Things to Do in Rome Solo Travel: A Digital Nomad's Perfect Itinerary

Embarking on a solo travel adventure in Rome opens a world of enriching experiences tailored for the independent traveler. Begin your journey with a thoughtfully crafted Rome itinerary that encompasses iconic attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the enchanting streets of Trastevere. As a digital nomad, Rome offers an inspiring environment filled with quaint cafés and co-working spaces, perfect for blending work and exploration. Savor the delectable local cuisine while dining solo at charming eateries, where you can indulge in authentic Roman dishes. Solo female travelers will find Rome to be a welcoming city, brimming with safety and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for personal growth and discovery. Whether you're wandering through ancient ruins or enjoying a quiet moment in a picturesque piazza, Rome's charm captivates the heart of every solo adventurer.

Best Things to Do in Rome as a Solo Traveler: A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Italy’s Eternal City

Ciao a tutti! If you’ve been following my adventures on my YouTube channel or blog, you know I just started wandering through Italy’s gems. But today, we’re diving into the beating heart of Italy—Rome, the Eternal City! As a solo traveler and digital nomad, I spent a whirlwind 10 days here, blending work, jaw-dropping history, awesome coffee and good food. Whether you’re exploring solo or living the remote work life, here’s my guide to the best things to do in Rome solo, where to eat in Rome solo, and what makes this city a nomad’s fun stop. Let’s roam Rome together!

My Roman Adventure: A Solo Nomad’s Story

Even though I landed in Rome, it was my second stop in Italy, hitting me with a wave of energy after the quiet charm of Viterbo. (My Viterbo host picked me at the Rome airport and we drove an hour to my AirBnB in Viterbo). As a digital nomad, I don’t just pass through—I settle in, work, and soak up each place. Rome was no exception. I stayed in a quiet and charming Villa in the neighborhood of Nomentano (It's a quiet and safe area known for being close to embassies and conveniently located near the metro station Bologna, and a short distance to attractions like the Colosseum. It's also close to the Musei di Villa Torlonia and Santa Costanza), complete with a quaint balcony perfect for sipping espresso while listening to the rain or having a delicious breakfast. Check out my YouTube Shorts for a glimpse of that balcony!

My days were a mix of work and wonder. I’d do work in quaint cafes, then dive into Rome’s history and join some fun tours. One morning, I wandered by the Colosseum—its massive arches hit harder in person. Another day, I did a fun bike tour with lunch, stopping by the famous Piazza Navona. I treated myself to Cacio e Pepe at a trattoria, more than once, and let me tell you, that cheesy, peppery pasta was an amazing experience. Evenings meant gelato strolls, one near the Pantheon. Rome’s chaos and charm kept me buzzing, but its quiet corners let me focus. It’s the perfect city for a solo nomad like me.

Top Things to Do in Rome as a Solo Traveler

Rome is a playground of history, art, and vibes. Here’s my must-do list for solo adventurers:

• Colosseum: The ultimate Roman icon. Book a skip-the-line tour to feel the gladiator vibes—pure adrenaline.

• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Walk through ancient Rome’s heart. The ruins and hilltop views are a history nerd’s dream.

• Pantheon: Free to enter, this temple’s massive dome is unreal. Linger in the piazza with a coffee for prime people-watching.

• Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin for luck! Hit it at dawn to dodge crowds and soak in the magic.

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s frescoes are worth the hype. A guided tour skips the lines and spills the art secrets.

Top 5 Restaurants in Rome for Solo Travelers

Rome’s food scene is a solo traveler’s paradise—cozy spots and welcoming vibes everywhere. Here are my top five:

• Roscioli: A legend for Cacio e Pepe and carbonara. The deli counter is perfect for solo diners—grab a spot and dig in.

• Trattoria Luzzi: In Trastevere, their pizza and amatriciana are divine. The staff make you feel like family.

• Checchino dal 1887: A Testaccio classic. Try their offal dishes or veggie options—cozy and solo-friendly.

• Gigi Mangia: Near the Pantheon, their seafood pasta is a winner. Great for a quick, delicious solo lunch.

• Osteria da Fortunata: Steps from Piazza Navona, it’s all about fresh pasta and warm vibes. Perfect for a solo dinner with a view.

Nature Activities in Rome

Rome’s urban buzz has green escapes for nature lovers:

• Villa Borghese Gardens: This sprawling park is perfect for a solo bike ride or a chill stroll. The Pincio Terrace views are stunning.

• Appian Way: Walk or cycle this ancient road, lined with pines and ruins. It’s a peaceful break from the city.

• Tiber River Walk: Stroll along the river at sunset for serene vibes and gorgeous skyline views.

What’s the Buzz? Forums and Social Media on Rome

Travelers can’t stop talking about Rome online—here’s what’s trending:

• Beat the Crowds: Reddit raves about early visits to the Colosseum or Vatican. One user said, “8 AM at the Colosseum feels like you own it.” (I didn’t go this early. I went in the afternoon as part of a “skip-the-line tour.”

• Foodie Obsession: Roscioli’s Cacio e Pepe and Trattoria Luzzi’s pizza dominate TripAdvisor. A reviewer called Roscioli “pasta heaven.”

• Solo Travel Love: X posts praise Rome’s walkability and friendly locals, making it a top pick for solo travelers. With the exception of taxi drivers as I described in this blog post.

• Nomad Tips: Forums like Nomad List highlight Rome’s coworking spaces (like Cowo) and reliable cafe Wi-Fi for remote work. I didn’t frequent any coworking spaces but I always look them up in case I’m in the mood for it.

Digital Nomad Life in Italy: Rome and Beyond

Living as a digital nomad in Italy is my kind of adventure. Here’s why Rome fits the lifestyle:

• Longer Stays, Richer Vibes: I spent 10 days in Rome, balancing client calls with scooter and vintage fiat rides, and gourmet food tours. Staying longer lets you enjoy more but spaced out during your stay, resting in between.

