A Picture From Capri Island, not far from Rome – my favorite photo so far from my visits in Italy, so I had to use it 😂
Digital Nomad FAQ’s
Is Rome a good city for digital nomads?
Rome can be a mixed bag for digital nomads. While it offers a rich cultural experience, historical sites, and delicious cuisine, it may not be the most optimal choice for remote work due to challenges like bureaucratic hurdles, high living costs, and occasional internet connectivity issues.
How is the internet connectivity and speed in Rome?
Internet connectivity in Rome varies across different areas. In general, you can find decent internet speeds in most parts of the city, but it might not be as fast or reliable as in other major European cities. For basic tasks, the internet should suffice, but for high-bandwidth activities like video calls, you might experience occasional slowdowns or interruptions.
Is it easy to meet people and make friends in Rome?
Meeting people and making friends in Rome can be challenging for digital nomads. While Italians are generally friendly, there’s a cultural barrier, and language can sometimes be a hindrance. However, there are expat communities, language exchange events, and coworking spaces where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
How much should I budget for a month in Rome?
Budgeting for Rome can be relatively high compared to other European cities. On average, you should budget around $2000 to $3000 per month, considering accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment expenses. However, prices can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Are there lots of places to work from in Rome?
Rome offers several places to work from, including coworking spaces, cafes, libraries, and parks with free Wi-Fi. However, the availability of such places might not be as abundant as in other digital nomad-friendly cities. It’s essential to plan ahead and find suitable workspaces that meet your requirements.
What are the best digital nomad neighborhoods in Rome?
Some of the best neighborhoods for digital nomads in Rome include Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio, and Pigneto. These areas offer a blend of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere, making them ideal for remote work and exploration.
Visitor / Working Visas
For visitors to Rome, Italy, who are not citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), a visa may be required depending on the length and purpose of their stay.
Short-term visits (up to 90 days): Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others, can visit Italy for tourism or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is applicable for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or visiting friends and relatives.
Long-term stays (more than 90 days): For longer stays, such as for work or study purposes, a visa may be required. Digital nomads intending to stay in Rome for an extended period should apply for a visa appropriate to their purpose of stay. This could include:
- Work Visa (Tipo D Visa): If you plan to work in Rome, you will need to obtain a work visa before arriving in Italy. This typically requires sponsorship from an Italian employer or proof of self-employment.
- Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva): This visa is suitable for individuals who wish to reside in Italy without the need for employment. It’s often chosen by retirees or individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves.
- Study Visa: If you plan to study in Rome, such as attending language courses or pursuing academic studies, you’ll need to apply for a study visa.
- Self-Employment Visa: Digital nomads who are self-employed or freelancers may be eligible for a self-employment visa, provided they meet the requirements and can demonstrate sufficient financial stability.
It’s essential to check the specific visa requirements and application procedures based on your nationality and intended length of stay. The Italian embassy or consulate in your home country can provide detailed information and guidance on visa applications.
For EU/EEA citizens: Citizens of EU and EEA countries have the right to live and work in Italy without needing a visa or residence permit. However, they may need to register with the local authorities upon arrival for stays longer than three months.
Overall, navigating visa requirements for Rome depends on individual circumstances, intended activities, and nationality. It’s crucial to research and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and legal stay in the city.
Cost Of Living / Traveling Through
🏨 Avg. Price Per Night For Hotel Room (near city center) – Approximately $140 to $260 per night for a solid mid-range hotel near the city center, depending on season and exact location. I pretty much only use Booking.
🏩 Avg. Price Per Night For Hostel Dorm Room (near city center) – Around $24 to $59 per night for a bed in a hostel dormitory near the city center. If you’re planning to stay in Rome as a digital nomad, it may also be worth checking coliving spaces.
🏡 Avg. Price for apartments (near city center) – Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rome’s city center averages about $1,340 per month, though a realistic range is around $1,120 to $1,890 depending on the area and amenities.
☕️ Latte – A latte typically costs around $2.30 to $3.55 in Rome.
🍺 – 0.5 Liter Beer – The average price for a half-liter of beer is about $5.90, with a common range of roughly $3.55 to $8.25.
🏋️♀️ – Monthly Gym Membership – Monthly gym memberships in Rome average around $73, depending on the facilities and location.
🚊 – Local Transport – Avg. One Way Ticket Price – A single one-way public transport ticket costs about $1.77. Trainline is my go-to for booking train tickets, but for local Rome transport the official ATAC system is the standard reference.
🍝 Avg. Dinner Price – The average price for a casual dinner is about $17.70 per person. For a mid-range three-course dinner for two, expect to pay around $70.80 total, excluding drinks.
