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Termini station

Hello,

Is the Termini station safe to stay in the neighborhood of the Beehive? I know the hostel is a really good place to stay and recommended on this forum. I'm a woman in my early 30's going to Europe for the first time from California, I'm traveling alone. Everything I read online is so mixed, some seems to be that people are uncomfortable with a city environment but also I've had some people tell me not to be on the street at night there.

Thank you!

Posted by
7731 posts

The area has seemed safe to me since my first stay in 2002, but I am from a big city known internationally for gangsters, shootings yet is still a top destination.

If you don't walk around by yourself when no one is on the street down alleys looking at a cell phone then I think you will be ok. Anywhere you go what you find around most major train or bus stations is harmless homeless people and pick pockets that is about it.

Posted by
3119 posts

Having traveled alone as a young woman in Rome and elsewhere in Italy, I can advise that you may or may not encounter the stereotypical male attitude depicted in Ruth Orkin's famous photo "An American Girl in Italy" https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/europe/tbt-ruth-orkin-american-girl-in-italy/index.html

Traveling anywhere alone, have some sort of touch-base system with a family member or buddy. Learn and practice enough Italian to feel confident in the basics, but don't hesitate to use English -- loudly -- if a problem arises. Use careful judgment if you drink alcohol or use any recreational substance. If your gut tells you that a certain location or situation isn't a good idea, trust that feeling.

Around Termini specifically, I haven't been there for some years so will defer to others, but basically the neighborhood surrounding any major city's train station will have lots of people, the vast majority of whom are regular law-abiding folks going about their business. Be prepared for crowds and keep your belongings under control -- avoid having your backpack unzipped, for example. If you need to ask directions, try to ask a woman or a family with kids.

Once I did have a "helpful" man try to tell me I had something on my shoulder, which turned out to be a smear of melted ice cream or similar substance. I sensed it was a scam so I walked away quickly. The scam would be to get the victim distracted trying to wipe off the mess, meanwhile an accomplice picks her pocket or runs off with her bag.

The great thing about staying in a hostel is that you're likely to meet others traveling alone, from various countries, who like you are interested in making friends and possibly spending a day sightseeing together. It can be a great adventure. Here's wishing you a wonderful trip!

Posted by
32171 posts

eliza,

The area around Termini station is "busy" but I've never had any concerns walking in that area, even alone at night (although being a larger male probably helps). I sometimes stay at a Hostel in that area, but more typically at one or two hotels a few blocks from Termini. I don't linger around the station if I'm using trains at night.

The Beehive has a great reputation and the staff there will be able to give you more information on safety concerns in that area. You may find this helpful - https://anamericaninrome.com/wp/2016/08/how-to-stay-safe-in-rome/ .

Posted by
1662 posts

Hi Eliza,

On my trips to Rome, I stayed in the Termini neighborhood (I will do so again.)

I was in a very nice, quiet hotel. I enjoyed the walks to the attractions and to other places I wandered. Rome is an outside walking museum. Around every corner seems to be a little surprise with architecture, scenery, people, cafe and pastry shops, and little markets.

(The Beehive Hostel gets a lot of good reviews. I never stayed there nor do I know anyone who has.)

Going and coming at different hours of the day from the area, sometimes walking through the Termini bus depot late if I rode a bus, gave me no problems. There are many travelers and locals out and about. Of course, a bit of common sense prevails -- do not venture out very late -- say after 11:00 PM or so. Still, I think you would be okay since a lot of restaurants will be closing up and patrons will be going back to hotels or homes.

Stay on the main drag avoiding alleys or very dark streets.

Although, my first trip to Rome, one night, at the beginning of my trip, I got turned around, ended up in a neighborhood. I happened upon this military vehicle sort of hidden at the end of another street (like a dead end if you will.) I approached them carefully with a smile making eye contact and greeted them in Italian. I asked them for directions back to my hotel. I showed them my hotel card. They got me on my way.

