Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Rome in 2024
If you are considering solo travel in Rome, this is just the guide for you! When I solo traveled in Rome, it really built my confidence. Undoubtedly, Rome can feel chaotic at times, but that’s just part of the charm that Rome has to offer!
While Rome’s size may seem daunting, it’s generally safe and brimming with incredible things to see and do. However, before your solo trip, there are some crucial things to consider. I’ve created this guide to solo travel in Rome to share the knowledge I wish I had before my own solo trip to Rome!
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Solo Travel in Rome Safety Tips
Rome is a generally safe city to travel to solo. However, when traveling solo in Rome you want to keep some safety tips in mind, just like you would with any large city.
- Stick to well-lit areas at night.
- Keep essentials in a money purse and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Be careful with your belongings in crowded areas and tourist attractions.
These tips might seem basic, but as a solo traveler, it’s important to keep safety in mind. By using common sense and being mindful, you’ll have nothing to worry about!
Where to Stay while Solo Traveling in Rome
Finding accommodation in Rome can be stressful because hotels and B&Bs can book up quickly. So, it’s a good idea to reserve a place to stay before your trip! As a solo traveler, staying in shared dorms in hostels is a possibility. However, everyone has a preferred travel style though, so I’ve included some great places to stay for all types of solo travelers.
Each of these locations are located in central Rome and offer a wide range of amenities. Keep it simple and choose the place that best suits your travel style and budget!
Luxury:
Mid-range budget:
Budget-friendly:
Getting Around Rome
Transportation can be a challenge when traveling solo, but it doesn’t have to be! Rome has a huge transportation network, and many reliable ways to get around the city. Here are all of the best options that I utilized to get around Rome.
- Public Transport- Rome has a good public transportation system, including buses, trams, trains, and the metro. The easiest way to get around these is to get the Roma pass. This pass allows you unlimited use of public transportation on a specified number of days. The Roma Pass can be purchased online before your trip or at metro stations and tourist information centers at Rome airports.
- Walking- Rome is a wonderful city to walk. In fact, many of Rome’s best attractions are within walking distance. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are all within walking distance of the city center. Just be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, because its easy to walk up to 12 miles per day if walking between all of Rome’s attractions.
- Taxi/ RideShare- Taxis are also a means of transportation in Rome. However, when you are traveling solo, you should be wary of taxis. Use only licensed taxis and keep safety tips in mind. Ubers are also an option while you’re in Rome.
Things to Do in Rome Solo
Even while traveling solo in Rome, you will find plenty of things to do no matter how many days you are in Rome. Here are all of the things that I did in Rome, which were well-suited for solo travelers!
1. Take a tour of the Colosseum
The best Colosseum tours in Rome have guides who share the history of the arena. Some even let you explore underground areas—an incredible behind-the-scenes experience of ancient areas. Visiting the Colosseum was a personal highlight of my solo Rome trip.
2. Visit Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
To see more ancient Roman sites, don’t miss the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These ruins were Ancient Rome’s political and social center. Both are near the Colosseum, so you can pair a visit with a tour or explore by yourself. The sites offer a special glimpse into an era gone by.
3. Visit the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel
Rome’s Vatican City should not be missed on a solo trip to Rome. Seeing the Sistine Chapel is so special, with it’s famous ceiling covered in Michelangelo’s art. Gazing upwards at those famous paintings remains among my best solo travel memories in Rome. There’s nothing quite like it!
4. Check out St. Peter’s Basilica
Known as the world’s biggest church, St. Peter’s Basilica deserves a visit too. You don’t need to be religious to admire its incredible architecture and artwork inside. Plus, you can climb to its top for breathtaking views over Rome.
5. See the Roman Crypts and Catacombs
Curious about creepy sights? Check out Rome’s subterranean crypts and catacombs. Filled with eerie tunnels, tombs and an air of mystery…if you like haunted vibes, this won’t disappoint! Visiting the crypts and catacombs in Rome makes for a very unique solo travel experience.
