March in Rome is pure magic. As winter fades and spring begins to bloom (yes, we have the first flowers on the trees!), the Eternal City comes alive. Whether you’re wandering through the ancient ruins to see historic reenactments, sipping espresso between throwing handfuls of confetti in the piazza, or catching a once-year-opening of a secret monastery, March is one of the best times to experience Rome like a true insider.
From legendary historical events (hello, Ides of March!) to world-class art exhibitions and wine festivals that will have you saying “un altro, per favore,” there’s no shortage of incredible things to do. And let’s not forget – March also brings some of the best weather for sightseeing before the summer crowds take over. (Here’s a full guide to when to visit Rome, by month, if you are coming another time).
If you read this blog, you know that I love finding the city’s best-kept secrets, which is why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to 20 incredible things to do in Rome in March 2025. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this list is packed with must-see events, hidden gems, and local experiences that will make your Roman holiday unforgettable. Ready? Andiamo!
- March 2: Roma-Ostia Half Marathon – Italy’s most popular half marathon, starting in Rome’s EUR district and finishing by the sea in Ostia.
- 2 March: Free Museums for the first Sunday of the Month – Domenica al Museo is alive and well. While it is not usually worth the long lines at the Colosseum, you can see a full list of free entrances here.
- Until March 4: Carnivale Celebrations – You are likely to see little kids walking around the city dressed up like their favorite characters (with some adults joining in as well). While it is not as big as Venice, Rome has plenty of neighborhood Carnivale festivities with small parades, masks, and confetti, in local piazzas. Be sure to indulge in sweets like castagnole and frappe before they disappear from shops.
- March 8: International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) – A day celebrating women’s achievements. This is a major night for dinner dates (think like Valentine’s Day) and the traditional giving of mimosa flowers. You can find sellers all over the city to pick up a little bunch of the yellow blooms.
- March 9: Feast of Santa Francesca Romana – Celebration of the patron saint of drivers, with special events at the Church of Santa Francesca Romana. This is also the only day of the year when you can visit the Monastero delle Oblate near Teatro Marcello.
- 9-10 March: Vini Selvaggi – A natural wine festival in the increasingly hip San Paolo district. You can find 120 wine makers from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Austria, Albania, Slovakia, as well as food trucks. Tastings run from 11 am – 8 pm.
- March 15: Six Nations Rugby: Italy vs. Ireland – Experience the thrill of international rugby as Italy takes on Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico. If you can’t get tickets (they are sold out), you can take in the atmosphere at the Best Irish Pubs in Rome. (Trust me, my Irish husband wrote the list).
- March 15: Ides of March – Commemoration of Julius Caesar’s assassination, with historical reenactments and events at the Roman Forum and Largo Argentina. You can visit Caesar’s grave in the Forum any day.
- March 16: Rome Marathon (Maratona di Roma) – Annual marathon passing by Rome’s historic landmarks, attracting runners worldwide. Be prepared for lots of street closures and diversions. It is a good day to travel by metro or on foot.
- March 19: Father’s Day (Festa di San Giuseppe) – Italy always celebrates Father’s Day on March 19th, regardless of the day of the week. This is the time to honor papa and enjoy traditional pastries like bignè di San Giuseppe.
- March 22: St. Patrick’s Ball – One night only, enjoy a five-course dinner, all-inclusive drinks, live music and dancing hosted by the Irish Club of Rome. For more information, email [email protected]
Art Exhibits in Rome
- February 11 – June 2: Munch: The Inner Scream Exhibition – A major exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of Edvard Munch’s death, featuring 100 paintings, drawings, and prints at Palazzo Bonaparte.
- 14 February – 14 September: Flowers. Art from the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence. Over 90 artworks and two sensory experiences (that even kids will love), the exhibit at Chiostro Bramante celebrates the naturally fragile and symbolically powerful theme of flowers.
- 27 February – 29 June: Picasso Lo Straniero – More than 100 works by Picasso, alongside photos, letters, and documents on display at Palazzo Cipolla.
- 7 March – 6 July: Caravaggio 2025 – A exhibit of the master of light’s major themes, both the sacred and the profane. The exhibit at Palazzo Barberini includes rarely seen works from a private collection as well as loans from national collections across Europe.
What a Great Great calendar for the month of March. Keep up the good work.
What a Great Great calendar for the month of March. Keep up the great work.