Springtime in Rome dances to its own tune, and trust us, it’s a remarkable show! Picture this: April and May roll around, and suddenly you find yourself in the midst of Mediterranean magic. The weather? Perfectly pleasant. The scenery? Bursting with vibrant colors courtesy of blooming flowers and lush plants. But wait, there’s more! Spring festivals sprinkle extra fun like confetti, and guess what? The tourist crowds are not as full, giving you the privilege you deserve to explore without the hustle and bustle. So, buckle up and get ready to savor Rome’s springtime splendor like never before!
The dark gray shades of winter are long gone, with the arrival vibrant colors of a new spring in Rome. The streets are filled with opportunities. Romans welcome the new season by filling balconies and streets with plants and flowers, creating a joyful, inhebriating atmosphere. The public parks , like Villa Borghese all the way to Villa Ada, and the botanical gardens are ready to welcome visitors. A walk around these green areas of Rome are like a breath of fresh air.
Picnics and bike rides on weekends are the perfect activities, shopping the Shop Districts is more pleasant. The vibe from Via Del Corso, dei Condotti and up to the Spanish steps is amazing. With windows displaying new seasonal couture, to match perfectly with the “flower-y” vibe out in the streets.
The Rose grove: On the edge of Aventine Hill, near the Circus Maximus, you cannot miss the beautiful Roseto di Roma. The most beautiful botanical garden of the Eternal city, hosts more than a thousand varieties of Rome. A wonderful scent fills the air. Spring is the perfect occasion for a nice, stress free walk to discover the different kinds of flowers. In one of the most romantic parks in the City. The Rose grove is open from April 21st to June 19 from 8:30am to 7:30pm, every year, during the blooming season.
Wisteria in bloom wrapped around the beautiful facades of Via Margutta, near the Spanish steps, the famous street of the Artisan laboratories. A poetic reality to discover.
The Spanish steps trimmed with Azaleas in pink and red tones to symbolize Spring’s awakening, but also prevention against breast cancer and slm. You could infact find volunteers selling these plants around the stands in the Squares, to raise money for prevention and research. A very important cause, heartfelt by Rome’s community.
Spring in Rome calls for a mandatory visit to the famous Giardino degli Aranci, the Orange grove park. Famous for the breathtaking vistas on the entire Eternal city. While you’re there, stop by the famous “keyhole” next door. The door that hides the private Estate of the order of Malta’s Knights, from which you can see, by peeking into the key hole Saint Peter’s Dome, framed in a terrace trimmed with seasonal plants.
In the EUR district of Rome, created by Mussolini following the Universal Exposition of Rome, you can find an artificial lake, called “Il Laghetto dell’Eur”. Where Romans like to unwind, go for a walk or exercise, away from the buzzing city center. This is the perfect location for a picnic and water sports. But not many know that this lake is trimmed by beautiful cherry trees. That bloom in Spring, putting on an amazing show for visitors. Travelers from all over the world take advantage of this particular season to come to Rome and witness this romantic event.
Why not take advantage of the many amazing trattorias in the old City center? Like in Campus Martius or Trastevere. Hidden in narrow streets, colorful old buildings, with balconies and terraces already full of plants and flowers and centenary ivy climbing up the sides all the way to the top. An exciting occasion to dine in a nice, typical atmosphere of a Roman spring.
In fact, like the different sceneries, the weather in Rome can change when you least expect it. One minute you find yourself surrounded by Renaissance buildings and the next you’re catapulted in the ruins of ancient Rome. One minute you are enjoying the sunshine and warmth, the next you’ll get the chills from a cool breeze and rain clowds hovering over, without a warning. Not to worry, it is just temporary. But you may want to dress in layers, just in case. The saying “always take the weather with you” does not apply when in Rome. The Eternal city abides to its own rules.
Should you be surprised by a sudden downburst, which isn’t uncommon during Spring in Rome, you could opt for a stop to enjoy a gelato or an aperitivo. And you can always take cover in the many public sites like churches and monuments that are always open. There is always something to see, even in the most unexpected places: Churches are not just religious sites in Rome, they unveil a vast amount of treasures from artworks to frescoes. And the architectures in general are absolutely noteworthy. You never know what you may find, by just taking cover from the rain. Rome is full of suprises. And if you happen to stumble upon the Pantheon, during your walk in the rain, we guarantee the ultimate unexpect photogenic moment. With the rain coming down from the ceiling inside, trust us, you are in for a nice surprise.
