Why This Popular Italian City Is A Great Spot For A Winter Couples Getaway
When you think of a romantic getaway for couples, does a beach come to mind? Someplace warm? Forget that! Well, don't forget it because summer and warm climate trips are wonderful. However, the holiday season is a great time to bundle up, wander a beautiful city together, drink a warming glass or three of wine, and snuggle up as you stroll along a street full of sparkling lights. There is a lot to be said for a winter couples' trip, and we have a great place to explore. It's one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it's perfect for so many reasons.
That city is Rome, and it's beautiful in the winter. We recently visited over the summer, aka high season for tourists, and while it was magical, it was so packed that we spent more time waiting in lines and searching for parking than actually sightseeing. Sure, the summer is lovely, but in the winter, you'll miss the crowds and tourists. Plus, there is so much for couples to see and do. Here are some of the winter activities you can do on a couples' trip to Rome and why traveling there this season offers so many benefits.
What to know about visiting Rome in the winter
As you can see from the picture above, snow in Rome is possible. It's fairly rare, but when it does happen, it's stunning. On average, the December high in Rome is around 55 degrees Fahernheit and the low is 39 degrees Fahrenheit. January sees average temperatures of 54 degrees Fahrenheit and 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Chilly, sure, but it's perfect for walking around and sightseeing. In fact, if you're visiting the Forum, among other places, you're going to be walking up and down a lot of stairs. That can be rough in the heat of summer.
One of the great things about traveling to Rome in the offseason is that you're likely to find cheaper flights and hotels. That means you'll have more of a budget for your trip. You're not going to run into the kind of lines we saw this summer, including one for the Colosseum that was three hours, or drive forever looking for parking. You don't have to spend the entire day waiting then rushing from place to place. You can spend time there, getting in all the extra kissing selfies you want.
Italy is, of course, famous for its food, including pasta and pizza. They can be a little heavy for summer eating, but in winter, a warm bowl of steaming pasta all'amatriciana or cacio e pepe is perfection. Add in some wine or a caffè macchiato caldo and tiramisu, and you have a recipe for romance.
What to do in Rome in the winter
While Rome isn't a huge city for Christmas markets, it does have some beautiful decorations. One you definitely cannot miss is the giant tree in front of St. Peter's Basilica. (Most decorations stay until January 6 when the Christmas season ends in Italy and there is a costume parade toward St. Peter's Square.) Then there is the annual menorah lighting on the first day of Hanukkah in Piazza Barberini as well.
Want to take pics of your beloved on the Spanish steps? This time of year, you won't have to fight for pole position to do it. You're actually more likely to get some spectacular and romantic shots of this photogenic city in the winter because the sun sets earlier. Imagine standing inside the Colosseum all lit up at night, or wandering down Via Condotti under twinkling holiday lights. If your stay keeps you over the weekend, the first Sunday of every month has free admission to things like the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Winter is also a great time to visit the Sistine Chapel. While the summer usually involves massive crowds trudging along inside, sweatily bumping into each other while looking up, the winter may allow you to actually sit down together, marveling at the incredible ceiling for a while. If you're staying for New Year's Eve, there is a huge fireworks display/excuse for kissing over the Piazza del Popolo, which is not to be missed.