📱 – Avg. Data Plan Per Month – Monthly data plans for mobile phones average around $12.15, depending on the provider and data allowance.
🏢 – Avg. Cowork Per Month (near city center) – Coworking memberships in Rome usually range from about $140 to $295 per month, depending on the workspace, flexibility, and location.
The 5 Quick Scores
- Internet Speed – 4/5
- Coming back in 2026, I noticed a real improvement. I found more cafés with reliable internet, better spaces to sit and work from, and overall stronger connectivity throughout the city. Rome feels like it is slowly opening up more opportunities for the digital nomad lifestyle.
- The networks are generally good, and while I would still recommend having a backup option, it felt much easier this time to work online from different parts of the city.
- When I first visited Rome in 2022, I found the internet situation to be a little hit or miss. Some places had solid Wi-Fi, but others were not ideal for working online, (you can see the original Wi-Fi speed test results here: wifi speeds) and it was definitely not safe to assume that every hotel, hostel, or café would have fast internet just because Rome is in Western Europe.
- My backup plan is still Solis Hotspot.
- Fastest internet I Got In The City – was at TheRomeHello Hostel
- *Not sure what these metrics mean? Read my wifi guide here.
- My back up plan is Solis Hotspot
- Ease Of Connecting & Making Friends- 4.5/5
- Rome has a lot of life, and it feels even more social now than it did during my 2022 visit. There are many solo travelers, expats, students, and remote workers around the city, which makes it easier to meet people naturally.
- There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants, walking areas, and social spots where you can connect with others. Whether you are joining a group, meeting people at your hostel, or simply spending time in lively neighborhoods, Rome gives you many opportunities to make friends.
- Nightlife – 4/5
- In 2022, I visited while the city was still recovering from COVID restrictions, so the nightlife felt a bit lackluster. Many restaurants and bars closed early, and after midnight it sometimes felt like you had to walk quite a bit to find another place to go.
- In 2026, the city felt much more alive. Rome has so many options now for enjoying the evening, from wine bars and restaurants to casual places for pizza, drinks, and late-night walks. The nightlife may still not be as intense as in some other European capitals, but the atmosphere is beautiful, social, and full of character.
- Honestly, one of the best parts of being in Rome is simply walking around at night, enjoying the streets, the lights, the food, and a good glass of wine.
- Places To Work From – 4/5
- The café culture in Rome has traditionally been more about drinking your coffee, eating something small, and moving on. In 2022, I often felt pressure to leave after an hour or so, especially in smaller cafés.
- This time, in 2026, I found more cafés where it felt acceptable to sit down with a laptop and work for a while. Rome is still not a classic “laptop café” city like Lisbon, Chiang Mai, or Medellín, but it is definitely improving.
- There are now more places with good internet, comfortable seating, and a more remote-work-friendly atmosphere. You still need to choose your spots wisely, but I felt much more comfortable working from cafés during this trip. Check out the section to learn more More details on this below.
- Affordability – 4/5
- Rome is not the cheapest city in Europe, especially when it comes to accommodation. Hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals can get expensive, particularly during high season.
- That said, food can still be very affordable if you know where to go. You can enjoy amazing pizza, pasta, espresso, wine, and local snacks without spending a fortune. Many attractions are also reasonably priced compared to other major European cities.
- Transportation is another plus. Renting scooters, bikes, or electric kick scooters makes moving around Rome easier and more fun. It gives you more freedom to explore different neighborhoods without depending only on taxis or public transportation.
Wifi Speeds At Rome Italy
Read my guide to getting fast wifi anywhere in the world here
Co-Lives & Where I Stayed
A Map Of The Places I Stayed & Recommend
- OVERALL – 4.5/5 – Generator Rome is a really solid hostel option in Rome if you want something social, stylish, and reliable. It has more of a dynamic traveler vibe than a quiet stay, so it works especially well if you like being around other people and want a place that feels active and well set up.
- Affordability – 4/5 – For Rome, Generator offers good value, especially considering the design, central location, and range of shared and private room options. It is not the absolute cheapest hostel in the city, but it feels worth it for what you get.
- Wifi – 4.5/5 – The Wi-Fi is strong and easily good enough for normal remote work, video calls, uploads, and day-to-day travel planning.
- Avg. Download Speed = 107 MBPS
- Avg. Upload Speed = 55 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 5 MS
- Sense Of Community – 5/5 – This is one of Generator Rome’s biggest strengths. It is the kind of hostel where you are much more likely to meet other travelers, and the overall atmosphere feels social, lively, and easy to plug into. The rooftop bar, lounge, and shared spaces help a lot with that.
