If you’re all set to solo travel in Rome this year, then we can help with all the planning, from places to stay and things to do. So, get your backpack ready for a trip to one of Europe’s finest capitals.
Rome: The best areas to stay for solo travellers
Find your ideal location to start off your trip to Rome.
San Lorenzo: A vibrant area for solo travellers
Staying in the best area for you could determine how much you will enjoy the trip and the city itself, and a place like Rome has many different neighbourhoods that are perfect for different trips and types of travellers. For solo travellers, the area of San Lorenzo is a great place to start, especially if you’re looking to meet people and enjoy a good night out.
This area appeals to young travellers, and with its proximity to the Sapienza University, it is a vibrant student area and is safe for both male and female solo travellers. The B&B Hotel Roma is a good place to stay, as well as B&B Retro Rooms Termini; both have great reviews and decent rates for solo travellers looking for their own room and a double bed for comfort.
Monti and Equilino: Ancient meets hipster in these districts
The districts of Monti and Equilino cover a large area of Rome’s centre, beside some of the oldest and most touristy areas. Without getting caught up in the crowds, you can enjoy these two neighbouring districts that are perfect for solo travellers. The highly regarded B&B Arco Di Gallieno is a great option to stay, and not far from Termini Station, it’s seen as a cosy and comfortable place that solo female travellers recommend in the area.
It’s also within walking distance of the Colosseum and many other attractions, so you’re right in the middle of the action. While over in Monti, you’ve got the hipster, arts and culture feel, as well as a traveller-friendly atmosphere that allows you to meet different people enjoying a night out. If you’re on a budget, check out the Palladini Hostel in Monti, which has great décor and resembles a hotel more than a hostel.
Trastevere: Something for everyone
Trastevere is generally the go-to place to stay for all types of travellers in Rome, and that doesn’t exclude solo travellers. Known as a funky, bohemian area that runs along the city’s River Tiber, Trastevere has a bit of everything and won’t disappoint. The district is filled with cobblestone roads, buildings with ivy and vines that crawl up the walls, with a succinctly Medieval feel to it.
These days, the area is popular with foodies and tourists that want to experience more than just the main attractions, with the spectacular views across Rome from Gianicolo Hill and the vibrant Piazza di Santa Maria being a couple of the highlights. The area boasts many different types of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury stays with river views. Check out Hostel Trastevere for a highly rated hostel experience.
Top activities for solo travel in Rome
Get your teeth into the best things to do in Rome for solo travellers.
Go on a free walking tour of Rome
Getting to know the city you’re visiting can be difficult when you only have limited time, so to become accustomed to the place, go on a free walking tour. Rome is no different, and it’s a great way to orient yourself and learn about the local history, as well as getting insider tips on places to eat, drink and ways to enjoy the city.
For solo travellers it’s also a great way to meet other solo travellers, male and female, and make new friends. Though free, it’s always recommended to tip the guide at the end, especially after seeing and learning so much on a 3-hour excursion. There are plenty of free walking tour companies that you can book online, though Guru Walk is highly regarded in Rome.
Visit the Colosseum at night
Rome’s Colosseum is one of the most impressive historical structures in the world, but at night it’s even better. Though it’s worth walking around it during the daytime, the Colosseum being illuminated against the night’s sky is truly something to behold. You can purchase tickets for night tours and walk around the interior, taking advantage of the lack of crowds at this time.
You can wait in line for a long time during the day to enter, so it makes perfect sense to visit after sundown and get exclusive access. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid any potential issues trying to book on the day, prices on websites vary so it’s good to shop around depending on your budget.
Discover local cuisine with a Rome food tour
No trip in Rome would be complete without sampling the local cuisine and getting to know the best dishes, as well as restaurants that the city has to offer, especially when it comes to travelling solo. This is a great way to fill up your evenings, as you can visit some fantastic eateries, sample the best food, and get to the know areas of the city by night.
You’ll be led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you around the best spots that Rome has to offer, so you won’t be disappointed or hungry by the end of it. There are various tour companies you can book, but we recommend searching online and comparing prices to keep within your budget and, of course, your tastes.
Getting around and staying safe in Rome for solo travellers
Enjoying the city while feeling safe is what it’s all about.
Solo travel in Rome: Explore Rome by bike
A great way to see a city is by bike; most major European cities have city bikes that you’re able to rent, while many hostels also have their own rent-a-bike services. When travelling by yourself you’ll want to have the freedom to move around the city and explore the place stress-free, and a bike can help you do that.
Now, Rome is the city built on seven hills, so be warned that it could be tiring getting up and down those hills, but it’s worth it with rates being extremely reasonable for a day’s riding. If you’re not feeling up to cycling solo, you can also find plenty of bike tours to take you around the city. E-bikes are also available to rent to give you that extra boost up those hills if peddling them becomes too much.
Staying safe when walking around Rome and its neighbourhoods
One major factor about travelling solo is making sure you stay safe and are aware of your surroundings, especially for female solo travellers. Firstly, Rome is very safe for solo travellers, but it never hurts to be careful when exploring a new place, especially if you don’t know the language.
Like every city in the world, be mindful of your belongings when walking around, particularly in crowded areas, pickpockets target tourists in these areas and on public transport, so be vigilant and keep an eye on your things and invest in a backpack that has a lock, or wear it on your front.
Avoid engaging with people that try to sell you things, such as bracelets and homemade trinkets, especially ones that work in pairs, as many can be scam artists and try to pick your pockets while you’re not looking. Rome doesn’t have any neighbourhoods to avoid, per se, but as a rule try to avoid walking around late at night by yourself, and it’s best to stay away from any main train stations at night if you can.
Getting around Rome on metro, bus, and taxi
The easiest way to get around Rome is by walking or taking the metro, like any city there’s only so many places you can see on foot, so public transport is a good alternative to see other areas. The metro system in Rome is easy to use and reaches all the city’s major areas and neighbourhoods. There are three lines, A, B and C, which all connect to Termini Station in the city’s centre.
Tickets are reasonably priced and are valid for 100 minutes once activated, so make sure to activate your ticket at the station only when you need to use the metro. Be mindful of travel times, as morning and afternoon rush hours can be very crowded. If you prefer to take a bus, the city has an extensive bus network available, while taxis are a lot more expensive and less reliable, so it’s best to avoid using them, especially when on a budget.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
Listen to the podcast below for more inspiration and tips from Rome:
