OT: Alone in Rome - YouLookFab Forum

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OT: Alone in Rome

Sarah

(website)

Yay or nay: Would you feel safe exploring Rome on your own?

I am heading to Rome this weekend for 3 full days. I never thought I'd be lucky enough to get to go to Italy ever, so I want to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible. Unfortunately my husband will be on business so I will be on my own for the vast majority of my time there. We will even be flying separately.

The hotel is pretty far from the city center too, so I will have to take a bus every day if I want to see anything. My question is, how safe is it for a young blonde American woman to be taking public transportation and walking around on her own in Rome? Any tips on avoiding attracting too much attention to myself? Or looking less like a tourist (a.k.a. target)? I'm hearing lots of horror stories, but I'm wondering if they're exaggerating. It does make me nervous though. Am I being paranoid? Help!

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Barbara

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You should definitely do it. Perhaps you can join a tour group? Just be cautious as one would be traveling anywhere.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Yay from me. I've done a fair bit of travelling alone in Asia and South America and never had a problem. My flatmate is in Rome alone at the moment, and having a ball (as well as lots of delicious gelato!!)

Debbie

Veteran

I have been to Rome a couple of times while my daughter was in school there. Just take the normal precautions and you should be fine. I walked all over the city by myself and never felt uneasy. Have a great time and see as much as you can!

crwilson

Veteran

I think that if you exercise the same principles that you would in any large urban space, you'll be fine. I was in Rome a few years ago and would welcome the opportunity to go back and explore more (especially by myself!).

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I was also going to suggest a tour group. Personally, I get lost so easily that I would want some sort of guide just so that I didn't spend all of my time getting lost!

Debora

Veteran

Syrah, My daughter and I spent time in Rome on our own quite a few years back, and I think it is generally safe. Angie's suggestion of going with a tour group is a good one. There are probably organized day trips that go into the city and will also give you free time on your own. We did something similar to this on our visit.

Your biggest concern will probably be pickpockets. I would suggest keeping your passport, ids, credits cards and most of your cash in a money belt under your clothes, keeping only a small amount of cash readily available. Carry a purse with a zipper (not a backpack) and keep the zipper in sight. Be especially wary in crowded areas and on the bus, and be careful of distractions. Never hang your purse on the back of door in a restroom stall or on the back of your chair in a restaurant. Carry your purse on the side of your body away from traffic and thieves on mopeds.

A silk or fabric money belt such as this will fit flat to your body and be unobtrusive:
http://www.amazon.com/Rick-Ste.....B0009U7RCK

That said, we lived in Europe for four years and visited all the major cities without ever having a bad experience. I hope you get to see as much of this beautiful city as possible and be sure to report back to us.

Anonymous

I don't know how the stylish women of Rome do it, but they walk those cobblestones in gorgeous heels. If you are wearing athletic shoes you will be targeted as a tourist even from a distance.
There is so much to see and do in Rome, but if you get weary of the crowds, take a day trip to a Tuscan hill town for a change of pace. You'll have a wonderful time!

Debora

Veteran

Great suggestion, Joy! That's what we did, only the reverse. We were staying in Tuscany and took a day trip into Rome.

Jenna S.

I second what Debora had to say about pickpockets and using a money belt. I've never been to Rome, but I've spent time in a number of major European cities and gone off by myself. Sometimes it's just refreshing to do your own thing. I do hope to get to Rome someday, so I'd like to hear about it when you get back!

One tip I learned is not looking at a map when you're alone; take pictures of your map, then scroll around on your camera screen if you need to find where you're going. Never take your whole wallet out in public, don't carry all of your money with you, and leave at least one form of official ID in your hotel (stashed out of sight) or with your husband.

Anonymous

Ditto everything Debora said except keep in mind that the pickpockets are sometimes cute little children that may cluster around you trying to distract you while the others take your belongings. Generally speaking YOU are safe traveling in Italy but your things are not.

Kristine

Veteran

My brother is living in Rome on business, he says it's safe overall but it really helps to know some Italian! I'd be more concerned about convenience than safety, maybe pick up a few phrases before the weekend (assuming you don't speak Italian now). I'm sure you'll be fine if you're cautious. Definitely go!!

Refugee

Veteran

I would say yay, I would absolutely feel comfortable exploring Rome alone. I have a bit of a different background that I would share. I have never been to Italy but would love to go. I work as a corporate travel agent and would encourage you to access your hotel staff as the most helpful experts there are. If your husband travels a lot (you are joining him on a business trip, yes) and he has acheived 'status' with the particular hotel chain at which you are staying they will bend over backwards to accommodate you. If your hotel has a concierge desk, call them before you go and speak with them. Even if he doesn't call (or email if you have that info) them anyway. While you are there, ask not just the concierge but the front desk staff about different things. The best time to approach them is in that window between check out (morning) and check-in (usually mid afternoon). They will be most friendly and able to visit with you if there are not lines of people at the desk. Hope this is helpful.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I was not in Rome but I was in Italy on a business trip - by myself for 3 weeks. I stayed in Padova and traveled to other cities on weekends. I felt completely safe there - even walking back to my hotel in Padova after dark. If you are careful and follow safety rules you should be fine. Go and explore - it is so much fun!

rosee

Veteran

I didn't vote yay or nay for this reason: similar to the advice above, I'd say join a tour group for sightseeing tours. First, you'll get more out of it than going solo (Rome is very rich culturally, and it's hard to absorb it all on your own). Second, you'll be more secure with a group. I'd also recommend going shopping on your own or with hubby (if he has some free time), but study the area maps and info before leaving for your destination.
Rome is somewhat easy to navigate (with a good map, but check it when you are not moving but stationary somewhere), but there are challenges too. Pick pockets are everywhere (especially Gypsy children at tourist sights -- they are very unassuming b/c they are often too cute to suspect), and a common problem in Rome is guys driving by on mopeds who cut the straps to your bag while they grab it. If you carry a backpack, carry it on the front of your body ("tourist" but less of a target), or carry a crossbody bag and hold onto the bag part itself. The hidden pockets (under clothes) mentioned above are a good idea too.
Rome is a great place to see, but speaking some Italian will definitely help. Many don't speak English. Romans are kind to people trying to speak their language, so learn a few phrases from a online or other language program.
Do keep us updated and enjoy your trip!!! Safe travels!

rosee

Veteran

..about wearing comfortable shoes and looking like a tourist. Chances are other things will give away that you are not Roman, so don't worry about that so much. Comfortable shoes are important if you are going to last on your feet all day. Definitely have nicer shoes for evenings out (when walking won't be so intense).
I speak some Italian, can physically pass for an Italian, but it was obvious I wasn't from Rome. I managed fine without problems, and we (3 of us travelling) did almost have a few close calls, including thefts.

Debora

Veteran

Here's an interesting video on pickpockets if you are interested in learning more....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

Barbara

Veteran

Absolutely Syrah! Just make sure your situational awareness is high. Don't be distracted by obvious disruptive situations - that's how pickpockets work. One creates drama while the other grabs your purse. When traveling in Europe, I always carry my passport and money, which hubby and I divide equally, in a cross-body bag - and I keep my hand on it at all times. Angie's suggestion about joining a tour group is great advice.

This advice isn't meant to frighten you - just be aware. I lived in Europe for 12 years and traveled extensively and NEVER had any problems.

Be sure to pack stylish and COMFORTABLE shoes for navigating those cobblestones.