Is Rome Safe? Important Safety Tips and Things to Know

Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Audrey

Wondering if Rome is safe to visit? Here’s what to remember, and what to avoid.

When you think of Rome, you probably imagine the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon. You might picture immaculate sculptures from thousands of years ago, and beautiful churches adorned with gods and angels that leave you speechless.

However, beyond the whimsical masterpieces that define the city’s essence—and perhaps the brief image of Lizzie McGuire singing What Dreams Are Made Of that may have popped up in your head—there’s an important question: Is Rome safe to visit?

Founded in 753 BC, Rome boasts over 2,000 years of history. From the legendary era of the Roman Empire that shaped much of the world, to its current status as Italy’s vibrant capital, Rome is steeped in rich history and culture.

Today, it’s a bustling city that attracts millions of tourists each year eager to explore its ancient ruins, admire Renaissance art, and taste traditional Italian dishes like carbonara and pizza. As one of the world’s most popular destinations, understanding Rome’s safety is crucial for anyone planning a Roman holiday.

Is Rome safe to travel?

Quick Answer: Yes, Rome is generally safe to visit if you keep your valuables close to you and stay aware of your surroundings.

Rome is a relatively safe city. However, there are still petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching that take place, especially in crowded areas such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, or on public transportation.

Tourist traps are also relatively common in this city, including taxi scams, overpriced street vendors, and whatever else you can imagine.

Thankfully, violent crimes are relatively rare in Rome, and you should be generally safe without any major problems. As long as you have common sense and take standard precautions, you should have a fun, exciting trip! The beauty, culture, and history that is found in this city make a visit worthwhile.

If you’re not sure, you can check out my other post about whether Rome is Worth Visiting for you.

Crime in Rome

Alright, so petty crimes are pretty common in Rome, while violent crime is rare. Now, I’ll fill you in on the top crimes that you might see while on your trip.

Scams

I’m going to generalize scams as a blanket term for any acts of swindling or fraud that you might encounter.

You might run into people who attempt to overcharge you for goods or services, knowing that you are a tourist. That might come up as extra items on your restaurant bill, or a hefty price for a taxi ride.

Or you might see street performers offering things to you, or free pictures with an entertainer. Even if you don’t want it, they may force it on you and then charge you money.

I fell for a scam on the street, where a few people were hiding a rock under cups and moving the cups around. I really thought I knew where it was located, and lost a quick 50 euros in two seconds. Yes, I was young and dumb (at the ripe age of 26). Stay vigilant, and don’t fall for tricks easily!

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Tips to Avoid Scams

🧾 Check your receipt after meals to make sure that no extra charges were added.

🚕 If you ride in a taxi, make sure the meter is running before you start the ride, and ask for a fare estimate before getting in. You can also check the general mileage and duration of the route before heading out.

🙅‍♀️ Don’t participate in street games, and decline when someone tries to offer you something like jewelry for free on the street.

💶 If you need to withdraw cash, check the ATM for any signs of tampering. Or better yet, go directly inside the bank to withdraw.

💡 Pro Tip: I recommend using MyTaxi to get around Rome. It’s an app where you can see taxi fare estimates, decreasing the likelihood of possible complications. I talk about Uber and MyTaxi more in length in my post: Is There Uber in Rome?

Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is pretty self-explanatory, where you may be robbed of your phone, wallet or belongings if you keep them in your pants, jacket pockets, or even a backpack if it’s easy to open and close.

💡 Pro Tip: Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves work in pairs or groups often! One person will distract you while others will attempt to take your belongings.

This happened to me before and I was almost pickpocketed without ever knowing what they looked like because I was distracted by someone else. Luckily a kind civilian noticed what was happening and shooed them away.

Tips to Avoid Pickpocketing

👛 Keep your passport, wallet, phone, and essentials in a secure location and always in front of you.

💳 Don’t carry a large amount of cash at once. Most places will accept a credit card.

👝 Don’t leave your bag over your chair when eating in an outdoor restaurant, and don’t leave it unattended when you go up to pay the bill.

🚫 Don’t sign fake petitions or donate to charities, scammers use this as a distraction to steal.

Major Crime in Rome

Luckily, there isn’t much violent crime in Rome. Statistically, in 2021, the rate of homicide was 0.51 per 100,000 people in Rome, one of the lowest in the world.

