Planning a solo trip to Rome and not sure where to begin? I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited, and Roman friends have generously shown me sides of this city that no guidebook covers.
Rome is one of the greatest cities on earth: extraordinary history, world-class Baroque art, jaw-dropping churches and food that will ruin you for anywhere else. But it’s also big, relentlessly busy and, in peak summer season, hot enough to fell the unprepared. It’s expensive for Italy, and the crowds at the major sights can be overwhelming.
None of this should put you off. It just means a little planning goes a long way.
Italy is a great destination for female solo travellers; the train network is excellent and English is widely spoken in all the main visitor hubs. Three days in Rome is ideal for a first visit, though I’m still discovering new things after multiple trips.
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Is Rome Safe for Solo Travellers?
Rome is generally safe for solo travellers, including women travelling alone.
That said, like any big city, petty theft and scams target tourists, particularly on public transport and in busy areas like Termini station and the Colosseum. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main risks. Keep your wits about you and use common sense.
To keep your personal items secure, lock up your valuables at your accommodation and use an anti-theft backpack when you are out and about. I use this PacSafe backpack which has anti-RFID technology and a hidden pocket.
Scams: Watch out for fake petitions, ATM fraud and counterfeit change — all reported in Rome over the years.
Drink spiking: This is a reported problem, particularly around Termini and in tourist areas including the Colosseum, Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your glass unattended.
Best Things to Do in Rome
Manage your expectations. Whether you’re here for three days or a week, you won’t see everything — I haven’t, and I’ve been multiple times. Focus on what appeals to you most.
1. Colosseum (Colosseo)
Monumental doesn’t even begin to describe it. This UNESCO World Heritage site opened for business in 80 AD with a gala that saw 5,000 animals slaughtered in a single day, and hosted armed combat for over 500 years.
Book in advance and consider this skip-the-line Colosseum ticket with a live tour guide.
2. Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Built in a marshy valley between the Capitoline and Palatine hills, this was the beating heart of the Roman Empire. Walking its well-worn stones is one of the most evocative experiences in Rome.
3. Pantheon
One of Rome’s most awe-inspiring buildings. It started life in 27 BC as a temple, was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian between AD 119-28, and was consecrated as a church in 609 AD. It’s also the final resting place of Raphael.
4. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
This UNESCO World Heritage site barely needs an introduction.
Said to be built on the site where St. Peter was buried, St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt between 1506 and 1626 with Michelangelo playing a central role in its design, including its gravity-defying dome.
5. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums’ 1,400 rooms are stuffed with artistic treasures, from Classical sculptures to Renaissance gems. But the museums are most famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the Stanze di Raffaello.
Advance booking for the Vatican Museums is essential. Book your skip-the-line ticket here.
6. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Tradition says that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain guarantees a return trip. All I can say is that it’s worked for me.
7. Spanish Steps (Scalinita della Trinità dei Monti)
Connecting Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti, the Spanish Steps are another of Rome’s most famous sights. Piazza di Spagna has been a popular meeting place since the days of the English Romantic poets (Keats died in a house on the piazza).
And did you know that this was one of the filming locations for Roman Holiday, a famous 1953 movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck (and one of the best movies set in Italy)?
8. Piazza Navona
For a dose of Baroque splendour, head straight here. Piazza Navona is dominated by Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi — one of his most famous works — and its unusual elongated shape betrays its origins as a Roman circus.
9. Galleria Borghese
Housed in the 17th-century summer retreat for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, Galleria Borghese is home to an extraordinary collection of paintings and sculptures, including masterpieces by Bernini, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio. This is one museum in Rome where it is compulsory to book your ticket in advance.
10. Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)
The Orange Garden is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. From its vantage point at the top of the Aventine Hill, the views over the city from this peaceful public garden are fabulous.
Getting to Rome
By plane
Rome has two international airports: Fiumicino (FCO), 20 miles southwest, and Ciampino (CIA), ten miles southeast. I prefer flying into Fiumicino.
The transport options are far easier, including the fast Leonardo Express train (twice hourly), buses and shared shuttles. Taxis operate fixed fares from both airports.
By train
Rome Termini is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of Italy. Fast trains run to Florence, Naples, Bologna, Milan, Venice and Turin, operated by Trenitalia and Italo.
Getting Around Rome
Despite its size, Rome is surprisingly walkable. The key is to group your sightseeing into neighbourhoods you can navigate on foot.
