Is Rome Safe For Solo Female Travellers? Rome Safety Tips
So, is Rome safe for solo female travellers? If that question has been on repeat while you plan your trip to the eternal city (or even if it’s stopping you from booking that trip altogether), you’re not alone.
And no, you’re definitely not overthinking it by asking that question, either!
Feeling safe is what makes solo female travel feel doable instead of stressful.
And when there’s so much noise online (hello, clickbait headlines and Reddit horror stories!), it’s so hard to know what’s actually true – and what isn’t (or is at least wildly over-exaggerated).
So this blog post is for you if you’re a solo female traveller who wants to travel to the iconic Italian city of Rome – and feel prepared and safe doing it.
I’ve travelled solo to Rome more than once, navigated the metro on my own, dealt with the odd scammer and figured out which areas feel great solo, but also which I wouldn’t walk through after dark.
And in this guide I’ll cover it all, from public transport to pickpockets and local attitudes to neighbourhood safety, as well as my top tried-and-tested Rome safety tips to help you through it all. Let’s get to it!
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Is Rome Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Let’s get straight to the question you’re here for because yes, Rome is generally safe for solo female travellers.
But it is also a big, somewhat chaotic, high-energy capital city and, like most capitals, it comes with its own set of safety challenges you need to be aware of.
The good news when it comes to safety in Rome though, is that the risks are generally low for tourists, especially when it comes to violent crime.
The biggest issues travellers tend to experience in Rome are pickpocketing, petty theft, catcalling and the occasional scam. (But I’m not saying that to put you off – we’ll get into all of that properly in just a second!)
I’ve visited Rome alone as a solo female traveller multiple times, and I’ve always felt safe overall, but not in every single moment.
Some metro stations feel sketchier than others late at night. Certain streets around Termini get a bit dodgy after dark. And yes, sometimes the intensity of the crowds gets overwhelming.
I’m not denying any of that.
But with a bit of insider knowledge (which this blog post will give you!), and some common sense when it comes to embracing solo travel safety tips, travelling to Rome alone is safe.
Katie’s Top Tip: If it’s your first solo trip to Rome, try to arrive during daylight if you can. First impressions make a huge difference!
Understanding Rome’s Culture
Rome is fast-paced, expressive and full-on (like many Italian cities), in both the best and worst ways.
During your trip to Rome you can expect to experience always-bustling piazzas, loud conversations (even when people aren’t arguing!), loads of motorbikes/mopeds (often speeding!), and locals who are direct but also warm once you connect.
But as a solo female traveller, I did find the relentless energy and busyness of the city to feel quite overwhelming at times.
This feeling has lessened as I have travelled more throughout Europe, but especially if its your first solo trip, this is something to be aware of and prepared for with the help of this blog post.
Local people in Italy typically aren’t shy, either. And you are much more likely to get attention in the form of stares, comments or someone trying to strike up a conversation.
Much more so than in more reserved countries like Croatia or Portugal.
But don’t get me wrong, this attention isn’t always negative.
It’s just a different culture that you should be aware of before you travel, so you can accurately read the situation and, more importantly, the intentions behind the interaction.
The key to understanding Rome’s culture and how it may affect you as a solo female traveller is to stay alert (but never paranoid!)
Rome has its own unique pace and rhythm, influenced largely by its (and Italy’s), more energetic culture.
And once you settle into it, the city becomes a lot easier to navigate, trust me!
Katie’s Top Tip: Rome is best experienced when you match its energy. That means you should stay open to interaction (if you feel comfortable, of course), but also firm in your boundaries (aka what you will and won’t accept).
Attitudes Towards Women in Rome
I’m gonna be honest here: Italy, including Rome, still has some traditional (aka old-school!) gender dynamics, especially compared to places in Europe like Scandinavia or Germany.
But having said that, Rome is a major, modern European capital (as well as being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe), so you’ll find a huge mix of attitudes here, depending on where you go and who you interact with.
In general, Rome is safe for solo female travellers but, as I mentioned a second ago, unwanted attention does happen.
You’re less likely to be harassed or approached during the day. But walking alone in certain areas (we’ll get to these!), especially near major tourist sites or at night, can sometimes lead to comments or persistent attention.
In my experience, this is rarely aggressive. But it can be super annoying and scary in the moment, especially if you’re just trying to get somewhere or enjoy your evening in peace.
Most of the time, if you experience unwanted attention, it’s best to just ignore it completely. Engagement (even just a polite smile), can sometimes be taken as encouragement.
And while it’s awful and frustrating that we, as women, have to think in this way, it’s also sadly the reality of solo female travel sometimes.
