Rome Jubilee 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Trip
What is the 2025 Rome Jubilee and How Will it Impact Your Italy Trip
St. Peter’s Basilica - Vatican City, Vatican
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Rome in 2025: A Jubilee Celebration
Rome is always a top destination, thanks to its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The Eternal City attracts millions of visitors each year, ready to explore its ancient ruins, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine. However, 2025 is set to be an even bigger year for Rome as it hosts the highly anticipated Jubilee, a special event in the Catholic Church that expects to bring an additional 20 million visitors to the city in 2025.
To ensure Rome is ready for this influx of pilgrims and tourists, the city has undertaken extensive preparations. These include upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public transportation, and beautifying key areas to accommodate the crowds. While it will be crowded, the Jubilee offers a unique opportunity to experience Rome at its most vibrant and lively, with countless events and celebrations adding to the city's already incredible atmosphere. Despite the expected crowds, Rome in 2025 is absolutely worth a visit for an unforgettable experience.
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about the 2025 Rome Jubilee and how to plan your trip.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, we've got you covered for an unforgettable trip to Italy in 2025.
More from the Blog on Rome →
→ The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Rome
→ Best Boutique Hotels in Rome
→ 10 Best Day Trips from Rome
→ 50+ Travel Tips for Rome & Italy
What is Jubilee?
Jubilee is a special event in the Catholic Church that usually occurs every 25 years. It started back in 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII made the official decree for the first Catholic Holy Year, inviting people to visit Rome for a big celebration. Since then, Jubilees have been a mix of cultural and historical events, drawing millions of visitors and pilgrims to Rome and Vatican City. Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Rome in search of spiritual renewal, celebration of faith, and forgiveness. One of the key traditions is the opening of the Holy Doors at the major papal basilicas in Rome, which symbolizes a path to salvation and is a major highlight for visitors. Jubilee year 2025 will continue this long-standing tradition, bringing lots of special events and a vibrant atmosphere to the Eternal City.
When is Jubilee and When is the Best Time to Visit
The 2025 Jubilee dates officially kick off with the opening of the Holy Doors on Christmas Eve, 2024, and runs through the end of 2025. Throughout the year, there will be special celebrations on specific dates. You can find the official Jubilee schedule here.
If you're looking to avoid the highest crowds, it's best to plan your visit away from these main celebration dates. Late April through June and the month of October are expected to be the busiest times for Jubilee celebrations. Additionally, July and August are typically the busiest months for visitors to Italy, so plan accordingly.
September is a good time to visit, as the weather is still warm and sunny, though crowds will still be heavy. If you can travel in the off-season—January through March—you'll experience cooler weather but much lower crowds, making for a more relaxed visit to Rome during the Jubilee year.
Interior of St Peters Basilica
Interior of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican
Planning a Trip to Rome in 2025 – Tips and Guidance
Rome is already experiencing a burst of tourism post-pandemic, and with an additional 20 million visitors expected for the 2025 Jubilee, planning ahead is crucial. Booking hotels and tickets to main attractions early will be more important than ever. Many making the pilgrimage to Rome and the Vatican in 2025 will be traveling long distances and more likely on a tighter budget than a typical tourist on vacation. For this reason, demand will be higher for less expensive accommodations and free or cheap attractions compared to luxury or boutique hotels and private/semi-private tour bookings. Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip to Rome in 2025:
Recommendations for Booking Hotels
Booking your accommodation well in advance is key. Consider staying in areas like Trastevere for a more local experience away from the heavier crowds. Staying near Termini Station provides easy access to transportation to and from the city. If you're planning to partake in the Jubilee celebrations as a main part of your Rome travels, booking a hotel near the Vatican provides easy walkable access. Hotels in the Rome City Center are close to lots of the attractions, shopping and dining. If you prefer luxury, Rome’s many boutique hotels and historic accommodations provide a unique stay.
