Home » The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s 2025 Jubilee: What You Need to Know (And Why You Should Book Now)
The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s 2025 Jubilee: What You Need to Know (And Why You Should Book Now)
Chelsea Dugas
The countdown to 2025 has begun, and Rome is bracing for its biggest spiritual extravaganza in a quarter-century. The Jubilee Year is coming, and it’s set to transform the Eternal City into a hub of faith, culture, and yes, mind-boggling crowds.
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Everything to Know About Rome’s 2025 Jubilee
If you thought Rome was busy during a regular summer, you haven’t seen anything yet. The 2025 Jubilee is poised to draw tens of millions of pilgrims and curious onlookers from every corner of the globe. It’s a once-in-a-generation event that blends centuries-old traditions with modern-day logistical challenges.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this extraordinary celebration, from its fascinating history to insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. Plus, we’ll let you in on a little secret: why booking your tours now might just save your entire Jubilee experience.
What Is the Jubilee Year?
Let’s start with the basics. The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a time of universal pardon and renewal in the Catholic Church. It’s like a spiritual reset button, offering believers the chance to strengthen their faith and seek forgiveness for their sins.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the 2025 Jubilee is no ordinary Holy Year. It’s an “ordinary” Jubilee, which is anything but ordinary as it only happens every 25 years. The last one was in 2000, so if you missed that one, this is your chance to be part of history.
What to Expect During the Jubilee Year
Opening of the Holy Door: On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope Francis will dramatically open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s usually sealed shut, so this is a big deal.
Pilgrim’s Path: Follow in the footsteps of countless believers by visiting Rome’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Special Masses and Events: The Vatican will host a jam-packed calendar of religious ceremonies, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year.
Crowds. So. Many. Crowds: Brace yourself for an estimated 30 million visitors descending upon the Eternal City.
Pro Tip: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you shouldn’t try to see it all in one either. Plan for at least a week to truly soak in the Jubilee atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Why You Need to Plan Ahead and What to Book
Here’s the cold, hard truth: Rome is going to be swarmed with people. We’re talking “make the summer tourist crowds look like a cozy dinner party” levels of busy. But don’t panic! We’ve got a list of everything you should consider while planning ahead.
Hotels
Let’s start with hotels. With so many people traveling to Rome, booking a hotel ahead will allow for more options and lower prices. We’ve got suggestions for you based on your needs and the level of crowds you’re willing to deal with. Here are our neighborhood and hotel recommendations at a glance:
If you want to be near all the main events, we recommend checking out options near Prati and Vatican City. Prati is a calm, elegant, and modern Roman neighborhood across from Vatican City. It’s perfect for anyone planning a religious trip or for groups. But be warned, this area will be much more crowded than usual due to the Jubilee, so book in advance and be prepared for crowds.
This hotel has a look and feel like no other hotel in Rome. It’s as massive as a resort and just a short drive from the city center and Vatican City. The hotel is home to Rome’s only 3 Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola, which has been led by Heinz Beck for quite some time.
€€+ | 4 Star | Ideal Location | Classic Italian Rooms
This palace, built in 1400, has 29 rooms, a beautiful courtyard, luxe library, and an old refectory where monks used to eat centuries ago. The location is epic for seeing St. Peter’s Basilica, which is just a moment away. The rooms are simple but decorated with cherry wood furniture. It’s perfect for an affordable stay in the best location.
€€+ | 4 Star | Elegant European | Honeymoon Upgrades| Rooftop Views
Located between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, this luxury hotel is ideal for couples. Book a spacious suite with a jacuzzi and a perfect view of St. Peter’s for the ultimate Roman experience. Best of all, enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace where sunset views of the Vatican are extra romantic.
€€ | 3 Star | Umbertino Style | Quieter Area | Affordable
With its blue and gold décor, this hotel is classically Italian. It’s steps away from the Tiber river and a 15-minute walk from the Vatican. Breakfast probably won’t wow you, but it’s still a good start to the day. All-in-all, it’s a solid, affordable choice for a quieter area that’s still close to the action.
Centrally located, Monti is a short walk from the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. A 20-minute ride on the 64 or 40 bus will bring you to the Vatican from Monti. Monti is one of Rome’s historical and eclectic neighborhoods, with plenty for you to explore.