- Location – 4/5 – The location is very practical. It is near Termini Station and not far from the Colosseum, which makes it a convenient base for exploring Rome or arriving from the airport. It may not feel as charming as some quieter neighborhoods, but it is definitely useful and central enough.
- Amenities (Kitchen, Pool, etc.) – 4.5/5 – Generator Rome has a strong set of hostel amenities, including free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, a cafe, bar, restaurant, chill-out areas, luggage storage, laundry, social events, and a rooftop bar. It is very well equipped for both short stays and a more social hostel experience.
- Cleanliness – 4.5/5 – The whole place feels polished and design-led, and it comes across as a well-maintained hostel rather than a basic backpacker option. The overall setup feels modern, organized, and comfortable.
- OVERALL - 4/5
- Affordability - 2.5/5 - Not the most affordable place in the world, and they do have demand based pricing so the more demand there are for rooms, the higher the price. At the time of writing this (April 2022) it's ~$45 for a dorm (male & female w/ 10 people) & ~$160 for a private room during the week and ~$200 for a private room on the weekend
- Wifi - 5/5 - The wifi is quite quick all over the hostel, I was able to have multiple video calls both in the lobby & my room without any problems.
- Avg. Download Speed = 173.42 MBPS
- Avg. Upload Speed = 212.17 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 27 MS
- Sense Of Community - 5/5 - The staff is super cool and there are a lot of other single / nomadic folks here that are easy to connect with. They also put on regular free / cheap events that are run by Luigi, a great guy. There are cooking classes nightly, and regular walking tours, karaoke, all kinds of stuff.
- Location - 5/5 - The location is incredible, within walking distance of the terminal and lots of the famous spots of the city.
- Cleanliness - 5/5 - Super clean and very well kept-up
My Favorite Places To Work From
A Couple Of Notes About Work Spots In Rome
As many of you know, I love working in cafe's. In (central) Rome the cafe culture is a lot more about either standing up, talking and drinking an espresso at the counter (al banco if you're trying to learn Italian), or sitting down for a meal.
You don't see a whole lot of people who are sitting at cafe's working for long periods of time. If you would like to sit down at a table, then you will pay an additional fee for service, I came across this fee all over southern Italy (although I have heard some people say it's a scam). It generally was only a few euro, so it didn't bother me too much, but be aware of it. In my experience, especially the closer you were to tourist attractions it felt very much like most servers wanted you to eat and leave so they could seat their next table.
There were also cafe's that were cool with you hanging out in the mornings, but once lunch came they would prefer you to leave. I understand that these are small businesses paying a fortune in rent / mortgage, so I understand it.
That being said, I was able to find some good spots!
- OVERALL – 4/5 – Materia Cafe is a great work-friendly cafe in Rome with a lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and strong enough Wi-Fi for a productive morning session.
- Wifi – 4/5 – The Wi-Fi is solid and fast enough for most remote work needs.
- Download Speed = 99 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 71 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 32 MS
- Service & Friendliness – 4.5/5 – The staff is friendly and the overall atmosphere feels welcoming, which makes it easy to settle in and work for a while.
- Amount Of Outlets – 4/5 – There are outlets available, but they are not super common, so it is worth checking the tables before sitting down if you know you will need to charge your laptop.
- Amenities (Places to take calls, etc.) – 4.5/5 – This is a comfortable place to work with good food, coffee, and a laptop-friendly setup, but it is better for casual work sessions than private calls or deep-focus coworking.
- OVERALL – 4/5 – Giufà is a cozy bookstore cafe in Rome that is especially good for working in the morning. It has a relaxed, creative feel, and if you want, you can even browse or buy a book while you are there. It is a great option if you like working somewhere with more character than a standard cafe.
- Wifi – 4/5 – The Wi-Fi is fast enough for most remote work, and your test results are strong for everyday tasks like browsing, calls, and uploads.
- Download Speed = 85 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 31 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 9 MS
- Service & Friendliness – 4.5/5 – The staff is friendly and the space feels warm and welcoming, which makes it easy to settle in for a morning work session.
- Amount Of Outlets – 4/5 – Outlets are decent, but like with most cafes, it is still a good idea to check your table before sitting down if you know you will need to charge your laptop.
- Amenities (Places to take calls, etc.) – 4.5/5 – One of the nice things about Giufà is that it has both an indoor space and a terrace, so you can work outside if you want. It is best for morning work sessions though, since after 4:30 PM they no longer allow laptops, so this is not really an all-day work spot.
