A hands-on shoemaking experience with Francesca, in a real Roman atelier, where you craft a pair you can actually wear
Rome is a city shaped by craftsmanship. Beyond its monuments and museums, the city lives through the hands of artisans who continue traditions passed down for generations. One of these traditions is shoemaking – and now, visitors can experience it firsthand thanks to a sandal-making workshop by Le Mastro.
Located in a working artisan atelier, this experience invites participants to slow down, step away from sightseeing, and spend a few hours learning how something personal is made: a pair of handmade leather sandals.
@romeing_magazine Ever thought about making your own leather sandals in Rome? In this hands-on sandal-making workshop, you’ll step inside a real artisan studio and create your own pair of 100% Made in Italy leather sandals, from start to finish. You’ll choose the style, colors, and details, then sit around the workbench using professional shoemaking tools while being guided step by step through traditional techniques. The workshop is led by a master artisan who previously worked for the Rome Opera House, bringing years of craftsmanship into every detail. You’ll leave not only with a unique pair of sandals, but with the experience of having made them yourself. Tap the link in bio to discover more #visitrome#italiancraftmanship#sandals♬ audio originale – Romeing Magazine
Behind Le Mastro is Francesca, a professional shoemaker. Her journey began at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, where she worked in the costume department designing shoes for dancers.
The name Le Mastro itself reflects her position in the craft: mastro traditionally refers to a male master artisan. Adding the feminine article is a quiet statement — one that acknowledges both tradition and change.
The sandal-making workshop translates this philosophy directly to participants. Rather than customising an item made by someone else, visitors sit at the artisan’s bench and actively take part in the process
Over the course of about two hours, participants choose from three sandal model options and a range of leather colours. With guidance from the Francesca, they work with real tools — cutting, assembling, and finishing their sandals step by step. No previous experience is required, and the small group size (maximum five people) ensures a calm, personal atmosphere.
What makes this workshop stand out is its simplicity and authenticity: it takes place in a real working studio, using the same materials and techniques employed for professional commissions. The result is not just a souvenir, but a wearable object shaped by your own hands. Now bookable via Romeing, the Sandal Making Workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience Rome through making rather than observing.
After undergoing a major renovation, the spaces of the Mattatoio are now open to the public with three exhibitions featuring artists of global appeal and interest: Irving Penn, Silvia Camporesi and Real bodies, imagined bodies, a project uniting three artists from Japan, Iran and France.
The Center of Photography is the first public institution in Rome completely dedicated to the visual arts and it is part of a wider project aiming at making the Mattatoio a brand new City of the Arts.
The opening ceremony on January 29th coincided with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Rome and Paris and it was widely attended by local authorities and journalists eager to witness the transformation of the industrial site of the Mattatoio into an art center. «The Photography Center is the cornerstone of a major cultural and urban regeneration project, aimed at transforming Rome’s former slaughterhouse complex into one of Europe’s largest centers dedicated to contemporary arts and culture,» said Manuela Veronelli, president of the Fondazione Mattatoio.
The highlight exhibition features more than one hundred photographs by Irving Penn, coming from the Parisian Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP).
The American photographer of Jewish and Russian origins is widely recognized as one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth
century and this exhibition rightly celebrates his talent across different macro areas of his work. The photos are organized into six thematic sections: from the early works, travels across continents and communities, to the portraits of great artists and celebrities of his times, nudes, to the last sections with fashion and still life prints.
Each photo witnesses a different way of framing reality and the evolving photographic techniques, from gelatin silver to platinum printing until the arrival of pixel and inkjet print and colour prints. Regardless of the methods used, through his long career, Penn captured historical moments which remains iconic and timeless.
The first floor of the gallery is dedicated to Silvia Camporesi, a philosophy-trained photographer born in 1973 who has dedicated much of her research to the Italian landscape.
The title of the exhibition is inspired by Peter Weir’s film Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), a cult classic soaked in mystery and temporal suspension. Similarly, Camporesi’s works explores the concept of fracture encouraging a reflection on the tensions between reality and artifice, nature and culture, presence and absence, past and present.
