Weekend in Rome or weekday?
 

I know some places in this world are busy all the time but do you think that it's better to visit Rome on the weekends or weekdays? Is it busier during the week than on the weekends? Thanks!

Given the choice I'd go on a weekend. The last time I was there several years ago, all traffic around the colisseum and Roman forum along Via dei Fori Imperiali was halted all day Sunday for pedestrians only. Very nice break from the smog-sputtering and noisy Fiats and Vespas. Also on Sunday, I went to the High Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and saw the pope from his apartment window give the weekly blessing. And at the Villa Borghese, locals were everywhere picknicking. As for Saturday, the traffic was heavy, but the buses and subways did not seem quite as busy compared to weekdays.

It might depend on what you planned to do in Rome. Certainly it is more difficult to visit churches as a tourist on Sundays and some shops are closed. But platzman does point out major advantages.

I think a weekday is better. To the best of my knowledge, the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays (which of course includes the Sistene Chapel), except the last Sunday of the month when they are free and mobbed. The Pantheon closes for the day after the last mass on Sundays, which is around 11 am as I recall, and you would be hard pressed to see it on Sunday morning during the masses. It may be hard to visit other churches as well. Some shops are closed, but not all, suprisingly. We found the Jewish quarter totally closed on Sunday as well.

Returned from a trip to Rome in mid February. One of the highlights was visiting The Pantheon on a Sunday. Although a mass was being held at the time, about 11.00am I think, visitors are still allowed to enter. Only a small area is cordoned off. There were only 20 to 30 locals at the service but hearing the organ and the singing really added to the experience. I believe its open until 2.00pm on Sundays.

The only drawback to the weekend is trying to find a restaurant open on Saturday night during winter.