Discover the Eternal City with an eco-friendly twist! Here is a complete Rome sustainable travel guide that will allow you to discover this unique city and experience an unforgettable trip whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Visiting Rome is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: from the majestic Colosseum to the impressive Pantheon and mesmerising Trevi Fountain – the capital overflows with beauty and hidden treasures. And there is nothing more romantic than a weekend getaway wandering and getting lost in its cobbled streets.
However, due to its popularity as one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe, Rome is now experiencing overtourism, damaging its landmarks and authenticity.
Overtourism, or mass tourism, is a phenomenon (especially accentuated by social media) when popular places are visited by an excessive quantity of tourists, causing undesirable effects on the destination.
That is why the capital of Italy requires our attention, and we all have something to contribute!
Learning about responsible tourism and adopting eco-friendly habits is increasingly essential. If you are planning a trip to Rome or want to educate yourself on what is possible to reduce your impact and preserve the unique heritage and culture of the Italian capital, keep reading!
In this sustainable travel guide to Rome, I share advice and ideas on how to get around sustainably, find greener accommodations and vegan restaurants and give you ten practical eco-friendly tips for your city break. Enjoy 🙂
My Rome experience: Duration 5 Days Dates visited Dec 29 - Jan 4 Season Winter
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What does sustainable travel mean?
Before we get into this sustainable tourism guide to Rome, it is essential to understand the definition and purpose of sustainable travel – which does not mean stopping travelling completely!
Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.
It could be by adopting greener methods of transportation, staying in more eco-friendly accommodations, eating local and seasonal foods, or avoiding harmful activities to wildlife and nature.
Ultimately, the primary goal of sustainable travel is to create a better and more viable long-term future for tourism.
As a result, in response to climate change and the negative impacts of travelling on our planet, the term ecotourism was born and today continues to expand.
According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), you can define ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education”.
In other words, ecotourism means providing positive experiences to visitors and hosts whilst developing a culture of environmental respect and having a favourable social and economic impact.
So on your next trip, why not adopt more eco-responsible habits?
But do not feel pressured! Go at your own pace and slowly change how you travel – one step at a time.
More inspiration for your green adventures:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
- Sustainable Travel Guide: What, Why & How
Want to surprise a friend or loved one? Check out this article:
15 Best Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Travellers
Best time to visit Rome (without the crowds)
The best times to visit Rome without crowds are spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November). These months offer nice mild weather (summer is too hot) without too many tourists and lower rates, which is the perfect combination to discover the best attractions of the Italian capital.
It will also be the ideal time to participate in tours to learn more about the culture and heritage of Rome without waiting in endless queues, wander easily through its narrow streets and chat with the locals.
In addition, do not worry too much about the weather. Rome enjoys comfortable temperatures all year round, and these two seasons will give you gorgeous lights and colours (perfect for photographers)!
On the other hand, avoid visiting Rome in July and August and during the Christmas holidays (peak times). The city becomes overly busy and expensive. Plus, the weather will be hot and humid (in summer), making it difficult to enjoy and explore properly.
Want more inspiration for your next city break? Check out this article:
Florence Travel Guide: Epic 3-Day Itinerary
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How to get around Rome sustainably?
On foot
The best way to get around Rome sustainably is on foot. The capital is compact, and all the main attractions are close to each other, making it the perfect place to wander and get lost without damaging our planet.
Not only will you reduce your impact on the environment, but it will also allow you to slow down, truly appreciate your surroundings and discover hidden areas you might otherwise miss.
I mainly explored the capital by walking when I visited it for five days – it was great! I loved strolling through its cobbled streets, and it allowed us to better immerse ourselves in its culture and atmosphere.
And because it is hot in summer, do not forget to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Rome is full of free fountains offering fresh and cold water.
By public transport
If walking is difficult or the place you want to reach is too far, use public transport. Thankfully, Rome has an extensive public transportation network consisting of buses, a subway and trams – easy and reliable.
When we were there, we used the bus once to go to the Colosseum with the Moveit app – or you can also use TicketAppy. It will help you book your ticket on your phone and avoid wasting paper.
By bike
Another great way to travel sustainably around Rome is by bike. It is ideal for slowing down and appreciating your environment in a fun way. And if you need a boost, rent an electric bike.
Finally, if you want to explore outside of Rome, opt for buses, trains, electric cars or small guided tours – depending on where you want to go and for how long.
