Rome is a city full of flowing fountains and ancient architecture, it is no question why many backpackers take a Rome solo trip. Although Rome is marvelous, it is increasingly losing its appeal as a place to solo travel.

Streets are extremely crowded. Monuments have queues that seem endless. Rome can feel overwhelming and isolating when you are a solo traveler. 

Luckily, I visited Rome this year and found there are still plenty of activities that are enjoyable to do alone. In this blog post, I will share my tips for taking a Rome solo trip and recommendations for what to do alone in Rome. 

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What Time of Year Should You Visit Rome?

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. No matter when you go, you will probably face crowds and long lines. Therefore, it is more important to book hostels and attractions months before your trip than actually picking when to come.

Noah’s take: However, I would avoid Rome at all costs from June to August. Europe becomes extremely crowded due to tourism. Hostel prices rise and popular attractions sell out fast. Rome is also very hot during this time of the year.

Due to Rome’s mild climate, winter is one of the best times to visit Rome. You can still have some sunny days with high temperatures in the 50s. There will be fewer crowds as well. 

Is It Safe to Take a Rome Solo Trip?

It is very safe to take a solo trip to Rome. Mugging and other violent crimes are rare, but you do need to be aware of pickpocketing. Rome is notorious for petty thieves who prey on unsuspecting tourists. 

No matter where you are in Rome, I highly recommend always having your phone and wallet in a zipped bag close to your body where you can see it. Especially be on the lookout for pickpockets when near the Trevi Fountain or at the Spanish Steps. 

Noah’s take: Generally, I felt completely comfortable walking in Rome at night. However, I would suggest practicing extra caution when walking near the Roma Termini at night. 

Where Should You Stay During a Rome Solo Trip?

During my Rome solo trip, I stayed at YellowSquare Rome and really enjoyed it. They offer you a free drink token you can use at their bar across the street. Plus, the facilities are very clean and modern. 

They have laundry machines and cheap lockers you can use after you check out. If you want to save money during your stay, you can cook in their spacious kitchen. 

Noah’s take: YellowSquare Rome was one of my favorite hostels I stayed in during my month-long solo trip to Europe. 

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Rome?

Three nights is enough time to visit Rome’s major attractions and take in a few local spots. Although Rome is a beautiful city, it gets packed with people. You do not want to spend too long here. There are many other amazing places you must visit during a trip to Europe. 

Planning to backpack Europe? Read The Ultimate Itinerary for Backpacking Europe Solo in One Month

1. Tour the Colosseum

Arguably, the Colosseum is one of the most famous attractions in the entire city. Once home to animal sacrifices and gladiator fights, the ancient theater is a great thing to do alone in Rome. However, you need to get tickets ahead of time. 

How to Get Tickets for the Colosseum

The cheapest way to get tickets for the Colosseum is its official ticket website. Sometimes, these tickets sell out, and you will be forced to get a ticket from a more expensive, third-party vendor like Get Your Guide. 

There are different tour packages, and some include entry to the underground levels of the Colosseum. I just booked the most basic tour package for 18 Euros and felt I had seen enough of the Colosseum. To better appreciate the site, I downloaded a free audio guide beforehand, but there are plenty of informational displays in the Colosseum. 

Noah’s take: The most important thing about booking a ticket for the Colosseum is securing one before your trip. Many tourists line up daily for hours to buy a ticket to the Colosseum. 

2. Go to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

If you tour the Colosseum, you should also tour the Roman Forum-Palatine archaeological area. This is a separate site from the Colosseum, but admission is included when you buy a ticket to tour the Colosseum. 

The Roman Forum was once the scene of public meetings and open-air markets, while the Palatine Hill was home to Rome’s elite. The vast collection of ruins now operates as an engaging, open-air museum. 

Noah’s take: This historical area is marvelous but vast and full of tour groups. Try to visit late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting to capture dramatic photos. The view from the top of the Palatine Hill is unmatched. 

3. Visit Marcellus Theatre at Night 

Rome is full of ruins. You can quickly get “ruin fatigue” (when you visit many historical sites and they quickly become uninteresting). A great thing to do alone in Rome is to visit these archaeological areas at night. It breathes new life into them. 