Le Foodie Café Bistrot
- OVERALL – 4/5 – Le Foodie is a really pleasant place to work from in Rome, with a nice view, a harmonious atmosphere, and enough energy to keep you productive without feeling too hectic. It is a good option for a casual work session, especially outside of peak meal times.
- Wifi – 3.5/5 – The Wi-Fi is usable for light remote work, but these speeds are more average than impressive, so I would see this as a good spot for emails, browsing, and basic tasks rather than heavy work or lots of video calls.
- Download Speed = 10.3 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 2.2 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 14 MS
- Service & Friendliness – 4/5 – The overall experience seems welcoming, and the place gives off an easygoing, comfortable vibe that works well if you want to stay a while with your laptop and a coffee.
- Amount Of Outlets – 3.5/5 – There is not much reliable public info about outlet access, so I would not assume every table is ideal for charging. It is probably better to arrive with some battery and pick your spot carefully.
- Amenities (Places to take calls, etc.) – 4/5 – One of the best things about Le Foodie is the setting: it has a very nice view and a pleasant atmosphere, which makes it enjoyable for working, reading, or having a relaxed coffee. That said, around lunch it can get a bit busy, so it is better for morning work sessions or off-peak hours than for deep-focus work during meal rushes.
- OVERALL – 4/5 – Casa Dante is a beautifully designed cafe in Rome that works really well for a morning work session. The space has a lot of character, the staff is kind and attentive, and it feels like a place where working from your laptop is welcome as long as you are also ordering something.
- Wifi – 4.5/5 – The Wi-Fi here is excellent and easily strong enough for pretty much any kind of remote work, from video calls to uploads and heavier tasks.
- Download Speed = 455 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 296 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 16 MS
- Service & Friendliness – 4.5/5 – The staff is friendly and attentive, and they are clear about the laptop policy in a polite way. It feels like a place that welcomes remote workers, but with some structure.
- Amount Of Outlets – 3.5/5 – There are only a few outlets, so you definitely want to pay attention to where you sit or bring a battery if you plan to work for a while.
- Amenities (Places to take calls, etc.) – 4/5 – In the morning, you can work pretty much anywhere, which makes it a great setup early in the day. After midday, though, laptop use is only allowed in the back area, so it is better for flexible work sessions than an all-day coworking setup.
- OVERALL - 4/5 - Yes, this place again. They have a great co-working spot on the ground floor. It was my favorite spot because you had lots of room, lots of outlets and you didn't feel like you were holding up a table for the next customer.
- Wifi - 5/5 - Super fast wifi
- Avg. Download Speed = 173.42 MBPS
- Avg. Upload Speed = 212.17 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 27 MS
- Service & Friendliness - N/A - The staff is quite friendly but they have vending machines for drinks and snacks, so the service isn't quite relevant here.
- Amount Of Outlets - 4/5- Quite a few outlets, all over the place
- Location / Ambiance - 4/5 - It doesn't have the prettiest view of some of the other cafe's I've been to (like El Buho Cafe in Santo Domingo)
Pan Bernando
- OVERALL - 4/5 - This place was super cool, and I was a big fan of the staff here, they were all super friendly.
- Wifi - 4/5 - The wifi is actually quite good for a cafe
- Download Speed = 29.33 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 4.45 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 20 MS
- Service & Friendliness - 5/5 - The staff was super friendly. I was told I could work in the morning, but one lunch came I would have to leave so they can accomodate the busy lunch crowd (which makes sense).
- Amount Of Outlets - 2/5- I couldn't find too many outlets, but I was able to get one next to a table!
- Location / Ambiance - 5/5 - This is located right by the Piazza di San Bernardo, a beautiful roundabout surrounded by sculptures and architecture.
Tre Caffe - Piazza Di Spagna
- OVERALL - 4/5 - Killer spot, and they had plenty of space and were totally cool with me working there for what ended up being about a 6 hour stretch haha.
- Wifi - 4/5 - This was the fastest wifi I got at any cafe in Dominican Republic
- Download Speed = 22.7 MBPS
- Upload Speed = 10.2 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 58 MS
- Service & Friendliness - 5/5 - The staff was super attentive and friendly. They were also totally cool with me camping out and working from there. The owners were very nice too, and super well travelled.
- Amount Of Outlets - 5/5- Some info on outlets
- Location / Ambiance - 4.5/5 - The ambiance is killer, I do have to say the location isn't as prime as Cafe Conde. But as I mentioned, I'm partial to colonial plazas, so take that into consideration haha.
