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Is Rome Safe? Safety Guide for Tourists and Expats

Last reviewed: 2026-11-04

Rome is one of Europe's best-known destinations, attracting visitors with its ancient landmarks, neighbourhoods, food and cultural life. Many people visit or live in the city without serious safety problems, but like other large cities, Rome has risks that travellers and residents should understand.

The most useful precautions concern crowded tourist attractions, public transport, personal belongings, scams and road traffic. Conditions can differ between streets and times of day, so it is better to assess the specific location and situation than to assume that the entire city is either safe or unsafe.

Quick answer: Rome can be visited and enjoyed with sensible precautions. Keep your belongings secure in crowds, plan your route at night, watch traffic carefully and use reputable transport. For an emergency anywhere in Rome, call 112.

1. Is Rome Generally Safe?

Rome is a large, busy capital with residential districts, business areas, tourist zones and major transport hubs. Safety conditions vary according to the type of incident, location, time and circumstances.

For visitors, opportunistic theft is a practical concern in crowded environments. Pickpocketing and bag theft may occur around major attractions, stations, public transport and busy streets. Residents should also take ordinary precautions with home security, bicycles, phones and other valuables.

Rome's municipal authorities publish information and statistics about reported crime. These records can help people understand trends, but reported offences alone do not describe every visitor's personal risk or establish that a particular street is always safe or unsafe.

Official data: Prefecture of Rome — crime statistics and data .

2. Common Safety Risks in Rome

Pickpocketing and bag theft

Crowded buses, metro trains, stations, queues and popular attractions can create opportunities for theft. Keep bags closed and in front of you when necessary, and avoid leaving phones or wallets exposed.

Scams and unwanted approaches

Be cautious if someone pressures you to accept an item, donate money, pay an unexpected charge or follow them somewhere. Check prices before agreeing to a service and use reputable businesses.

Public transport and stations

Busy transport areas require attention to both belongings and surroundings. Keep luggage within sight, check your route in advance and use official ticketing and transport information.

Road traffic

Traffic can be busy, and scooters, bicycles and cars may approach from different directions. Use pedestrian crossings, observe traffic signals and check both ways before crossing.

3. Which Areas of Rome Are Safe?

There is no single list that can guarantee a neighbourhood is safe at every time of day. Rome's districts are large and varied, and conditions may differ from one street to another. When choosing accommodation or planning a visit, consider transport access, lighting, nearby services, activity at the time you expect to return and recent local information.

Historic centre and major attractions

Areas around the historic centre contain many of Rome's best-known sights and are often busy with visitors. Crowds can increase the opportunity for pickpocketing, so keep your belongings secure around monuments, queues, shopping streets and outdoor dining areas.

Trastevere

Trastevere is known for its restaurants, narrow streets and evening social life. If you visit at night, keep your valuables secure, plan your return journey and stay aware of your surroundings, especially when streets become crowded.

Prati and areas near the Vatican

Prati includes residential streets, shops and visitor routes near the Vatican. As in other parts of Rome, assess the specific accommodation location, transport options and route you will use rather than relying on a general neighbourhood label.

Termini and Esquilino

Termini is a major transport hub, while nearby Esquilino contains residential streets, shops and services. The area is varied and can be busy, particularly around stations and main roads. Keep luggage close, be alert in crowds and check the exact street and route if you plan to arrive late or stay nearby.

Choosing accommodation

You can also read our guides to the pros and cons of living in Rome, life in Rome for expats and areas to consider when looking for accommodation.

4. Safety Tips for Tourists

5. Is Rome Safe at Night?

Many central parts of Rome have restaurants, shops and public activity into the evening. However, the atmosphere varies by location, day of the week and time. A busy street near restaurants can feel very different from a quiet or poorly lit street late at night.

If you are out after dark:

These precautions apply across Rome and are not a claim that every neighbourhood becomes unsafe at night.

6. Is Rome Safe for Solo Travellers?

Solo travel in Rome can be enjoyable, but travelling alone means you should be prepared to manage your belongings, navigation and transport independently.

Solo travellers should make decisions based on the immediate situation, not just online labels describing an entire district.

