10 Safety Tips for Travelers to Rome

Rome is all about the savoring the sights, the sounds, the people, the culture, the architecture, and of course, the food! But sadly, because of so many tourists, many dangers can strike when you least expect it to sour your trip.

Follow these 10 safety tips to keep you and your traveling companion’s safe while in Rome…

1. Beware of Pickpocketing

Beware of pickpockets on public transit and in crowded areas where people are packed in closely.

pickpocket know before you go — Pickpocketing is a common issue in Rome, particularly in crowded tourist areas such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Termini Station, and public transportation. While the city is generally safe, tourists are often targeted due to the high volume of people and distractions.

2. Don’t Act Like a Tourist

Reduce your risk of being a victim of a pickpocket by keeping the fact that you’re a tourist under wraps—meaning don’t become distracted when studying maps, taking pictures, or carrying large amounts of cash and personal belongings.

walking tour rome — Tourists can be the best target for pick pocketers in Rome

3. Leave Extra Cash Behind

Take only what you need and leave your personals and extra cash locked up at the hotel and carry only the cash you need in a money belt that’s tucked away on your person.

Pickpocket 7 — Take only the cash needed and leave other money and personal belongings to hotel room

4. Lock Up Your Valuables

Use a purse or bag with zippers and a secure handle or a money belt if traveling with extra cash and personal documents.

Pickpocket 9 — Secure your belongings with lock to avoid lost due to pick pocketers

5. Keep Hold of Purses/Wallets

Keep a firm hand on your purse or wallet on the subway or in crowded areas.

Pickpocket 8 — Hold your wallets to make sure that it is not get by pick pocketers

6. Stay Cool

If you visit Rome during the summer, temperatures can soar above 30-degress Celsius or 86-degrees Fahrenheit so bringing a bottle of water is important to stay cool and hydrated.

bottled water — Bring water bottle if you are going outside due to high temperature

7. Be Wardrobe Smart

Rome is full of ruins and old sites that provide tripping and falling hazards. For this reason, wear comfortable, flat walking shoes.

Wear comfortable belongings when going outside the hotel room
Northfoto / Shutterstock.com

8. Walk Carefully

When exploring ruins try to be aware of where you are walking and always ensure secure footing so you don’t fall or sprain your ankle.

Circus Maximus rome — Walk carefully and be aware of fallen objects especially to places with old buildings and ruins

9. Ignore Unwanted Attention

Women traveling alone in Rome need to be ready for unwanted and sometimes aggressive male attention. Although it’s hardly ever dangerous, you will get whistled at and called out to on the streets. The best way to divert it is by ignoring it.

Russian Woman — Be attentive to make sure you and your belongings are safe

10. Speak Up

Getting groped is common, particularly for lone women travelers, on the Metro and several buses. To avoid it, steer clear of cramped spaces and if you are groped react forcefully and loudly with a phrase like, “vai via” (or “go away”).