If you're planning a trip to Rome, you're probably envisioning idling around picturesque streets, sipping coffee at a streetside cafe, taking in the Colosseum and other ancient ruins, and indulging in Italian cuisine and wine.

And while you can do all of these things any time of the year, consider spring and fall as optimal times to travel. Visit in April and enjoy sunny weather, fervent Easter celebrations, azaleas on the Spanish Steps and Rome's birthday festivities. Wait until autumn, and you'll still experience warm weather, plenty of cultural action at Romaeuropa and, with schools back in session, fewer tourists are around.