Spring is my second favorite season in Rome.
Not because the monuments are more beautiful—they’re always beautiful—but because the city changes rhythm.
Windows stay open.
People linger longer in cafés.
Gardens burst into bloom.
The first outdoor dinners appear.
Rome begins living outside again.
If you’re looking for things to do in Rome in spring beyond the usual landmarks, these are some of the seasonal rituals I would share with a friend.
Not attractions.
Experiences.
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
Spring in Rome smells of roses.
Visit the city’s Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale), overlooking the Circus Maximus, or spend an afternoon at Floracult, one of Rome’s most beloved gardening festivals.
They’re two very different experiences, but both celebrate one of the city’s quietest pleasures: slowing down among flowers.
EXPERIENCE ROME’S HANAMI
Japan isn’t the only place that celebrates cherry blossoms.
Every spring, the cherry trees around EUR’s Laghetto transform part of Rome into a small Italian hanami.
Bring a book.
Sit on the grass.
Watch how Romans enjoy one of the shortest seasons of the year.
EAT FAVA BEANS AND PECORINO ON MAY 1st
This is one of those traditions tourists rarely discover.
On May 1st, Romans head to the countryside—or simply gather with friends—to eat fresh fava beans with pecorino romano.
It’s an ancient rural custom that still marks the arrival of spring.
Simple.
Seasonal.
Very Roman.
WALK THROUGH A HISTORIC VILLA
Rome isn’t only piazzas.
Choose one historic villa—Villa Borghese, Villa Ada or Villa Pamphilj—and spend a slow afternoon wandering without a destination.
In spring, these parks become the city’s living rooms.
LOOK UP
One of the easiest ways to change your experience of Rome is surprisingly simple.
Raise your eyes.
Balconies overflowing with flowers.
Liberty façades.
Unexpected Madonnas tucked into street corners.
The city reveals itself vertically.
REDISCOVER STRAWBERRIES
Spring is strawberry season.
In traditional Roman restaurants, strawberries have long been one of the simplest ways to end a meal.
Sometimes plain.
Sometimes with lemon.
Sometimes with a little sugar.
Sometimes with wine.
A reminder that seasonality is still one of Italy’s greatest luxuries.
EAT SPAGHETTI ALLE VONGOLE BY THE SEA
One of my favorite spring escapes is leaving Rome for the coast.
Order a plate of spaghetti alle vongole.
Listen to the waves.
Then surrender to an afternoon pisolino on the warm sand.
That’s spring, Roman style.
COOK ITALIAN BEFORE YOU EAT ITALIAN
Understanding a dish changes the way you taste it.
Before your trip—or after you’ve fallen in love with the city—learn the stories behind Roman recipes, seasonal traditions and everyday rituals.
They’ll change the way you see Rome.
Continue the journey
The Rome Simposio isn’t a traditional guidebook.
It’s an invitation to experience Rome through its food, seasonal rituals, hidden corners and everyday beauty.
Because visiting Rome is wonderful.
Learning to read it is even better.
Discover Rome’s Simposio.