During my 2016 Roman holiday explorations, I discovered the "morning magic window" - arriving at major sites like the Colosseum and Vatican at 7:30 AM (30-45 minutes before opening) put me first in line, while tourists who arrived "early" at 9 AM faced two-hour waits. In 2025's Jubilee crush, this strategy will be even more crucial; I've already advised my clients to book accommodations in Trastevere or Monti neighborhoods, which offer authentic experiences while being walkable to major sites for those crucial early arrivals. Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants near attractions and instead find your meals by following this rule: walk at least three streets away from any major landmark, look for places with handwritten menus (not photo displays), and spot where locals are eating. Last summer, this approach led me to a tiny trattoria near Campo de' Fiori where the owner-chef personally recommended seasonal specialties not on the menu, resulting in the best cacio e pepe of my life at half the price of tourist spots. Remember that "Rome rewards the curious wanderer more than the determined checkbox tourist," so build deliberate downtime into your itinerary. The summer heat in 2025 will be intense during midday hours (12-3 PM), making it the perfect time to adopt the local riposo custom - retreat to your accommodation for a nap or book reading, then re-emerge when temperatures cool and the evening passeggiata begins, experiencing Rome like a true local rather than an exhausted visitor.
CEO | Google Verified Public Figure | Author | Creator at Susye Weng-Reeder, LLC
Answered 6 months ago
As a travel influencer and digital creator, my biggest piece of less obvious advice for visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year is to explore early mornings and embrace side streets to avoid the overwhelming crowds. With millions of extra visitors expected, even beyond religious sites, Rome's usual hotspots--like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona--will be packed at almost all hours. However, the city has a completely different energy before 8 AM. If you can wake up early, you'll experience iconic landmarks in near solitude. Imagine tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain with barely anyone around or walking through the Roman Forum just as the morning light hits the ruins--those quiet moments will make your trip unforgettable. Another key tip: Don't rely solely on Google Maps for dining. With peak season crowds, many popular restaurants near major attractions will be overrun with tourists, and quality can suffer. Instead, venture into side streets and look for small, family-run trattorias where locals are eating. A good rule of thumb: If the menu is handwritten or only in Italian, it's a great sign. Lastly, if you plan on using public transport, prepare for delays and congestion. Rome's buses and metro will be heavily impacted, so consider walking as much as possible--many of the city's most stunning hidden gems, like quiet courtyards and historic alleyways, are best discovered on foot. By adjusting your timing, avoiding tourist traps, and embracing local experiences, you'll have a much more authentic and enjoyable trip, even during one of the busiest years in Rome's history.
The most important thing you can do while visiting Rome during Juiblee is to expect delays and to stay flexible. With all the extra people visiting, non-Catholic sites like the Colosseum are going to be extra busy. While queuing to get tickets is no longer a thing as you must have a pre-booked ticket, there are still lots of people and security lines can take time, making visits take longer than expected. It is important to have a flexible mindset before you start. If things aren't available, try something else. For example, if you can't get a ticket for the complete Colosseum tour, choose just a shorter tour. Instead of planning on visiting everything, choose what is most important to you and concentrate on that. Planning is essential all-year round in Rome and especially this year, and this summer. Book hotels well in advance of travel and make sure you know the dates tickets for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum will be available (2-3 months in advance).
One less obvious piece of advice for tourists visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year is to explore Rome's hidden passageways and alternative entrances to major sites to avoid the worst of the crowds. For example, instead of entering St. Peter's Basilica through the main security line in St. Peter's Square, use the "secret" passage from the Sistine Chapel (accessible after visiting the Vatican Museums). This route, meant for tour groups but often unmonitored, bypasses long security lines. Similarly, when visiting the Colosseum, book a "Belvedere" or "Underground" tour, which not only grants access to restricted areas but also allows entry through less crowded gates. With millions of extra visitors expected for the Jubilee, these small tricks can save hours of waiting in lines and make for a much smoother experience!
Use Rome's public fountains to refill water bottles instead of buying overpriced drinks. The city has over 1,500 "nasoni," small fountains that provide free, clean drinking water. Vendors charge EUR3 for bottled water, which adds up quickly on hot days. Carrying a reusable bottle and filling it at these fountains saves both money and plastic waste. Many are conveniently located near major sites like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Venezia. Staying hydrated without spending a fortune is one of the easiest travel hacks in Rome.
