Hi! We'll in Rome for a very brief visit next week and the forecast shows thunderstorms! Does Rome "close down" in the rain, or will all the big tourist sites be open for visitors? I'll be bringing an umbrella and a poncho, so I don't mind getting rained upon, but worry that some outdoor sites will be shut.
Thank you!
San Franciso doesn't close down for a little water and neither does Rome. :-) The biggest change you will see is all the street vendors will miraculously change their inventory from purses and scarves to umbrellas.
2 tips: one, be careful on the cobblestones. I didn't have too bad a time in Rome, but the streets in Florence were incredibly slippery. Two, the sight of rain falling through the opening in the Pantheon is quite neat. They rope the area off so people can't slip and fall on the marble floor.
Suzanne - We were in Italy last September and the only day it rained was one of our days in Rome. Not only did it rain, it poured!! We were soaked, but the upside was that we had the coliseum almost to ourselves and were able to appreciate it more than if it had been crowded. We all wore ponchos and even though we were cold and wet, still enjoyed the eternal city immensely. The street vendors sell ponchos and umbrellas if you care to purchase them there. Enjoy!!
Hi Suzanne, it rained on us on our arrival day in Rome 2 wks. ago...then cleared up. Tourists were still flocking to see Palatine Hills, Forum & the
Colisseum. Our aptmt was 4 blocks away. We purchased the Roma Pass (good for 2 freebie entrances..one, Colisseum/PH, Forum, another choice
Borghese Gallery (must make reservations ahead of time), and 3rd, ruins located outside of Rome but
accessible via public transportation)...Buy your
pass at the Palatine Hills location to avoid crowds
at the Colisseum...You also get freebie transportation on buses & Metro for 3 days. After 2 freebies, you get a "discount" at other locations. We went to the Roma Museum to view the Hiroshige
Japanese watercolor artworks. Didn't need the Vatican reservations although we paid for them..got there approx. 12:45 PM..and hardly anyone in line to go through security. St. Peter's security lines weren't long either. Both wonderful sights! Trevi Fountain was naturally crowded with tourists..as
with the Spanish Steps (Metro nearby)..and we ate at
the McD's nearby...got tired of pizza's, sandwiches, pastas..etc. Borghese is a smaller art museum, but
nice for perhaps a one time visit. Pantheon is not
far from Piazza Navona area/Trevi Fountain...ok...
Some sights/churches are very strict about modest
dress..no shorts, no sleeveless, etc. It can get
humid when it rains...be very careful of pick pockets..especially on certain buses (we didn't take any)..and in the Metro...and waiting in line to get
into sights. Hope you enjoy your vist. regards, Shirl
