Capital city in Lazio, Italy
Rome
Italy's capital suits a first solo trip or a few weeks of slow living: ruins, food and neighborhood trattorie on every corner. Crowds, heat, pickpockets and uneven buses are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,810–3,940Comfortable, one person · €2,500–3,500Details
- Value for money14/100Better value than 13% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Air quality12 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$90–169Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFREENOWVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Rome
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Monti | First-timers: walkable to the Colosseum, cafés, wine bars |
| Trastevere | Nightlife, restaurants and a social, lively evening scene |
| Testaccio | Long stays: local food, markets, less tourism |
| Prati | Quiet, near the Vatican, metro and shops |
| San Lorenzo | Students, cheaper bars and rents, a bit gritty |
Apps that work in Rome
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Only use white licensed taxis with a meter. Taxis are rarely hailed on the street; use ranks or a phone app.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a few euros for small bars, markets and some trattorie.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
Going to Rome solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.