In April, Rome is beautifully unpredictable. The sky is soft and golden for a minute, and the sun shines on old roofs. Then, there is a gentle spring rain and the fragrance of wet stone in the air. This moment feels wonderfully chaotic, reminiscent of a movie.
Because of the uncertainty, one thing is essential: packing smart. Rome is not a place for strict schedules or tight jeans. You need clothes that breathe, shoes that can withstand cobblestones, and clothes that can keep up with you from your morning coffee to your evening walk.
We planned our outfits around a few crucial things from adidas for our trip, and it really made a difference.
Starting out slowly with breakfast at Le Jardin
We got to Rome late the night before, fatigued yet excited. We started our first true morning gently, just like we prefer it. We had breakfast at Le Jardin de Russie, a lush sanctuary behind the Hotel de Russie. Terracotta pots, growing ivy, birdsong, and perfect cappuccinos make this location one of those places that immediately slows your heart rate.
I wore one of my favorite tracksuits, which is a warm, neutral pair that feels as comfortable as loungewear yet looks elegant enough to go into a 5-star lobby. I put it on over a short tank top since I knew the April light would warm things up quickly. What do I like best? It came out of the luggage with no wrinkles at all, which felt like a tiny win for my trip.
My husband wore his favorite adidas mens tracksuit, which he bought last season and wore almost the whole vacation. It looks crisp, lets air flow through it, and is great for a whole day of sightseeing. We did not simply feel clothed; we felt ready for everything the day could bring.
Villa Borghese: Nature, Art, and Lots of Walking
We went to Villa Borghese after breakfast. If you have never been there, think of a blend of Roman grandeur with the laid-back vibe of a picnic in the park. Behind the fountains, you can see classical statues. Artists do sketches in the shade of trees. People in the area jog. Couples giggle while eating gelato.
We thought it would be “fun and easy” to rent a pedal cycle cart. It was not. We lasted approximately 20 minutes before we gave up and went for a walk in the shaded pathways. And to be honest? It was preferable to walk.
That’s when I realized how happy I was to be wearing my ladies black trainers. They are sleek and simple, with no heavy soles or showy logos. They went nicely with my lightweight linen pants and a loose-fitting button-down. The best part was that they felt great even after walking for hours.
For this part of the day, my husband put on his walking boots. There are several steep, rocky hills in Villa Borghese, notably near the Pincio Terrace, which looks out over Piazza del Popolo. He felt stable and supported in those boots, and they looked appealing in a fashionable environment.
The Double Tiramisu Problem
Around mid-afternoon, Rome gave us the subtle tiredness that says, “You’ve earned a break.” We walked around near Piazza Navona and spotted a small café hidden behind a bookshop.
We sat down and ordered espresso and tiramisu. The waiter did ask us if we wanted traditional or pistachio, though. Of course, we choose both. One slice apiece transformed into shared spoons, swapped smiles, and that tiny moment of indulgence that will stay with us longer than any museum ticket.
You cannot plan to sit on the steps of a café and observe people while eating creamy treats. But you can get ready for it. Trust me, cobblestone steps and weary legs are not enjoyable without proper shoes.
That golden light and evening walks
At dusk, Rome seems soft, like a movie, and golden. We left the hotel again after a short change. This time, we went to the Tiber River and Gianicolo Hill, which is one of our favorite lesser-known places to get a wonderful view.
I changed into my adidas hiking boots, which are lighter than regular boots but yet give me stability on rough ground. I wore them with black joggers that flowed and a light sweater. I felt ready to walk into the night.
The vista from the ascent was one of the nicest we have ever seen. The tops of the buildings sparkled. The bells of the church rang out. A violin played somewhere below. And once again, we were glad that our hurting feet did not stop us from enjoying the enchantment.
What to Bring to Rome in April: Smart Packing
Our honest recommendation for organizing a trip to Rome in April is: Get ready to move. You cannot just sit idle in this city. Your clothes need to work as hard as you do, especially considering the cobblestones, changing weather, and unexpected detours.
These adidas basics made everyday excursions easy:
The sleek black trainers went with everything and were easy to wear around the city.
A coordinated, easygoing outfit kept everything comfy from morning coffee to nighttime walks.
Sturdy shoes developed for uneven surfaces made it easy to climb hills and walk in parks.
Supportive shoes made for long days kept you stable and gave you grip, especially on rough ground.
Lightweight layers were ideal for travel since they were simple to put on, pack, and always ready to go.
Rome thoroughly exhausted us
We walked more than 20,000 steps per day through ruins, gardens, alleys, and side streets that we had not planned to explore. We ate well, laughed a lot, and wore clothes that made every moment more comfortable, fashionable, and easy.
Rome reminded us of why we travel: to feel alive, connected, and inspired. But it also reminded us that the clothes you wear affect how you move about a city. You can focus on the things that truly matter if you do not have to alter your jacket or limp by day three: the beauty, the cuisine, the tales, and the dolce vita.
Therefore, remember this lesson the next time you’re planning a vacation, particularly to a city like Rome: exceptional travel begins at the bottom. At times, this necessitates packing shoes that enable you to explore further, extend your stay, and embrace every moment in between.