So be polite but firm, ignore what you can and walk away confidently.
Katie’s Top Tip: Want to blend in and avoid unwanted attention? Always walk with confidence and purpose – even if you’re lost or still figuring out how the bus system works (which, fair enough, it’s chaos!) And this tip goes for anywhere, btw!
How to Dress in Rome
Locals in Rome tend to dress well. Nothing too fancy, just stylish, clean and put-together. (Search European fashion inspo on Pinterest and you can’t go too far wrong!) But don’t let this stress you out.
There’s no strict dress code and as a traveller, comfort still comes first. Always.
But blending in a little by adapting your personal style (if you want to, of course), can help you feel more confident and avoid sticking out as a tourist (which can in turn sadly make you a greater target for petty scams or pickpocketing).
During my trips to Rome, I pack a mix of lightweight, breathable clothes that can be layered. Think materials like linen or cotton. I also never wear anything too tight or too cropped. I also particularly love wide legged trousers, midi dresses and denim jackets or blazers for layering.
But these are all just my personal preferences – so you do you!
And what about shoes? I have visited Rome in both trainers and walking sandals, and both worked. But if I had to make a recommendation I’d say closed-toe, supportive shoes are best, so reach for those comfy trainers!
P.S. Cobblestones and heels are not friends, leave them at home. (You can thank me later!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Bring a lightweight scarf in your bag, so you can cover up your shoulders when entering religious sites (for example St Peter’s Basilica or the Pantheon). It also doubles as an extra layer if it gets chilly or as a sunshade to keep the heat off your shoulders. Win win!
Rome Crime Rates
If you’ve been doomscrolling headlines wondering “is Rome dangerous?” let’s now put things in context.
Rome’s current overall crime rate sits at moderate, when compared to other European capitals, according to Numbeo. Also, walking alone in Rome during the day is considered safe, whereas walking alone at night is ranked moderate.
And according to the Global Peace Index 2024, Italy ranks 33rd globally for safety (just above the UK, well above France and not far behind Spain and Germany).
So, no, Rome is not a dangerous city, but it’s also not free from crime either.
Violent crime rates in Rome are low. But property crime (for example, pickpocketing, bag snatching and phone theft), is a lot more common, especially in touristy areas like Termini Station, the Spanish Steps and around the Colosseum.
Katie’s Top Tip: Rome’s pickpockets are quick and professional, so make sure you keep your valuables zipped away in public and never leave your bag unattended, even for a second.
Risk of Theft in Rome
Petty theft is the biggest safety concern for anyone visiting Rome, whether you’re a solo female traveller or not.
According to Numbeo, property crime (including theft) in Rome is rated as moderate.
Rome is a busy, bustling capital city with all of the chaos, busyness, beauty and distractions that comes with its title of one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe.
And while that doesn’t necessarily make Rome dangerous, you do need to keep your bag zipped, your valuables where you can see them (for example in a crossbody bag), and stay aware – especially in touristy areas like Termini Station, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and anywhere near the Vatican.
Also, theft in Rome is usually non-violent and opportunistic, rather than planned.
So basically, if you look distracted, lost or you’ve left your phone or purse on the table while dining outdoors, you are a bigger target for this kind of theft.
That’s why I will always stress this: confidence (even if its faked), is your greatest travel safety asset.
(Along with some key solo travel safety tips in your toolkit, of course!)
I personally had a near miss near the Spanish Steps on my first trip, where a woman bumped into me while her partner tried to get into my bag. Luckily, I’d been warned to keep my hand on the zip, but it was a reminder that petty theft isn’t dramatic like you see in films.
Instead, it’s quiet, quick and very easy to miss until it’s too late.
Katie’s Top Tip: Invest in a small, zipped crossbody bag and wear it across your chest – not hanging behind you. And when you’re on public transport or in busy areas, make sure you keep one hand on the zipper of your bag. It’s such a small habit, but it makes a huge difference in a busy city like Rome.
Risk of Terrorism in Rome
This is one of those scary topics that can make you spiral late at night, right?
And sadly, the risk of a terror attack in Rome cannot be ruled out.
The current terror threat level in Italy is set at level 2, which means that you should exercise increased caution because an attack cannot be ruled out.
This is pretty similar to most countries and cities in Europe.
And Italy, like most of Europe, does remain vigilant about potential threats, particularly around political buildings, tourist hotspots, events, demonstrations and major religious sites like the Vatican.
But having said that, the country has not experienced any large-scale attacks in recent years and security presence in high-profile places is visible, especially during major holidays or big events.
