When traveling to Rome, you expect to be greeted by sunny skies and warm weather. However, even in the Eternal City, rain can make an appearance. Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Rome when it’s raining.

Museums and Galleries

Rome is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries, and they’re the perfect places to seek refuge from the rain. Here are some of our top picks:

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The highlight of the museum is the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can admire Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling fresco. The Vatican Museums can get crowded, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum’s collection includes works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian. The Galleria is housed in a stunning villa surrounded by lush gardens, making it the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are located on Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills. The museum’s collection includes ancient Roman sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. The Capitoline Museums are a great option for those on a tight budget, as admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.

Indoor Markets

Rome is famous for its outdoor markets, but when it’s raining, it’s best to head indoors. Here are some of our favorite indoor markets in Rome:

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is a foodie’s paradise. The market is located in the historic Termini train station and features over 20 vendors selling everything from pizza and pasta to gelato and wine. Mercato Centrale is open from 8am to midnight, so it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat no matter what time of day it is.

Campo de’ Fiori Market

Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most famous outdoor markets, but when it’s raining, you can find many of the same vendors indoors. The market features fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It’s the perfect place to pick up ingredients for a rainy day cooking project.

Indoor Activities

If you’re looking for something to do indoors that’s not a museum or market, Rome has plenty of options. Here are some ideas:

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in Rome, and they’re a great way to spend a rainy day. The concept is simple: you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles and clues to escape. Some of the best escape rooms in Rome include Escape Rome and Escape Room Roma.

Cinema

Rome has a thriving cinema scene, with many theaters showing films in English with Italian subtitles. Some of the best cinemas in Rome include Cinema dei Piccoli and Nuovo Sacher.

Spa Day

If you’re in need of some pampering, why not spend a rainy day at a spa? Rome is home to many luxurious spas, including QC Terme Roma and AcquaMadre Hammam.

Conclusion

While rain may not be what you expected when visiting Rome, it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. From museums and markets to escape rooms and spas, there are plenty of things to do in Rome when it’s raining. So, grab an umbrella and enjoy all that the Eternal City has to offer!