Her photos span from La terza Venezia to Journey to Armenia, Atlas Italie, Almanacco Sentimentale, Mirabilia, and Omaggio al Mattatoio.
«Silvia Camporesi’s work perfectly represents that special and magical fusion between artistic expression and autobiographical need that photography manages to render in such a unique way,» commented curator Federica Muzzarelli.
Real bodies, imagined bodies. Identity, belonging, construction of meaning
Curated by Daria Scolamacchia, this contemporary group exhibition brings together artists from Japan, Iran, and France to examine pressing social issues including gender equality and the perception of the female body in the digital age.
Japanese artist Kensuke Koike, already familiar to the Roman public and the Mattatoio from a recent solo exhibition, presents women’s images slightly rearranged and edited such as Ikebana woman and Vertigo, to challenge the viewers’ perceptions. In Alix Marie’s work, Maman, an installation consisting of five large scale images of a mother’s breast, printed on silky fabric and arranged along a circular hollow metal structure, the experience evokes a sense of intimacy and separation.
Women are again the main focus in Nina Boukhrief’s stretched figures in Lycra and in the colorful photos by Forough Alaei. In her works, female Iranian fisherwomen, also called “daughters of the sea”, are portraited in their daily jobs in the open sea to highlight their courage, resilience and will to support their families.
We all have that image in our minds, fostered by popular culture, of a beautiful woman standing in the dark, skin lit up by candles, her eyes glimmering behind an ornate mask that gives her added mystery. She is laughing at something a man has said, holding a cocktail in one hand and leaning against a balustrade with the other. Then we get a larger view of where she is standing, the balustrade is part of a bridge, a bridge that curves over a canal. Everyone is wearing masks, dressed to the nines, celebratingan old Italian tradition: Carnevale.
How old, exactly, is this tradition? According to popular myth, it began in Venice a thousand years ago, in honor of a military victory. But like many carnival celebrations around the world (for example, Mardi Gras) it centers around Easter, and is a celebration of the more wild and debaucherous side of life just before the Catholic observance of Lent, when the ritual of fasting begins.
In this list, you’ll learn about the best cities to visit during Carnival. Rome, unfortunately, doesn’t have the best Carnevale scene, but there are plenty of other places that do. Read on, learn which tradition suits you best, and book a train and buy tickets for events to your party place of choice!
Venice
31 January – 17 February 2026
Venice is the first place we think of when we think of Carnevale. Situated in the northeast of Italy, this dreamlike city is made up of 117 islands that are connected by bridges that cross canals. The effect? Moonlight reflecting on the water. Fog rising in the night that gives the streetlights halos. Slip on your mask and into a gown, attend a grand ball, and walk through the ornate streets at night, carousing with strangers and friends.
Viareggio is a colourful seaside town, which means that the Carnival celebrations take place right on its shores. Most famous is the parade of papier-mâché floats; but this is just one of the many activities that take place over the course of a month, including night festivals, fireworks displays and cultural, artistic and gastronomic events.
For a historical Carnival experience, head to Ivrea, a town near Turin in northern Italy. Don’t miss the Battle of the Oranges, a historically-themed spectacle depicting the liberation of the town’s people from a tyrant king a thousand years ago. In addition to this spectacle, which any history buff would appreciate, there are historical costumed characters throughout the city and crowds wearing Phrygian caps, representing freedom. Other events are children’s parties and gala balls.
The city of Acireale hosts what has been voted the most beautiful carnival in Sicily, and there is a reason for this. Acireale boasts one of the oldest carnival traditions on the island, with papier-mâché floats using a combination of lights, flowers and hydraulic systems. If you want to be amazed by endless beauty, not only of the floats but also of the island itself, this is the place to be. Some events: musical performances, street performers (e.g. magicians and acrobats).
