Is Rome Protected for Solo Feminine Travellers?

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

“Are you travelling alone?” Asks a girl 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 folks everywhere in 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 might nonetheless be a giant 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 similar to each metropolis, there are issues to pay attention to – 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 practically a decade! I’ve coated security suggestions, points to pay attention to, recommendation for getting round, and extra. I hope it helps!

When you 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 brief reply is YES! Total, Rome could be very secure for solo feminine travellers. The truth is, the town ranked twenty ninth on the Economist’s Protected Cities Index. Italy usually could be very secure and is among the prime 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 typically low in Italy. Nonetheless, some petty crimes are widespread in metropolis centres and infrequently goal vacationers. I’ve listed these under.

Choose-pocketing and bag-snatching: Sadly, that is fairly a excessive danger in Rome – particularly on public transport, across the Termini prepare station, and on the main vacationer sights. Handle 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: In case you’re driving, don’t depart 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 studies 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 depart any drinks unattended.

Unlicensed taxis: Often known as “pirate taxis”, these are unlawful in Rome. They are going to usually overcharge unwitting vacationers and you could possibly be placing your self in peril. All the time 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 danger in Italy. Nonetheless, 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 risk of terrorist assault globally”.

Political demonstrations are unusual however can occur unpredictably. Control 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 secure strolling round by myself. The town doesn’t have a popularity for being harmful for girls, and I didn’t expertise any cat-calling or aggressive behaviour from males.

That stated, these points are sadly widespread the world over, and similar 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 evening.
  • The Centro Historico and fundamental touristy areas have a tendency to remain pretty crowded at evening so typically really feel safer. Nonetheless, late at evening, it’s nonetheless finest to take a taxi relatively than public transport or strolling.
• Don’t flag down a taxi on the street as there’s no option 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 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 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 potential and keep watch over the NHS Match For Journey web page for updates.

Solar: The largest well being danger in Italy might be the solar. Rome will be extremely popular throughout summer season: count on 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 plenty of water.

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

Prime Tip: In case you’re nonetheless involved about ingesting 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 assessment 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 reasonably respectable public transport system in place. There are three metro traces within the metropolis: traces A (the crimson line) and B (the blue line) cowl the town centre and a number of 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 will be switched to English (and different languages) and stops are introduced in each Italian and English.

Prime Tip: In case you’re brief on time, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour from Metropolis Sightseeing is a good way to cowl a whole lot 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 typically thought-about secure. Metro stations are well-lit and clear, and there are often workers round.

Nonetheless, as talked about above, pickpockets and petty crimes are widespread in Rome – so it’s essential to remain vigilant and hold 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 dearer choice, as solely the premium Uber Black is accessible. Fortunately, you can too use the Uber app to hail native cabs – which is helpful because it means you possibly can 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 comparable security options. I like to recommend downloading it and establishing an account earlier than your journey.

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

Security Suggestions for Solo Feminine Travellers in Rome

Regardless of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, follow 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 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 providers and share your location.

Get a Native SIM or eSIM

Some cell networks enable without spending a dime 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 (helpful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and so forth).

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

Personally, I choose eSIMs: you possibly can obtain them to your telephone so there’s no want to alter 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 may 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 not stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. In case you encounter a difficulty – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight, stolen telephone, 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 provide a extremely complete cowl for all journey varieties.

Extra security suggestions for feminine travellers

• Keep away from sharing your reside 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 courting 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 buddy 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 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 search out excursions – they’ve an ideal vary and use verified critiques, so you may make certain the tour you’re reserving has a very good popularity.
• 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 hold your valuables in pockets or a backpack – go for a zipped cross-body bag or bumbag/fanny pack as a substitute.
  • 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.
• Maintain a “backup” credit score or debit card separate, ideally within the lodge 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 information so you may make the best selections and keep secure.

Keep in mind, despite the fact that issues like pickpocketing will be a difficulty, 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 widespread sense, you have to be completely secure travelling solo in Rome. I hope you’ve gotten an ideal journey!

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