10 reasons why you should visit Rome in spring

Spring in Rome is lovely with wisterias blooming all across the city. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, with temperatures ranging from 50°F in March to around 77°F in June as summer draws near.

You don’t really need many layers to stay warm, even in early spring; two layers and a jacket would normally suffice, while a cardigan is enough in later months like May and June. Expect a bit of rain though in March or April, so bring an umbrella.

Apart from the cool weather and pretty flowers, the spring crowd is also smaller, which means you can visit Rome’s most famous landmarks and immerse yourself in local festivals without having to jostle for space. You’ll also get dibs on Rome’s first seasonal produce of the year.

Ready to visit one of the most unforgettable cities in the world this spring? Here are 10 sights and sounds that springtime in Rome can offer.

While there are many iconic landmarks in Rome, nothing compares to the Colosseum. True, it’s packed all year round, but you can take advantage of some of the brightest skies of the year and enjoy spectacular views over the area and surrounding cityscape, as you stand atop the amphitheater like a victorious gladiator admiring his spoils of victory. Check out guided tours and free-roaming tour packages if you wish to skip the line and spend more time walking in the sandaled footsteps of the ancient Romans. Some tours even give you access to the underground chambers of the Colosseum, as well as historical landmarks nearby like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Visit the Pantheon in spring during the Pentecost for a truly breathtaking sight. As part of the ceremony, thousands of rose petals are dropped through the Pantheon’s oculus onto the crowd below. This is a religious event, so you don’t need tickets to see the petal shower, but you have to be prepared to sit through the entire Pentecost mass. Pro tip: queue in the early morning; it will get crowded later.

With fewer crowds comes the opportunity to visit the otherwise packed Vatican City, including the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Marvel at famous Roman art, from Wenzel Peter’s Adam & Eve to Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling painting. Don’t miss the Vatican Gardens in spring, with its multitude of blooming flowers in Italian, English, and French-style gardens.

For a faster and more seamless entry into Vatican City’s best attractions, check out skip-the-line tours that will guide you through the vast collection of artwork found throughout the city’s attractions.

While the ancient city of Pompeii is 150 miles south of Rome, it’s one of those archeological sites you don’t want to miss, especially in spring, with sunshine and mild temperatures. This day tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius covers two-way transportation and entrance fees.

Walking around Rome with a gelato in hand is a treat after the chill of winter. It’s hard to miss the gelato stands propped up almost everywhere; the challenge is in picking the flavor you want–there are just too many choices. To save yourself the guesswork, why not go on a street food tour with an expert who knows where the best places are?

An unmistakable characteristic of Rome in spring is its springtime produce and treats, found in bustling marketplaces and busy restaurants alike. Some must-try specialties include artichokes, abbacchio (suckling lamb), and strawberries. There’s also no better time to embark on a food tour in Rome around the charming Prati district with a local food guide, sampling delicacies beloved by the Romans.

Every spring, the Spanish Steps are decked with hundreds of blooming azaleas, making them particularly charming against the backdrop of Trinità dei Monti. If you want to check out these landmarks and more in a slightly quirky but fun way, take a private tour on a golf cart (yes, you read it right).

Visiting Rome in spring gives you the chance to enjoy festive occasions like Easter, which typically lasts from the middle of March to early April. Most people look forward to the “Urbi et Orbi” speech given by the Pope on Easter Sunday. Other spring festivities include Primo Maggio (Labor Day) and the Birth of Rome.

Aventine Hill comes alive in spring when it’s cool enough to take a stroll or have a picnic on one of Rome’s seven historical hills. That’s not all—it’s also home to the Rome rose garden, which features over 1,100 varieties of roses. If you visit in May, you can probably catch the international rose trials, too.

If you’re traveling with your partner, make your Rome spring rendezvous a “Rome-antic” one by staying in hotels with beautiful city or sunset views. The Otivm Hotel, for instance, has a rooftop terrace that overlooks the city center. The views make for a truly unforgettable evening to cap off a day of sightseeing and immersing yourself in Rome’s unique culture.