Getting around Rome safely

Posted by camptittle on 09/11/25 10:53 PM

I'm new at this and hoping an experienced traveler can set my mind at ease.

I'm taking my niece on the RS 14 Day Best of Europe tour starting in less than 2 weeks! I've got a hotel booked for the day we arrive in Rome as it's before our tour starts, and have tickets to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel starting at 5 pm (the next days did not have available tickets for a time that worked around the planned RS tour.). If all goes as planned, we have over 4 hours between our plane landing and the Vatican Museum visit.

Since we'll be out and about in the evening hours, what form of transportation do you all feel is the safest for two women on their own? Our hotel is about a 10 minute walk from Vatican City and walking would be ideal.

Thanks for any insight and advice.

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

09/11/25 11:12 PM

8482 posts

Rome is actually quite safe
That 10 min walk will be safe
There will be lots of people out and about

As always-stay alert and aware of your surroundings, keep your hand on your crossbody bag, don’t stand around with your phone out, use a money belt for passport and extra cash/credit cards

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

09/11/25 11:15 PM

16044 posts

I think you can walk that with no problem at all. The most annoying issues in Rome are pickpockets and those will be in big crowded places. Mind yourselves as you go across any big crowded plazas but otherwise make yourself pickpocket proof (passports, credit cards, any stash of money you might have in your money belts UNDER your clothing and not to be accessed in public) and you'll be fine.

Have a wonderful time! This will be a fun bonding experience for auntie and niece!

Posted by mml

09/11/25 11:18 PM

653 posts

Based on our experience in September, 2023, you should be fine walking. There will likely be a lot of people, tourists and locals including children, out for a stroll. We felt perfectly safe walking everywhere in Rome. Have a great trip!

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

09/11/25 11:44 PM

23893 posts

And while we post a lot about pickpockets, they really are not that frequent. In 40+ years of European travel and nearly a month in Rome, we have never seen a pickpocket. But that does not mean that you should not take some reasonable precautions to make yourself less of a target. We used money belts, and keep a min in a day bag. Pay attention to who is around you BUT don't be paranoid. Rome is very safe. We walk everywhere in Rome and you will find plenty of company on streets until about ten or so. In fact, some restaurants will not open till 9pm. The taxis are fine. Carry a card from you hotel that you can hand to the driver. You cannot hail a cab on the street (common in the US) and must use a taxi stand/stop. Count your money when you hand it to the driver or use a credit card. If your hotel calls a cab it will arrive with some money on the meter since the fare starts when the driver receives the call. Not a scam.

You will be fine.

Posted by margie

Bend, OR

09/12/25 12:30 AM

1602 posts

As others are saying “walk.” There’s lots of people walking around Rome at night. It’s actually a very neat experience. When you start the tour you will walk, too.

Posted by camptittle OP

09/12/25 06:37 PM

2 posts

Thank you all who replied, I'm so glad I asked!

As I am sure most of us do, I've been walking extra steps daily making sure I've got the right shoes for our trip.

Grazie!