One of my favorite things about travel is that it’s not always as easy as finding a cheap flight and booking a Hotel. In fact, some of the best trips I’ve ever taken were last minute decisions that happened to fall during shoulder season (i.e., between peak summer and spring/fall). The crowds are gone and prices tend to be a bit cheaper—but you still get all the benefits of visiting Italy in the winter months: namely architecture galore and smaller crowds than usual. So if you’re looking for something new this winter, here are some tips on how to visit Rome in winter:
How to look beyond the obvious
The first tip is this: don’t go to Rome in the summer. It’s crowded, hot and there are so many tourists! Instead, head over in winter. You’ll find it much more relaxed—not to mention cheaper.
Next up, check out these tips for looking beyond the obvious:
- Get off the beaten track. The best thing about visiting Rome in winter (or any time of year) is that you get to see places like Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini or San Luigi dei Francesi without too many people around. These beautiful churches are known among locals but very few tourists go there because they’re buried deep inside other buildings or down back streets that aren’t on any maps or tour guides (although there are signs). If you’re an art lover then this is a great way to escape from crowds of people who aren’t interested in art history!
- Choose your hotel wisely—and splurge on breakfast! You can save money by staying at a smaller hotel rather than a big chain place with hundreds of rooms; however, most small hotels don’t have free breakfast included so this isn’t always an option unless your room rate includes one anyway… But if it does then we recommend splurging on breakfast every day because some restaurants charge as much as 10 euros just for coffee/tea plus croissants/pastries which may not fill you up until lunchtime arrives later today when everything becomes more expensive again due to inflation pressures caused by low global demand caused by high energy prices causing lower consumption rates increased consumption rates leading towards higher costs per unit
How to avoid the crowds
When you’re visiting Rome in winter, avoiding the crowds is a real challenge. But it is possible! Here are some tips to help you avoid the most popular attractions:
- Don’t visit major museums or galleries during peak times. If your hotel has a brochure for local attractions, check what time they open and close; if it’s before lunchtime or after 6 pm, consider visiting another day of the week instead. If you can’t avoid going on a weekend or holiday (and there seems to be no way around it), try visiting an off-peak hour by arriving early or later than usual.
- Visit churches that aren’t as crowded—and don’t forget about those hidden gems! There are plenty of churches in Rome that might not be as famous but are definitely worth seeing. You can learn more about them here and here. They may be smaller than other main churches like St Peter’s Basilica but still offer beautiful architecture and artworks inside as well as historical significance outside their walls.* Take advantage of free days at Vatican Museums – click here for details on when they occur and how much they cost otherwise.* Check out night time openings at other sights such as Piazza del Popolo’s fountain (between sunset & 1 am), Piazza Navona’s Fountain (between 8 pm – midnight), Trevi Fountain (between sunset & 11 pm).
Don’t fight the weather
The weather in Rome can be quite unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for rain and wind by dressing in layers. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outside, make sure your jacket is waterproof. Your hands will get cold if you don’t keep them warm—bring gloves or invest in a pair of fingerless gloves that allow you to use your phone without taking them off. A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the sun’s rays; limit walking far distances as much as possible when it’s hot out (and always carry water).
Choose a hotel with a huge breakfast
If you’re staying in Rome for a few days, or for a long weekend, it’s important to choose a hotel with a huge breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you don’t eat well at your accommodation then you’ll be tired and hungry all day. You need to have a good breakfast to keep you going for the day.
What should you look for in a hotel’s breakfast? Well, firstly, what kind of food is on offer? Are there any vegetarian options? Do they have gluten free bread available too? How much choice do they offer in terms of fruit juice and tea/coffee options? What about eggs Benedict – do they serve them here too! Don’t forget that sometimes hotels can be super expensive so make sure that what value they offer is worth paying more money than other places around town where there are similar amenities but much lower prices!
Splash out on a room near your favorite attractions
It’s important to be near the city’s attractions. You will save money on transportation and you’ll have a better experience because there are fewer tourists in the streets. Also, it’s not fun to spend your precious vacation time traveling between sights when you could be exploring them!
Splurge on a room near your favorite attractions: It’s worth it!
Rome in winter can be magical – and even quieter than usual.
The first thing you should know about Rome in winter is that it can be magical.
The second thing you should know is that it’s quieter than usual. That means there are fewer crowds, and more time to explore at your own pace. You can get better deals on hotels and flights, too. Plus the weather is better: Rome winters are mild with lots of sunshine!
Across the board, there are fewer tourists around—but more locals making their way through its museums and churches as well as enjoying outdoor passeggiata evenings in Piazza Navona or Campo de Fiori (two of my favorite spots).
And since we all know that wintertime has its charm …
Are you ready to visit Rome in Winter?
As we all know, Rome is an amazing city with so much to offer. The fact that you can enjoy it even more in winter is just the icing on the cake! If you’re planning a trip there soon, we hope these tips will help make your stay even more memorable.
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