If you’re looking for an exciting European city to travel solo to, Rome should be high on your list. Italy’s capital is known as the Eternal City for its unparalleled history, ancient ruins, world-famous religious sites, and distinctive Roman attitude and flair.
If you visit Rome alone, you’ll have time and freedom to wander the streets, find hidden gems, eat delicious food, and see all of Rome’s attractions at your own pace. Read on for advice on solo travel to Rome and how to get the most out of your visit.
Best things to do traveling alone in Rome
Rome has centuries worth of attractions to offer, and the range of options can feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to solo travel. Your biggest potential challenge when crafting your Rome solo travel itinerary will be narrowing down the list of sites you want to visit in the time you have. The most famous (and busiest) attractions include the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. There’s also Vatican City, which is a city destination in itself, and home to the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museum.
Rome has some of the best preserved ancient buildings in Europe, so history buffs who are visiting Rome will rejoice in all the available options. Sites including the Piazza Navona have origins that date all the way back to the 1st century. And if you climb up Palatine Hill you can take in views over the ruins of Rome’s imperial palaces.
Art lovers will also rejoice on a trip to Rome, where numerous museums house world-class art from ancient artifacts and Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary collections — the Borghese Gallery and Museum, the Capitoline Museums, and the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art to name but a few.
And of course, don’t forget to eat after all that sightseeing. In addition to offering all the mouthwatering pizza, pasta, and gelato you could possibly desire, Rome is also home to some wonderful local markets such as the Campo Dei Fiori, where stalls sell fresh produce, meats, vegetables, and cheeses in a centrally located public square.
Getting around Rome as a solo traveler
Rome has a reputation for being a somewhat chaotic city. The roads can be congested and frenetic, and taxis are quite expensive. Luckily, the city is very walkable, and you may find that most of what you want to do and see is within walking distance, especially if you’re staying in the city center.
If you’re hoping to be centrally located and save money on your solo trip, the area around Termini Station offers plentiful accommodation options including affordable hotels and hostels. A major attraction of Rome is that the city itself is like a huge open-air museum — simply walking through the streets enjoying ancient and baroque architecture, beautiful fountains and monuments, and vibrant street life is entertainment in itself — and totally free.
If it’s your first time embarking on solo travel or you’re short on time in the city, you can also consider booking a tour guide or joining a tour group. That way, you can see and learn about as much of Rome’s historic center and attractions as possible in a short amount of time without having to navigate the city yourself.
However if your goal when traveling solo is to find solitude, then you should find Rome relatively easy to get around. If you tire of walking, there are also abundant public transportation options including the metro, buses, light railway, and trams.
Staying safe as a solo traveler in Rome
Like any travel, a solo trip to Rome doesn’t come without risks. While Rome is a safe city, you should always use common sense, just as you would in all major cities around the world. Flashing valuables, attracting excessive attention, or wandering into far-flung unfamiliar neighborhoods at night are never a good idea. Like in many European capitals, petty thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate in Rome. You can minimize risk by not carrying too much cash or all your credit cards with you at any given time. Be wise when using or looking at your phone, as your distraction can make you an easy target. Take extra care when you have all your belongings with you, and make sure you pack lightly enough that you can easily navigate streets and transit stations without looking vulnerable.
Is Rome safe for solo female travelers?
A specific question that people often wonder is if Rome is safe for solo female travelers. On the whole, the answer is yes, but in addition to all the common sense measures detailed above, a little extra caution never hurts.
A solo female traveler should always share her itinerary with close friends and family and let them know of any changes. It’s wise to have a regular check-in time with a friend or family member during your trip; if you miss a check-in, they should know where you’re staying to follow up. If you’re keen for some company, it’s a great idea to meet other like-minded travelers who may want to visit sights with you or go out at night.
And always take special care on public transit, especially when traveling home at night. Whether you’re female or not, solo travelers should always purchase a travel insurance policy before setting out on a trip. Unanticipated events can occur even in the safest of destinations. Comprehensive travel insurance can help you deal with situations such as lost or delayed baggage, assist you if your passport is stolen or lost, or help provide financial reimbursement if your trip is delayed or interrupted unexpectedly.
Most importantly, if you’re taken ill or injured while on your trip and require treatment, medical coverage can cover any expenses you might incur. Your everyday health insurance may not provide coverage for any healthcare costs incurred while outside of the country. And if you do experience an emergency, you can call the battleface travel assistance hotline 24/7 for invaluable help and guidance covering a multitude of situations.