Building Community / Making Friends
Best Ways to Meet People in Rome
1. Join Facebook groups first
Facebook groups are still one of the easiest ways to plug into the expat scene in Rome. A good place to start is
- Expats In Rome is a pretty decent FB group
- Expats Living In Rome is another decent FB group
These guys have a pretty active website as well, because it is tied to a larger community with events, local resources, and expat support.
2. Check the Expats Living in Rome website
Their website is worth browsing because it is not just a social page. It also shares events, services, relocation help, and practical resources for foreigners living in or moving to Rome.
3. Use Meetup for real in-person events
Meetup is one of the best options if you want to actually meet people in person instead of just joining online groups. In Rome, you can find language exchanges, expat aperitivos, cowork meetups, social breakfasts, and walking events.
- Look for these types of Meetup events: Some of the most useful Meetup options in Rome right now are:
- Language and social exchange in Rome
- Rome Expats & Diplomats Network in Rome
- Dolce Vita: locals and internationals living in Rome
- Rome Social Walks
These are especially good if you are solo traveling or trying to build a social circle faster.
4. Use WhatsApp groups once you are inside the community
Two useful WhatsApp groups are Tandem Meetings in Rome and International Rome. You may not always find the invite links directly, but people often share them inside the Facebook expat groups.
5. Try InterNations if you want something more structured
If you prefer a more organized expat network, InterNations Rome is another strong option. It is more structured than Facebook and focuses on connecting expats through events, groups, and practical local advice.
Transportation
Getting There & Leaving
Rome is very well connected by train, both for arriving and for continuing on to other cities in Italy. Italo is one of the best options for high-speed travel and makes it easy to move between major cities.
Getting Around
Walking – This was honestly my favorite way to experience Rome. The city is incredibly walkable in a lot of the central areas, and just wandering around on foot is one of the best ways to take in the architecture, side streets, and overall atmosphere.
Metro / Public Transport – Rome also has a subway and public transport system that a lot of my friends used to get around more efficiently. The official ATAC network covers buses, trams, and metro, and a standard single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. The official ATAC app is also useful for route planning and digital tickets.
Lime Bikes & Scooters – Another option I really like is using the Lime app, where you can rent electric bikes or scooters around the city. For me, this is one of the best ways to get around because it makes it much easier to discover more of Rome without relying only on walking or public transport. It is especially good when you want a little more freedom and want to cover more ground while still enjoying the city.
What I Ate
Not So Healthy Food - I loved getting pizza at the restaurants with pre-made pizzas. The pizza was still pretty good, and it was heated and in my mouth in 30 seconds which was my favorite part!
I also loved Pasta A La Carbonara, super creamy and bacon filled meal. I still think about that dish...
Healthier Food - I didn't eat a whole lot of healthy food in Rome to be honest. I only ate one meal a day in the evening, that way I could eat whatever I wanted without worrying about the calories.
What I Drank / Nightlife
- Antica Enoteca
- I loved this place, a great selection of Italian wine, amaro and brandy.
- My personal favorite Italian wines I discovered in Rome
- Falanghina - a white wine from southern Italy that I hadn't heard about before this trip. Pretty acidic and went super well with food, it felt like it literally cleaned my mouth and I was able to have a fresh bite of food every bite I had
- Pecorino - This is also the name of a wine, another lighter, acidic wine that I was a big fan of
- Jefferson Amaro - I drank a lot of Amaro's and this one was probably my favorite
NightLife
- Scholars Lounge - I didn't go out too much here, but this was my favorite spot by far. The music wasn't super great, but really fun vibe and it stayed open super late.
Exercise / Outdoors
Nature - Villa Borghese Park
Pretty huge park, it wasn't my favorite park in the world, but was quite massive and quiet.
Exercise - Monti Fitness
This is a good little gym located real close to everything and quite affordable. It was about 45 Euro for a month. They had decent selection of weight lifting equipment, they had some group classes and even boxing.
The Energy Club Gym
The Energy Club Gym is a solid option if you just need a gym in Rome for a day or two and do not want to overpay. The day pass is only €10, which is cheaper than a lot of other gyms I found, since many of them charge more like €15 to €20 for a single visit. It is not a huge gym and it is not the newest-looking place, but it has enough equipment to get in a proper workout and stay on track with your routine. If you are just looking for something simple, affordable, and practical, this is a good pick.
Here are the tools and services I personally use while traveling — from staying connected to booking accommodations, insurance, and remote-work gear.
As mentioned, walking around Rome was my favorite thing to do. I would highly recommend just wandering around for a few hours.
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