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Are you thinking of visiting Rome in winter? From seeing the Sistine Chapel to the Spanish Steps, these are the best things to do in Rome!
I snuggled deeper into the corner of a cosy enoteca somewhere in the depths of Rome. The steamy windows reminded me of the cold temperatures outside, but I only felt warm and fuzzy inside. When I decided to visit Rome in winter, this is exactly what I had in mind.
After wandering around places such as the Colosseum and Piazza Navona, I couldn’t believe how much I had seen in just a few days. One of the best things about visiting Rome in December or January is you’ll practically have the city to yourself. There are hardly any tourists here at this time of year.
I felt so happy as I glanced around the room. It was glowing with strings of Christmas lights and candles everywhere. Lively conversations and laughter swirled through the air. As I studied the room, I realized I was the only foreigner in the whole place. It felt good that I’d found such a cool local spot.
As I sipped a glass of local red wine, I scrolled through my photos. I couldn’t stop smiling at the fact that I didn’t have a single photobomber in any of my pictures from Vatican City. When else can you say that?
If you think all this sound too good to be true – think again. What would you say if I told you there was a way to have Rome all to yourself? The secret to people-free pictures at the Sistine Chapel, no lines at the city’s biggest tourist attractions, and special foods and activities only offered once a year can all be yours – if you visit Rome in winter.
Off-season travel to Italy means fewer crowds to contend with, more celebrations to witness, and an overall more authentic experience. AND if you visit at the end of December, you’re in for a traditional Christmas in Rome that you won’t ever forget.
Right, let’s get to it. From seeing the Sistine Chapel to the Spanish Steps, these are the best things to do in Rome in winter!
Planning your trip to Rome? Then check out my guides on visiting Rome in summer and the best food tours in Rome! Also, read my guide on what to eat in Rome too!
Quick overview
Weather: highs of 12-14°C, lows of 3-5°C, and a handful of rainy days a month
Daylight: the sun sets around 4.40pm in December, so get your photos in early
Colosseum: €18 including the Forum and Palatine Hill, plus €2 booking. Open 8.30am to 4.30pm in winter
Vatican Museums: €20 on the door, €25 online. Closed Sundays apart from the last of the month
Trevi Fountain: free from the piazza, €2 to go down to the basin during the day
City tax: €4 to €10 per person per night
From the airport: €14 on the Leonardo Express, €8 on the FL1, or a fixed €55 in a taxi
Winter weather in Rome
Rome boasts a Mediterranean climate which means mild and wet winters. November and December are the rainiest months. Expect rain maybe for one or two days every week, though when I was there it didn’t rain at all.
If it does rain then often it’s followed by bright blue skies which is great for photos. Also, beware – snow in Rome is rare, but it does happen occasionally. When it does snow in Rome though the whole city becomes this magical place to be, especially at Christmas.
On average, the temperature in Rome in December is around 12-14°C. This is the same for January and February too (though it can get a lot hotter towards the end of February).
As long as you wrap up warm it never seemed too cold which I was very happy about. Usually I hate the cold. Brrrrrrrrr.
What clothes to pack for winter?
Enjoying a winter visit to Rome means packing appropriately and dressing in layers. Lots and lots of layers. This isn’t a complete packing list but I’d recommend bringing a few thick jumpers, a warm jacket (preferably a waterproof one), boots, and an umbrella.
In Italy, scarves are stylish for both men and women; a shawl is a must for keeping warm and looking fashionable. It’s also a good idea to pack light clothing like basic long-sleeves to wear under jumpers. I found I was stripping on and off whenever I got to a new café or museum so it’s good to have layers.
And don’t forget a comfortable pair of walking shoes or hiking boots so you can see the best of the city. I point blankly refuse to walk around if I don’t have comfortable shoes on!
Map of Rome
To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this interactive map highlighting the best places featured in this guide to Rome in winter. From famous landmarks and beautiful piazzas to Christmas markets and festive streets, you can use the map to see where everything is and plan your route around the city.
