Why March Is the Perfect Time to Visit Rome
Rome is a city that never gets old. On our most recent trip to Rome, we experienced the Eternal City in a whole new way: perfect spring weather, artichokes in peak season, and surprisingly smaller crowds. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Rome always has something new to discover.
Returning to Rome in the Jubilee Year
Our return to Rome in March of 2025 was even better than I imagined—perfect weather, incredible food, and fewer crowds than we’ve experienced before.
Honestly, visiting Rome during the Jubilee Year (Giubileo) wasn’t even on our radar for 2025. But as we kept reading news about unusually high hotel vacancy rates and smaller-than-expected crowds early in the year, we decided to go for it. Many travelers seemed to be postponing their Rome trips until 2026 to avoid the crowds coming in for the Holy Year. With that in mind, we booked our tickets and decided there was no better time to visit.
Why March is a Fantastic Time to Visit Rome
March turned out to be a beautiful month to be in Rome. It was artichoke season, and we couldn’t resist ordering them every chance we got. Fried? Yes, please! Grilled? Absolutely! Carciofi quickly became one of the culinary highlights of our trip.
The weather was mild and perfect for walking. The mornings and evenings were cool, and the sunny days were pleasant. And while Rome is always bustling, March felt calmer, making it easier to explore at a relaxed pace.
Exploring Rome at a Slower Pace
Because we’ve visited Rome a couple of times before (read about a previous trip here), we didn’t feel the pressure to rush from sight to sight. Instead, we spent most of our time wandering through neighborhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monteverde—three of our favorite areas for incredible restaurants and authentic Roman vibes.
You can find our top dining recommendations in our Rome City Guide, but here’s a hint: these areas are home to some of the best food in the city!
It’s impossible, of course, to visit Rome without at least seeing the iconic landmarks. The Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City never lose their magic, no matter how many times you visit. This time, we didn’t tour the Colosseum interior, battle the crowds inside the Vatican Museums, or fight for a spot at the Trevi Fountain. Instead, we admired them from afar, soaking in the beauty without the stress—except for the Pantheon. That one we decided to visit up close, and it came with a bit of drama.
The Pantheon Visit: What We Learned the Hard Way
We hadn’t been inside the Pantheon in years, so we decided to go before our Saturday night dinner reservation at Armando al Pantheon. It seemed like perfect timing since the restaurant is right next door.
What we didn’t realize is that church services are held inside at 5:00 PM on Saturdays. That meant no entry until the service ended and all attendees exited. By the time the doors opened, a massive crowd had built up outside. To make matters worse, no one seemed to know where to line up, and latecomers often slipped ahead of those who had been waiting patiently for over 30 minutes.
It was chaotic and stressful—so much so that we almost left. Thankfully, once the line started moving, it went quicker than expected, and we were able to go inside.
Lesson learned: Avoid the 6:00 PM Saturday time slot if you plan to visit the Pantheon. And most importantly, book your tickets online in advance so you can choose a date and time that works best for you. You can purchase tickets here.
Final Thoughts
Rome never ceases to amaze us. This slower-paced trip reminded us why we keep coming back: timeless landmarks, incredible food, and vibrant neighborhoods that feel new every time you explore them.
Plan Your Visit
Thinking of visiting Rome? Check out our Rome City Guide for recommendations on where to eat, what to try, and how to best experience the Eternal City.
