What to pack for Rome - what to wear in every season! | romewise (2024)

FAQs

What to pack for Rome - what to wear in every season! | romewise? ›

Winter jacket, ideally waterproof – parkas are common in Rome; for a more dressy look, you may want to opt for a woolen coat, black/ camel and red all work well in this season. Knee-length skirt/dress – suitable for the Vatican and church visits.

Winter jacket, ideally waterproof – parkas are common in Rome; for a more dressy look, you may want to opt for a woolen coat, black/ camel and red all work well in this season. Knee-length skirt/dress – suitable for the Vatican and church visits.

Both men and women need to cover their knees and upper arms. Visitors are prohibited from wearing sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Shorts or bottoms that end above the knee: Women, If you are wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts then make sure they end below the knee at least.

Don't even think about wearing jeans in Rome during the summer: it's simply too hot. If you're most comfortable in pants, opt for lighter fabrics. However, skirts are also a great option during the summer in Rome.

Rome in December is not as chilly as you might expect during the day, but it definitely is cold at night, so make sure to bring a good winter jacket with you!

Jeans are very common in Rome and worn by people of almost any age. While there is no real cut off, they are most common in very young people and people up to fifty years of age or so. People above this age usually opt for different materials, as they give a more refined, classy look.

Frequently Asked Questions about What to Wear in Rome

Whilst there is a dress code in force for the Vatican City this refers to showing too much skin - eg shoulders, bust or upper legs, Leggings and sandals should be just fine.

Unlike the holy sites you might visit in Rome, there is no set dress code for visiting the Colosseum. Wear comfortable clothes - no heels or stiff shirts - as you will be doing a lot of walking around on your visit. Sneakers or walking boots are ideal, or a sturdy pair of sandals that don't hurt your feet.

Most Europeans wear pants year round. And most churches, especially the Vatican will not let you enter wearing shorts. Capris are OK, ankle length is perfectly fine. Personally, I wear long light pants and feel very comfortable.

In Italy, we do not wear sneakers in the office but we do wear them if we travel, if we are sightseeing and in any informal situation. Do not go for a less comfortable shoe out of this misconception, sneakers are perfect for Italy (see below for tips on stylish ones).

Do they wear leggings in Italy? ›

Are leggings okay to wear in Italy? Some travelers love wearing leggings for comfort, but they're often too casual looking as pants for Italy. If you're a big fan of leggings, consider pairing a black pair with long tunics during the spring, or wearing them under dresses and skirts in fall and winter.

Avoid wearing shirts with collar buttons or breast pockets at night. You can also never go wrong with a dress or skirt. If you're a man, wear a long-sleeve shirt at night or when attending nicer venues. Jeans are okay, but dress them up with a nice blazer and dress shirt.

Is the dress code for the Vatican enforced? Yes. The Vatican, as well as the main basilicas in Rome, apply a strict dress code that wants no shorts, no mini skirts, no sleeveless tops and no revealing clothes (no bareback, bare belly etc).

When deciding how to dress in Rome for an evening out, go for airy clothes, like dresses and skirts and loose shirts paired with sandals or espadrilles. Maxi dresses are always great – it's just too hot to have anything close to your skin.

It's fine for your sightseeing outfits to be casual in Rome. T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, sundresses and sandals are all appropriate for any of the Rome sights, including Vatican City and the Colosseum.

Rome's coldest months are January and February. During these two months, it rains every couple of days but some days can be quite pleasant with high temperatures of 12°C (53°F). At night, the temperature can reach below freezing.

While there isn't a “Rome dress code”, when visiting religious sites like the Vatican please plan for modest clothing. You should cover your shoulders and knees. However, if you're traveling in summer, you likely won't want to cover up in the heat. The easy solution: an airy dress that covers your knees.

Italians tend to wear basic blue jeans a lot less often than their counterparts elsewhere. It's not that women are always in dresses, and men in suits; it's that when they do throw on trousers, they're rarely basic jeans or khakis.

Skinny jeans or capri trousers are stylish spring options for women. But remember, Italians tend to go high-end even with their denim - so keep 'em rip-free! Men should typically avoid anything they might wear to the beach, gym, or football game, and instead opt for stylish loose linens or fitted chinos.

Is it safe to wear Jewelry in Italy? ›

As long as you have insurance you have nothing to worry about. I always wear expensive watches abroad and take the same care and attention as I do at home. Also, Italians always wear their "best jewellery" as everyday jewellery so it's not as if you'll stick out.

Save your high heels for the evenings, but if you are walking far you might find stylish flats or wedge heels more practical. If you are planning on visiting any religious sites then be sure to dress conservatively and take a pashmina to cover your shoulders and bare legs.

24. Walk around shirtless or in your swimwear in any metropolitan area. This state of dress is strictly restricted to the beach or lido. This is especially true in Sorrento, where you could be fined up to €500 for breaching the dress code.

Italian fashion trends are always consistent in that they promote well-fitting garments. This means that men don't wear baggy t-shirts, or anything else that is baggy for that matter. A well-tailored jacket is a popular and stylish addition to many outfits, and is seen frequently in Italian fashion.

Small purses or bags are permitted inside the venue.

Can I bring a bag inside the Colosseum? According to the Colosseum rules, only small backpacks or handbags are allowed inside the amphitheater. Please note that no storage facilities are available on site, which means you may be denied entry to the Colosseum if your bag is considered too large to bring inside.

Large bags such as backpacks and suitcases are strictly prohibited from the Colosseum. Security is taken very seriously, but given the crowds, you wouldn't want to take them in any way. Small items are allowed; however, take note that everything will be submitted to security screening.

