A Guide to Visiting Rome in January | Attractions, Weather & Museums

1. Roman Colosseum

City Landmark

In the center of the city exists the largest ancient amphitheater ever built in ancient times, which still owns that title despite its age. Even after having no more gladiator fights to entertain the audience, the Colosseum has been a magnet for tourists for years. The limelight is mostly on the old arena and millions of tourists come from corners of the world to take a look at it. With January being a less crowded month, you can witness the marvel closely and afford to enjoy the aura all to yourself.

January Timings: 8:30 am – 7:15 pm

2. St. Peter's Basilica

Historic Basilica

This old 136-meter high, eye-capturing architectural masterpiece needs to be on your visit list when you travel to Rome. You can view La Pietra, one of the most remarkable artworks of Michaelangelo here. Another exciting and engaging activity that is popular among tourists is climbing the Dome of St Peter which leads to an unforgettable view of Rome. 

January Timings: 8 am - 5:30 pm

3. Vatican Museum

Museum

Take an astonishing trip back to the past in the Vatican museum. In addition to housing some of the most important art collections, archeology, and ethnology of the Apostolic Palaces, the Vatican Museums also exhibit some of the most engaging and historically significant sites within them. During January there is a chance you will be seeing less of the crowd allowing you to explore the museum in a serene environment.

January Timings:

Friday - Saturday: 8:30 am–10:30 pm

Monday - Thursday 8:30 am–6:30 pm

Closed: Sunday

4. Sistine Chapel

Historic Chapel

Vatican City, Rome, and the world are all fortunate to have the Sistine Chapel. Popes are chosen and crowned in this innately designed temple There are no architectural highlights in the Sistine Chapel, but the frescoes that cover the walls and the ceiling draw the attention of tourists from around the world.  

January Timings: 9 - 4 PM

5. Palazzo Barberini

City Landmark | Art Gallery

The Palazzo Barberini stands out among all Roman Baroque palaces because of its striking design, artwork, and cultural influence. Piazza Triton and Fontana Delle API are two of the palace's famous fountains. The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica inside the building houses one of Rome's finest collections of old paintings. With a prime location right in the center of Rome, one cannot ignore Palazzo Barberini.

January Timing: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm

6. Roman Catacombs

Historic Catacombs

If you wish to step into the darker and spookier side of this eternal city, the Catacombs are the place for you. Among all the catacombs in Rome, only a few are open to the public. You can explore them, following in the footsteps of a society that was forced to bury its friends and neighbors in the dark underbelly of the city. The underground tunnels have a honeycomb-style burial niche on each wall, as well as ancient artwork which has survived.

January Timings: 9 am - 12:pm | 4 pm - 6 pm

7. Castel Sant Angelo

Fortress | Architecture Landmark

A monument among Rome's most recognized monuments, Castel Sant'Angelo resides on the banks of the Tiber River. From its inception, this alluring and strategically designed fortress has stood majestically and outlasted the toughest tests of time. The building once served as a mausoleum but has since been used for a variety of purposes. Presently, the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo occupies this important building in Rome. 

January Timings: 9 am - 7:30 pm

11. Borghese Villa

City Landmark

Located on Pinciana Hill, Villa Borghese is one of Rome's largest parks. The complex contains prestigious neoclassical and nineteenth-century buildings that were built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. The park's picturesque gardens and other attractions make it one of the most attractive green spaces. It is an architectural masterpiece that’ll surely mesmerize you with just one look. You can indulge yourself in viewing a stunning art collection in the Borghese Gallery or row a boat and enjoy Rome’s natural beauty.

12. The Pantheon

City Landmark

The Pantheon continues to be a favorite tourist attraction throughout all months of the year. Devoted to all Roman Gods and Goddesses, the Pantheon is a chamber that has intricate details and timeless beauty. The dome with an oculus at the center allows light to pass through it but drains away most of the rainwater thus giving birth to the interesting mystery - Does it rain inside the Pantheon? With January being a month with expected showers, you can find the answer yourself.

January Timings: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Rome Beer Festival

For all beer lovers, Rome offers a special event. A fundraiser for the Rome Area Council for the Arts, the Rome Beer Fest celebrates the art of beer every year. The festival is held in Heritage Park, and there are more than 150 beers to try, along with food and live music. With a ticket to this fest, you can sample over 150 different beers, receive a commemorative 16 oz glass, and enjoy unlimited entertainment.