Rome is small enough to walk, dense enough to surprise you constantly, and comfortable for solo dining, long lunches, late dinners, and unplanned detours.Best time to go
April to mid-June and late September through October are the right months. July and August are hot and crowded, and August can close smaller local restaurants.How to plan it
Four full days is the right first visit: ancient Rome, the Vatican, Centro Storico and Trastevere, then a slower day for neighborhoods, churches, parks, or food.Where to stay and move
Monti is the best all-around solo base. Centro Storico is atmospheric and expensive. Trastevere is lively. Prati is useful for the Vatican. Walking is the default, with metro and taxis for gaps.Food and budget
Rome rewards simple food done well: pasta, pizza al taglio, coffee, gelato, markets, and trattorias. Book major sights early, then leave meals and wandering less rigid.