I'm going to Rome in January and I'm wondering if I will miss out on the outdoor cafes and the markets. Is it too cold at this time of year? If so any suggestions for another city in Europe? Paris is already on my schedule.

Also, I stay in moderately priced (100 or less) hotels. Any suggestions for the heard of Rome?

IME, January temps in Rome are perfect for walking around and not getting too hot - highs around 56-57. You're likely to get a little rain - it rains about 8/30 days in Jan. I don't really think of Rome as a big outdoor cafe and market kind of place. Most of what I like in Rome you can easily enjoy when it's a little cool and even when there's a little rain. A big benefit is you'll have few crowds for the most popular attractions - St. Peter's, the Colisseum (last summer we spent something like 1.5 hours in line; last winter we walked right in), Forum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, etc. Southern Spain could be another option in January. I've found Paris quite cold in the winter - bundle up and bring and umbrella.
Have fun

[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 10-10-2002).]

Rome is great in January, not too cold for me and I hate the cold! In the Piazza Navona, the outdoor cafes use heat lamps for chilly nights and market umbrellas if it rains. Agree that Paris is way too cold!

--Agree with the above posters--Rome is great in January and there are some very good SALES!! So, it is a terrific time to shop. Paris can be bone-chilling cold in January.

The weather in January in Rome is mostly lousy.
That's why Alitalia has some specials
http://www.italiatourusa.com/specials/6days_promo.asp

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Half Day City Sightseeing tour in selected city
Breakfast daily at your hotel
Roundtrip shuttle transfers between the airport and hotel (Rome and Venice only)

*Price includes airfare, per person based on double occupancy and travel on Alitalia from Newark, JFK, Boston, Chicago or Miami to Rome, Florence or Naples, valid for travel from November 15-December 17, 2002 and January 4-February 17, 2003 and again Mar 3-14, 2003. Package available throughout the year at different price levels. Airport/ hotel roundtrip transfers included in Rome and Venice. Government taxes and security fees of up to $90 are not included. Add-ons for another U.S. gateways are available. Reservations made within 21 days of departure, add $25. 2002 Alitalia....

Thanks for your answers. If you enjoy Rome, where do you go to eat? Do you stay out at night and, if so, where?

also, about Paris - what's the best way to keep warm there in January?

May I suggest a couple of guidebooks which I believe you will find very helpful:
Author: Richard Saul Wurman
ACCESS: ROME
ACCESS; PARIS
These books are very user-friendly and have a lot of good information on local neighborhood restaurants, including prices and recommended dishes. I find the ACCESS guidebooks to be the easiest to use and they are filled with extremely good tips on sightseeing, suggested walks, history, etc. Another thing I like about these books is the print is easy to read (unlike some other books with very very small print).