• Villa Magic: I loved the quiet and charm of the Villa I stayed in. I even got a haircut and got my hair done while there! My stylist was a woman with roots in the Dominican Republic who had grown up in Rome. Small-town feel in a big city!

• Work With a View: Working on my business in a cafe overlooking Piazza Navona? Yes, please. Rome’s cafes are nomad-friendly with decent Wi-Fi.

• The Nomad FAQ: Everywhere I go, where I say I’m a digital nomad, people ask, “Are you always on vacation?” Nope—I work, chill, and explore, just with ancient ruins as my backdrop.

Across Italy, nomads like me thrive in towns big and small. Viterbo’s quiet charm was perfect for deep work; later, Naples’ chaos fueled creativity. Rome strikes a balance—vibrant enough to inspire, calm enough to focus (if you stay in a quiet area away from the most touristic areas). The key? Flexibility. I pick my next stop on a whim, letting each town’s vibe guide me.

Rome: A Solo Nomad’s Eternal Playground

Rome is a city that grabs you and doesn’t let go. As a solo traveler and digital nomad, I found my rhythm here—work in cozy cafes, bike, scooter, and fiat adventures, and gelato-fueled evenings that felt like a dream. Whether you’re marveling at the Pantheon or savoring Cacio e Pepe, Rome makes you feel alive.

Have you explored Rome solo? Got nomad stories from Italy? Share them in the comments! And swing by my YouTube for more Italian adventures. Arrivederci until next time!

Vintage Fiat Tour

AirBnB Experience

This tour made me laugh out loud. The guy owns a vintage fiat that defies all new laws to incentivize electric vehicles. He explained to me that he has to pay a hefty fee every time he comes into the city because he has a gas-guzzling car. As tiny as it is. This is definitely a must-do in Rome. He obnoxiously drives through the smallest streets which to me, really look like allyways and he just keeps honking the horn for pedestrians to move. The older people, mostly elderly ladies, get angry and shout things and wave their hands at him. Other people, I saw at around my age were giving thumbs up LOL

Gourmet Food Tour

AirBnB Experience

I scheduled this tour on the same day and right after the Vintage fiat tour. In fact, the tour guide dropped me off and personally helped me find the location of the new tour and even "handed me off" to the next tour guide as if I was a child. Super funny but I appreciated it that he made sure I wasn't lost in an unknown city as busy as Rome.

This tour was fantastic. The guide was knowledgeable. It didn't start off on the best tone for me because he decided to make a joke about another ethnic group not in the tour and that was really unnecessary.

I really liked a group of ladies from Germany who were cousins and do a trip together every year which I thought was so cool. They befriended me as the tour went on and said to hang out with them since I was alone. As the tour went on and more wine was drunk they became funner and funner.

I, however, did not care for the other family that was there. They had judgement written all over their unfriendly faces. By their attitude of acting like I didn't exist isn't new to me and I'm old enough to know they're self-hating people. I've come across their kind many times before. I don't kiss a$$ or try to befriend these type of people and I could care less about their existence as much as they do mine. There are so many unhappy people in this world even when they have money and material possessions. I'm not one of them.

I was the only solo traveler in the group and damn proud of it. Also the only digital nomad as I found myself in all of the places I visited in Italy. I found everyone visiting to be of a much older age. If there were younger people, they were on vacation with their parents.

I enjoyed every bite taken in this tour which included having pizza from a famous chef. The pizza was like the ones we have in US. Loaded with ingredients.

One thing I was surprised about italian food in Italy is that it's very few ingredients per dish and per pizza. Salt is non-existent which I've heard it's hard for americans to get used to because american food is so salty. This has been confirmed to me by foreigners who have visited USA. Roman pizza was surprisingly only dough and sauce as I found out during my bike tour with lunch included, listed below.

I vowed to get used to it and cut down on american-levels sodium. My intake is already lower than the average American. I've worked hard the last two decades to eat organic and eat as little processed food as possible. Eliminating sugar and reducing salt has been a priority since my conversion to organic foods in 2005.

WATCH: You Tube Videos of Rome

WATCH: Instagram Reels of Rome

Bike Tour with Roman Lunch

AirBnB Experience

So fun! I love bike riding. Especially in a group setting. We had to dodge the rushing cars whenever the traffic light changed or when crossing a crosswalk. Roman drivers are insaaaane!!!

Our guide was amazing and kept us safe. The lunch was superb. We had charcuterie (you'll have a ton of that while in Italy), puttanesca and delicious italian wine. Ended with some cookies and of course, limoncello.

WATCH: What Rome is Like

Vespa Tour with Photoshoot

AirBnB Experience

Super fun. You can tell from the IG reel and the pics. Highly recommended!

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

AirBnB Experience

I don't support man-made religion but it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this type of art and architecture.

It's the largest display of wealth I've been in front of (I think). It represents the continuation of the Roman Empire after all.

The Sistine Chapel was of course amazing to see and enjoy. No photos or videos allowed!!

Quartiere Coppede

Took a day to walk around the neighborhood and explore this area. What magnificent architecture! I absolutely love architecture and looking at beautiful things.

Sightseeing

Everywhere you'll delight in views and architecture while you walk, sit, sip on coffee or favorite drink which for me is coffee.

Lots of coffee bars

Every few steps and in every corner- of course! It's Italy!- to enjoy any coffee drink and pastry you like while you read a book, people watch (I don't like to do that but I know people like to do it), just sit and BE a human BEING, instead of a human DOING. Don't order capuccino after 11am- Italians will look at you in disgust! They only drink milk before 11am. After that it's considered an abomination LOL

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