There’s no season more evocative in the Eternal City than spring. As the chill of winter lifts, Rome reveals itself anew, wisteria spills over ancient walls, café terraces buzz gently with laughter, and golden afternoons stretch longer with each passing day.
The city awakens in bloom, inviting you to slow down and savor la dolce vita at its most radiant.
Seasonal Flavors – What to Eat?
As markets fill with new produce and menus shift to lighter, fresher plates, spring in Rome is a time to taste rebirth itself. Here are a few culinary notes of the season:
Carciofi alla Romana: This tender spring artichoke, braised with mint, garlic, and olive oil, is a Roman delicacy not to be missed. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s best enjoyed in a quiet trattoria in the Jewish Ghetto—or right here at our restaurant Da Mariolino, steps from the Spanish Steps.
Vignarola: A celebration of the Roman countryside, Vignarola is a warm vegetable stew made with fresh fava beans, peas, artichokes, and a hint of guanciale. Earthy, green, and deeply comforting, it’s only available for a few fleeting weeks each spring.
Pacchero Gambero e Carciofo: This signature spring pasta dish at Da Mariolino pairs paccheri with fresh prawns and seasonal artichokes, creating a delicate balance of sea and earth. A light yet flavorful choice, perfect with a glass of chilled white wine on a sunny afternoon.
Fragole di Nemi: These tiny wild strawberries, harvested from the volcanic hills outside Rome, are a sweet, fragrant treat served with gelato or cream. Find them at local markets, or ask for a dessert featuring them at Emme— our hidden-garden restaurant on Via Margutta.
Il Filetto di Manzo con Spinaci Freschi: At Emme, our spring menu features a perfectly seared beef tenderloin, served with fresh sautéed spinach and a light jus. A refined dish for evenings when you crave something elegant, yet deeply satisfying. Reserve ahead for an al fresco table in our private garden.
Cultural Awakening – What to Do?
With balmy days and blooming gardens, spring is a dreamlike time to explore Rome. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth visit, these experiences bring the city to life:
Villa Borghese in Bloom: Just steps away from our hotels, Villa Borghese transforms into a painter’s palette in spring. Stroll through the gardens, rent a rowboat on the little lake, or book a morning slot at the Galleria Borghese to admire masterpieces before retreating under the pines for a picnic.
Festa di Primavera (April): Every spring, the Spanish Steps are transformed into a cascade of color as over 3,000 azalea plants are arranged across the staircase in celebration of the Festa di Primavera. It's one of the most photographed scenes in Rome this time of year—and just around the corner from your suite.
Rome’s Birthday – Natale di Roma (April 21): Founded (legend has it) on April 21st, 753 BC, Rome celebrates its legendary birth with historical reenactments, gladiator parades, and toga-clad Romans marching through the streets. The festivities begin at Circo Massimo and wind through the Colosseum and Imperial Forums—history brought to life.
Festa della Liberazione (April 25): Italy’s Liberation Day honors the end of WWII with parades, concerts, and commemorative events across the city. From the Altare della Patria to smaller piazzas, you'll find music, Italian flags, and a deep sense of national pride.
Wisteria Walks and Secret Gardens: From Via Margutta to Aventine Hill, the city is laced with purple wisteria and cascading bougainvillea in spring. For a hidden treasure, visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for sweeping views of the Tiber and a moment of quiet reflection.
Open-Air Opera at the Baths of Caracalla (from late May): As spring leans toward summer, the open-air opera season begins. There are few experiences more majestic than watching Puccini or Verdi under the stars, surrounded by ancient Roman ruins. A truly unforgettable Roman night.
Italian Open – Internazionali BNL d’Italia (May 7–18, 2025): For tennis enthusiasts, the Italian Open is a highlight of the spring season. Held at the historic Foro Italico and around Piazza del Popolo, this prestigious tournament attracts the world's top players to compete on Rome's iconic clay courts. Matches are scheduled throughout the day and evening, offering a thrilling sporting experience amidst the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Open House Roma (May 24–June 1, 2025): Architecture and design aficionados will delight in Open House Roma, an annual event granting free access to hundreds of the city's most remarkable buildings, many of which are typically closed to the public. From ancient sites to contemporary masterpieces, this nine-day festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome's architectural heritage.
Notte dei Musei – Night of Museums (Date to be announced): Experience Rome's museums and cultural sites in a new light during the Notte dei Musei. For one night, museums across the city open their doors after dark, offering special exhibitions, live music, and a unique nocturnal ambiance. It's an enchanting way to engage with Rome's rich history and art.
Spring Aperitivo: There’s something about sipping a Negroni or a glass of Franciacorta as the sky turns golden that defines spring in Rome. For a local favorite, enjoy aperitivo on our rooftop at Babuino 181, with views over the roofs of Rome.
Let spring be your invitation to explore Rome through fresh eyes—with joy, with elegance, and with a sense of timeless wonder. The Eternal City, once again, is in bloom.
