My family, with 3 kids 17, 17, 17, were planning a first time trip to Italy at the end of May 2025 or into that summer. I just read on these boards about 2025 being a year of Jubilee. We were planning on flying from the US to Rome for 3 days before moving on to Austria. Now we're wondering if Rome will be too crowded that we should skip that leg. I'd like to get your thoughts. For first timers, do you think the larger crowds would make us want to never return, or will the city accommodate well enough that touring wouldn't be largely impacted, as long as lodging was secured long in advance?
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1059 posts
Rome will be crowded. I was in Italy this past July and the government said they expect 50 million tourists during the Jubilee Year. BUT, don't let that stop you! Do your homework and make any reservations online possible: Colosseum (including Forum and Capitaline Hill), Vatican Museum. Definitely hotel or rental apartment (my personal favorite). Let the teenagers help - that way the preparations get everybody's input and they become part of the anticipation. Check for food suggestions. Rick Steves, TripAdvisor and other sites will give you ideas. Go to the restaurant web site to get an idea of prices and menu items. You can eat fairly cheap (but really, really, really good) for maybe $30-40 person. You can eat also at about $85 per person (same foods, different environment). You can also eat for well over, way over $100 per person. Make your choices and reserve specific dates and times. In Rome, try not to eat before 8 o'clock. It will be too touristy then. My average dinner this year was $85 and I enjoyed the table for 3 1/2 hours. It's also ok to make reservations while you are there. If you see a place you would like, go there the day before and reservations might be available. On the day, you might get a reservation but not at the time you want. The best Italian food, in my opinion, you'll find in the places that do not have posted menus in a dozen languages. I want 'family owned' places where Grandma is either in the kitchen or at least supervising the recipes. It isn't about 'gourmet', it's about culture and personal pride. That includes the wine - order the house wine, cheap and you won't be disappointed. On another topic: it will be hot and humid. It could be in the 90s late into the evening. That's why they have gelato!!!! Stay with this discussion you started. You'll get lots of very practical information and help!