10 Best Things To Do Alone In Rome, Italy - Updated 2024

things to do alone in rome
Sidharth
Sidharth  
Updated
| 4 min read

Rome, the capital city of Italy, has a heritage that can be rivalled by not many cities in the world. As the major centre of the Renaissance and artistic movements such as Neoclassicism, the 3000-year old city has spawned some of the greatest icons in human history ranging from architectural wonders such as the Colosseum to the magnum opuses of individuals like Michaelangelo. Whether it is tossing a coin in the Baroque Trevi Fountain or savouring scoops of Gelato icecreams, the experiences and activities in Rome will inspire you, delight you and will leave you in awe. Here is a list of the best things to do alone in Rome that you should not miss out on during your solo trip to this eternal city.

1. Enjoy the street performances at Piazza Navona

IMG Navona0166
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pippo-b used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Home to the Baroque churches and Neoclassical monuments, the square of Piazza Navona hosts a good deal of buskers and street performers that add magic to the site’s festive air. The pedestrian-only square comprises of plenty of cafes and is perfect if you are looking to have a lovely time in the capital on a solo trip. Situated in the city centre of Rome, the square also hosts a lively Christmas market that runs all through the month of December.

Piazza Navona

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Website: Piazza Navona

Price: Free

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2. Go wine tasting at Rimessa Roscioli

things to do alone in rome | go wine tasting at rimessa roscioli
Source: instagram

Located in the heart of Rome, Rimessa Roscioli offers its visitors a whole new experience of wine tasting. With a rustic, casual setting, Roscioli features a list of traditional and organic wines that will leave even the most experienced connoisseur in awe. You can choose from one of the many tasting experiences headed by their expert sommelier, Alessandro Pepe or book a party and dine in the cellars and learn about the legendary wines and their influence on the Italian culture.

Rimessa Roscioli

Address: Rimessa Roscioli, Via del Conservatorio 58 - Rome

Website: Rimessa Roscioli

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5.30pm - 11.30pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11:30pm

Price: 66 USD

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3. Shop at the Jewish ghetto

Rome 2009 (3786796432)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sarah Kelemen Garber used under CC BY 2.0

The vibrant neighbourhood of Ghetto Ebraico di Roma is the heart of Rome’s Jewish community and is home to a number of synagogues, kosher restaurants and boutiques shops. Located on the east bank of Tiber, the streets are a great spot to taste the Jewish style fried artichokes ‘Carciofi Alla Giudia’ and purchase exotic wines, gelatos, clothes, jewellery, and books. In addition, you can also discover the history and culture of Jewish Rome by visiting the nearby museums and ancient ruins of the quarter.

Jewish ghetto

Address: Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 29, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Tip from tour guide

Jamie

Jamie
Rome

There are many streetside cafes at the Jewish Ghetto Fried artichoke One of the fountains adorning the street

This Jewish Ghetto is the oldest one in the world and was established in 1555 after the pope revoked all rights granted to the Roman Jews. In spite of that, the Jewish community persevered and built independent enterprises. You can wander through the historic fountains and buildings here. Make it a point to relax at a street café to indulge in the delectable local dishes, such as fried artichoke, that have stood the test of time.

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4. Stroll through Appia Antica


Via Appia Antica is a popular old Roman road known for its archaeological ruins, artefacts, and monuments. Constructed in the fourth century BC, the cobblestone road stretches from Rome to Brindisi and was used to transport food, supplies and water to various locations in the Roman empire. The best way to explore the route is to take a solitary walk through the countryside road with stops at ancient sites, catacombs, and tombs.

Appia Antica

Address: Città Metropolitana di Roma, Italy

Website: Appia Antica

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Rome Tour Guide

Jamie

Jamie

A historian and fearless leader, James studied classics at Leeds University in England and has been a tour guide in Rome for more than 13 years. James has a passion for ancient history, concentrating in the late Roman Republic. If you have a spark of interest in anything Roman, James is the best source of information. A dual citizen of Great Britain and Italy, James was born and raised in Rome ... Read more

Tours by Jamie

5. Explore Museo Storico della Liberazione

Museo storico della Liberazione
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roundtheworld used under CC0

Located in an apartment building that was once the headquarters of the German SS, this sombre museum occupies three floors with confinement cells, conference rooms and libraries. The museum features records and exhibits of the persecution of the Roman Jews and also includes the details of the Ardeatine Massacre, the mass killing of Romans in 1944. The museum is a must visit for anyone that wants to learn about the harrowing tortures and struggles endured by Rome’s Jews during the region’s occupation by the Germans in the second world war.

