Is Rome Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

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A information to staying protected in Rome for solo feminine travellers. Covering frequent crimes, getting round, and security ideas.

“Are you travelling alone?” Asks a lady in my tour group. She’s visiting Italy from New Zealand, travelling along with her husband, sister and brother-in-law. When I inform her that sure, I’m visiting Rome solo, her reply surprises me: “wow, you’re brave.”

I’ve had this response from individuals all around the world – normally in locations like Mexico, India, and Egypt. But in Rome, it comes as a shock. I truthfully thought nothing about hopping on a two-hour flight to fly right here for a few days. It appeared no extra daunting than taking the practice to London.

That transient interplay jogged my memory that simply because I’ve gotten used to travelling alone, it could nonetheless be an enormous step for some. Especially if Rome is your first vacation spot as a solo feminine traveller – or in the event you’re visiting from exterior of Europe. And identical to each metropolis, there are issues to pay attention to – and steps to take to maintain your self protected.

So – right here’s my tried-and-tested solo feminine journey information to Rome: from somebody who’s been travelling the world alone for almost a decade! I’ve coated security ideas, points to pay attention to, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

If you will have any questions in any respect, be at liberty to get in contact by way of the feedback or on socials (I’m @em_luxton on Instagram). Buon viaggio…

Is Rome Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

The brief reply is YES! Overall, Rome could be very protected for solo feminine travellers. In truth, the town ranked twenty ninth on the Economist’s Safe Cities Index. Italy basically could be very protected and is without doubt one of the high European nations I’d suggest for solo journey.

However, there are some things to pay attention to, which I’ll define beneath.

Common Crimes to be Aware Of

Crime ranges are typically low in Italy. However, some petty crimes are frequent in metropolis centres and infrequently goal vacationers. I’ve listed these beneath.

Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching: Sadly, that is fairly a excessive danger in Rome – particularly on public transport, across the Termini practice station, and on the main vacationer sights. Take care of your belongings always and attempt to keep conscious of your environment. There are some extra ideas on the backside of this part.

Theft from vehicles: If you’re driving, don’t depart any valuables in your automobile. Theft from vehicles is especially frequent within the Colosseum space.

Drink spiking: Thankfully, this isn’t frequent – however there have been experiences of drink spiking in Rome, with victims being robbed and even assaulted in some instances. Don’t settle for drinks from strangers and by no means depart any drinks unattended.

Unlicensed taxis: Also often called “pirate taxis”, these are unlawful in Rome. They will typically overcharge unwitting vacationers and you may be placing your self in peril. Always head to a taxi stand, use a ridesharing app, or ask your lodging/restaurant to name a cab for you.

Good to Know: Official taxis are normally white and may have an indication on the roof and an organization title and quantity written on the facet. 

Terrorism

Terrorism isn’t actually a excessive danger in Italy. However, as of October 2024, the UK authorities’s Foreign Travel Advice web site states that “terrorist attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out”. They additionally advise that there’s “a high threat of terrorist attack globally”.

Political demonstrations are unusual however can occur unpredictably. Keep a watch on the native information and keep away from any massive public demonstrations or protests in the event that they do happen.

Harassment

I’ve visited Rome twice now as a solo traveller and have at all times felt completely protected strolling round by myself. The metropolis doesn’t have a popularity for being harmful for ladies, and I didn’t expertise any cat-calling or aggressive behaviour from males.

That stated, these points are sadly frequent the world over, and identical to any large metropolis, some areas of Rome are much less protected after darkish. It’s price taking just a few steps to remain protected:

Avoid going to bars alone. Instead, see in case your hostel is internet hosting any events or think about becoming a member of a guided bar crawl – there are some nice ones on GetYourGuide (click on right here to view).
Don’t stroll alone in quiet areas or round the primary practice stations late at night time.

The Centro Historico and essential touristy areas have a tendency to remain pretty crowded at night time so typically really feel safer. However, late at night time, it’s nonetheless finest to take a taxi quite than public transport or strolling.

Don’t flag down a taxi on the street as there’s no method to know if it’s licenced. Instead, use a ridesharing app to name a cab or ask the bar/restaurant to name one for you. More information within the “Getting Around” part additional down the web page.

Health and Hygiene

Vaccinations: You don’t want any vaccinations to journey to Italy – though it might be a good suggestion to high up your Covid and Flu vaccinations in the event you’re in a high-risk class.

Mosquito Bites: In 2024, there have been a small variety of instances of Dengue fever in Italy, a illness which is transmitted by mosquito bites. Most of the reported instances have been within the Marche area, and none have been within the Lazio area (the place Rome is located). However, it’s a good suggestion to keep away from mosquito bites the place attainable and control the NHS Fit For Travel web page for updates.

Sun: The greatest well being danger in Italy might be the solar. Rome might be highly regarded throughout summer time: anticipate highs of 32°C in July and August. Take all the traditional precautions: put on suncream, cowl up with free clothes and a sunhat, keep away from the noon solar, and drink a lot of water.

Water: Tap water is protected to drink throughout Italy, together with Rome. Public fountains are frequent within the metropolis, so take a refillable water bottle.

Top Tip: If you’re nonetheless involved about ingesting water (or simply don’t just like the style of faucet water), I extremely suggest a Water-to-Go bottle for on-the-go water filtration – take a look at my overview for a 15% low cost.

