A Solo-Traveller's Guide to Rome

Heading out on your own? Here's a solo-traveller's guide to Rome to help you along.

Rome is a city that rewards travellers taking on its incredible sights and culture on their own, with so much to see and do. It always helps to be prepared before heading anywhere new however and we've put together a little solo-traveller's guide to Rome for anyone aspiring to their own Eat, Pray, Love adventure below.

Getting Around

Rome has a pretty advanced public transport system, though walking is the best way to see the city and really get a feel for the infectious atmosphere of the place. With public buses running 24 hours across the best tourist attractions, tourists can buy tickets that cover rides on the buses and metro (which isn't that extensive, with only a few lines). Taxis are also a popular way to get around, however mind that some drivers are known to scam unsuspecting tourists so keep an eye on the metre as you zoom through the streets. If you want to see the sights without the stress of navigating the city, there's a great Hop On Hop Off bus tour that departs from Termini Station and St. Peter's Basillica. Spanning places like the Coliseum, Circus Maximus and Piazza Navona, it's an easy way to explore the city and the ride also provides audio commentary on the key landmarks you'll pass.

Staying Safe

While Rome is generally safe, tourists are routinely subject to scams and pickpocketing so it helps to be vigilant when travelling. Make sure you know where your valuables are at all time, especially around big tourist sites and in busy crowds. As mentioned earlier, sometimes taxi drivers will try for a little more money than they should by adjusting metres or using other scams so it's worth keeping an eye out for that.

Cultural Stops

Rome overflows with culture and history, with stunning works of architecture and rich museums adding splashes of colour to the diverse city. Religion and art are closely intertwined in the capital and it's no secret that the Vatican City frequently tops every tourist's list, with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and the towering structure of St Peter's Basilica set to amaze. Diving even further back into the city's past, travellers can trace the legacy of ancient Rome at places like the Coliseum and the Capitoline Museums providing a glimpse of its glorious past.

Culinary Experiences

If you're travelling to Italy, foregoing that no-carb diet is a given. Cheesy pastas are a must when coming to Rome (which happens to be the birthplace of carbonara) and particular dishes include bucatini al'amatriciana, a kind of pasta which is hollow all the way through and cooked with tomatoes, peppers and pancetta, as well as the simple comforts of a plate of cacio e pepe, a Pecorino Romano cheese and pepper dish. Other unexpected treats include deep fried artichokes, popularised by the city's Jewish community, and the city's predilection towards offal - a delight for adventurous eaters. Wine connoisseurs will be absolutely at home in the capital, with numerous high quality bottles stocked at every restaurant and wine tastings available for those looking to hone their knowledge. Looking for some culinary inspiration for your trip? Check out our Top 10 Rome Foods you must try!