In Putignano (Apulia) the celebrations seem never-ending! Four parades, with not only the typical papier-mâché floats but also masked dancers. The different historical social classes are represented in and protagonists of the festivities: clerics, priests, widowers, young savages, married women and married men… at the end of the celebrations, fake priests run around the city shouting ‘Carnival is dead!’. Some events: visits to wine cellars, readings of poetic satire, art exhibitions.
There are endless opportunities for Carnevale in Italy, these being the most famous—but you can also check out celebrations in Milan, Verona, Alto Adige, Fano, and Sciacca. Italy is the place to be for Carnevale—so get out and party!
Located between Termini, Sapienza University and the Verano Monumental Cemetery, the San Lorenzoneighborhood has long been known as Rome’s alternative quartiere, rich in industrial history and heart. A working-class area heavily bombed during World War II, it carries a gritty, resilient spirit that continues to fuel raw creativity. By day, animated coffee shops and galleries draw in curious passers-by; by night, the area turns into a lively circuit of aperitifs, live gigs and late bites for every taste.
To help you navigate San Lorenzo, we’ve covered some of the best restaurants, bars, galleries and nightlife spots to experience the neighbourhood at its best.
Take a long walk through its streets to admire colourful murals and street art, stroll through Villa Mercede – the local green space with a small library – and pause under Porta Tiburtina, the historic gateway in the Aurelian Walls.
Most importantly, make some time to explore its many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, from long-standing local favourites to newer arrivals like Soho House and The Social Hub.
Today, San Lorenzo stands out as one of Rome’s most creative hubs, with around 60 active artists, 10 galleries, and 50 street art pieces spread across the area. This dense combination of galleries, studios and bookshops is part of the San Lorenzo Art District initiative, which continues to shape the neighborhood’s artistic identity.
Piazzale Chiesa Santa Maria ImmacolataSan Lorenzo, Via dei Ramni
RESTAURANTS in SAN LORENZO
Kiko Sushi Bar
Piazzale del Verano, 90 Open Tue-Sun 1pm-2.30pm, 7.30pm-10.30pm kikosushibar.it
Kiko, led by master chef Atsufumi Kikuchi, fuses Japanese technique with New York polish to deliver sushi in a chic, intimate setting. Here you can find top-quality fish, meticulous plating, and well-paced service from a knowledgeable team. In case you prefer a night in, they also offer home delivery.
Mazzo is an intimate San Lorenzo restaurant-laboratory from The Fooders (Francesca Barreca & Marco Baccanelli), combining a smart wine bar with bold, ingredient-led cooking. The menu highlights Roman cuisine, such as fried tripe, and other quintessential specialities, alongside seasonal pasta. A top pick in San Lorenzo for contemporary Roman food with a curated wine list.
SAID is a historic 1920s chocolate factory, now a bistro with warm, industrial-chic rooms that honour its “fabbrica” roots. It’s worth stopping in for lunch or dinner, then finishing with signature desserts, such as handmade chocolates, cakes, and rich hot chocolate. SAID is a perfect idea for tea or aperitivo, with an on-site shop to pick up artisanal sweets to take home.
Tram Tram
Via dei Reti, 46 Open Tue-Sun 12:30 pm – 3 pm, 7:30 pm- 11 pm tramtram.it
Tram Tram is a beloved family-run tavern, founded by the Di Vittorio women in 1991 and named for the tram that still clatters past. The kitchen bridges Pugliese seafood and Roman classics (golden fried anchovies, offal with artichokes, and fresh pastas) paired with a characterful wine list. What makes it a true local favourite is a lively atmosphere and warm hospitality!
Gelato San Lorenzo is a bright, spacious gelateria in the homonym neighbourhood, known for 100% natural recipes and top-quality ingredients. You can choose from distinctive flavours, with plenty of vegan options and gluten-free cones. Their friendly, speedy service and a central location make it an ideal post-dinner dessert stop.
