Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Advisory summary: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy.”
Updated Fri, 23 May 2025
Full advisory →Is Rome safe? 🇮🇹
Italy · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Rome scores 77/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Rome is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime but high pickpocket and scam risk in crowded tourist areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers Vatican City. Wildfires in Italy There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer in Italy as temperatures continue to soar.”
Updated 2026-07-14T09:26:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Italy: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-13T14:53:10.4800879-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
0.6 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Italy0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
95
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging/armed robbery against visitors is rare; most theft is non-violent pickpocketing or bag-snatching in crowds.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are rampant on Metro lines A/B, buses 64/40, at Colosseum, Vatican, Termini, and crowded piazzas; groups of children often used.
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03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Yes — Rome is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime but high pickpocket and scam risk in crowded tourist areas.
Rome's composite safety index of 80/100 reflects a city where homicide and violent assault are rare, but petty theft targeting visitors is pervasive. The historic center is heavily policed and safe day and night, while the main risks are non-violent: pickpocketing on Metro lines A/B and buses 64/40, bag-snatching by moped, and aggressive scams at major sights. Seasonal extreme heat (July highs near 39°C) and occasional large protests add situational hazards.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Thousands of Italian military and police personnel marched in Rome over pay and pensions, causing temporary transport disruptions— Euronews.com
- Jul 2026Melting ice statues protest staged in Rome highlighting extreme heatwave conditions— africanews.com
- Jul 202620,000 Lazio fans held a protest in Rome against club president Lotito, with potential for clashes— Wanted in Rome
- Jun 2026Anti- and pro-migration rallies swept Rome, leading to localized disruptions— DW.com
Common scams
- Gladiator photo scam at Colosseum (costumed performers demand €20–50 per photo, can become intimidating)
- Distraction pickpocketing on Metro/buses (groups of children with newspapers/cardboard)
- Fake petition/charity clipboard scams in tourist squares
- Taxi overcharging (unlicensed cabs, rigged meters, flat-rate demands)
- Restaurant overcharging near landmarks (hidden cover charges, inflated menus)
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Rome districts for visitors: 6 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Rome safety map.
Castro Pretorio (Termini area)cautionMajor transit hub; fine during daytime for connections but avoid lingering after dark — aggressive panhandlers, pickpockets, drug activity
EsquilinocautionAdjacent to Termini; similar issues with pickpockets and street vendors, daytime okay with vigilance
Centro StoricosaferHeavily touristed and well-policed; safe day and night, pickpockets operate in crowds at major sights
TrasteveresaferCharming, lively nightlife; safe but very crowded on weekends — watch for pickpockets in busy piazzas
PratisaferUpscale residential area near Vatican; safe, good restaurants, aggressive tour touts near St. Peter's but physically safe
MontisaferTrendy neighborhood near Colosseum; one of the safest and most authentic areas, popular with travelers
TestacciosaferTraditional working-class turned foodie district; safe, not overly touristy, excellent local nightlife
AventinosaferQuiet, upscale hilltop area; very safe, green, few tourists, excellent views
07 · After Dark
Is Rome safe at night?
76% of people in Italy say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging/armed robbery against visitors is rare; most theft is non-violent pickpocketing or bag-snatching in crowds.
After dark, be most careful around Castro Pretorio (Termini area), Esquilino. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Rome's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight78
Solo, nightlife-focusedCrime +32% weight79
Family with kidsCrime +15% weight · Health & Air +12% weight79
Travellers 65+Crime +9% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight79
09 · Questions
Rome safety FAQ
Is Rome safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Rome is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime but high pickpocket and scam risk in crowded tourist areas. Rome's composite safety index of 80/100 reflects a city where homicide and violent assault are rare, but petty theft targeting visitors is pervasive. The historic center is heavily policed and safe day and night, while the main risks are non-violent: pickpocketing on Metro lines A/B and buses 64/40, bag-snatching by moped, and aggressive scams at major sights. Seasonal extreme heat (July highs near 39°C) and occasional large protests add situational hazards. (Assessed 23 July 2026.)
Which areas of Rome should tourists avoid?
Termini station vicinity (especially after dark — aggressive panhandling, pickpockets, drug activity); Peripheral suburbs like Tor Bella Monaca and San Basilio (higher crime, not tourist areas). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Rome?
- Gladiator photo scam at Colosseum (costumed performers demand €20–50 per photo, can become intimidating)
- Distraction pickpocketing on Metro/buses (groups of children with newspapers/cardboard)
- Fake petition/charity clipboard scams in tourist squares
- Taxi overcharging (unlicensed cabs, rigged meters, flat-rate demands)
How does Rome compare with other places in Italy?
Rome scores 77/100 — see the Italy safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Rome safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 75% of the weight, field research 25%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Italy safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: rome.json (CC BY 4.0).