Rome On a Rainy Day: 10 Things To Do
It doesn't rain that much in Rome. The Eternal City gets around 34 inches (86cm) of rain per year, with most of that falling during the autumn or winter. With a warm Mediterranean climate and reliably sunny skies, visiting Rome usually means trying to beat the heat more than it does running from the rain.
However, that's not to say it never rains. Luckily, if you do find yourself in Rome on a rainy day, you don't need to worry about finding things to do. This city is so packed with museums, art galleries, incredible restaurants, and other fascinating things to do that it's a true year-round destination you can enjoy in any weather.
Don't let a rainy day slow you down when you visit Rome. Just drop off your bags at a Rome luggage storage and try some of these great things to do. Whether you're in Rome on a rainy day or a sunny one, you'll feel the magic of this ancient city for yourself.
Vatican Museums
Let's start with the obvious. The Vatican Museums are one of the top museums in Rome, and one of the most stunning art collections in the entire world. Visit the art gallery on a rainy day to see priceless masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Even if you're not an art lover, the Vatican Museums are worth a visit for the incredible architecture alone.
There are over nine miles of halls and corridors to explore in the Vatican Museums, so you could easily spend an entire day (or more) here. But even if you only have a couple of hours, you can still see some of the most important pieces in the collection.
Don't forget to dress appropriately when visiting the Vatican Museums - no shorts or tank tops allowed!
And don't forget to visit the stunning Sistine Chapel, which can only be seen during a visit to the Vatican Museums. This is a true highlight of world culture and a place not to be missed. It certainly gets busy no matter what the weather outside is doing, but you won't be sorry you saw Michelangelo's incredible masterpiece for yourself.
Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are another great option for a rainy day in Rome. This world-famous museum is actually a complex of three different museums, all housed in beautiful palaces on Rome's Capitol Hill.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori houses the main collection of the Capitoline Museums, which includes an impressive array of Roman sculptures, including the iconic Marcus Aurelius statue.
The Palazzo Nuovo is home to an incredible collection of Renaissance art, while the Palazzo Senatorio houses ancient Roman artifacts and artworks from throughout the centuries.
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to love at the Capitoline Museums. And with so many galleries and exhibits to explore, you can easily spend a full day here without ever getting bored.
It's an excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon, and the museums will give you a better understanding of Roman history and the history of art. Along with the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums are a must-visit for art lovers, but even those with a more general interest will find lots to love about these museums. Plus, if rainy days make a visit to the Roman Forum a bad idea, these museums are a good way to learn more about the history of the Roman Empire while staying out of the falling rain.
Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, and it's well worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. This ancient temple was built over 2,000 years ago and is now one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world.
The Pantheon is free to enter, so there's no excuse not to go inside and marvel at the incredible architecture. The massive dome is an engineering feat that's still impressive today, and the tomb of Raphael is also located here.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That way you'll have the place almost to yourself, and you can take your time admiring the Pantheon without feeling rushed.
Rome is full of incredible historical landmarks, but the Pantheon is definitely one of the most impressive. It's definitely worth a visit on a rainy day, or any day for that matter.
In fact, the Pantheon is even better on a rainy day. The oculus or hole in the amazing dome ceiling is open to the sky, letting rain fall onto the marble floor below. Seeing rain fall into this priceless ancient building is one of the most incredible sights in Rome on a rainy day, and an experience you simply can't have anywhere else. Once you've seen it, you'll be glad for the bad weather.
Head Underground
The catacombs are another must-see historical site in Rome, and they're perfect for a rainy day activity. These underground tunnels were once used as burial chambers for early Christians, and they're now one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
There are several different catacombs to choose from, but the Catacombs of St. Callixtus are some of the best. These catacombs are home to the bones of 16 popes, and they're definitely worth a visit.
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are located just outside Rome, so you'll need to take a bus or taxi to get there. But it's well worth the effort, and you'll be glad you made the trip when you see these incredible catacombs for yourself.
Rome is full of amazing historical sites, and the catacombs are one of the best. If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, make sure to add the Catacombs of St. Callixtus to your list. You won't be disappointed.
Visit Churches
There are more than 900 churches in the city of Rome. You can't hope to visit them all, but many of these churches are well worth a visit while visiting Rome, especially on a rainy day. A guided tour will help you understand more about the history and importance of the various churches and basilicas in Rome. But, a little research to guide you to the best churches to visit in Rome when it rains will go a long way.
