Rome in March

Are you planning to visit Rome in March and you wonder if that is an excellent time to go? The answer is yes, March in Rome is outstanding for several reasons: Rome is beautiful and vibrant, with countless monuments, churches, and fountains. Rome has an old soul, and it’s difficult not to fall in love with the city after spending even one day here.

Great climate

Rome’s climate is a blissful mix of Mediterranean, continental and subtropical elements, meaning Rome can be warm some days. At the same time, it can be foggy, rainy, and chilly on another day. Rome is also known for its weather changes, which can happen quickly. For example, sunny mornings can transform into foggy afternoons, etc. 

In March, Romes’ climate is not too hot like it is in the summertime. But also, it’s not as cold as it would be in December and January. In March, the average temperature in Rome is around 17 Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) during the day and 7 Celsius (44 Fahrenheit) at night. 

March is also not very rainy in Rome, making it a great month to visit.

March is less busy

If you visit Rome in March, keep in mind that this month tends to be less busy than the summer months. And in March, many tourists prefer to spend their holidays in the south of Italy – making Rome a GREAT choice!

Rome is a city that offers plenty of things to see, and this means that some monuments can be crowded with tourists – even in months like March. However, you won’t find nearly as many crowds as you would between April and October.

In March, most cruise lines are still not running their Mediterranean routes. For this reason, cruise passengers do not flood Rome in March as they do during the summer months. 

Even though Rome in March is less busy, many tourists still visit the famous attractions like the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. For that reason, we strongly suggest you book your tickets in advance. And, booking in advance is especially important if you plan to visit Rome on the weekend.

You can also eat outside at most Roman restaurants in March. And the fact fewer people are crowding the streets is one reason Rome is so romantic during this time!

March is not as expensive

Rome hotels are notoriously expensive all year round. However, if you’re looking for an affordable holiday in Rome, visiting Rome in March is a great idea! March is an ideal time to score some fantastic hotel deals. 

March in Rome is known as the “Shoulder season.” The shoulder season means in between peak seasons. For this reason, hotels, restaurants, and flights can be much more affordable.

Because Rome in March is not as busy, it is much easier to find great hotels right in the city center close by to the best attractions. 

Flying to Rome in March

Rome is a popular place to visit, and it’s easy to find cheap flights here, especially in March. 

Two international airports serve Rome. The larger one is Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located 30 km outside Rome. Getting to downtown Rome from Fiumicino is easy and cheap. You can read our guide for the full instructions on how to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome. 

Rome-Fiumicino Airport is the busiest airport in Italy, and almost every major airline flies into Rome.

Getting around Rome in March

Rome has an extensive transportation system consisting of buses, tram, metro, light rail, and trains. However, most of the best attractions in Rome are within walking distance. Walking is probably the best way to visit and explore Rome.

Rome also has a well-laid out Metro System that is convenient and very affordable. The Rome Metro is also a great way to avoid traffic, a big problem in the city center. 

Taxis are another good alternative to get around Rome. It is very easy to find taxis around the city center. 

What to see in Rome

Rome has a lot of unique attractions, some of which are known more than others.  But, it’s the combination that makes Rome such a beautiful and unique city. 

Rome in March is very different from Rome in any other month. So, if you have been to Rome before, it is worth going for a second time to see the difference between one season and another.

Rome’s Best Attractions To Visit in March

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s most famous sites. The Michelangelo frescoes that adorn the chapel is a top thing to see. You have to go through the Vatican Museums to visit the Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican Museums are enormous and often cater to thousands of tourists – at once. In March, however, it’s possible to visit the Vatican Museums with fewer visitors. And for that reason, it’s one of the best months to visit.

If you want to visit the Vatican museums, avoid weekends because they are usually much busier. Also, keep in mind that it will take you almost an entire afternoon to visit those vast museums. 

If you are planning on visiting the Vatican Museums, keep in mind that you should buy your tickets in advance to avoid very long lines at the ticket office.

St Peter’s Basilica 

Rome is no stranger to famous places of worship. But, St. Peter’s certainly stands out above the rest. You can’t miss Rome’s beautiful and ornate cathedral, and March is a perfect time to go.

Pantheon 

The Pantheon is Rome’s best-preserved ancient building and is always worth a visit, especially because it is free! 

Inside the Pantheon, you can see its majestic dome. The Pantheon has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It is pretty impressive if you consider it’s nearly two thousand years old.

Trevi Fountain 

Rome is full of beautiful fountains that are worth seeing. But, the Trevi has a unique charm and beauty that makes it one of Rome’s best attractions no matter what time of year you see it in. 

Rome’s Trevi Fountain is free of charge. And this is a complete list of other free things to see in Rome.

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a famous set of steps in Rome, Italy.

Located in the Piazza di Spagna, the steps are made up of 135 steps that lead from the Piazza to the Trinita dei Monti church.

The steps were built in 1723 and became a popular tourist attraction early on. Today, they remain a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

The Spanish Steps are especially beautiful during Rome’s springtime such as March and April, when all of the flowers are in bloom.

The steps are surrounded by charming restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening.

There is also a lovely fountain located at the bottom of the steps, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is an oval square in Rome that is filled with beautiful fountains and sculptures.

It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, and is always packed with people. There are several restaurants and cafes around the square, as well as street performers.

One of the most famous fountains in Piazza Navona is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which was sculpted by Bernini.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason. 

