Rome is aptly named as the city of wonders as it really offers wonderment for everyone who visits. For the lovers of history it becomes the storyteller, who knows centuries worth of stories; for art lovers it is the platform that exhibits art-forms and artists of the past and the present; For culture enthusiasts it illustrates the evolvement of civilizations, for couples it becomes one the most romantic place in the world, for foodies it amalgamates traditional and modern taste, and last but not least for wanderlusts it is indeed one of the best places to visit for a wholesome experience.
What makes Rome in January special
No tourist hordes - January’s cold weather does not invite flocks of tourist to the city and since the December festivities just ended, the locals also stay in for a while; giving you almost unhampered access to the city and all that it offers. On top it the ‘off-season’ helps save you on hotels and flights.
Vantage points - With lesser number of visitors to compete with, you don’t have to wait for your turn for too long. You get the best seats available whether visiting tourist spots such as the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, or the market or to any restaurant or pub.
Much to do Indoors - While January remains mild in terms of weather, if you experience a harsh day than there is plenty of things to do indoor in Rome. Such as exploring the awe-inspiring exhibits in the museums or admire the beauty of the world’s most mesmerizing churches.
Rome in January: Weather
Rome observes mild winter during the month of January. With an average temperature of 12°C during the day, the nights get chillier dipping down to around 3°C. Chances of sleet, snow and hail shower are quite low. If you don’t mind a snip, January is a good time to explore Rome while avoiding the hoard of tourists.
Rome in January: Things to do
1
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Amongst Rome’s most defining landmarks, these sites depict the grandeur of ancient imperial Rome. Notably, the oval Colosseum is not just the largest amphitheatre ever built, it is also one of the new 7 wonders of the world. January offers you special vantage points without the hustle-bustle of tourist flocks.
January timings
Daily from 9 AM - 7 PM
Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Vatican Museums
One of the most important museum complexes in the world, the Vatican Museums houses one of the world's greatest art collections ranging from Egyptian Age to late Renaissance. Escape the winter winds with the warmth of wonder and inspiration that is spread across 7 Kms of halls and corridors.
January timings
Monday to Saturday: 9 AM - 6 PM (last entry is at 4 PM)
Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Sistine Chapel
Home to Michelangelo's The Last Judgment, the Sistine Chapel, is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City. The chapel where the popes are chosen and crowned is also renowned for its jaw-dropping frescoes that completely cover the walls and the ceiling.
January timings
Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM;
Last Sunday of the month: 9 AM – 2: PM ;
Closed on January 1 & 6, 2024
Viale Vaticano, 100, 00136 Roma RM
Italy
Getting There ›
4
St. Peter’s Basilica
A Renaissance-era church, where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round, is one of the largest and one of the holiest temples of Christendom. Climb up to the top of the dome at St. Peter's Basilica and admire the stunning view of St Peter’s Square and most of the city.
January timings
Daily, 7 AM - 7:10 PM, closed on 1st January.
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano,
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Trastevere Neighbourhood Walk
Narrow cobbled streets, bustling with locals and visitors shopping, roaming, sipping beverages, exploring traditional and modern food joint, that's Trastevere for you. While welcoming all day long, it is especially mesmerizing as the night falls. The streets are magnificently lit up during January in continuation to the festive season.
January timings
Open all day
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
6
Borghese Palace & Villa Borghese
The third largest public park in Rome is spread across almost 200 acres and features a man made-lake, Bioparco, the Rome Zoo, Still fully functioning Pincio’s Water Clock, Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, a recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Villa Borghese Gallery, an extraordinary art museum.
January timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 9 AM - 7 PM AM
Closed on Mondays, Christmas and New Year's
Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Roman Catacombs
Roman Catacombs is a site that will creep you and fascinate you in equal amounts; subterranean passageways that were used a burial ground from the second century till the end of the fifth century. Rome has more than sixty catacombs comprising hundreds of kilometres, currently only five of them are open to the public.
January timings
Tuesday - Saturday: 9 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Closed on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoons
Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
8
Trevi Fountain , Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona
Three exceptionally handsome Baroque-style architecture that are within the walking range of each other. Trevi is one of the most famous fountains in the world.The Spanish Steps are steps between Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti church. Whereas Piazza Navona is one of the most popular squares in Rome
January timings
Daily, 24 hours
Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
9
Legends and Ghosts Tour
The eternal city is fueled by legends, some true and some myth. As the sun goes down some mystical guests come out to play. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a trip around the town with chilly air and licensed tour guide is a must have experience.
January timings
Daily from 9:15 PM - 10:30 PM
S. Andrea della Valle Church, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
10
Rome Food Tour
Rome is infamous for its hearty food and what better season than winter, to experience some comfort food that will satiate your stomach and warm your heart. The city offers a plethora of food tours that lets you explore Rome’s culinary culture.
