I am a solo female traveller in Rome.
I want to know how safe Rome is for females. The safety aspects I'm concerned about are those such as violence, robbery, sexual assault, verbal harassment, etc.
What about transportation? Are buses generally safe? What about at night? How about trams, trains, metro, etc?
Are there any special precautions I need to take? What are the biggest dangers? What are the best tips for a solo female traveler to have safe rides in Rome?
If you look at crime rates by city, you'll see that Rome is similar to Lahore.
Rank City Crime Safety
index index
1 Caracas, Venezuela 85.90 14.10
...
80 Rome, Italy 53.83 46.17
81 Lahore, Pakistan 53.35 46.65
...
275 Munich, Germany 15.05 84.95
276 Eskisehir, Turkey 14.10 85.90
277 Mangalore, India 13.67 86.33
I don't know how reliable these figures are, and they are for all crimes, not just the types that may concern you.
Anecdotal advice
Here, Telegraph Travel writer Rhiannon Edwards offers her advice for solo women exploring cities, following a recent encounter with a stranger in Rome:
I visited Rome recently, by myself. ...
My experience in Rome, although at times odd and unexpected, was pleasant rather than threatening. But how, as a young woman in a city alone, can you ensure it is always this way? And how do you deal with situations that turn sour, or worse?
(disclaimer, I'm a man)
Like in most city, use common sense; know your way around, be conscious of your surroundings.
I found Rome to be safe day and night (evening) in most tourist areas.
When alone, especially at night, do not "look like" a tourist; keep all valuables in you handbag, and your handbag in front of you.
Better yet, keep all your valuables at home or at your hotel; bring only what is necessary with you ( for example, some cash, 1 credit/debit card, insurances card, photocopies of your passport); use a body pouch, and access it when alone (in a bathroom).
You risk being pickpocked a lot more than being harrassed, or be violented (in all fashion).
Keep clear of pan-handlers (all ages ans sexes), trick-card people, people selling you tickets off the streets; say "NO" and say it loud and move away; if someone ask for your help, again, be careful, and say "NO"; and move away (first person ask for help, and second person steal your stuff.
If wanting to buy tickets or tours, do it from licenses tour operators, either locally or from the Internet.
Traffic can be dangerous, cross with other people, and do not be timid, if you cross the street, go for it, cars will stop; if you try bactracking, then cars do not know what is your intention and the risk will be increased.
Public transport: I rarely used buses or metro in Rome, I can't be specific, but in all public transport, there is an unfortunate risk of groping and pickpocketing. The level of "threat" can also depend on your experienced with public transport (and what is acceptable to you).
