A solo female traveler's guide to Rome

Solo female travel in Rome

Rome holds a special spot on almost everyone’s travel bucket list, and there’s no prize for guessing why. Ancient history is paired with everyone’s favorite cuisine, meaning there really is no place like Rome. Solo female travel adventures are calling, and we’re here to help…

Best time to visit Rome

As the second most visited European city (after Paris), millions of tourists go to Rome every year. It gets especially crowded in the summer months, when it reaches around 86°F (30°C) and prices match the high temperatures. Tourists trail sleepily behind tour guides, queues are excessively long, and sightseeing becomes a chore because of the heat. 

The shoulder months between March and May and September and November are generally cooler, quieter, and cheaper, although you’ll still find lots of tourists visiting at this time. If you really want the city to yourself (well, as close to this as is possible in a place like Rome), November to February is classed as the off-season, and it’s the quietest and most budget-friendly time to go.

Must-see places in Rome

Rome earns its nickname as an open-air museum because it is simply brimming with art, history, and culture. Here are some of the landmarks you cannot miss:

The Colosseum 

This great Roman amphitheater was built in 80 AD as a venue for entertainment. Over the years it has staged gladiator battles, hunts, and executions (of both humans and animals), but it has also been used as a cemetery, a place of worship, and even housing. As one of the most popular monuments in Rome, the best time to visit is early in the morning or at night, when you can enjoy the ruins without the crowds.

The Pantheon

Built sometime between 25 and 27 BC, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Looking upwards from the inside, you’ll see the most striking feature of the Pantheon; the largest unsupported dome in the world with a large hole (or oculus) cut through the center, which is the church’s only source of light. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues to enter, and consider visiting at night when the church is beautifully lit up. 

The Trevi Fountain

This baroque fountain was built in the 18th century and depicts Neptune, god of the sea, riding his horse-drawn chariot over a cascade of water. It’s a free attraction, but legend has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a return to Rome, making it a timeless tradition for travelers. 

The Roman Forum

Once the bustling center of political, social, and commercial life in the Roman Empire, the Roman Forum was where emperors, senators, and citizens would gather for public meetings, business, and events. Wander through this impressively preserved archeological site to see the ancient ruins, then climb to the top of Palatino (Palatine Hill) to take in the views. 

Vatican City

No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to this city-state, which is the smallest country in the world. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top of the dome, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the Vatican Museums, which house works by the likes of Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Pope! 

The Spanish Steps 

The Spanish Steps, known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, are one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The 135 steps are divided into three terraces representing the Holy Trinity and lead from the Piazza di Spagna up to the church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti. Visit in the early evening rather than the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the perfect mix of people-watching and plenty of space. Just don’t sit down - it’s forbidden!

Things to do in Rome

Visit Villa Borghese

These picture-perfect gardens are for nature lovers and art enthusiasts - the 200-acre park is dotted with attractions like the Borghese Gallery, which contains artworks by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio, and the Pincio Water Clock, a feat of 19th-century engineering.

Go back in time

When planning your solo female travel to Rome, there’s no way you can avoid a trip down memory lane. From the Vatican City Museums to the ruins of the Roman Forum, most sightseeing itineraries will be filled to the brim with history. 

Get up high

It’s a good idea to climb up at least one of the Seven Hills to see Rome from above. Among these historic peaks, Palatine Hill is the most famous and is filled with ancient ruins and meticulously landscaped gardens. If you make your way up the Capitoline Hill, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Roman Forum as well as Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio, which is surrounded by three palaces: Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo. 

Go shopping

Head to Via del Corso to find all the normal high street shops, while those with a taste (and a budget) for expensive things can enjoy designer shops galore on nearby Via dei Condotti. If markets are more up your street head to Campo dei Fiori, which is always bustling with vendors selling local cheeses, cured meats, fresh flowers, and souvenirs. 

Dine like a local

Avoid the tourist traps and eat where the locals eat to enjoy the best of the best - Roman artichokes fried in olive oil and mint, carbonara with guanciale and pecorino cheese, and saltimbocca - thinly cut veal with prosciutto and sage. Oh, and finish your meal with a strong espresso!

Eat gelato

When in Rome… you can’t not try gelato! There’s a gelaterie (gelato shop) on almost every street corner in the Eternal City; enjoy seasonal flavors like frutti di bosco (forest fruits), stracciatella, fico (fig), and mandorla (almond). 

Getting around Rome

As with many other cities, exploring Rome on foot is the best way to get to know the place. There are plenty of pedestrian-only areas where you can wander around without worrying about traffic, but it can be easy to get lost on Rome’s cobblestone streets so it’s a good idea to use a map to navigate your way around. Some tourists opt for a bus tour so they can see the sights without wearing out their legs, and this is a particularly good idea if you’re visiting in the height of summer when you’ll want to save your energy as much as possible. Aside from tour buses, public transport in Rome is cheap and easy to use - you can buy bus and metro tickets from train stations and tabaccherias, just remember to validate your ticket before climbing aboard. If you want to go onwards from Rome, female solo travel is made easy with high-speed trains taking you all over Italy from the Termini station in Rome. Maybe it’s true that “all roads lead to Rome”...