My best travel advice is to not just visit a destination but to actually experience it! People can travel to a destination and spend time at the resort and come back home but they would not have really observed what that spot has to offer. Take tours, explore the local towns, book excursions that really help you get to know the people, landmarks and truly understand the culture. Traveling helps us grow, so taking the time to really discover will bring more intention to your travels.
Download an offline map before arriving in Rome. Mobile signal slows to a crawl near popular sites like the Vatican and Trevi Fountain due to network congestion. Relying on live GPS often leads to delays, especially when trying to navigate small alleyways in Trastevere or Monti. Marking key locations--your hotel, major landmarks, and metro stations--on an offline map prevents stress when connectivity drops. It also saves data, which is helpful for travelers using limited international plans. Having a backup map makes getting lost much less likely, even in Rome's maze-like streets.
I think one of the most underrated tricks is to use Rome's underground spaces as an escape from the crowds and heat. While everyone else is sweating in long lines at the Colosseum or Piazza Navona, you could be exploring places like the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or the underground ruins beneath the Basilica of San Clemente. These spots are cool--literally, temperatures stay around 15degC (59degF)--and they offer a completely different view of Rome's history without the overwhelming foot traffic. Since most people don't think to go below the city, tours are easier to book, and you'll get a quieter, more immersive experience away from the noise and congestion above ground.
Having traveled extensively during peak seasons, I've learned that booking a guided tour of Palazzo Colonna on Saturday mornings (it's only open then) gives you access to one of Rome's best-preserved private palaces while everyone else is standing in line at the Vatican. The palace's baroque apartments are stunning, and since most tourists don't know about this hidden gem, you'll actually get to enjoy the art without fighting through crowds.
Many places in Rome still prefer cash, and with the influx of tourists in 2025, some smaller businesses may limit card payments to avoid processing fees. This is especially common at family-run trattorias, market stalls, and local taxis. While major shops and restaurants will accept cards, always carry some euros to avoid getting stuck. ATMs in high-traffic areas may run out of cash faster than usual, so don't wait until the last minute to withdraw money. Use bank ATMs (like Unicredit or Intesa Sanpaolo) instead of the standalone Euronet machines, which charge high fees. If you're taking a taxi, ask about payment options before getting in to avoid any surprises at the end of the ride.
I've discovered that staying in the Monti neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, gives you amazing food options without the tourist-trap prices and keeps you close enough to major sites. After comparing hundreds of restaurant prices across Rome's districts, I found authentic local spots in Monti charge about 40% less than similar places near the main attractions, plus you get that real Roman neighborhood vibe.
Avoid restaurants with hosts standing outside. In Rome, the best places don't need to lure customers in. If someone is waving a menu at passing tourists near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona, chances are the food is overpriced and underwhelming. Walking five minutes away from a major landmark leads to better, more authentic meals. Local trattorias with handwritten menus and plenty of Italian-speaking customers tend to serve better food at reasonable prices. Choosing where to eat based on atmosphere instead of convenience improves both the experience and the bill.
Ignore anyone offering help at metro ticket machines. Scammers at Termini Station and other busy stops pretend to assist tourists, then demand money. They press a few buttons and expect a tip, even when nothing was needed. Handling ticket purchases independently avoids these situations. Machines offer multiple language options, and official staff wear uniforms and ID badges. If someone insists on "helping," firmly say "No, grazie" and continue on your way.
Always carry small change, especially for cafes and public transport. Many small businesses prefer cash, and bus tickets cost EUR1.50 but need to be bought before boarding. Tourists often assume contactless payments work everywhere, only to be turned away when trying to buy a coffee or a metro pass. Withdrawing EUR50 in smaller denominations at the airport or a quieter ATM avoids frustration. Trying to pay for a EUR2 espresso with a EUR50 bill won't always go over well. Having exact change for things like bus tickets or a quick snack makes everyday transactions much easier.
From my experience helping patients manage anxiety in overwhelming situations, I suggest picking one 'escape' spot near each major attraction - like the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci near the Colosseum - where you can retreat when the crowds become too intense. When I visited during the last Jubilee, having these quiet backup locations helped me maintain my composure and actually enjoy the experience rather than feeling overwhelmed by the massive crowds.
