Easter in Rome is nothing short of magical. As the Eternal City comes alive with vibrant spring colors and centuries-old traditions, visitors are treated to a unique blend of religion devotion, cultural practices and seasonal charm!
For century, Rome has been a must-visit destination during the Easter Season, attracting pilgrims, believers and curious visitors from all over the world. Today, the Eternal City continues to captivate visitors who come to experience it’s spiritual atmosphere, wander through its charming cobblestone streets and admire religious landmarks.
So, if your question is “Should i go to Rome during Easter?” the answer might be easier than you think! Whatever you’re drawn by faith, history or the desire to explore the city, Easter offers an unforgettable Roman Experience!
What to expect in Rome during Easter
Visiting Rome during Easter in April means experiencing the city at one of it’s most vibrant moments of the year. During this month, you will find mild, pleasant weather, which is ideal for sightseeing. With average temperatures ranging between 12° C (54° F) and 20° C (68° F) you can comfortably explore the city without the scorching heat of summer, but be aware: occasional rain showers are possible, so packing a light jacket or umbrella is a smart idea.
The Settimana Santa (Holy Week) transforms the city: expect large crowds, particularly in religious sites and popular tourist spots, but also a strong sense of community and energy that make the experience unforgettable.
To summarize, visiting Rome during Easter Season offers some advantages:
- Witness world-famous religious ceremonies and cultural tradition;
- Enjoy Rome in bloom, with beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces;
- Pleasant spring weather ideal for walking tours and open-air dining.
- Exhibitions and museum special openings
But also some challenges to consider:
- Larger crowds, especially around the Vatican, the religious and tourists sites
- Need an advanced booking for tour, restaurant or events
Despite some challenges, Easter week offers one of the most immersive and enriching time to visit Rome, where history spiritually and beauty converge like nowhere else.
Holy Week in Rome 2025: key events
From Papal Mass, to Vatican and Colosseum Via Crucis, or outdoors trips, there’s a lot of things you can do to experience the Eternal City during the Holy Week: so grab your agenda and take note of these incredible events:
- Holy Thursday (April 17, 2025): The Last Supper Mass at St. John Lateran.
- Good Friday in Rome (April 18, 2025): The Vatican’s Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) at the Colosseum.
- Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025): Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025): Papal Mass and Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
- Easter Monday (April 21, 2025): A public holiday with parks and countryside outings.
What to do in Rome during Easter
Spending Easter in Rome offers countless opportunities to explore the city’s spiritual, cultural and culinary richness. Whether you are seeking meaningful spiritual experience, savoring seasonal Italian delicacies, or simply enjoying the springtime beauty of the Eternal City, there’s something for every traveler.
Rome’s famous churches
Immerse yourself in the city’s deep spiritual heritage, and don’t miss the chance to visit Rome’s most famous churches like, St. Peter Basilica, the heart of Christianity, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and most important basilica in Rome, Papal Basilica of St Mary Major, known for its beautiful mosaics of the Virgin Mary, and St Paul Outside the Walls, the burial place of Saint Paul.
Try the traditional Italian Easter food
During your visit, you can finally try local and traditional Italian Easter food: no Roman holiday is complete without indulging in seasonal delights.
Have a taste of the world-famous Colomba ( a dove-shaped sweet bread, similar to Panettone), try the roast lamb (a traditional main course served on Easter Sunday) and the iconic Chocolate Eggs (beautifully wrapped with a surprise gift inside)
Relax on Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
After that, don’t forget that April is a perfect moment for outdoor exploration! Take advantage of the longer days and mild weather by:
- Walking or cycling along the Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest road filled with nature, ancient ruins and catacombs;
- Relaxing in Villa Borghese, Rome’s central park perfect for pic-nic and or a peaceful stroll, where you can also visit the world-famous Borghese Gallery, a treasure trove of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces which includes Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s paintings and art by Raphael and Titian.
The Pasquetta (Easter Monday) is traditionally spent in the countryside, or exploring nearby town, such as:
- Castel Gandolfo (where the Pope’s summer residence overlooking Lake Albano) who offers a relaxing pause from the crowd of the city
- Tivoli (know for it’s spectacular Villa D’este and Villa Adriana) for a beautiful escape in nature and history.
Is Rome busy at Easter? How to navigate the crowds
Easter is one of the most important religious celebrations in the world, so attracts thousand of visitors, pilgrims and tourists in the Eternal City, especially around the Vatican and other major religious landmarks.
But do not let the crowd discourage-you: with proper planning you can enjoy a smooth and memorable Roman Holiday.
To avoid lines and sold-out experiences, it’s essential to book tickets in advance for Rome’s most popular attractions. This include:
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: try visiting early in the morning or in the late afternoon, for a quieter experience. Vatican Museums are open from Monday to Saturday (8:00-20:00) but are closed on Easter Sunday (20th April) and Easter Monday (21st April)
- Colosseum and Roman Forum: you can visit those iconic monuments of ancient history every day from 08:30 to 19:15 (included on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday). Note that the Colosseum and the Roman Forum will close at 14:00 pm (last entrance at 13:00 pm) on Good Friday (18th April) to prepare for the Pope’s Via Crucis Procession. Early morning access tour can help you to avoid the crowd.
Discover some of Rome’s lesser-know gems
If you’re seeking a quieter, more reflective experience during your Easter trip, consider exploring some of Rome’s lesser-know gems:
- Aventine Hill, where you can visit the peaceful Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and peak through the famous Keyhole of Rome
- Basilica di San Clemente, a fascinating multi-layered church just steps from the Colosseum
- Trastevere hidden churches, like Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, offering a serene atmosphere away from the crowds
- Villa Doria Pamphilj, a vast public park perfect for a quiet walk or picnic
Is Rome closed over Easter? Practical tips
While Rome remains vibrant during Easter, it’s essential to be aware of certain closures and plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.
On Easter Sunday, most shops and small businesses will be closed, however, the tourist-oriented stores in central areas may remain open. Many restaurants, especially in the city center will be open, but it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, as they can be fully booked.
On Easter Monday state-run museums and archeological sites will be open, while you can expect large crowds also in parks and outdoor attractions like Villa Borghese and Appian Way.
Public Transport in Rome during Easter
Be aware that public transportation may be subject to some scheduled changes: the metro station will operate on a holiday season from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with longer intervals between trains.
Buses and trams will run on a reduced frequency, but don’t worry: key tourist routes maintain more regular services.
Please note that during major events, such as the Pope’s Via Crucis procession on Good Friday, certain metro stations and bus stops near the Colosseum may be closed for security reasons.
Is it worth going to Rome in April?
April is one of the best times of the year for visit Rome! The city bursts into life with pleasant spring weather, blooming flowers and a vibrant and mystique atmosphere that blends everyday Roman charm with the deep traditions of the Easter Season.
But April it’s not only Holy week: maybe you’re not interested in Easter Sunday or Easter Monday, or maybe you just want to avoid extra-large crowds and want a quiet and more private experience…so consider visiting the city just before or after the Holy Week. You’ll still enjoy the same beautiful weather and lively city atmosphere, but with fewer tourists and less crowds.
The best way to explore Easter in Rome
To truly experience the magic of Rome during the Holy Week, there’s no better way to join a guided tour that brings the city’s rich tradition and history to life. Whether you’re fascinated by Ancient Rome, inspired by the Vatican’s Grandeur, or eager to uncover the city’s Easter Customs, a curated experience can transform your trip into something unforgettable!
Want to experience the best of Rome during Easter? Check out Walks Inside Rome Tours and let us help you create memories that last a lifetime!