The good news is that Rome’s public transport system is cheap and extensive. The bad news is that it can be confusing and sometimes chaotic.
All of Rome’s trains, buses and trams use the same ticket. In 2026, this costs €1.50 and allows you to use public transport for 100 minutes after validation. You can only make one trip by metro or train.
Buy tickets at vending machines in any metro station, at convenience stores, newsstands or tabacchi.
METRO
Rome’s three-line metro is limited — large parts of the centre aren’t served — but it will get you to the Vatican, Colosseum and Forum, and the Spanish Steps. The easiest way to pay is with a contactless bank card at the turnstile. Stick to the first or last carriages to avoid peak-hour crowds and pickpockets.
Buses
Rome’s bus routes are positively Byzantine. Although many bus stops now have screens that show the arrival time of the next bus, posted timetables or maps are rare.
To plan your route, head to ATAC’s journey planner.
Trams
The trams serving Trastevere (routes 3 and 8) are the most useful for tourists.
Where to Stay in Rome
Choosing the right hotel can make or break a solo trip to Rome. Here are the areas I know best.
Termini area
Convenient for transport and good for budget to mid-range options, though I’m not keen on the area after dark as a solo woman. That said, I’ve stayed here several times without any issues.
Hotel Canada, BW Premier Collection – my most recent base in Rome. Comfortable rooms, a lovely lounge and a ten-minute walk to Termini.
iQ Hotel Roma – I used this trendy 4-star with a rooftop terrace and shared laundry on an earlier Rome solo trip. A good all-rounder.
Around Villa Borghese
My favourite area to stay. Away from the tourist hubbub but within easy walking distance of the historic centre. Even if my friends didn’t live near here, I’d choose this neighbourhood.
River Palace Hotel – my usual base in Rome. An elegant 4-star, five minutes’ walk from Piazza del Popolo and Flaminio Metro. Worth noting: the Economy Double rooms are very small.
Trastevere
One of Rome’s most enchanting areas, with a genuinely local feel. The main downside is that it’s not the most central location >>> SEARCH HERE
Centro Storico
On your first visit to Rome, you can’t go far wrong with booking a room in the historic centre or Centro Storico (on my first visit over 30 years ago, I stayed in a pensione on Campo de Fiori). It’s super central, but it can be very busy and noisy. >>> SEARCH HERE
Solo dining in Rome
Solo dining in restaurants is one of the toughest challenges a solo traveller faces. But thanks to Rome’s wide choice of dining options, solo dining need not be an ordeal.
Take advantage of aperitivo time. For the price of a drink, you’ll be served all manner of savoury Italian snacks. It takes place in the early evening at participating bars, and it’s a relaxed, sociable way to eat alone.
Steer well clear of restaurants displaying photos of their food on the menu. Venture outside the tourist centre to where Romans actually eat, and ask your hotel for recommendations.
In the centre, I love the Jewish Ghetto, particularly for the fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia). Gusto is also a solid central option popular with locals.
Tours and Activities in Rome
Many people dread the loneliness of solo travel, and joining an organised activity can be an excellent way to meet people when you are travelling. Here are a few I recommend:
- Street Food Tour of the Jewish Quarter — lunchtime or evening slots, with an optional Trastevere version too >>> More info
- Rome Food Tour by Night — a four-hour walking tour with 20 tastings across Rome’s foodie neighbourhoods. Aperitivo and wine included >>> More info
Day Trips from Rome
If you have a longer stay in Rome, there are several magical destinations that you can visit as easy day trips by train. Here are a few of my favourites:
Ostia Antica
Once the thriving seaport for Ancient Rome, Ostia Antica is an easy and inexpensive day trip from Rome. With its well-preserved mosaics, frescoes and ruins, it gives Pompeii a good run for its money.
Orvieto
Perched on a pedestal of tufa, the medieval city of Orvieto is one of Italy’s finest. Its cobbled streets and artistic and historic treasures are a joy to explore, not least of which is Orvieto Cathedral.
Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the greatest sculptures and paintings in history. It’s one of my favourite Italian cities, and I’ve written this Florence solo travel guide.
Naples
For Italy on steroids, visit Naples as a day trip from Rome. Rich in history and culture, and the place to eat what is arguably the world’s best pizza.
Essential Rome Solo Travel Tips
- Buy tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums well in advance. Queues are long and selling-out is common.
- Visit major sights early in the morning wherever possible.
- Dress modestly for churches — cover your shoulders and knees. Never use flash photography.
- Carry water at all times, especially in summer.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.