January timings - According to the chosen tour
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
Rome in January: Festivals & events
Tosca
January 1, 2024
An opera by G. Puccini, Tosca is a gripping tale of murder, deceit, and jealousy, set in the ancient Stadium of Domitian in Rome. Catch this masterpiece Opera in Auditorium Parco della Musica at 9 PM. For tickets, click here.
The Epiphany (La Festa dell'Epifania)
January 6, 2024
In the Vatican City, hundreds dressed in medieval costumes gather to march towards the Vatican to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ; carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope, who later conducts a morning mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
Festa di San Antonio Abate
January 17, 2024
It's the day of the "Blessing of the Animals", many farmers and pet owners bring their animals annually to seek blessing from a cardinal. Followed by a big parade where officials in all their regalia come riding a horse.
Daniele Silvestri
January 18-20, 2024
The Italian musician Daniele Silvestri is coming to Rome to perform at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. With his enchanting Rock & Pop Rock Fusion music, Daniele established himself as key player in the Italian music industry. For tickets, click here.
Rome in January: 5-day itinerary
Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed 5 day Rome itineraries here.
Rome in January: What to eat
Prepared in two ways - alla giudia, the Jewish style where the entire artichoke is deep fried. Alla Romana style, the artichoke is stuffed with garlic and wild mint, braised in olive oil and white wine.
Where to eat: Hostaria Romana, Piperno restaurant, Via Monte dè Cenci
Supplì means “surprise”, it is a popular street food that is often eaten as an appetizer before eating the pizza. Traditionally the deep fried rice ball is filled with some combination of meat, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Where to eat: Via Giovanni Branca, La Casa del Supplì
Unlike your regular Pizza, the Pizza Romana is shaped like a rectangle. The dough includes different type of flour and is set to rise for several days.
Where to eat: La Renella Forno Antico Trastevere, Via del Moro, Antico Forno Roscioli
In simple (English) words, a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta. Though the authentic Roman Spaghetti alla carbonara doesn’t involve cream. In fact the creaminess is derived from beating the cheese and egg and protein used is guanciale.
Where to eat: La Carbonara, Via Panisperna
Rome in January: Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, L, F
CurrencyEuros €
Rome in January: Where to stay?
Accommodation located between Tiber River, Termini station, Piazza di Spagna and the Colosseum are a great choice for travellers as they will be able to walk most of the Rome’s top attractions. The city offers a variety of hotels, hostels, apartment and camping sites that you can choose as per your budget.
- Luxury Hotels: The First Roma, Palazzo Naiadi, NH Hotel Group, Residenza Napoleone III, The Inn At The Spanish Steps
- Budget: Hotel Des Artistes , Relais Palazzo Taverna
- Hostels : Palladini Hostel,Generator Hostels, YellowSqaure
Rome in January: What to Pack for Visiting
Looking at the weather conditions it should be noted that the best way to cover yourself is layering. As you could remove a layer when the sun is blazing and add a thick jacket or a scarf as the night falls. Here a list of what you should take along: thick jackets, warmers, scarves, hats, gloves, thick socks, comfortable shoes, and an small umbrella.
Rome in January: Getting around
Rome offers an extensive and varied public transport system including metro, tram, bus, urban railway and taxis, that are user-friendly and cheap. Depending upon your stay and itinerary you can also opt for transport ticket and travel passes that come in varied variety and gives unlimited access (for the duration) to most public transport within the city.
Public transportation tickets can be availed from vending machines at any metro station, convenience stores or newsagents. Tickets could be bought online as well, at the benefit of additional discounts.
Rome in January: Visitors tips
- Roma Pass: It is a tourist card that avails tickets of major attractions in the city at discount-price and unlimited use of the public transport for two or three days, depending on the card purchased.
- Walk: Most tourist attraction are at a walking distance from the heart of the city. A good walk will not only warm you up, but will let you take in every beautiful aspect of Rome.
- Free visits: Plan your visit according to free day offered by Rome like on the first Sunday of every month, state sites and museums are free for everyone. Including Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Galleria Borghese, Palazzo Barberini among others. Furthermore, On the last Sunday of every month, it is free to visit the Vatican Museums.
- Save on airfare and hotels: January is a off-season for tourists and thus the prices of flights and hotel are often cheaper. Plan well and book in advance to avail more discount.
- Plethora of options: Another benefit of visiting the city in January is that the streets, cafes and restaurants are not brimming with local or tourists crowd (except the festival days). The reduced crown enable you choose your favorite spot out of the wide variety of modern and traditional bars and restaurants offered by Rome, without having to wait for too long.
FAQs
What are the top things to do in Rome in January?
What are the top things to do in Rome in January?
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Is January a good time to visit Rome?
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