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How to Enjoy Italy During the Jubilee 2025: Tips to Avoid Crowds

The Italy Jubilee 2025 is poised to be a monumental event, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe to the Eternal City. As Rome prepares to host pilgrims and travelers for this sacred celebration, the atmosphere will be filled with devotion and excitement. However, with so many visitors expected, navigating the city’s iconic landmarks and historic sites can be challenging. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover the magic, smart planning can help you avoid the crowds. In this guide, we’ll explore helpful tips and hidden gems to help you make the most of your experience while steering clear of the busiest spots.

Last updated: 02.07.2025

Plan Your Visit Early and Smartly

One of the easiest ways to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Jubilee Rome 2025 is by planning your trip ahead of time. The earlier you book your accommodations and activities, the better chance you have of securing spots in less crowded areas. Consider visiting Rome before or after the main Jubilee celebrations, as this will help you avoid peak pilgrimage times.

Rome, especially around major basilicas like St. Peter’s and the Vatican, will be packed throughout the year. To avoid crowds, plan your visit to these locations early in the morning or later in the evening when the majority of visitors are still resting or have already left. You can also explore less well-known sites in Rome, such as the Church of San Clemente, where you can enjoy the rich history and stunning architecture with fewer crowds.

Tip: Opt for a weekday visit instead of weekends, as Saturdays and Sundays attract the most tourists.
Vatican City, Italy.

Head to Smaller Cities and Towns

View of Matera, Italy.
While Rome is the focal point of the Jubilee Italy 2025, there are plenty of beautiful and serene places in Italy where you can escape the crowds. Small cities like Siena, Matera, or Perugia offer the same Italian charm—without the intense pilgrimage crowds. These towns are deeply connected to Italy’s history and culture, but they don’t see the same level of mass tourism during the Jubilee year.

For a unique experience, consider the Best of Southern Italy tour, including Rome, Matera and the Amalfi Coast. Tailor your itinerary to explore these stunning regions at your own pace, visiting sights like Bari's medieval old town and the Amalfi Coast’s breathtaking views, all while avoiding the crowds with a personal guide.

Why it works: The smaller, quieter cities will allow you to explore Italy’s culture without being overwhelmed by the throngs of people. These areas often have stunning architecture, local markets, and quiet cafes, offering a more intimate Italian experience.

Embrace Rural Italy

If you're wondering, “Should I avoid Rome during the Jubilee Year?” the answer might be yes, especially if you seek tranquility. To escape the hustle of Rome during this time, head to the Italian countryside. Regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia are ideal for scenic drives, wine tours, and peaceful countryside stays. These places provide not only picturesque landscapes but also a slower pace of life, which is a welcome respite from the frenzied crowds.

In addition to lush landscapes, the rural areas offer incredible opportunities to stay in farmhouses or vineyards where you can savor authentic Italian cuisine while enjoying the region’s peace and solitude.

Tip: Visit local wineries or book a cooking class to experience the real heart of Italy away from the bustling tourist hubs.
Pienza in Tuscany, Italy.

Discover Hidden Gems in Rome

While the capital's main attractions will be crowded during Jubilee Rome 2025, there are plenty of hidden gems in Rome that offer a quieter and more authentic experience. Start your exploration in Trastevere, a picturesque neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant atmosphere, and the historic Santa Maria in Trastevere church, which boasts beautiful 12th-century mosaics. Head next to Monti, a charming area near the Colosseum, filled with cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and the serene Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Another hidden gem is the Basilica di San Clemente, where you can explore layers of history, from its 12th-century church to ancient Roman ruins beneath.
For a peaceful break, visit Aventine Hill. The Orange Garden offers a tranquil spot with panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the famous Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, which frames a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Lastly, take a walk through Villa Doria Pamphili, a sprawling park offering green spaces, fountains, and a quiet retreat from the crowds. These lesser-known sites provide a refreshing escape from the busier tourist areas, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and history of Rome without the crowds.

Time Your Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Collosseum in Rome, Italy.
To avoid the crowds during Jubilee Rome 2025, visit major attractions early in the morning or later in the evening when they’re less crowded. Popular spots like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain tend to be busiest from late morning to early afternoon, so arriving just after they open or before they close will allow you to explore more peacefully. For instance, early mornings at the Vatican Museums offer a quieter experience, and the Colosseum is much calmer when it first opens. Evening visits to places like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are also more serene, with fewer tourists and stunning lighting.

Weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are typically less crowded than weekends. Also, look out for special evening openings at museums or monuments for a quieter, moonlit experience. Timing your visits during off-peak hours will help you enjoy Rome’s iconic sites with fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful experience during the Jubilee year.

Consider Off-the-Beaten-Path Regions for Pilgrimage

While Rome is the heart of the Italy Jubilee 2025 celebrations, it’s far from the only destination with deep spiritual significance. If you're seeking a more peaceful pilgrimage experience, consider venturing beyond the crowded streets of Rome to explore Italy’s lesser-known religious sites. These regions offer spiritual fulfillment without the overwhelming crowds of the capital. One option is Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, where you can visit the Basilica of St. Francis and the peaceful, picturesque streets of this hilltop town. It’s a serene place for reflection, with fewer visitors than Rome during the Jubilee period, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
Similarly, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto in Le Marche is an important pilgrimage site, known for housing the Holy House of Nazareth, and it offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Rome's grand celebrations. Another hidden gem is the historic town of Matera in southern Italy, famous for its ancient cave dwellings and the beautiful rock-cut churches of the Sassi di Matera. Though not as widely known, Matera offers a deeply spiritual experience and is rich in history. Additionally, Florence, with its impressive religious landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, offers a tranquil setting for reflection without the intense crowds found in Rome.
By venturing to these quieter pilgrimage sites, you can experience the spiritual essence of Italy’s Jubilee celebrations while avoiding the mass crowds. Whether you choose a sacred site in central Italy or southern Italy, these regions offer a more intimate and peaceful pilgrimage journey.

Stay in Lesser-Known Accommodations

Peek of basilica in Rome.
During the famous Catholic event, accommodations in Rome and other major cities will be in high demand. To avoid the crowded hotel scene, consider staying in lesser-known but equally charming accommodations. Agriturismos (rural farm stays), boutique hotels, and Airbnb options in smaller towns or the outskirts of Rome offer a more peaceful alternative to staying in the city center. These types of accommodations provide not only a quieter atmosphere but also an opportunity to experience the authentic local life. Staying outside the major tourist zones allows you to enjoy more spacious surroundings, often at a lower cost, and gives you a chance to explore the lesser-visited corners of Italy.

From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to family-run hotels, these hidden gems offer a more intimate and personalized experience. Whether you’re in the countryside or a quieter neighborhood in Rome, these accommodations allow you to enjoy both comfort and tranquility, making your Jubilee trip more relaxed and memorable.
The Italy Jubilee 2025 is an incredible opportunity to experience Italy’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, but it’s no secret that large crowds will be a reality, particularly in Rome. If you prefer a more tranquil, reflective journey, consider exploring off-the-beaten-path regions of Italy, visiting quieter times or areas within Rome, and staying in lesser-known accommodations. While Jubilee Rome 2025 may be bustling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Italy in a way that feels peaceful and personal. Plan wisely, and you can create a memorable, crowd-free experience that will make your Jubilee adventure truly special.

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