What to know about visiting Rome during Jubilee Year 2025
- Little Luxe Family Travel
- Dec 14, 2024
- 7 min read
Rome has been "under construction" for, oh, just a few millennia. But recently, the Eternal City has kicked its renovations into high gear. Why? Because the Jubilee Year is almost here, and Rome is rolling out the red carpet—well, maybe a cobblestone one—like only Rome can. Think spiffed-up statues, shiny new buses, and even extra tram lines. It’s like the city is putting on its Sunday best, and trust us, you’ll want to see it!
What’s the Jubilee, Anyway?
The Jubilee happens every 25 years in Rome and is a big deal for Catholics worldwide. It’s a Holy Year packed with spiritual events, ceremonies, and a chance for believers to pass through the Holy Doors of Rome’s Papal Basilicas (usually sealed) to receive plenary indulgence—aka, a spiritual "clean slate." The 2025 theme? Hope. So, expect Rome to be buzzing with optimism, pilgrims, and maybe a little chaos.
But don’t worry if you’re not in it for the religious experience. Rome knows how to party. The Jubilee calendar includes concerts, exhibitions, and even volunteer opportunities, so there’s something for everyone.
When Is It Happening?
Mark your calendars: The Jubilee Year runs from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. It’s not a single event but a year-long extravaganza. Key dates to note:
Dec. 24, 2024: Holy Door opens at St. Peter’s Basilica
Dec. 26, 2024: Surprise Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison
Jan. 1, 2025: Holy Door opens at Santa Maria Maggiore
Jan. 5, 2025: Last Holy Door opening at San Paolo fuori le Mura
Get ready for crowds, celebrations, and plenty of "Oh wow, I didn’t expect this many people."
Pro Tips for Surviving the Jubilee in Style
Keep It Chill: Don’t try to do it all. One major activity a day is your sweet spot. Use the rest of your time for gelato, people-watching, or wandering charming side streets.
Time It Right: Rome is magical early in the morning or late at night. Bonus: fewer crowds and more "I have Rome to myself" vibes.
Live Like a Local: Hop on an e-bike along the Appian Way, learn to toss pizza dough like a pro, or take a Roman cooking class.
Day-Trip Like a Pro: Escape the crowds with a jaunt to Orvieto or Tivoli’s Villa d’Este. You’ll thank us later.
Expect the Unexpected: Rome runs on its own time (and espresso). Things won’t always go to plan, but hey, when in Rome... sip an Aperol Spritz and roll with it.
Book in Advance – Hotels, flights, & tours could sell out and experience price surges. To ensure availability and control spending, book well in advance. (My recommended Rome tours below.)
Rome’s Jubilee Makeover
Let’s talk about the scaffolding. If you’ve visited Rome in 2024, you might have thought the city was auditioning for Extreme Makeover: Eternal City Edition. But by 2025, all the sprucing up will have paid off. Expect gleaming statues, polished fountains, and shiny new buses zipping through town.
Transportation upgrades will also include four new tram lines, kilometers of cycling and walking paths, and a fleet of 110 hybrid buses. Getting around Rome has never been easier—or greener!
2025: The Year of Hope (and Gelato)
Rome during the Jubilee will be nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re there for the spiritual journey, the history, or the pasta (no judgment), the city’s mix of ancient and new promises to dazzle. Come for the Jubilee, stay for the adventure, and don’t forget to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain—you know, just to ensure your return.
Ciao for now, and remember: when in Rome, eat like the Romans… a lot.
For more Rome travel tips, check out my blog post HERE.
Colosseum Tours: Finding the Best Fit for Your Visit
Exploring the Colosseum is a must when visiting Rome, and the best way to do it is with a small, semi-private tour. Liv Tours offers an excellent option, capping groups at just six people. As a family of four, we were paired with only one other couple, which made the price point more manageable and gave us the chance to meet travelers from around the world.
We chose the full three-hour experience, which was fantastic for an in-depth dive into the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. However, if you're short on time or patience, the express tour is a great alternative. It covers the Colosseum with a guide, then lets you explore the Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace. For larger groups or those who prefer a more private experience, a private tour might be ideal—even if you just want to keep things low-key and anti-social.
One crucial tip: make sure your tour includes access to the Arena Floor. It offers stunning views and allows you to see the underground chambers from above. If the Underground Tour isn’t available through Liv, it’s likely unavailable everywhere else as well, so be cautious about booking through other providers to avoid cancellations.