6. Take a local Roman cooking class
Break your solitary routine in Rome by joining a group cooking class. Learn to create authentic Italian pizza and/or pasta from local chefs. Not only will you acquire new cooking skills, but this will add a fun social element to your solo trip.
7. Do a walking tour in the city center
Although Rome is a big city, there are many wonderful things to see in the city center. Rome has many places to walk. This is also a great way to practice navigating the city on your first visit!
8. Visit the Trevi Fountain
Be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain on a solo trip to Rome! It’s a popular tourist attraction, but well worth braving the crowds to visit it. Tradition says you should just throw the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. Doing this is supposed to guarantee you will one day return to Rome!
9. People watch at Piazza Navona
A fun thing to do while solo traveling in Italy is people-watching on the piazzas. There’s nothing like getting a pastry and sitting in Rome watching the world you pass by. Piazza Navona is a beautiful square with fountains and street artists. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the vibes of Rome while traveling solo.
10. Take a day trip from Rome
Rome is the perfect home base for a solo adventure due to its great location in central Italy! There are many wonderful day trips by train from Rome. I recommend visiting Florence to immerse yourself in the Renaissance or explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii. This is a great opportunity to see more of Italy on a solo trip.
Dining while Solo in Rome
As a solo traveler in Rome, having the freedom during mealtime is a huge advantage! You can eat anytime, anywhere, without having to talk to your picky friends. And of course, in Rome, that’s kind of a dream scenario. Here are my top tips for dining solo in Rome:
- Look out for authentic Roman dishes- When eating solo in Rome, don’t just settle for the nearest touristy joint. Make sure to find some authentic Roman cuisine. A prime example? Pasta alla carbonara – al dente spaghetti noodles in an impossibly rich, creamy sauce. Crafted from cured pork, eggs, pecorino, and a hint of cracked black pepper, this is a meal to remember.
- Book reservations in advance- although one person is easier to accommodate for a restaurant, nothing is worse than having to wait for a table while solo. To avoid this, book your reservations in advance (even day of) to ensure a timely seating.
- Befriend the wait staff- I always recommend chatting with the wait staff when you are traveling solo, as long as the restaurant isn’t too busy! Often, you will learn insider information, plus it will make the meal even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in Rome
If you’re planning a solo getaway to Rome, you’re in for a whirlwind of adventure. You’ll surely gain your confidence as a solo traveler in this beautiful city. With so many things to do and see, Rome is a wonderful destination to solo travel.
In my opinion, everyone should solo travel in Rome at least once. Trust me, you’ll be planning your next trip to Rome before you know it!
Solo Travel in Rome FAQs
Is Rome a good place for solo travel?
Rome is not just good place for solo travel—it’s a great place to solo travel! There are plenty of walkable sites and a great transportation network which makes it perfect for solo traveling.
Can you explore Rome by yourself?
You can totally explore Rome on your own. Rome is one of the biggest cities in Italy, but it’s a city used to seeing a lot of solo travelers and tourists. There will be plenty of others around you, locals and tourists alike, making you feel safe and welcome in the big city.
How much does a solo trip to Rome cost?
The price of a solo trip to Rome varies depending on the type of traveler you are. But don’t worry, with a little planning, you can travel to Rome without totally ruining your budget! Visiting Rome during off-peak season and eating locally and not in the touristy areas makes for an affordable solo trip to Rome.
Is it safe to travel to Rome alone as a woman?
Rome is a great place to travel alone as a woman. You do want to be street smart—stay aware, avoid dark places at night, and follow basic safety tips for traveling alone. But, overall, Rome is a safe and welcoming place for women traveling alone.
What is the best solo city in Italy?
Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice are all popular solo travel destinations. Honestly, based on my experience traveling solo in Italy, Rome was one of the best. Due to its central location, it makes it incredibly easy to navigate traveling to other Italian destinations. Rome also has so many incredible things to do and places to see. It’s a perfect solo city for travels to Italy!