The Marcellus Theater is like a mini-version of the Colosseum, and it is even older than the Colosseum. It is free and sees many fewer crowds than the Colosseum. It is lit up dramatically at night and makes for a great photo op. 

4. See the Largo di Torre Argentina

You can walk 10 minutes from the Marcellus Theater to another free series of Roman ruins, the Largo di Torre Argentina. This archaeological site is less photogenic than the Colosseum or Marcellus Theater, but it is famous because Julius Caesar was assassinated here. 

Also, this site is famous because it is now home to a cat colony. If you enjoy viewing cats living in historical places, than this is a great activity to do during a Rome solo trip. 

5. Watch the Sunset at Janiculum Hill

If you want incredible, panoramic views of Rome, you must head to Janiculum Hill during your Rome solo trip. Although viewing the sunset here is not necessarily my favorite thing to do alone in Rome because it is very crowded, the journey to reach Janiculum Hill is cinematic.

You can take a bus from Rome’s bustling city center across the river to Trastevere, a picturesque neighborhood full of cobblestone streets. After climbing some winding streets, you will reach Janiculum Hill. 

Noah’s take: Make sure to walk to the other side of Janiculum Hill near the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument. Here, you will find an incredible view of the St. Peter’s Basilica. 

6. Enjoy Solitude From Fontana Dell’Acqua Paola

The Trevi Fountain in Rome’s center is one of the most sought-out spots for tourists because it has become a tradition to toss a coin into the fountain for good luck. However, this fountain has quite a reputation for being extremely crowded and overwhelming. 

So, I would not recommend visiting the Trevi Fountain as a thing to do alone in Rome. However, in Trastevere, you will find the Fontana Dell’Acqua Paola, which is very similar to the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is only a short walk downhill from Janiculum Hill. 

Noah’s take: This fountain sees many fewer crowds and is a more peaceful place to visit during a Rome solo trip.

7. Eat Street Food in Trastevere

Trastevere is known as being one of the best places in Rome to eat authentic, Italian cuisine. However, it can be a bit overwhelming to dine at a luxurious Roman restaurant when alone in Rome.

Luckily, Trastevere also has amazing street food, which is more convenient for solo travelers to enjoy. Trapizzino in Trastevere is an eatery known for its triangular pizza that is stuffed with chicken, pork, or meatballs. 

This hip restaurant also serves Suppli, which is a traditional street food in Rome. Inside these breaded rice balls, you will find gooey cheese marinating in tomato sauce. You will want to return to Trapizzino each day during your Rome solo trip to try every flavor of Suppli. 

8. Get Gelato From Giolitti

When in Rome, you must get Gelato! The streets of Rome are chock-full of ice cream shops eager to take your cash. If you want authentic and tasty Gelato, you should head to Giolitti, near the Pantheon. Here, you can get cream put on top of your gelato for free!

Noah’s take: I spent a month in Europe, and ate ice cream way too many times during that span. Giolitti was my favorite. When you come here, you pay first at the register and then hand your receipt to the workers at the ice cream counter. 

9. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica 

Rome is home to Vatican City, a city-state that is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. During your Rome solo trip, you must visit the Vatican City. 

At the epicenter of the Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s most famous and revered churches. Touring this grand site is one of the most unforgettable things to do alone in Rome. 

It is free to enter the Basilica, but it costs extra to go to the top of its dome. Because of the free entry and unmatched beauty, you will wait in long queues before entering this dramatic church. 

Noah’s take: Try to get here right when it opens at 7 A.M.  You will probably still have to wait 30 minutes or so to go through security. If you get to St. Peter’s early, you will have an enjoyable solo experience here. 

10. See the Sistine Chapel

Almost everyone knows about the Sistine Chapel, home to one of the most beloved paintings in the world, The Last Judgment. However, Michelangelo’s masterpiece is a bit difficult to see because it is located at the end of a long, popular tour through the Vatican Museums. 

Although the Vatican Museums hold many interesting paintings and sculptures, it can be tiring touring through the various collections before visiting the famed chapel.

Despite this, I still highly recommend visiting the Sistine Chapel if you are a fan of Michelangelo. I will never forget standing in a sea of people with my head rotating upward to take in the intricate fresco. 

How to Get Tickets for the Sistine Chapel

The cheapest tickets for the Vatican Museums are from its official website. I would also recommend purchasing an audio tour when you get to the Vatican Museums. It is a less enjoyable tour if you have no context about what you are seeing.

