I was reading an old trip report on another site and the poster wrote something to the effect that it is illegal to drink outside a cafe on Sundays in Rome. Is this true? I'll be arriving in Rome on a Sunday and have been dreaming of a glass of wine outside as I watch the people and sites. Also, will it be difficult to find a place to eat dinner on a sunday? I get tthe impression many places are closed.

topping

This is an interesting question. Although I've been to Italy once or twice a year for the last 30 plus years, it has been a while since I've been in Rome on a Sunday. And the last few times I have been were in the winter. I'll be there on Easter Sunday so if the weather is nice, I'll try to have some wine at an outside cafe and see what happens. As to what is open, yes, there are many restaurants closed on Sunday but still many more that are open. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a place to eat in any price range.

You can drink at any cafe, bar, restaurant, trattoria in Sunday...Drinking in Europe is not considered a SIN like in the good USA..Enjoy

Yes, Quark, you'll get your wish to be able to sit in an outdoor cafe, sipping your wine and watching the passing scene. It's allowed....and it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Italy!

It happened only once, when the british national soccer team was playing against Italy in Rome. Due to the bad reputations of the brits hooligans supporters, and their habit to get completely drunk and violent, the drinks were forbidden on that special day. Otherwise, drinks on Sunday, and any other day, are absolutly legals.