Want to plan a more eco-friendly road trip? Check out this article:
How to Plan the Ultimate (Eco-Friendly) Road Trip
Best green hotels & B&Bs in Rome
1- Florido’ Oasis
Florido’ Oasis is a modern and comfortable two-story loft located in the heart of Rome. Decorated with a wall covered with vegetal wallpaper and equipped with the latest technologies, such as ecological paints and renewable energy, this eco-loft is a perfect getaway to discover the best of the capital in a responsible way.
Perfect for 2 to 4 people, it features a new kitchen with appliances, a large mezzanine bedroom and a bathroom with a walk-in shower completed with eco-friendly soaps and ecological paper.
2- Bio Hotel Raphaël
In the heart of Prague, near the bustling Piazza Navona, you will find a 5-start certified eco-hotel named Bio Hotel Raphaël, part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family.
Transformed into an oasis of greenery with its facade covered with lush vines, the hotel welcomes you for an unforgettable stay between heritage and art, committed to a green approach to tourism through its initiatives. From eco-conscious construction choices in its restructuring (to save energy and avoid harmful materials) to organic and vegan cuisine, Bio Hotel Raphaël is a perfect blend of sustainability and luxury.
3- Folia B&B
Only 500m from the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, Folia B&B offers modern, eco-friendly rooms with everything you need for a magical stay – short or long! It features an equipped kitchen with tables and large bedrooms with private bathrooms.
Renovated with eco-conscious materials, not harmful to the body and the environment, this B&B is an excellent mix of comfort and simplicity, where sustainability is at its centre. And to top it off, the host will provide you with a self-service Italian breakfast in the communal kitchen, made from local and organic products.
🏨 READ MORE: Where to Stay in Rome: 8 Best Areas (& Green Hotels)
Need inspiration for your winter city break? Check out this article:
Rome Winter Guide: 10 Magical Things to Do
Best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Rome
1- Le Bistrot
Le Bistrot is a cosy and traditional vegan restaurant in the Garbatella district, serving Roman-style dishes and innovative New Italian cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.
As the menu changes weekly, check their website before visiting. In addition, the restaurant is only open in the evening but worth the detour!
2- Romeow Cat Bistrot
Born from the concept of the Cat Café, Romeow Cat Bistrot welcomes you in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by six four-legged friends – the ideal place for a well-deserved break in a day of sightseeing!
Situated on a corner of Ostiense, this bohemian café has a playful decor and a vegan menu of delicious cakes and smoothies, which changes yearly depending on the season.
3- Ma Va’?
Ma Va’? is a small vegan restaurant offering creative and eclectic versions of classic culinary dishes and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in the Prati neighbourhood.
With a green philosophy at its heart, the restaurant proposes traditional recipes with the lowest environmental impact possible, from organic origin to zero kilometres of provenance.
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Best (eco-friendly) things to do in Rome
- Wander inside the Colosseo
- See the Roman Forum
- Walk up the Spanish Steps
- Admire the Trevi Fountain
- Stroll through Villa Borghese
- Enjoy the scenery from Altare della Patria
- Relax in Piazza Navona
- Discover the Pantheon
- Explore St. Peter’s Basilica
- Visit the Sistine Chapel
Looking for a perfect Rome itinerary? Check out this article:
5 Perfect Days in Rome, Italy: Complete Itinerary
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How to be a responsible traveller in Rome
1- Book direct flight & carbon offset
Once you have decided on your travel dates, your next step would be to select a direct flight to Rome.
Rome airport is easily accessible and well-connected to most European cities. So if possible, choose a non-stop journey, as taking off and landing consumes more fuel than cruising.
You can also use Skyscanner to select flights with lower CO₂ emissions and EcoPassenger to calculate the environmental consequence of your journey.
Finally, you can offset your impact by investing in local projects and communities BUT do not use carbon offset as a complete solution.
Combine it with other sustainable practices, like prioritising other methods of transport (bus or train), avoiding single-use plastic on the plane (bring a reusable mug or bottle) and carefully packing your suitcase to be ready for your green adventure.
2- Travel off-season
Overtourism is a severe problem often overlooked. Not only does it negatively impact the environment and heritage of a place – by degrading it – it also harms the local communities and economy.
Therefore, rather than travelling during peak seasons (summer and Christmas holidays), be a responsible traveller and prioritise exploring the city in spring or autumn. You will spread the revenue stream, support small shops and ensure your money returns to the local economy throughout the year.
Plus, you will do the planet a favour but also yourself by being able to discover the Eternal City without the crowds and genuinely appreciate the wonders of the Italian capital.
3- Stay in an eco-conscious accommodation
Once you have booked your trip to Rome, reserve your city getaway at a hotel or B&B that adopts eco-responsible practices.
