Is Rome Safe for Tourists in 2026?
Rome has a high concentration of documented tourist scams. With 7 of 16 reported incidents rated high severity, this destination requires active vigilance. That said, millions of tourists visit safely each year — preparation is what separates those who get scammed from those who do not.
See all 16 documented scams in RomeOverall verdict
Exercise Caution
Significant scam risk documented
Scams documented
16
High severity
7
Medium severity
8
Top risk type
Street Scams
High-severity risks in Rome
These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.
Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64
highBuses 40 and 64, which run from Termini Station to the Vatican, are notorious for organized pickpocket gangs. The buses get very crowded and thieves work in teams — one distracts while another steals.
How to avoid: Take the Metro (Line A to Ottaviano) instead of buses 40/64 when going to the Vatican. Keep bags zipped and in front of you. Be especially alert when the bus is crowded or when someone creates a distraction.
Where: Bus routes 40 and 64 running from Roma Termini westward along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the Vatican. The buses are most crowded — and theft most common — at the Termini boarding stop and at the stops near Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Navona.
Taxi from Termini Without Meter
highTaxis outside Roma Termini use negotiated "flat rates" that can be €25–50 to destinations with an official metered fare of €8–12. Drivers target tourists with luggage unfamiliar with correct fares.
How to avoid: Use only official white Roma taxi cabs and insist the meter runs from the moment you get in. Book via the itTaxi app for a predictable price.
Where: Outside Roma Termini's main exits on Piazza dei Cinquecento, where unlicensed drivers solicit passengers on the pavement before they reach the official white taxi queue. Also active on the Via Giovanni Giolitti side exit.
Colosseum Fake Ticket and Guide Touts
highTouts near the Colosseum's entrance sell guided tours or "skip-the-line" entries at inflated prices. Some sell entirely fake tickets while others redirect tourists to separate, non-affiliated paid entry points.
How to avoid: Book Colosseum tickets only at coopculture.it or in person at the official Palatine Hill ticket office. Beware of any third-party approach near the entrance.
Where: Along the queue outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and on the Via Sacra path between the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus. Touts also redirect tourists toward a separate paid entry point on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Fake Petition at Major Sights
highGroups of children or young people approach tourists near the Colosseum and Roman Forum with clipboards, asking for signatures for deaf rights or similar causes. While tourists' attention is on the board, wallets and phones are stolen.
How to avoid: Ignore clipboard-wielding groups near all tourist sites. If approached, keep moving and repeat "no" firmly. Never stop to engage — the petition itself is the distraction, not the cause.
Where: Outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali walkway toward the Roman Forum. Groups also operate near the Arch of Constantine where tourists slow down to photograph.
Is Rome safe for you specifically?
Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Rome.
Solo travelers
Higher riskSolo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.
First-time visitors
Higher riskUnfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Rome before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.
Families with children
Lower riskFamilies with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.
Budget travelers
Higher riskBudget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.
Areas to be cautious in Rome
These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Rome. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.
Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64
Bus routes 40 and 64 running from Roma Termini westward along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the Vatican. The buses are most crowded — and theft most common — at the Termini boarding stop and at the stops near Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Navona.
Taxi from Termini Without Meter
Outside Roma Termini's main exits on Piazza dei Cinquecento, where unlicensed drivers solicit passengers on the pavement before they reach the official white taxi queue. Also active on the Via Giovanni Giolitti side exit.
Colosseum Fake Ticket and Guide Touts
Along the queue outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and on the Via Sacra path between the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus. Touts also redirect tourists toward a separate paid entry point on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Gladiator Photo Scam
Directly outside the Colosseum's main entrance on the Via Sacra side, and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali between the Colosseum metro stop (Line B) and the Arch of Constantine. A secondary cluster operates near the Roman Forum's Via Sacra entrance.
Restaurant Cover Charge Ambush
Restaurants lining the Via della Conciliazione leading to St Peter's Square, the streets immediately surrounding the Trevi Fountain (Via delle Muratte, Via dei Crociferi), and the blocks around Piazza di Spagna at the Spanish Steps.
What types of scams occur in Rome?
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
5
31% of reports
Restaurant Scams
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.
2
13% of reports
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
2
13% of reports
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
2
13% of reports
Other Scams
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.
2
13% of reports
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
1
6% of reports
Accommodation Scams
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.
1
6% of reports
Online Scams
Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.
1
6% of reports
Severity breakdown for Rome
Quick safety checklist for Rome
Before booking any tour or activity in Rome, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.
Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Rome — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.
Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Rome's main tourist attractions.
Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.
If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.
Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.
Is Rome safe — answered
Is Rome safe for tourists in 2026?
Rome is exercise caution for tourists based on our database of 16 documented scams. 7 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, restaurant scams, tour & activities. Millions of tourists visit Rome safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Rome safe for solo travelers?
Rome has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Rome before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Rome for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Rome include: Bus routes 40 and 64 running from Roma Termini westward along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the Vatican. The buses are most crowded — and theft most common — at the Termini boarding stop and at the stops near Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Navona.. Outside Roma Termini's main exits on Piazza dei Cinquecento, where unlicensed drivers solicit passengers on the pavement before they reach the official white taxi queue. Also active on the Via Giovanni Giolitti side exit.. Along the queue outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and on the Via Sacra path between the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus. Touts also redirect tourists toward a separate paid entry point on Via dei Fori Imperiali.. These areas are associated with other scams, taxi & transport, tour & activities incidents.
Is Rome safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Rome is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Rome safe for female travelers?
Rome has documented scams that disproportionately target women. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Rome?
The top documented scams in Rome are: Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64, Taxi from Termini Without Meter, Colosseum Fake Ticket and Guide Touts, Gladiator Photo Scam, Restaurant Cover Charge Ambush. The full database covers 16 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Rome?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Rome. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Italy safe to visit in 2026?
Italy as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Rome specifically has 16 documented scams with a exercise caution safety rating. Check the full Italy country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.
Editorial note: This safety assessment for Rome is based on 16 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →
Safety verdict
Exercise Caution
Significant scam risk documented
Quick stats
Full scam database
All 16 documented scams with locations, red flags, and how to avoid each one.
See all scams →