What is the 2025 Jubilee Year?

The Jubilee Year is a religious holiday celebrated by Roman Catholics. During the year, a whole calendar of events in Rome and at the Vatican promise times for Papal Masses and audiences, pilgrimages to sites like the Holy Stairs and St. Peter’s Basilica and other experiences for the faithful.

It began on December 24, 2024, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, through which 32 million pilgrims are expected to pass through this year as part of Catholic tradition.

During the 2025 Jubilee Year, travellers should expect an influx of religious pilgrims, with an estimated 20 to 30% increase in visitors to the Vatican and other key religious sites in Rome. To avoid the busiest times, it’s best to visit the major attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

The city’s metro will experience 15-20% more passengers, and hotels will likely have higher prices & require much more time in advance to book, with occupancy rates expected to be around 90% during peak times of the year especially during Easter.

For those looking to participate in the Jubilee events, we recommend researching the Vatican’s website, which offers a calendar of events, along with the Jubilee’s website. Rome's official tourism website will also be a helpful resource.

How to Visit Italy in 2025?

Our first tip to planning a trip to Italy in 2025: BOOK IT NOW!

Planning in advance will be the best way to ensure travellers will be able to visit all the sites they want, choose the accommodations they desire and plan without too much worry. The more last-minute a traveller books, the more challenges they are likely to face. We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance.

Travellers who might be intimidated by the planning process during the year should consider taking a tour to Italy instead where they can enjoy skip-the-line tickets, pre-booked tours & a dedicated destination management office in Rome, ensuring a seamless trip without the hassle of planning it all—and during an even more busy travel year for Italy—alone.

We also recommend to travel outside of Rome to avoid major crowds: Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is home to several historical and religious sites, making it a great place for pilgrims wanting to participate in the Jubilee, while Chianti is a must-visit for wine lovers wanting to experience Italy’s beautiful countryside. Other great cities such as Florence or Naples are just an easy train ride away!

Practical Tips for travelling in Italy

Travellers heading to Italy in 2025 should be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, even in churches or religious sites. They should be wary of strangers and keep their phones in a secure location to avoid theft—a pants pocket isn’t good enough to prevent theft.

Keep your valuables secure in a money belt or anti-theft bag and be cautious of people offering ‘free’ items or unauthorized tours. Stick to official vendors for tickets and tours, and always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft. Rome’s buses and metro will be crowded, especially routes to Vatican City and major landmarks. Keep your bag in front of you and watch out for pickpockets, especially near doors.

With large crowds expected in Rome, travellers should make sure to prepare beyond the typical water bottle and walking shoes: they should also be aware of the Italian emergency phone number (112), just in case.

They should also pack their patience, as large crowds ensure longer wait times in not just major attractions, but also in restaurants, shops, pharmacies and other areas. Americans are especially accustomed to being served quickly, but that may not be the case when there are millions of other travellers visiting at the same time.

Lastly, be respectful to the locals...you are a guest in their country. They’re the ones who keep the tourism industry running, plan all the Jubilee events for pilgrims to participate in, maintain the beautiful historical & religious sites and ensure opportunities for worship, education & exploration for travelers. And remember that social media is a powerful tool so use it wisely and with a positive attitude - Grazie mille!