Is Rome Protected for Solo Feminine Travellers?

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A information to staying secure in Rome for solo feminine travellers. Protecting frequent crimes, getting round, and security suggestions.

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

I’ve had this response from individuals all around the world – often in locations like Mexico, India, and Egypt. However in Rome, it comes as a shock. I actually 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 prepare 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. Particularly if Rome is your first vacation spot as a solo feminine traveller – or in case you’re visiting from outdoors of Europe. And identical to each metropolis, there are issues to concentrate on – and steps to take to maintain your self secure.

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 suggestions, points to concentrate on, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

You probably 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 Protected for Solo Feminine Travellers?

The quick reply is YES! Total, Rome may be very secure for solo feminine travellers. The truth is, the town ranked twenty ninth on the Economist’s Protected Cities Index. Italy typically may be very secure and is likely one of the prime European international locations I’d advocate for solo journey.

Nevertheless, there are some things to concentrate on, which I’ll define under.

Widespread Crimes to be Conscious Of

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

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

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

Drink spiking: Fortunately, this isn’t frequent – however there have been reviews 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: Often known as “pirate taxis”, these are unlawful in Rome. They’ll typically overcharge unwitting vacationers and you could possibly be placing your self in peril. At all times 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 often white and may have an indication on the roof and an organization title and quantity written on the aspect. 

Terrorism

Terrorism isn’t actually a excessive threat in Italy. Nevertheless, as of October 2024, the UK authorities’s International Journey Recommendation web site states that “terrorist assaults in Italy can’t be dominated out”. Additionally they advise that there’s “a excessive menace of terrorist assault globally”.

Political demonstrations are unusual however can occur unpredictably. Keep watch over the native information and keep away from any giant 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 secure strolling round by myself. The town doesn’t have a fame 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 massive metropolis, some areas of Rome are much less secure after darkish. It’s value taking just a few steps to remain secure:

Keep away from going to bars alone. As an alternative, see in case your hostel is internet hosting any events or contemplate 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 principle prepare stations late at night time.

The Centro Historico and most important touristy areas have a tendency to remain pretty crowded at night time so typically really feel safer. Nevertheless, late at night time, it’s nonetheless greatest to take a taxi fairly 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. As an alternative, use a ridesharing app to name a cab or ask the bar/restaurant to name one for you. Extra data within the “Getting Round” part additional down the web page.

Well being and Hygiene

Vaccinations: You don’t want any vaccinations to journey to Italy – though it could be a good suggestion to prime up your Covid and Flu vaccinations in case 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. Many of the reported instances had been within the Marche area, and none had been within the Lazio area (the place Rome is located). Nevertheless, it’s a good suggestion to keep away from mosquito bites the place potential and regulate the NHS Match For Journey web page for updates.

Solar: The most important well being threat in Italy might be the solar. Rome may be very popular throughout summer season: anticipate highs of 32°C in July and August. Take all the conventional precautions: put on suncream, cowl up with free clothes and a sunhat, keep away from the noon solar, and drink plenty of water.

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

High Tip: If you happen to’re nonetheless involved about consuming water (or simply don’t just like the style of faucet water), I extremely advocate a Water-to-Go bottle for on-the-go water filtration – try my overview for a 15% low cost.

Getting Round in Rome

Whereas 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 might add up quick in case you’re on a price range.

Fortunately, there’s a fairly first rate public transport system in place. There are three metro traces within the metropolis: traces 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 easy to make use of (click on right here for a information). Ticket machines may be switched to English (and different languages) and stops are introduced in each Italian and English.

High Tip: If you happen to’re quick on time, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour from Metropolis Sightseeing is an effective way to cowl a number of floor with out attempting to navigate Rome by yourself.

Is the general public transport secure in Rome?

The general public transportation system in Rome is usually thought of secure. Metro stations are well-lit and clear, and there are often workers round.

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

Is there Uber (or comparable) in Rome?

Sure – Uber does work in Rome and is completely authorized. Nevertheless, it’s often the costlier choice, as solely the premium Uber Black is out there. Fortunately, you too can use the Uber app to hail native cabs – which is helpful because it means you’ll be able to 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 organising an account earlier than your journey.

High Tip: Whichever app you select, you should definitely arrange all of the in-built security options upfront. You may arrange a PIN verification, swap on security check-ins, and add a trusted contact with whom you’ll be able to shortly share your location and journey standing in case you’re involved.

Security Ideas for Solo Feminine Travellers in Rome

Regardless of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, observe frequent sense, and keep away from harmful conditions.

Study the native emergency numbers

The only 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 The place Are U app earlier than your journey. That is the official emergency quantity app in Italy: you should utilize it to immediately contact emergency companies and share your location.

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Some cell networks enable totally free information roaming in Europe. If yours doesn’t, get an area pre-paid SIM card or an eSIM with a purpose to keep on-line whilst you’re in Rome (helpful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and so on).

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 desire eSIMs: you’ll be able to obtain them to your cellphone so there’s no want to vary SIM playing cards over. You may 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 happen to 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 Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage. They’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and supply a very complete cowl for all journey sorts.

Extra security suggestions for feminine travellers

Keep away from sharing your dwell 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 advocate doing it in a public place and arranging set check-in occasions with a trusted good friend again dwelling.

Keep away from unlicensed taxis in Rome. Use Uber or FREE NOW to order cabs, or get somebody at your lodging/restaurant to name one for you. Activate location sharing by way of WhatsApp in case you’re ever involved.
Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions. I like to recommend utilizing Get Your Information to seek out excursions – they’ve an ideal vary and use verified evaluations, so you may make positive the tour you’re reserving has a very good fame.
Keep away from strolling alone late at night time – particularly across the Termini prepare station or in quieter areas. A taxi from door to door is often the most secure choice after darkish.

Fast Abstract: Solo Feminine Journey in Rome

Get an area pre-paid SIM or eSIM (use my referral codes above for a reduction).
Study the native emergency quantity (112) or obtain the 112 The place Are U app.
Have good journey insurance coverage.
Watch out for pickpockets – particularly in prepare stations and busy vacationer sights.

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

Watch out for drink spiking – by no means take a drink from a stranger or depart your drink unattended.
Preserve a “backup” credit score or debit card separate, ideally within the resort secure, 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 data so you may make the precise selections and keep secure.

Bear in mind, despite the fact that issues like pickpocketing may be a difficulty, it’s not the norm and most visits to Rome are incident-free.

So long as you make smart decisions, take the precise precautions, and use your frequent sense, you need to be completely secure travelling solo in Rome. I hope you have got an ideal journey!

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