20 things to do in spring in Rome and enjoy Italy in full bloom

Rome is truly one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Everywhere you turn, there is an archaeological artefact, a museum, or beautiful scenery. This guide will highlight you all the best things to do in spring in Rome. Whether you want to visit some of the world’s best-known sites and paintings or you merely want to relax and eat some great food, Rome will have something to satisfy you.

Everyone who has stayed in Rome quickly comprehends why it was the centre of the world for so long. However, if you are planning your first vacation to Rome, you may feel swamped by all of the options and places available for you to see. This is why we have compiled this list of must-see locations and must-do experiences for anyone visiting Rome in spring.

Among many reasons to visit Rome in spring, the most practical for travellers from North Europe and the USA is the warm weather with moderate Mediterranean temperatures. However, if you are still looking for the more intriguing answer to the typical question “Why visit Rome in Spring?” this post can clarify point per point of all our suggestions.

To keep this insight real, you should know us, so head to the about us page and discover all the inspiring tips by Italian Trip Abroad and local guide to Rome. Having been living for three years in Rome while studying at the university, I was able to experience all four seasons many times.

Spring in Rome, in particular, is impressive. The locals discover the outdoor spaces again, the squares are wild full of tourists, but mostly everything appears to have better colours than usual.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Rome in the fantastic public gardens around the city, hike the Zodiac park and enjoy the best scenery of the Italian Capital. Be ready to experience the best of the city and the building facades coated with wisteria. These and more are the main motivations for a Rome spring break.

Spring holidays in Italy are frequently associated with Easter time; this is when locals take vacation days, and most schools are closed.

Even so, for most European tourists, the Spring season lasts from March to May. As an outcome, based on the year, Carnevale  (which is a typical mask festival for adults and children) occurs in February or March. Still, the Spring holidays in Italy primarily include Easter and Liberation Day, which takes place on April 25th. Even though it is the middle of the week, all stores are closed on this day.

The first of May is another important spring holiday in Italy, and we advise you to avoid it. This, more than the April holiday, has people following it and becoming enraged. Festivals and public concerts are held in major cities. The largest is located in Rome. This first May spring holiday is “Labour Day” or “Festa Dei Lavoratori” in Italian, and it involves everyone in celebrating work.

On the other hand, May is only recently becoming a part of the summer season. As the weather warms up, most people benefits of the lower rates to visit the beaches and significant cultural cities.

Italy’s spring months are March, April, and May. “Marzo è pazzo,” or “March is crazy,” in Italian (Check other amazing quotes about Italy, is directly connected to the weather forecast. This means that March is totally unpredictable, with winter not yet leaving the peninsula.
As said, the first part of the spring season in Italy is still unpredictable until mid-April, when temperatures rise, and snow melts into the Dolomites. (By the way, now is an excellent time to visit some of the best lakes in the Dolomites or our guide about the impressive and attractive winter ski chalets that are still open in spring.)

In the spring, the month of May is ideal for a trip to Italy. However, prices rise in lockstep with the temperature, which is the low point of the upcoming summer season.

Easter in Italy | Weather and more!

The Easter holiday season delivers a lot more consistent weather to Italy than other seasons of the year – but don’t get too excited just yet! In Italy, spring takes numerous states. Generally speaking, if Easter comes in March, you are more likely to have rain over the period than sunny days. However, if it comes in April, you will most likely get nice weather.

This general consideration might vary from side to side of Italy. In the internal part during Easter, there is likely to have the opportunity to benefit of the last snow of the year, especially in Trentino and the central Apennine. If you haven’t got the opportunity to hit the slopes this year, it is not over yet. Discover some of the best destinations in the Dolomites to get the last remnants of winter in Italy.

In the spring, the temperatures in Italy ranges between +15 and +20 degrees Celsius (59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Since early April, the first citrus, olive, fig, and pomegranate trees have begun to bloom. Consider a spend spring in Rome to enjoy the best of the Italian Capital and look for a few day trips.

The beautiful mid-season is perfect for a few hikes, like the Cammino Degli Dei on the Amalfi Coastor hikes the Vesuvius. Not only that, temperatures in Rome have risen since late May, making the city very hot and not very enjoyable. The perfect time of the year to roam around the ancient ruins and walk on the cobblestone streets of Rome is Spring.

Rome in spring is simply marvellous. The nature all around is in full bloom, and the sun is not scorching hot as it is on certain summer days. Depending on the month you choose to visit, you may also be around for some Easter festivities. In general, Spring is one of the best seasons to visit the city as you will be able to enjoy the city’s beautiful landmarks without being limited by the weather.