Hamburgheseria
Via dei Reti, 40 Mon-Thur 12:30- 3 pm, 6:30 pm- 11:30 pm; Fri-Sat 12:30- 3 pm, 6:30 pm – 12 am facebook.com/BurgerMarket
When in San Lorenzo, follow the neon to Hamburgheseria, an American-style burger bar serving classics like wings, onion rings, stacked burgers, and vegetarian options too. Their thoughtful craft and classic beer list, along with friendly staff, make it a go-to spot for comfort food in Rome.
Bonario
Via dei Volsci, 121 Mon-Wed 8:30 am- 4 pm; Thur-Fri 8:30 am- 11:30 pm; Sat 8:30 am- 10:30 pm; Sun 8 am- 3 pm facebook.com/bonarioroma/
Bonario is a welcoming choice for vegetarians and vegans, serving vegetable dishes alongside seafood, tofu, pizza, and pasta. Signora Marisa’s sincere smile and attentive care set the atmosphere, with dishes prepared to order from very fresh ingredients.
L’Osteria Pesce Fritto e Baccalà is a relaxed neighbourhood spot known for fried fish, baccalà and Roman classics with a twist. Homemade pasta, inventive seafood and quality meats come at fair prices, making it easy to settle in and enjoy.
Set inside San Lorenzo’s oldest pasta factory, this modern tavern blends quality cooking with a quietly nonconformist spirit. Their fresh tortellini, alongside ravioli and fettuccine, are a must-try! All served in a stylish space with vegetarian options and vintage touches.
Berberè serves pizza that is between Roman and Neapolitan styles, known for light, highly digestible doughs, top-quality toppings, and a seasonal menu. The offer includes vegetarian and vegan options, good beers, and desserts. Set inside The Social Hub with a pleasant outdoor area, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot in San Lorenzo (booking is recommended).
This pizzeria in San Lorenzo is often talked about, and it lives up to the reputation, focusing on quality and simplicity above all else. You choose between three different pizza formats, each designed to showcase how the dough behaves and tastes differently. There are no reservations, but service is fast and well organised, making the wait manageable. With its excellent value for money, it’s the kind of place where ordering several pizzas to share is part of the experience.
Ottavidal 1921
Via dei Dalmati, 3 Mon-Sat 10:30 am- 11 pm ottavi1921.it
This historic bakery in San Lorenzo has been thoughtfully repurposed into a welcoming all-day spot, serving breakfast pastries, pizzas, and focaccias from morning to night. Ottavi is especially loved for its filled schiaccine and the signature Ottavio Salato, a customisable stuffed bun ideal for lunch. With indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi and veggie-friendly options, it’s an easy place to linger for a quick bite or a few hours of work.
This historic pizzeria, open since 1984, is often recommended by locals who know where to find their Roman pizza. The focus is on thin, crisp pizza romana, excellent fried starters, and quality ingredients that keep surprising all the Maratoneta’s clients.
Shifu Ramen channels a cosy Tokyo vibe with its dim lights, cherry blossoms, and playful anime touches. In the menu, you can find balanced broths with springy noodles, plus delicious gyoza and curry. Their friendly and efficient service makes dining out easy for families and travellers.
A historic pizzeria serving classic Roman pizza with affordable prices and a typical Roman vibe. It’s a perfect place for an easy night with friends or family; booking is recommended.
BARS in SAN LORENZO
Giufà Libreria Caffè
Via degli Aurunci, 38 Mon-Thur 9.30am – 9pm; Fri – Sat 9.30am – 10.30pm; Sun 3pm-8.30pm libreriagiufa.it
This tiny, colourful bookshop–café in San Lorenzo is one of those places that people recommend with a smile. It is perfect for a coffee, a snack, or an easy chat over a book. Named after a mischievous figure from Italian folklore, it pairs a wide book selection (including children’s titles) with organic drinks, wine, and an excellent espresso.
Set inside Parco dei Caduti del 19 Luglio, Chiosco San Lorenzo is one of those places that locals insist you don’t miss. It’s a small park kiosk with great coffee, affordable drinks, and a relaxed vibe for a drink, happy hour or even a few hours of work with a laptop. Especially loved in spring and autumn, this kiosk also has a playground area for kids and music for adults.
