Solo woman traveller

You will need to be in Rome the night before your departure flight so unless you have just been to Rome, I’d say Rome.

Other ideas would be Florence or Bologna for 3 nights then train to Rome for fourth night
Depends on where you have already visited while in Cortona area

Another option 2 nights Assisi or Orvieto then 2 nights Rome

How much time will you have had on the trip in Rome. You could easily use up 4 to 6 days with just Rome.

Sorry, I should have clarified. I do not want to spend it in Rome.

Ok
What time is your departing flight? If not later afternoon you will still need to spend the night before in Rome or chance missing your flight home.

It leaves at 11:30 a.m. Would that leave me enough time if I caught the train from Florence or Bologna that morning?

Nope- I would not risk it. You need to be at FCO 3 hours preflight. Assuming your flight is headed directly to US?
That means on a train from Florence or Bologna at some ungodly hour.

There are a few direct Florence or Bologna to FCO trains but not sure how early first is. Otherwise it's a transfer at Termini to Leonardo Express to FCO.
(looks like first direct from Bologna is 6:55- gets you to FCO at 10:07 too late!, first Florence to FCO is 8:46 arriving 10:37- again way too late!
Bologna to Rome is a 3 hour trip, Florence to Rome is 2 hour trip- add more time for transfer at Termini.
You will need to stay in Rome the night before- could leave Florence or Bologna late in day and just stay at an airport hotel.

Well if I did decide to spend one day in Rome, where would you suggest I stay?

Have you been to Rome before?

Only once, in 1982!

Oh my! Then maybe it's time you gave it a 2nd look? Rome is probably our favorite city in Europe. So much to see and do!
Could you share what your interests are--art? food? architecture? churches? ancient sights? shopping?
What will you have seen/done during your time in Cortona?

We always stay near the Pantheon in Rome--it is so central- everything is walkable from there. In your case staying near Termini might make more sense- many here like that area and can make recommendations and you are close to your transportation needs.

I would hate to spend just 1 night at the airport- to me that's a wasted night/expense to... well just be "at the airport"
I would pick another destination- maybe Orvieto- very easy to get to Rome from here- stay 2 nights then head to Rome for 2 nights.

Just some suggestions not knowing your interests but since you are alone-

-Borghese Gallery- IMO a MUST DO- you must book a timed entry so no waiting in line and the visit is limited to 2 hours.
https://www.tosc.it/tickets.htm?affiliate=T2C&sort_by=event_datum&sort_direction=asc&fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=912678&language=it
After that walk down thru the park and end up at P Popolo then continue on doing RS Heart of Italy in reverse ending at Camp de'Fiori or P Navonna for dinner.

-Do a food walking tour- we just did the Eating Europe Trastevere morning tour- it was wonderful as are all Eating Europe tours- you'll be with a small fun group and get a nice tour of Trastevere and good eats in their company- use EATWELL10 for a discount. They offer am and pm tours
https://www.eatingeurope.com

-Take a look at Walks of Italy tours- they are all very good.
https://www.walksofitaly.com

-Go to Campo De'Fiori in the am for the market.

-Visit the Capitoline Museum, have lunch on the outside terrace there with great views of the Forum.

-Pop in to every church you pass- they are free and full of beautiful art, plus they are nice and cool if it's hot outside.

That's just a few things that can easily fill a day and a half.
Take the train to FCO on departure morning or if your budget allows a taxi is a flat rate of 48€

It's a busy touristy city so as a woman alone I don't think you'll feel unsafe anywhere. Although the historic center is mostly pedestrianized giving it a small town feel. No skyscrapers, less traffic, still busy and bustling but manageable.

My interests are good coffee, food, outdoor sights,as I love walking. I like the idea of a food/eating tour and would feel safe with a group.

I love markets so that sounds fun! Would a taxi be quicker to get to the airport? I totally agree about the airport hotel, seems like a waste to me!

:) then I think you should go to Rome.
The whole place is an outdoor museum. Very very walkable. Everywhere you look is history and beauty.
When is your trip?

A taxi usually takes about 45 min- not sure about train as we always taxi. I think train is actually quicker once you are on it. Train is simple enough but it does mean lugging your luggage yourself. A taxi picks you up outside your hotel (or as close as they can get to your hotel if you are staying in pedestrian only area) and drops you right at airport door.

Get a copy of RS Rome book and start planning. Ask any questions you have here. You might end up spending all 4 nights in Rome!