7. Is Rome Safe for Families and Children?

Rome has many museums, historic sites, parks and family-friendly activities. Families should account for crowds, uneven historic pavements, summer heat and traffic when planning days out.

8. Is Rome Safe for Expats and Long-Term Residents?

Many international residents make their home in Rome. Long-term safety involves more than avoiding tourist scams: it also includes choosing suitable accommodation, protecting personal belongings and learning how local services work.

Home security

Daily life and commuting

For more relocation advice, see our guides to living in Rome as an expat, and monthly expenses in Rome.

9. Emergency Numbers in Rome

General emergency number in Rome and Italy

112

The official Rome municipal website identifies 112 as the number to call for any type of emergency, available 24 hours a day for requests for an ambulance or law-enforcement assistance.

Service Number When to use it
General emergency service 112 Emergency requiring police, ambulance or other emergency assistance.
State Police 113 Police assistance; use 112 as the general emergency number.
Fire brigade 115 Fire or related rescue emergency; 112 can also be used.
Medical emergency 112 Urgent medical assistance; explain the situation and location to the operator.

When calling for help, explain what happened, give the precise location or nearest landmark, describe any immediate danger and follow the operator's instructions. Do not use emergency numbers for routine information requests.

Official resources: Rome Municipality — Emergency contacts and Italian Ministry of the Interior — Useful telephone numbers .

10. What to Do if Something Is Stolen

If your wallet, phone or bag is stolen, move to a safe place and contact the police to report the incident. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.

Do not confront a suspected thief if doing so could put you in danger. Prioritise your personal safety and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

11. Official Safety Information and Local Updates

Safety conditions and public guidance can change. For reliable information, use official municipal and government sources rather than relying only on social media posts or general online safety rankings.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Rome

Is Rome safe for tourists?

Rome is a major European capital visited by millions of people, and many visitors explore its attractions without serious problems. However, pickpocketing, bag theft, scams and traffic risks can occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Stay aware of your surroundings and take normal travel precautions.

Is Rome safe at night?

Many central and busy parts of Rome remain active in the evening, but conditions vary by street, time and circumstances. Plan your route, use well-lit streets, keep valuables secure and consider licensed taxis or public transport when appropriate. Avoid assuming that every area is equally safe after dark.

Is Rome safe for people travelling alone?

Many people visit Rome alone, but solo travellers should take sensible precautions. Keep your phone and valuables secure, tell someone your plans when appropriate, use reputable transport and be cautious if strangers pressure you for money or personal information.

Are pickpockets common in Rome?

Pickpocketing and bag theft are recognised risks in crowded tourist locations, transport hubs and busy public transport. Keep bags closed and in sight, avoid putting phones or wallets in easily accessible pockets, and be especially attentive when boarding or leaving crowded vehicles.

Which areas of Rome should visitors be careful in?

Use normal urban precautions throughout Rome, particularly around crowded attractions, transport stations and busy nightlife areas. The area around Termini and Esquilino is a major transport and commercial district with varied streets and conditions. It is more useful to assess the exact location, time of day and route than to label an entire neighbourhood unsafe.

What is the emergency number in Rome?

Call 112 for emergencies in Rome. The number is available 24 hours a day for requests for an ambulance or police assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what has happened.

Is Rome safe for families and children?

Rome can be a rewarding destination for families. Keep children close in crowded places, agree on a meeting point, take care when crossing roads and plan rest breaks during busy sightseeing days. Choose accommodation based on your family’s needs, transport access and the immediate surroundings.

Is Rome safe for expats living there?

Many international residents live in Rome. Long-term residents should learn local emergency procedures, check their neighbourhood at different times of day, secure their home and bicycle, and understand how to report theft or other incidents to the authorities.

Conclusion: Is Rome Safe?

Rome can be a rewarding city to visit or live in, but it is important to use sensible precautions. Pay particular attention to your belongings in crowded places, plan your transport after dark, be alert to scams and take care around traffic.

No neighbourhood can be guaranteed safe in every circumstance. Check current local information, assess the specific streets and routes you plan to use, and follow official advice. Save 112 in your phone so you can contact emergency services if necessary.

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