Having spent most of the winters of my life in Rome, I can safely assure you that there are many satisfying things to do in Rome in winter.
If you have decided to visit Rome in December, January, or February, first of all, expect to find the Eternal City less crowded than usual.
Temperatures never drop too much in the winter months (it rarely snows in Rome). Getting around the city to discover the many historic landmarks will still be bearable.
However, there are several activities to do in Rome that are just right for the cold season, such as Christmas concerts and bathing in hot springs.
I will now quickly let you know what locals love to do in winter in Rome.
22 Best Things to Do in Rome in Winter
1. Explore Rome’s Cultural Treasures in museums
When winter descends upon Rome, it’s the perfect time to dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting its world-class museums.
While the streets may be quieter and the air a bit crisper, the city’s artistic and historical treasures remain as captivating as ever.
To start your winter cultural journey, head to the Capitoline Museums, the world’s oldest public museum, where you can marvel at classical sculptures, ancient artifacts, and breathtaking Renaissance paintings.
The Capitoline Museums are located on Capitoline Hill, from which there is a picture-perfect view of the Roman Forum. The building that houses The Museums is also home to Caffé Terrazza Caffarelli. Sit here to rest and pick yourself up with a hot drink if all that culture has made you dizzy.
If you’d like to see some of the most stunning sculptures in Rome, the Borghese Gallery is a must-visit. Housed in a 17th-century villa, this museum showcases an exquisite collection of Baroque masterpieces, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio.
Sculptures such as the Apollo and Daphne and the Rape of Proserpine will make you want to run your hands over the smooth marble to confirm that it is just stone! Admission to the Borghese Gallery requires reservations.
If contemporary art is more to your liking, don’t miss the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, featuring a diverse array of 19th to 21st-century artworks.
2. Enjoy a cappuccino in cute cafes
I bet among the experiences you definitely want to have in Rome is sipping an authentic Italian cappuccino. Cappuccino is the most popular hot drink among locals in Rome. We like it hot to the point, with a fluffy foam that gradually seeps into the milk and coffee. A sprinkle of bitter cocoa on top doesn’t hurt.
In winter in Rome, we sit in cafes in the late afternoons, and, in addition to a hot drink, we like to enjoy a local dessert such as ciambellone.
It is easy to get lost among the hundreds of cafes in the historic center. Here are a few I recommend:
- Antico Caffé Greco | The oldest café in Rome (second oldest in Italy), it dates to the late 18th century. For centuries it was a meeting place for philosophers and artists, and it seems that the custom of drinking espresso coffee was born here.
- Bar del Cappuccino | This café is tiny but full of goodness. It is said that they make the best cappuccino in Rome here, a good reason to stop by.
- Caffé Bistrot Chiostro del Bramante | At Caffé Chiostro del Bramante you can experience a mixture of classic and modern. The Renaissance architecture hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Sit here and dive back in time, along with the café’s excellent appetizers.
- Caffé Letterario | Located in the Ostiense University district, this café occupies the space of what used to be a garage. The decor is industrial and informal in style. Find a seat among the cushions of the many cozy sofas. In the evenings, the café hosts concerts, book presentations, and tango classes.
- Romeow Cat Bistrot | If you are a vegan and a cat person then this is a must-stop on your winter trip to Rome. The furry friends that dwell in this bistro number about 10; just watching them stretch will warm your heart.
3. Be won over by Roman pasta
One of the perks of winter is being able to eat high-calorie dishes without feeling too guilty. This is the case with the typical Roman pasta dishes, which are hearty and flavorful.
In the winter months in Rome, you can fill up on carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana, and then work them off with a long walk among the ancient ruins.
Be careful not to accompany them with too much red wine, otherwise, the only thing you’ll want to do is sleep all afternoon!
The iconic pasta of Roman cuisine is carbonara, made with jowl, pepper, and eggs, and therefore very caloric. A very popular vegetarian pasta dish is cacio e pepe, made with pecorino cheese and pepper, which is also very nutritious.
The best neighborhood in Rome for eating a hearty plate of pasta is Trastevere, in the southwestern part of the historic center.
Trastevere is overflowing with osterias. If you want to eat in a place that locals really like, choose the historic inn Tonnarello, but remember to make reservations!
Would you rather eat a great pasta dish quickly, perhaps saving a few euros? Then I recommend going to Pasta Eat, right in the historic center. It is an informal place where they serve homemade pasta rich in toppings.