Officine Beat
Via degli Equi, 29 Sun-Thur 6pm -1am; Fri – Sat 6pm – 2am officinebeat.it
Officine Beat offers a warm, welcoming service and inventive comfort plates. The bar shines with well-crafted cocktails alongside some classics. Officine Beat can be described as a cosy, modernist-meets-upcycled space that is definitely a pleasant discovery in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood.
Located behind an unassuming entrance, this cosy and stylish bar in San Lorenzo opens onto a plant-filled courtyard that resembles a secret garden. Warm hospitality, carefully chosen details, and a relaxed DJ set later in the evening make it a place people discover once and keep coming back to.
Bar Marani
Via dei Volsci, 57 Tue – Sat 7.30am – 1pm, 4pm – 9pm; Sun 8am – 1pm, 4pm – 9pm
When people talk about San Lorenzo, Bar Marani often comes up as a local landmark and as a place to meet friends over a proper coffee. The cherry on top is the quiet garden shaded by a vine pergola, creating a small oasis near Termini that’s perfect for breakfast, a cornetto, or a gelato.
The Apartment Bar
Via dei Marrucini, 1a Mon-Sat 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 2am, Sun 6pm – 1am theapartmentbar.it
This lounge place, with its large outdoor area and a stylish indoor bar, serves both aperitivo and dinner. The kitchen blends Eastern and Western flavours, while the elegant yet informal setting invites you to relax or dance late into the night. The Apartment Bar is often chosen for birthday parties and other celebrations.
Al Muretto hosts a diverse range of events, from stand-up comedy to live music and artistic initiatives. This location is praised for its diverse cultural program and relaxed vibe; it’s definitely a weekend staple for those passing by the San Lorenzo neighbourhood. Only for Circolo ARCI members.
Soho House Rome stands out less for views than for its warm, creative atmosphere and inclusivity. Members consistently praise the young, professional staff and the sense of ease while unwinding in the spa, staying in thoughtfully designed rooms, or simply enjoying conversation on the terrace. The Soho House is definitely a perfect location, from dining and drinks on the rooftop to swimming with a view overlooking the city.
Often recommended for a night that feels different from the usual, this cabaret and burlesque venue hosts contemporary performances with a strong artistic edge. The atmosphere here is elegant yet relaxed, and the talented performers on the stage truly stand out. Conventicola degli Ultramoderni is widely praised for its memorable shows, considered a must-see cultural experience in San Lorenzo.
Known for its legendary Wednesday jazz sessions and live ska and reggae nights, it draws both a loyal local crowd and curious music lovers. Their fair prices, good beer and an optimal sound system make it a small venue with big cultural energy.
The Social Hub is a multi-purpose space, and it stands out for its modern style meeting rooms, spacious hotel rooms, carefully curated co-working and common areas. Guests highlight the warm, professional staff, attentive dining experience at Berberè pizzeria, and thoughtful touches, such as the relaxed spaces (the rooftop pool and garden). The Social Hub’s regular curated events and workshops connect locals, travellers and creatives in an energetic atmosphere, making it a true hub of San Lorenzo life.
STREET ART in SAN LORENZO
Recognised as one of Rome’s art districts, San Lorenzo is home to students and street art; from Via dei Volsci to Via degli Enotri and a collective wall through Via degli Ausoni, there is much to be seen. It houses the works of many famous international street artists, including a block-long mural by Alice Pasquini, titled “Welcome to San Lorenzo”.
This area is also home to the work of French artist Christian Guémy aka C215; the Italian artists SOLO, Unga, and The Broken Fingaz Crew; the Roman artist Lucamaleonte, and ABOVE, a Californian artist who, like Banksy, has chosen to hide his identity. New murals like “Tutti in bici” by Simone Ferrarini, in collaboration with Collettivo FX, and Eva Robin’s 2025 mural, representing colourful parrots, add to the artistic expression of this neighbourhood.
