Is Rome Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

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A information to staying protected 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 along 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 everywhere in the world – often in locations like Mexico, India, and Egypt. However 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 temporary interplay jogged my memory that simply because I’ve gotten used to travelling alone, it might nonetheless be a giant step for some. Particularly if Rome is your first vacation spot as a solo feminine traveller – or for those who’re visiting from outdoors 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 suggestions, points to pay attention to, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

You probably have any questions in any respect, be happy to get in contact through the feedback or on socials (I’m @em_luxton on Instagram). Buon viaggio…

Is Rome Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

The quick reply is YES! General, Rome could be very protected for solo feminine travellers. In truth, the town ranked twenty ninth on the Economist’s Secure Cities Index. Italy generally could be very protected and is likely one of the high European international locations I’d advocate for solo journey.

Nonetheless, there are some things to pay attention to, which I’ll define under.

Widespread Crimes to be Conscious Of

Crime ranges are usually low in Italy. Nonetheless, some petty crimes are frequent in metropolis centres and sometimes goal vacationers. I’ve listed these under.

Decide-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 points of interest. 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 go away any valuables in your automobile. Theft from vehicles is especially frequent within the Colosseum space.

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

Unlicensed taxis: Also referred to as “pirate taxis”, these are unlawful in Rome. They’ll typically overcharge unwitting vacationers and you might be placing your self at risk. 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 could have an indication on the roof and an organization identify and quantity written on the aspect. 

Terrorism

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

Political demonstrations are unusual however can occur unpredictably. Keep watch over 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. Town doesn’t have a status for being harmful for girls, and I didn’t expertise any cat-calling or aggressive behaviour from males.

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

• Keep away from going to bars alone. As an alternative, see in case your hostel is internet hosting any events or take into account 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 practice stations late at evening.
  • The Centro Historico and fundamental touristy areas have a tendency to remain pretty crowded at evening so usually really feel safer. Nonetheless, late at evening, it’s nonetheless finest to take a taxi slightly than public transport or strolling.
• Don’t flag down a taxi on the street as there’s no approach 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 information 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 high up your Covid and Flu vaccinations for those who’re in a high-risk class.

Mosquito Bites: In 2024, there have been a small variety of circumstances of Dengue fever in Italy, a illness which is transmitted by mosquito bites. Many of the reported circumstances had been within the Marche area, and none had been within the Lazio area (the place Rome is located). Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to keep away from mosquito bites the place doable and regulate the NHS Match For Journey web page for updates.

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

Water: Faucet water is protected 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 evaluate 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 for those who’re on a finances.

Fortunately, there’s a fairly first rate 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 will 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 making an attempt to navigate Rome by yourself.

Is the general public transport protected in Rome?

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

Nonetheless, 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. Nonetheless, it’s often the costlier possibility, as solely the premium Uber Black is accessible. Fortunately, it’s also possible to 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 organising an account earlier than your journey.

High Tip: Whichever app you select, be sure you 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 possibly can rapidly share your location and journey standing for those who’re involved.

Security Suggestions for Solo Feminine Travellers in Rome

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

Study the native emergency numbers

The one emergency quantity in Italy is 112: it’s a free quantity and desires 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 use it to immediately contact emergency companies and share your location.

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Some cellular networks permit at no cost knowledge roaming in Europe. If yours doesn’t, get a neighborhood pre-paid SIM card or an eSIM with the intention to keep on-line when you’re in Rome (useful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and so forth).

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 favor eSIMs: you possibly can 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 problem – 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 extremely complete cowl for all journey varieties.

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 instances with a trusted pal again residence.
• 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 through WhatsApp for those who’re ever involved.
• Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions. I like to recommend utilizing Get Your Information to search out excursions – they’ve an important vary and use verified critiques, so you can also make certain the tour you’re reserving has a very good status.
• Keep away from strolling alone late at evening – particularly across the Termini practice station or in quieter areas. A taxi from door to door is often the most secure possibility after darkish.

Fast Abstract: Solo Feminine Journey in Rome

• Get a neighborhood 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 practice stations and busy vacationer points of interest.
  • Don’t maintain your valuables in pockets or a backpack – go for a zipped cross-body bag or bumbag/fanny pack as a substitute.
  • Take into account 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 go away your drink unattended.
• Hold a “backup” credit score or debit card separate, ideally within the resort 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 can also make the best selections and keep protected.

Keep in mind, although issues like pickpocketing will be a problem, it’s not the norm and most visits to Rome are incident-free.

So long as you make wise decisions, take the best precautions, and use your frequent sense, you ought to be completely protected travelling solo in Rome. I hope you may have an important journey!

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