Walking at night in Rome

Hi Jenny, We've(my wife and myself) walked in Rome and Naples at night, lost, with our baggage. (ok so I'm always running late) Not once did I feel unsafe and we were on small residential streets as opposed to major corridors filled with people. Maybe its different with being a guy but I would not hesitate.

It is absolutely safe and a lot of fun. Just use the same common sense you would in the daytime regarding purse, valuables, money, etc. Lots of people will be out doing the same thing as you.

Thanks! what time are the shops usually closed in Rome? Some guidebooks say the shops near the Termini stations are closed at 10pm??

Rome is not Naples. I would not recommend walking alone at night with luggage in Naples. Rome on the other hand is perfectly safe.

Jenny
I have no idea about Naples, but you are absolutely safe in Rome even in midnight.

Me and my husband just came back a month ago...
we followed Rick Steves Italy 2009 like the holy book. It is great and we did the night walk to Camp de Fiori...

We started from the Trastevere area where we had a wonderful dinner and after that might be 9pmish we started walking...it was lovely...people on the streets, musicians and some places were little less crowded but it was really one of the best experience...very safe

Just know where you are going and you should be safe

You can find a sunrise/sunset calendar at http://www.sunrisesunset.com/

Last year my girl friend and I walked from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi, Piazza Rotunda, and the Piazza Navona. We started walking around 8:30 p.m. and just walked at a normal pace. Italians take a "passigiatta" (evening stroll) every night, so there will be many people on the streets. Once we finished at the Cafe Tre Scalini, we took a cab back to the hotel.

Buon viaggio,

RB

I would always be very cautious about pickpockets and pursesnacthers anywhere in Italy. You say you are girls then I would also be cautious about young men eyeing or complimenting you. Best stay at your hotel if you are concerned.

Jenny,

I've never had any reservations about walking at night in Rome (at least in the main tourist areas). There's usually lots of people around well into the evening. Of course, I'm a "larger" male so my perspective is a bit different than yours.

From what I recall, at least some of the shops will be open in the evenings, as some of them take a "siesta" in the late afternoon. The restaurants are certainly open in the evenings.

Regarding the "time it gets dark", on a previous trip to Rome I arrived on 27 Sept. and from what I can recall it started to get dark at about 21:00 or so?

Happy travels!

I traveled to Rome by myself last year and felt safe walking at night by myself. I was walking along main roads and used the normal safety precations and enjoyed the night walk and seeing all the other people out.

Generally, you will find large numbers of people following this route (Campo de Fiori to the Spanish Steps.). Stay where there are larger numbers of people (tourists). It's like following ants at a picnic. Everyone's going to the same place.

Walking in Rome in the evening is fantastic. We walked along the Tiber up to the Vatican at midnight. Incredible. The area you mention, the old section, is full of tourists and families. Very safe. I would think the only thing to worry about at night in Rome is the sometimes drunken American party goers.

I agree with most of the posts already received. However, I wanted to add I got lost Christmas eve 2008 after dark-which comes early in December. I think it was the jet lag as I don't usually get lost. I never felt unsafe and when I realized I'd made a wrong turn somewhere I went into a bar and ordered a coffee. After my coffee the very nice man walked me outside to the street and showed me exactly what direction to go in to get back to my hotel. I do recommend you learn a few Italian phrases and always remember please, thank you and to greet people when you enter their establishment. It always helps.

I agree with Laurie...Rome feels very safe. When you check into the hotel they have these little cards with their info and a map (usually)..it's a great cheat sheet if you get lost. Most everyone is very friendly and many speak English and are happy to point you in the right direction. We didn't feel unsafe at all in Rome...to compare I wouldn't walk alone after dark in Orlando...but wouldn't hesitate in Rome...the police don't mess around over there...if someone gets out of line it's addressed right there on the street many times!!! Go and have fun!!!

In August, it got dark around 8:30pm. We did that walk last week and there was a sea of people around. Just keep a hold of your bag and be aware of your surroundings so you don't get pickpocketed. It is perfectly safe.