Palazzo Manfredi
Photo courtesy of Palazzo Manfredi
€€€€+ | 5 Star | Next to the Colosseum | Roman Luxury
That view isn’t photoshopped. This luxury hotel is literally next to the Colosseum, where most rooms have a one-of-a-kind view of this ancient building. The rooms are elegant, and the terrace offers stunning views as you dine almost in the shadow of the Colosseum. It’s easily a top favorite hotel in Monti.
€€€ | 4 Star | Spa and Turkish Bath | Central Location
I like this hotel for the spacious rooms and the super spa that also has a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath available. It’s a cool find here! This hotel is also ideally located close to shops and galleries. It is about 15 minutes from all the key areas in Monti.
€€€ | 4 Star |Modern Yet Homey | Excellent Service
This little boutique hotel only has 15 rooms, thus the name The Fifteen Keys Hotel. It’s just off a main road in Monti, but it’s still next to all the vibrant nightlife, shops, metro stops, and sights you want to see here. The rooms are clean and tastefully modern without being too minimal.
For the best views of the Roman Forum, I highly recommend the Hotel Forum. It’s perfectly located for an afternoon exploring the Roman temple ruins. The hotel is an old 18th-century relic with Persian rugs in the hallways and ornate décor throughout. And of course, the terrace has the best views of the Forum.
Next up, we’re talking about tours. Yes, you can do all the planning yourself and you can try to learn as much about the history of Jubilee events on your own. But there’s something about leaving all the details to a professional and getting an expert guide’s insider knowledge about the history and story behind each monument in Rome.
As the cathedral of Rome and the seat of the pope, San Giovanni in Laterano is a central site for the Jubilee, offering pilgrims the chance to pass through its Holy Door and seek spiritual renewal.
With your own personal guide, walk through the basilica’s sacred spaces and uncover its ancient history, magnificent art, and revered relics. Experience one of Christianity’s most significant landmarks during this extraordinary year, all at your own pace and tailored to you.
As one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore serves as a key pilgrimage site during the Jubilee, where visitors seek spiritual renewal and pass through its Holy Door, a symbol of grace and forgiveness.
With your dedicated personal guide, explore the basilica’s breathtaking mosaics, ancient relics, and rich history at your own pace. Step into a world of sacred art and architecture, uncovering the stories that shaped one of Christianity’s most significant landmarks.
With the unprecedented influx of visitors during the Jubilee, it’s not just the major attractions that will be swamped. Even food tours and day trips to nearby destinations will be booked at record speed. The sheer volume of people in Rome means every type of tour and experience will be in high demand. Don’t underestimate how quickly these slots will fill, book early to avoid missing out on these essential Roman experiences.
Want to channel your inner gladiator? So does everyone else. Colosseum tours will sell out faster than you can say “Are you not entertained?” Booking early ensures you don’t miss out on this iconic experience.
During the Jubilee, these will be the hottest tickets in town. Early bookers get the best time slots and skip the line entry. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck in a 3-hour line only to be herded through like cattle.
Taking a food tour in Rome is essential to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary heritage, where traditional flavors tell the story of centuries-old recipes. It offers the chance to taste authentic Roman dishes while learning about the cultural significance behind each meal.
A food tour also introduces you to hidden gems off the beaten path, giving you access to local markets, family-owned eateries, and insider knowledge that you might otherwise miss.
Rome may be the heart of Italy, but don’t let the city’s walls limit your adventure. From the ruins of Pompeii to the cliffs of Sorrento and the vineyards of Tuscany, the best of Italy is just a few hours away.
Our expertly guided day trips from Rome take you beyond the city to experience ancient history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine. Skip the hassle of planning—we’ll handle everything. Whether you’re craving history or the coast, these day trips are the key to unlocking Italy’s hidden gems.
While the major sites will be packed, here are some lesser-known spots to add to your Jubilee itinerary:
• Basilica di San Clemente: A 12th-century church built on top of a 4th-century church, built on top of a 1st-century Roman house. It’s like a historical lasagna!
• Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: A stunning private art gallery that most tourists overlook. Bonus: it’s usually blissfully uncrowded.
• Quartiere Coppedè: A whimsical neighborhood that looks like a fairy tale come to life. Perfect for escaping the Jubilee crowds for an afternoon.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Jubilee journey now. Book those tours, reserve that hotel, and get ready for an adventure that’ll make your friends back home green with envy. Trust us, when you’re standing in St. Peter’s Square as the Holy Door opens, you’ll be glad you did.
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