As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica chime throughout the Jubilee Year of 2025 — actually a little more than a year, having started Christmas Day 2024 and extending to the Epiphany next January 6 — a sacred rhythm stirs through Rome. Millions of visitors have and will arrive to seek spiritual renewal during this rare Holy Year, the theme of which was declared by the late Pope Francis as “Pilgrims of Hope.”
But for those looking to truly experience Rome — not merely visit — it’s time to step into the soul of the Eternal City.
As an NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente, Italian for “car rental with driver”) private car service and tour operator headquartered in Rome, we at Italy Vacation Specialists have spent decades guiding travelers through the city’s eclectic pulse. During this Jubilee, we know how to help you navigate the city without the overbearing crowds.
Will Summer be the peak season for the Jubilee? Not Quite. Contrary to popular belief, the Jubilee’s busiest periods won’t fall in July and especially not in August, when there are no events planned and most Italians are gone from the city for their vacations. This makes midsummer a prime time for travelers who want to experience a less crowded Rome, and have more access to places normally choked with tourists.
Our advice is to plan around the major liturgical events each month, especially next Christmas, and the canonizations or papal ceremonies that draw enormous gatherings. Read the full calendar and Jubilee precis here.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Rome
Rome is vast — over 1,280 square km, stretching well beyond its famed ruins and Renaissance plazas. The secret to experiencing Rome without being overwhelmed lies in choosing the right neighborhoods. Like these.
Ostia is Rome’s ancient port, with its incredible archaeological park of Ostia Antica, pristine beaches, cycling paths, seafood bistros, and luxury yacht marinas. It’s a perfect blend of coastal leisure and ancient charm—less than 45 minutes from the city center by train.
Parioli is Rome’s lush, elegant residential district. Here visitors can see grand villas, verdant parks like the famous and gorgeous Villa Borghese, and stay at superb hotels such as Parco Dei Principi, one of the nicest hotels in Rome with a pool and an incredible spa (https://www.parcodeiprincipi.com), and The Hoxton, another great one (https://thehoxton.com) — peaceful retreats with quick access to the city’s heart by foot or car.
Monteverde & Gianicolo Hill. Tucked above bohemian Trastevere, Monteverde is a leafy neighborhood offering panoramic city views, daily markets, and exceptional local dining. It’s a favorite of ours for its Roman authenticity and charm, and its luxury accommodations without the usual sticker shock. (You can get sticker shocked in Rome…)
In fact, surprisingly, especially to anyone who’s booked into the city’s most famous hotels, Rome in 2025 offers excellent accommodation deals, especially in areas outside the corporate-dominated Via Veneto zone. While that area boasts brand names, it lacks local soul.
Instead, we recommend staying in:
Trastevere, a funky, more casual riverside district rich in culture and culinary treasures.
Prati — elegant, quiet, and just steps from the Vatican.
San Giovanni — south of the Colosseum, ideal for immersive local life and in walking distance of the ruins and so many great neighborhood restaurants, such as Il Ritrovo, a top pick, https://ilritrovoroma.com. Osteria Pocci is another good one, on Via Cesena.
Where to Dine Like a Roman (i.e., Without the Masses)
Rome has over 14,500 restaurants, for those of you who like statistics, but your experience depends entirely on where you go. We guide clients to neighborhoods where Romans themselves eat. Here are just a few of our favorite areas and restaurants:
- Monteverde: Trattoria del Pesce (for the seafood mastery implied in its name) and L’Osteria di Monteverde (for modern Roman flair).
- Testaccio: Avoid the main piazzas and instead try Flavio al Velavevodetto or Piatto Romano.
- Pigneto: Artsy and authentic. Book a table at Necci dal 1924 or garden gem Rosti al Pigneto.
- Ostiense: Urban cool and culinary fire, Trattoria Pennestri is a must.
- Garbatella: Humble, historic, and utterly Roman. Dine at Dar Moschino or Al Ristoro degli Angeli.
- Flaminio/Parioli: Go upscale at Metamorfosi (Michelin-starred) or relax into Taverna Rossini.
Reservations are essential, even in non-touristy zones — locals love to dine out, too. And at most if not all of these places someone answering the phones will speak English.
Secret Rome — What Most Visitors Miss
Some of the most moving experiences in Rome come not from checklists, but from wandering, observing, and discovering. Here are our top off-the-radar picks:
- The Jewish Ghetto & Synagogue, in the rione Sant’ Angelo. Alive with history, flavor, and community. And some of the best food in Rome, and the origin of the fried artichoke.
- Tiber Island. A romantic, lively strip of land in the middle of the river.
- Rome’s Zoo. Bioparco di Roma is a family-friendly surprise near Villa Borghese.
- Bike Paths Along the Tiber. Quiet, scenic, and quintessentially Roman.
- Gianicolo Hill: Sunset views and cannon fire at noon — an unforgettable moment (as long as you don’t stand in front of the cannon — you won’t remember that).
Lazio, Rome’s Gorgeous Backyard
What many forget is that Rome is just the beginning. Within 45 minutes lie the sparkling jewels of Lazio—beaches, lakes, hill towns, gardens, and ancient estates
Lake Bracciano is surrounded by Trevignano Romano, Anguillara, and Bracciano. This lake is a Roman weekend escape, full of vineyards, castles, and peaceful lakeside walks. And several good hotels.
Castelli Romani is wine country in the volcanic hills, home to towns Frascati, Ariccia — and Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. So, if it’s good enough for Popes…
Fregene & Santa Marinella are chic seaside escapes with seafood feasts and crashing waves. Villa d’Este & Villa Adriana in Tivoli are garden and architectural splendor, and UNESCO sites.
(You can read more about all of these destinations on the Lazio section of our website.)
The Jubilee is not only a religious milestone, it’s intended to be a cultural awakening and an extraordinary Holy Year of forgiveness, pilgrimage and renewal. It’s a time when the Church invites the faithful from around the world to engage in acts of reflection, penance, and celebration. But it’s also an event that transcends religion, exposing you to art, culture, extraordinary history, and the warm soul of humanity itself.
Rome will indeed buzz. It almost always does, to be honest. But with the right planning, there’s the opportunity for travelers to experience something truly rare, a Rome that reveals her native secrets.
Jesse Andrews is the CEO and founder of Italy Vacation Specialists, an exceptionally knowledgeable boutique travel experience provider , where every detail is curated.