Getting Around in Rome

While the Centro Historico space is pretty compact and walkable, the remainder of Rome’s metropolis centre is sprawling. Taxis aren’t that low-cost and may add up quick in the event you’re on a price range.

Thankfully, there’s a fairly respectable public transport system in place. There are three metro strains within the metropolis: strains A (the pink line) and B (the blue line) cowl the town centre and among the most well-known monuments, just like the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican. 

The metro is simple to make use of (click on right here for a information). Ticket machines might be switched to English (and different languages) and stops are introduced in each Italian and English.

Top Tip: If you’re brief on time, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour from City Sightseeing is a good way to cowl quite a lot of floor with out making an attempt to navigate Rome by yourself.

Is the general public transport protected in Rome?

The public transportation system in Rome is mostly thought of protected. Metro stations are well-lit and clear, and there are normally employees round.

However, as talked about above, pickpockets and petty crimes are frequent in Rome – so it’s essential to remain vigilant and maintain your belongings safe.

Is there Uber (or comparable) in Rome?

Yes – Uber does work in Rome and is completely authorized. However, it’s normally the costlier choice, as solely the premium Uber Black is obtainable. Thankfully, you can too use the Uber app to hail native cabs – which is useful because it means you possibly can nonetheless pay digitally, and profit from the app’s security options.

In Italy, FREE NOW is the extra frequent cab-hailing app. It’s cheaper than Uber and has comparable security options. I like to recommend downloading it and establishing an account earlier than your journey.

Top Tip: Whichever app you select, be sure you arrange all of the in-built security options prematurely. You can arrange a PIN verification, change on security check-ins, and add a trusted contact with whom you possibly can rapidly share your location and journey standing in the event you’re involved.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Rome

No matter which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, apply frequent sense, and keep away from harmful conditions.

Learn the native emergency numbers

The single emergency quantity in Italy is 112: it’s a free quantity and wishes no prefix. The operator will put you thru to the suitable service.

Alternatively, obtain the 112 Where Are U app earlier than your journey. This is the official emergency quantity app in Italy: you need to use it to immediately contact emergency companies and share your location.

Get a Local SIM or eSIM

Some cellular networks enable for free information roaming in Europe. If yours doesn’t, get an area pre-paid SIM card or an eSIM with the intention to keep on-line whilst you’re in Rome (useful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and many others).

You should buy a pay as you go Vodafone SIM card at Rome airport (costlier) or head to a TIM cell phone retailer within the metropolis centre to buy a pay as you go SIM (higher offers).

Personally, I want eSIMs: you possibly can obtain them to your cellphone so there’s no want to vary SIM playing cards over. You can set it up earlier than you arrive in Italy after which activate the SIM as quickly as you land – so you will get on-line immediately with none faff!

Airalo: From £4 / $4.50 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first buy.Nomad: From £3.50 / $4.50 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMIL96SV to get 25% off your first buy.

Have good journey insurance coverage

I can’t stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. If you encounter a difficulty – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight, stolen cellphone, or a medical emergency – you need that coated.

I like to recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance. They have insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and provide a extremely complete cowl for all journey varieties.

More security ideas for feminine travellers

Avoid sharing your stay location on social media: publish issues like Instagram tales on the finish of the day.
Don’t meet up with anybody you don’t know.

If you wish to use relationship apps or be part of a meetup occasion, I extremely suggest doing it in a public place and arranging set check-in occasions with a trusted pal again house.

Avoid unlicensed taxis in Rome. Use Uber or FREE NOW to order cabs, or get somebody at your lodging/restaurant to name one for you. Turn on location sharing by way of WhatsApp in the event you’re ever involved.
Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions. I like to recommend utilizing Get Your Guide to search out excursions – they’ve a fantastic vary and use verified critiques, so you may make certain the tour you’re reserving has popularity.
Avoid strolling alone late at night time – particularly across the Termini practice station or in quieter areas. A taxi from door to door is normally the most secure choice after darkish.

Quick Summary: Solo Female Travel in Rome

Get an area pre-paid SIM or eSIM (use my referral codes above for a reduction).
Learn the native emergency quantity (112) or obtain the 112 Where Are U app.
Have good journey insurance coverage.
Beware of pickpockets – particularly in practice stations and busy vacationer sights.

Don’t maintain your valuables in pockets or a backpack – choose for a zipped cross-body bag or bumbag/fanny pack as an alternative.
Consider an anti-theft bag like those from PacSafe or Travelon.

Beware of drink spiking – by no means take a drink from a stranger or depart your drink unattended.
Keep a “backup” credit score or debit card separate, ideally within the lodge protected, in case your pockets is misplaced/stolen.

Please don’t let the above warnings put you off visiting Rome! This information is about arming you with sensible information so you may make the best choices and keep protected.

Remember, regardless that issues like pickpocketing might be a difficulty, it’s not the norm and most visits to Rome are incident-free.

As lengthy as you make wise decisions, take the best precautions, and use your frequent sense, you have to be completely protected travelling solo in Rome. I hope you will have a fantastic journey!

Got a query about solo feminine journey in Rome? Scroll down to depart a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!