Construction on the Colosseum began in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater that could seat 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, and dramas.

Today, visitors can explore the Colosseum’s three levels.

The first level of the arena is where the contests once took place. 

The second level housed the animal pens, and the third level is where the gladiators prepared for combat. 

The Colosseum is a remarkable sight and a must-see on any Rome itinerary. As we mentioned before, make sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.

The Forum

The Roman Forum is Rome’s first and most important ancient site. Indeed, many of Rome’s oldest and most significant monuments got built on this site.

For centuries, the forum was Rome’s political, commercial, and religious heart. The ancient city of Rome grew around the forum, and many prestigious buildings got built there.

Rome’s birthplace was said to be the Asylum, an indentation in the terrain that was home to a settlement around 600 BC. The Asylum’s hill later evolved into Rome’s seven hills. 

Rome’s first rulers established a Senate around 550 BC, and the Forum became Rome’s public center. For centuries, the forum was Rome’s political, commercial, and religious heart. The ancient city of Rome grew around the forum, and many prestigious buildings got built there.

Today visitors can wander among Rome’s earliest monuments and see how Rome evolved from its beginnings to the Rome of today. 

The Forum is home to Rome’s most celebrated architectural works, including the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, and the Tabularium. 

Highlights of the archaeological site include the Basilica Aemilia, three temples dating from Rome’s Republican period (fourth-first century BC), and Rome’s first basilica (a building for judicial use), Basilica Porcia. 

Rome’s Forum is a must-see Rome attraction and a great way to spend time exploring Rome’s historical center.

Theater of Marcellus and the Jewish Ghetto

The Theater of Marcellus Rome is Rome’s oldest existing permanent theater. 

Rome’s first permanent theater got constructed in the late third century BC, and this theater is Rome’s most famous example of its type. Marcus Marcellus built the theater in 13 BC on the same site that staged plays since 187 BC.

Today is a great place to stroll around history, and it is also the gateway to the Rome Jewish Ghetto.

The Jewish Ghetto is Rome’s only Jewish district and home to Rome’s main synagogue. 

Rome has had a Jewish community since Biblical times. The Romans tolerated Rome’s ancient religions, even though they shared different faiths. 

Rome was an important center for all three monotheistic religions during the classical period, including Christianity in Rome’s early centuries. 

Rome’s Jewish community prospered throughout history. And Rome’s ghetto remained largely intact after the Nazis invaded the city in World War II.

Today, Rome’s Jewish community is vibrant. And Rome’s synagogue still serves Rome’s small Jewish community of about 1,000 people. 

The main synagogue is called Tempio Maggiore. Roman tour guides take visitors inside to learn about Rome’s Jewish community and view important historic.

The Jewish Ghetto is also the best place to go and experience Roman Jewish cuisine. It’s a particular fusion of Roman ingredients with a middle eastern influence.

La Bocca della Verità

Rome might be best known for its attractions and monuments. But it’s also full of places known for their bizarre history. 

Rome’s mouth of truth has a rather gruesome tale behind its unusual looks. According to the legend, if a liar puts his hand in the Mouth of Truth, the mouth will bite it off.

The Campidoglio

The Campidoglio of Rome houses Rome’s city council and is Rome’s civic center. Michelangelo designed the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio. And today, it represents one of Italy’s best examples of Renaissance Piazzas.

In the center of the piazza, you can admire the statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.

What to eat in Rome in March

Rome has an outstanding selection of local cuisine, and you can try some of the best dishes in March. For example, in March, artichokes are still in season. And these vegetables are a cornerstone of Roman cuisine.

March is the perfect time to try Jewish-style, deep-fried artichokes. Also, in March, you can try the Carciofo alla Romana (Roman Style artichoke) that is braised in white wine and garlic.

Rome’s cuisine is rich in pasta. Some of the most famous pasta dishes are:

Pasta Carbonara

It is made with guanciale (a typical, cured slice of pork), eggs, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

Pasta Amatriciana

The Pasta Amatriciana has guanciale in a rich and thick tomato sauce.

Pasta Cacio e Pepe

The next most famous dish is Pasta Cacio e Pepe that has a pecorino sauce with a lot of freshly ground black peppercorns.

Pizza Al Metro

Another specialty to try in Rome in March is the typical Roman Style pizza. It’s baked in a long oval shape, with a wide variety of toppings, and then cut to order in pieces and sold by the weight.
Italian Pizza is not what you think or what you’re used to in your home country, and it is an experience on its own.

What Should I Wear In Rome in March

Europe is a vast continent, with many countries and cities. No doubt, a trip to Rome will raise some questions about what you should wear.

December and January are the coldest months. By the time March comes around, flowers bloom, which means lighter clothing.

Rome during March is mild, with some occasional showers. During this time, think “less is more.” Pack clothes that are comfortable and versatile as temperatures can range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Light pants, hoodies, and comfortable walking shoes will go a long way for your trip.

Is Rome Safe?

Yes, Rome is perfectly safe. Like any other major city in the world, you have to be cautious and watch for your belongings.

Avoid the gypsies begging for money along the streets, as they often try to pickpocket tourists. 

Also, avoid street vendors and big gatherings of people. Other than that, it is safe to walk around and enjoy the fantastic streets of Rome in March.

We hope you enjoyed our article about Rome in March. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. 

Meanwhile happy Traveling