When it rains in Rome, which part of the city should I go visit to avoid rain? I have 4 days there, but found out that 2 out of 4 days would be raining in Rome....I have planned to use the sunny days to walk around in the spanish step and trevi fountain area, plus do a lil shopping there, and also use the other sunny day to walk around in the historic area. For the other 2 rainy days....should I go to vatican city and where else? <BR> <BR>thx for any suggestions! This will be my first time in italy btw.

Ralph: <BR> <BR>I in Rome last November when the skys opened and it rained, on my last day, from 6 am to 10 pm - a complete deluge. <BR>What I discovered was that I could explore all the outdoor sites with no fear of encountering any other tourists! I even had lunch outside , under an awning. <BR> <BR>If it rains. everyone will escape indoors - all the museums will be full. My recommendaton is to buy a good pair of shoes, a stout umberella and enjoy the outdoor sites. <BR> <BR>Regards

During our five days in Rome in November 1999, it rained all but parts of two afternoons. However, it never once stopped us from taking in the sites, outdoors and indoors....and we saw them all. Don't let a little (or a lot) of rain stop. <BR>Even our half-day stroll through Pompeii was in the rain, and we still consider one of the high points of any trip anywhere!

My vote would be to go to the Pantheon and watch the rain come down through the oculus.

My husband and I were in Rome in December and it rained almost everyday, sometimes misting, sometimes pouring. The one day we knew it would pour, we went to the Vatican/Sistine Chapel. Although it was packed, it was still do-able, and had we gone first thing, it would have been less crowded. You do need hours (the day perhaps)to see it all at a leisurely pace. We didn't really find the rain a problem. The city is so beautiful. Save the non-rain days for the Forum, Coliseum, etc. You can (we did) shop in rain, stop for cafes, a nice long lunch, etc. That is part of the Rome experience. Bring a good umbrella and good walking shoes, the coblestones are rough after a while. There are some beautiful churches as you walk around--go in and look around. The DK Eyewitness Guide was nice for the sites. Enjoy!