In Rome, 2025 is a Jubilee Year—so if your travel plans include the Eternal City, it’s important to know what the Jubilee is all about, what to expect … and how to prepare for increased crowds.
Since the year 1300, the Roman Catholic Church traditionally proclaims a “Jubilee Year” every 25 years. It’s a time when the pope invites pilgrims from all corners of the globe and all walks of life to leave the conflict and instability of our world and come together in a spirit of peace and hope in Rome. It’s a time when the faithful re-establish proper relations with God, with each other, and with creation … a time to promote the dignity of all persons.
The theme for this Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of hope,” as the pope is calling on worshippers to be filled with hope as they prayerfully address challenges such as war and climate change. And while pilgrims will have a plan—the Church puts on many special events for the Jubilee—casual tourists should be prepared, as well. That’s because an expected 30 million faithful will congest the city while converging on the Vatican.
If you’re considering a visit to Rome this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Temper your expectations for the major sights, which are overcrowded even in a normal year. Marquee attractions like the Colosseum, Forum, and Vatican Museums will be beyond slammed. If you must visit these, book your tickets well in advance. Unfortunately, the reservation process is in flux given the expected increase in travelers—so you’ll need to keep tabs on the changing procedures as your departure date approaches. As soon as you’re able to book a slot, do it!
Another option is to bypass the marquee sights and instead focus on lesser-known gems. There’s a whole parallel world of wonderful Roman experiences that are rarely crowded. Instead of fighting crowds at the Colosseum and jostling through the Forum, visit the nearby (and never-crowded) Baths of Caracalla for an inspiring look at ancient engineering on a grand scale. The National Museum of Rome has a stunning collection of sculptures and mosaics, which are yours to ogle without being bumped by backpacks and selfie snappers. Or leave the city altogether and take an easy train ride out to Ostia Antica, where you’ll be alone with the sprawling, evocative remains of Rome’s early port, wondering: “Where are all the tourists?”
Or take a break from sightseeing and roam Rome’s many vibrant, relatively untouristy neighborhoods. Swap language lessons with beer-sipping students around a public fountain in Monti; ponder a what-if alternate reality while ogling Fascist architecture in EUR; or head to Testaccio, beloved by Romans for its nose-to-tail market, and graze among the many food stalls, seeing how many different bites you can fit into a couple of hours.
For travelers, the exact impact of the Jubilee is unpredictable. It will be crowded, sure ... but just how crowded? Romans tend to leave town when their city is inundated by such an event. And many non-pilgrim tourists will also steer clear, fearing the crowds. Consequently, Jubilee 2025 could wind up feeling on par with any other busy peak season.
The Jubilee will also bring improvements. Tourists and Romans alike will appreciate new parks along the banks of the Tiber, improved bike paths throughout the city, a people-friendly zone surrounding St. Peter’s (replacing a people-unfriendly roadway), and other pleasant surprises as Rome shows off its cultural wonders in good style.
Should you visit Rome this year? If you’re a practicing Roman Catholic, it could be a lifelong highlight. There’s something both powerful and humbling about coming together with fellow believers, from starkly different backgrounds and far-flung corners of the earth, for a shared purpose. And all those pilgrims will pass through the giant, gilded Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which opens only on Jubilee years.
And what about casual, non-pilgrim travelers? If considering a trip to Rome, be realistic about the impact the Jubilee may have on your experience. Those with flexible plans may decide to put off their visit and go elsewhere in Europe—or in Italy. (The Jubilee crowds will likely not make Italian sights outside of Rome any more crowded than they are in normal years.)
And if you really are committed to seeing Rome this year (as I am), do it but do it smartly: Book your hotel long in advance, get necessary admissions reserved ASAP, and fill your days with dimensions of the Eternal City that are not eternally crowded.
While you’re there—regardless of your faith—consider embracing the pope’s call to help make our troubled world a little more peaceful with a little more hope. Buon viaggio!