You don’t need to make a reservation, but if you arrive right at the precise lunchtime (1 o’clock), you will find a bit of a queue.
4. Warm up with a pasta-making class
Once you taste local pasta you will fall in love. And you’ll want to make it again at home once you return from your winter trip to Italy.
Not only that. Taking a group cooking class will also warm you up by meeting new people and kneading eggs and flour.
So dedicate a few hours to learning how Italian grandmothers make fettuccine, and then enjoy it with the other participants, accompanying it with a good wine.
And then, icing on the cake, also learn how to make classic tiramisu, Italy’s most famous dessert.
Learning and taking pleasure in learning, it’s not something that happens every day.
You can do it with a local chef as your guide in the elegant setting of Piazza Cavour in the Prati district.
For info on this pasta-making class in Rome look here.
5. Sit in a unique winter restaurant in Rome
Winters in Rome are mild and wet. Some days can be a little colder than usual, and that’s when I recommend diving into a parallel reality. There is a real surprise waiting for you just a stone’s throw from St. Peter’s Square.
Cantina Tirolese is the perfect restaurant if you get bored of eating pasta and pizza or if you want to taste something very different without taking a train.
The restaurant has worked with dedication for more than three generations. It features dishes from the northern Italian region of Tyrol.
Here you will find dishes with a mountain flavor:
- speck
- dumplings
- ravioli
- fondue
- goat cheese
- strudel
To name just a few.
The ambiance is furnished in Bavarian style, and upstairs there are tables protected by partitions for more privacy.
Prices are absolutely competitive.
You can find it open for both lunch and dinner. Monday is their day off.
6. Enjoy the winter sales season
During the Christmas season, Romans love to spoil themselves. After they have strolled through the Christmas markets and eaten their fill with friends and family, the sale season kicks off.
This happens after the Feast of the Epiphany on January 7.
If you’re visiting Rome in January and are a shopping lover, arm yourself with money (and patience).
There might be crowds at the shops. Locals love to see their closets full, too!
I recommend shopping in Rome on a weekday, preferably in the morning, to avoid the crowds.
If you don’t mind the idea of moving from the historic center, consider visiting one of the city’s malls. The one I usually go to is Centro Commerciale Porta di Roma.
The malls in Rome also host restaurants, street food shops, and bookshops inviting you to spend the whole day.
Here are the local’s favorite malls:
- Centro Commerciale Aura (closest to the historical center) – address: Viale di Valle Aurelia, 30 – subway Valle Aurelia
- Porta di Roma – Address: Via Alberto Lionello 201 – Bus line 80 from Venezia Square
- Parco Leonardo – Address: Via Portuense 2000 – City train from Roma Ostiense Station (subway Piramide)
- Roma Est – Address: Via Collatina – City train from Tiburtina to Ponte di Nona or Lunghezza
- Castel Romano Designer Outlet (specialized in discounted branded clothes) – Address: Via del Ponte di Piscina Cupa 64, Castel Romano – Get there with the shuttle bus from Via Giolitti 48
If you don’t feel like commuting, consider hanging around the most popular shopping arteries in Rome’s historic center:
- Via Cola di Rienzo (my personal favorite)
- Via Ottaviano
- Via del Corso (very busy with travelers)
- Viale Marconi
I recommend you also check out my post about the best clothing stores in Rome.
7. Go to the movies
In winter in Rome, there will be rainy evenings, not too cold, but you may still feel like doing what Romans do in such cases… They go to the movies!
You may have heard that one of the curiosities about Italians and Italy is that they dub movies.
In most European countries in movie theaters, we only watch movies in the original language with subtitles, while in Italy we dub everything.
How to do it then, if you don’t know Italian?
Luckily Rome is an international city, so some cinemas in the historic center show foreign films in the original language (with Italian subtitles).
And so you only need to take a look at the schedule of these cinemas to see if there is any film that is right for you.
When I want to see a movie in English in Rome I first check the schedule of the Cinema Adriano, which is located in the Prati district near my favorite gelateria, that is Neve di Latte.
Here are other cinemas that show movies in the original language in Rome:
- Cinema Nuovo Olimpia
- Cinema Dei Piccoli (plays children’s films in the afternoon)
- Cinema Farnese Persol
- Cinema InTrastevere
- Cinema Multisala Barberini
8. Listen to live music (indoors)
Rome knows how to give satisfaction to music lovers in all seasons. The important thing is to know what you want to listen to.
