Rome is a captivating destination that fascinates millions of visitors per year. It’s a city that boasts some of the best architecture, cuisine, and historical sites in the world. But with all of the wonderful things that the city is known for, is Rome a safe city for a family vacation?
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IS ROME A SAFE CITY FOR A FAMILY TRIP?
Yes, Rome is considered a safe city for tourists to visit. It boasts a low crime rate, with petty crimes like pickpocketing being the main concern for tourists, especially in crowded or popular areas. The popular tourist areas are well monitored but normal situational awareness would still be applied like monitoring your belongings. Public transportation is also safe for tourists to use.
TOURIST AREAS AND LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS
For most people, a visit to Rome will primarily include sites to visit are in the historic center of the city. These popular locations such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon are well-monitored and safe to visit. These are also some of the best areas to find great accommodations for your family.
The primary concern will be pickpocketing and theft of belongings. It’s wise to take proper precautions in these areas.
With a family with kids, it’s hard to keep track of everything and everyone. Unfortunately, we learned that the hard way and had a cell phone stolen. The lesson learned was to always store things in a secured pocket, especially in crowded corridors.
Using secured pockets for your valuables such as pockets that snap shut or zip up is a great way to prevent pickpocketing. Crossbody bags such as this one, are great to use as well.
This backpack has several interior compartments that are great for holding items, keeping them organized and secure at the same time.
Of course, keep an eye on your valuables and don’t sit them down where they can easily be snatched.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The main mode of transportation in Rome is the bus system. There is a metro system as well, but it only includes three lines and is the smallest in Europe.
Both the bus and metro systems are safe to use and family-friendly. The buses can get crowded at times so it’s another time that you want to pay special attention to your belongings.
The bus schedule can be a bit unpredictable, especially late at night so using a taxi may be the better option. Make sure that you’re taking an official taxi.
Our family had a bit of an issue trying to catch a bus back to our apartment late at night, but we felt completely safe searching for the correct location and bus to take and then taking the bus.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
In the event of an emergency, Rome has a reliable emergency services system which includes medical facilities and law enforcement. Here are the numbers that you’ll want to be familiar with:
General emergency: 112
State police: 113 for accidents and thefts
Fire department: 115
Emergency medical: 118
Roadside assistance: 803.116
Travel info: 1518
Sea rescue: 1530
Urgent, but non-emergency medical advice: +39-06 7730 6650; +39-06 7730 6112; +39-06 77306113
It can also be helpful to be familiar with the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
The United States Embassy is here:
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 46741
COMMON SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Rome is a vibrant city, but like any major tourist destination, it has its share of scams to watch out for. Staying informed can help you avoid these common pitfalls.
- Bracelet Scam: Street vendors may offer you a “free” bracelet, only to demand payment after you accept. Politely decline and walk away.
- Fake Petition Scam: Individuals may ask you to sign a petition, often claiming it’s for a charity, and then solicit donations. Avoid engaging with them.
- Overcharging Taxis: Some unlicensed taxis overcharge tourists. Always use official taxis with a meter running or agree on a fare in advance.
- Stay Vigilant: Avoid engaging with strangers offering unsolicited items or services, and keep your belongings secure, especially near tourist hotspots.
ENJOY A SAFE STAY IN ROME
Rome is a wonderful place to spend a family vacation. It makes it even easier to visit knowing that it is a safe city for families. Taking basic precautions will help ensure that you have an awesome time in the Eternal City. Now is a great time to start preparing for a trip to Rome. One of the most important aspects of a trip is the flight. Make preparation a bit easier by checking the best tips for booking flights to Rome for your family, our guide for what to pack on your trip to Rome and find out how many days you need to spend to fully enjoy the city.
