We will be in Rome in early August and are now planning our 5 days. Is it a good idea to spend all our afternoons in museums, which are presumably air conditioned? We plan to do the Colosseum, Forum, neighborhood walks, and anything outdoors in the morning, and after lunch to either do a museum or take a nap back at the hotel. We don't do well in searing heat! Thank you in advance for your advice.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Good plan. Yes, it's likely to be hot in Rome on August afternoons. And there's something about the heat there. Carry lots of water. And a sun hat.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
Of course, why do you think the siesta is popular in that part of the world? It will be hot so the question is -- just how hot. And , very unfortunately, all of those stone streets and building capture a lot of heat and radiates it back. That is why the evenings are so lovely and dining doesn't start until 9 pm.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11828 posts
There are also more and more things to do in Rome at night like the Viaggio nei Fori and Castel Sant’Angelo at night in August. Tour in the morning, rest after lunch (called la pausa in Italian), go out for gelato (or a drink) and a stroll (passeggiata) about 6:00 pm, dinner no earlier than 8:30 pm, then one of the nighttime activities. But get out early as you can in the morning and catch the rest of your sleep during la pausa.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Good advice, all; thanks! Anyone know if any of these museums AREN'T air conditioned: Borghese, National (Terme, Altemps), Capitoline, Galleria Doria Pamphilj? I know, I know, but we'll be traveling with a 10-year-old, so we're trying to minimize the risk of melt-downs.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
Good plan. I don't know if those museums are air conditioned, but at least they are out of the sunlight so a better choice than the outdoor places.
Late evenings are also good for the outdoor things (if they are open - things like neighborhood walks, and some sights may have days with late evening hours). People including kids are out and about until pretty late, you can easily walk around a bustling square with a gelato at 11PM - and unlike in parts of the US it won't just be adults and partying teens, it will be families and the elderly and everyone.