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Is this a safe area in Rome?

We just moved into a b & b I guess you’d call it at this address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 55, Central Station. Place is called Casa de Mei. It looks iffy around here. Anyone know the area? It’s not too far from the train station.

Posted by
5540 posts

What's iffy about it? It looks like any other Roman neighbourhood.

Posted by
111 posts

Sorry I offended you. After being in Tuscany for 3 weeks, the area around here is full of graffiti and litter. If all of Rome is like that, fine. I’ve never been here before. I didn’t know.

Posted by
4259 posts

Personally, I try to avoid staying near train stations in any city. So I understand what you mean by iffy.

Posted by
5540 posts

It's alright Pam, you didn't offend me, I'm made of sterner stuff and besides, I'm not Italian so I can't even take it personally. What I meant is that it looks fine and I wondered what you found iffy.

Posted by
23626 posts

We always stayed in the Termini area and find it fine. We are two or three blocks west of your location. It is our preferred choice when in Rome for convenience to transit.

Posted by
20 posts

We just got back from a trip in first of the year. We stayed about 2 blocks from Termini station and found it very convenient and safe. Good options for Bus of train. And I would agree with the previous comments, this is what Rome looks like, just go with it. It's an amazing city!!

Posted by
4183 posts

If you want to see some really cool graffiti, take a Scooteroma tour. Scroll down this page for the Street Art Vespa Tour.

Posted by
3961 posts

We have stayed twice a couple blocks from the Termini. We felt perfectly safe. Found it to be convenient to transportation and walk to sights. Rome is one of our favorite cities in Italy.

Posted by
6528 posts

I'll join the crowd: we always stay a few blocks from Termini, and have always felt safe, even at night. Even if I'm alone at night I feel safe there. Kick back and relax; enjoy the ambiance. It'll be fine.

Posted by
111 posts

Thanks for the replies. I am from a very small town. I thought I was prepared for Rome but I guess not. It will be fine.

Posted by
6528 posts

Pam, I'm also from a small-ish town, and the first time I went to Rome I didn't like it. Too loud, too big, too noisy, too chaotic. Well. We kept returning every few years, and about a month ago were there for the fourth time. And I am now a confirmed Rome lover. It came on gradually though; some cities, like Paris and Florence, I loved instantly. Others, like Amsterdam and Rome, not so much. But there's a beauty and spirit in Rome that is addictive. Let it sink in; it may grab you, too.

Posted by
111 posts

Thanks. I also loved Florence right away. Lucca was one of my favorites too. Rome might take awhile. I’ll try.

Posted by
16538 posts

Hey there, Pam, and hi from your home state -
Yep, Rome might not be what you expected at first but giving it time to grow on you will very likely help. It's a busy, very diverse, very old city, and the amount of graffiti throws a lot of folks who aren't used to it, especially if you're from a small Minnesota town. We love it but have had much more time to explore its many interesting corners than you have had so far so, well, give it time. :O)

I saw lots of positive reviews for Casa de Mei (wow, big rooms!) so hope you're sleeping comfortably!

Posted by
62 posts

The neighborhood is good and it is quite near several interesting spots. There, as anywhere in the world, one just has to use some common sense - don't go out late at night; don't flash around a lot of money; keep your wallet in a front pocket or a money belt; don't talk to strangers (I am not joking - they abound everywhere trying to beg some cash from you); and hold onto your belongings (cameras and cell phones). By using your head, you will be safe and will enjoy yourself.

Posted by
5431 posts

Hey, Pam. Don't feel bad if you haven't fallen in love with Rome at first sight. I positively loathed it my first time there. DH had to bribe me (shopping!!!) to get me to go a second time - and I liked it a lot. By the end of my 3rd, I was in love. We've stayed near Termini twice. It was fine.

Posted by
111 posts

Yes casa de mei is a nice b & b. Very secure. Big bedroom. Breakfast included although I’ve left too early to try it. I’m getting used to the neighborhood. Did a lot of walking this afternoon. I’m leaving Friday so won’t have time to get everywhere. Just the tourist highlights, maybe another time with a RS tour. Thanks.

Posted by
11569 posts

You will find more graffiti in several other European cities, Athens in particular. I don’t like graffiti at all but have learned to look beyond it to see the treasures in those cities.

Posted by
6528 posts

Pam in MN, how is the trip going? You have whetted our curiosity; we'd like to know how you're getting along.

Posted by
111 posts

Sorry I didn't reply to everyone's helpful answers. I've been home for 2 days now. After reading all of your responses, I started walking Rome, even though it was hot and humid. This was in the first week of June and I can't imagine what it's like in July or August. I always felt safe wherever I walked. Whenever my water bottle was running out, a fountain (or a spigot in the wall) appeared like magic. It is an amazing city. I threw a coin in Trevi fountain, sketched a little in Borghese gardens, walked down Spanish Steps, toured the Coliseum and the Vatican, put my hand in the Mouth of Turin, and walked for miles. I also found a distance relative (possibly) of my husband's family in the Protestant cemetery. There was much more to see in Rome but I ran out of time. I hope to be back someday. Thanks for all of your help.

Posted by
16538 posts

Thanks for getting back to us, Pam! Really good to hear that you got on just fine with Rome and felt safe enough to venture near and far. :O)