Safety in Rome
 

My husband and I (early 60's) are planning a trip to Italy next year for our 25th anniversary. We've only been to Rome once on a private day tour. We were thinking we'd like to go and spend 3-4 days there seeing sites at a more relaxed pace than we did before, so we thought we'd stay in the city. But yesterday my husband was talking to a young British guy who told him that Rome is a really unsafe city. Now we're considering staying outside of the city.

1. What are your thoughts about the safety for tourists in Rome?
2. If we decided to stay "outside of the city," do you have any recommendations for where (ie: town/village, Air BnB references, etc.).

We still want to do tours, as we feel like they are an excellent "bang for our buck" if we get the right tour. Also, if we stay outside of the city, we would like it to be in a place with great restaurants and walkable nice places to see.

Loved Rome and felt very safe. We stayed in Trastevere but otherwise walked or took taxis. Just be aware of pickpockets and keep your valuables safe.

I have been to Rome three times, always stayed in the city, not outside and never did I see anything to give me reason to think Rome is not a safe city.
Did this person say what, specifically, was unsafe about Rome?
I would stay in Rome itself, there is so much to see and do there and part of the fun is being able to leave your hotel at night, stroll to a restaurant, enjoy the buzz.
We did a few day tours with Context which were excellent.

We felt very safe every time we have gone to Rome. Be aware as you need to be in any major city.
Our last time there was Jan 2020 right before COVID struck. It was very crowded but never felt unsafe as far as relates to any crime. We walked everywhere at night.
I did have an accident but that was caused by a taxi driver who wasn’t paying attention..

I've been to Rome, I think, 5 times now, sometimes alone (in my 60s & 70s) & never felt unsafe. Originally I'd procrastinated, wondering how clean & safe the city was, but a friend told me to not give it anymore thought, just go. It is indeed clean & safe & a fabulous city I love & make a point of stopping between other places.

Rome: has unsafe places, it is a city, but not especially unsafe in the tourist areas. Pickpockets might be a small pain, but don't get into a crowd where wandering hands may wander. Similarly on crowded trams. Alternatively don't wear jewels and carry wads of money, expensive watches. I'd say that as a capital city it is one of the safest.

Where it is on Vivid I have no idea.

Driving, well Roman drivers are special. If crossing a road I'd follow a local.

Not sure what your concerns are about safety. We've been to Rome a few times and have stayed in Trastevere which we love. There are the usual pick pocket issues that one needs to be aware of when travelling in tourist areas.

We visited two years ago and felt very safe. We are also in our early 60s and walked everywhere. I would stay in the city as Rome is huge and staying outside of it would make for a long journey traveling back and forth wasting your time and energy. Sometimes the outskirts of large cities are not as safe as the central area but I don't know if that is true about Rome.
I would pick a central hotel that has good reviews and you can always ask the staff about the safest way to travel. We have stayed near the Vatican on a few trips (the Hotel Alimandi) and stayed in Trastavere the last time (the Hotel Santa Maria.) If you plan to take organized tours, pickup from a central hotel would be much more convenient.
If you search for other hotels in Rome on this forum, you will get other good suggestions.
We used Rick Steves' Rome guidebook on our last trip and found his suggestions and self-guided tours very helpful.

"Unsafe" is a pretty broad descriptor. On balance I have never felt particularly unsafe in Rome. Crazy traffic/drivers? Absolutely, so be careful crossing streets. Pickpockets? No more, maybe less than, cities of comparable size. Nowhere near as big a problem as Barcelona or even Naples. Use common sense like zipped front pockets for wallet, cross body bag rather than hanging off a shoulder. Have stayed mostly in Prati or Trastevere areas without problem.

I had a young, female shopkeeper in Rome shortchange me, but I returned in 5 minutes and was able to politely point out her "mistake" and get my money back after several minutes of talking to her and her male coworker, who browbeat her into returning my 10 euros. Not unsafe, but years on, I still harbor a grudge against the entire city and have no desire to return. I was jetlagged, and wasn't as familiar with euros and not as vigilant as I should have been--but to someone like me, who's wired to value rules and fair-play, (and maybe expected a little solidarity between women), that was a huge deal breaker. I never suggest anyone visit Rome. (As I said, I hold a grudge.)

Venice and Florence, however, was a different story entirely. Everything there seemed magical to me, and the service industry treated me as fairly and respectfully as I treated them. All that I ask from any city.
So my advice is keep a close eye on your money. Use credit cards where you can, but also be ready with the international number in case it's lost/taken. (Rome! *shakes fist*)

OK -- I am a bit confused. It is 'unsafe' to stay in central Rome, but totally safe to stay outside of town and use crowded public transport to travel daily in/out of Rome. Doesn't make sense to me -- but maybe your 'British friend' has actual suggestions for areas to stay??

