Rome, Italy
Lazio
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- Rome has ancient ruins, art museums, and good food. It ranks 29th on the Economist's Safe Cities Index.
- The main safety issue is pickpocketing at tourist sites and on buses and metro trains. Police are visible throughout the historic center, and the central neighborhoods stay well-lit at night.
- It's a manageable city for women traveling alone if you stay aware of your surroundings.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModerateTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
ModerateScam Safety
GoodPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
ModerateYour Free Personal Rome Safety Guide
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- Trastevere
- Monti
- Prati
- Pantheon/Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps/Piazza di Spagna
- Campo de' Fiori/Jewish Quarter
- Testaccio
- Garbatella
- Termini Station area (especially at night)
- Esquilino (after dark)
- Via Giolitti behind Termini
- Isolated areas near train stations
- Ponte Settimia Spizzichino (desolate area)
Italian is the main language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in central Rome. Emergency number 112 has multilingual operators. Tourist information line (060608) has English speakers. Less English in residential neighborhoods, but Romans are generally patient with visitors.
- Cover your shoulders and knees for churches. Bring comfortable walking shoes with good support for the cobblestones.
- Lunch runs 12:30-2:30 PM, dinner starts after 8 PM. Many restaurants close between 3-7 PM. Standing at the bar for coffee costs less than sitting at a table. Don't order cappuccino after 11 AM - locals consider it a breakfast drink only.
- Learn basic phrases like 'Buongiorno' (good morning), 'Grazie' (thank you), and 'Scusi' (excuse me). Romans appreciate the effort even if they switch to English. Watch for common scams: gladiators at the Colosseum asking for photo money, rose sellers, and fake tour guides.
- The metro (Lines A, B, and C) connects major tourist areas but pickpockets work the rush hour trains. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.
- Buses and trams go everywhere and run frequently. Buy tickets beforehand from tobacco shops or newsstands - boarding without a validated ticket gets you fined. The #64 bus to the Vatican is notorious for pickpockets.
- Licensed white taxis are safe and metered. Use official taxi stands or call a registered company. Uber and Free Now operate here. Most of the historic center is walkable during the day.
- If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
- For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.
Explore Rome with local guides and curated experiences.
- Protect yourself against unexpected medical emergencies and trip disruptions in Rome.
- For shorter trips, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- For long-term travel or remote work, we recommend Ekta.
- April-May and September-October have reasonable weather and smaller crowds. Spring temperatures run 61-68°F with occasional rain.
- Fall sits around 72°F with food and wine festivals happening.
- Summer gets brutally hot (up to 90°F) and packed with tourists. 2025 is a Jubilee year, which means even more crowds than usual, so book everything in advance.
Help other women explore Rome safely
Safe Accommodations in Rome
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Multiple locked doors between guests and outside
- Secure, well-reviewed location
- 24-hour staff presence
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorms available alongside private rooms
- Highly rated by solo female travelers
- Located in safe area near Termini Station
- Friendly, welcoming atmosphere (not a party hostel)
- Great place to meet other travelers
Social Atmosphere
Medium-High - welcoming and social but respectful and quiet
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Individual lockers in dorms
- Safe boxes in private rooms
- Central location in safe neighborhood
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dormitories available
- Located near Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
- Walking distance from Termini Station
- Central location with access to major sites on foot
- Established in 1990, well-reviewed by guests
Social Atmosphere
Medium - calm and clean atmosphere, budget-friendly
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Big individual lockers in each room
- Privacy curtains on each bed
- Secure location with 7,150+ positive reviews
- Solo female travelers report feeling safe and welcomed
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only 3-bed dorms with privacy curtains
- Highly rated by solo female travelers (9.2/10)
- Walking distance to Trevi Fountain and major sites
- Near Repubblica Metro and Termini Station
- Social atmosphere with courtyard and common areas
Social Atmosphere
High - friendly and social but not overwhelming, great for meeting travelers
Great for meeting other travelers.
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Neighborhoods in Rome
Explore the different areas of Rome and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Trastevere
Popular with people traveling alone because there's always something happening and it's easy to meet others. The constant activity makes walking home at night feel safer than quieter neighborhoods. The cobblestones can be rough on your feet after a long day.
Monti
Steps from the Colosseum but maintains a local, neighborhood feel. It's safe and stylish with good restaurants and vintage shopping. People dress fashionably here and the area has a more sophisticated vibe than other central neighborhoods.
Prati
Consistently rated as one of Rome's safest neighborhoods. The streets are wider and better lit than the historic center. It's more residential and less chaotic, with good restaurants but fewer bars and nightlife options. Popular with families and older travelers.
Campo de' Fiori / Jewish Quarter
Good food and rich history. The morning market is busy and the Jewish Quarter has excellent restaurants. Generally safe with visible police, but the crowds mean pickpockets work the area, especially during market hours and busy restaurant times in the evening.
Pantheon / Piazza Navona
The most central and safe option if you prioritize convenience over authenticity. Constant activity and police presence. Everything costs more here, especially near Piazza Navona. If you value easy access to major sites and don't mind tourist crowds, this works well.
Termini / Esquilino
Convenient transport but significant safety issues. Rome's highest crime rates, particularly after dark. Not recommended for accommodation. If you must stay here, choose a well-reviewed hotel away from the station, avoid evening walks, and take taxis rather than walking after sunset.
Spanish Steps / Piazza di Spagna
An upscale, safe area centered on luxury shopping. Expensive and packed with tourists, but the constant crowds and police presence make it secure. Good metro access. The steps themselves are just for photos - sitting on them gets you a €250 fine.
Testaccio
Come here for traditional Roman food and the morning market. It's more local than central areas. Safe during the day, but some streets feel isolated at night so take taxis after dark. The market runs 7am-2pm.
Garbatella
A residential neighborhood with unique architecture and street art. It feels like a village within Rome. Safe with a strong community feel. Less central, so you'll use the metro more. Good if you want to experience local life away from tourist crowds.