Updated September 17, 2023

Generally, Rome is safe for travel—as long as you're aware of a few safety considerations. Locals helped us put together this guide to Rome's safety. It covers everything from the coronavirus to what solo travelers should keep in mind. 

What is the status of COVID-19 in Rome? 

Many questions about traveling to Italy have to do with COVID right now. Perhaps you’re wondering when Italy will be safe to visit or if it’s difficult to visit Rome right now. 

Here’s the latest:

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers may visit Italy. Negative COVID test results are not required.

While you’re there, make sure you know the current COVID-19 rules and follow them.

Safety in Rome 

Overall, locals tell us that Rome is a safe place to visit. In fact, Rome is one of the safest Italian cities to visit—with a lower rate of theft complaints than Milan, Bologna, and Florence. 

But Rome is a big city. And it’s a well-known tourist destination, which means visitors should take certain precautions. Locals recommend: 

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Watch out for pickpockets—especially in crowded places like train stations or top tourist attractions, like the Colosseum. 
• Keep an eye on your belongings: Don’t leave your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Think about investing in a crossbody purse. 

Rome is one of the top places to visit in Italy. Locals say that as long as you exercise normal levels of caution you should be fine.

Common scams to know

When it comes to staying safe in Italy, locals suggest keeping these common scams in mind: 

• Taxis that skip the meter: In general, transportation in Italy is safe and easy to use. But locals tell us you should be wary of taking a taxi in Rome. Taxis should always use their meter. If your driver offers a flat rate or forgets to put the meter on, you’re being scammed. Hop on the metro instead! 
• Fake charity petitions: Beware of people who ask you to sign a charity petition. They may become aggressive and demand a donation—or take the opportunity to pick your pockets.
• “Free” charms: Similarly, you may be approached by someone who offers a free charm—like a bracelet or a sprig of rosemary. If you accept it, they’ll loudly demand payment. Be firm if someone approaches with a gift, and tell them you aren’t interested. 

Being aware of these common scams will make it much easier to see all the great sights in Rome—without having something like petty theft put a damper on your trip. 

Is Rome safe for solo female travelers? 

Italy is safe for solo travelers—and so is its capital city. That being said, here are some things that locals say solo travelers should keep in mind: 

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers: This applies everywhere. When enjoying your Aperol Spritz, make sure you see it made. 
• Fake it ‘til you make it: Rome is a sprawling, intense city—which means it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know your way around. If you do, don’t worry. Fake confidence until you can get your bearings. Looking lost can make you an easy target for scammers. 
• The Vatican has a dress code: Locals tell us that visitors to the Vatican should prepare to dress conservatively. This means keeping your knees and shoulders covered and taking off any hats. 
• Cafes and pizzerias are good for eating solo: It may feel intimidating to eat alone in Rome, but locals encourage it. The food here is incredible, after all! If you’re nervous about it, locals suggest grabbing a snack or meal at a cafe or pizzeria, where you won’t stand out as a solo diner. 

Important Italian phrases

No matter where you go in Italy, it’s good to learn un po' di Italian. Locals in Italy tell us these are some important phrases to know:

• Per favore—Please
• Grazie—Thank you
• Prego—You’re welcome
• Buongiorno—Good-morning
• Mi scusi—Excuse me
• Scusi, mi può dire come arrivare al...—Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to…

Rome is an excellent place to stay in Italy if you don’t speak any Italian—locals tell us that most people speak some English—but the extra effort is always appreciated. Just saying “hello” and “thank you” goes a long way. 

Emergency numbers to know

Although it’s unlikely you’ll need it, here are some important emergency numbers to know while in Rome: 

• For general emergencies—113 (Italy-specific) or 112 (European emergency number)
• To call an ambulance—118
• US Embassy in Rome—39 06 46741