Visitors will flock to Rome’s famous sites for its Catholic Jubilee.
Jesse Andrews
Rome celebrates its Jubilee year throughout 2025, and more than 30 million Christian pilgrims are expected to flock to the Eternal City’s holy sites. The Catholic Jubilee, whose theme is “Pilgrims of Hope,” is a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage and coming home.
With so many travelers heading to Rome, how can tourists visit the various sites without feeling overwhelmed? Jesse Andrews, CEO and founder of Italy Vacations Specialists, a boutique travel experience provider, knows first-hand how daunting visiting Rome can be during any high season. However, Andrews assures travelers that there’s a way to see Rome during the Jubilee year without feeling too overwhelmed. She says, “It’s all about knowing the right places to stay, the right places to avoid and not shrugging off the lesser known neighborhoods and sites.”
The sites extend far beyond the historical center.
Jesse Andrews
Rome is one of the largest cities in Europe. This vast area includes not only the city itself but many suburban and rural zones that extend far beyond the historical center, such as Ostia, which is the port of Rome and well connected to the city center by train. Ostia is known for a major archaeological area called Ostia Antica, but it is also home to a wonderful stretch of great beaches, beach clubs (lidos), a wide variety of top-notch bistros and an expansive cycling and walking path. Most of the luxury yachts sail in and out of the port in Ostia. Areas well connected to Rome such as this could make a great base for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Sites such as the Colosseum will attract hordes of visitors.
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However, even within Rome itself, there are several ideal areas to consider that many travelers often overlook, such as Parioli, one the city’s most affluent residential areas, home to lush green spaces like Villa Borghese and a number of elegant villas and palazzi. It’s a quieter and more suburban part of the city with some wonderful hotels that offer easy access to the city center, but also feature additional amenities in many instances like gardens and pools.
Andrews explains, “We have organized tens of thousands of experiences for visitors to Rome over the years and what I believe a lot of people really miss out on during their time in Rome is the opportunity to simply walk around and get lost inside the historical center.”
She adds, “While I do think the Jubilee will bring more people to the city center on certain dates this year, I believe that with a little more research and finding the right local experts to work with, most people can still come to Rome this year and enjoy the Eternal City in all of its glory.”
The Great Synagogue of Rome is a marvel to behold.
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Areas To Discover In Rome
There are so many areas of Rome to discover both inside the historical center and out. Here are Andrews’ top picks for visitors:
The Jewish Ghetto and synagogue of Rome, which is close to Trastevere and home to one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe.
Tiber Island, also located close to Trastevere, it’s an island in the middle of the Tiber river. It’s a lot of fun to visit the island and it’s totally free.
Villa Borghese Zoo of Rome located very close to the Villa Borghese gallery, visiting Rome’s zoo can be a lot of fun for children and adults alike, but not too many visitors to Rome take the time to visit the zoo.
Monteverde and Giannicolo hill overlooking the city and accessible by foot, you can enjoy some local markets, culture and usually restaurants and bars usually completely devoid of tourists.
Walking or cycling on the shores of the Tiber river (there are two bike and walking paths on either side of the river) and it’s a great way to explore various areas of the city
Andrews also urges people to consider areas closer to Rome such as Lake Bracciano, home to sites like Trevignano Romano, Anguillara Sabazia and Bracciano itself. Many Romans venture to these towns around the lake or to places on the coast like Fregene, Santa Marinella or the Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) that are also well connected to Rome.
Rome boasts many sidewalk cafes for a delectable meal.
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Dining In And Around Rome
Even though these places are not very touristy, they can get very busy with locals and it is always wise to make a reservation.
Monteverde
This area in Rome is located above Trastevere and adjacent to the Villa Doria Pamphili, which is one of the largest city parks in Rome and Europe. This is a wonderful area known for some of the city’s most authentic Roman trattorias with far fewer tourists and more locals.
Trattoria del Pesce (seafood) and L’osteria di Monteverde (modern take on Roman classics)
San Giovanni And Re di Roma
South of the Colosseum, this area is very popular with Romans but not as touristy. Great for classic Roman cuisine and casual pizzerias.
Ristorante Salento in Trastevere (authentic southern Italian cuisine) and Taverna Latina (Roman dishes with a twist)
Testaccio (But Avoid The Main Piazzas)
A foodie haven, but some places near Piazza Testaccio get busy. Instead, go to smaller streets where local osterias serve authentic Roman fare.
Flavio al Velavevodetto (classic Roman dishes) and Piatto Romano (less touristy, great pasta)
Garbatella
A historic working-class neighborhood where Italy’s Primeminister Giorgia Meloni grew up, is charming and underrated. Home to authentic, affordable Roman trattorias.
Al Ristoro degli Angeli (very cozy, traditional with good atmosphere) and Dar Moschino (family-run Roman cuisine)
Pigneto
A hipster, artsy neighborhood east of Termini. Lots of small wine bars, pizzerias and ethnic restaurants.
Necci dal 1924 (iconic café/restaurant with a vintage feel) and Rosti al Pigneto (great garden setting)
Flaminio And Parioli
Near MAXXI Museum and Auditorium Parco della Musica. The area is much more residential and elegant with far fewer tourists.
Metamorfosi (Michelin-starred but yet very relaxed) and Taverna Rossini (classic Roman food—local feel)
Ostiense
This is a really fun and upcoming area in Rome. It’s industrial-chic, home to Rome’s best street art and food scene. Great for contemporary Italian and international cuisine.
Trattoria Pennestri (fantastic and modern Roman)
Visitors can choose from a wide array of excellent accommodations.
Marcella Royal Hotel
Accommodations
There are lots of accommodations in Rome this year that have some wonderful deals, they might just not be in neighborhoods many people have considered. Location—and not just hotel amenities—is important when choosing accommodations in Rome.
Many tourists coming to Rome want to stay in the Via Veneto area where a lot of luxury hotels are located. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that an area like that is primarily a hotel-only area and there is very little to experience there anymore other than the Hard Rock Cafe and other very touristy restaurants. Areas such as Trastevere, Monteverde, Prati and Parioli have a wide range of accommodations and many more dining options.
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