Alone in Rome

[Solotravel88]

Going to Rome on Monday - was meant to be going with someone and now going alone. Bit nervous and anxious about navigating a foreign city I've never been to on my own and in a language I dont speak. Never been on holiday alone on my own. Worried about figuring out public transport in a different language etc. Any tips for solo travel and these things above that are worrying me? Thank you

Make sure you validate your ticket in a punch card machine before boarding a train or bus. Rome is surprisingly walkable, where are you staying?

I’m just at the airport in Rome after a week here. If you are somewhere central, you’ll not need public transport. We walked everywhere. Longest distance was a 45 minute walk. And everyone spoke English. I was very surprised.

I'm not sure I've ever got on public transport of any kind in Rome. It's very walkable. Where are you staying? What do you like doing? I'd usually suggest one of those hop-on hop-off bus tours is you were a nervous first-timer to give you the lie of the land a bit, but I can't see the Rome one being much cop because all the good stuff is in areas without road access.

Im staying near the Roma Termini train station

Staying near the Roma Termini train station. I like eating out, cocktails, coffee, shopping, some sightseeing

Rome is fab to walk.
I bought a hop on hop off bus ticket ..got on at Palatine Hill and stopped off at all the main attractions, it was very easy to do. Walked miles but there was so much to see and do that it didn't feel like it.
The language barrier... isn't! So many Italians speak excellent english (I'm learning Italian and wanted to practice, and was a bit disappointed!)
Buongiorno to everyone you speak to (manners matter) and you'll be fine.

I'm not a city person at all and rarely venture into one but I love Rome and have been several times. It's a very relaxed city with plenty to see and do within easy walking distance. There's plenty of cafes to sit outside and watch the world go by or go shopping for high quality leather goods, perfume, silver jewellery etc. Honestly there's nothing to worry about. Italians are very friendly and helpful. And the food is fabulous!
Enjoy!

you can just use contactless now like you do in london, so no need for any of that. Tap on and it lasts 100 mins and covers bus, tube and tram.

OP you'll be fine. I was in Rome alone a few months ago. Termini is very local, everything is walkable, the metro is much more straightforward (because much smaller) than using the tube. I'd download italian google translate so then you can use your camera to scan menus/info and it will automatically translate it for you. I wouldn't say Rome public transport is good (literally every single time I've been there's been a strike), but when it does work it's very easy.

If you're taking the train back to the airport leave PLENTY of time - when I did this the 4 trains before mine were all cancelled so it was absolutely crazy, I've never been in such a crammed space.

Also the main thing I dislike about Rome is the lack of public loos, and if there are any you have to pay - and 1E50 which is a rip off! So if you're in a cafe/bar make sure you go before you leave.

Take 2 cards with you and keep them separate - i.e. if you go out for the day leave 1 in your hotel room so even if you do get pickpocketed you have a back up. Even when you're travelling to the airport have one in your hand luggage/one in your suitcase, etc. Rome does have a bad rep for pickpockets but I don't know if it's any worse than any other big city.

If you haven’t already got it, download the Citymapper app.
I always travel alone and love it, have a great time - it’s addictive!

Going to Rome on my own is my idea of heaven. We went for our honeymoon 25 years ago and I'd love to go back (on my own 😂). Everything is really walkable as others have said. It's wonderful and I'm so jealous.

Lucky you, OP! Rome is a fantastic city.
Don't worry about language - they speak English at all the tourist places. Just smile and say "grazie" a lot, and you'll be fine.

Get a taxi from the airport to your hotel (or ask the hotel to send a car). Then you don't need to use any public transport, as everywhere is within walking distance (take comfy shoes!).

Just go out and about and enjoy yourself - there are lots of solo travellers, so you won't particularly stand out. Maybe have a book with you for when you're eating in a restaurant.

You are SO lucky. I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Make a plan before you go. You’ll feel more confident if you know what’s what. Plan an itinerary - what do you want to see? And work out things like how the public transport works (and if you actually need it, probably not) and look at the maps of how to get where you need to from your hotel.

finding English speakers in Rome won’t be difficult so don’t worry about that at all!

I love travelling solo. And Rome is lovely, so much to see and do - you’ll be spoilt for choice. Personally I love the Roman stuff - can’t miss the colosseum and Roman forum imo - but also have had lovely times just wondering about and seeing what I came across.

Airport to Termini is so simple by train or by bus. I booked a bus as it was cheaper and would do either method if travel again.
At Termini there is a great food hall with lots of different stalls and a communal seating area and the shopping at the station is great for essentials and general shopping.
A one week card for the subway and buses is 10euro ish and is much easier to use with no checking in or stamping. I think you have to buy the card at the station but the machines are easy to use.
It's a great place for solo travel with so much to do.

Be aware when walking about, there are lots of illegal traders who set up tables here and there in the streets with knickknacks. They often get raided by police. Avoid browsing stalls like this, particularly in Trastevere.

Equally young men sell jewellery and may offer one to you as a gift then chat away then demand money. Just keep saying "no per favoure"

These things are more common near big sites like Forum, Coliseum and Trevi Fountain.

Apart from that (and hey it's no worse than London!) Have a wonderful time! Rome is a great city.

how about a walking tour group? There are lots and some are free and you just pay a tip at the end. There are usually other friendly people there to have a little interaction with.
Rome is an amazing place. Take a book and you can read in coffee shops and other places, if you feel like it.

Just be careful of your bag and money, pickpockets are rife especially around the train station. Don't worry from a safety perspective though, they just laugh if you catch them at it! There is so much to do in Rome, have a great time!