Here is Rome's famous coffee shop- we stay right next to it so get our daily caffeine fix here
http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/?lang=en

October. I have Oct. 13 until the 17 by myself, well I fly home at 11:30 on the morning of the 17th.

Oh very nice time- don't need to worry so much about heat and/or crowds.

Christine has really made the case for Rome. I agree with her recommendation of https://www.eatingeurope.com.. The Twilight Trastevere was great. The Street food tour also hits a market.. I can't imagine how much it has changed since 1982, but on the other hand, the city is timeless!!!!

Thanks. I will re consider Rome. Others have told me its dirty, crowded, too touristy, etc. But you have given me some good suggestions of things to do since I will be on my own.

To clarify, do you stay near the historic centre?

October is a lovely time to visit Rome. We have been there a few times in October and loved the fact it was warm, but not too crowded. I would try to stay in the historic center- near the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori, or Trastevere. You can walk to most sites from there, and there’s lots of great cafes, coffee bars and markets. Not to mention all the great gelato shops and.
Take a look at Xenia Guesthouse. They are in and excellent location and get great reviews. A girlfriend stayed there last October and loved it. tried to book earlier in October, but they were full.

Hi Theresa, I also agree with the others you should stay in Rome. I was just there in May. I too was solo & was concerned about Rome safety solo. I wasn't there very long but suffice to say it ended up being my 2nd favorite place.
I flew out of FCO around 11:30 to Charlotte & took a car to the airport around 7. I had plenty of time but travel carryon only.
I arrived in Rome from Florence the day before my flight around noon. I stayed near the Pantheon & found it a great location. I had enough time to visit the Pantheon & I had an underground tour of Coliseum at 2:30. That left me time to see Forum & Palantine Hill. For lunch I just grabbed a quick panini but I did treat myself to one last Italian dinner.

I thought it worked out really well. Loved Rome & plan on going back there in the future for 7-10 days. Use the same judgement you would in any big city you will be fine!

Others have told me its dirty, crowded, too touristy, etc.<<

well aren't all cities? I was just in NYC for 2.5 days- NYC is dirty, crowded and touristy as well. My hometown of SF is also dirty, crowded and touristy.

Rome is no different than any other large metropolitan city but it has SO much to offer tourists. If you choose to only see the dirt, crowds and tourists you will miss the amazing history and beauty that is there under all the grit.
I am very happy to see you are now open to visiting Rome, I doubt you will regret it. We spent 5 nights there on our first trip to Italy I didn't think I would like it at all. We fell in love and have returned and will return again, still so much we haven't done there.

We stay near the Pantheon- actually right next to Hadrian's Temple- pretty much dead center of Centro Storico (Historic Center) on the pedestrian zone that is a bit of a "tourist gauntlet" but we really liked the hotel the first time so keep returning to it- has a fantastic roof terrace with views of Rome's rooftops. It is 5 min walk to Trevi, 5 min to P Navonna, about 10 to Campo De'Fiori, 15 to Colosseum sights and the opposite direction to P Popolo. Very central, mostly all flat walking.

You will get plenty of help and advice here from others who love Rome. Don't listen to the naysayers.

I just spent 6 nights in Rome as a solo traveler, and I always felt very safe. Use common sense as you would in any major city, but don't be concerned about being solo. As others have said, it's very walkable and easy to get around using buses and transit or just your own feet. I had an AirBnB in Trastevere and loved it. There are so many good restaurants and it felt very neighborhood-y. It's a little far from the Vatican but is still very walkable to all the major sights.

I have been to NYC and loved it so I think I will probably love Rome too! I think you have all sold me on spending a few days there. Now I just have to decide exactly where to stay and what to do. Thanks everyone! Any other advice will be appreciated.

Katherine, what airbnb did you stay at?

Theresa, I stayed here. I interacted mostly with the host's sister Claudia, who was just wonderful. She spent 20 minutes giving me restaurant and sightseeing tips and walked me over to a "good" ATM. She was really responsive when I had a question about the washing machine and when the shower was slow to drain (came by the very next day with the Italian equivalent of Draino; it was not remotely an emergency either, so very considerate). It's close to a couple bus stops and easy walking distance to Campo di Fiori, Pantheon, etc. as well as tons of inexpensive and very good restaurants. I will say that it's a tad noisy at night if you have the windows open, so think twice if that's an issue for you. I hope it works out for you, it was my favorite AirBnB in Italy!

Thanks! I am going to look at it and see if it is available.

