Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing over 9 million visitors every year.
But is Rome a good place for solo female travelers?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! While petty crime like pickpocketing is common, violent crime is rare. With some basic precautions, Rome can be safely and easily explored alone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a fun, relaxing, and safe trip to Rome by yourself, including:
- Rome’s safety for solo female travelers
- Top sights and activities to enjoy alone
- Tips for eating out, nightlife, and meeting people
- Budget and money-saving advice
- Where to stay as a solo female
- FAQs on dress codes, getting around, and more
So read on for the complete solo female travel guide to Rome!
Is Rome Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
While no large city is totally crime-free, Rome is considered quite safe for female travelers compared to other European capitals.
Violent crime is rare, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching do regularly occur at major tourist sites, on crowded buses and metros, and around Termini train station. Pack intelligently, be alert in crowds, and don’t carry around large amounts of cash or valuables.
Standard safety precautions apply, be extra vigilant at night, avoid poorly-lit areas, don’t walk alone down deserted streets, and only take licensed taxis or Uber/Lyft rides.
The metro system is generally safe to use, even at night. But it’s best to stick to busier stations and carriages after dark.
Female travelers should dress conservatively when visiting churches and religious sites.
Carry a scarf or shawl to cover bare shoulders. Don’t attract unwanted attention by wearing overly revealing clothing.
It’s smart to limit drinking alcohol when out at nightclubs and bars alone. Always watch drinks being poured and never leave them unattended.
Top Things to Do Alone in Rome
With awe-inspiring ancient monuments, world-class museums, vibrant piazzas, and endless culinary delights, you’ll never run out of things to occupy your time in the Eternal City.
Here are some of the best activities for solo female travelers in Rome:
See the Famous Sights
No trip to Rome is complete without visiting its ancient ruins and iconic monuments. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill provide a glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Marvel at the perfectly preserved Pantheon temple and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Soak up the ambiance in bustling public squares like Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza di Spagna.
Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long waits. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly for churches and basilicas. For safety, visit crowded mainstream sites during the day.
Explore Vatican City
The walled enclave of Vatican City contains some of Rome’s most popular attractions.
Gape at Michelangelo’s painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and view da Vinci and Raphael masterpieces in the enormous Vatican Museums.
Marvel at the soaring dome and lavish interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. Arrive early or book fast-track tickets to avoid the notoriously long lines.
Go on Walking Tours
Joining a walking tour is a foolproof way for solo female travelers to see the city safely. You’ll learn insightful history from an expert local guide while making potential new friends in the group.
Free walking tours of Rome’s highlights run daily, with just a small tip expected at the end. Small group and private tours are also available.
For a unique experience, try a twilight or nighttime walking tour to see Rome’s monuments beautifully illuminated.
Food tours and pub crawls are great for sampling Italian cuisine and nightlife while meeting fellow travelers.
Take Cooking Classes
Italian food is one of the world’s most beloved cuisines. Learn to cook authentic Roman specialities like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and tiramisu at a hands-on cooking class.
Shop local markets for ingredients before heading to a kitchen for preparation. Classes typically end with sitting down to enjoy the meal you cooked. It’s an interactive, social experience and a fun way to pick up culinary skills.
Do Day Trips
Rome makes an ideal base to explore surrounding regions of Italy on easy day trips. Take organized excursions or public transportation to nearby destinations like the ruins of Pompeii, the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, or the capital of Tuscany – Florence.
It’s completely feasible to do day trips solo, just be cautious traveling alone late at night upon return.
Eating Out Solo in Rome
Dining alone may seem intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from sampling Rome’s scrumptious cuisine! Here are tips for enjoying meals solo:
- Sit at the bar in restaurants and trattorias rather than a table for casual, quick service.
- Try authentic Roman classics like bucatini carbonara, cacio e pepe, supplì, pizza al taglio.
- Take food tours, cooking classes, and pub crawls to meet fellow foodies.
- Relax with a glass of wine at an outdoor cafe in scenic squares for prime people watching.
- If you do choose to dine at a restaurant alone, bring a book or journal to look occupied.