However, mugging can happen, especially if you’re walking alone at night or in a shady neighborhood. I opt to be on the cautious side when traveling internationally, and will wholeheartedly pay for an Uber or Taxi if I feel the least bit unsafe.

Tips to Avoid Mugging

🚖 If traveling at night, opt for a secure, licensed taxi over public transportation.

👫 Try to travel in groups at night, and never walk alone.

💡 Stay away from areas that have no street lights, and walk towards main streets that are well lit.

Are there places to avoid in Rome?

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Rome are Tor Bella Monica, Esquilino, San Basilio, and Corviale.

These are mostly residential areas, so you probably won’t pass through these areas. If your route does take you around here, try to avoid walking around here at night, and opt for a cab instead.

Map of neighborhoods to avoid

Safety tips for traveling in Rome

1. Keep your valuables close to you

Keep your passport, wallet, and phone in a secure location that isn’t easily opened. I never put my essentials in my pockets because I’m so paranoid of pickpocketers.

I used to travel with luxury bags, and while many people do carry luxury items in Europe (it’s where most are made, after all), it does make you look pretty alluring to thieves.

Now, I carry bags that I don’t care for and don’t stand out, and can be carried crossbody so they can’t be grabbed.

2. Try not to look lost

It’s best to look at your route before you start heading out, as standing in one spot and looking confused or distracted will definitely scream ‘I’m a tourist’.

Try to keep on the move if you can, and stay vigilant of your surroundings.

3. Use official taxi cabs

Licensed taxi drivers have to undergo background checks, and professional training.

Never flag down a random cab on the street, as the chance of encountering a scammer will be higher. There are official taxi stands in almost all major tourist areas and highly populated areas.

4. Learn a few basic phrases

It’s a good idea to know some basic Italian phrases to have an easier time navigating the city and to get yourself out of a sticky situation if need be.

• Ciao! (Chow): Hello!
• Parla Inglese? (Pah-la een-glay-zeh): Do you speak English?
• No, Grazie! (No, graht-see-eh): No thank you! (There’s also Vattene, which means Go Away! If someone is being too aggressive).
• Permesso (Pehr-mehs-soh): Excuse me (Passing by someone)
• Dov’è ____ (doh-whey): Where is ____?
• Il bagno (eel ban-nyo): The bathroom
• Per favore (Pehr fah-voh-reh): Please
• Grazie (graht-see-eh): Thank you!

5. Understand cultural norms

There are certain areas in Rome where visitors need to dress conservatively, with knees and shoulders covered. Not understanding the cultural expectations could make you stick out like a sore thumb and make you a prime target.

Understand what is allowed and what is frowned upon in order for your trip to flow smoothly.

6. Watch out for traffic

This one is a more general safety tip, because traffic in Rome can be pretty crazy! The drivers don’t even have lane lines sometimes. I was pretty shocked by the driving in Rome, so stay aware when walking and be careful crossing the street.

7. Try To Avoid public transportation at night When alone

A lot of seedy people will stay around the station at nighttime, looking for a solo traveler to target. Try to stick with licensed taxis or Ubers at night when possible, and travel in a group when it’s dark.

I was able to safely ride a bus around 11 PM at night with my family, as the city stays up quite late. Most incidents seem to happen in the later hours around 2 AM, but you never know.

8. Know the Emergency number

Since you’re in a foreign country, it’s helpful to be aware that Italy’s emergency number is 112, compared to 911 in the United States.

Which is better, Rome or Venice?

If you’re debating whether to see Rome or Venice, it’s a pretty hard decision to make. It ultimately decides on your interests and what you want to see.

I went to both cities and felt like they offered completely different things. You can check out my 3-day itinerary in Rome or my 2-day itinerary in Venice if you’d like.

I would say Venice is slightly more expensive generally. Hotels and food are a bit pricier in Venice. Also, Rome has a more diverse range of cheap accommodation options that are offered.

Is Venice or Rome easier to travel to?

Rome is easier to travel to, as the airport (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO Airport) is a 30-minute drive away from the city center.

On the other hand, Venice’s airport (Marco Polo VCE Airport) requires you to cross the water to get to the city, via water taxi or water bus. There’s also usually a line for the water buses, that takes around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you could also take a regular bus that lasts over an hour.

Which is better in the Winter/Summer, Rome or Venice?

Venice is better in the Summer, as Rome can get unbearably hot. I visited the Colosseum and Vatican in May between 10 AM and 4 PM and was sweating the whole time!

