Some people like it, some don’t. Rain has something magical about it; its sound instills peace. Are you bored at home? Well, then grab an umbrella and go for a walk. As entertainment enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but compile a list of things to do in Rome when it rains.
The capital offers many opportunities to spend the day enjoying art, culture, and good food.
From €23
Your sofa is calling you, but justice needs you. It’s raining and cold outside, the perfect excuse for a marathon of your favorite crime series… but what if fiction became reality? Forget the screen, with The Jury Experience in Rome, you won’t be a spectator, but the absolute protagonist. Step into the shoes of a juror, examine the evidence and, for the first time, you will be the one to decide the verdict in an unprecedented trial.
Do you love reading? Then you might want to discover some nice bookshops in the city where you can find rare and beautiful books. Some even allow you to listen to good music and grab a bite to eat.
Indoor karting
For those looking for a bit of adrenaline, there are indoor karting tracks where you can have fun even in bad weather. For example , in Giardinetti there is HolyKartRoma, a 440-meter indoor track with lap times printed for all drivers on the track and a ranking of the best. Open every day.
Another option is E-gokart (The Village Roma, Parco de’ Medici), on three levels covering 460 meters with the latest generation of electric karts, suitable for all ages. Open all year round.
Rome has launched a reform of the museum system that guarantees free and permanent access to all residents of the capital and the metropolitan city. The initiative aims to reconnect citizens with the local historical heritage, overcoming economic barriers and limited opening hours on specific days. Residents will therefore be able to visit the main municipal centers freely at any time, while new strategies are being introduced to manage tourist flows.
The Libraries of Rome boast about 70 active reading circles throughout the city, including prisons and Bibliopoint, with sections dedicated to children. These groups collaborate on important national events such as the Strega Prize, Romics, and the “Più Libri Più Liberi” fair, actively promoting literary debate. They also participate in theatrical projects and thematic initiatives to promote authors and cultural events.
Help your neighbor
If you’re free and don’t know what to do, why not make yourself useful to those in need? Many volunteer activities take place indoors and include preparing hot meals or simply playing games/keeping company.
CSV Lazio (Volunteer Service Center): this is the institutional reference point. Through the “TrovaVolontariato” service, you can consult updated announcements from associations seeking help with school support, legal assistance, environmental protection, or logistics. The main office is located at Via Liberiana 17 (Termini area).
RomAltruista is ideal if you are looking for flexible volunteering. You can sign up for individual activities (even just once) based on your schedule.
From €10
Located in the basement of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum allows you to explore the interactive machines and drawings of the Renaissance genius up close. The experience includes a VR station to fly over Florence and an art studio where visitors can test their creativity. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
From €11
Rome’s oldest prison, located on Via dei Fori Imperiali, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is a historical and religious site of great importance, known for having housed, according to tradition, the apostles Peter and Paul. The visit includes a special video guide available in Italian, English, and Spanish, which tells the story of the prison, the deeds of St. Peter, and the stories of ancient prisoners, including Roman emperors and kings.
The Testaccio market is a landmark for those who live in the area but also an unmissable gastronomic hub for all foodies. The market has over 60 stalls where you can shop, buy groceries, or eat street food. Here you will find typical Roman dishes: tripe, coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), meatballs with sauce, coratella con i carciofi (offal with artichokes), tarts, homemade bread, and many other products.
Rome has some really interesting movie theaters. Choose the movie you like best and enjoy two hours of relaxation in good company or on your own.