As much as we all love sunny days in Rome, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But don’t let the rain ruin your trip! There’s still plenty to see and do in the Eternal City when it’s wet outside. Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of your rainy day in Rome.

Visit the Museums

Rome is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and they’re the perfect place to escape the rain. The Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums, and the Borghese Gallery are all excellent options. You can spend hours admiring art and artifacts from ancient Rome and beyond. Plus, the museums are usually less crowded on rainy days, so you can take your time and really appreciate everything on display.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a must-see for any visitor to Rome, rain or shine. You can explore the Sistine Chapel, marvel at the ancient sculptures in the Pio-Clementino Museum, and wander through the Gallery of Maps, which features stunning 16th-century cartography. The museums are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are housed in two buildings on either side of Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo himself. The museums boast an impressive collection of ancient Roman art, including the famous Capitoline Wolf sculpture. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the terrace. The museums are open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Indulge in Comfort Food

When it’s raining outside, there’s nothing like a warm and hearty meal to lift your spirits. Rome is home to some of the world’s most comforting cuisine, from pizza al taglio to hearty pasta dishes. Here are a few recommendations for where to find the best comfort food in town.

Supplì

Supplì are a Roman specialty that can be found in many pizzerias and street food stalls. They’re deep-fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and they’re the perfect comfort food. Try them at Supplizio, a small restaurant in the city center that specializes in this delicious snack.

Carbonara

Carbonara is a classic Roman pasta dish made with eggs, pancetta, and pecorino cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. You can find it at many restaurants in Rome, but Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere is a particularly good spot. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect place to warm up on a rainy day.

Take a Cooking Class

If you’re a foodie, why not spend your rainy day in Rome learning to cook like a local? There are plenty of cooking classes available in the city, where you can learn to make everything from fresh pasta to tiramisu. Here are a few recommendations.

Cooking Classes in Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, and it’s also a great place to take a cooking class. The Roman Food Tour offers a class where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta from scratch, as well as other Roman specialties like bruschetta and tiramisu.

Cooking Classes with a View

If you want to combine your cooking class with some stunning views of Rome, check out the classes offered by Cooking Classes in Rome. They take place on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, and you’ll learn to make classic Italian dishes like risotto and osso buco.

Explore the Catacombs

The catacombs are a fascinating and eerie underground network of tunnels and tombs, where early Christians buried their dead. They’re also a great place to escape the rain, as they’re underground and protected from the elements. Here are a few options for catacomb tours in Rome.

San Sebastiano Catacombs

The San Sebastiano Catacombs are located on the Appian Way, one of the oldest and most important Roman roads. The catacombs are named after Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was buried here. The tour takes you through the underground tunnels, where you can see ancient frescoes and tombs.

Domitilla Catacombs

The Domitilla Catacombs are the largest in Rome, and they’re also some of the best preserved. The tour takes you through several levels of tunnels, where you can see tombs, frescoes, and even an underground basilica. The catacombs are located on the outskirts of Rome, but they’re well worth the trip.

Conclusion

Don’t let a little rain spoil your trip to Rome! There’s plenty to see and do, even when the weather is less than ideal. Whether you’re exploring museums, indulging in comfort food, or taking a cooking class, there’s something for everyone. So embrace the rain and enjoy all that Rome has to offer.