In Rome Alone!
 

I'm planning on traveling to Rome alone at the end of March. I'm a 26 year old female. Just wondering if a single female traveler in Rome is ok. I know I'll need to take the usually precautions no matter what city I'm in, but I hear Italian men are especially aggressive!
Plus, I can easily entertain myself during the day but does anyone have suggestions of what I can do during the nights as a single gal?

Thanks!

Whezu, I don't have any specifics, but maybe staying at a convent hotel would help. My wife and I will there from March 30 to April 12th to include Easter Week. How long will you be there? Have A Great Trip!!! Mike

Hi whezu,

Have you seen Roman Holiday?

Whezu,

I was in Rome alone about two years ago and I've also traveled extensively elsewhere in Italy, alone. I'm early twenties and blond which by most italians is considered fairly attractive. That being sad I've almost never felt unconfortable. Just look determined at all times and don't spread your map around looking like a lost tourist and you'll be fine.

Note on Italian men - I think you have a slightly stereotyped view of them. They are just normal. The rare occasions I've been verbally harrassed in Italy has not been from the part of Italians.

I've had experience traveling alone in both Italy and Spain and did not have any major issues. I wouldn't be concerned about the hotel or restaurants (I had one problem in a restaurant in Spain but a simple request to the headwaiter convinced the lothario to move on.) On the street you can just walk briskly with a no-nonsense manner - that should discourage any would-be romeos. You may want to limit use of public transport to times when it is not crowded - so you can move away from anyone being overy friendly.

I would definitely treat yourself to one or two nice dinners and I understand that there are several tours you can take in the evening in the summer - I'm not sure about March but the web sites of the standard tour companies should provide info.

Some alarmists here seem to have given out this stereotype of Italian men that is silly. Almost any man in any part of the world will look at an attractive woman. I find Italian men to be classy and courteous, some will flirt with you, but it is up to you, as always, to react the way you want to be treated.

I traveled alone in Florence and Venice a couple of years ago and was generally not bothered. There was one time when a beautifully dressed man stopped me and kissed my hand - and when I watched him go, he did it to every other woman he met! However there was one incident where a fellow tried to chat me up and when I politely told him "no" he got a bit huffy and quickly disappeared in the crowd - maybe to find someone more amenable to his advances ;). Other than that, my time in Italy was fine. I was never harassed - if anything the men and women I met were more interested in the fact that I was brave enough to be travelling alone. Be firm and polite if you get any unwanted advances. Try to stay around other people if it's really a problem, sometimes you can hook onto the back of a large tour group.
At night, I had some wonderful dinners and I was treated well in the restaurants. Only problem was I couldn't order a full bottle of wine or I'd be under the table! I hope you have a great trip to Rome!

Some of the local tour agencies offer evening tours with dinner. We took the Rome Illuminated tour and then had a really fun dinner with opera singers providing the entertainment. There were two single people at our table and we had a great time.

As a sigle female I lived in Florence for 5 months in 2001. While there were a few guys that became a nuisance, I simply walked away and ignored them. I often felt safer than I would in the US.

Though the usual precausions apply. When looking at your map either do it in a safe place or with your back to a wall. Be confindent in yourself. And if you are worried about being alone, join one of the many tours available. I used Enjoy Rome tours while I was there and found them to very imformative, fun, and safe. Not to mention it took some of the navigating of Rome off my shoulders while maximizing seeing the sights.


I am returning by myself again in Early April, including Easter week. And I'm sure I will be safe then as well.

Rennyren76, read your constructive reply. I'll also be in Rome during Easter Week as it should be FANTASTIC!! Do you have any suggestions for some reasonably priced restaurants? Thanks. Mike

hi:
i was (26yrs old as well) "alone" in rome,other italian and european cities. I went a very good friend for 2 months but it turned out we had different interests. she quickly found a partner in each city we settled in. so i was left alone (by choice) and wondered all over the place.
In Rome I remember distictly getting there and feeling afraid. Outside the termini was kind of scary for me, and I told my friend "please dont leave alone in this city i dont like it" Well a day or two she was off. So I made it on my own. Went out to lunch and dinner alone all over, great food and gained some weight! I even went out to clubs but just be carefule where its at. Also I took an excursion to villa adrien and all those lovely places on a tour bus alone (i was the only one alone, but too bad).
Florence had more "aggressive" men in my experience, but nothing to worry about, really. The only place was Barcelona where man did come on to me a bit strongly but nothing happened.

I think overall it depends on you and who you are!

Have a great time!

When you pass by and someone give you a compliment do not acknowledge it, do Not smile, have your nose up in the air, and keep walking...Act like a Snob if you have to..

Unless of Course is Fabio, then oh la la...:)

I agree completely with all those who have said that you will have no problem with Italian men. Act as the others have suggested and you will be fine.

Do, however, be careful of the gypsies who may crowd around and distract you while one of them tries to pick your purse. (When it almost happened to me once, it was an Italian man who warned me: "Attenzione alla borsa!" or "Watch your purse!" Which gives you an idea of where their priorities are when it comes to female tourists: They care more that you should feel safe in and like their country than they do about 'seducing' you.)

I would also be a little bit more careful on the notorious 64 bus (between Termini and St. Peter's). It does attract some unsavory types, including pickpockets. Take it only during the day, stay close to an Italian woman, and do not hesitate to yell "Va via!" if someone tries to take advantage of you. Everyone in the bus will leap to your defence.

But except if you are dealing with an out-and-out obnoxious attempt, I would not suggest the above, as it is what one would tell a stray dog to do. As a rule, ignoring any advance that you do not wish to respond to will convey the message sufficiently clearly.

Thank you all for your advice! It's pretty much what I was thinking, but just needed affirmation from people who have actually been there.
I'm looking forward to my solo trip and enjoying some good people watching (since you can only really do that when alone).

Hi whezu,

Somewhere in one of her films, Sophia Loren gives advice to a younger girl, "Keep your nose up and your skirts down".

To add to the post above, and keep your backside away from the aisle on the bus!