Since you are going to be solo (for the first time?), I think you should consider staying in a hotel where you'll have staff available 24/7 to answer questions and make suggestions. You'll also have the opportunity to meet other people in the lounge and at breakfast.

What put me off about Rome was getting lost a lot. On my last visit, I bought a bus/metro pass (2 years ago a 3-day pass was €16.50). Whenever I felt "at sea" I got on a bus and went somewhere. The only day that didn't work for me was Sunday, when buses are nearly as scarce as hen's teeth. Taxis in the city aren't expensive either. I didn't have a smart phone then. On my most recent trips (France and Portugal), google maps was indispensable - saved me a lot of walking in circles.

Rick Steves has recorded several audio walking tours for Rome. 2 in particular I remember are the Ghetto and Trastevere. The first ends just a short walk from where the second begins. Consider going to Ostia Antica in the morning and then walking to the coast (Ostia was the port of ancient Rome).

I agree with Chani.
We are experienced travelers and still prefer and appreciate a hotel with 24 hr desk, elevator, bkft, A/C.

Trastevere is really nice, but it is a bit further from sights, train station. You'll need to use more public transportation if staying there- not that there is anything wrong with that! - just something to consider.
We've actually never used metro or bus in Rome.
An AirBnB usually means you need to meet up with owner, possibly no place to drop luggage on arrival if check in time is after you arrive, find your own bkft..
I guess it depends on how many nights you decide to stay in Rome. If just 2 or 3 I'd stay more central. Well, I'd stay more central with 4 nights as well.

Best to figure out your day by day itinerary while in Rome before you decide where to stay and how many nights you need.

I also agree with Chani. I'll stay in Air b&bs when traveling with a friend, but when alone, I consider it a matter of safety to stay in a hotel where a front desk person can see me come and go. If you go with a hotel stay in Rome, you might look at wonderful Hotel Smeraldo, which is in a perfect location, right in the center of the historical district, and within very easy walking distance from the Campo de Fiori, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Forum, etc., etc., The friendly staff at the front desk (24/7) will help out with lots of suggestions; breakfast is fabulous; the recently modernized rooms are extremely comfy; and the rooftop bar is a lovely spot from which to watch the sunset and schmooze with other travelers. I've stayed there alone, and with a family member.

Thanks for the hotel recommendation!

Theresa, you will need to judge for yourself what falls into the safe category for you. However, for others reading, I don't think it's necessary to imply that AirBnBs or other apartment rentals are "unsafe" because there is no front desk. One can be assaulted or robbed in a hotel just as easily as they can in an apartment. It's about being aware of your surroundings and using good judgment.

As far as services, I recently traveled for 7 weeks and stayed in a mix of hotels and, for the first time, apartments. In many cases, I had a higher level of personal and customized service from my apartment host than I did from hotel staff. In other cases, it was the reverse. And while I missed having a prepared breakfast like at a hotel, apartments forced me into grocery stores and gave me the experience of, for example, figuring out what kind of milk was similar to the kind I drink at home or trying cereals I had never seen before. There are tradeoffs to both lodging options.

Others have told me its dirty, crowded, too touristy, etc. But you have given me some good suggestions of things to do since I will be on my own.

Hi Theresa,

I realize you're not keen on Rome so much but wondering if that is because of your friends' impressions? Orvieto? - Another good choice - less city like compared to Rome with a more relaxed atmosphere. Easy to navigate. Lovely to hang out, sip a glass while enjoying the scape.

Four days in Rome with a side, day trip to Orvieto may be very nice. It is about one hour from Termini.

This https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRomanGuyTours has become my mantra of sorts, lol. They are a fun watch. I know some of them by heart. lol. Check out their guided tours. I think? they give a discount. Call to make sure.

Sean is the narrator in most of the videos. Bojan is another narrator. Both have been guides of TRG. The vids are humorous, down to Earth, and helpful with a lot of good tips for Rome's newcomer. They break down the neighborhoods and sites for the viewer. You can get a decent glimpse of each part of Rome. (I don't know Sean or Bojan.)

I would also like to suggest https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia.html With strategically placed cameras, you can get a birds' eye teaser of the major Piazzas and attractions of Rome. Check them at different times of day and night.

For example, Campo de' Fiori is a bustling, colorful, and fun outdoor market by day. Stop and say hello to Giordano Bruno.

At night, its personality changes to a lovely hang out with locals and travelers alike. Many little restaurants and shops are hidden down alley-like streets. You may catch the street musicians. Fun!

If interested, I can recommend a restaurant near Campo - good food.