Katie’s Top Tip: It’s not something you should be constantly paranoid about, but a little extra vigilance, like avoiding protests and staying aware in busy areas like major tourist hotspots and during events, will go a long way.
Risk of Violent Crime in Rome
Violent crime in Rome is rare, especially towards tourists.
According to Numbeo, the level of violent crime, such as assault or armed robbery, is rated as low. And that absolutely reflects my personal experience and experiences I’ve heard from other travellers too.
Rome isn’t known for random street violence and attacks on female travellers are not common in tourist areas either.
Plus, most violent crime that does occur in Rome is localised and connected to specific conflicts or neighbourhood issues, so it’s not usually the kind of thing you’d accidentally stumble into while sightseeing.
But, like any major city, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you’re walking alone at night.
At night, always stick to well-lit areas, avoid empty alleyways or side streets and always, always trust your gut instincts.
Katie’s Top Tip: Always have your return route planned ahead of time, especially at night. Whether you bookmark your hotel on Google Maps, save the number of a trusted taxi service or set a reminder for the last metro, knowing how you’ll get home safely makes a huge difference to your confidence.
Risk of Harassment in Rome
Let’s now talk honestly about street harassment.
Because Rome (and Italy in general), is sadly one of those places where you might experience street harassment more often than in other, more reserved countries.
And while the culture of male attention and attitudes towards women in Italy has absolutely shifted over the years (which is great!), catcalling still happens and it can be persistent, especially when alcohol is involved.
In most cases, I’ve found it’s more annoying than threatening.
But that doesn’t mean it’s okay.
In my experience as a solo female traveller, I’ve found that dressing a bit more modestly (especially at night), and walking with confidence (aka don’t look lost!) really helps.
And this is important everywhere in Europe too, not just in Rome.
Katie’s Top Tip: Bottom line? If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t engage with them. Just ignore it as best you can and keep walking. If you feel unsafe however, head straight for the nearest open shop, restaurant or hotel reception. Pretending to take a call or putting in headphones can also be a great way to stop unwanted attention.
Risk of Pickpocketing in Rome
Pickpocketing in Rome is the classic tourist scam, and it’s still one of the biggest safety issues for tourists in Rome.
It’s often not violent, but it is incredibly common.
Rome’s pickpockets are known for working in pairs or groups and being skilled and fast.
They tend to work in places that are either very crowded or where people are likely to get distracted, like packed metro carriages, around Termini Station, at the Colosseum, on the Spanish Steps, by Trevi Fountain… You get the idea!
In Numbeo’s data, concerns about theft and pickpocketing rank high.
But the good news is that once you know how they work, you can generally outsmart them.
Common techniques include fake petitions to distract you, someone “accidentally” bumping into you in a busy street or on public transport, or even someone asking for help while another tries to open your bag.
Katie’s Top Tip: Never carry your phone or purse in your back pocket or an open bag. Instead, keep your essentials in a zipped bag close to your body, and avoid getting valuables out in public.
Risk of Scams in Rome
I’m gonna be real, most scammers in Rome won’t look shady or sketchy. Instead they might look like street artists, smiley petitioners or even helpful strangers on the metro.
Most scams in Rome are non-violent, but they’re also annoyingly effective, especially if you’re distracted by a historic monument or you’re tired and have let your guard down.
And yes, as solo female travellers, we are often targeted because we tend to be more polite, more open and less likely to say no in the moment.
A fair assumption? No, definitely not.
But is it what these criminals believe? Sadly, yes.
So what are most common tourist scams in Rome to watch out for?
- The “friendship bracelet” trick. Where someone approaches you, ties a “free” gift of a bracelet on your wrist (often without asking), then demands money.
- The “petition scam.” Where someone will ask you to sign something for “charity”, while their partner quietly tries to lift your phone or wallet. They may also pressure you or a “donation” or try to get your personal information from their petition.
- Dodgy taxi drivers who charge tourists in Rome sometimes as much as five times the legal fare, especially around the airport.
- Street sellers selling counterfeit goods, pretending they are true designer. Bottom line, if a price is too good to be true, it definitely is.
- Or street sellers approaching you with fake (or overpriced) tickets to top tourist attractions. Never buy a ticket or part with money with someone on the street.
To avoid these scams, keep them in the back of your mind so it’s easier to spot them. But most importantly, trust your gut in every situation.
If something feels off, it probably is.
Katie’s Top Tip: A firm “no”, avoiding eye contact and walking away is the best response to any street scam. Don’t worry about seeming rude here!
Rome’s Emergency Number
Knowing how to call for help is one of those safety basics I hope you’ll never need, but it can make all the difference in an emergency.
In Italy, the general emergency number is 112 and this number connects you to police, ambulance and fire services.
