Kim and I love Sundays in Rome. Most Romans are off work, families are out enjoying the city, and the whole day has a slower, relaxed feel. A few of our favorite experiences can only happen on a Sunday, and there is one popular activity I would skip that day. Here is what we recommend.
[EMBED YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4OevzHSkZk]
What to Know Before a Sunday in Rome
A few practical things will make your Sunday smoother.
Some restaurants close. Not most, but some, and often the small family run trattorias and little pizzerias. Honestly, some of the best places to eat in Rome are closed on Sunday. Don't worry, there are still plenty of great options.
Grocery stores keep shorter hours. From what we have seen, many open in the morning but not in the afternoon. You can still find something open, it is just less common.
Restaurants get busy. Sunday is a popular day to eat out for Romans and visitors alike. Have lunch a little earlier than normal or after the rush, and do the same with dinner.
1. Hunt for Bargains at Porta Portese Market
If you enjoy a good bargain, head to Porta Portese. Towns all over Italy have weekly markets, and in Rome the big one is on Sunday. It is Italy's largest open market, with over 700 vendors selling everything from antiques to ties, shirts and jackets.
It runs every Sunday from early in the morning until around 14:00, so go early.
2. Attend Sunday Mass Inside the Pantheon
Did you know there is Mass inside the Pantheon every Sunday? In my opinion it is Rome's most unique and coolest building, and Mass is held there at 10:30.
Entry is free for those attending Mass. Plan to arrive about an hour early to get a seat. One note: in the video I mention a €5 ticket for regular visits. Since July 1, 2026, the official full price ticket is €7, and ticket sales for regular visits stop one hour before Mass, so the Mass is for those who come to worship rather than for sightseeing.
3. Spend the Afternoon in the Jewish Ghetto
You can visit the Jewish Ghetto any day, but I recommend avoiding Saturday, when most restaurants and shops are closed for the Sabbath. On Sunday the neighborhood comes alive.
It can be a bit crowded, but it is a different kind of crowd. Fewer tour groups, more Romans enjoying lunch, dinner and the afternoon together. You will find ancient ruins, interesting shops, and the lovely Turtle Fountain, the Fontana delle Tartarughe.
4. Free Sundays: Museums and Ancient Sites
First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sunday of every month, many of Rome's sites are free. That includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Trajan's Market, and even sites outside the center like Ostia Antica and, in Tivoli, Villa d'Este. The Pantheon is free on the first Sunday too.
Expect big crowds and lines at the most famous sites, though several others usually have short waits. It is a great day to see as many places as you can. At the Colosseum, free tickets are collected on site in order of arrival, and the arena and underground areas are not open on free days.
Last Sunday of the Month: Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month, and it is very crowded. You are going to stand in line either way, so get there very early. Getting inside before it fills up makes the visit far more enjoyable. Official hours on free Sundays are 9:00 to 14:00, with last entry at 12:30, and there is no online booking. The free day is skipped when the last Sunday falls on certain holidays, so check the official calendar.
5. Walk Through Parco degli Acquedotti
This is one of my favorite things to do in Rome, and a Sunday evening is perfect for it. Walking beneath the ancient aqueducts is an unforgettable experience, and a nice spot for a picnic and photos.
How to Get There
It is a little off the beaten path, but easy to reach.
- Take Metro Line A toward Anagnina.
- Get off at Subaugusta.
- Walk about 7 to 10 minutes into the park.
Follow the path through the park for about 2 to 3 miles, roughly 4 to 5 kilometers, and you will come out near the Porta Furba station, where you can hop back on the metro to the city center.
One Thing to Skip on Sunday: Biking the Via Appia Antica
Walking the Via Appia Antica on a Sunday can be lovely, and lots of Romans head out there. Biking is a different story. It gets chaotic and crowded, and bike rental shops often run out. There are six other days of the week to ride it. On Sunday, head to Aqueduct Park instead.
FAQ
Are shops and restaurants open in Rome on Sunday? Many are, but some smaller family run restaurants close, and many grocery stores keep shorter hours, often mornings only.
What time is Sunday Mass at the Pantheon? 10:30. Entry is free for those attending Mass. Arrive about an hour early for a seat.
When is the Porta Portese market open? Every Sunday, from early morning until around 14:00.
Which Sunday is free at the Vatican Museums? The last Sunday of the month, 9:00 to 14:00, last entry 12:30, except when it falls on certain holidays.
Is the Colosseum free on Sunday? On the first Sunday of every month, yes. Expect crowds.
More Help for Your Time in Rome
Looking for more ideas? See our list of free things to do in Rome, our 27 Rome tips, advice and warnings, and our guide to Rome without the stress. If you prefer a guided visit, here are our recommended Rome tours.
The Rome Travel Guida is what Kim and I put together to help you make the most of Rome while you're there. It includes a video guide, interactive maps with our favorite hotels, gelato, panini and more, and a helpful PDF. Watch only what you need.
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