San Lorenzo also offers a rich mix of history, art, and green spaces to explore on foot. The Cimitero Monumentale del Verano, one of Rome’s oldest cemeteries with roots dating back over 2,000 years, is open to the public and well worth a visit for its monumental tombs, sculpted statues, and imposing entrance portico. Nearby, the Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, a majestic fusion of two churches, preserves the relics of Santo Stefano, while San Tommaso Moro, a 20th-century parish church on Via dei Marrucini, is dedicated to the English Reformation martyr St.Thomas More.
For a quieter pause, Villa Mercede is the neighbourhood’s green heart, home to a small public library and shaded benches ideal for reading and relaxing. San Lorenzo is also a key destination for contemporary art in Rome, anchored by Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory turned into a museum and cultural centre since the 70s. Independent galleries and creative spaces (including Bar.lina, Collettivo noMade, Laboratorio Fotografico Corsetti, Monti8, and more) contribute to the area’s vibrant artistic landscape within the SA.L.A.D project.
Finally, don’t miss out on four exhibitions hosted by San Lorenzo galleries Monitor, Gilda Lavia, Matèria, and Monti8. Highlights include the debut of Gwen Evans, works by Carla Grauner, the group exhibit “Confluenze” bringing together nine Italian and international artists, and the collective exhibition “Space in Britain” (check their official websites for openings).
Rain in Rome arrives just as you have planned, a long walk, a sunset view, or a perfect afternoon outside. Rain in Rome does sound dramatic, It means delayed bus, more traffic and overflowing Tiber River. The cobblestones turn slippery, umbrellas break, and suddenly the idea of wandering feels less romantic but more tiresome. However, rain in Rome also means beautiful skies, museum visits and a warm cup of coffee in a cozy cafe. This is when Rome quietly reminds you that it is full of warm spaces, creative hands, good food, and things that slow you down in the best way.
If you are wondering what to do in Rome on a rainy day, think of museums, churches, underground sites, workshops, and food experiences that turn Rome in the rain into something surprisingly pleasant. These indoor activities in Rome are practical, bookable, and genuinely local-approved. Because a rainy day does not need to be written off! Pick one big indoor anchor, such as a museum or workshop, and build the rest of the day around it with cafés, churches, or a long lunch.
1) Museums for a full rainy day
If it is really pouring, museums are the safest way to fill an entire day without worrying about the weather forecast. Rome’s museums are destination for rich cultural and historical discovery. One can spend hours learning about Art, history and archelogy.
The Vatican Museums are a great top choice; they are vast and immersive. You can go early or late in the day but make sure to book tickets in advance. These museums are full commitment rather than a quick visit, keep at least 2-3 hours in mind while planning your day.
The Capitoline Museums are ideal if you are interested in learning more about the ancient Rome, in the historical center of the city. These museums are beautifully curated, less overwhelming than the Vatican, and sit right on the Capitoline Hill with indoor connections between buildings, churches and you can even visit Piazza Venezia which is adjacent to the museum.
MAXXI is especially for contemporary art and architecture lovers. It is incredibly spacious, modern, and serenely calm, which makes it perfect when the city outside feels hectic and chaotic.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj is an excellent choice if you want something elegant. It is located in the center, richly decorated, and easy to combine with lunch nearby.
Palazzo Altemps is much quieter and often overlooked. Their focus on classical sculpture makes it feel almost meditative, which works surprisingly well on a rainy afternoon.
Practical tip: Book Museum tickets ahead when possible and plan at least one long visit rather than multiple short stops.
One of the best things about Rome in the rain is that the city quietly turns into a free indoor museum. Churches are warm, open most of the day, and full of art that would cost a ticket anywhere else!
The Four Papal Basilicas [(St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), and St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura)] are the backbone of this plan and deserve a dedicated time. Each one is vast, distinct, and rich in history and art. You can read more in our dedicated article on the Four Papal Basilicas.
Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio is located on the Celian Hill. It is vast, circular, and deeply atmospheric. It feels like stepping into a different century due to its Hungarian and Germanic history.