And don’t stress if the underground portion isn’t part of your itinerary. Having experienced both, we can confirm the Arena Floor access is all you need to fully appreciate the Colosseum's history and grandeur!
My top pick:
In a hurry, but still want to see the Colosseum?
If you like to keep it private:
Vatican Tour Tips: Why Early Entry is the Ultimate Experience
If you’re planning to visit the Vatican, do yourself a favor and book the first-entry tour. Trust me, this is one experience where timing makes all the difference. Here’s why:
✨ Early Entry = Exclusive Access: The first-entry tour lets you step into the Vatican Museums before the general public floods in. Imagine walking through Raphael’s Rooms or the Sistine Chapel with hardly anyone around. It feels like having the Vatican all to yourself—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
👥 Semi-Private or Private Tour?: We opted for a semi-private tour, which gave us a small group (around 8–12 people) and plenty of time to soak in the details without breaking the bank. If you’re after a truly tailored experience, though, you can upgrade to a private tour, where the guide will customize the visit to your preferences.
🕰️ Crowds Are a Game-Changer: By the time the later tours start, the Vatican becomes a sea of visitors. It's hard to truly appreciate the art or even move comfortably in the galleries when it’s packed. The first-entry tour eliminates this, allowing you to take your time, snap those Instagram-worthy photos, and actually absorb the history and beauty around you.
My top pick:
Runner up:
Golf Cart Tour: The Ultimate Family Experience
I’ll admit it—I didn’t think the golf cart tour was essential when we first planned our trip. But now? I totally get what the fuss is about. This was hands-down the highlight of our entire trip, and I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s why it’s worth every penny:
🚗 See It All, VIP Style: Glide through the city like a VIP while a guide shows you all the iconic sites. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, the golf cart tour is the perfect way to get the lay of the land, especially if it’s your first day in town.
📸 Professional Photographer: One of the biggest perks? Your guide doubles as a photographer, capturing amazing family photos while you sit back and enjoy the ride. No need to struggle with selfies or miss out on group shots.
👥 Private vs. Semi-Private: We chose a private tour so we could customize our route and spend more time at the spots we cared about most. But the semi-private option is just as fun, especially if you’re up for meeting other travelers while zipping around town.
🎯 Family-Friendly and Fun: This was a hit for everyone in our group—kids and adults alike. It’s an effortless way to take in the city without tiring little legs or losing anyone’s interest.
The Private Golf Cart tour has availability from 9AM - 7PM and runs about 550€ for 2 adults and 2 kids. Additional guests at an additional charge.
They also provide 2 additional options for a semi-private tour, maximum 6 people.
Golf Cart Tour Semi-private (Max 6); 9AM only
129€ per adult
Golf Cart & Drinks Evening Tour of Rome Semi Private (Max 6); 6PM only
129€ per adult
Other Must-Try Tours in Rome
Rome is packed with incredible sights and unique experiences, and if you’re looking to make your trip unforgettable, these tours are worth adding to your list. Whether you’re into history, food, or adventure, there’s something for everyone:
👣 Exclusive Semi-Private Rome Walking Tour & Highlights Perfect for history buffs, this walking tour dives into Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain. A semi-private group means you’ll get an intimate experience without the hustle of a big tour.
🚲 Ebike Tour of Rome | Semi-Private Experience Along the Appian Way Explore Rome’s ancient Appian Way with the ease of an electric bike. This semi-private tour offers a mix of history, breathtaking countryside views, and a touch of adventure—ideal for those who love being active but don’t want to overexert themselves.
🌌 Catacombs Night Tour in Rome | Semi-Private For a more mysterious experience, the Catacombs Night Tour takes you underground to explore ancient burial sites by lantern light. It’s semi-private, adding to the eerie, exclusive feel, and a must for those intrigued by Rome’s darker history.
🛵 Semi-Private Vespa Tour | Rome City Highlights Zip around Rome’s historic streets on a classic Vespa, taking in city highlights like the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and more. This semi-private tour combines nostalgia, adventure, and incredible photo ops—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie!
🍕 Traditional Pizza Cooking Class in Rome | Private Experience If you’re a foodie, don’t miss this hands-on pizza-making class. Learn the secrets of crafting the perfect dough and toppings from a local chef. Bonus: It’s a private experience, so you’ll get undivided attention—and a delicious meal at the end!
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