Shopping

Rome offers a plethora of museums, squares, and courts to explore—many of which you’ll probably come across while attempting to discover something unusual. Thus, if you enjoy wearing vintage apparel, you should visit one of Rome’s numerous gem vintage stores and have a look around! Rome’s greatest feature is that you won’t become tired of exploring its streets, no matter how lost you go. Even if you have no idea where you are, the intriguing shops, opulent buildings, and perplexing bistros will keep you interested. Additionally, explore the visually stunning galleries of Palazzo Braschi and Palazzo Barberini to see the historical contributions to the literary arts. This is why you should pay particular attention to Rome while you explore the city.

3. Ice Skating

Rome has a variety of transient, festive Christmas light rinks that are open from November through February. Indeed, there are four or five locations in Rome where you can skate outside in the shadow of a large building throughout the winter, with the best one being directly below the Castel Sant’Angelo. beyond supper or a stroll through the Trastevere, put on your skates and go skating till beyond midnight!

4. Art

There are several neighbourhoods in the Eternal City, each with its own identity, so there are a ton of locations to explore. While the majority of visitors stick to the historic centre when visiting Rome, it’s worthwhile to venture out to the city’s more outlying neighbourhoods for a breath-taking perspective of this contemporary metropolis. Graffiti aficionados will find neighbourhoods like Pigneto, Ostiense, and Quadraro to be more contemporary, with a hint of the local Roman culture and charming street art. Explore the streets of Ostiense to find street art by Blu and JBRock, then head to Pigneto to learn about the life and legacy of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini and have a bite to eat at his favourite café. Remember to get clicked around those wall arts!

5. Festivals

In Rome, Christmas is a really big deal. However, Rome’s festivities don’t stop on December 25; they continue well into the new year. Well, there are events planned around the city on New Year’s Eve, and firecrackers light up the sky above the Colosseum, making for an amazing night out. The celebrations recommence on January 6th in honour of the Epiphany, when children receive gifts from La Befana. After that, the route will be taken over by children wearing peculiar costumes in late January and early February. As casual social gatherings celebrate Carnevale, pizzas come up against a semi-permanent covering of confetti. The parade and acrobatic exhibition at Piazza del Popolo completes the circle.

6. Food

Italians love to eat minestrone soup, carbonara pasta, and roast chestnuts to keep their tummies warm during the winter. Additionally, arrostocalde is being sold by sellers at Piazza Navona, along the Spanish Steps, outside the Orange Garden, and on a good number of the market’s corners. In addition, the city gets ready for Carnevale in February, serving up special desserts like frappe drinks in cake shops and Castagnole, which are fried dough balls usually filled with cream custard. It will thrill foodies much! 

7. Views

You get to take in the breathtaking sights from every angle instead of competing with others for the best views within and of the ruin! Particularly because Rome will be less crowded during this time of year, providing the ideal opportunity to see the Colosseum at its best. The Colosseum is restorative and soothing in the winter, both inside and out. You have the highest chance of seeing the Colosseum in perfect condition, which is a top concern for travelers visiting Rome.

8. Vatican City

The Roman Catholic Church has its own headquarters, the Vatican, which is located inside Rome. It is also the location of some of Rome’s most well-known historical sites, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition to being able to sit on one of the seats that line the chapel’s walls, you may truly admire the Sistine Chapel without the hordes of people. Something that you actually won’t be able to witness during the busiest time of year when you’re surrounded by other tourists. Egyptian mummies on display, bronze busts, classical statues, and—yes—the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, are must-see items in the chapel. Additionally, the Italian Renaissance church Basilica of St. Peter has decorations so magnificent that you will eventually grow tired of looking at them. If you have a strong interest in both religious history and art, you should also purchase a ticket to the Vatican museum.

9. Excursion

Take a train from the Ostiense station, and in thirty minutes you will arrive in the village of Bracciano on Lake Bracciano. This is a beautiful place to visit in the cooler months for a stroll or even to have lunch by the lake. See the beautifully preserved mediaeval stronghold and historical centre at Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, the Bracciano Castle, which offers breathtaking views. One of the largest and most immaculate castles in Italy, this location has played host to a number of well-known nuptials, including that of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Drive around the lake to visit any other lakeside towns, such as Trevignano Romano or Anguillara Sabazia, if you have rented a car. In particular, Trevignano will provide you with a plethora of stunning lakefront dining establishments, many of which serve common lake fish (mostly carp) in a variety of amazing preparations and flavours.

10. Rides

Lastly, but not least, Who could miss, after all, the perfect vistas of Roman holidays zipping across the city on an old-fashioned Vespa? A great wintertime trick is to get on a Vespa and explore the area at your leisure. The Eternal City is ideal for bicycling tours, and nothing is more enjoyable than taking in the winter sun and some history while cruising on a Vespa at your own pace. A Vespa ride is the only way to truly experience the essence of Rome, so be sure to put this unique experience on your list of things to do when visiting Rome!