In case you're arriving to the city by rail, I'd suggest to stay away from Roma Termini station at night. The hotels near the station aren't too bad but i wouldn't recommend it if you know you'll be getting back late or want to go out to bars from there. The last time I was there I stayed near Campo de fiori for a few weeks and to be honest, I felt quite safe. But definitely watch your pockets when riding the metro at rush hour.

Posted Jan 05, 2011

I've lived and worked in Rome (near Termini) for over a decade and own a hotel.  I've NEVER had anything happen to our guests or anyone I know.  I feel that all of Rome is safe.  However, I think this is a difficult question to answer because I feel there are two sides to the issue:  there is the actual threat and probability of being harmed physically, which is extremely low, and then there is the personal feeling of being unsafe, which ranges so greatly based on people's background, that the true nature of it is impossible to define.  All of my experience with tourists having "problems" in any given neighborhood in Rome has been about their own fear and not about any actual threatening event.

As for the feeling of being unsafe, we have had guests comment on feeling threatened in the area south of Termini, but I do not know if those same guests also felt unsafe elsewhere.  Upon questioning, they were never able to explain what it was that bothered them and it was never a specific event that occurred - it was simply a feeling.  The area is an ethnic neighborhood that is a bit more downtrodden than the rest of Rome - meaning there is graffiti and litter on the street.  But for a big city, I find that to be quite normal.  Unfortunately, it is an issue in Rome that has no neighborhood borders.  It is characteristic of Romans to not consider public property as belonging to everyone - rather they consider it as belonging to no one,  and thus, rather shamefully, such a beautiful, historically important city, can often seem much more run down than its other European equivalents.  So again, I feel that most of Rome can look "sketchy" in that public areas aren't very well kept.  And based on that, maybe Piazza Vittorio and the area south of Termini can seem "sketchy" to someone who has never seen an old or gritty large city.  The main exception of this is the historic center (Piazza Navona, Pantheon areas) where shop keepers themselves have financial incentives to keep their area clean.  And the prices of accommodation there can reflect that.  

Posted Feb 11, 2011

There are gypsies and pick-pockets in every tourist area and the subway. I dont recommend you take the subway as I was pick-pocketed myself. Cabbies will also take advantage of you if they know you dont know where you are. Sometimes bartenders will short-change you. This city is full of thieves haha. No, seriously, it's a wonderful city, but it is rife with thieves. Just dont keep anything in any back pocket, or open purse, or purse pocket. Money in your FRONT pocket where it cant be taken. Same with passports and stuff like that. Try as much as you can to hook up with a friendly local. If youre approached by groups of small kids and they wanna play with you. Dont.

Other than that, just take lots of pictures...

Good luck and have fun!

Posted Jan 05, 2011

Hi, Alex.  I was in Rome for a few weeks last February to go to an Italian language school and did a lot of wandering by myself.  I always felt very safe but I did keep an eye out for anything suspicious.   I've also heard that Termini is an area to be more aware in.  I don't know how long you're going, if you speak Italian AND if you even want to meet people but a language school is a fun way to learn a bit of the language and meet people. The one I went to was Italiaidea (www.italiaidea.com) near the Spanish Steps.  I met some amazing people that I still talk with today.  Regarding eating alone at night, I did that a few nights on my own and everyone was very nice.  I brought along a book/guidebook to entertain myself.  Lunches are easy because you can pop into little pizza or panini place and grab something to go.  Make sure you sit each day in a cafe and relax and people watch!  The Romans are fantastic!!  I'm happy to help you with anything else if you have questions. 

Posted Jan 14, 2011

Rome is very safe, you should be fine-I have been there 4 times and havent had any issues-I just kept wandering around with my tourist book-the Romans are very friendly-you may get a few guys trying to pick you up-a good boost for the ego-of course you have to take the normal precautions but it is a very safe place-for a city.

