What area to stay in Rome?

All of Rome is safe. Violent crime is almost unheard of. You must be aware of pick pockets but those are crimes of opportunity and they are not violent. Most of the time you won't even know it's happened until you look for your missing items. Keep your valuables in a money belt or a secure purse and you won't need to worry. As for areas, the Navona area is the most central and also the most expensive. The other areas you mention are good areas to stay in as they are all close to sites, transportation and restaurants. There is no one area of Rome that will put you close to all the sites. I don't know if most apartments come with a safe. If it is not mentioned in the amenities of the apartment I would not count on it having one. Read carefully what the apartment includes and don't assume something not on the list will be there. If it doesn't list an oven or washer/dryer, don't assume it will have one, you must email or call the company to confirm. I would assume your valuables will be safe in the apartment as you will have the key. Donna

if somebody went to all the trouble to break in, do you think a safe would stop them?

The only time I consider something safe is when it is in my money belt on my body. There could be a dozen keys to that apartment. A hotel room might be a degree or two safer but nothing including hotel safes are totally safe.

Thanks all! I have heard that Rome is extremely safe - except for pick pockets - but I guess I am just paranoid and don't want to take any chances! The Novona area seems to have the most choices for apartments and a few of them list that they have a safe - so I guess that is what I will go with. I do have a money belt, but in the heat of summer I can't imagine carring money and passports for all of us around in it all day - I suppose everyone could carry there own, but it would be easier to leave those things somewhere secure ( of course as you mentioned - if they are going to break in, a safe won't stop them!) We won't take any extra valuables - just credit cards, money and passports - the essentials. Does anyone have an apartment in Rome that they would like to recommend? It is scary picking something off the internet.
Thanks :)

I have rented many times from VRBO.com and have never been disappointed. Re passports: make 2 copies, leave one home with a trusted friend/relative, and give the other to your traveling partner. Everyone in your party should do this. I usually stay near the Vatican, because I love going to St Peters, but otherwise, I'd recommend the Navona area. It's close to the beautiful square, also Campo di Fiori, and within walking distance to Trastavere. You can take public transportation to the other sites: Capitol Hill, Forum, Collisseum, etc. JMO HAVE FUN!!!

We enjoy staying in the Navona or Campo de Fiori as it's in the central historic zone with loads of ambiance and wonderful evenings and there aren't all the cars. I have stayed in Hotel Campo de Fiori which is a great little hotel but the rooms are small. They do however have three apartments I believe. I would imagine that you could use the hotel's safe if you are worried. Our biggest issue when we had an apartment in Rome was there was no air conditioning.

Have visited Rome 3x. The first two visits were with my husband and kids and we never felt unsafe. First time we stayed off of Via Nazionale which was fine and the next time we stayed near Campo di Fiori which we preferred. In Oct. 2011 I went with my sister to visit her daughter studying for the semester in Rome. We rented an apt. very close to Piazza Navona on Vicolo di Febo, just down from Cul-de-Sac restaurant, which was a fabulous location. The three of us were out and about going all over late at night and never ever felt threatened or afraid. As far as a safe in our apt., I believe there was one in the closet but we never used it. When we went to bed at night we put the key in the lock which would have prevented it from being opened from the outside. The first two visits to Rome were for 3 days each and I could take it or leave it but after this last trip (my sister had not been to Rome before) and spending 7 1/2 days here (+3 days in Florence) I enjoyed Rome more than ever! Buon Viaggio!

Thanks for all the advice - I have found three apartments right in that area (Novona) and am awaiting responses about their availability. Really getting excited about this trip!

Since you're going in summer, be absolutely sure to get air conditioning and find out if it's included in the overall charge or if it's extra. Also, some places provide AC but only during the heat of the day, not at night.

Thanks for the heads up on the airconditioning - all three apartments have stated they have it - but I will ask if it is included in the price and if it is only for night :) I would have never thought of that - Thanks!

Rome is a very nice city, you will feel safe no matter where you stay. My favorite neighborhood for Rome apartments to rent is Trastevere.

The area around Termini is safe, if a little gritty looking, due mostly to the amount of graffiti. Use Google Maps Streetview to take a look around any area that you're considering.

Just wanted to make sure: Is the Termini area safe as well? We will be staying at a hotel nearby there. One thing I like about it is when we are ready to leave for Pompeii, the station will be close and convenient.
Ruth

I usually stay in the Termini area and find good rates, great location to local transportations. I feel very safe and not afraid to walk
by myself - even in the early evenings.

Ruth, I usually stay in the Termini area and have always found it to be "safe". I sometimes don't get back to the Hotel until almost midnight, and don't have any reservations about walking around at that time of night.

We have spent a total of about three weeks in Rome over the past few years and always stay in the Termini area. Habit, I guess. Cannot be beat for convenience to transit and we have a couple of favorite restaurants in that area.