Rome in March

While March can be a great month in Rome, it is also filled with fluctuations. The temperatures could average anywhere between 6°C and 17°C. This means that while one day you may get beautiful sunlight on the next, you may be reminded that the Winter is not entirely gone yet.

In March, there are likely to have thunderstorms that are very heavy in Italy. Southern Italy especially suffers in Spring. Average temperatures in March in Italy are mild, about 15-18°C. With an average of about 8-10 days of rain.

Rome in April

April is the month when Rome celebrates its birthday, so being around for the festivities can be pretty thrilling. In terms of temperature, most days are quite sunny, but there are the occasional days with rain and nippier temperatures. In general, the temperature ranges from 8°C to 20°C.

May in Rome, Italy

If you have the chance to visit Rome in May, then you should take it. The weather is mostly sunny, and the temperature varies from 13°C to 24°C. The pink azaleas along the Spanish steps will also be in full bloom, making the city more gorgeous.

In general, Rome is a fairly easy and cheap city to move around in. The bus and metro networks can be pretty extensive and reasonably priced tickets. If you do not decide to buy a city pass, then you can purchase individual tickets from any tabaccheria. If the weather permits, bikes and electric scooters are also readily available throughout the city.

If you are looking for ways to get from either the Fiumicino Airport or the Ciampino airport to Rome, you should be glad to know that transportation is fairly easy. From Fiumicino, you can select the train line, divided between the express or regular train, a taxi or a bus shuttle to get to the city. With Ciampino, the way into the city is either through a shuttle bus or taxi. Both airports have a standard price for taxi fare.

Spring Festivals in Rome

Among the most notable events in Rome, one will find the Easter festivities, which change each year, and the celebration of the city’s birthday on April 21st.

Labour Day, which is May 1st, is also quite the festivity with a free concert that takes place in San Giovanni. Other noteworthy events include the Rome Outdoor Festival and the Open House Roma.

Rome Marathon | If you are into athletics or just a fan, the Rome Marathon takes place in April. This is a 42 Kilometres run on the gladiator’s footsteps through the streets of ancient Rome.

Liberation Day | 25th April and takes place all around Italy. In Piazza San Marco in Venice, there is also the Blooming Rose Festival to celebrate love and romance.

Labour Day | 1st May takes place all around Italy with concerts and local festivals.

Republic Day | This is celebrated on June the 2nd for the birth of the Italian Republic.

In the last three events, the major attractions are open for tourism. However, we discourage you from spending spring in Rome during these dates only. You might be disappointed by the long queue. Check our tips on avoiding lines to access the Colosseum in Rome.

Rome is filled with activities and events that you can participate in during the spring season. From Easter Mass to the Rome Outdoor Festival, opportunities for celebrations are plentiful. Spring is also great in terms of weather as you should be able to explore the city without experiencing the intense heat of summer.

Follow the tradition with friends on Easter Monday

More than Easter Day, we love so much the following Monday. It is still time for partying in Italy, but this time with friends, away and often outdoor.

The Monday after Easter has the same amount of fun and food, maybe even more. People like to drive around and discover new places to visit, go on long walks or hikes, and bring lunch with them. If you are visiting Rome in Spring, renting a car in advance and following locals around the surrounding hills is better. Italians travel outside of their cities on Easter Sunday and Monday.

As a result, roads, in particular, can become incredibly congested; if Easter Monday falls in March, it is an excellent day to stay at home and explore the surrounding area. Consider also staying in Rome on Easter Day and the following Monday, not many shops are open, but you can find more peaceful streets and a few traditional sightseers spots open.

We are presenting you a compelling list of activities to do in Rome in spring. A detailed guide of every single exciting place to visit with a few day trips to complete your itinerary in Italy in Spring.

The guide include the unmissable sightseeing in Vatican city, this is the smallest country in Europe and worth a full-day visit.

Spring means flowers and trees in full bloom, so why don’t you unwind in a Rome park or just walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali, one of the most famous ancient streets of the Roman Empire leading to the UNESCO World Heritage Monument, “The Colosseum”. Discover how to skip the line to the Colosseum in Spring with our detailed guide.

This and many other occasions are listed in our guide on how to spend spring in Rome like a local.

Free tour of Rome

Every traveller in Rome dreamt about the Dolce Vita of Fellini or the famous Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. You can revive the iconic places in a free tour of Rome with a local guide.
The free tour of Rome includes stops at some of the city’s most well-known artistic sites. If Florence is the city of the Renaissance, then Rome is the Baroque city.

Along with the Trevi Fountain, the masterwork of sculptor Nicola Salvi, you’ll learn about the characteristics of this art style. Check availability for the free tour.