When planning a visit to Rome during the Jubilee year, consider embracing the city's rich mix of outdoor and decorative lighting to truly appreciate Rome after the sun sets. From my experience with Brite Creations, lighting can transform spaces, enhancing your nighttime exploration of iconic structures like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in a more relaxed atmosphere. Instead of enduring the daytime hustle, explore Rome's quarters that are beautifully illuminated at night, like Trastevere. This area becomes magical under the evening glow and offers a more intimate experience, akin to the customized and sensitive lighting designs we provide in our landscape projects—turning ordinary into memorable and cozy. Take advantage of guided night tours or self-planned routes through these artistically lit neighborhoods. You'll get an extended experience that highlights the city's architecture in a different light, literally. It's similar to how our event lighting can improve a property's allure—your Roman walkabout will feel more special, allowing for better photographic memories without the typical crowds.
One less obvious piece of advice for tourists (not pilgrims) visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee year is to plan cultural escapes beyond the Vatican and Colosseum to balance the crowds. While Rome will be packed with Jubilee pilgrims, you can still enjoy a more relaxed and enriching experience by timing your sightseeing around major cultural events. For example, escape the midday rush by visiting the Edvard Munch retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte, a rare chance to see masterpieces like The Scream in an elegant historic palace. Likewise, instead of braving overcrowded landmarks in the evening, opt for a concert at the Rome Summer Fest at Auditorium Parco della Musica--its unique architecture and world-class lineup (from Sting to Ludovico Einaudi) promise an unforgettable night. To truly step away from the chaos, consider an easy half-day trip to Ancient Ostia or Tivoli for breathtaking ruins without the Vatican-level crowds. Or, if you'd rather stay active, cycling the ancient Appian Way lets you explore Rome's history at your own pace, far from the packed city center. By integrating these cultural and nature-focused escapes, you'll experience Rome beyond the pilgrimage frenzy--making your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and just as memorable.
Understanding the importance of a seamless travel experience, I'd suggest paying attention to Rome’s transportation alternatives during the Jubilee year. Similar to how my Brisbane360 service offers custom travel experiences, consider using lesser-known local transport options like electric scooters or bike-sharing services. These not only provide flexibility but also allow you to avoid Rome's notoriously crowded public transit, offering a unique way to explore the city. From running Brisbane360, I’ve learned that partnering with local experts can transform a journey. In Rome, I recommend attending smaller, less publicized local events or markets. Just like our custom tours rely on community connections for an authentic experience, engaging with locals can help you find hidden gems away from the tourist hustle. For instance, explore Testaccio, a neighvorhood rich in history and Italian culture yet less frequented by tourists. Finally, I’d draw a parallel from managing unexpected transport challenges during peak tourism seasons. Use digital tools like real-time apps to track visitor intensity at attractions, akin to how we use management tools to steer peak transport demands. This can help you optimize your itinerary, avoid massive queues, and make the most of your Roman trip.
When traveling to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year, I'd recommend staying outside the crowded city center and using regional trains to get around. As someone who manages a car rental business, I know how frustrating traffic and parking can be in a city overwhelmed with tourists. Areas like Frascati, Ostia, or even Trastevere offer a more relaxed atmosphere, better pricing on accommodations, and easier access to authentic local restaurants. The regional train network is often a faster and less stressful way to get into the city than dealing with packed metro stations or unreliable buses. After a day navigating Rome's historic sites, having a quiet place to return to makes a huge difference. During major events, locals avoid the most tourist-heavy zones, and if you take their approach, your trip will be much more enjoyable. Plus, escaping the chaos in the evenings lets you experience a different, more authentic side of Rome without the constant crowds.
Visiting Rome during a Jubilee year, especially in a peak tourist season like 2025, will certainly be an unforgettable experience; however, it can also be exceptionally crowded. One of the less obvious pieces of advice for such a visit would be to thoroughly explore the neighborhoods just outside the main tourist centers, such as Testaccio or Trastevere. These areas offer a taste of genuine Roman life away from the usual bustle. You will discover unique local shops, delightful food markets, and some of the best trattorias and cafes where locals enjoy dining away from the tourist throngs. Another tip is to optimize your sightseeing schedule by starting your day earlier than usual or exploring key attractions later in the evening. Many of Rome’s famous sites like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum offer night tours during the summer months, providing a different perspective and a less crowded experience. This approach not only helps in avoiding the midday crowds but also the summer heat, which can be quite overwhelming. Wrapping up your trip with these experiences allows you to enjoy the city's rich offerings and serene moments, leaving you with vibrant memories of Rome rather than just the hustle of navigating through crowds.