Safety
Rome is generally a safe city — violent crime against tourists is rare. The main issue: pickpocketing and scams, especially in tourist areas.
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Metro Line A: Especially Termini, Spagna, and Ottaviano (Vatican). Organized gangs are active in crowded cars.
- Bus 64: The "Pickpocket Express" between Termini and the Vatican. Notorious.
- Colosseum & Forum: In the crowds at the entrances.
- Trevi Fountain: Narrow alleys, lots of crowds — a perfect hunting ground.
- Termini Station: Inside and outside — especially at night.
Typical Scams
- "Gifts": Someone ties a bracelet on you or hands you a rose — then aggressively demands money. Politely but firmly refuse.
- Fake Waiters: Near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, "waiters" lure tourists into overpriced restaurants with hidden charges (coperto 8€+).
- Gladiators at the Colosseum: The costumed "gladiators" charge 5–20€ for a photo — negotiate the price beforehand or decline.
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpocketing | High | Metro, buses, tourist attractions |
| Violent Crime | Low | Very rare against tourists |
| Fraud | Medium | Overpriced restaurants, "gifts" |
| Traffic | High | Aggressive drivers, scooter chaos, little pedestrian priority |
Achtung
Emergency number: 112 (Europe-wide). Police (Carabinieri): 112. Police (Polizia di Stato): 113. In case of theft: report (denuncia) at the nearest police station — necessary for insurance. There is a tourist police station near Termini Station.
