5 Practical Tips You Need to Know to Unlock the Best of Rome’s 2025 Jubilee

The 2025 Jubilee Year is a huge event in Rome, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. With big crowds, religious celebrations, and extra security, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! These 5 simple tips will help you navigate the chaos and make the most of your visit to the Eternal City.

1. Plan Ahead and Make Reservations Early

Rome is always popular, but during the Jubilee Year, it’s going to be even more packed! To avoid disappointment, book your accommodations and tickets well in advance.

• Book your stay early: Hotels and Airbnbs near the Vatican and historic center will be snapped up quickly. If you want to stay close to the action, start booking months ahead. Need help finding the perfect Airbnb? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Airbnb in Italy.
  
  Prefer a quieter stay? Escape to a nearby town with easy train access to the city. Trains in Italy are affordable and easy to use, and you’ll enjoy a quieter experience. Here are three peaceful towns to consider:
  • Castel Gandolfo – 40 minutes from Rome by train, known for the Papal Palace and beautiful Lake Albano.
  • Ostia Antica – A charming ancient port city with ruins and a relaxed atmosphere is just 40 minutes from Rome by train.
  • Frascati – Just a 30-minute train trip from Rome, Frascati is famous for its villas and delicious wine.
    
• Book tickets for major attractions: Popular spots like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and the Borghese Gallery sell out quickly. Make sure to buy your tickets as soon as you confirm your travel dates.
  
  For the best value, always buy directly from official websites to save money and avoid scams. To do this, search online using “[site name] official website” to find the right one.
  
• Plan for Papal events: If you want to attend a Papal Mass or other special events, check the Vatican’s schedule and get your passes early.
  

By locking in your reservations ahead of time, you’ll skip the long lines and ensure you don’t miss out.

2. Use Taxis and FreeNow to Save Time

Public transportation will be packed during the Jubilee Year, so skip the overcrowded buses and Metro and opt for faster, more comfortable rides.

• Use FreeNow for reliable rides: FreeNow is the app Romans use to get around. It operates like Uber and Lyft do in the U.S. You book a ride on-demand, pay with your phone, and track your driver’s arrival. I use it all the time as it is easy and convenient!
  
• Taxis: You can’t usually hail a taxi in Rome. Instead, you find taxi stands or book via the Chiama Taxi Utente app (note: I’ve never used this app and it has mixed reviews).
  
  Be sure to only use white taxis with the TAXI sign. And before getting in, always ask how much the ride will cost so you’re not surprised.
  
• Walk when you can: Rome’s historic center is best explored on foot. Group nearby attractions together on your itinerary to cut down on travel time. It’s especially important during the Jubilee, as you’ll want to avoid wasting time in transit.
  
• Ask your host for help: If you’re unsure about transportation, your lodging host can be a great resource. They often have connections with reliable drivers at competitive prices.

3. Visit Religious Sites During Off-Peak Hours

Religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are must-see attractions, but they’ll be crowded. Beat the rush by planning your visits during off-peak hours.

• Go early or late: Aim for early mornings (before 9 AM) or late afternoons (after 3 PM) to avoid long waits. If you’re on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, ask your guide about exiting from the Sistine Chapel into the courtyard with the Fontana Quadrangolare. It is a shorter route to St. Peter’s Basilica to bypass crowds.
  
• Explore other churches during prime crowd hours: While the Vatican and major basilicas will be packed, Rome has hundreds of beautiful, less-crowded churches. Some include:
  • Church of Santa Maria Antiqua (in the Roman Forum) – A quiet, 6th-century church that’s often overlooked by tourists. Entry is part of the Superpass Forum Ticket.
  • Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (near the Pantheon) – Rome’s only Gothic style church is famous for Michelangelo’s statue of Christ and St. Catherine of Siena’s tomb. Its ceiling gives you a good idea of what the Sistine Chapel’s looked like before Michelangelo painted it.
  • Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains (near the Colosseum) – Home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the chains that bound St. Peter while he was in prison.
  • Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (near Piazza Navona) – The national church of France in Rome is famous for its three Caravaggio masterpieces of the life of St. Matthew. Beautiful, uplifting music plays during your visit.
• Prepare for security checks: Religious sites will have increased security, so travel light and organize your belongings to speed up entry.

By timing your visits wisely, you can enjoy Rome’s spiritual beauty with fewer crowds. Visit top attractions during off-peak hours for a quieter experience. When the city is at its busiest, explore magnificent but lesser-known churches for a more peaceful and meaningful visit.

4. Dine Smart: Skip the Tourist Traps

With so many visitors in town, it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating at overpriced tourist spots. To enjoy authentic Roman food, be selective about where and when you dine.

• Avoid touristy restaurants: Watch out for places with aggressive staff and menus in multiple languages. Instead, head to local favorites. If you see a menu only in English, it’s usually a sign to move on! Google reviews are also a great source of information to guide you to the better, authentic restaurants.
• Make reservations: The best restaurants in Rome are often fully booked, and they’ll be even busier during the Jubilee Year. I always book online or call ahead a day or two in advance. During this busy year, it’s a good idea to book even earlier.
• Try classic Roman dishes: Don’t miss out on the city’s signature flavors, like Pasta alla Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes) or Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes).
• Follow local dining hours: Italians eat at specific times, so plan your meals around them. Breakfast (colazione) is light, usually between 7 AM and 10 AM, while dinner (cena) starts between 8 PM and 10 PM. Take time to enjoy your meals like the Romans do!

5. Prepare for Security and Crowds

The Jubilee Year will bring tighter security and more crowds, especially around religious events and major attractions. Here’s how to stay ahead of the chaos:

• Expect bag checks: Many sites will have security checks. Keep your bags light and organized for easy viewing to make the process smoother and faster.
• Don’t drive: Driving in Rome is stressful, and during the Jubilee, many areas around the Vatican and major sites will be restricted. Stick to taxis, FreeNow, or public transport.
• Stay patient: With millions of visitors, Rome will be bustling. Allow extra time to get from place to place, stay aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the energy of the city.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Jubilee Year offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Rome’s history and spiritual traditions. Though the city will be bustling, these tips will help you navigate it with ease. Plan ahead, explore wisely, and savor every moment of this unforgettable experience!

Visiting Rome during the Jubilee Year? Share your tips and stories in the comments to help fellow travelers!

Buon Viaggio!