Your 8-Day Rome Itinerary for Solo Travellers Over 50
If you’re planning a solo trip to Rome after 50, congratulations; you’ve picked a city that truly knows how to make an entrance.
With centuries of art, architecture, and attitude packed into its cobbled streets, Rome for mature solo travellers is like stepping into a living museum… with better gelato. Yes, it can be chaotic, and yes, someone will try to sell you a knock-off selfie stick near the Colosseum. But it’s also charming, layered, and deeply rewarding; especially when explored at your own pace.
This Rome itinerary for over 50s is designed with all that in mind. No 6 a.m. hostel scrambles, no dodgy night buses. Just eight carefully curated days of history, food, culture, and calm corners — perfect for independent travel in Rome over 50.
Ready to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and pretend you’re in your own Roman Holiday (minus the scooter crash)? Let’s dive in.
Day 1: Arrival, Ambling & Getting Your Roman Bearings
Afternoon: Check-In and Chill
Too early to check in? I usually stash my bags with the hotel, (otherwise most Hostels will store luggage for or a small fee) grab a strong coffee, and wander. For reliable places to stay, I recommend booking through Booking.com
By early afternoon, your room should be ready — rejoice! Take your time to unpack, freshen up, and have a bit of a breather. If you’re anything like me, this is also when the existential “Did I pack enough pants?” moment usually strikes. You did. Probably.
Once you’re settled, treat yourself to a late lunch at Necci dal 1924 in the Pigneto district. It’s relaxed, slightly off the tourist path, and ideal for solo diners who don’t fancy a three-hour lunch performance on their first day.
Then, ease into the Roman pace with a slow meander through Villa Torlonia. This peaceful park has whimsical buildings, plenty of benches, and best of all; barely any crowds. It’s the perfect spot to shake off any travel stress.
Flights for less. Stays for less. Stress for less. Grab my favourite travel resources below! 👇
Evening: Soft Landings & Sunset Views
As golden hour approaches, grab a taxi or take a gentle walk up to Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). It’s one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city, and you’ll get a stunning introduction to Rome’s chaotic skyline; domes, ruins, and rooftop gardens all fighting for your attention.
Dinner tonight? Keep it easy. Head to Roscioli, a deli-restaurant hybrid that’s ideal for solo diners. The food is sensational, and the vibe is somewhere between rustic Roman and wine-fuelled revelation. Sit at the counter, sip something local, and try to resist the tiramisu. (Spoiler: you won’t.)
Day 2: Ancient Icons & Espresso-Fuelled Wandering
Morning: Gladiators, Emperors, and Cobblestones
Today’s the day to unleash your inner Russell Crowe. Start at the Colosseum, and no — don’t wing it. Book a skip-the-line guided tour so you can actually enjoy it without baking in the queue behind a thousand people comparing selfie sticks.
Standing in the arena, you’ll get a sense of the sheer madness of it all — the roar of the crowds, the clash of swords, and the slight horror that this was once considered a fun day out. Then wander next door to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. A glorious sprawl of ancient ruins where the phrase “history coming alive” finally feels justified. Take your time, hydrate, and remember: those cobblestones have claimed better ankles than ours.
🔗 Tour Tip:
This Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill tour is the one I always recommend — engaging guide, no faff, and you get to skip the worst queues.
Lunch: Street Food with a Roman Twist
By now you’ll be ready for something edible (and ideally portable). Head to Trapizzino for one of their famous pizza-pocket hybrids. It’s Roman street food done right — crisp on the outside, gloriously gooey on the inside, and absolutely no judgment if you eat it standing in a piazza looking smug.
Still peckish? There’s always gelato. Try Giolitti — it’s a Rome institution. Pistachio is the classic, but honestly, you can’t go wrong. Unless you skip it. That would be wrong.
