Planning a trip in autumn to Rome? Here is what you need to know.
Start making plans ahead of time. Autumn in Rome can be busy but not as bad as during the summer months.
Rome is one of those cities where every corner hides a story. There are archaeological sites above ground and others tucked under the streets. The food scene is endless, and you will want to try everything at least once.
Rome is in central Italy and it is easy to reach from most European cities.
It is close to Florence, Naples, and Bologna, so you can easily plan day trips for your fantastic Italian adventure.
Rome is known for its ancient ruins, busy squares, churches, cathedrals, packed with art, and plates of pasta (carbonara).
Avoid summer. The city is packed with tourists and the heat makes it difficult to enjoy walking around.
Autumn in Rome is fantastic! Spring is great, winter is also an interesting time to visit. February is especially good because the tourist crowds are gone and you will get a more authentic taste of daily Roman life.
Autumn in Rome has many moods. Mornings feel cool. It can get very hot in the afternoons. Evenings are soft and comfortable and late nights might require another layer.
Rome is a stylish city. Italians always look so elegant! Take clothes that layer well for all the different types of weather you will have in one day.
They are great as a base layer. Wear one under your button shirt, leave a few buttons open, add a scarf, and you look put together without trying.
Remove it later if the weather turns warm. Autumn in Rome means you will be hot, cold and comfortable, all in one day!
Scarves are not only for warmth. They add color and interest to a outfit. Bring a square scarf, a long scarf, and one warmer wrap. Rotate them to make your clothes look different every day.
Taxis and Ride Apps: Get an official taxi at the airport. The price is fixed and it keeps things simple after a flight.
Inside the city taxis are often cheaper than ride apps. Use only the official taxi stands.
Avoid city taxis and random taxis outside the Vatican. They are waiting to scam you. Look up the closest taxi stand on your phone and walk there.
Rome is mostly flat and made for walking. Wear comfortable sneakers and take your time. You will notice statues on building corners, small shrines, hidden courtyards, and narrow streets that you would never see from a car.
Make reservations. Many of the good places are fully booked months ahead of time, and it can be disappointing to miss out.
Do a lot of research before booking. Some four star hotels in Rome are more like a two star hotel.
Read reviews from more than one source and look at maps to get a feel for the area.
We stayed at the Rome 55 hotel and I booked a room with a view and this was my view:
The service was horrible, they did not make the beds every day and the people at the desk were too overwhelmed to help.
You will not see everything in four days but guided walks help make the most of your time.
Pick a small group walking tour or a private guide. I suggest private guides and make plans with your guide so that she or he will know what you want to see. Read the reviews carefully before booking.
Choose your guide with care. Group tours can be rushed and you end up walking fast without absorbing anything. A private guide moves at a human pace.
Some group tours can be pretty “scummy” so I suggest a private tour.
I felt safe in Rome but I traveled with family this time.
All the women had crossbody bags. We kept a hand on our bags in crowded areas. We were all very attentive.
Rome is known for pickpockets so stay alert.
Walking at night as a group felt fine. Alone I would probably take a taxi.
This is the rhythm that worked well for my trip to Rome. Use it as inspiration and adjust it to your style.
Check in and take a slow walk around your hotel area. Do not dive into sightseeing immediately. Let Rome reveal itself gently.
Lunch at Cipasso This was our first meal in the city and it set the tone. Order something local, ask for wine suggestions, and sit outside if the weather is good. It is a perfect way to shift into “I am really in Rome” mode.
If you arrive on a Sunday, head to Villa Borghese. We spent the afternoon in the park, walked through the gardens, and if you travel with kids, the zoo is right there, which turned into a fun detour. It is a relaxed way to start the trip without a schedule.
Walking tour. Our 3-hour group tour began at the Spanish Steps and ended in Piazza Navona.
We walked to Trastevere where we had lunch and did a private walking tour of the area.
Slow Morning! We did a lot of walking on the previous day and needed our energy for the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel visit in the afternoon.
Lunch at Poldo e Gianna Osteria This is a fantastic restaurant and I highly recommend it. You must eat the Tiramisu!
We joined a group tour. It was rushed and not our favorite experience. We were not able to hire a private guide so we had to go with the flow.
Dinner was at the amazing Tartufi & Friends
This was one of our best meals of the trip. If you love truffles, you must go.
I went on a nice morning walk in the neighborhood before packing. Rome in the early morning feels different. Fewer people, quieter streets, and you notice details you missed before.
Had a final espresso and got a taxi to the airport.
4 days will give you a taste of Rome. It gives you just enough time to see a few important highlights. It’ s good for a first time visit.
Yes! Buy all your tickets in advance, book tours and make restaurant reservations.
I suggest you stay in the city centre if you are going for a short time.
No, they don’t. Most will be closed in the late afternoon.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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