Things to do in Rome in winter
Honestly, I can’t tell you how beautiful this city is in winter. I think everywhere is special at Christmas, but it is just pure magic in Rome. The city, wrapped in lights, bustles with seasonal markets. Tasty winter treats appear in local bakeries and restaurants. Christmas displays, traditions, and winter celebrations are all big events here.
Rome comes alive in winter with its famous Nativity scenes, midnight mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, and the New Year extravaganza in Piazza del Popolo. Clearly filling out a Rome itinerary isn’t a problem. However, this is what to do in Rome in winter for that perfect trip!
Ice skating in Rome
Winter in Rome isn’t complete without a twirl around one of the city’s ice rinks. The most central one is in Piazza Cavour, over in Prati. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Castel Sant’Angelo, so it’s easy to tag onto a day at the Vatican. Tickets are about €12 and that covers skate hire and an hour on the ice. It’s open from 10am until midnight, so you can even go after dinner.
The other big rink is at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. This one is out in Flaminio rather than the centre, but tram 2 from Piazzale Flaminio drops you right outside. The whole complex turns into a Christmas village for the season, with a market, food stalls and live music alongside the rink. If you want to make a proper evening of it, this is the one I’d go for.
Enjoy the free New Year’s concert at Circo Massimo
Being home to the Pope and as one of the most religious cities in the world, it’s easy to understand why Italians revere Christmas so much. When I visited Rome in December, I joined in so many festivities. I followed the Pope parade through the streets to the Spanish Steps to honour the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. A week later, I watched another procession held on Saint Lucia’s Day.
Celebrations for Christmas in Rome come to a head on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as nativity scenes around the city are completed and midnight mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica is held.
And are you planning on spending New Year’s Eve in Rome? Then head to Circo Massimo for the city’s free New Year’s concert. Gates open around 7pm and the music starts at 9.30pm, with fireworks at midnight. The metro runs until about 2.30am, though it’ll be rammed. Wrap up warm, because you’ll be standing outside for hours.
If you want to go to midnight mass at Saint Peter’s, you need to plan well ahead. Tickets are free, but you have to request them from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Do it two to six months before you travel, then collect them at the Bronze Door a few days before. And despite the name, it usually starts around 7.30pm. Nobody should ever charge you for these. If a website is selling them, it’s a scam.
Lastly, the Roman-Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah by lighting a giant menorah in Piazza Barberini. One candle is lit on each of the eight nights, and the first night is the one to catch. The dates move every year, so check before you book. In 2026 it runs from 4 to 12 December, while in 2027 it falls much later, from 24 December to 1 January.
See the Christmas lights in Rome
Rome already oozes with romance, but coating the town in twinkling lights amplifies its appeal even more. Wandering around under the glow of Christmas lights and soaking up the atmosphere is one of my favourite things to do in Rome in winter.
Piazza Venezia is the site of the city’s main Christmas tree. The 20-meter high tree, swathed in lights and set against the mighty Altare della Patria (AKA The Wedding Cake), is mesmerizing. Not to be outdone is Via del Corso. Leading away from Piazza Venezia, this 1.5-kilometre-long street is draped in tens of thousands of lights.
Another impressive street is Via Condotti, the city’s main drag for luxury shops. They’re known for hanging elegant Christmas chandeliers and going all-out on their seasonal window displays.
Go on a pasta-making masterclass with a local chef
If you’re looking for something uniquely Italian then I recommend going on a pasta-making masterclass with a local chef. This is such an amazing way to learn all about Italian cuisine and cooking while picking up a few new skills yourself. Also, you get to eat all the yummy food afterwards.
In this class you kick things off with a glass of Italian Prosecco and some snacks before learning how to make fresh pasta with a professional Italian chef. The views overlooking Rome’s historic centre are gorgeous too, just the perfect setting for dinner. Everyone always raves about this tour so I’d definitely recommend it while you’re in Rome.
If you’d rather eat than cook, I’ve put together a guide to the best food tours in Rome too.