Classical music lovers will like the concerts held several times a week in some of Rome’s most important churches such as:
- Sant’ Agnese in Agone
- San Paolo Entro le Mura
- Chiesa di Ognissanti
You can find info on concerts in Rome here.
A main venue for orchestral music is the monumental Auditorium Parco della Musica. The Auditorium hosts music festivals every year as well as concerts by famous Italian and international artists in all genres of music.
For example, the Cure and Radiohead have played here.
At the State Conservatory of Music in Rome (Conservatorio Santa Cecilia), music students frequently perform.
As for jazz music, the most prestigious venue in the city is the Alexanderplatz in the Prati district.
Other places for jazz are:
- Charity Café Jazz & Blues Club in the Monti neighborhood, a lively nightlife area in Rome
- The House of Jazz
- Ellington Club
- Gregory’s Jazz Club
If you feel like listening to underground, garage, and punkrock music, these clubs are for you:
- MONK Roma
- Traffic Live Club
- Trenta Formiche
9. Go to the Opera
One of the reasons Italy is world famous is Opera, a genre in which theatrical action is combined with singing and lyrical music.
You may have heard of Pavarotti and other Italian tenors. The most effective way to learn about this cultural aspect is to “go to the Opera.”
In Rome there is indeed an Opera House, opened in the late 19th century by Domenico Costanzi.
The Teatro dell’Opera Foundation, over the years, has acquired and renovated other halls, such as the Teatro Nazionale and the Respighi Hall. Performances also happen outdoors at Rome’s Terme di Caracalla in summer.
The main theater is located near Termini Station.
To learn about all events visit the theater’s official page here.
10. Take a stroll through the Christmas markets
The best time for visiting Rome in winter is from early December to mid-January which matches the holiday season. During these weeks in some of the city’s piazzas, there are Christmas markets.
These are small markets, nothing like other Italian cities that are precisely famous for Christmas markets, so don’t expect a lot.
You will find them in:
- Piazza di Spagna
- Piazza Mazzini (weekends only)
- Piazza Ragusa
- Piazza Re di Roma
Visiting them will be an opportunity to buy some unique handicrafts.
The oldest and most famous Christmas market in Rome happens in Piazza Navona, but I will talk about that in a moment.
11. Admire nativity scenes in churches
Speaking of the holidays, among the best things to do in Rome for Christmas is hunting for nativity scenes. The majority of Italian families have the custom of building a nativity scene and setting up a Christmas tree.
The number one city in Italy for nativity scenes, and which I therefore recommend you visit if you are spending Christmas in Italy, is Naples.
Rome, however, also wants to do its part. Starting with St. Peter’s Square, where every year there is a large Christmas tree and a themed nativity scene.
Churches and cathedrals in the city display one or more nativity scenes inside the chapels. All the more reason to visit these buildings of extraordinary architecture. Here are a few that deserve attention:
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous religious site in Rome both for its history and impressive architecture. It stands over the tomb of the Apostle Peter, who appears in frescoes and sculptures inside the basilica; he is the figure holding the keys.
The basilica holds prestigious works of art such as Michelangelo’s sculpture Piety, depicting the Jesus and Virgin dyad, and Bernini’s bronze baldachin.
Michelangelo also designed the immense dome.
By the way, if you happen to eat too much carbonara and regret it, attempt the climb of the dome. It is about 500 steps, and from the top, there is a spectacular view of Rome.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Another basilica whose visit will leave you satisfied is that of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Monti district. The Monti district stretches between the Colosseum and Termini Station and is one of the liveliest neighborhoods for evening life.
Imposing and rich in artistic treasures, exploring the basilica’s three naves is already a journey, but you should not miss the guided tours.
In fact, by spending about €10 you can also visit the underground and the upper floor. The basement houses the ruins of the Roman villa on which the basilica stands.
The main floor features a loggia with colorful mosaics depicting the legend of the founding of the basilica. According to tradition, in the 4th century, a Roman nobleman dreamed of the Virgin Mary ordering him to build a church on the hill where snow would fall. The next day, one day in August, snow fell on the Esquiline Hill. And so the pope decided to build a church there.
My favorite element of the whole building is the spiral marble staircase that connects all the floors You can’t access it, but you can photograph it during the tour of the upper floor.
St. Clemente Cathedral
The basilica on the street level dates back to the 11th century. On the lower level is a Christian church from the 4th century. Still further down is a temple to the Roman-era god Mytra, the walls of an ancient mint, and a spring.
