Rome Solo Travel Guide
Italy’s capital city of Rome is a hub for ancient history, spectacular architecture, and lively atmosphere. A solo trip to Rome is a great way to leisurely explore the best the city has to offer.
In this vibrant city, solo travelers will discover amazing food, charming streets, and various popular landmarks such as the the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
An excellent sightseeing city for women traveling alone, Rome has plenty of attractions to discover and keep you busy! Wander through the cobblestone streets, leisurely enjoy an espresso on a patio, and indulge in the delicacies of the local cuisine. If you’re wondering how to best explore this ancient city, keep reading below to see our Rome solo travel guide.
Solo Travel in Rome: Things to Do
Rome is bursting with culture and history, showcasing timeless architecture that appeal to all. The city’s abundance of iconic buildings and ancient landmarks make it especially a fantastic city to explore.
Piazza di Spagna
The Piazza di Spagna is a lively square that is great for solo travelers to bask in the magnetic atmosphere, and for people-watching. Head up the famous Spanish Steps to capture a lovely panorama of the surrounding area. Stroll through the charming streets with lined with cafes and designer shops.
Colosseum
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Italy, this must-see monument was the largest amphitheater built during the Roman Empire, with a capacity of 50,000. Admire the massive structure from a distance, or head inside to get up close to the well-preserved ruins of this historic monument.
Vatican City
Make a stop by Vatican City, the famous independent city-state located within Rome. Here you’ll find the fascinating sights of the St. Peter’s Basilica, and the revered Sistine Chapel. Single travelers can conveniently reach Vatican City via the local metro.
Trastevere
Visit this vibrant district known for artisan shops, restaurants, and lovely cobblestone streets. During the day, stroll around this peaceful area and grab a tasty bite at a cafe, or admire the colorful architecture. Stop by in the evening, for a lively atmosphere and a selection of bars.
Trevi Fountain
Stop by the famous Trevi Fountain, which showcases its bright blue water and magnificent design features. Admire the ornate details and sheer magnitude of this impressive fountain completed in 1762. This Baroque centerpiece is one of the oldest sources of water in Rome, and spans almost 50 meters wide.
Roman Forum
Just a short walking distance from the Colosseum, don’t miss the Roman Forum. This fascinating historic complex encompasses historic ruins from the former site of government buildings, open-air markets, and gladiator combats.
Where to Stay in Rome
While you’ll find various hotel brands that you’re familiar with, Rome also offers a wide array of quality independent hotels and B&B’s. There’s many excellent neighborhoods to consider for women that plan to travel alone in Rome.
Centro Storico (Historic Center)
Centro Storico is fantastic for solo female travelers looking to be close to the major sights, along with plenty of cafes and bars. It’s especially a great option for first-time visitors, as it’s located right in the city center. Here, you’ll have easy access to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, in addition to lively squares and shops.
Trastevere
A top neighborhood to explore in Rome, this charming district is popular amongst locals and tourists. Here, you’ll find chic restaurants, cozy cafes, and a bohemian vibe. It’s also an excellent option for single travelers looking for bars and nightlife.
Monti
This centrally-located neighborhood is adjacent to the main Centro Storico district. Solo travelers deciding to stay in Monti will be close to both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum! Monti is a great neighborhood for walking, and has an excellent selection of shops and bars.
Prati
In this district, you’ll find plenty of gourmet restaurants and upscale boutiques. Situated by the river across from the city center, Prati offers a calmer atmosphere while still being close to the action. The neighborhood is also adjacent to Vatican City, allowing for convenient travel.
Interested in visiting other Italian cities? See our Solo Travel Guide to Italy.
Where to Eat on a Solo Trip to Rome
Rome is brimming with fantastic restaurants and cafes. You’ll find everything from elegant fine dining to casual eateries. Solo travelers looking to grab a quick bite on-the-go have plenty of amazing options to choose from.
Nothing beats a fresh slice of pizza, and there’s no shortage of pizza shops to choose from! Pizza al taglio is quite popular in Rome, where the pizza is baked in large rectangular pans and sold in individual slices. Stop by Pizzarium Bonci, a lively joint serving tasty Roman-style pizza by the slice.
A beloved Roman street food to try is the supplì. The fried rice balls are stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. They’re a perfect snack to enjoy on-the-go. In between sightseeing, stop by Suppli Roma to sample their fare.
While in Rome, many visitors opt to savor the tasty pasta. You’ll find many Italian classics here in the city. However, if you’re looking for pasta dishes that originated specifically from Rome, try the Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, or Gricia. Top-rated eateries include Pastasciuta, a casual spot great for pasta-to-go, or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, which offers Roman staples with a sidewalk patio.
Stop by Gelateria La Romana for a taste of decadent gelato. With multiple locations in the city, the popular shop offers rich and smooth ice cream, along with decadent crepes, and ice cream in a brioche bun. Choose from traditional flavors including pistachio, hazelnut truffle, and dark chocolate.
How to Get Around Rome by Yourself
The public transit system is both an efficient and cost-effective method of transportation if you’re traveling by yourself. Get around quickly and efficiently via train, and avoid having to splurge for a taxi.
Solo travelers planning to frequently use the metro, may find it more cost-effective to purchase a weekly pass, or a day pass for 1 to 3 days. This allows for unlimited use of the city’s public transportation system for the specified amount of days.
Of course, walking is another great way to get around. There are many attractions within close proximity to each other, especially in the heart of the city. In the historic center, a stroll along the classic cobblestone streets is an incredible way to experience the atmosphere. You’ll find top sights such as the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Plenty of shops and eateries are intertwined amongst the narrow streets.
If you’re staying outside of the historic district, this area is walking distance to the Spagna metro station, located next to the Spanish Steps.
Lastly, there’s also an express train that conveniently gets travelers from the main airport (Leonardo Da Vinci Airport) to the Central Train station, which is the main train hub. From there, hop on the metro and head to your destination.
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