The Olive Atlas

Rome in a day as a solo female backpacker – how I did it on a budget.

---

Rome: A City of Rich History and Distinct Culture

Rome—the Eternal City—is a must-see for solo travelers. With thousands of years of history, famous landmarks, and world-class art, Rome makes it easy to fall in love with every piazza and cobblestone street. I spent one full day here during my 10-day backpacking trip through Italy—here’s how I made the most of it.

---

Where I Stayed: Seven Hills Camping Village

I stayed at Seven Hills Camping Village, an affordable and unique stay tucked in the hills outside of Rome.

Pros:

• ~$20/night
• Shuttle to local bus/train connections

Cons:

• 30+ minutes to the city center
• Shared bathrooms & rustic setup

While a bit removed from the action, the peaceful setting and budget-friendly price made it worthwhile for me.

---

Budget Tip: Pick Your Trade-Off

Want to save money in Rome? Stay further from the city center. You’ll get better lodging prices, but spend more time commuting. If you prefer convenience over cost, stay in the city—but prepare to pay more.

---

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Rome is safe overall, but here are a few quick reminders:

•  Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.
• Watch for pickpockets on buses & trains.
• Walk with confidence—especially in tourist areas at night.
• Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to say no.

---

Rome in a Day Itinerary

---

Morning: Coffee & The Vatican

Start your day Italian-style with a cappuccino and pastry from a local café. Then head to Vatican City, home of:

• The Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour Tip: Book a 5:00 PM guided tour of the Vatican Museums to avoid the longest lines and evening crowds. That gives you the day to explore other sites first.

Walk over to St. Peter’s Basilica (free to enter). The grandeur, history, and religious significance make this an unforgettable stop.

---

Lunch Break

Pick up a sandwich and espresso from a nearby café. Quick, delicious, and affordable. Bonus if you can sit outside and people-watch!

---

Afternoon: Colosseum, Roman Forum, & Pantheon

Next, head to the Colosseum. If you don’t have time for a full tour, admiring it from the outside is still worth it.

Walk past the Roman Forum and over to the Pantheon (free entry). Expect a short line but a quick-moving one. Inside is packed, so take in the view and then move along.

---

Evening: Vatican Museums Tour

This was my favorite part of the day. With a tour guide, I walked straight in (no line!) and got rich context for the art and history inside.

• Highlights: Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s ceiling, classical sculptures
• The guide prepped us in the central garden using a visual map of the chapel’s ceiling.

Without a tour, I would’ve missed so much history. I highly recommend booking one—it’s 100% worth it.

---

Dinner in Rome

Wrap up your day with a classic Italian dinner. I had pesto gnocchi at a local spot near Vatican City—exactly what I needed after walking all day.

---

Final Thoughts

With one day in Rome, I felt like I saw the best of it: ancient ruins, church history, and incredible art. Smart planning and a budget mindset helped make it all possible.

Got Rome tips or favorite stops? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your must-sees!

---

Tags & Categories:

Tags: Rome, Italy, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Travel Itinerary, Budget Travel
Categories: Italy, Solo Female Travel, Travel Tips