To visit all floors you have to buy a ticket inside the church. Although the basilica is off the beaten path, visiting it is one of the best experiences to have in Rome.
12. Taste the Christmas dishes
One of the best things to do in Rome in December is taste the holiday dishes.
If you drop by Rome on December 24 or 25, you will be in the midst of the Christmas festivities. You may be wondering what locals do on this occasion. Most stay at home and delight in lavish meals with their original or acquired family.
Many Romans, however, opt for eating out to avoid cooking or tidying up the house.
Restaurants in Rome on these dates offer set Christmas menus that feature typical holiday dishes. These include marinated anchovies, batter-fried vegetables, scampi cream rice, and stuffed squid.
You cannot miss a slice of panettone, the typical Italian Christmas cake.
So if you go to a restaurant in Rome for dinner on December 24 or lunch on December 25, expect major variations from the usual menu.
12 Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Celebrations for the most special night of the year in Rome begin before dinner. Tradition recommends wearing new clothes (and new underwear, preferably red). Dinner is either with friends or at a restaurant.
The “cenone” at a restaurant in the historic center usually costs around €100-150.
The menu usually includes a main course of cotechino pork and lentils, the latter representing economic abundance for the coming year.
After dinner, Romans who feel like being outdoors and celebrating socially take to the piazzas. Piazza del Popolo and the Circus Maximus Square host concerts.
At midnight, the City of Rome organizes fireworks.
For music lovers, add one more thing to the list of what to do in Rome in winter.
Among the most popular winter events in Rome are the concerts of American gospel choirs.
You can give yourself a treat by attending one of the concerts happening at the Auditorium Parco della Musica on the evenings of December 29 and 31.
By the way, if you are in the mood for a big celebration, or simply want to be part of the most exciting New Year’s Eve in Italy, I suggest you spend it in Naples.
13. Experience the Epiphany on Jan. 6
January 6 is the closing date of the holiday season. It coincides with the Feast of Epiphany, which is very dear to children.
On the night between January 5 and 6, it is common for local children to leave a glass of milk or coffee on the stove. That glass is for the Befana, an old woman, a special witch who on that very night visits homes and leaves sweets for Roman children.
If you are visiting Rome with children and therefore want to savor the full atmosphere of this holiday, on January 6 I recommend a stroll around Piazza Navona.
To celebrate the Befana, the square, which hosts the Christmas market, fills up with stalls of sweets and street performers, including some dressed as the Befana.
15. Soak in the hot springs
If you ask me what my favorite thing to do in Rome during winter is, I will answer without hesitation: take a dip in a hot spring pool.
Many travelers are unaware that Italy is a great destination for hot springs.
In the Rome region, you will find the closest ones in Fiumicino at the QC Terme Roma spa complex. These are not natural hot springs, but rather heated water, but the setting is so beautiful that you will forget about it. Among marble decorations, mosaics, and water jets you will feel just like an ancient Roman at the “baths.”
To find natural hot springs with healing sulfur water, you’ll have to get to the Terme di Ficoncella, near Civitavecchia. It is worth renting a car to immerse yourself in unique water that will revive you.
The most famous thermal baths near Rome are in the area of the city of Viterbo, I will tell you about them in a moment.
16 Hang out at indoor markets
For fans of Rome street food, I recommend spending some time exploring city’s indoor food markets. The best is the Testaccio Market, located in the neighborhood of the same name, a popular destination for foodies in Rome.
Recent renovations have revamped the architecture of this structure, which you can access from several streets:
- Via Alessandro Manuzio
- Via Benjamino Franklin
- Via Lorenzo Ghilberti
- Via Alessandro Volta
Here you will find stalls with fresh produce (fish, meat, vegetables), stalls making hot dishes such as pasta and pizza, bakers, and street food stalls.
There is so much more, I invite you to find out for yourself. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 3 PM.
Staying in the historic center area, you can visit the Mercato Centrale at Roma Termini. The market, which traces the Mercato Centrale in Florence, has upgraded the train station area, which did not enjoy great fame.
Sit at one of the long tables and delight in the typical dishes of Roman, Italian, and international cuisine. Of course, you have to order at the different food counters and bring the tray to the table on your own.
It is easy to find this market because it is right next to the central station.
17 Enjoy the best chocolate in town
What’s better than a thick hot chocolate with whipped cream to warm the heart? In almost any season, but especially in winter.
Don’t deny yourself this right during your trip to Rome. The best hot chocolate in Rome is from SAID, an ancient chocolate factory that has been delighting locals for a good 100 years!