Afternoon: Domes, Coffee, and Cultural Swagger
Next stop: the Pantheon. It’s free, spectacular, and will make you feel tiny in the best possible way. Book a private guided tour if you want to understand how a 2,000-year-old dome is still holding up better than your last flatshare.
Once you’re done gaping at the oculus, wander round the corner to Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè — a legendary café known for its secret brewing techniques and heavenly crema. Grab an espresso, perch outside, and pretend you live here.
If you’ve got some energy left, stroll through Piazza Navona. The fountains are dramatic, the artists are determined, and the atmosphere is pure Roman theatre.
Evening: A Proper Roman Meal & a Fountain Wish
Dinner tonight? You’ve earned something special. Book a table at Armando al Pantheon; solo-diner friendly, full of old-school charm, and genuinely good food (no tourist traps here). Go for the cacio e pepe if you fancy something simple and perfect.
End the evening at the Trevi Fountain — yes, it’s busy, but it’s also magic. Toss a coin, make a wish, and try not to laugh at the influencer blocking traffic for their “candid” moment. Then head back for a well-earned lie down; Rome isn’t built for early nights, but you are.
If this kind of day makes your heart beat faster than your step count, you’ll love my Milan itinerary: 8 Days of Style, Art and Aperitivo Bliss. Just don’t expect Roman ruins — Milan does things differently.
Day 3: Trastevere Tales, Artful Wanders & Foodie Bliss
Morning: Coffee, Cats, and Cobblestone Strolls
Start your day with a quiet cup at Caffetteria del Chiostro. Tucked inside the Cloister of Bramante, it’s part café, part Renaissance retreat. Ideal for easing into the day with a bit of culture and caffeine — no chaos, no queue, just calm.
Then head towards Largo di Torre Argentina, home to Rome’s quirkiest residents — the feline kind. These ancient ruins double as a cat sanctuary, so you get Roman history and adorable loafing tabbies. It’s surprisingly peaceful, especially if you’re a solo traveller missing a bit of fluff-based companionship.
From there, take a slow stroll through Via Margutta — a hidden gem of a street dotted with art galleries and history. Audrey Hepburn fans will recognise it from Roman Holiday, but even if you’ve never seen the film, it’s pure Roman charm with fewer tourists and better window displays.
Want more off-the-beaten-path gems? My post on Pattani, Thailand is full of artsy spots, quiet cafés, and cultural corners most tourists miss.
Afternoon: Trastevere Food Tour (A.K.A. The Best Decision You’ll Make)
Hungry yet? Good — because now it’s time for the Trastevere Food Tour. This bohemian neighbourhood is all ivy-covered buildings, cobbled lanes, and the smell of something delicious just around the corner. With a local guide, you’ll graze your way through Roman staples — think supplì, porchetta, and possibly the best pasta you’ve ever had standing up.
The beauty of a food tour is you don’t need to plan lunch, queue for anything, or stress about looking awkward dining alone. You’ll be too busy eating and nodding in blissful agreement with strangers who just became food mates.
Afterwards, linger in Trastevere’s backstreets. It’s the perfect place to wander, nap under a shady square, or find a quiet bench and digest. Both food and thoughts.
Evening: Solo-Friendly Dining & Sweet Endings
If you’ve still got room (respect), head over to Pompi Tiramisu for a post-tour treat. It’s called the “King of Tiramisu” for a reason. Pick up a slice and wander to a nearby piazza — Rome always tastes better alfresco.
For dinner, try Eggs in Trastevere. Yes, it sounds like a breakfast spot, but it’s surprisingly refined. Sit at the counter for creative dishes and zero awkward “Table for one?” energy. It’s perfect for solo diners and as close to a culinary secret as you’ll find in central Rome.
End the night with a short walk along the Tiber River — Trastevere looks especially dreamy after dark, and it’s safe, scenic, and surprisingly serene.
Travelling solo over 50 and wondering where else feels this welcoming? Check out my list of Where to Travel Solo Over 50: 10 Destinations Worth the Flight for a bit of future inspiration.