As I walking, I heard the vehicle behind me. They slowed down for a second or two, nodded, and went on their way. My point? You will always find someone to help you. That has been my experience for a thing or two.

I don't make it obvious, but I "scan" the Termini walking area when I get off the bus (or train.) There were a few homeless people sitting on the roof of the entrance to one of the trains. They were drinking. Police were right there though. Still, I avoided walking past them.

There are plenty of police and military surrounding the Termini area. And on the main drags, police cars are always going back and forth. That does not mean trouble or cause to be worried.

Practice a big city awareness -- something I would also advise if you were to visit Boston.

I also carry a purse-size LED flashlight I got at Walmart for a $1. I figured what the heck. It turned out to be a good investment, lol. It is very light-weight and packed a "big" light. It came in handy on those dark December nights. Sometimes cobblestone can be protruding or curbs can be jagged and broken or sidewalks can "just end."

Perhaps use a cross body purse for your daily valuables; a money belt for extra money, cards, Passport if you will be out and about for most of the day.

If your choice is to use a backpack, just secure your money, etc. deep down into the pack and zip it or buckle it.

If you will be riding the bus or train, have your ticket(s) at the ready so you don't have to fiddle with your bag on the bus or the metro station.

With regard to bus tickets, make sure you validate your ticket as soon as you step on the bus. Transit Inspectors are increasing their presence on major bus routes.

If your ticket is not validated or you don't have one, you could be fined. (A broken machine is the exception = "non valido") BITs are only 1,50€ each. Maybe buy a couple to have on hand. Bus tickets can be used up to 100 minutes. Metro is one-time use.

Rome is fun, beautiful, exciting, awesome and awe-inspiring. I hope you 'love' it.

Posted by
1662 posts

A heads up:

Aside from Termini traveling, I thought I would touch on the use of backpacks and day purses/bags, etc.

If you plan to visit The Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, The Colosseum, and other major attractions, keep in mind there is a security bag check. Large backpacks, bags, big umbrellas will have to be checked. To avoid this, carry a day purse or backpack of about? 15" < should be good in most places. (If that is deemed to be bulky though, guards will have you check it.)

You can bring a water bottle into The Vatican and St. Peter's, but it must be in your bag. At least those were my experiences at the guard check. No food of course.

The Sistine Chapel does not allow pictures or talking.

Also, if you visit The Chapel of The Blessed Sacrament inside St. Peter's, no photos or any recording device is allowed. There is a random guard check (meaning Basilica guards will come into the Chapel to check and catch people. I saw it happen to a couple.)

I am not sure about The Borghese Gallery. Their policy was that no bags were allowed -- had to be checked. But, on this forum, I believe there were a couple of posters who stated "small" bags were allowed -- I am presuming about 8" or so? Big enough for your phone, little camera, money, Passport.

Posted by
521 posts

I’ve been traveling to Rome solo for the past 20 years and always stay at the same hotel around the corner from Termini. I’ve always felt perfectly safe, although I’m sure to be very aware of my surroundings and personal property- the same caution I would use in any big city! Have fun!! I love Rome! 😄

Posted by
792 posts

Yes it is safe. I normally stay in that area and travel alone to Rome a lot. I like being close to the train station for heading to the airport or taking day trips. I know most bus routes will stop there. It is a convenient walk to many of the sights.

There are often people begging or sleeping outside of the train station which may make people feel uncomfortable but it has never felt dangerous to me. It is quiet and far less people at night compared to other parts of the city so it can get that deserted feel. But I have never felt unsafe walking to my hotel at night. There are plenty of hotels in that area. Now, I wouldn’t go exploring at night alone but I wouldn’t do that anywhere.

Posted by
196 posts

On my last trip tp Rome I stayed at the Aphrodite Hotel, which is directly across from the Termini. It was super convenient, and I had no problems. I have already made a reservation to stay again in May. Always use common sense in large cities, but the convenience outweighs any safety concerns for me.

Posted by
10 posts

Hi Izzy. What days will you be in Rome? I'll be traveling solo as well next month, from Florida.