Is Rome Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

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A information to staying protected in Rome for solo feminine travellers. Protecting widespread 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 temporary interplay jogged my memory that simply because I’ve gotten used to travelling alone, it may 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 exterior of Europe. And identical to each metropolis, there are issues to concentrate on – 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 lined security suggestions, points to concentrate on, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

If in case you 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 reality, town ranked twenty ninth on the Economist’s Secure Cities Index. Italy usually could be very protected and is likely one of the prime European nations I’d advocate for solo journey.

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

Widespread Crimes to be Conscious Of

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

Choose-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. Care for 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 car. Theft from vehicles is especially widespread within the Colosseum space.

Drink spiking: Fortunately, this isn’t widespread – 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 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 could possibly 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 can have an indication on the roof and an organization identify and quantity written on the facet. 

Terrorism

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

Political demonstrations are unusual however can occur unpredictably. Regulate 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 all the time felt completely protected strolling round by myself. Town doesn’t have a status for being harmful for ladies, and I didn’t expertise any cat-calling or aggressive behaviour from males.

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

• Keep away from going to bars alone. As a substitute, 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 principle prepare stations late at evening.
  • The Centro Historico and principal touristy areas have a tendency to remain pretty crowded at evening so typically really feel safer. Nevertheless, late at evening, it’s nonetheless finest to take a taxi fairly than public transport or strolling.
• Don’t flag down a taxi on the street as there’s no technique to know if it’s licenced. As a substitute, 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. A lot of the reported instances have been within the Marche area, and none have been within the Lazio area (the place Rome is located). Nevertheless, 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 threat in Italy might be the solar. Rome could be very popular throughout summer season: 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 numerous water.

Water: Faucet water is protected to drink throughout Italy, together with Rome. Public fountains are widespread 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 – take a look at 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 finances.

Fortunately, there’s a fairly first rate public transport system in place. There are three metro traces within the metropolis: traces A (the crimson line) and B (the blue line) cowl 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 could 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 typically thought-about protected. Metro stations are well-lit and clear, and there are often employees round.

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

Is there Uber (or related) 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 offered. Fortunately, it’s also possible to use the Uber app to hail native cabs – which is useful because it means you may nonetheless pay digitally, and profit from the app’s security options.

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

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

Security Ideas for Solo Feminine Travellers in Rome

Irrespective of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, apply widespread 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 utilize it to immediately contact emergency providers and share your location.

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Some cellular networks enable at no cost knowledge roaming in Europe. If yours doesn’t, get a neighborhood pre-paid SIM card or an eSIM in an effort to keep on-line whilst you’re in Rome (useful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and many others).

You should purchase 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 may obtain them to your telephone so there’s no want to vary SIM playing cards over. You’ll be able to 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 right away 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 not stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. If you happen to encounter a problem – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight, stolen telephone, or a medical emergency – you need that lined.

I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage. They’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and provide a extremely complete cowl for all journey varieties.

Extra security suggestions for feminine travellers

• Keep away from sharing your stay location on social media: submit 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 pal 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 through WhatsApp in case you’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 opinions, so you can also make positive the tour you’re reserving has an excellent status.
• Keep away from strolling alone late at evening – 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 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 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 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.
• Preserve 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 data so you can also make the correct choices and keep protected.

Keep in mind, despite the fact that issues like pickpocketing could 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 correct precautions, and use your widespread 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!