Rome in November?

[foodfiend]

My friends are taking a long-awaited vacation to Italy in November. They plan to stay in Rome, mainly. Does anyone have any special tips? I hear November isn't the best time for trips to Rome (cold, damp), but unfortunately that's their only option. Any food tips would be esp. appreciated.
Thanks.

[GingerPow]

November might actually be a lovely time to visit Rome. We were there in November a few years ago, and the weather was beautiful. Chilly at night, nice during the day. Here are a few pix:
POMPEII:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w127/PerfectLinus/Pompeiimedium.gif
SPANISH STEPS:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w127/PerfectLinus/SpanishStepssmall.gif
CASTLE DE SAN ANGELO:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w127/PerfectLinus/CastledeSanAngelo.jpg

Your friends will have a wonderful time. Rome is extraordinary. Here is a fantastic place to ask questions - I learned alot here before our trip: Slow Travel Talk (http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/862600685)

[foodfiend]

Those pictures are beautiful! Thanks for the recommend.

[GingerPow]

I just remembered something funny. When we were there, I had layers of clothing that I could add or subtract according to the temperature changes throughout the day.

The people in Rome dressed as if they were in Antarctica. I was wearing a light turtleneck with a vest and carrying my jacket, and I'd see people wearing puffy Michelin Man down coats with scarves wrapped up to their eyeballs. I don't know if they were actually cold or wearing that because the calendar said it was November.

Oh, that reminds me. Tell your friends to bring a scarf or two. I had two, and they were great to use as a wrap in the restaurant in the evening, or to keep my neck warm when I didn't really need the entire jacket, also added warmth for those very chilly nights when I needed every layer I had! Very handy accessory when traveling.

Also, the outdoor markets usually have vendors selling the pashmina-type scarves for a very low price. Of course, with the current dollar/euro rate, I don't know if ANYTHING can be considered cheap in Europe right now - so this is relatively speaking.

How wonderful for your friends to be going to Rome. You should go too! :D

[foodfiend]

How wonderful for your friends to be going to Rome. You should go too! :D

Actually I suggested that. My friend thought I had a great sense of humour:rolleyes:

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm living vicariously because I haven't been to Europe in almost 20 years. I own the DVD of Roman Holiday and watch it every so often for inspiration.

[misskitty100]

I have been to Rome twice during the end of November (usually around Thanksgiving). The first time it rained but we had coats and umbrellas and were just fine. The second time the weather was cool but sunny the entire time.

They definitely won't need shorts & tank tops but they won't need to dress for Antartica either. I believe the temps were between 50 - 60 degrees during the days.

As for food in Rome - tell them to go to campo di fiori for the famer's market, Della Palma Gelateria is close to the Pantheon and has the best gelato and Tazza D'Oro (http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/) is close to the Pantheon too and has the best cappuccinos!! They MUST go to Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona for the Chocolate Tartufo!!!

Lastly, depending on the time of day they arrive in Rome you might want to let them know that restaurants do not open for dinner until 8PM at the earliest. I remember our flights always seemed to arrive around 1PM and by the time we got to our hotel we were always starving and it would only be 3PM or 4PM and there was no way we could wait to eat for several more hours. There are some cafeterias that stay open between lunch and dinner and actually have okay food.

[Rhi-Anon]

I am interested in this thread because DD and I "may" be going to Rome in late October. Thanks to all who've replied so far!

[foodfiend]

[QUOTE=misskitty100;1356468]

As for food in Rome - tell them to go to campo di fiori for the famer's market, Della Palma Gelateria is close to the Pantheon and has the best gelato and Tazza D'Oro (http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/) is close to the Pantheon too and has the best cappuccinos!! They MUST go to Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona for the Chocolate Tartufo!!!

[QUOTE]
I'm so incredibly jealous! I HAVE to go to Italy someday.