Rome is known for its beautiful weather and sunny skies, but what happens when the rain starts to pour? Don’t worry, there are plenty of activities to do in Rome on a rainy day. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time in the Eternal City.
Visit the Museums
Rome is home to some of the most impressive museums in the world, and they are the perfect place to spend a rainy day. The Vatican Museums are a must-see, housing some of the most famous art collections in the world, including the Sistine Chapel. The Capitoline Museums are another great option, with a vast collection of Roman art and artifacts. Other museums worth visiting include the Galleria Borghese, the National Museum of Rome, and the MAXXI Museum of Contemporary Art.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a must-visit attraction in Rome, housing some of the most famous art collections in the world. The museums are home to over 70,000 works of art, including the Sistine Chapel, which is one of the most famous and beautiful works of art in history. The museums are open every day except for Sundays and religious holidays, and we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.
Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are another great option for a rainy day in Rome. The museums are located on the Capitoline Hill and house a vast collection of Roman art and artifacts. The museums are open every day except for Mondays and we recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the exhibits.
Explore the Underground
Rome is also known for its underground attractions, which are perfect for a rainy day. The Catacombs of San Callisto and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano are both fascinating and eerie, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. The Basilica of San Clemente is another underground gem, with multiple layers of history to explore.
Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto are one of the most famous catacombs in Rome, and they are a fascinating place to explore. The catacombs were used as burial sites for Christians from the 2nd to the 4th century, and they offer a glimpse into the city’s early Christian history.
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is another underground gem in Rome. The basilica has multiple layers of history to explore, including a 12th-century church, a 4th-century basilica, and a 1st-century Roman house. The basilica is located near the Colosseum and is open every day except for Sundays.
Go Shopping
If you’re looking to stay dry and do some shopping, Rome has plenty of options. The Via del Corso is one of the city’s most famous shopping streets, with a mix of high-end and affordable stores. The Galleria Alberto Sordi is another great shopping destination, with a mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Relax in a Cafe
When it’s raining outside, sometimes the best thing to do is to relax in a cozy cafe. Rome has plenty of cafes to choose from, but we recommend heading to the historic cafes in the city center. The Caffè Greco, located near the Spanish Steps, is the oldest cafe in Rome and has been frequented by famous artists and writers throughout history. The Antico Caffè Greco is another great option, with a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
In conclusion, don’t let a rainy day ruin your trip to Rome. There are plenty of activities to do, from visiting the museums to exploring the underground, shopping, and relaxing in a cozy cafe. With these ideas, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable rainy day in the Eternal City.
