Rome's Best Travel Routes

Traveling in Rome means sharing space with local rhythms—and few things shape those rhythms more than Italy’s feste nazionali. On these days, shops, offices, and many museums may close, but the city feels alive with parades, fireworks, and long lunches. Plan ahead, and you might catch a glimpse of true Italian celebration.

If you want to avoid the throngs of tourists and enjoy a more relaxed Roman experience, timing is everything. Rome is busiest during the summer months, as well as major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Ferragosto in mid-August, when Italians take their holidays. If possible, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons—spring (late March to May) and autumn (late September to early November). During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, and the city is less crowded, allowing you to explore at a slower pace.

It’s also important to be mindful of public holidays and museum schedules. Many public museums are closed on Mondays, and on May 1st, almost everything in the city shuts down. Be sure to check opening times in advance so you don’t miss out on key sites. Here are the main national holidays observed throughout Italy (Rome included):

• January 1 – Capodanno (New Year’s Day)
  Fireworks, church bells, and late-night celebrations mark the new year. Many Romans gather by the Tiber or at Piazza del Popolo.
• January 6 – Epifania (Epiphany)
  The “Befana,” a kind witch, brings gifts to children. Parades and markets fill Piazza Navona with sweets and laughter.
• Easter Sunday & Easter Monday (Pasqua e Pasquetta)
  The Vatican hosts solemn masses; Monday is for countryside picnics and relaxed meals with friends.
• April 25 – Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day)
  Celebrates the end of World War II in Italy. Expect patriotic concerts, flags, and political speeches—especially around Piazza Venezia.
• May 1 – Festa dei Lavoratori (Labor Day)
  Italy’s version of Labor Day. Big concert in Rome’s Piazza San Giovanni draws thousands.
• June 2 – Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)
  Military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, airshow over the Colosseum. Rome at its most ceremonial.
• August 15 – Ferragosto (Assumption Day)
  The height of summer holidays; many Romans leave town. Those who stay enjoy quiet streets and rooftop dinners.
• November 1 – Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day)
  A quiet, reflective holiday; cemeteries and churches fill with flowers.
• December 8 – Immacolata Concezione (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
  Marks the start of Christmas season; a wreath is placed at the statue of Mary in Piazza di Spagna.
• December 25 – Natale (Christmas Day)
  Family gatherings, midnight mass at St. Peter’s, and lavish Roman meals.
• December 26 – Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day)
  A second Christmas day, usually spent visiting relatives or walking off yesterday’s feast.

📝 Local Note: On national holidays, expect slower public transport and reduced opening hours—but also more music, open-air food stalls, and unexpected moments of joy. Rome never really stops; it just shifts into celebration mode.