Santa Maria in Trastevere is perfect if you are already in the neighborhood or the historical center. Trastevere is also a popular neighborhood to visit if you want to explore roman cuisine and music in Piazza Trilussa.
Sant’Ignazio di Loyola is a must, especially for the ceiling illusion. The church is vast and decorated with beautiful frescos, located in the heart of the historical city center Piazza Sant’Ignazio, just steps from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
Santa Maria del Popolo is in piazza del Popolo, close to metro station and villa Borghese, just at the end of via del Corso (The shopping street!) It houses works by the most important Italian artists, such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bramante.
Rainy weather is perfect for exploring underground sites in Rome that offer a completely different perspective and are often the highlight for repeat visitors.
The catacombs are the most famous option and remain one of the most memorable rainy-day experiences. They are cool, quiet, and deeply historical. All major sites are covered in this guide to the catacombs of Rome.
Practical notes matter here. It is colder underground, so bring layers and wear proper footwear, as surfaces can be uneven. You should book time slots in advance, especially on weekends. These visits are not ideal for claustrophobic travelers, but teens and history lovers usually find them fascinating.
Rain slows Rome down, which makes it the perfect time to lean into a quieter, more reflective version of the city. Libraries and bookshops offer shelter, calm, and a chance to reset.
A few standout libraries from our guide include public reading rooms that welcome visitors and offer a peaceful break from sightseeing. You can pair these with independent bookshops from Romeing’s best-of bookshops guide!
A practical rainy-day rhythm works well here: library, then bookshop, then a café with Wi-Fi where you can warm up, check maps, and plan the next stop. Our guide to free Wi-Fi in Rome helps you choose the right café for this.
Going to bookstores, libraries and a warm caffe is one of the most satisfying ways to experience Rome when the weather turns inward.
5) Spa day
Spa days are perfect for rainy days. If you are tired, sore from walking a spa day is the correct answer.
Rome has several excellent day spas offering everything from simple spa access to full treatments. Booking advice is important here, especially on weekends, when time slots fill quickly. You can decide whether you want general access or a specific treatment, as the experience changes significantly.
Examples and practical guidance are available in the Rome guide to day spas, which helps you choose based on time, budget, and energy level.
6) Handcraft workshops (glass, mosaics, ceramics) – book on Romeing shop
When it rains, these workshops are best! If you want to stay warm, learn something hands-on, and leave with a souvenir you made yourself !
Editor’s picks
Mosaic Making Workshop (Trastevere) You can create a small mosaic step-by-step and leave with a genuinely made-in-Rome keepsake. You should reserve two to three hours in this mosaic-making workshop!
Stained Glass Course This is a more “wow” craft experience where you can learn the basics and take home a unique piece of pendant and other stained glass artifacts you made during the workshop.
Pottery Workshop in Rome This workshop is slow, relaxing, and beginner-friendly. You can shape clay and learn the fundamentals of pottery making from the professionals.
Miniature Stained Glass Jewelry Workshop this is your opportunity to make a wearable souvenir! It is perfect if you are short on time but want something personal, this is perfect for art and jewelry lovers.
Sandal Making Workshop Join a hands-on, social sandal-making workshop in Rome and craft your own leather sandals from start to finish. Choose from three styles and a range of colours, then work at the bench with real shoemaking tools as an artisan guides you step by step. Leave with a one-of-a-kind, 100% Made in Italy pair you made yourself.
Check availability and book your workshop on Romeing Shop.
7) Cooking pasta and wine classes – book on Romeing shop
If rain ruins your outdoor plans, book a food experience, learn, eat well, and save the day with something truly Italian.
Editor’s picks
Gelato Making Experience (kid-friendly) This is hands-on, fun, and perfect for families, especially kids will truly enjoy this experience. You can learn how to make delicious and fresh sorbets in roman gelateria. They are also bilingual (English or Italian)!
Wine Tasting with Italian Fine Wines & Food An elegant evening plan without long rainy walks. Along with tasting wines you get salami, cured meats, cheeses, bread and olive to munch on!