U.S. citizens who arrive at an Italian Port of Entry without a valid travel document – including passports that have been previously reported lost or stolen – will be denied admittance into Italy and returned to their point of origin. This regulation is strictly enforced in Italy.

But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up. Don't Bring Flip-Flops. Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.

Layers are key: As with any flights, layers are particularly important on long flights. It's impossible to tell if the AC will be stalled while you sit on the runway, so start with a simple cotton shirt, and be sure to bring a more stylish cardigan or sweater to layer on top.

Can you wear a backpack in Rome? ›

Luggage and large backpacks are usually not allowed in popular museums and churches. Museums and churches usually require you check luggage and any large bags before entering. This includes the Vatican and St.

Pile on the neutral colors

Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.

The most common classic breakfast food in Italy is the “cornetto”, or croissant. A cornetto is often filled with some kind of cream, custard, jam or chocolate spread, and accompanied by a coffee.

Italians tend to dress up more often than many other cultures do, including for simple trips to the grocery store. You won't catch Italians out in public in yoga pants or sweats unless they're on their way to the gym, and this is not cutoff-jean-shorts country.

You don't really need to bring this from home, of course — Italy does have toilet paper! — but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning.

Neighborhoods to avoid

Rome's most crime-riddled neighborhoods include Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. As these are predominantly residential areas, you may have no reason to ever visit them. However, if you do, try to avoid them at night.

Most people do not encounter any problems walking around Rome at night, and in comparison to other popular cities around the globe, this one is relatively safe. If you want to avoid having anything stolen, pay no attention to anyone approaching you or asking you a question, and keep your distance as much as possible.

Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.

What time does dinner start in Rome? ›

Dinner time in Rome

When to have dinner in Rome: 8 p.m.–12 a.m. As you might've guessed, Romans tend to have dinner much later than other European countries. Especially if you had aperitivo beforehand.

Home » Food and drink » Do I need to tip in Rome? Tips are not expected in restaurants in Italy. Let us repeat that to let it sink in: tips are not expected in restaurants. However, a service charge is sometimes added, in a way that can often cause confusion for visitors.

FAQs: Skipping The Lines in Rome

The easiest way to skip the lines at Rome's famous attractions is to buy skip the line tickets to the attractions. This applies to all of Rome's most popular attractions, like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, and the Borghese Gallery.

Tap water and in Rome either at your hotel, apartment or coming from the fountains is clean and controlled, and you can safely drink it .

In the fall and winter, the Italian dress code entails bundling up with lots of layers. In fact, one thing foreigners often comment on is how Italians often start wearing heavier clothing around October, regardless of whether the weather's actually still quite warm and mild…

Winter is the coldest season in Rome, usually mild but harsh conditions can be experienced from time to time. The temperatures fall as low as 13 °C in December, January and February. Winter is also the wettest time of the year in Rome, with the average rainfall at around 93 mm in December.

Rome's winters are cold but not freezing. Temperatures start to drop at the beginning of October, decline steadily into November and tend to reach their lowest point during January and February before picking up again in March. On a normal winter day in Rome, temperatures stay above zero and snow is unusual.

Unless you're going on a hike, leather ankle boots are an absolute must for an Italian winter vacation as they are waterproof, sturdy, and can be dressed up for an evening out. For drier days, consider a pair of comfy sneakers so you can enjoy the sites without having foot pain.

Jeans are a good choice or skirts in light fabrics. Match your bottoms with a quality tee or pretty blouse, and don't forget a sweater and light jacket for layering on cold days and evenings. Bring a waterproof outerwear item, such as a light trench coat, for unexpected rainstorms.

What kind of boots to wear in Italy? ›

Ankle boots are ideal for mild days with light showers but bring some mid-calf or tall boots for heavy rain. Some travelers also suggest stylish galoshes such as Hunter boots. But if you want to dress like the locals, Italians wear high-quality, solid leather boots throughout autumn and winter.

Rome's coldest months are January and February. During these two months, it rains every couple of days but some days can be quite pleasant with high temperatures of 12°C (53°F). At night, the temperature can reach below freezing. If you don't mind a little bit of cold, Rome is beautiful during winter.

Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner Dishes

The first course is a pasta dish such as spaghetti with clams or another type of pasta seasoned with tomato sauce and seafood, such as linguine allo scoglio. If there is a soup, it is often the skate soup with Roman Cauliflower. For second courses the choice is a bit more varied.

The coldest month is January: the Po valley's mean temperature is between −1–1 °C (30.2–33.8 °F), Venice 2–3 °C (35.6–37.4 °F), Trieste 6–7 °C (42.8–44.6 °F), Florence 5–6 °C (41.0–42.8 °F), Rome 7–8 °C (44.6–46.4 °F), Naples 9 °C (48.2 °F), and Cagliari 12 °C (53.6 °F).

What to Wear Clubbing in Rome. You may be surprised at how casual the clubbing scene is in Rome. For guys, a nice pair of jeans or slacks with a good shirt will suffice. Ladies can never go wrong with a little black (or other coloured) dress.

Can I wear shorts in Rome? Yes. In summer, the only season when the weather in Rome is hot enough for shorts, both men and women can wear shorts for sightseeing.

The most likely months for snow in Rome are January and February.

High season is typically from Easter to September, over Christmas and New Year and during major religious festivals. And while Rome doesn't have a low season, as such, rates are their lowest from November to March (excluding Christmas and New Year).