"Visit Rome in the Off-Season" a Rome Travel Page by Mmasarech

I wasn't sure that staying in Trastevere ("Old Rome") would be a good idea. It was the best decision we could have made for our family of four traveling with a good friend. The girls (12 and 14) loved the narrow, cobble-stoned streets and neighborhood feel. We walked to all the major sites w/o any problem. Our B&B and meals were affordable. It felt "real." Our B&B was very convenient, just steps away from the bridge that cuts through Isola Tiberina over to the Ghetto.

Okay, so it was a bit chilly at times... but mostly it was excellent walking weather. We encountered very few lines. We were able to show up at Gallerie Borghese at 4pm to get in at 5pm w/o a reservation. The climb up to the dome of St. Peter's Basillica was easy w/o crowds. No line to get in the Vatican. Rates for lodging are a fraction of what they are in the summer. People still sit outside at cafes when it's 40 degrees (F).