Participate in Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square

If you are in Rome for the Catholic Easter Mass, then you may want to request tickets for the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope will perform the liturgy, and you may get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be present for the event.

We will list you a hidden gem of Vatican city, but while exploring Rome, you should remember that St. Peter’s Square is one of the most incredible sightseeing in the world, worth a visit also away from Easter time. Book a ticket to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, which costs only £20 (€24 or $26) per person if you book in advance. There is a budget alternative, booking in advance a Free tour of Vatican city, check it out!

Unwind at the Vatican Gardens

When visiting the Vatican, make sure to select a guided tour that takes you to the Vatican gardens. Strolling around the park is truly magical, and you may even get the chance to take the private train that connects the Vatican to the Pope’s summer palace, Castel Gandolfo.

By the way, keep in mind that Castel Gandolfo, the town outside the city walls, leads to an amazing lake, which is perfect for spending a day outside the city centre’s frenetic life.

Going back to the Vatican Garden, the access is rigorous, and we suggest you purchase the ticket in advance not to miss the chance to cross another Nation while visiting Rome. The Vatican Radio, the Academy of Sciences, the Apostolic Residence, and the Vatican Government Palace are among the highlights. Check the tickets and availability.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Rome

If you are visiting in the Spring, you may be able to witness the Cherry Blossoms at Rome’s Parco Centrale del Lago in full bloom. The sight is truly magnificent and paired with a nice picnic; it can create the perfect relaxing morning or evening activity.

The park is away from the locations of the classic tour and many places this spot in the EUR borough into the guide of hidden gems of Rome. You can reach the Park through Metro B and stop at Eur Palasport. The large park located in one of the newest areas of Rome has many chalets with amazing views of the lake, little popup shops and the beautiful “Giardino delle Cascate”, the waterfall garden, in full bloom in spring.

The easy way to get around Rome is to get a local card in advance. With Rome Omnia Card, you can have access to the main attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but also to Vatican city. Get your card now!

Free tour of Vatican city on the Angels and Demons footsteps

Walking through the story Angel and Demons by Dan Brown, you will follow Dr Langdon learning about the history of Castel Sant’Angelo, the Pope’s fortress, which was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family.

Enjoy a free walking tour of Vatican City, heading to St. Peter Square, one of the biggest squares in the world, designed by the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Your guided tour will take you all around the Passeto di Borgo, a secret passageway built in 1277 by the Vatican to aid the Pope in case of attack and facilitate his passage to the nearby fortress.

Admire Rome from the Zodiac viewpoint

The Zodiac is the name of the small terrace on top of Monte Mario; from there, you will see the entire city of Rome. This location is exceptionally romantic and showcases all of the eternal elements of the city. This is the perfect location to take your other half, Rome is one of the most romantic cities in Italy.

If you are looking for the best viewpoints of Rome, check out our guide.

Visit the Colosseum

A visit to the Colosseum is genuinely a must of the Roman experience. Visit the massive theatre and take in all the glory of the former Roman empire.

The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, a massive amphitheatre built during the Roman Era by the Flavian Emperors. The construction of this massive structure began between 70 and 72 CE, during Vespasian’s reign. The Colosseum, which is just a few steps away from Palatine Hill, has become a symbol of Rome.

Among the most popular attractions in Italy, there is the Colosseum. The incredible still standing building is also on the list of the most visited monuments in Europe and one of the selected Wonders of the ancient world. The ancient ruins of the Colosseum attract 6.9 million visitors per year.

Stroll around the Roman Forum

If you walk around the ancient part of the Roman city, you will quickly come across the Roman Forum. Walk along the pathway and view all the different elements from the Agora to the theatres ending to the marvellous Colosseum and explore the ancient thermal baths. This stroll will take you back to a different era, through the cobblestone streets and magnificent mosaics.

You can combine a visit to the Roman Forum with the Colosseum. Explore our simple way to skip the queue visiting the Roman Forum and purchase your ticket in advance for both locations to save money. Book here!

Pentecost in Rome | Petals shower at the Pantheon

Each year for Pentecoste, many petals are thrown through the central eye in the ceiling of the  Pantheon. The impressive 2,000-year-old pagan temple-turned church is the best-preserved building in Rome, and it has the largest unsupported dome in the world. Experiencing Rome in spring, you will see the Pantheon like no other time, filled with flowers. 

Run Rome Marathon

Among all the events in Rome, the Marathon is the most awaited by athletes. The Marathon that runs through the most iconic streets of Rome takes place in April. 

This is a 42 Kilometres run on the gladiator’s footsteps through the streets of ancient Rome. People from everywhere in the world fly into Rome to attend this unique annual event.