On the other hand, Rome may be better in the winter, as Venice can experience flooding (Acqua Alta) during the winter months.

is Rome Safe: Is Rome expensive?

Rome can swing either way, and can be affordable or expensive depending on your choices and priorities. Accommodation costs vary widely, with options ranging from budget hostels (less than $60/night) to luxury hotels costing upwards of a few hundred a night. 

Dining out can also vary in price, with inexpensive trattorias and street food stalls offering affordable options alongside upscale Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Entrance fees and guided tours to major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums can be costly.

I paid around $100 each for a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Vatican, but it was well worth the money to skip the long lines and have a certified guide explain the significance of what we saw. Many attractions also offer discounts for students, seniors, and children. 

Overall, with careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy Rome without breaking the bank. It’s ultimately up to your preferences and budget.

Is Rome Safe: Where to stay

If this is your first time visiting Rome, I would personally recommend staying in the Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori area. This is the town square, and there are various attractions located very close to each other, making it easy for you to walk to them. It’s also very safe to stay in as people are always around, and the attractions are well monitored.

I’ve included my recommendations below, all located in the central Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori area for easy access to all the main attractions! Take a look and let me know what you think.

📍Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Labelle ⭐

Hotel Labelle is the best budget hotel that I found, located right in the city center and just a few minutes walk from Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon! The rooms are reasonably spacious, with air conditioning and an elevator to ease comfort.

👉🏻 Click here to book Hotel Labelle!

📍Best Mid-Ranged Hotel: Hiberia Hotel Rome ⭐⭐

Hiberia Hotel Rome provides stunning city views and free breakfast in addition to being in a superb location, just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum.

👉🏻 Click here to book Hiberia Hotel Rome!

📍Best Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Galla ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Are you celebrating a special occasion and want something really luxurious? In that case, you need to stay at Palazzo Galla!

In addition to beautifully decorated rooms, this four-star hotel has a rooftop terrace with a view of the city that will take your breath away. With a bar and private parking right in the heart of Rome, this hotel will provide you with everything you could possibly need.

👉🏻 Click here to book Palazzo Galla!

Is Rome Safe: FAQs

Is Rome Safe to Walk Around In?

Yes, Rome is a very walkable city and most of the city attractions are walking distance from each other. If you’re interested, check out my 3-day itinerary in Rome.

As long as you stay away from the high crime rate neighborhoods mentioned previously, and stick to the main streets, it is very safe to walk around.

Is English Spoken in Rome?

Many people speak English in Rome! We were able to get by speaking very minimal (if any) Italian.

Most of the people we met were super accommodating and tried to communicate in English for us.

Is Rome Worth Visiting?

Rome is definitely worth visiting! There’s so much history and culture to see just by walking around the city. There are beautiful masterpieces and amazing museums and art galleries.

While I wholeheartedly encourage visiting Rome at least once, you can check out my post and determine for yourself if Rome is Worth Visiting for you.

Is Rome Safe At Night?

Yes, Rome is generally safe at night. It has a buzzing city nightlife and many people are still out even around midnight. I went bar hopping and stayed out until 3-4 AM and had no troubles. It’s best to stick with a group if you’re going out at night.

Generally after 2 AM is when incidents may happen, so I encourage skipping the subway and taking a cab or Uber once it gets really late, just to be safe.

Is Italy safe?

Yes, Italy is generally safe to travel in. Interestingly, the USA Travel Advisory says Italy is a Level 2 travel advisory level, and exercise increased caution due to terrorism, which is pretty scary to read.

However, it packs less of a punch when you consider that most of the countries in Europe like, France, Spain, and United Kingdom are also a level 2 and are all pretty safe to visit.

Can I drink tap water in Rome?

Yes!! Tap water in Rome is safe to drink. Rome also has numerous water fountains throughout the city, where you can refill free, drinkable water.

Conclusion: Is Rome Safe?

Overall, Rome is like most major tourist destinations, and has its share of petty crime occurring, like scams and pickpocketing. However, the chance of major or violent crime is very low, and it’s generally safe to travel as long as visitors are vigilant and observant of their surroundings.

Ultimately, Rome is safe to visit and is completely worth visiting for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. By understanding and respecting local customs, and by being prepared and cautious, I guarantee you’ll have an amazing vacation.

If you need any help with itinerary planning, I’m always here to help! Feel free to contact me or leave and comment with any questions you have.