I'll be visiting Rome from December 21 through December 26. I know the Vatican is closed on the 25th and 26th. Which day should I visit? My guess is December 21 or 22, and that the 23rd and 24th will be increasingly crowded.
And a related question: Are all/most tourist sites open on December 24, or do sites close that day?
It will be very difficult to find much open on Christmas Eve or day. Most restaurants if not all will be closed. Your best bet for eating will probably be in a larger hotel as restaurants don't close in a hotel. Don't expect much because it is Christmas and most of the city will be closed up tight (not like here in the states you can always find a convenience store open)!!!
My experience last Christmas Eve in Rome was quite different to the previous poster's. We found lots of places still open on Christmas Eve and in fact my comment was that at home there would've been queues a mile long, when they didn't even exist in the couple of shops we were in. We ate out for dinner, mind you the restaurant was quite crowded and busy, even though we ate early.
I don't have any travel books with me, but Christams Eve is a Monday and many places in Rome close on Mondays - so they won't be open regardless. Enjoy - I'm very envious.
December 24 everything should be open. The Vatican Museum will be closed 25-26. St Peter's will be open but when the Pope is giving mass you will need a ticket to enter. Tickets are free but needed to control the crowds.
If many sites are closed on the 24th (either due to the upcoming holiday, or simply because it is a Monday), should we plan to visit the Vatican then? My worry is that the 24th, as Christmas Eve, will draw a bigger crowd than a day like the 21st or 22nd. Of course, how does a "big crowd" on the 24th compare to a typical day in the summer months? Perhaps my worry is overblown.
If we visit the Vatican on the 21st, 22nd, or 23rd, will there be enough sites (museums, Pantheon, Forum, etc.) open on the 24th? We don't want the 24th to be a wasted day, particularly since we know that on the 25th (and possibly the 26th) all or most sites will be closed. We figure we'll use the 25th and 26th to see fountains, Spanish Steps, Appian Way, etc.
Thanks to all who have given or will give advice!