Weather in Rome

Rome has a warm Mediterranean climate, making it a popular destination all year round. Winters in Rome are mild compared to many other European cities, with daytime temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C) and a higher chance of rain than in other seasons. Spring sees the weather begin to warm up, with temperatures hitting around 55°F (13°C) in March and 75°F (24°C) in May. Summers in Rome are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 86°F (30°C) in July and August. As summers can be extremely hot in Rome, solo female travelers should always carry a bottle of water with them when they’re out exploring. The weather begins to cool down a little in autumn, ranging from a comfortable 79°F (26°C) in September to 64°F (18°C) in November. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Rome

Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or solo female travel, Rome is definitely not short on accommodation options. Hostels are a popular choice for women traveling to Rome solo as they are usually affordable, well-located, and allow guests the chance to meet other travelers. Hotels can range from budget to luxury but are generally not as sociable as hostels, and Airbnbs offer a little more privacy but come at a higher price. Call us biased, but we think house sitting in Rome trumps all these accommodation options! It’s your chance to fully embrace the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”… have your true Eat, Pray, Love moment and savor your morning caffè (espresso) at the local coffee shop, enjoy long lunches at family-owned restaurants only a local would know about, and take an evening stroll (or passeggiata) with your four-pawed pal in tow. Rome isn’t just about seeing the sights, it’s about living la dolce vita!

Is Rome safe for solo female travelers?

Many people wonder “How safe is Rome for solo female travelers?”. While it’s generally considered a safe city, given its popularity with tourists it’s important to keep your wits about you. Like any big city, Rome has its fair share of tourist scams and pickpockets, so use common sense and be extra cautious when visiting busy areas and tourist attractions. The city comes alive at night which means it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself walking down deserted streets in the dark, but even so, some people recommend avoiding areas such as Colle Oppio, Trastevere, and the Termini station at night. For more tips on staying safe in Rome, follow our guide to traveling safely as a woman. 

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Italians are known as an open, friendly bunch, and the best way to meet locals in Rome is to match their warmth - strike up conversations in cafes, say ciao to your neighbors on the stairs, and chat with vendors at the market. If you’re house sitting in Rome, the owner may even introduce you to some of their friends. Walking tours are another great way of meeting people especially if you want to make connections with other travelers, and they’re an excellent option if you want to wander the streets at night with a bit of company! 

Tips from a local

• Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long queues for tourist attractions.
• If you’ve got any must-visit restaurants on your list, book these in advance too.
• Do as the Romans do - eat a light breakfast and feast like a king at lunch (from 12:30-2:30pm), before going out for an evening meal (any time after 7.30pm is appropriate). 
• There are lots of free things to do in Rome, and many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. 
• Dress appropriately - if you’re visiting one of the many religious spaces in Rome, solo female travelers should remember to cover their shoulders and knees. A light scarf can come in handy, particularly if it’s hot. 
• Learn some basic Italian, it’s polite and will help you engage better with the locals. Here are some important phrases:

Hello → Ciao

Goodbye → Arrivederci

Please → Per favore

Thank you → Grazie 

Where is the bathroom? → Dov e il bagno?

How much does it cost? → Quanto costa? 

Do you speak English? → Lei parla inglese?

Rome for solo female pet sitters

If you’re planning your getaway as a female, solo travel, Rome, and pet sitting go together like cacio e pepe. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and that’s why it’s important to take your time with this beautiful city, so here are a few ideas of how to make the most of your time there.

Things to do with dogs in Rome

Rome is a pretty dog-friendly city, as long as your pooch pal is well-behaved and kept on a leash at all times. With a furry friend in tow, you can…

• Take a trip to a dog-friendly park like Parco degli Acquedotti, and still get your history fix by wandering through the archeological sites. 
• Wander around the many squares in Rome, including the Piazza Navona, Piazza san Pietro, and Piazza di Spagna at the top of the Spanish Steps. 
• Speaking of the Spanish Steps, take your pooch pal for a walk up theml and you’re sure to garner some attention from fellow dog lovers!
• Play fetch and go for a swim at Bau Beach, a dog-friendly beach less than an hour from the city.
• Take a dog-friendly Vespa tour of the city and have your furry friend ride on your lap in the sidecar. 
  

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Rome

Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patios of most cafes and restaurants in Rome, but always double-check with someone working there before taking a seat. If you have a particular restaurant in mind, it’s worth calling ahead to make sure they can accommodate you and your furry friend. Here are some of the most popular dog-friendly bars and restaurants:

• Bar La Licata

Address: Via dei Serpenti, 165, 00184 Roma

• WOOD Natural Bar

Address: Via Galla Placidia, 184, 00159 Roma

• Breccia Bistrot

Address: Via Nomentana, 57-59-61, 00198 Roma

• Rosemary terra e sapori

Address: Via Modena, 15, 00184 Roma

• Trecaffè - Vaticano

Address: Via Leone IV, 10, 00192 Roma

House and pet sits

You could be anywhere, but you’re in Rome! Solo female travel and pet sitting go hand in hand, so enjoy this amazing city with the company of furry friends by becoming a member today! 

Arrivederci Roma, until we meet again!