If you still have fears, why go to Rome at all, I must have been 10 times to Italy before I went to Rome and, because it has been a tourist town for so long, I was underwhelmed and then awed by individual objects and buildings. For example I'm not a big fan of dead bodies laid out in caskets but then I saw some of the carvings in the Vatican and was impressed.

I highly recommend doing the Underground 'Scavi' tour. It must be booked with the Vatican well in advance. Enjoy your trip.

If you Google "how to stay safe in rome," you will find a lot of information. In my experience, the biggest risk is losing a handbag or wallet to opportunistic thieves who are quick to take advantage of one's inattention or carelessness, especially in a crowd and on public transportation. During several visits to Rome, I never saw anything of a scary nature while moving around the city in both daytime and evening. However, I do have an aquaintance who had the terrible experience of a purse-snatching by a man on a scooter when she was dragged and suffered a serious shoulder injury. On my last visit, I did make a point of being more aware while walking, and staying away from the sidewalk edge. I would certainly go back to Rome and stay in the city.

Here's the current information from the U.S. State Department on Safety and Security:
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ges/Italy.html

Thanks all who really read what I wrote and contributed this thread. I appreciate it and am excited to say Rome is back on our list. Thanks also for the recommendations. As always, this group has provided us with invaluable information that in the past has enhanced our travel on several occasions.

Yes, we are going to Rome soon and choose a quieter street but close to Spagna Metro. I read a few articles - just google neighborhoods in rome to get an idea of your style!

We went a few years ago and stayed at the Rome Cavaleri which is a Waldorf and just slightly out of the city. We had Hilton points and it is a very nice hotel. They shuttled us in and picked us up at certain drop offs and it worked for us. My daughter had her purse strap cut while posing for a picture in front of some statue. We did not catch it on film, but luckily she was holding her bag and so it didn't drop to the ground as it was intended to do. I personally would not fear going to Rome or staying right in Rome. I would however recommend putting your passports and cash and cards in a hotel safe and just bringing minimal money and one card while out and about. I actually love a bra safe I have that allows me to put a card in my bra.
We also went to Barcelona which I know several people personally that were robbed there and had no issues at all.
So be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and where your money is, especially in crowds.

Zengi, you may feel from reading this thread that Rome is full of pick pockets. It's not. But I think all people are saying is to take the same care with yourself and your valuables as you would in any city, including your own. I also think that the inconvenience of losing your wallet/bag while on holidays in an unfamiliar place makes people doubly (and rightly) wary.

I also have a policy of not signing petitions or taking things which I'm offered by strangers on the street (although the latter might be a bit paranoid). You can suss those things out pretty well.

I would actually feel less safe staying in the suburbs, to be honest, to say nothing of it being less convenient.

Rome is a wonderful city - go and enjoy it!

A good portion of safety is perception. People who have lots of big cities experiences in the US would think of Rome as another big city. Someone from a small rural area of the US might perceive rundown buildings, graffiti, street trash, etc., as evidences of unsafe areas. It is not in Europe since Europe has a lot of old, run down buildings, graffiti, and trash. I have more concerns when in Chicago or New York that I do in Rome. Have spent a total of about 30 days in Rome over the past 30 years and have never had a problem but we are not roaming the streets at 2am. You do need to exercise some caution. We are big fans of using money belts but others are not. It seems to work for us since we have never had a problem of theft in our many, many years of travel. But --- there is always the next trip.

We think of Rome as being very safe.

My thoughts exactly. When in Rome I don't feel that I could be an innocent bystander in some random mass shooting.

Yeah I agree--Rome is safe as long as one uses common sense plus a few normal precautions, as pointed out endlessly above.
Zenqi, to add some perspective, just a few years ago we saw a guy in a crowded Monti bar popular with both locals plus tourists, proudly cradling his newborn there at the bar! He must've felt safe out there at night.

Dreamon makes good points above regarding those BS petitions plus sudden, odd offerings. We've also been subjected to the dropped-and-found ring attempted scam, plus the suave guy with chi chi clothing to sell out of his car, who just happened to have lost his credit card...I'm sure that you are way too smart to fall for that nonsense.

I am done. the safe city

I can't help but wondering where do you live, you are surprised by completely normal things (at least in Europe) like entering a bar with a kid. What should ever happen in a crowded bar at "night"? A saloon brawl because the Dalton Brothers messed with "Doc" Holliday once too often?

Man, It seems you are writing from a war zone. The world out there is safer than you imagine.

