Planning on flying into Rome on Easter Sunday (just realized that) and am wondering if places will be open (restaurants, stores, sights etc) - I know Monday is also a holiday and I'm wondering how much the closures and also the people coming and attending mass at St Peters Square will impact our visit. We fly out of FCO after a week and was contemplating Florence for a few days - would it be better to go there first (though we'd prefer to stay a few days in Rome due to the long flight) or will everywhere be crowded for Easter weekend and lots closed everywhere the Sunday and Monday?
Thanks.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12133 posts
Many people dime out on Easter. Do make a reservation for dinner or you may be out of luck. Ask your hotel for advice or consult Katie Parla’s site https://katieparla.com/eating-in-rome-on-a-sunday/. As to sights, you can have a fine day just viewing sights from the outside. Take one of Rick Steves’ self-guided walking tours (there are several in his Rome guidebook).
Some decent guidance here https://help-tourists-in-rome.com/en/holidays-events/easter/easter-rome-opening-hours-popes-mass-celebrations-and-information-on-easter-in-rome/ but I would suggest Easter Monday is a good time to go to Ostia Antica or even Villa d’Este in Tivoli. The latter is stunning in the spring and a nice countryside outing by train.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3438 posts
I would stay in Rome. My last visit to Florence was on a three day weekend celebrating All Saints Day (November 1st) and the city was mobbed with Italian families. Still manageable but surprisingly crowded. If you are in Italy for only a few days, I would only visit Rome because it and the surrounding area has so much to to enjoy. I like the idea of day trips to Ostia Antica and Ville d’Este in Tivoli. Another very nice day trip would be to Orvieto.