Visit the local markets

From antiques to food markets, Rome has something for everyone. So take the time to stroll some of Rome’s biggest markets during the weekend. Rome’s famous local market is Porta Portese which you can enjoy during the weekend. However, we suggest you look at the flower market in Piazza Campo de Fiori, just a few steps away from Piazza Navona.

In Rome’s local market you can find fresh products from the surrounding fields. Shop around and get the right ingredients to cook in your place, like the tasty artichoke. If you don’t have a place to cook, don’t worry, there are many sellers in the corner of the popular streets selling grilled artichoke, or pop in a typical “bettola” or “Trattoria” for local dishes from the Roman cuisine.

Day trip to Frascati

A Day Trip to Frascati is the perfect way to enjoy Rome’s surroundings, filled with great wine and food. Experience some of the best aspects of Italian cuisine and spend your day rejuvenating.

Frascati is beautiful and has a different charm, the peaceful city on top of the Roman hills is ideal for a day trip from Rome. This is the starting point of the famous Castelli Romani, popular mainly among locals for the excellent food and nice wine. Moreover, prices in Frascati are lower than in Rome, and it will be fantastic to stay overnight and enjoy the view of Rome’s countryside.

Day trip to Amalfi Coast

While Rome is great, spending your spring break in Italy without a chance to visit the sea would be a shame. Take the time to visit the Amalfi coast for a dip in the ocean and some great food. 

The best way to experience the Amalfi Coast is to drive toward the south, enjoying the high cliffs and beautiful natural surroundings. The Amalfi Coast is next to Naples, about 3 hours driving from Rome. You can make the trip also using public transport, taking the train at Roma Termini and reaching the main station of Naples, changing trains to Vietri Sul Mare, which is the endpoint of Amalfi Coast. There are alternatives, but the best is to follow our guide on reaching Positano from Naples.

Roam around the ancient Rome

Spring is an excellent season to visit Italy’s capital. Consider the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain less crowded than usual. Trastevere’s square and the Spanish steps are full of flowers. The Lungotevere has people jogging since early morning and the first lights over San Pietro and Vatican City. It’s a dream, isn’t it?

Enjoy the lovely smells coming from little stands at the side of the streets of the fresh-baked bread from a typical shop. We can’t include all the attractions and reasons why visit Rome in spring, but when deciding on this city, you will never be wrong.

Enjoy the local food at Castelli Romani

Rome is surrounded by beautiful greenery and immense hills. All around one of the most ancient cities in the world, there are vineyards, fields and marvellous little towns.

Discover the area of Castelli Romani, very famous among locals but not that much for tourists. Our mission on Italian Trip Abroad is mostly to propose hidden spots and local activities, so follow us in this suggestion. All the towns around Rome offer variegate culture and traditions, most of them are in regard of food and tasty wine. Navigate through the towns of Velletri, Marino, Genzano, Nemi, Castel Gandolfo and the beautiful Lake Albano. Discover the mouth-watering porchetta in Ariccia and other local delicatessens.

Where to stay in Rome

Spring can be the perfect time to avoid crowds and visit places otherwise packed. However, it is good practice to book the tickets for the main attractions in advance. Take this advice from experienced travellers. We don’t want to waste time exploring new places, limiting our time and so things to see.

Avoid surprises, booking in advance the below main sightseeing of Rome:

• Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Rome)
• Colosseum
• Free Walking Tour of Rome
• Wine tasting tour in Rome

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ROME, ITALY

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense, while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Rome is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.

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While the weather in Rome can be lovely in Spring, there are some days when you may need a jacket. Make sure also to have clothes covering your knees and shoulders, as some religious sites may require you to cover up. Overall, you want to pack in layers so that you can adjust your clothing based on the weather.

Italian phrases worth knowing

Travelling to Italy you must know some common world that might come in handy. Among all others, the way to say thank you, please, you are welcome, should be in your vocabulary. Keep this post on your phone, or send it to your friend as a reminder. These are the most common word or phrases in Italian.

• Yes – Si – Pron. (See)
• No – No – Pron. (No! – very straight)
• Thank you – Grazie – Pron. (Grah-tzee-é – very open)
• Please – Per favore – Pron. (Pehr – as per person – fah-voh-reh)
• You’re welcome – Prego – Pron. (Preh-goh – Same way as above)
• Cheers! – Salute! – Pron. (Sa-loo-te – You can use it also when someone sneeze)
• I’m sorry (for attention) – Mi Scusi – Pron. (Mee Skoo–see)
• Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pron. (Pehr-meh-ssoh – Seems two words but is one, use the first as in English per-person)