Museo Storico della Liberazione

Address: Via Tasso, 145, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Website: Museo Storico della Liberazione

Opening hours: 9am - 1:15pm, 2:15pm - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Marvel at Chiesa di Santa Prassede

Roma Santa Prasede BW 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Berthold Werner used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Basilica of Santa Prassede is an ancient church famous for its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics. Built in the late 8th century, this church was designed to house the bones of St. Praxedes and features dazzling works and stunning mosaic forms by a number of artists. The basilica also includes a tomb that was sculpted by a 17-year old Bernini and is said to contain a piece of the pillar on which Jesus was castigated.

Chiesa di Santa Prassede

Address: Via di Santa Prassede, 9, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Website: Chiesa di Santa Prassede

Opening hours: 7.30am - 12pm, 3pm - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Learn to make a mosaic (from USD 98.0)

Learn and get an authentic experience of how to how to make mosaics with an expert mosaicist. You will create traditional Roman mosaics from marble tiles, and explore the history of mosaic making and its cultural influence in a family-owned studio. The tour includes local mosaics to work with, water, coffee and tea and the guidance of the mosaicist. You can also get to take home the mosaic that you made during the solo tour.

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Ancient Mosaic Workshop in Rome, Italy

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

98 reviews

8. Check out the views from Il Vittoriano

Il Vittoriano
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Federampa used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Il Vittoriano, also known as Altare Della Patria is an immense monument of white marble built in honour of unified Italy’s first king. Located between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill, Il Vittoriano hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museum of Unified Italy and a space that features the best of the city’s art exhibitions. The famous landmark also offers breathtaking views of the city atop the Terrazza Delle Quadrighe that can be reached by taking the panoramic lift of Roma dal Cielo.

Il Vittoriano

Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Website: Il Vittoriano

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 7.85 USD

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9. Head to the Colosseum (from USD 60.0)

Lightmatter colosseum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user http://www.aaronl... used under CC BY 1.0

As the iconic symbol of Rome since its inauguration in 80 AD, the oval amphitheatre of Colosseum is an electrifying sight that will take you back in time to the era of the gladiatorial games. With outer walls embellished by three levels of arches and an interior comprising of podiums and grand arenas, the Colosseum presents loads of opportunities to explore and learn about the history of its ghastly past. Hear tales of chariot races and gladiator battles, walk around floors of the majestic landmark, make some friends, and be amazed by the impressive architecture of this imposing monument that no photographs would do fair justice to.

Tip from Content Creator

Hailey

Hailey

Colosseum Colosseum

Photos of the Colosseum shared by content creator from Switzerland, Hailey.

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Colosseum

Duration: 1 hour

6 reviews

10. Visit St. Peter's Basilica (from USD 32.0)

Situated in Vatican city, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and is well renowned for its Renaissance architecture. With an accommodation capacity of 20,000 people, the church is embellished with a baldachin designed by Bernini, works by Michaelangelo and the statue of St. Peter on his throne. The dome of this enormous monument can be seen all over the city and a visit to the top of the dome here to see sweeping views of St. Peter’s Square is an unforgettable experience.

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Rome: St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket with Audio Tour

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

453 reviews

Experience the eternal city

Whether it is being awed by world-famous sites or living up the Dolce vita life, Rome lives up to its reputation as the eternal city. From imagining the age of gladiators in the Colosseum to tasting wines at Rimessa, the above list of things to do alone in Rome will allow you to experience the best of the city and make the most of your own sweet time.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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When Sidharth is not traveling or writing, he can be found honing his Spanish, indulging in Netflix binges, reading, swimming in the ocean, or simply daydreaming in a hammock.

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