Rome in the fall and winter is a little wetter than during the simmering summer months, but that doesn’t mean that it is any less fun to study abroad here.
With a warm and waterproof coat, you can venture out to the many museums, movie theaters, cafes, and historical sites throughout the Eternal City. Or, if you want to stay cozy indoors, there are also plenty of activities around campus to keep you occupied.
Here are some of our favorite rainy weather activities to try out in Rome over the coming months.
Soak up Some Culture at a Local Theater
Whether you want to take in local cinema italiano or catch the latest blockbuster, there are plenty of options for movie-lovers living in Rome. On a rainy day, you could venture out to the Multisala Barberini and brush up on your Italian while you watch a movie or opera.
Or, if you want to check out the latest Hollywood releases, you can see them in English at theaters like the Nuovo Olimpia. English language movies will be listed as “versione originale” or “lingua originale.”
Take a Tour of Rome’s Famous Cafes
There are plenty of cafes in Rome where you can enjoy a frothy cappuccino and fresh pastry on a chilly afternoon. And many spots are famous for more than just their coffee!
We suggest visiting the historic Antico Caffè Greco on Via dei Condotti. Not only is the Caffè Greco one of the oldest coffee shops in the Eternal City – it was founded in 1760! – but this richly decorated cafe was also a frequent hangout of literary giants like Keats, Byron, and Ibsen, as well as composers Mendelssohn and Wagner. It was even one of Casanova’s favorite spots! A warm cappuccino is the perfect complement to a rainy day in Rome
And don’t forget the Tiber Cafe, conveniently located on the John Cabot University campus, for a quick coffee break to warm up between classes. The chef loves cooking up home style favorites, vegetarian dishes, and changes the menu each semester - so there’s sure to be something tasty for every mood and every season that you study in Italy.
See Beautiful Works of Art at One of Rome’s Many Museums and Galleries
A rainy day might be the perfect time to visit a museum and see some world-famous works of art. You could admire Caravaggio paintings at the Capitoline Museums, make your way through the Vatican Museums’ impressive 1400 rooms, or catch up on all things cutting-edge at the Maxxi Museum of 21st Century Art.
For details on these museums and more, take a look at one of our recent blog posts: The Study Abroad Student’s Guide to Museums and Galleries in Rome.
Cook up a Storm While You Study Abroad
As you study abroad in Italy, you’ll discover that Italians prefer locally grown, organic ingredients, and will adapt their recipes to whatever is currently on hand at a nearby market. This is the ideal place to enjoy fresh foods year round and perhaps try cooking up some regional and seasonal favorites.
Not feeling confident about your culinary skills? If you haven’t done so already, try signing up for one of JCU’s cooking classes – a perfect activity for a rainy day, and you can take the recipes home with you!
Join a Club on Your University Campus
Rainy fall and winter days are ideal for moving your hobbies and extra-curriculars indoors. There’s no better place to start than joining one of JCU’s many student-led clubs or organizations.
What’s your passion? There’s sure to be a club to match it! JCU has everything from a Women’s Leadership Initiative to a Martial Arts Club, LGBT-Straight Alliance Club, Model United Nations, Art History Club, and much more.
No matter the weather, there’s never a dull moment in Rome or at JCU!
How will you make the best of rainy days while you study abroad in Rome this fall and winter?