This number is the same in all of Europe, it’s available 24/7, and you can request English-speaking operators.
Katie’s Top Tip: Save 112 into your phone contacts before your trip, along with the address of your accommodation.
The Safest Places to Visit in Rome
Most of central Rome is very safe to visit for tourists, especially during the day.
Neighbourhoods like Centro Storico, Prati and Trastevere are all very popular with tourists because they’re beautiful, home to Rome’s top tourist attractions, are well-patrolled, and are full of people (both locals and tourists), at all hours.
I’ve wandered around all of these neighbourhoods alone many times, at different times of day and into the evening, and never felt unsafe.
Plus, the neighbourhood of Prati (which is just north of the Vatican), is great if you want a more residential, local vibe during your stay.
Even the Vatican area and the streets around the Colosseum, despite being very busy, are safe to explore, as long as you keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
Katie’s Top Tip: Stick to areas with lots of people and well-lit streets, especially if you’re planning to walk back to your accommodation after dinner or explore Rome in the early evening.
Places to Avoid in Rome
Okay, now let’s talk honestly about the places in Rome that aren’t ideal for solo female travellers, especially after dark.
Because while Rome is not a dangerous city overall, there are definitely still a few areas where petty crime and general sketchiness (!!) are more common.
Termini Station (and the streets immediately around it), is one of these areas. It can feel chaotic and busy during the day and can also be a key target for petty crime (in particular pickpocketing), especially at night.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve stayed near Termini before and was fine, but I definitely wouldn’t wander alone there after dark, especially with luggage.
Another area you should be cautious around is Esquilino, and particularly some of its smaller side streets. It is a more run down area of Rome and you’re more likely to come across antisocial behaviour, drug activity or people sleeping rough here, which can definitely feel unsettling when you’re travelling alone as a woman.
Some other places to avoid in Rome that are worth mentioning are Corviale, Pigneto, San Basilio and Tor Bella Monaca, which all have higher crime rates than other areas of Rome and are much more local anyway, rather than touristy.
Katie’s Top Tip: Always check recent reviews (not just the overall number!) of your accommodation and zoom in on the street view in Google Maps. A hotel might have great reviews but if its tucked down a quiet alley with zero foot traffic, you might not feel safe coming back at night.
Is Rome Safe at Night?
This is one of the most common questions I get and my honest answer is: it depends on where you are, how you’re getting home and how confident you feel walking alone in a city.
I know, I’m sorry it isn’t a black and white, neat answer!
Overall, Rome is safe at night, but of course there are a few caveats to be aware of.
According to Numbeo, safety walking alone at night is rated as moderate, which definitely fits with my own personal experience.
I’ve walked home from dinner in Centro Storico many times and felt totally fine, but I also made a real, conscious effort to stick to well-lit streets with other people around, walk with confidence and purpose, and avoid looking at my phone too much.
Rome also doesn’t really have the 24-hour energy of somewhere like New York or London.
And so once the restaurants and bars close for the night (especially on weekdays), a lot of streets (and especially the side streets), can feel really empty.
So if you’re heading out late for drinks, I’d recommend taking a taxi home, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re walking alone at night, plan your route beforehand and avoid cutting through parks or shortcuts. Instead, stick to the main roads, even if it takes a bit longer. And if in doubt? Phone for a taxi.
Nightlife in Rome
Rome definitely doesn’t have the wild clubbing scene of Ibiza or Berlin or Prague, but it definitely does have a nightlife scene that can be both fun to experience as a solo female traveller but also overwhelming.
In my experience, the safest and most enjoyable way to experience nightlife in Rome is to take it at a pace you feel comfortable with.
You’ll find everything here from cosy wine bars and jazz bars to more lively clubs and sports bars, if that’s more your vibe.
Whatever kind of nightlife you’re after, there’s plenty of options to choose from in Rome!
And as long as you stick to a few sensible precautions when it comes to embracing the local nightlife, you’ll be just fine.
Things like:
- Sticking to well-lit, busier streets after dark
- Keeping your drink in sight at all times
- Never accepting drinks from strangers
- Trying to avoid walking home alone after midnight if you’re more than a short walk from your accommodation.
Katie’s Top Tip: Want to go out but don’t want to bar hop alone? Join a group foodie walking tour, a wine-tasting experience or even an organised pub crawl. These are great ways to enjoy Rome’s nightlife safely, while meeting other travellers!
Safest Time of Year to Visit Rome
In terms of safety, the best time to visit Rome (in my opinion), is spring (late April to early June) or autumn (late September to early November).
These shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds, milder weather and generally a calmer pace of life throughout the city (the only exception to this is during Easter, which often falls in early April).
I’ve personally found that these times of year have the perfect balance between still buzzing and lively streets, and also not being crushed by tour groups, shoving you out the way for the perfect photo!
Plus, pickpocketing is less intense during the shoulder seasons than in peak summer.
Win win!
Rome is also very walkable, so visiting when it’s not 38°C makes a huge difference to how safe and comfortable you feel!
Winter is also a great time for solo travellers, with significantly fewer crowds than even the shoulder season. But keep in mind that daylight hours are shorter in winter and the streets will empty out earlier.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting in July or August, book skip-the-line entry tickets in advance and try to explore in the early morning or late afternoon. Less time queueing = less time exposed to intense heat, petty scams and pickpockets.
Is English Spoken in Rome?
Short answer: yes, mostly.
In the major tourist areas, like the Vatican, Colosseum and city centre, you’ll find that most people speak at least basic English.
In fact, many Italians study English at school from an early age.
But outside of touristy areas or hospitality, you might not find as much English spoken (or at least not spoken fluently).
So I would always recommend learning a few Italian basics like “ciao” (hello), “grazie” (thank you), “per favore” (please), “scusi” (excuse me) and “parla inglese?” (Do you speak English?).
Katie’s Top Tip: Download the Google Translate app and the offline Italian language pack before your trip. It’s saved me more than once when I needed help reading signs and menus!
Is Public Transport Safe and Reliable in Rome?
Rome’s public transport is relatively safe, but it’s not always the most efficient.
The metro has three lines and while it’s normally perfectly safe, it can feel a bit isolated at night or crowded during peak hours. And that’s when petty theft is more likely to happen too, especially around popular stations like Termini, Colosseo or Spagna.
Buses run frequently in Rome but aren’t always on time and they can get uncomfortably packed in touristy areas.
Night buses also exist but they’re not super reliable and often run infrequently. So if you’re coming back late, I’d recommend a taxi or walking (but only if you’re staying nearby).
But I’ve taken both metro and buses solo in Rome many times with no issues. So just follow the usual safety advice: keep your bag zipped and in front of you, and stay a bit more alert in busy carriages.
Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid the metro and buses during rush hour if you can. Public transport is often busy and chaotic during this time, and it’s also a prime time for pickpockets, scams and petty theft.
Top Solo Female Rome Travel Safety Tips
Here are the most practical, Rome safety tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Stay in Centro Storico or Trastevere. These neighbourhoods are generally safe, central and well-lit at night.
- Never accept “free” gifts or buy anything (particularly designer) from street vendors. Bracelets, roses, petitions, designer handbags, designer sunglasses = scam alert.
- Download offline maps and emergency contacts. You can’t always rely on WiFi or 5G when you need it.
- Always trust your gut. If something feels off, whether it’s a person, a place or a plan you’ve made, don’t ignore it. You can always come back later!
- Walk with purpose and confidence, even if you’re lost. Confidence is a great deterrent for opportunistic criminals. They want someone who is easy to target, and if you look confident that isn’t you. Oh and faking it until you make it is more than okay too, just FYI!
- Safety isn’t about paranoia, it’s about preparation. Do your research but don’t go overboard with those reddit horror stories or fearmongering headlines. Instead, trust your own instincts over all else – and don’t let any headline put you off your dream trip to Rome!
Final Thoughts: Is Rome Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
So, is Rome safe for solo female travellers? My honest answer is yes, as long as you trust your gut, use some basic solo travel common sense, stay aware (but not paranoid), of your surroundings, and get informed before you go. (Hello, you’ve already done that by reading this blog post!)
Don’t get me wrong, Rome isn’t perfect when it comes to safety (but what city is, really?!), but it is still a magical and totally doable city that is well worth visiting as a solo female traveller.
You’ll definitely encounter crowds and you might experience catcalling or the odd annoying tourist scam attempt, but you’ll also find friendly locals, iconic architecture to admire, and memories that will stay with you forever!
Travelling to Rome alone is hands down one of the best experiences of my life so far.
And with the right info, the right mindset and a few practical Rome safety tips from this blog post, there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be all of that and more for you too!
So commit to this dream trip. Book that flight. Research the top things to do in Rome. And eat lots of gelato and pasta while you’re there!
I truly hope you have the most magical time during your trip to Rome.
Have you travelled solo to Rome before or are you planning your first trip soon? Let me know in the comments!
Read More About Travel in Italy:
- Is Rome Safe For Solo Female Travellers? Rome Safety Tips
- How to Spend 48 Hours in Rome: Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems
