Rome Jubilee 2025

Rome is always buzzing with energy, but this year the capital of Italy is about to get even more exciting with the Rome Jubilee 2025. The Eternal City will bustle with celebrations by the Catholic Church led by none other than Pope Francis. Whether you’re devoted to a consecrated life or just want to soak up “La Dolce Vita”, this is a great time to visit Rome. 🇮🇹

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers in Rome to help us create this ultimate guide to the Rome Jubilee 2025. 😉

TLDR

1. What is a Jubilee?
2. What to Expect During the Jubilee
3. Tips for Visiting Rome During the Jubilee
4. Obstructed Landmarks
5. Best Photo Spots in Rome During the Jubilee
6. Where to Stay in Rome & Around
7. How to Book a Photoshoot
8. Best Restaurants
9. Best Bars and Cafés
10. Best Experiences

Photo: Marcos in Rome for Flytographer. Cynthia and partner capture memories on their honeymoon in Italy with a couples photoshoot at the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

1. What is a Jubilee?

Great question! 🙋 A jubilee is a celebration; in the Catholic Church, it’s a big deal that was established over 700 years ago by Pope Boniface VIII and now happens every 25 years. The Holy Father — currently Pope Francis — announces it through a Papal Bull, setting the tone with its spiritual meaning and special guidelines.

This is no ordinary jubilee, though. Think of it as a global invitation for Catholics to renew their faith and seek plenary indulgence. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Rome to pass through the Holy Doors of iconic Basilicas like St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. To Catholics, a Jubilee is a powerful tradition, symbolizing a fresh start. 🙏

Photo: Roberta in Rome for Flytographer. Page and family capture memories on their trip to Italy with a family photoshoot at the Piazza della Trinità dei Monti.

2. What to Expect During the Jubilee

Themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Rome Jubilee 2025 runs from Christmas Eve 2024 through January 6, 2026. It all kicks off with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica by Pope Francis. From there, an extensive schedule of jubilee events unfolds in the Eternal City, packed with celebrations honouring specific groups and associations.

For example, the Jubilee of Artists celebrates those who inspire faith through creativity, while the Jubilee of Choirs highlights the contributions of sacred music. 🎨 🎵 Other festivities recognize deacons, catechists, migrants, young people, sick and health care workers, the armed forces, and more.

With the Vatican expecting 30–35 million visitors in Rome during this Holy Year, accommodations will fill up fast — especially during major Catholic holidays.

Many pilgrims opt to stay in monasteries, but regular hotels and guesthouses will also be operating. You can expect them to be at full capacity and with spiked prices. The same goes for flights and train tickets from Europe and beyond. 🇪🇺

Photo: Marcos in Rome for Flytographer. Monica and family capture memories on their trip to Italy with a mother-daughter photoshoot at the Spanish Steps.

3. Tips for Visiting Rome During the Jubilee

• Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to visit during the Jubilee celebrations, the golden rule is simple: plan ahead for flights and accommodations. Miracles can happen, but snagging a last-minute hotel in Rome probably isn’t one of them. 😂
• Stay Smart: When hunting for a place to stay, consider steering clear of areas near the Vatican or major basilicas — they’ll be packed with crowds. Vacation rentals can be a smart choice; not only might they be less chaotic, but they also give you a cozy, local vibe that’s hard to beat. 👍
• Timing is Everything: Rome’s iconic sites, like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Vatican Museums, and the Papal Basilicas, will buzz with people. If you’re planning to visit major sites (and come on, who wouldn’t?), visit early in the morning and book your tickets in advance to save yourself from endless lines. 🎫
• Go Beyond: Want a breather from the crowds? Seek Rome’s hidden gems. Better yet, take a quick trip to places like Tivoli, for its dreamy Renaissance gardens and Hadrian’s Villa, or Ostia Antica, the ancient port city that’s bursting with history. 👌
• Respect Counts: We know crowded cities can test your patience, but whether you’re a pilgrim or not, respect goes a long way. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Many of those visiting Rome during the Holy Year will be engaging in deeply spiritual practices, so no matter your beliefs, take a moment to honour their experience. ✨

Photo: Roberta in Rome for Flytographer. Daniel and partner capture their surprise proposal in Italy with an engagement photoshoot at the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

4. Obstructed landmarks in Rome

This is not a normal year, so here are some important changes to keep in mind:

Visiting Vatican City

In case you’re wondering, you can visit Vatican City during the Jubilee year as a tourist. But again, expect significantly larger crowds and enhanced security measures. St. Peter’s Basilica remains free to enter, but lines could stretch up to two hours. Also, use public transportation to reach Vatican City, as traffic and parking will be severely limited.

Tossing a Coin at the Trevi Fountain

If you’re planning to toss a coin, wait until after Christmas. The Trevi Fountain currently has a barrier around it and has been emptied for renovations. The schedule says it will be ready for the Jubilee, but Rome’s construction deadlines can sometimes be a little “flexible.” ⛲

Strolling around the Pantheon

The Pantheon is open and as breathtaking as ever. 😍 Meanwhile, there’s some construction work happening in Piazza Della Rotonda, the beautiful square surrounding it. That said, you can still capture plenty of great photos there.

Photo: Guido in Rome for Flytographer. Kimberly and family capture memories on their trip to Italy with a family photoshoot at the Spanish Steps.

5. Best Photo Spots in Rome During the Jubilee

Holy Year or not, Rome is eternally photogenic. You’ll want to capture some shots at these top photo spots that are not affected by the Jubilee:

The Roman Forum

Located right next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a treasure trove of ancient temples, columns, and ruins that make for incredible architectural shots. You’ll get stunning panoramic views from Capitoline Hill, and everything looks even more magical during golden hour. 🌅

Monti Neighbourhood

A wonderland of charming cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, Monti is packed with quaint boutiques and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect spot to capture authentic Roman daily life and some fabulous architectural details. 

Trastevere

Trastevere is brimming with lively piazzas and streets draped with hanging laundry and ancient vines climbing crumbling buildings — it doesn’t get more Italian than this!

There’s still a treasure trove of visual gems waiting for you to explore. For more ideas on where to snap fabulous scenes, check out our blog on the best places to take photos in Rome. 📸

Photo: Marcos in Rome for Flytographer. Shyanne and partner capture memories on their trip to Italy with a birthday photoshoot at the Colosseum.

6. Where to Stay in Rome & Around

If you’re not keen on elbowing your way through Jubilee crowds near the Vatican or major basilicas, you might want to steer clear. Instead, how about going full Italian escapist? Tivoli, Orte, or Frascati are charming nearby towns just a quick train ride away. 🚂

If staying in Rome is a must, consider setting up base in Monti for trendy vibes, Trastevere for picture-perfect cobblestones, Campo de’ Fiori for a stroll to the Pantheon, Pigneto for its artsy, boho energy, or Testaccio for a taste of authentic Roman life — fewer tourists, more carbonara. 🍝

Photo: Roberta in Rome for Flytographer. Beth and family capture memories on their trip to Italy with a family photoshoot at the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

7. How to Book a Photoshoot in Rome

Why not pair your visit to Rome with a professional photoshoot? You can book a local photographer to show you around hidden gems — and they know the insights on the best times and tricks for amazing pics.

Booking a Flytographer photoshoot is hassle-free:

• Connect with a local photographer and check their availability. You’ll typically receive a response within 24-48 hours. If your preferred photographer isn’t available — we’ll help you find another one. 😀
• If you opt for our Instant Book feature, you can instantly book your session at your photographer’s recommended time and route.
• Once you lock in your session, we’ll make everything easy: you’ll receive a detailed Shoot Scoop with all the essential information for your photoshoot. ✔️
• On the day of your session, get ready, dress your best, and meet your photographer 10 minutes early to chat about your goals. From there, it’s all about having fun and letting our photographers work their magic! 🎩

Photo: Marcos in Rome for Flytographer. Jose and partner capture engagement memories on their trip to Italy with a proposal photoshoot in the Trastevere neighbourhood.

