The Jubilee in Rome is predicted to draw 32 million visitors. Discover the reasons behind this popularity and learn how to avoid the crowds.

Vatican City is the world's smallest country by size and population.

An estimated 32 million travelers are expected to visit during Jubilee 2025, a year-long global celebration among Catholics.

Caterina Rigoni, Jubilee spokesperson, stated that the Jubilee is a period of pilgrimage, prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith.

The celebration of a religious event is taking place in Rome through masses, processions, and cultural events at major basilicas, with a focus on the Vatican's significance as the center of the Catholic faith, as she informed CNBC Travel.

Through organized trips by their local churches, travelers coming to Italy are eligible for Jubilee visas, which are being provided by the Italian government.

A year of events

During the Jubilee, which commenced on Dec. 24, Pope Francis opened the first of four "Holy Doors" in a tradition dating back to at least 1500. These doors, typically sealed with mortar, are only opened during Jubilee years, which occur every 25 years.

The act of passing through the doors during the Jubilee in Rome signifies the cleansing of sins and a reconnection to the faith, which is a primary reason why pilgrims travel there.

Visitors can undertake a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage by following the "Seven Churches" route, a 15.5-mile walk from Vatican City to the outskirts of Rome, and also learn about Europe's female saints on the "Patronesses of Europe and Doctors of the Church" pilgrimage.

Various celebrations are planned for particular groups. For instance, the armed forces are honored from Feb. 8 to 9, while the Jubilee of Teenagers, from April 25 to 27, features concerts in multiple Roman piazzas.

Jubilee organizers are anticipating high attendance for these concerts, advised Rigoni. She advised attendees to plan all activities in advance and check the Jubilee's website and app for updates.

Where to stay and what to eat in Rome

Brandon Shaw, who spent 15 years living and working in Rome and founded The Tour Guy in 2012, advises Jubilee visitors to stay in Prati, a neighborhood near the Vatican, at Hotel Dei Mellini, Hotel Isa, or Hotel NH Collection Roma Centro.

Shaw recommends Panificio Bonci for the best pizza in town and Il Sorpasso for a more formal meal, both of which are within walking distance of the Vatican.

Prati is often overlooked by tourists because it lacks ancient ruins and major monuments, but this is what makes it a great place to stay. It's where locals reside and is home to many al fresco wine bars, stylish cocktail lounges, and gourmet restaurants, as Shaw, now based in Florida, explained.

Shaw suggests visiting The Catacombs of Rome, which are underground burial grounds that contain crypts of notable popes and martyrs, to enjoy Rome away from the Jubilee crowds.

Additionally, he recommends exploring sections of the Appian Way, an age-old roadway linking Rome to southern Italy, and the Park of the Aqueducts, which preserves vestiges of the ancient water infrastructure constructed during the Roman Empire.

Avoiding Rome's crowds

Kathy McCabe offers alternatives for travelers who want to avoid Rome during the Jubilee year.

Luciano Pavarotti and balsamic vinegar are both from Modena, a city around five hours north of Rome that McCabe is a big fan of.

While filming two episodes of "Dream of Italy," she encountered renowned chef Massimo Bottura, who runs the acclaimed Osteria Francescana and Franceschetta58, where she claims the best tortellini in the world is served.

McCabe, based in Colorado, said, "Modena is the Italy of 20 or 30 years ago that you long for, and I hope it never changes. It's such a quaint city with hardly any tourists or souvenir shops."

McCabe, who is known for his filmmaking, also captured footage in Capua, a city located two hours south of Rome. This city boasts an ancient amphitheater that is second in size only to Rome's Colosseum. Additionally, Caserta, located 20 minutes from Capua, is another favorite of McCabe's, with a royal palace that he said rivals Versailles.

According to McCabe, Bologna and Parma are must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts.

Rome should not be written off by crowd-averse people in 2025, says McCabe, who has visited Italy over 90 times and aspires to live there.

"If you have the chance to visit Rome, you should go because it's full of endless things to see, such as churches, museums, shops, restaurants, and experiences."