- Be adventurous and try hole-in-the-wall spots off the tourist path serving homemade dishes.
- Eat an indulgent gelato solo – you don’t need a partner for that!
Rome Nightlife for Solo Female Travel
While Rome’s nightlife scene may not be as hopping as Italian party capitals like Milan, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained after dark as a solo female traveler. Here are some tips:
- Sip delicious Italian wines at cozy enoteche (wine bars). Trendy craft beer pubs have also emerged in Rome.
- Listen to live music at jazz clubs and small concert venues – you’ll find rock, classical, opera, and more.
- Browse evening art openings and cultural events at galleries around Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese.
- Embark on twilight walking tours to enjoy illuminated views of ancient monuments without huge crowds.
- Head to Testaccio and Ostiense for a more lively nightlife district packed with pubs.
- Visit discos and dance clubs with caution – avoid taking unlicensed taxis alone at night after partying.
Make new friends at hostels, walking tours, and cooking classes who can potentially join you for a night out. As always, be vigilant about drink spiking and don’t get dangerously intoxicated when alone.
Is Rome Expensive? Budget Tips for Savings
While certainly not a cheap city, Rome doesn’t have to demolish your budget. Follow these money-saving strategies:
- Purchase the Roma Pass covering free entry to 2 attractions, discounts at others, and unlimited public transport.
- Book skip-the-line tickets to crowded sights like the Colosseum and Vatican online ahead of time.
- Have picnics for meals – visit markets like Mercato Trionfale or alimentari stores for cheese, charcuterie, produce, bread.
- Take advantage of free entry days – state museums are gratis the first Sunday of each month.
- Walk or use affordable public transit like the metro, buses, and trams, which cost 1.50 EUR per ride.
- Fill up your water bottle at drinking fountains around the city instead of buying bottled water.
- Split costs on tours and taxis with new friends from walking tours or hostels.
- Fly on budget airlines and stay in affordable hostel dorms to save on flights and lodging.
Where to Stay in Rome as a Solo Female Traveler
Ideal neighborhoods to stay in as a solo female traveler include:
- Trastevere – Charming area across the Tiber River with trendy shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Easy walking access to major sights.
- Monti – Artsy, hipster vibe with cute boutiques, wine bars, and bistros. Close to Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Campo de’ Fiori – Lively square surrounded by cafes and restaurants. Near Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
- Jewish Ghetto – Historic area with good dining. Close to Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere.
- Piazza di Spagna – Upscale area near Spanish Steps with designer shopping and hotels.
Avoid staying near Termini station, which can get quite seedy at night. Check reviews and security ratings when booking accommodations as a solo female traveler.
FAQ about Solo Female Travel in Rome
What is the best way for solo females to get around Rome?
Stick to licensed taxis or ride shares like Uber. Avoid unlicensed taxis that overcharge. The metro is quite safe and affordable.
What is the dress code for visiting churches and the Vatican?
Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering these religious sites. Carry a scarf or shawl. Some churches enforce codes strictly.
Is it easy to meet other travelers in Rome?
Yes! Stay in mixed dorms at sociable hostels, join walking tours and pub crawls, and check Couchsurfing for meetups.
What are the top 3 must-see attractions for first-timers?
The Colosseum, Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel, and Roman Forum/Palatine Hill are absolute must-sees.
Is it OK for women to dine alone in Rome restaurants?
Absolutely. Sit at the bar if you feel conspicuous at a table alone. Italians won’t blink an eye at solo female diners.
Have an Amazing Solo Trip to Rome!
Now that you know how to stay safe and navigate Rome on your own, you can start planning your unforgettable solo female adventure in the Eternal City.
Follow this Rome travel guide and you’ll be set for an enjoyable, exciting experience.
Wander iconic ruins, see masterpieces of art and architecture, learn to make pasta from scratch, get lost down winding cobblestoned alleys, and meet welcoming locals and travellers from around the world.
Rome will delight all your senses – history and culture come alive here like nowhere else.
So don’t let fear hold you back from visiting Rome solo. With common sense safety precautions, an adventurous spirit, and this list of the top things to do alone, you are bound to have a magical time in one of Europe’s most captivating cities!
