FAQ: Rome vacation

Spring and autumn are prime times to visit Rome. Hot days and windy nights are great for walking, which is by far the best way to see the city.

Winter is generally mild, with temperatures remaining above freezing even at night. Summers are very hot, although you can catch a breeze if you head to one of the Seven Hills.

If you’re looking for an authentic Roman experience, plan to visit any month except August, when many Italians have the entire month off. The city is emptying and a large number of shops and restaurants, except those that welcome tourists, are closing.

The historic center of Rome, or centro storico, is the best area for tourists, as you are within walking distance of many major attractions. The center includes areas such as the Spanish Steps and Monti. If you plan to spend quite a bit of time exploring the Vatican and its vast museums, Prati is a smart option.

If you want to get an authentic feel for Roman life, choose a residential area like Aventine or Parioli, loaded with authentic flavors and colors.

When are the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Rome?

Winter is the cheapest time to visit. Romans crowd together even when the temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so there is little alfresco dining and fewer colors for people watching. Summer is the high season and the most expensive time to vacation here. Even in August, when locals head to the beach for their long vacation, prices are steep as hoteliers base their rates on the influx of foreign tourists who flock to Rome all summer.

There are must-sees such as the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum, but the Eternal City is more than the sum of its parts.

The Romans carry the weight of their city’s history with a casual flippancy. You’ll see them buzzing around town on a Vespa, fully embracing the 21st century lifestyle as well as the very Roman concept, The good life. To fully experience Rome, do as the locals do and lose yourself in the alleys of Trastevere, linger over a three-hour lunch in Testaccio and stroll the tree-lined paths of the city’s splendid parks.

Despite a modern veneer, the Romans hold firmly to traditions, especially when it comes to eating.

The city’s dishes are glorious and no visit is complete without indulging in mouth-watering local specialties, including pasta cacio e pepe, begged, and Porchetta.

As more Americans are vaccinated, domestic travel is increasing, with travel to Europe also set to get back on track this summer. Italy has just reopened its borders to American leisure travelers, lifting many restrictions in place for more than a year. Fully vaccinated Americans traveling on flights departing from the United States will no longer be required to self-quarantine upon arrival, although they will still need to take a COVID-19 test prior to departure and upon arrival. The situation is fluid, so check with your airline.

Italy has been hit hard by the pandemic and security measures against COVID-19 are taken seriously by government and citizens across Italy. Although the vaccine rollout was slow initially, the pace is accelerating.

While hotels have common areas such as lobbies, gyms, and restaurants where you will meet other guests, experts say that with the proper precautions hotels are safe.