Marvel at the Colosseum
I am a massive ancient history geek so one of my favourite sites in the city is the Colosseum. I never get bored of this place no matter the time of year. One of the major benefits of visiting Rome in winter is beating the queues at some of the city’s most famous attractions. As I’ve said, there are hardly any tourists here.
Winter is low season in Rome and crowds of tourists give way to occasional pockets of travellers. The weather may be chilly, but nothing beats taking tourist-free pictures of the iconic Colosseum. If you time it just around the opening times it’s possible to have the Colosseum to yourself too.
Explore the different markets
Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit faster than a stroll through one of Rome’s lively Christmas markets. The city hosts several, but the most famous one takes over Piazza Navona from early December through early January. Flowing around the 17th century Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and Baroque-style architecture, local sellers hawk their toys, handicrafts, and seasonal food and drink.
Another one worth checking out is the Christmas village in Piazza Mazzini, also in Prati. The little wooden huts are full of decorations, Italian sweets and handmade gifts, and it’s far calmer than Piazza Navona. It runs through December and right up to 6 January, so there’s plenty of time to pick up some prezzies. It’s also a good one to pair with the rink at Piazza Cavour, which is about a 15 minute walk away.
Visit the Vatican City
This is it, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – taking a tour of the Vatican City without all the crowds. Imagine having the entire Sistine Chapel to yourself and admiring the magnificent frescoes and sculptures without craning to see around someone’s head? If you visit in January and February it is genuinely like this.
Additionally, waltzing straight into Saint Peter’s Basilica – the entrance to which is usually surrounded by hordes in spring and summer – is a major perk. I told you there was a benefit of visiting Rome in January!
Try some delicious winter sweets
Whenever I get to somewhere like Rome I just have to try all the local delicacies, especially around Christmas. Christmas in Rome isn’t complete without trying one of the many sweet breads that make their debut around the holidays.
Panettone is an especially Christmas-y treat to try. This sweet bread – speckled with raisins and small curls of citrus fruit peel, almonds, and a dash of brandy – is a Christmas specialty. Other fruitcake-esque varieties include pangiallo, panpepato, and panforte.
Another sweet tooth satisfier is the frappe, a thin, crispy pastry, drizzled with melted chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Oh, and expect to see roasted chestnuts on every other corner while walking around!
Panettone is just the start of it, so have a read of my guide on what to eat in Rome before you go.
Drink red wine in an enoteca
Eat, drink, and be merry; for me, that’s what Christmas is all about! When the temperatures drop, there’s no place more inviting than a local enoteca. Offering tastings, wine by the glass, and bottles for purchase, indulging in the city’s local wine scene has never been more enjoyable.
An enoteca’s interior is usually dimly lit with cosy décor and an inviting atmosphere. Posting up at one of these delightful establishments for a glass of vino rosso and a chat with a friend is an Italian’s favourite pastime.
Stroll around Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful piazza squares in Rome. This is where you’ll find Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Surrounding the square there are loads of bars and restaurants. One of my top Rome travel tips is get a hot chocolate in the city. Even though it can be a little cold sitting outside, if you have a warm afternoon then this is a great spot for a hot chocolate. I genuinely think the hot chocolates in Rome are the best in the world (I really mean that!)
Also, close to Piazza Navona is the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. If you’re walking around the city then obviously make sure you add these to your list of places to visit.
Watch Italy in the 6 Nations rugby
I am a huge rugby fan, so I just had to add this one in. On my most recent trip to Rome, I went specifically to watch Italy vs England in the 6 Nations and it was such an amazing experience. Despite being more of a football-mad country, Rome comes alive when Italy play in the 6 Nations.
It doesn’t matter who’s playing here, tens of thousands of tourists flock into the city specifically for the rugby. All the bars are packed, everyone is eating outside, and the atmosphere is incredible. I know this falls in February or March, but I would really recommend a weekend in Rome when the 6 Nations is on. It really is one big party!
What’s new in Rome for 2027
Rome has changed a lot in the last couple of years. Here’s what’s different if you haven’t been for a while.
