Solo Travel in Rome
A bar counter, a quiet hilltop sunset, and a piazza to people-watch from, the version of Rome that works when it’s just you.
Rome has a reputation for romance, but it’s genuinely one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, a place where getting delightfully lost is half the point. Here’s how to spend the time on what actually works solo.
Janiculum Hill at sunset
A properly quiet alternative to the crowded viewpoints, sweeping views over the whole city without the crush of tourists elsewhere. It’s a proper spot to sit, watch the light change, and let a busy day of sightseeing wind down before heading back into the centre for dinner.
A seat “al bancone”
Ask for the bar counter rather than a table, “al bancone” in Italian, a properly normal way to eat and drink here, and often cheaper than table service too. Trastevere’s street food, particularly Trapizzino’s stuffed triangular pizza, works well if a sit-down meal alone feels like too much.
Monti
A properly bohemian, walkable neighbourhood close to the centre, independent shops and a proper mix of old and new without the crowds of the main tourist stretch. Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto both reward similar unhurried wandering if you want to cover more ground.
A guided tour of the Colosseum or Vatican
An easy way to meet other solo travellers while skipping the queues, small-group tours in particular make conversation happen naturally over a shared few hours. Cooking classes work well too, a hands-on activity gives you something to talk about with whoever’s cooking next to you.
Piazza people-watching, aperitivo in hand
One of Rome’s best solo evening activities, grab an aperitivo at an outdoor table in Piazza Navona or Piazza della Rotonda and simply watch the city move around you. Underground catacombs or vault tours, done in a small group setting, offer a spookier after-dark option if you’d rather not sit still.
Staying safe
Rome is broadly modern and safe, though pickpockets do work the crowded tourist spots, keep bags close and consider wearing a cross-body bag turned to the front in busy areas. Practise the usual common sense after dark, particularly around Roma Termini station and Colle Oppio near the Colosseum.
Getting around
Rome’s historic centre is easily best explored on foot, though the metro, buses and trams cover the rest efficiently. A Roma Pass is worth considering if you’re planning several paid attractions, it bundles transport and admission at a real saving.
A few practical notes
The Beehive and YellowSquare Rome both come recommended as genuinely social hostels, communal dinners and cooking classes make meeting other solo travellers easy. Divide sightseeing into morning and afternoon chunks, many businesses and churches close for a long lunch break, typically 12:30pm to 4pm.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
