Advise on safe but active area to stay.

If you're talking about Rome, the entire city is safe, even at night. You won't have a problem walking around the city, riding the metro or buses. Violent crime is pretty much unheard of. You should be aware of pick pockets but if you wear a money belt and take normal precautions you'll be fine. You can use venere.com for hotels. The most central areas are the Piazza Navona and the pantheon areas. You can also check the termini, colosseum and vatican areas. Donna

Bobbie,
I support Donna's observation: Rome is safe. I have never felt even remotely threatened or afraid. Just wear your money belt and keep minimal valuables in pockets lest the pickpockets strike. Be particularly aware when on a crowded bus or metro, but again, that is only against theft. Violent crime is very low. I feel safer walking in Rome than in most US cities. That said, the area from Campo Dei Fiori to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is super convenient for restaurants. Consider also that if you are centrally located it is easier to return to your room during the day for a rest. Apartments are also a great option. Check out VRBO.COM. We scored a great apartment near Largo di Torre Argentina last December. It was only a 3 minute walk from CDF. Laurel

It would be useful to know exact which city you are asking about. The assumption is Rome but we all could be wrong. We always stay in the Termini area - nice restaurants, lots of street activity at night. When or from whom have you heard that transit is not safe.

Bobbie, Could you confirm that you're referring to Rome? If so, I agree with the others that most areas are perfectly safe, even at night. You'll find that evenings are a very "busy" time in Rome, with all the Cafes packed and lots of people on the street. I usually stay in the Termini area, as it's so convenient for transportation, and there are some nice Hotels in that area. You might have a look at Hotel Aberdeen or Hotel Sonya. Unfortunately, I'm not sure you'll be able to find a twin-bedded Double for €120 at that time of year (peak season!). You may have to increase your budget a bit. You might also consider staying at a Hostel. Have a look at The Beehive (owned by a couple from the U.S.). It's VERY popular so if you decide to stay there, I'd suggest booking SOON! I can suggest another if you're interested. Happy travels!

Ditto that I've never felt unsafe in Rome. One more little piece of advice when choosing a hotel (and I recommend Campo dei Fiori, Pantheon or Piazza Navona areas): try to find one with a rooftop terrace. Sometimes after a big day of sightseeing it's good to get a perspective. I use booking.com and venere.com, always read the reviews.

Bobbie, Look at La Girandola 31 in Rome. It's a B&B within walking distance of main train station. Free wi-fi, non-smoking, a/c, private bath. Price is 90 euro with VAT and breakfast included. Rated by Booking.com at 8.7. We've not stayed here but reviews are good so we're trying for an overnight stay before flying out next day. We have stayed in this general area previously and loved being close to the Stazione Termini. You'll love Rome!

A pickpocket is an accepted profession in Europe. It seems as if Italy has more of them than most other places. You just have to be pro-active in your behavior. Don't take any crap off anyone, and if someone bumps into you or knocks you down, don't hesitate to start screaming. All they're after is your cash, and they'll leave your credit cards alone Otherwise, crime is relatively low. I try not to carry more $ on me than I'll need. Try to charge everything you can, like meals, etc.

If it is Rome you are talking aboutWe have never felt unsafe here. Have been here 3x 2x with my husband and two sons staying at Hotel Italia off of Via Nazionale and Hotel Smeraldo near Campo Di Fiori. Both places were fine but we preferred the location of Hotel Smeraldo. Last October I went with my sister to Rome to visit her daughter studying abroad for the semester and we rented a great apartment just steps from Piazza Navonna and again never felt unsafe. Some nights the 3 of us were out strolling at midnight and loved every minute!

You would think after 10 days that the OP would have returned to confirm whether or not it is Rome she is going to with her son. Sigh ......

And how many cities can one country have? :-)

Since Bobbie posted on the Italy Forum we can think that she was referring to a city in Italy. Buon viaggio,