Solo travel in Rome

Rome is a very safe city with violent crime being very rare. Use normal precautions and you'll be fine.

Donna

I spent several days solo in Rome a little over a year ago. There were so many people out and about at night, especially at places like the Pantheon, that I never felt alone or lonely! I also felt very safe even walking back to my hotel at night because there were so many people around. No special concerns. Just take normal precautions as you would anywhere and have a great trip.

I'm in Rome alone for a few weeks at a time. I love it! Of course you want to use the usual safety concerns but don't let that stop you from going out morning, noon, or night! You don't mention your age or gender but I don't think I would change what I say no matter your age or gender. Have fun! It's ok to get off the beaten path and look round the neighborhoods (Trastevere is my favorite but between the Piazza Navona and the Vatican is also interesting). Heck, I even like the area on the other side of the Vatican behind Castel Sant'Angelo. I did find that some restaurants (that are really busy) are not happy to sit a single but they will, but maybe inside back in the corner. hey - that's the best place for people (and plate) watching!

Walk at your own speed, go at your leisure, wander as you please and have an extra scoop on your gelato because nobody is going to tell you that you shouldn't! Enjoy!!!!!!

I was by myself in Rome for a month in Oct-Nov, walked everywhere or took public transportation, just the buses because I never needed the metro. I would think of Rome as you would any huge American city like NYC, but minus the crime. Unless for some reason you would want to be in dark unpopulated alleys, there will be tons of people everywhere you go, one third Romans and two thirds tourists. The Italians are friendly, unlike NYC, and happy to help with directions, more like Chicagoans!

No safety concerns beyond the usual in Rome. But here's a tip: Take a journal with you to write in at dinner. It becomes your companion that you can "talk" to by recording your activities of that day as well as what's going on in the restaurant around you. I did this for the three weeks solo in Ravenna/Rome/Assisi in 2015 and now I have a wonderful record of my time there. (I never had any trouble getting a table as a single person, but I speak Italian fairly well and that might have helped.)

If you're craving companionship, consider doing an eatwith.com dinner. (A local person cooking for you and others in their own home.) We did Barbara's dinner in Trastevere and LOVED it. Also, consider joining a tour group or two. Context Travel is great for their smaller group size. I ended up meeting some fun folks when I did that and we had a lovely lunch after the tour. Do other similar group activities, like a wine-tasting class. I did this one in Rome and really enjoyed it: http://www.vinoroma.com/

Download some audio guides to your smartphone and follow them.

Stay at a B&B or small hotel that serves breakfast in a common room, as opposed to bringing it to you in your room or giving you a voucher for a nearby cafe. (These are harder to find in Rome than most other Italian cities, in my experience.)

Happy travels.

Thanks so much for all the great information! Much appreciated.

I felt totally comfortable by myself (at 63 years old) in Rome. If you decide you need some human contact, take a walking tour!

I loved traveling solo in Rome last summer, so I'm returning to do the same in April. Lots of great suggestions here. I joined a food tour one day (loved my tour with Eating Italy- worth every penny), which was great to get to know fellow travelers from all over the world, and find great spots in Trastevere, and plan to do another this time round. Rome is a wonderful place to wander and explore at your own pace. Have a great time!