Villa Borghese safety

Italy is very different from North America. There are more petty crimes such as stealing. We were out very late in many different areas of Rome and we never felt our safety was at risk.

I know that Europe is much safer then the US, and we're ready for pickpockets and scams (if possible), but even Rick Steves was mugged in an area of London that he admits he shouldn't have been in, and a women on the Graffiti Wall says she was mugged in an area of Barcelona where most guidebooks say to stay away from. Even large European cities have areas where their residents won't go at night.

The Villa Borghese will be perfectly safe until at least sunset. It's a favorite spot for families to relax and spend some time together as well as joggers, couples on strolls and tourists. I wouldn't walk through there a 2a but as long as you see others about you should be fine.

I'm with Sam on this. The Pincio Gardens overlooking Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese are very safe, beautiful, and family oriented. After sunset there's really not too many reasons to be there... and the lighting there is not as prevalent as it is in the streets of Rome because of that. At night it’s primarily a cut-thru for taxis and busses.

As far as safety, there is less- FAR LESS – violent crime in Italy as compared to the US. I lived in ATL and remember the first 15-20 minutes of the hour long news was who shot/stabbed/killed/raped who – almost every night. That DOES NOT happen here. Yes, there is petty theft, but more because people see “opportunity.”

Many of you carry cameras or purses that are worth more than these folks make in 4-6 months! And so when they see a tourist, they see opportunity … because as a young sales lady in Carpi debated me once with, “All you Americans are millionaires aren’t you?”

Continued on next post)

(continued from previous post)

The clothes, watches, cameras, etc we wear send out signals and some “in need of” Italians are certainly opportunists. I'm NOT defending their actions... just trying to explain.

Yet I read posts of money belts, pickpockets, etc. and I guess I get frustrated that there so much FEAR about coming here. Does theft happen? YES! But not to the level and degree of conversation I see on this and other Travel Boards.

When in a new place, be careful, be aware, be alert… and hold hands crossing the street… all things we learned in kindergarten!

I wish each of you the best as you travel to someplace new and unknown - and we all know that can be fearful. But remember, many of us travel to learn about other cultures and see history that helps us to understand ourselves better. So just be CAREFUL, not fearful... and enjoy the ride!

Ciao from Rome,
Ron

Ron I agree completely with you. I would act no differently in the Villa Borghese than I would in Central Park in New York. Namely, take basic precautions, don't flash expensive jewelry, don't go out alone after dark and stay in areas that are well lit.

I love Rome and never felt at all unsafe there (except when dodging Vespas but that happens all over Italy). Hopefully I can come back soon not during the summer so I can see Roma play il calcio at the Olympic Stadium.

AS usual, well said Ron. Be Careful not fearful....

Thanks for your replies, but I'm not fearful of traveling in Europe. I will wear my moneybelt, have the daypack over the shoulder & under the arm, and watch out for men with bracelets & traffic. After that I plan on soaking up as much history, art, architecture, scenic views, music, people, gelato, and hopefully, sunshine as possible. It's ironic, Ron, that when I read your answer, I was trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for this trip. I'm a middle-aged woman who has dreamed of going to Europe for ages. I'm also a low-income single mother with a son graduating from college and a daughter graduating from high school. cont.

I don't have any expensive jewelry, clothes, handbags, etc. This last year I received a small inheritance, and instead of replacing the 10 year old, 162,000 mile car, fixing up the house, or saving for retirement, we're taking this trip. While I believe in Rick Steves' travel philosophy of Americans learning of the culture of other countries, it saddens me to think that so many people in so many countries only know of us from Washington DC and Hollywood. Sorry to get off topic.

I am right there with you, Tania. I, too, received a small inheritance from my Italian grandmother's estate, and decided to take a trip I might not otherwise have taken. I guess hearing you share that validates the choice to travel! Have a great trip!

Tania - I think it's great that you're taking this opportunity to travel and see other cultures! It is disappointing that more folks do not see other peoples in their environment. Good for you to do it!

BTW - when I talk to most Europeans and ask if they have been to the States, guess the #1 place they visit... and are convinced all America is just like this place....

Orlando, Florida & Disney World... talk about a skewed viewpoint; but that's how many folks see us!

Ciao,
Ron