Is Rome a Good City for Solo Travellers?
Travelling on your own can be one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do because you don’t have to make any compromises, you don’t have to wait for anyone, it’s just you. Open schedule all the way.
Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and if you’ve been eyeing it as your next solo adventure, you might be going back and forth and thinking about whether it’s the right fit or not. It’s a fantastic travel destination, nobody’s arguing that, but is it solo travel-friendly?
It can be if you get familiar with a few things before you go.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from how safe Rome even is, to what to do when you’re in the Eternal City on your own.
Safety and comfort
Generally, Rome is safe for solo travellers, and that includes women. But like anywhere else, you have to stay aware of your surroundings. Most areas you’ll want to visit are lively and crowded, especially during the day, but it’s still good to avoid quiet, poorly lit streets at night. Especially if you’re alone.
Pickpocketing can be an issue. In fact, the Trevi Fountain is the third most popular site for pickpocket attacks, so make sure to keep your things safe and be mindful of your bag. It’s just common sense here.
If you’re a woman, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t feel unsafe here, but expect the occasional catcall and unwanted attention. Usually, that stuff is completely harmless, but if you’re ever uncomfortable, just keep walking or duck into a shop or café.
Plenty of people in Rome speak English, especially around tourist spots, and it’s easy to find help if you need it. There are tourist information booths in most busy areas and emergency services are super reliable if you ever need them.
How to meet other people while in Rome
Travelling on your own doesn’t mean you’ll be alone all the time (unless you want that, of course). You might want to meet other tourists, chat with locals, enjoy some shared experiences… There are tons of ways to connect here.
1. Join group activities
Joining a group activity is one of the easiest ways to meet people. Luckily, Rome has no shortage of group activities. You can go on walking tours through ancient ruins, attend pasta-making classes in local kitchens, or go wine tasting in cozy Roman cellars. All of these naturally bring people together and you’ll see conversation tends to flow easily.
If you want to be more active, you can join TopBikeRental’s Rome tours. These are guided bike tours that take you through both iconic spots everyone wants to see and hidden gems nobody even knows exist.
2. Stay in social accommodation
Instead of staying at a standard hotel, why not go somewhere that’s designed with social interaction in mind? Hostels, co-living spaces, and even some B&Bs often have shared lounges, kitchens, and community areas where you can meet other guests.
Some even host events like walking tours or group dinners, so you’re not stuck figuring things out on your own. Sites like Hostelworld and Booking.com let you filter by social vibe or communal spaces to make it easier to find the kind of place that suits your travel style.
3. Visit local cafés and markets
Rome’s café culture is practically an open window to slow down and connect. You can sit on a sidewalk with a cappuccino or a glass of wine to soak in the atmosphere and spark a conversation. Locals are used to tourists and a lot of them will happily chat if you smile or ask for a recommendation.
If you want to feel like you’re a part of the local rhythm, head to one of Rome’s markets like Campo de’ Fiori or Mercato Testaccio. These places are full of energy, color, and friendly vendors who are more than happy to talk your ear off about their products or just life in Rome.
Even if you don’t walk away with a new BFF, you can bet that you’ll have some stories, flavors, and a deeper sense of connection to take with you.
Rome for solo travellers
In short, Rome will welcome you with open arms and a plate of carbonara. If you’re up for ancient tours, spontaneous espresso stops, and the occasional chat with a street musician, you’ll have a blast.
It’ll give you the space to do your own thing and while you may be alone, you’ll never be lonely here.