8. Best Restaurants in Rome

When in Italy, calories simply don’t count. From family-run trattorias to world-class fine dining, and the aperitivo hour, in the Eternal City, food is a way of life. Here are some places we love:

• Mordi e Vai: Located inside Testaccio Market, one of Rome’s oldest markets, this sandwich shop is renowned for its traditional Roman recipe fillings. Get there early to avoid queues and soak up the bustling, authentic market atmosphere. 👍
• Rione 13: In Trastevere, this restaurant features traditional Roman cuisine with innovative twists, served in uniquely styled dining rooms. The atmosphere is casual, but their approach is decidedly gourmet! 🧑‍🍳
• Velavevodetto: Nestled in the Testaccio hills, Velavevodetto serves Chef Flavio’s legendary pasta dishes. In this place, every forkful of pasta tells a tale — and their famous tiramisu for dessert is a must-try. What more could you ask for? 
• Pizzeria Loffredo: For the best authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Rome, made with exceptional fresh dough, Pizzeria Loffredo is the place to go. This is a local favourite for a good reason: their pizza is a ritual worth savouring. 🍕

Photo: Guido in Rome for Flytographer. Heather and partner capture memories on their trip to Italy with a couple photoshoot in the Trastevere neighbourhood.

9. Best Bars and Cafés in Rome

There’s another ritual that’s part of daily life in Rome — and that’s grabbing a drink. From espresso bars to sipping a spritz or Negroni by the piazza, the options are endless. Here are some ideas:

• Sant’Eustachio Caffe: Near the Pantheon, this standing bar is famous for its home-roasted coffee beans and for using water from ancient aqueducts. In Rome, coffee is a serious business, and you can’t go wrong here. They have mastered the craft since 1938! ☕
• Tram Depot: In the historic Testaccio district, this place offers a unique setting in a converted tram, making it popular with young crowds and expats. This is a great spot for people-watching and mingling. 👀
• Bar del Fico: This trendy spot near Piazza Navona is bursting with local charm. They specialize in Italian classics like Spritz and Negroni (be warned, the drinks can be quite strong!), often served with a backdrop of great live music. 🎹
• Uve e Forme: If you’re into organic wines, head to Uve e Forme in the residential Piazza Bologna, known for having the best natural wine selection in Rome. They offer curated wine tastings, and you can pair your drinks with simple snacks or full meals. Cin cin! 🍷

Photo: Francesca V. in Rome for Flytographer. Stevie and partner capture memories on their trip to Italy with an engagement photoshoot in the Trastevere neighbourhood.

10. Best Experiences to Book in Rome

Rome isn’t just a city to admire — it’s a place to truly experience! Here’s how:

• Cooking Classes: Guess what: you can take a bit of the local cuisine home. One of the top experiences in town is joining a cooking class. 🥘 They are a feast to the senses, from the aroma of spices to the taste of fresh sauces. After taking one, you’ll find Italian food even more fascinating — trust us!
• Historic Tours: If you want to understand Rome’s long and rich history, a historic tour is a fantastic choice. You can do it on foot, by bike, or even on a Vespa. 🚶All these are led by experts who provide deep historical context and fascinating stories that go beyond the guidebooks.
• Vacation photoshoot: With so many iconic locations, you’ll want to make the most of your photo opportunities. Just like guides, local photographers can provide expertise and show you routes filled with hidden gems. The result? Stunning, wall-worthy vacation photos to cherish. 🖼️

Check out our local Flytographer guide on best things to do in Rome for more ideas.

Photo: Marcos in Rome for Flytographer. Ryan and partner capture memories on their trip to Italy with a couples photoshoot at the Colosseum.

Capturing Memories in Rome

Italy’s capital is truly one of our favourite European cities. Whether you’re exploring during the Jubilee or visiting any other time of year, make the most of your adventure by booking one of our local photographers. Let us capture your unforgettable moments in this magical place. 💙