Should I visit Rome Dec 25-31?

Question

I'm worried that it'll be cold and crowded, and attractions and shops will be closed. Will public transport be running much? If days are short, the photo opportunities might also be limited. Is there a better time of year to visit?

Answer 1

Look up Rome tourism sights or call a company that does tours there on a regular basis (Perrilo tours as an example( and ask them. Email the division of tourism Rome for info and check with a local travel agent.  Christmas in Rome sounds wonderful.  I don't think the city is going to roll up it's sidewalks.  They don't shut down at Easter, do they?

Answer 2

Actually rome is not as cold as u think...when it snows it melts the next day and it doesn't snow much..but it is winter there so it will not be warm as in the summer. It has beautfiul xmas decor and its usually cheaper to travel to rome during xmas then summer :) Its very spectacular on new years eve when the ball drops :)

Answer 3

Rome is still fairly warm in December, but it's always crowded.  It's a big city.  Rome's metro system is usually pretty good as far as coming frequently, but I can't vouch for the bus system.  I know in other Italian cities buses can be horrible no matter what time of year it is.  

Check around on the websites of places you want to visit (museums, etc.) to see when they're open--not just which days, but which times of day, because Italians like to start the day late and end early.  Also, museums in Italy are always closed on Mondays.  And watch the news.  Italians are fond of strikes--public transport, museum staff, etc, but they always announce them beforehand.  The word for strike in Italian is "sciopero."  If you see it anywhere, keeping asking people what it's referring to until you find out.  I've spent many long hours waiting in the cold for a bus that's on strike.

And have fun!

Answer 4

late spring or early fall. before or after the crowds get in but a beautiful time weather-wise.

Answer 5

My husband and I are going to be in Rome from the 28-31, and so far, we have not found that anything is going to be closed during that time. We have been able to make reservations at any restaurant we have wanted to and at all the major museums. New Year's Eve is a huge celebration in Rome, and if anything, the city becomes more alive. People celebrate outdoors and all of the piazzas are filled with people drinking wine and setting off fireworks. Many restaurants have special prix fixe menus on New Year's Eve, which are wonderful celebrations, often with free favors and a glass of champagne. In fact, we are going to such a dinner at a restaurant whose web site I've listed below. I was also in Rome a few years ago from before Christmas until La Befana (another holiday in early January) and found that everything, from movies to public transportation, continued to be accessible. Of course, Rome is amazing in the spring, but it is also a wonderful place during the holidays.

Answer 6

I wouldn't go during the holidays.  Wait until the spring.

Answer 7

I really wouldn't do it over Christmas and New Year

Answer 8

Well, I'd say never to pass up the chance to go to ROME... :D

Answer 9

No, it's a Catholic country and stuff will be closed for most of that time so they can celebrate.

Answer 10

It could be a good opportunity to see Rome at a special time. Public transportation always work (sometimes on reduced schedule, as on Sundays) and attractions are usually closed only on Christmas day and on Jan. 1st. Rome isn't particularly cold at this time of year. The crowds will be mostly of Italians (not many foreign tourists at this time of year. If you want to avoid the crowds, don't go to the Vatican on Christmas day.... New Years eve in the streets in Rome is just GREAT! There is light until about 5 pm, unless it is a really cloudy day.