Rome is designed for romance. If you're traveling solo, that design can feel isolating.
Rome consistently ranks as a top destination — but solo traveler reviews tell a different story. Here's what makes Rome challenging for those going it alone.
Why Solo Traveler Find Rome Harder
1. Dining Culture is Intensely Social
Multi-course Italian meals are designed for lingering. Sitting alone for 2 hours can feel awkward, and many restaurants give solo diners less attention.
2. Queues Everywhere, Alone
Vatican, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel — 1-2 hour waits with no one to chat with. This is where Rome gets tedious for solo travelers.
3. Cat-Calling and Street Harassment
Solo female travelers consistently report unwanted attention, especially around Termini Station and at night. Not dangerous, but exhausting.
4. Fewer Solo-Friendly Hostels
Rome's hostel scene is weak compared to Barcelona or Lisbon. Meeting other travelers is harder.
How to Make Rome Work Solo
- Book small-group walking tours (food tours are great for this)
- Eat at "pizza al taglio" spots and aperitivo bars — more casual
- Stay in Trastevere or Testaccio — friendlier, neighborhood feel
- Skip-the-line tickets are mandatory — standing alone in queues is brutal
- Consider combining with Florence or Naples for more solo-friendly energy
🛡️ Solo Trip Reality Check
Use our Reality Check Tool to get personalized warnings for solo travel in any destination.