But the good news does not end there.
Chocolate is certainly not one of Rome’s traditional dishes, but this venue has set out to plant a seed of sweetness and creativity right in the Eternal City.
At this retro-style factory and bistro, you can enjoy an entire meal of chocolate. Let me give you an idea of what the menu covers: chocolate eggplant caponata, chocolate fettuccine, and honey-chocolate lacquered duck breast.
Even the cocktails are chocolate-based.
SAID is located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, a university area that borders the La Sapienza University campus.
Best Day trips from Rome in winter
Don’t let cold days take away your desire to explore. There is only good to be gained by taking a day trip from Rome. I’ll reveal why.
18. Relax in Viterbo
Viterbo is the city of hot springs. Just outside Viterbo, which lies about 70 kilometers north of Rome, there are thermal baths for all tastes and budgets:
- The popular Terme dei Papi
- The Carletti Pools, with free admission
- The exclusive thermal spa Terme Salus
- The newer Therma Oasi
I discuss this topic extensively in my post on Viterbo’s Best Spas, which you should definitely read to choose what to visit.
After relaxing in the thermal water, refuel at one of the excellent (and inexpensive) restaurants in the historic center, such as the tavern I Tre Re (The Three Kings).
You can reach Viterbo in about 90 minutes by train from Rome.
19. Ski near Rome
Adventurous (and sporty) travelers, should know that there are spectacular mountains near Rome. So if you love to ski, pack the right clothing. The best months for skiing in central Italy are January and February.
The best skiing area in all of central Italy is near Roccaraso, a major city in Abruzzo, the region east of Rome.
Much closer to Rome, however, you’ll find the Mount Terminillo ski resort, with 36 km of slopes and peaks between 1,600 and 2,000 meters.
20. Visit Naples
The most satisfying easy day trip from Rome in winter is Naples. It will only take you 2 hours by train to reach the city world-famous for inventing Pizza Margherita.
An intangible UNESCO heritage site, authentic Neapolitan pizza is also very affordable. At the historic pizzeria Da Michele, you can eat it for €5.
To breathe in the Christmas atmosphere, visit the central Piazza del Plebiscito and Via San Gregorio Armeno St. with artisans’ stores featuring original and very up-to-date nativity figurines.
Naples is located in southern Italy and overlooks the sea. The city is the perfect place to find a bit of winter sun in Italy.
The most magical time for the city is New Year’s Eve when residents and the city government try their hand at producing the most spectacular fireworks in the country.
21. Have fun with kids at Lunghezza Castle
Travelers with children in tow, are you looking for easy day trips from Rome with kids? I am about to recommend the perfect place to visit near Rome in December.
The Lunghezza Castle and its 3-hectare estate host the “Fantastic World of the Fantastic” and “Santa’s Castle” events every year.
Characters from legends, fairy tales, and cartoons live in the former. There are picnic and relaxation areas, food stations, and many shows.
The second is dedicated to Santa Claus and his crew. The shows are free admission. You need a ticket to visit Santa’s secret rooms.
The Lunghezza Castle dates back to the 8th century when it was a Benedictine monastery. The place also witnessed important historical events from Roman times such as the banishment of the Etruscan-Roman king Tarquinius the Superb.
22. Pompeii
One of the most important archaeological sites in the world is located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, a volcano in the Campania region. The volcano has been quiet for about 80 years.
The most famous eruption was in the year 79 AD. It destroyed the thriving city of Pompeii, which was under Roman influence. A layer of lava covered the city and stranded the poor unfortunate inhabitants. The remains of the structures are still in excellent condition today.
The site is truly immense and it takes at least a day to visit. The mild winter in southern Italy is one of the best seasons to visit.
To reach Pompeii from Rome, take a train to Naples Centrale and then the Circumvesuviana regional train to Pompeii.
Wrap up – best things to do in Rome in winter
Winter is one of the best seasons to visit Rome, the Eternal City capital of Italy. Unlike other Italian cities, Rome in winter comes alive with many events such as concerts in churches.
The presence of thousands of indoor venues offering typical and non-typical dishes will give you an abundance of choices of places to hang out at when it rains.
Since winter temperatures in Rome are never too low, it will be pleasant to walk or take public transportation to visit historical landmarks. There is no worst time to visit Rome.
Other indoor places I recommend you visit are the churches, museums, and galleries.
Another advantage that the cold season brings to Rome is that the city empties out a bit of tourists.
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