While staying in bed and ordering in may sound tempting, think again—there are many great ways to spend a rainy day in Rome.
Although Rome is known for its great weather and sunny days, autumn and spring can bring pouring rain. And let’s face it: walking along slippery cobblestone roads on a rainy day isn’t exactly the best of ideas (unless you love rain, in which case, more power to you!).
But luckily, the Eternal City is filled with amazing things to see and do on a rainy day. Apart from overindulging at great trattorias and getting drinks in cool bars, here are six other ideas to make your rainy day in Rome a special one!
Take a cooking class
Rome is a culinary haven, making it an ideal city to take a cooking class. Mastering the art of cooking quintessential Italian staples will not only equip you with a valuable new skill but also grant you the joy of sharing these dishes with friends and family.
In Rome, opt for a class about pasta-making or pizza-making—you can’t go wrong with either. And both are suitable for kids, so the whole family can enjoy!
From cooking with fresh ingredients to savoring your creations, the experience bridges the gap between history, culture, and a true taste of Italy.
See an exhibition
Head to one of Rome’s many museums and explore the myriad of artwork that makes Rome one of the best cultural cities in the world. If you’re into classic art, don’t miss out on the stunning Borghese Gallery, boasting sculptures and artworks by Bernini (reservation is mandatory). For contemporary art lovers, the MAXXI Museum designed by the late Zaha Hadid is a must, as is a stop at its new restaurant, Mediterraneo.
Want to visit of the oldest public museums in the world? Put the Capitoline Museums on your list. And for the latest exhibitions, check out Scuderie del Quirinale, Palazzo Bonaparte and Chiostro del Bramante, among others.
Insider’s Tip: Visiting the Vatican Museums on a rainy day in Rome is NOT a good idea—the whole world will be there!
Hit the movies
Who doesn’t like going to the movies? You pick a great film to watch, you grab your huge bucket of popcorn (at least I do) and you’re ready to go!
If you don’t speak Italian, don’t worry: there are plenty of original language movie theaters in Rome. Be sure to check out Cinema Nuovo Olimpia in the historic center, Cinema Intrastevere in the Trastevere neighborhood and Multisala Barberini right on Piazza Barberini.
Escape into the gourmet paradise that is Eataly
Everyone knows about the multilevel gastronomic center that is Eataly, and Rome happens to have the biggest one of all!
Head to this gourmet paradise in the Ostiense neighborhood to browse the market, stop for delicious food at one of its many restaurants—or better yet, take a cooking class, a wine class or meet some culinary icons. Eataly often hosts wine and food festivals, too, so be sure to check out their program!
Head to the spa
So it’s raining outside and you don’t feel like doing anything. The best thing to do? Pamper yourself! Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect massage or treatment, or you’re in the mood to relax in the jacuzzi or take a steam bath, Rome has many great spas for you to relax in.
Footsteps from the Pantheon, you’ll find the amazing BAHR (they even have a private room for you to rent with a hammam treatment, sauna and jacuzzi!). If you’re in the Jewish Ghetto, Acquamadre is one to put on your list, renowned for its hammam treatment. And if you’re in the cool Monti neighborhood, there’s no place like Argiletum Spa. Don’t forget to reserve if you can!
Catch an opera or ballet performance
Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera has become quite famous and definitely brings its A-game with its seasonal program. While during the summer opera and ballet performances are held in the open-air Terme di Caracalla theater, during the rest of the seasons you’ll get to enjoy performances at Teatro Costanzi, footsteps from Monti. From Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, to La Traviata and Carmen, get ready for an evening to remember!
Visit the city
If it’s not too rainy and you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can try to see the glass as half full: visiting Rome on a rainy day means visiting Rome without the crowds! That means the piazzas will be all yours, the sidewalks will be deserted and it’s the perfect moment to get lost and enjoy Rome.
Just a heads up: while the piazzas will be empty, the streets will be packed with cars. By all means, try not to drive in Rome on a rainy day!
This post was originally published on and was updated on January 25, 2020 and was updated on August 17, 2023.