So, you’re headed to Rome, the city of timeless beauty, crazy delicious food, and well…sweat-drenching heat in the summer. But hey, no worries! We’ve got your back with some insider tips on how to keep your cool when Rome turns up the heat.
The Roman sun can make you thirsty as a camel. Lucky for you, Rome is dotted with ‘nasoni’ – public water fountains spouting ice-cold water. Fill up your water bottle at these fountains whenever you can. Staying hydrated is the key to enjoying the Roman summer without wilting.
2. Dress like a Roman
Forget your tight, dark-colored threads. Instead, think breezy, light, and comfy. Pick cotton or linen clothing, which lets your skin breathe and keep sweat at bay. And remember, a cool hat and snazzy shades are not just fashion statements; they’re your shield against the scorching sun.
3. Dodge the midday sun
Romans have a nifty trick: they simply avoid the sun when it’s at its meanest, typically between 12 PM and 3 PM. You should, too. It’s the best time for a lazy lunch, museum hop, or maybe a sneaky siesta.
4. Chill in the shade
Rome has plenty of parks and public spaces where you can escape the sun. Check out Villa Borghese or Villa Doria Pamphili, and chill under the trees. You can also duck into one of Rome’s gazillion churches – they’re cool in more ways than one.
5. Treat yo self
No Roman summer survival guide is complete without mentioning ‘gelato’ and ‘granita’. Tucking into these frosty goodies is a delicious way to cool down. Pro tip: the best gelato is usually hidden in lidded metal containers, not heaped in fancy colorful mounds.
6. Get your evening groove on
As the sun dips and the mercury drops, Rome really starts to buzz. Now’s the time to join locals for ‘la passeggiata’ – an evening stroll that’s basically a national pastime. Also, dinner here doesn’t kick off until 8 PM, at least. Eating late means you dodge the daytime heat, and hey, you’re in Italy – eating should be on your to-do list.
7. Ride Cool
Roman public transportation is your air-conditioned haven. Buses, trams, the metro – all of them give you a break from the heat. But remember, during peak hours, they can be as packed as a can of sardines. If that’s not your thing, there’s always the option of taxis or hired cars.
8. Take a break at the beach
When all else fails, and Rome’s heat is cranking up, head to the beach! Ostia is a quick train ride away and offers the perfect cool-down spot – the Tyrrhenian Sea.
There you have it! The key to enjoying Rome in the summer is rolling with it and adapting to the city’s pace. As Romans say, “La Dolce Vita” isn’t just about soaking in the good life, but also living wisely. So grab your water bottle, your hat, swimshorts or bikini and your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience Rome like a true local.