Not just because of the weather or the many activities, but also because of the costs in general. For example plain tickets are less lengthy during these particular months in Spring. We all know how high the rates can be, during summer or winter holidays. Mid-season deals are always around the corner. As mentioned, the city seems to be less crowded and you can find there to be less visitors, and less crowds in line in certain attractions. Hotels are cheaper and you have the chance to find better available accommodations than the ones you could encounter if booking during full high season.
This year, on April 21st, Rome celebrates its 2777th Birthday! The perfect occasion to visit Rome. Celebrate with us: On the weekend closest to April 21st, hundreds of historical re-enactors (arriving from all over Europe), gather in a parade that covers the most important sites of Rome, like the Colosseum, all dressed in typical Roman garments, to celebrate the birth Eternal city. The event starts around 10:00am and carries out until 4:00 in the afternoon. Every year the city of Rome creates special events in honor of Rome’s Birthday. There are several Museums to visit, special expositions and activities specifically created for the occasion. The Associaton of the Gruppo Storico Romano, a community of Romans and gladiator enthusiasts, organizes different events from Gladiator fights to parades and exhibitions. Festivities take over an entire weekend.
Every April 21st, something magical happens at noon in Rome’s Pantheon. The sun’s rays shine through the oculus, spotlighting the bronze door. It’s the same entrance once used by emperors, now welcoming visitors. This captivating moment adds an extra touch of grandeur to Rome’s birthday, delighting both locals and tourists alike.
After all the Natural events, planned activities and fun facts, you can’t forget to mention food when talking about Rome in Spring!
Prepare to fall in love with seasonal Italian cuisine! Italians cherish the flavors of each season, celebrating fresh fruits and vegetables that grace their tables. As spring blooms, here are a top 3 selection of dishes you absolutely have to try in Rome:
1) “Carciofi alla Romana o alla Giudia” Roman style baked artichokes take center stage, tempting taste buds with their crispy fried goodness in the trattorias of the Jewish Ghetto. Alternatively, savor them soft baked and cooked with mint.
2) “Supplì al telefono” Romans’ cherished street food, perfect to enjoy during a spring stroll. A deepfried rice ball of goodness, with gooey Mozzarella Cheese filling and Bolognese sauce. Called “al telefono”, literally translated to “over the phone”, because if you break open a Supplì while it’s still piping hot, the melted mozzarella heart forms a stretchy string resembling a telephone cord.
3) “Fiori di Zucca” a fried stuffed zucchini flower, filled with Mozzarella and an anchovies. There are other versions where the stuffing is made of herbs and ricotta cheese. But we would say that the traditional Roman style “Fiori di zucca”, are stuffed with Mozzarella, the queen of cheese.
4) “Puntarelle”, chicory sprouts. Romans don’t waste anything when it comes to food. Chicory sprouts are a perfect example. These are usually a part of the chicory you wouldn’t consider serving as a vegetable. However, Romans have made it a traditional seasonal delicacy. Served with a bold savoury condiment, made with garlic, vinegar and anchovy paste it becomes a nice fresh, crisp dish, perfect to enjoy in Spring.
5) “Fave e Pecorino” Enjoy a quintessential Roman snack with ‘Fave e Pecorino’: tender broad beans straight from the pod, paired perfectly with a slice of flavorful Pecorino cheese. This classic combination is a staple appetizer in numerous Roman trattorias.
While gelaterias abound year-round, spring marks the perfect time to kick off gelato season. Treat yourself to artisanal creations crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients like luscious strawberries. With a myriad of flavors to choose from, indulge in a scoop that suits your palate. Personally, I recommend a delightful trio reminiscent of Italy’s flag: strawberry, pistachio, and stracciatella, a blend I adore for its exquisite taste. If you’re joining us on a day tour from Rome or a Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia, make sure to include a visit to a gelato parlor in your itinerary and relish in this special and refreshing delight!
Spring in Rome unveils a medley of delights, from festivals to culinary adventures. Embrace the city’s blossoming parks, seasonal delicacies, and cultural celebrations. Let the spirit of the season captivate your senses and create unforgettable memories.
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