- You now pay to get close to the Trevi Fountain. Since February 2026 there’s a €2 charge for non-residents to go down to the basin during the day. Only 400 people are allowed down there at once. Seeing the fountain from the piazza above is still free, and so is going early or late.
- The metro finally stops at the Colosseum. Two Metro C stations opened in December 2025, Colosseo/Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia. Both double as little museums, with hundreds of objects dug up during construction on display. You can walk round them on a normal €1.50 ticket.
- The Jubilee is over. The Holy Year ended on 6 January 2026 and took its crowds with it. Vatican queues are back to normal and hotel rates have softened. The scaffolding has also come down from Michelangelo’s Last Judgment after a clean, so the colours are the brightest they’ve been in decades.
- Piazza Augusto Imperatore has reopened. The square around the Mausoleum of Augustus has been completely reworked, with ramps taking you down to the ancient street level. Work on the mausoleum itself is finishing, so check what’s open before you go.
- Rome has its first public photography centre. It opened in January 2026 in the old slaughterhouse in Testaccio, part of the Città delle Arti project. As someone who never travels without a camera, this one is top of my list for next winter.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome is a big city, but the historic centre is small enough to walk. That matters even more in winter, when it’s dark by 5pm and you’ll want to get back somewhere warm without a long trek. If it’s your first trip, base yourself between the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Monti and the streets around Via Nazionale are ideal for this. You’re within walking distance of almost everything and there’s no shortage of places to eat. Trastevere is lovely too, though you’ll be a bit further from the big sights. These are the three places I’d book, one for each budget.
Luxury: Singer Palace Hotel Roma
This is the one if you’re treating yourself. It sits right on Via del Corso, a five minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and about the same again from the Pantheon. With fewer than 30 rooms it feels much more like a boutique hotel than a grand five star. The rooftop is the real reason to book. Even in winter you can sit up there with a drink and look out over the rooftops as the light goes. Breakfast is cooked to order rather than a buffet, which is a proper treat on a cold morning.
Mid-range: Hotel Artemide
For me, this is the best value four star in Rome. It’s on Via Nazionale, ten minutes from the Trevi Fountain and fifteen from the Colosseum, with Repubblica metro station a couple of hundred metres away. The rooms are quiet, which is rare for somewhere this central. There’s a minibar that’s restocked every day for free, a big breakfast buffet and a rooftop bar looking out towards the Vatican. If you want somewhere comfortable that doesn’t swallow your whole budget, book this one.
Budget: Nerva Boutique Hotel
You genuinely can’t stay closer to the Roman Forum than this. Step out of the front door and the ruins are right in front of you. For a three star, that location is almost silly. It’s a small place and every room is done differently. There’s a little art gallery inside and a bar downstairs, and the staff are the type who’ll ring round and book your dinner for you. There aren’t many rooms, so book early if you’re coming in December.
Travelling to Rome city centre from the airport
Rome has two airports. Long-haul flights land at Fiumicino, and most budget airlines use Ciampino. From Fiumicino, the quickest option is the Leonardo Express. It runs non-stop to Termini in 32 minutes and costs €14, with trains every 15 minutes. Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult, and four tickets bought together cost €40 rather than €56.
The cheaper option is the FL1 regional train at €8. It doesn’t go to Termini, but it stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina. If you’re staying in Trastevere or near the Vatican, it’s the better train.
A licensed white taxi is a fixed €55 from Fiumicino to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls. That covers the centre, the Vatican and Trastevere. With luggage and two or three of you, it’s decent value.
Getting around the city
A single ticket costs €1.50 and lasts 100 minutes. It covers buses and trams plus one metro journey, or you can just tap a contactless card at the barrier. Your daily spend caps at €8.50. The big change is Metro C, which has stopped at the Colosseum since December 2025.
Honestly though, Rome is a walking city. Winter is the best time of year for it because you’re not melting by 11am. Just bring the right shoes.
What are some of your favourite things to do in Rome in winter? I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!
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Amazing post! Rome is so beautiful!
Thank you so much!