Many accommodations are working to become greener by innovating and reducing their impact. Take a look, for example, at these three sustainable hotels and bed and breakfasts:
- Florido’ Oasis
- Bio Hotel Raphaël
- Folia B&B
How do you know if a hotel or guesthouse is eco-friendly?
Doing your research is essential. Go beyond greenwashing and find a responsible retreat that helps you explore Rome whilst leaving a positive impact.
As guidance, read the hotel description, look for certification or statement of commitment to sustainability, or search for locally owned places.
And if you want more, check out Bookdifferent and Ecobnb.
4- Use water fountains & be mindful of your consumption
The good thing about Rome is that the city is full of free fountains offering fresh and cold water – so bring your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, even in winter! No more reason to buy plastic bottled water during your stay 🙂
In addition, pay attention to your water consumption (and it should be the case whatever your destination!). It means: having shorter showers, properly turning off the taps and not washing your hotel towels daily. We often forget the latter, but reusing your towel or bringing your own will save a lot of water and do good for the planet.
5- Eat at local Roman restaurants
When travelling to Rome, being conscious of what you eat is key to leaving a lower footprint and being a responsible explorer.
Ask the locals where they like to eat, buy your food at local markets, and go to local vegetarian and vegan restaurants supporting farmers and fresh produce from the nearby area.
Plus, more and more Italian restaurants are reinventing classic dishes with a vegan and vegetarian twist, so you will not have to compromise on your trip.
Here are three of the best restaurants in Rome for vegans and vegetarians:
- Le Bistrot
- Romeow Cat Bistrot
- Ma Va’?
And if you want more, check out HappyCow.
6- Support small independent shops
The souvenirs we bring home matter as much as how we travel. Being mindful of your shopping habits is another way to become more responsible when travelling to Rome and contribute to the local economy.
Shop in independent stores, support authentic and local artisans, ask questions to learn more about the product you want to buy and its origin, decline objects made with animal products and refuse single-use plastic bags.
In addition, be careful of tourist traps and illegal vendors. For this, look for certification and follow your own judgement.
7- Be zero-waste & avoid plastic
Always pick up your trash or any you come across, and avoid plastic at all costs!
The best way to reduce waste on a trip to Rome is to arrive prepared. That is why considering what you bring with you is so important. Here are some ideas:
- Reusable water bottles (reduce single-use plastic) ⇢ my favourite bottle
- Eco-friendly tote bags (reduce single-use plastic)
- Travel towels (reduce water usage)
- Cutlery and containers (reduce single-use plastic)
- Reusable straws (reduce single-use plastic)
- Biodegradable shampoos (reduce toxic chemicals)
- Zero-waste sunscreens (reduce single-use plastic & toxic chemicals) ⇢ my favourite sunscreen
- Solid toiletries (reduce water usage)
- Portable solar chargers (reduce energy usage) ⇢ check out these portable chargers
- Reusable travel mugs (reduce single-use cup waste) ⇢ my favourite mug
IMPORTANT – take care of your belongings and watch out for pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas such as the Colosseo and Trevi Fountain.
Check out this page for more ideas on eco-friendly products & gear.
8- Hire a local guide
One of the best ways to discover Rome and its remarkable heritage is to join a guided tour with a local guide. It will ensure your money goes back to the local economy and is a great way to connect with residents and better understand the rich culture of the Italian capital.
Check out this website for more details on local tours: https://www.withlocals.com/experiences/italy/rome/tours/.
9- Respect the local culture & heritage
Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel in Rome is not only about the environment but also about the locals. So be respectful, smile and try to learn a few Italian words 🙂
It also applies to cultural sites. Be quiet, dress appropriately (especially when visiting religious sites), do not touch anything and feel free to ask if you have questions.
Note – it is forbidden to take photos in the Sistine Chapel.
10- Prioritise slow travel
One of the primary causes of overtourism is day trippers, who typically do not stay long (less than 20 hours) and do not contribute much to the local economy.
This mass tourism phenomenon destroys cultural authenticity and tarnishes the general charm of the capital for tourists and locals. That is why it is essential to learn more about slow travel.
Slow travel is a way of travelling the world, accentuating slowing down and connecting with the places and locals. This approach allows you to take more time to learn about a country and its culture on a deeper level, which can also mean travelling less but staying longer = quality over quantity.
Therefore, if possible, stay in Rome for 3 or 4 days at least. It will allow you to get to know this wonderful city better. Plus, you will never run out of things to do and see!
Planning a trip to Venice? Check out this article:
Sustainable Travel Guide to Venice, Italy
Do you have any other suggestions for sustainable travel in Rome?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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