Posted Jan 06, 2011

Rome is a safe town. I never felt worried as I walked around at night. There are gypsies who will try to sell you things. A popular scheme is tying coloured thread around your finger and charing upwards of 15EU for it. Termini station is the center stop of both of Italy's metro lines and so is a populate well policed area. There are restaurants and good hostels/hotels nearby too. Have an amazing holiday! 

Posted Jan 12, 2011

It is all good - not to worry....

Posted Jan 06, 2011

I have travelled alone alot as a single woman and I find that if I keep my eyes open and stay alert like I would in any big American city, I'm fine in Europe.  There are lots of gypsies and pickpockets so I recommend leaving your passport and extra creditcards and money in the hotel safe. I always take purses with cross chest straps too and then make sure my money is in zipped compartments within the purse.  I try to look as much like a local as possible.  Fanny packs scream "American Tourist!!!!"

Posted Jan 08, 2011

There is a public bus route that is popular with tourists because this single route hits many of the usual tourist attractions.  As such, it's labeled "pickpocket express".  I'm sorry...I can't think of number of the route.  It's NOT either of the Opentram routes.  Wish I could be more specific...

Posted Jan 08, 2011

i would definitely avoid the area around termini, especially at night! in particular, piazza vittorio emanuele is pretty creepy.

i think that the bus route christopher is referring to is the 64 (i think! it's definitely the one that runs down via nazionale and then corso vittorio).

but in general the area where you're staying is very safe. i stayed there for two weeks with a fellow female and we never had any problems coming back late at night. the city is generally really safe, even the side streets! but always be aware, etc etc.

also, learn some choice curses! if for nothing but your confidence, it helps to be able to say "get the hell away from me"! here's a start, in order of severity:

"basta!"

"lasciami in pace!"

"vaffanculo!"

Posted Jan 09, 2011

I think Rome is fairly safe. I have been multiple times and have never had any issues. I would say to use common sense and stay in lit areas and watch your pockets! Avoid the gypsies at all cost.

Posted Jan 10, 2011

I agree with being careful around Termini.  Also, if you stay within the city center for the most part, you will be fine.  I just went in March when there are smaller crowds and it was great.  I want to suggest the neighborhood Trastevere.  It's on the west side of the Tiber river to the south.  Great restaurants and nightlife! 

Posted Jan 11, 2011

I was in Rome this past summer for a few days by myself.   As others have mentioned Roma Termini station is not the best place to be near during the evening.  I used the subway and trains a lot and its more feasible and I had no problem.  Of course you should be aware of your surroundings.  There was on occasion I walked back at night alone but I had stuck to the main streets that were mostly crowed with tourists and locals.  Also ask your concierge they helped me a lot letting me know what areas to avoid and etc.  Good luck and have fun!

Posted Jan 12, 2011

Rome is fairly safe--just be aware of scams.  Rome, and Italy in general, although nice, is filled with people who will try and rip you off, Rome especially because there are so many tourist.  Pay attention to little kids as they are usually the ones who will be pick-pockets.  If a group of kids surrounds you, keep your hands on your stuff.  One will distract you while the other picks your pocket/purse.  Just keep this in mind.  Otherwise, it is a fairly safe place.

Posted Jan 17, 2011

I would say be careful of the gypsies that are professional pickpocketers...My father had his wallet and passport taken and my uncle was quick to see the hand reach in his pocket...He yelled policia, and the woman said no no, and he got his wallet and passport back... Do not put any money or wallet in the back pockets.

Posted Jan 18, 2011

Woman get harassed in Italy.  Fact.  I lived there in '93.

Here's the deal, when being heckled, stared at, whatever... do not engage them.  Don't tell them off or look them in the eye.  Its just encouragement that they got a reaction out of you and they will persist.  Put your virtual blinders on and feel sorry for the bastards.  Then go about your day and have fun.

Posted Jan 19, 2011

I would avoid walking alone at night around Termini (the train station); I wouldn't want to suggest that you may be physically harmed, but a lot of petty theft (pickpocketing, etc.) happens in this area.  If you're traveling alone, I would think you're pretty savvy.

Posted Feb 01, 2011