Is Rome Safe? Areas to Avoid and Safety Tips (2026)

Rome is safe. The Eternal City welcomes millions of tourists every year, and the vast majority leave with nothing but positive memories (and maybe a few extra kilos from the pasta). Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and you can walk through the centre at almost any hour without feeling threatened.

The concerns in Rome are the same as in most major European tourist cities: pickpocketing, scams, and the occasional overcharging at tourist-trap restaurants. These are irritations, not dangers, and they are entirely avoidable with basic preparation.

The Carabinieri (military police) and Polizia di Stato (civil police) maintain a visible presence around major attractions, and Italy's emergency number (112) connects to English-speaking operators.

Rome has a well-documented pickpocketing problem, though it is less severe than Barcelona's. The main hotspots:

• Termini Station and surroundings: Rome's main train station is the city's pickpocketing epicentre. Be especially careful on the platforms, in the station hall, and on bus routes originating from Termini.
• Bus 64: The bus connecting Termini to the Vatican is notorious for pickpockets. Consider walking or taking the metro instead.
• Colosseum and Roman Forum area: The crowds queuing for entry create perfect conditions for pickpockets. Groups of children sometimes surround tourists as a distraction technique.
• Trevi Fountain: The crush of tourists taking photos creates easy opportunities. Hold bags tightly in front of you.
• Spanish Steps and Via del Corso: Busy shopping areas where bag-snatching occurs.

Rome has some classic scams that have been running for years:

• Gladiator photos: Men dressed as Roman gladiators near the Colosseum aggressively demand money (£20 or more) after posing for photos. Decline politely but firmly.
• Rose sellers: Someone hands you a rose "for free" or offers it to your partner, then demands payment. Do not take the rose.
• The "helpful" person at ticket machines: Someone offers to help you buy a metro ticket, then pockets your change or demands a tip. Use the machine yourself; they have English options.
• Overpriced restaurants near attractions: Restaurants within sight of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona often charge triple the normal price. Walk two or three streets away for better food at fair prices.
• Fake taxi drivers: Unlicensed "taxis" at Fiumicino airport charge inflated fares. Use only white licensed taxis from the official rank, or book a transfer in advance.

Rome's tourist areas are all safe, but these areas warrant extra caution:

• Termini Station surroundings: The streets immediately around Termini (especially Via Marsala and the Esquilino area) can feel rough at night. The area has some drug activity and homelessness. Hotels here are cheap but the neighbourhood is not pleasant after dark.
• San Lorenzo at night: The university district is lively and has great restaurants, but can get rowdy late on weekends. Some bar areas attract petty crime after midnight.
• Ostiense: An industrial area that has gentrified with nightclubs and street art, but the streets between clubs can feel empty and dark.
• Tor Bella Monaca and Corviale: Outer suburbs with higher crime rates. No tourist attractions, so visitors have no reason to go there.

For our detailed breakdown, read areas to avoid in Rome.

These neighbourhoods are consistently safe and ideal for visitors:

• Trastevere: Charming cobblestone streets, excellent trattorias, and a lively evening atmosphere. Very safe and popular with tourists and locals alike.
• Monti: Rome's boho neighbourhood with vintage shops, wine bars, and a village feel. Low crime rates and a great base for sightseeing.
• Centro Storico (around Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori): The historic heart of Rome. Busy, well-lit, and safe at all hours.
• Prati (near the Vatican): An affluent residential area with wide boulevards, good restaurants, and easy Vatican access. Very safe and family-friendly.
• Testaccio: A food lover's paradise with the old market hall and some of Rome's best traditional restaurants. Residential and safe.

Explore our complete Rome neighbourhood guide for more recommendations.

Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Rome:

• Avoid Bus 64. Take the metro (Line A to Ottaviano) or walk to the Vatican instead. It is actually a pleasant 25-minute walk from the Pantheon.
• Eat away from the sights. Walk at least two streets from any major attraction before choosing a restaurant. The food will be better and cheaper.
• Book skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery. This reduces time in queues where pickpockets operate.
• Use a money belt or crossbody bag. Keep your phone, wallet, and passport secure, especially on public transport and in crowds.
• Know the taxi rates. A fixed fare from Fiumicino airport to central Rome is €50. From Ciampino, it is €31. Insist on the meter or fixed rate.
• Dress modestly for churches. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Peter's Basilica and most Roman churches. Carry a scarf.