Hi we are planning to visit Rome either this year or next. Since next year is Holy Year, will Rome be unbelievably crowded? We are planning to stay off Easter week, but are there other dates we should avoid if we want to avoid the worst of the crowds?
kf
I was in Italy for the month of April this year. Usually I am there during summer months (occuational hazzard). It was markedly more crowded than I am used to seeing in Rome, Florence, Venioce, Salerno and Palermo. The government said that over 16 million tourists had already entered Italy by early April and they expect a total of 35 million this year. People I have known for over 25 years all said that the concept of 'season' was gone. The pandemic ending had a lot to do with that, obviously. The government says they expect a minimum of 50 million tourists during the Holy Year.
Don't let the numbers deter you! Be smart in your planning: hotel/apartment reservations well in advance, timed entry to major sites, timed reservations for restaurants, and plans to 'turn left when ypu see a large crowd ahead or behind'. Rome is still a magnificent place to visit. Weeks spent there for at least 17 years is no way enough time to see, experience, grow tired of Rome.!!!
Yes, next year, being Jubilee Year, is expected to be much more crowded than usual. And I doubt there will be much of an off or shoulder season. So if you can go this year, I'd recommend doing that.
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Just leaving Rome today after 4 days. My only advice about travel this year would be to check on the renovations ongoing now for Jubilee because almost all the major sites other than Trevi fountain, including Piazza Navona fountain, were covered with scaffolding.
We spent six days between Christmas and New Year this past December in Rome and were also worried (a lot) about the crowd. It was actually not bad. Top sites which are supposed to be crowded were crowded, but everywhere else were quiet. With careful planning, advanced booking(tickets and guides) and dinner reservations(a must), we had a wonderful time there. Weather was perfect, similar to late fall in New England area. The Vatican was not crowded at all according to our guide, we went on a Thursday. We saw The Nutcracker at the national theater, finished our vacation watching fireworks on a bridge five minutes walk from our hotel.
We're visiting Florence, Rome, Salerno, Taormina for 16 days in early April 2025, traveling by train north to south. Rule of thumb in past years was to book everything 3-5 months in advance to get the best air rates, but we've seen the trend, add Jubilee 2025 on top & so we said screw it and booked everything over the last few weeks. Air, apartments--done. Booked The Tour Guy for Vatican/Sistine/St. Peter's, where in past years I'd do it on my own. And when train reservations open up 4 months in advance, I'll book those as well.
Last two trips to Italy have been in late February/early March, and it's been chill & delightful. Those days, unfortunately, are gone. It'll still be great, and at least it won't be in July/August with the heat. Crowds and hot temperatures in Florence & Rome sound like a disaster to me.
Thanks very much, appreciate the advice!