Book your tickets months before your trip to ensure you have tickets for the Sistine Chapel. If they are all sold out, you can get other, more expensive tours through Get Your Guide. 

11. Go to Borghese Gallery

Like the Vatican Museums, the Borghese Gallery holds many precious art pieces, but it is a better place for a peaceful museum retreat. This ornate gallery only sells a limited amount of tickets, so it rarely gets too crowded.

Noah’s take: The museum is best known for its Bernini sculptures, but I enjoyed its ceiling frescoes and Caravaggio paintings the most. 

How to Get Tickets for the Borghese Gallery

Plan ahead so you can get tickets directly from its website, or you will have to go through a third-party vendor with a high markup. Tickets from the website sell out fast. Typically faster than tickets for the Colosseum or Sistine Chapel. 

12. Eat Cheap Pasta From Pastificio Guerra

If you want genuine Roman pasta without a high price tag, you must visit Pastifico Guerra. This small shop offers two different pasta flavors each day, one meat and one vegetarian option, for 5 Euros. 

The pasta shop opens at 1 P.M., and lines form outside the small storefront quickly. There is no place to sit inside to eat pasta, but that doesn’t deter tourists and locals alike.

Noah’s take: Since their menu changes daily, you can sometimes be stuck with a pasta dish that is not your favorite. However, you might also be rewarded with an unforgettable meal! Both of these scenarios happened during my Rome solo trip. 

13. Get Pompi Tiramisu For Dessert 

Right across the street from Pastificio Guerra, is a landmark Roman dessert shop, Pompi Tiramisu. If you get pasta from Pastifico Guerra, another thing to do alone in Rome is get some tiramisu.

Noah’s take: Pompi Tiramisu has many flavors, but most people swear by its “classico.” You won’t go wrong if you order the classic flavor. 

14. Explore Catacombs Under a Catholic Church

Near Marcellus Theater is an unassuming church, San Nicola in Carcere. From the outside, the church appears to be a traditional place of worship. However, once you enter the church, you can walk down a set of stairs into a maze of Roman ruins for 4 Euros.

Noah’s take: I stepped into this church and escaped Rome’s loud, busy streets. I found myself alone in dark corridors and saw human bones. It was exhilarating and exciting to find this hidden gem during my Rome solo trip. It is one of the most unforgettable things to do alone in Rome.

15. Marvel at the Saint Ignazio’s Frescoes

Rome has hundreds of churches, and trying to figure out which ones to visit during your Rome solo trip can be overwhelming.

However, Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Rome’s city center is a free church that I highly recommend. The church gets busy and is not a hidden gem, but its large frescoes are remarkable and great for photography. 

16. Worship at the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva

Another church in Rome that does not disappoint is the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva. Since this church is right next to the Pantheon, it is another popular place to visit. 

Although it gets a little crowded, it is lavish and remarkable. Inside, you will find Michelangelo’s sculpture of Christ the Redeemer and the tomb of St. Catherine of Sienna. 

17. Picnic at Park of the Appian Way

If you want to escape the tourists and street vendors, you should head to the Park of the Appian Way. This urban greenspace was once one of the Romans most important roadways. 

Now, it is a great place to go to experience nature and history. You can take the metro or bus to reach the park, but be prepared for a lot of walking. In my opinion, cycling is the best way to enjoy the park and see the most historical sites. 

18. Relax in Villa Torlonia Park

The Villa Torlonia Park is another greenspace in Rome, but it is located closer to the city center. Here, you will also find many interesting ruins like the Temple of Saturn. 

Noah’s take: When I came to this park during the late afternoon, I felt like I saw a more authentic side of Rome. Families and friends were drinking and laughing under the sun while kids played soccer on top of ancient ruins. My experience here offered me a new perspective on Rome. 

Take a Rome Solo Trip

Rome is a busy city, constantly shuffling through new visitors. There are areas in Rome that are overwhelming and overhyped, but Rome still makes for a great place to visit on a solo trip.

If you are willing to wake up early, you will enjoy doing things alone in Rome. Also, if you get creative with your itinerary and visit overlooked sites, you will understand why Rome has remained one of the most culturally significant cities in the world.