There is never a bad time to visit Rome. However, if you dislike large crowds, there are some important guidelines to follow when booking your trip to Italy’s capital.
Avoid Italy’s High Tourist Season
Most Italians vacation during the month of August so this tends to be the busiest time of year. If you are travelling outside the main tourist areas, you will find that some shops and restaurants are closed because the proprietor is on holiday. The largest crowds will be found from June to August.
Be Prepared for Lines
Rome is full of ‘must see’ attractions which draw crowds and inevitably, long lines. Many tours to the Vatican Museums and Coliseum can be pre-booked online and have the option to ‘skip the line’ if you pay a premium. This option is well worth it if you want to spend your time enjoying the sites instead of waiting in lines.
Visit Rome during the Winter Months
You will experience cooler temperatures during the winter months (on average 8 degrees Celsius) and you will be thankful for the lack of tourists when visiting Rome’s major attractions. In the summer months, lines for the Vatican Museums can wind endlessly down the street, while in the winter, you can easily enter with only minor delay. Visiting in January will allow you ample time to enjoy sites like Piazza Navona and The Trevi Fountain without having to elbow your way through throngs of people.
Visit the Main Attractions in the Morning
As the saying goes, ‘the early bird gets the worm’, and this holds true in Rome. The best time to visit the top tourist attractions is in the morning. This could be due to the city’s outstanding nightlife or spectacular restaurants that keep tourists out all night.
Remember, Rome is home to over 2.7 million people so even in the low season there is plenty of action. Aside from its tourist attractions, Rome is home to great shopping and spectacular restaurants.