You may catch the "street musicians" - I saw them at The Pantheon, Navona and Campo. They are great. When I came home from my first trip to Rome, I turned on the cams and "relived moments."

Check out Walks Of Italy and Dark Rome guided tours. Maybe something will click? Maybe watch Rick Steves' videos on Rome and Orvieto and other hill towns. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LntYoDVji3k

RS Rome's Back Streets & Riches - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhBQ2j9RIO4

If you like to watch YT's, check out this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnL-zJ5DcQw - He is funny with helpful tips and suggestions.

• Adding - Or, if being in Rome would be too much for you, you can do the reverse - go to a quieter hill town and spend the last couple of days in Rome, flying out of FCO?

Whatever you plan or wherever you go, have fun.

If you decide you're open to air bnb, look up The Rabbit Hole. It's in the Jewish quarter near the main pedestrian street that is lined with restaurants, in a building with a keyed front door. It was a great area and nice to go out for dinner and not be too far to get back "home". Lots of good places around there and I'm hungry thinking about them. It's also an easy walk to Campo di Fiori (and the am market to pick up fruit for breakfast) and the Pantheon, areas that are so busy that walking around at night in November didn't register as a potential issue. It's a studio, but plenty for one person, and the owner is happy to text suggestions on where to eat or what to do. He also made me a reservation for a car to take me to the airport at dark o'clock the morning I left, so he's available for help like that as well. Not the same as a hotel front desk, but close enough.

I have been to Rome solo a number of times and never felt unsafe. One time my flight was delayed by three hours so instead of getting into Rome around 8 pm (when it would have been light out and barely time for dinner) I didn't get there till 11:00. Walking from Termini station to my hotel (about 10 minute walk) I remember feeling very safe even though I was alone late at night in a large city. Having said that, I don't normally stay out much past 10 or so when I'm solo.

The two places I like the best are Hotel Floris (10 minute walk from Termini) or Hotel Julia (more than twice the walk from Termini, but once you get there you are closer to other things, less than 10 minutes from Trevi Fountain). I recommend both of them.

Have a look at my photo gallery of Rome to see if you think you'll like it - https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p632712636

Here is a place you should check out before making your final selection on a place to stay in Rome. We have stayed at Hotel Fontanella Borghese many times and have always been pleased. While it is not "luxury", it is very nice and the location is great. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You can walk to Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Nuvona, even Vatican city. They also have a sister hotel closer to the Pantheon called Hotel Due Torri. We always send an email directly with our request for a booking and we get an answer back in 24 hours or less. Ask for a room overlooking the courtyard as rooms overlooking the side street can get noisy. The web site is www.fontanellaborghese.com.

Thank you! . That is a bit more affordable for me. Theresa

Any suggestions on places to stay in Florence or Oriveto if I decide to go to one of those places before Rome? Thanks everyone!

Sorry about the spelling, Orvieto?

You mentioned that you liked food. Bologna is about 2 hours from Rome by fast train and just 30 minutes from Florence. It is recognized as the culinary capital of Italy. Stay near the central market. We took the Amazing-Italy (www.amazing-italy.com) food tour and it was great. We learned a lot about the different foods of northern Italy while having a walking tour of the city, and ate some amazing food and drank some good wine. If you're looking for something other than Rome, Bologna is worth a look. It's not nearly as crowded.

Thanks to everyone who helped convince me to stay in Rome. I was there by myself for 4 1/2 days and had a wonderful time. I walked everywhere, got lost every day, ate delicious food, and saw many amazing sites. I stayed at Hotel Due Torri which was great! It included a breakfast buffet with a wide range of choices and freshly made cappuccinos, lattes, etc. The staff were very helpful! And I loved the location which was walking distance to all the major sites and close to the river. My only complaint was that the room was very small but then again I was only there to sleep, and they do have a lovely common area with lots of seating and books, puzzles, games, etc.

Since you indicated an interest in food tours and in markets, I would recommend the Testaccio tour from Eating Italy rather than or in addition to the Trastevere tour. I have done both of these, and enjoyed both. However, the Testaccio tour takes you through the Testaccio food market, which is one of the larger ones in Rome.

Thanks for telling us how it went & am glad you enjoyed it!!!!

When in Rome by myself, I stayed at a convent: https://www.monasterystays.com/?d=Italy/Lazio/Rome/Navona-Pantheon/LAR254-accommodation
I felt very safe. Location was great. Nice room with a frig. and a lovely roof terrace. I also did a cooking class that I loved. https://www.cookwithusinrome.com/ they also do food tours.