For example, Santa Maria Maggiore is a huge papal Basilica with beautiful mosaics, and it's one of the best churches to visit in Rome. St. Peter's Basilica is another must-see, and it's one of the largest churches in the world. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting later in the day when most tourists have left.
Other options include Santa Cecilia, where you can go underneath the church to see the remains of a Roman house that may have belonged to the family of the saint the church is named after. On a similar theme, the Church of San Clemente is built above an old Roman temple to the pagan God Mithras. Then there's the incredible optical illusion that gives the Church of Sant' Ignazio di Loyola a fake dome, or the masterpieces painted by Reformation artist Caravaggio in the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and San Luigi dei Francesi.
There are dozens of other incredible churches worth visiting in Rome, but these are just a few of the best. So if you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, why not spend some time exploring some of Rome's amazing churches? They make excellent places to visit in Rome when it rains, and they're also some of the best free things to do in the city.
Enjoy a Long Lunch
Italian cuisine may be the world's favorite food, and you'll find no shortage of places to try it in the nation's capital. Rome is home to some incredible restaurants, from casual trattorias serving traditional dishes to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments.
When it's raining, there's nothing better than enjoying a long, leisurely lunch at one of Rome's many restaurants. This is the perfect opportunity to try some of the city's famous dishes, like carbonara or amatriciana. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a Roman-style tripe dish.
Of course, you'll need to wash your lunch down with some wine, and Rome has no shortage of excellent options to choose from. There are many great restaurants in Rome, so take your time and find one that looks appealing.
However, if you have visions of feasting on pizza, think again. While good pizza is available in Rome if you look for it, Italian cuisine is highly regional, and Naples is the true home of pizza in Italy. Instead, concentrate on authentic Roman dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and tripe.
Take a Cooking Class
On the subject of food, why not take advantage of the rain in Rome to learn a new skill? There are many cooking classes available in the city, and this is a great way to spend a rainy day.
You'll learn how to cook some of the city's signature dishes, as well as get an insight into the local food culture. In addition, you'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of the class with a meal that you've cooked yourself.
Most cooking classes will last around four hours, and they typically take place in the morning or afternoon. This leaves you with the rest of the day to explore Rome, or to simply relax in your hotel room and enjoy your new cooking skills.
Borghese Gallery
Rome is known for its amazing museums, and if you're looking for another incredible art gallery to visit in Rome on a rainy day, you won't regret heading to the Borghese Gallery to enjoy the stunning collection.
The Borghese Gallery is one of Rome's most popular museums, and it's easy to see why. The gallery houses an incredible collection of art, including works by some of the greatest artists in history such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. In addition to the world-famous paintings and sculptures, the Borghese Gallery also has a beautiful garden that's perfect for a stroll on a rainy day.
If you're interested in visiting the Borghese Gallery, it's advisable to buy your tickets in advance as they often sell out. You can purchase tickets online or at the gallery itself, but be aware that there is a limit of 1,000 visitors per day.
Go Shopping
Along with art and food, Italy is known for style. The Via del Corso is Rome's main shopping street, and it's the perfect place to pick up some new clothes, shoes, or accessories.
The Via del Corso is a busy street, and it can be quite chaotic. However, this is all part of the fun, and you'll find yourself surrounded by stylish Italians as you hunt for that perfect purchase. And if the prices at the designer stores here are a little out of your budget, it's also a great location to go window shopping and dream about that lottery win.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to one of Rome's many markets. The Campo de' Fiori market is a great option, and it's easy to spend a couple of hours browsing the stalls for souvenirs, clothes, and local produce.
Rome is home to some incredible shops, so if you're looking for a little retail therapy on a rainy day, you won't be disappointed.
Take a Food Tour
Rome is a food lover's paradise, and there's no better way to enjoy the city's incredible cuisine than on a food tour.
On a food tour, you'll visit some of Rome's best-kept culinary secrets, and you'll get to try a wide range of dishes that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to sample.
Most food tours will last around three hours, and they typically take place in the morning or afternoon. This leaves you with plenty of time to explore Rome's other attractions or head to one of the city's lively coffee shops to stay out of the rain.
Conclusion
The Italian capital of Rome is absolutely packed with things to do, no matter how you like to spend your time. Visit Rome when it rains, and you won't have to settle for boring activities. Whether you want to explore art, fashion, food, or history, Rome has something to interest you. From major attractions to hidden gems, there's so much to do in Rome on a rainy day that you may find yourself longing for bad weather.