Table Of Contents
- Visit the Vatican Museums
- Exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Discover the Spada Gallery.
- See Rome’s Municipal Museums.
- Admire the most beautiful basilicas in the Eternal City.
- Spend the morning at the Biopark
- Take a tour of an art gallery: Borghese or GNAM
- Take a romantic walk among the historic piazzas
- Wellness morning at a spa or gym
- Going to your dream restaurant or club
- Experience the immersive Titanic experience.
- Participate in a cooking class with pizza and tiramisu
Those who think Rome is hibernating on Mondays have never experienced the city on the most snubbed day of the week. True, many places are closed, but that is precisely why you can discover a different Rome: no crowds, no stress, and plenty of activities that the weekend makes impossible.
And then, let’s face it, Monday is also the perfect day to see a museum without standing in line, find a free table in the hottest restaurants, or enjoy an evening stroll among the wonders of downtown.
Here are 12 brilliant ideas on what to do on Monday in Rome, including art, relaxation and good food.
Visit the Vatican Museums
Yes, the Vatican Museums are open on Mondays and are one of the most fascinating destinations to visit even on a weekday. With Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the Gallery of Maps, it’s a place that never gets tired. Book online to avoid the line. The nearest metro stop is Ottaviano (Line A). There are also cafes and ice cream parlors nearby where you can take a break between rooms.
Website: https://www.museivaticani.va/
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Colosseum Archaeological Park is open on Mondays and is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of it without the weekend crowds. The €18 ticket allows, for 24 hours, access to the Colosseum (75 minutes), Roman Forum and Palatine. Any current exhibitions and events are also included. A tip: check the official website for special initiatives. The most convenient metro stop is Colosseum (Line B) and there are several paid parking lots nearby.
Website: https://colosseo.it/Hours:
- March 30 to September 30: 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m.
- October 1 to 25: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- October 26 to December 31: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Discover the Spada Gallery.
A little hidden gem in the heart of Rome, the Spada Gallery is perfect for those looking for museums open on Mondays in Rome. It is located near Campo de’ Fiori and houses masterpieces by Guido Reni, Titian and Artemisia Gentileschi. But the real twist? Borromini’s illusory perspective in the courtyard, which is worth the ticket price alone. Uncrowded, central and easily reached by bus from Largo Argentina or streetcar 8.
Website: https://galleriaspada.cultura.gov.it/
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
See Rome’s Municipal Museums.
Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis, and Mercati di Traiano: Many municipal museums are also open on Mondays and offer stable collections and level-headed temporary exhibitions. At the Capitoline Museums you can find the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius; at the Ara Pacis you can breathe in the Rome of Augustus; while the Markets of Trajan, near Via dei Fori Imperiali, offer an immersion in the commercial life of ancient Rome. All easily reached on foot from the center, or by metro B stop Colosseo/Cavour.
Website: https://www.museiincomuneroma.it/
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (always consult the individual museum’s website to arrange your visit).
Admire the most beautiful basilicas in the Eternal City.
Those looking for what to do on a Monday in Rome can focus on visiting the great basilicas: St. Peter’s (in the Vatican), St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls are always open and free. Even if you’re a Roman DOC, chances are you don’t really know them all or it’s been a long time since you’ve been back: what better occasion than a calm Monday? Each of these Roman basilicas has unique features: mosaics, relics, impressive architecture. St. Peter’s can be reached from Ottaviano (Metro A); St. John’s from San Giovanni (Metro A and C). Take advantage of this and start the week off right!
Spend the morning at the Biopark
If you want to start the week with something different, the Bioparco in Rome is a fun and surprising choice, especially if you love animals. Located in Villa Borghese, it is home to more than 200 species and has large green areas to relax. Also perfect for a slow walk and reconnect with nature. The online ticket costs €14.50 if you purchase it 60 days in advance, otherwise €18.
Bioparco di Roma can be reached by streetcar 19 or bus from Piazzale Flaminio. There is also paid parking nearby.
Website: https://www.bioparco.it/
Hours:
- January 1 to March 29: 09.30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- March 30 to October 25 09.30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- October 26 to December 31 09.30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a tour of an art gallery: Borghese or GNAM
The Borghese Gallery, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini and Canova, is one of Italy’s finest art collections. Open Mondays, but reservations are required. If you prefer something more contemporary, go to the National Gallery of Modern Art (GNAM). Check their website for upcoming exhibitions and book your ticket online to save time.
A full ticket to both art galleries costs 15€.
Web site: https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/ and https://gnamc.cultura.gov.it/
Take a romantic walk among the historic piazzas
Monday evenings in Rome are perfect for strolling among its iconic piazzas without the chaos of the weekend. From Piazza Navona to the Spanish Steps, via Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo and the Trevi Fountain, the historic center takes on a relaxed and charming atmosphere. You can start at the Spanish Steps (Metro A) and walk to the Pantheon. Great idea for a date or to enjoy the city on your own.
Wellness morning at a spa or gym
Mondays are the perfect time to recharge your energy in a relaxing place, such as a spa, pool, spa or gym. Without the weekend crowds, you can indulge in a massage or sauna in total relaxation. Recommended: QC Terme Roma (near EUR, Metro B – Eur Magliana) or Acquaniene in Parioli for those looking for an elegant pool. Many sports centers also offer day passes. Parking is usually available in the area or you can get there by public transportation.
Going to your dream restaurant or club
On Mondays many restaurants are open but much less crowded, and it’s the perfect day to try them without making reservations weeks in advance. For lunch, go to Marea Hostaria in the Prati area (Metro A – Lepanto) for a creative seafood menu: try the paccheri all’amatriciana di spada or the vitello tonnato di tonno. For dinner, discover Hasekura in the Monti district, a Japanese restaurant awarded three sticks by Gambero Rosso (Metro B – Cavour). And if you’re in the mood for a good time, Tyler Ponte Milvio has Monday karaoke night, with great burgers, bao, and amazing cocktails.
Experience the immersive Titanic experience.
If you’re on the hunt for a truly original idea for your Monday in Rome, set sail on a journey through time with “Titanic: A Journey Through Time,” the new virtual reality experience hosted at Forte Trionfale (Via Trionfale, Monte Mario area). Thanks to a VR visor, you will find yourself on board the British liner, from its departure to its last dramatic moments. You will be able to explore cabins, dining rooms and even the ocean floor at 4,000 meters deep where the wreck rests.
Participate in a cooking class with pizza and tiramisu
Monday afternoons can turn into a real Italian feast thanks to this cooking class. At Third Party Passes Rome, in the heart of the city, you can learn how to make a pizza from scratch and create an authentic tiramisu with the help of experienced chefs. It all ends with a convivial dinner where you eat your own creations, accompanied by a good glass of wine. A perfect activity to do as a couple, with friends or alone to meet new people. The course lasts about 2 1/2 hours, starts in the afternoon and also takes place on Monday evenings in Rome!
Try one (or more) of these plans and you will see that Mondays in Rome can become your favorite day.