Recommended Hotels →
Trastevere Hotels:
Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere → rating: 4 stars | 9.8 Exceptional | Upscale property, a quick walk to Villa Farnesina
Donna Camilla Savelli – VRetreats → rating: 4 stars | 9.4 Exceptional | Upscale Baroque hotel near Campo de’ Fiori
Loly Boutique Hotel → rating: 4 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Upscale hotel near Campo de’ Fiori
Roma Termini Station Hotels:
NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento → rating: 5 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Luxury hotel near Circus Maximus
UNAHOTELS Decò Roma → rating: 4 stars | 9.2 Wonderful | Upscale hotel, a short walk to Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Vatican (Prati Neighborhood) Hotels:
AC Hotel by Marriott Clodio Roma → rating: 4 stars | 9.6 Exceptional | Upscale hotel, a quick with to Piazzale Clodio
Hotel Isa → rating: 4 stars | 9.4 Exceptional | Upscale boutique hotel, a quick walk to Via Cola di Rienzo
Starhotels Michelangelo → rating: 4 stars | 9.0 Wonderful | Upscale hotel, a short walk to St. Peter's Basilica
Rome City Center (near Pantheon and Trevi Fountain) Hotels:
Harry's Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant → rating: 5 stars | 9.8 Exceptional | Luxury hotel, a short walk to Trevi Fountain
Palazzo Navona Hotel → rating: 4 stars | 9.4 Exceptional | Upscale hotel, a quick walk to Piazza Navona
The Code Hotel → rating: 4 stars | 8.6 Excellent | Upscale spa hotel, a short walk to Spanish Steps
Hotel Abruzzi → rating: 3 stars | 9.2 Wonderful | Comfortable hotel, steps from the Pantheon
Click on photos below to check current prices:
Read More → Best Boutique Hotels in Rome
Buying Tickets to Main Attractions
Main attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Roman Forum will be in high demand. Buy your tickets online well ahead of your trip to secure your spot and avoid long lines. Consider booking guided tours for a richer experience and to skip the queues.
Vatican Museum Tickets and Tours:
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel - Admission ticket only (no tour)
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour - Small Group Tour; likely to sell out
Colosseum Tickets and Tours:
Additonal Vatican and Colosseum Tours:
Other Tours and Experiences:
Read More → The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Rome
Transportation
Rome's public transportation system includes buses, trams, and the metro, which can get crowded during the Jubilee. Purchasing a Go City Pass or Roma Pass can save you money on transportation and provide free or discounted entry to some of the smaller attractions around the city. Both passes works well if you will be using public transportation around Rome for 2 or 3 days. Taxis will be available, but may be more expensive during peak times and traffic is surely to be heavier as well. Due to increased traffic, walking may be your quickest form of transportation. Wear comfortable walking shoes (I recommend On Cloud 5 for comfort and style) and plan accordingly to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
Day Trips from Rome
With the high number of visitors anticipated, you may want to consider taking a day trip or two to escape the crowds and explore beyond the city. Popular and nearby options include visiting the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, the picturesque town of Tivoli with its stunning villas, or Orvieto which is easily accessible by train. Booking these trips in advance is recommended due to the expected high demand.
For more info on day trips from Rome → Best Day Trips from Rome
Tips for Safe Travels
Stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Travelon crossbody bags are the perfect way to securely carry your belongings while sightseeing for the day. Travel insurance is a good idea to cover any unexpected issues. Always carry a copy of your passport and important documents. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and keep them handy.
By planning ahead and following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee.
Joining Jubilee Events and Celebrations
Participating in Jubilee events and celebrations can be an incredible experience. The 2025 Year of the Jubilee celebration will feature a variety of events including religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and special exhibits. Many of these will take place in iconic locations like St. Peter’s Basilica (Saint Pietro Basilica) and various other historic sites around Rome. Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, there will be plenty of opportunities to join in the celebrations. Be sure to check the official events calendar and plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on any key events. For official Jubilee news and information, visit the official 2025 Jubilee year site.
The Four Papal Basilicas:
St. Peter’s Basilica
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
San Paolo Fuori a Mura
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Additional Pilgrimage locations to see:
Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Basilica di San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura
Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Chiesa di Santa Brigida a Campo de' Fiori
Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Vittoria
Trinitá dei Monti
Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Chiesa di Sant' Agostino in Camp Marzio
In Summary, Rome in 2025 is set to be an unforgettable destination, blending its timeless appeal with the unique excitement of the Jubilee year.
By planning ahead and taking into account the increased demand for accommodations and attractions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Remember to book your hotels and tickets early, explore beyond the main tourist spots, and stay safe in the bustling city.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance, the vibrant culture, or the special Jubilee events, Rome has something for everyone. Embrace the energy of the city, participate in the celebrations, and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Your 2025 Jubilee trip to Rome promises to be an extraordinary experience.