Cocktail Making Class this is a special rainy-night activity and an ideal pre-dinner plan. You can learn how to make most famous Italian cocktails: Spritz and Negron and enjoy aperitivo.
What better than Pasta and Tiramisu! This is the ultimate Italy bucket-list combo with real recipes to take home. You can enjoy the delicious pasta and tiramisu you make!
Experience Nero’s Golden House as it looked back in the day
From the outside, Rome’s Oppian Hill is unassuming, home to a humble public park which is easily outshone by its neighbor, the Colosseum. But what lies beneath it is one of the Eternal City’s greatest treasures: the Domus Aurea.
History of the Domus Aurea
In 64 AD much of the centre of Rome was destroyed by an enormous fire. While there remains some discussion on whether Nero himself caused the fire, it is certain that it gave him the opportunity to build a huge new residence: the Domus Aurea, also known as ‘’The Golden House’’.
The entire complex occupied a space almost 25 times as big as the Colosseum—the opulent imperial residence sprawled from the Palatine Hill to the Colle Oppio and Caelius Mountain, spanning one square mile.
At its peak, the Domus boasted gardens, woods, and even artificial lake on the spot where you can find the Colosseum today. Statues hailing from Greece and Asia Minor adorned its rooms; gold and marble quarried from Egypt and the Middle East covered walls and vaulted ceilings; and even a grandiose, octagonal chamber with a domed roof graced the grounds, built sixty years before the completion of the Pantheon. Some of the dining rooms had mechanisms in the ceilings through which petals or perfume descended onto the dinners.
The Golden House: a hidden beauty
Following Nero’s death in 68, his successors wanted to distance themselves from the former emperor and his palace, and tried to erase every trace of it. The palace was stripped of all its luxury and treasures, after which the rooms were filled with earth and levelled to serve as a building ground for the Baths of Titus and later also for the Baths of Trajan. On the site of the lake the Colosseum was built.
Nero’s sumptuous quarters themselves were forgotten for the next 1,400 year, until late in the 15th century, when a Roman boy fell through a hole on the Oppian Hill and he saw a glimpse of painted figures.
Soon after, a host of adventurers and legendary artists of the Renaissance, Raphael among them, made pilgrimages to the site, studying and later recreating the Domus’s motifs and designs (called ‘grotesques’) in their own work. The paintings were highly influential and ‘Grotesque painting’ is still an existing term for Roman wall decoration (as well as carpets and furniture motifs), much seen in the 16th century.
Fast forward to the present century: after extensive renovation, the palace finally opened its gates to visitors in 2014. Although there are still excavations and construction work going on, the place is open for visitors during the weekends when guided tours are organized.
When in Rome, this fascinating tour is highly recommended. The guides take you along the large and incredibly high rooms where some frescoes can be seen, and they tell you all about the history and architecture of the Domus Aurea. On weekends, there is even a Virtual Reality experience included in the tour–with the aid of visual headsets, the 3D, multimedia experience provides a glimpse into how the Domus looked in its heyday. The Volta Dorata Hall and the exterior bordering the gardens are the focus of the guided walks, which must be booked in advance.
A tour through the Domus Aurea offers a unique experience in Rome. Inside the Domus, the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius, so we recommend wearing appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Please note that admission is only granted with a guided tour, and reservations are essential.
Built in 1605, the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria is known for the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the Cornaro Chapel, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
At the Santuario della Scala Sancta, across from the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, lies the marble staircase that Christ climbed to receive his sentence from Pontius Pilate on Good Friday.
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In this hands-on sandal-making workshop, you’ll step inside a real artisan studio and create your own pair of 100% Made in Italy leather sandals, from start to finish. You’ll choose the style, colors, and details, then sit around the workbench using professional shoemaking tools while being guided step by step through traditional techniques. The workshop is led by a master artisan who previously worked for the Rome Opera House, bringing years of craftsmanship into every detail. You’ll leave not only with a unique pair of sandals, but with the experience of having made them yourself.
