Deciding what to do and when can significantly impact your trip to Rome. To help you navigate the busy crowds and fully experience the city’s iconic attractions, we’ve gathered insights from our local experts on the best days to visit Rome’s most popular attractions. With this insider knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared for a more enjoyable and seamless Roman adventure.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. See our guide to Rome for more planning resources, our best private Rome tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Rome in a day.
Planning Your Perfect Rome Adventure
While there’s truly no bad day to visit Rome, some days make exploring its attractions much easier than others. Planning ahead is not just recommended; it’s essential. I recommend creating a list of your must-see sights and aiming to tackle two to three each day. This strategy allows for a full itinerary while also leaving time to stop and appreciate the city’s amazing cuisine during lunch and dinner.
If you’re pressed for time, a tuk-tuk tour can help alleviate the strain of too much walking. For those who can stay a bit longer, combine the best guided tours in Rome with your own explorations and consider taking a cooking class to deepen your Roman experience. With this guide in hand, you’re set to maximize your adventure in the Eternal City.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
Monday: What to Expect
Mondays in Rome can be a bit tricky since several attractions are closed. Notable closures include:
- Galleria Borghese
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Museo Nazionale Romano
- Ostia Antica
- Villa Torlonia
However, don’t fret! The list of what’s open on Mondays is much longer. These attractions can get quite busy since they don’t compete with other iconic sites. If you’re in Rome for multiple days, we recommend reserving Mondays for exploring less-popular destinations. Here is what’s open on Mondays:
- Vatican Museums
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
Here are some of our favorite activities to do on Mondays in Rome:
- Explore the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- Stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens
- Join an Electric Bike Tour
- Take a Cooking Class
- Discover Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Tour
- Visit the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Rome food tour is worth it.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: Your Golden Days in Rome
We’re focusing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday—some of the best travel days in Rome. During this time, nearly everything is open, and the weekend crowds haven’t yet arrived. While Rome is a popular tourist destination, meaning you won’t have the Colosseum all to yourself, you can expect shorter lines and fewer people at iconic photo spots. However, note that some spots have specific closures:
- Catacombs of San Callisto: Closed Wednesdays
- Catacombs of Domitilla: Closed Tuesdays
- Galleria Spada: Closed Tuesdays
These are your must-see attractions for Tuesday—Thursday:
Not ready to book a tour? Find out why a Colosseum tour is worth it.
Friday & Saturday: Weekend Crowds
Fridays and Saturdays draw a large number of tourists, making these days among the busiest in Rome. Popular attractions can get crowded, and securing reservations may be challenging. However, with some strategic planning, you can still have a fantastic weekend.
Tips for visiting Rome on the weekends:
- Buy skip-the-line tickets to save time. (Check out or list of Rome tours offering skip-the-line tickets).
- Pre-book tours and meals to avoid long waits. (Check out our list of the Best Restaurants in Rome).
- Visit main attractions early or late in the day to bypass the peak hours—steer clear of the 10 am to 2 pm rush.
- Consider joining a cooking class for a crowd-free experience.
- Keep your itinerary flexible and simple.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
Sunday: Unique Charm
Sundays in Rome are lively yet distinct. The streets buzz with families, markets flourish, and the atmosphere feels different from the typical weekend rush. While some attractions may be closed, the city still offers plenty to see and do.
Leave off your Sunday itinerary:
- The Vatican Museums are usually closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month when admission is free. But heads up—you’ll likely be waiting in line for around three hours since you can’t book tickets in advance.
- Catacombs of San Sebastiano
- Catacombs of Sant’Agnese
- Boutique shops
- Some restaurants close for dinner service
Add these to your itinerary instead:
- Porta Portese Market (Sun 5am-2pm)
- Borghetto Flaminio Market (Sun 10am-7pm)
- Golf Cart Tour
- Skip-the-line Colosseum Tour
- Trastevere Food Tour
- Appian Way
Planning your visit to Rome with the right days in mind can truly elevate your experience in this magnificent city. By following our day-by-day guide, you can navigate the crowds, enjoy iconic sights, and uncover hidden gems without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re exploring on quieter weekdays or embracing the vibrant atmosphere of the weekend, each day offers unique opportunities to connect with Rome’s culture and history. So, pack your bags, jot down your must-see attractions, and get ready for an unforgettable Roman adventure.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Rome food tour is worth it.
Where To Stay in Rome
Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.
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