Most probably your "night" was locals' 11 pm, as known as "late evening" for Romans who dine at 9 and do not live trapped between the house, the office and the Mall.

Imagine being scared of walking around one's own city... so sad.

>>>the suave guy with chi chi clothing to sell out of his car, who just happened to have lost his credit card.<<<

This was tried on me twice, but in Midtown East Manhattan! I guess I look like a sucker.

He gave me a ride across the centre one hot August while trying to convince me. I had to explain to him the stuff he was pushing wasn't worth very much and no not interested.

That was me Fra, in disguise and in need of a fix. Still can't believe how you stripped down right then and there to try on the lingerie.
I am done. the parrotmaster

** But yesterday my husband was talking to a young British guy who told him that Rome is a really unsafe city. Now we're considering staying outside of the city.
1. What are your thoughts about the safety for tourists in Rome?
2. If we decided to stay "outside of the city," do you have any recommendations for where (ie: town/village, Air BnB references, etc.).**

I feel Rome is much safer than London. YMMV. Every trip to Italy I stay 3-5 days in Rome. I often travel alone and get off the beaten path in Rome using public transport. I've seen pickpocketing in various major cities in Europe. Any city where tourists with lots of cash/credit cards/valuables are, you can expect a pickpocket or scammer especially on public transport or any "side show" that attracts some onlookers. I would not stay outside the city as that would just add a hassle layer in your limited amount of time. I've stayed in Monti (several times), Prati, Trastevere, but prefer somewhere between Piazza Navona/Pantheon/Piazza Venezia so it's a few short blocks to things you want to see with plenty of pedestrian areas with restaurant choices.

I too have been to Rome solo as well as with DH and another trip with my four sisters (two of whom had never been outside the US). I stay in Trastevere, though with my sisters we stayed next to the Pantheon (Albergo Del Senato). I also like Monti area. We went all over Rome including walking around at night (Trevi Fountain, etc.)

On a solo trip when I got food poisoning at a cafe outside the Vatican, and got sicker and sicker, finally nearly collapsing on the steps of the train station, people stepped in to help-local policeman but also a doc passing by, a couple of medical workers, etc. taking care of me until they could safely put me on a train back to Florence where my conference was--I'd come to Rome for the day!

OTOH, I got mugged a block from the Brussels train station with my 6'3" husband 8 feet away.

Be aware of your personal effects and your surroundings, keep a low profile, and enjoy Rome!

Thanks everyone. FYI - we're from California. I've lived in the bay area (not exactly remote) and have spent A LOT of time in San Francisco throughout my life, including walking through the city at night, alone or with another female friend on many occasions. Among other larger cities, we've spent time in London, Barcelona, Florence, Venice, Paris and Mexico. We've been yards away when a "taxi driver" jumped out of his vehicle in Grenada and pointed his gun into a group of people, one of whom threw a bottle at his vehicle. So we're not exactly naive or inexperienced travelers. We are well aware of pick pocketers and scammers, especially in touristy areas.

Now that we've read what people have written, we're no longer concerned about Rome whatsoever. It sounds to me like the young guy (virtually a stranger) my husband was talking to was a young, inexperienced kid spreading rumors he had heard from someone else just as inexperienced.

So thanks for your words of encouragement. We'll be spending a few days in the heart of Rome with no concerns beyond anywhere else we have traveled.

Zenqi, sounds good. This San Francisco woman has traveled to Rome--with others and also solo--many times. You'll have a great time. Enjoy the Eternal City!

Another Bay Area person who feels safer in Rome than in some places around here. Have a great trip!

<<If you still have fears, why go to Rome at all, I must have been 10 times to Italy before I went to Rome and, because it has been a tourist town for so long, I was underwhelmed and then awed by individual objects and buildings. For example I'm not a big fan of dead bodies laid out in caskets but then I saw some of the carvings in the Vatican and was impressed.>>

bilbo - Like you I'd been to Italy a number of times before I ventured to Rome but unlike you it was love at first sight. lucky that we're not all the same.

Zenqi - glad you've been converted. To judge by your travel experience, keeping safe is second nature to you, but it's stil worth keeping an eye out, especially on the No 40 bus [goes from Termini almost to the Vatican I think and there fore is very popular with tourists] which if I remember rightly is notorious for pick pockets. Also we found people trying to "help" us to buy a train ticket at Termini were a bit of a pain but soon went away when we made it clear we weren't interested. Sure you'll love it.

Felt safe in Rome, but was careful with pickpockets. Also, had my backpack stolen in the train station awaiting train to Venice. A woman with a large satchel sat down next to me against a wall and rummaged through her belongings. I thought it odd that she didn't seem to be looking into the bag, but out into space. She got up, walked in front of us and dropped a water bottle. Instinctively, we went to help her - no more than two steps and my backpack was gone.

Sorry to read that, maryatdecatur. Assuming that the station involved was as I mentioned above Termini it does seem to attract a rather sketchy crowd and they are masters of distraction. Hope it didn't affect your holiday too much.

It actually became a good story for us. The thieves got my Kindle and my camera, but I had changed the card out the day before so not much loss there. Otherwise all they got was personal hygiene products and make-up - no money, credit cards or passports. I tell people the theft forced me to buy French skin care products and Italian cosmetics in Venice - poor me! Luckily, travel insurance and homeowners insurance covered the loss. The hard, almost laughable part was getting a police report in Venice. They assured me my stuff was long gone, but I was determined to get that police report number so I could file a claim. They must have gotten tired of me sitting in their office and eventually gave it to me. Lessons learned: be flexible, be careful with the important stuff, and keep your sense of humor!

<<The hard, almost laughable part was getting a police report in Venice. They assured me my stuff was long gone, but I was determined to get that police report number so I could file a claim. They must have gotten tired of me sitting in their office and eventually gave it to me. Lessons learned: be flexible, be careful with the important stuff, and keep your sense of humor!>>

Brava. I have travelled to Venice many times but not yet had to have dealings with the police - I'm not even sure where I would find them, though I once accidentally wandered through the offices of one of their branches [there are at least 4 separate types of police in Italy] which are hidden away behind the porticos on the southern side of St Mark's square. My digital map tells me that the Carabinieri are behind the Riva Degli Schiavoni near the San Zaccaria Vaporetto stop [so the other side of San Marco] - is that where you went? I'm a bit surprised that they didn't insist that you go back to Rome to report it!

Venice main train station is relatively posh when compared to Termini. It's still a train station but there isn't the area around it that Termini has.

There is or was a trick the thieves try at the Venice station. Venice is a terminus which means trains often sit waiting to turn around. Passengers will board and put the luggage away and at times return to the station to grab a drink or snack. The thieves know this so they jump on and grab any bag in the baggage area. You'll see the train staff chasing them off.

I was in the forum one time and a coach party decided to stand where I was standing. The press on my body became pretty strong given that the rest of the forum was empty. A hand began to explore my wallet....

Similarly my NZ niece came with a schoolparty to Rome and were trained by their teacher (officially) the standard solution to the other type of wandering hands. That is to grab the hand and drive your boot down the ankle of the person doing it. At no time did the girls have to employ this technique but I do love the idea of Kiwis in the ancient city hurting a few idiots.

Same place a tiny street urchin tried to pickpocket my dad -- actually the sidewalk just outside the forum. A girl was in front of him holding up a newspaper while her partner approached from behind. I was walking behind him too and watched it going on knowing there was nothing in his pockets. He turned around suddenly and the kid just froze, only taking off when Dad tried to grab his wrist. It was surreal to witness that little hand folding up preparing to slip in his pocket.

<<There is or was a trick the thieves try at the Venice station. Venice is a terminus which means trains often sit waiting to turn around. Passengers will board and put the luggage away and at times return to the station to grab a drink or snack. The thieves know this so they jump on and grab any bag in the baggage area. You'll see the train staff chasing them off.>>

Not come across that one, Traveller_Nick, but there are quite a few reports of luggage which is placed in the baggage area at the end of the carriage being removed by persons unknown at random station stops . Travelling with luggage that is small and light enough to be placed in the overhead area is therefore advisable.

<<I was in the forum one time and a coach party decided to stand where I was standing. The press on my body became pretty strong given that the rest of the forum was empty. A hand began to explore my wallet.... >>

What happened to the owner of the hand, Bilbo? I have always hoped that I would have sufficient presence of mind to do something like that described by your niece but as yet I've not been tested. The only time that I came close was in Valencia when DH and I were having breakfast outside a cafe which was on the commuter route to the station. Suddenly one of the pedestrians veered out of the general throng, came over to our table and grabbed my coffee off the table and made off with it. Quick as a flash DH leapt up, went after her and grabbed it back. In retrospect that probably wasn't a very sensible thing to do but at the timeI was very impressed with his presence of mind - I'd barely worked out what had happened by the time he was sitting back down and presenting me with my errant coffee cup.

Wow...Ann what a man, I assume nothing spilt.

Nothing funny happened in the Forum, he grabbed my bag, I held on, he moved very quickly away. Crime traumatizes you, you are shocked because life is suddenly odd. Your focus narrows, you only deal with the bag not the person trying to take it