Is Rome safe? 4 areas to avoid in Rome as an expat

Moving to Rome is an exciting adventure for anyone. But it’s important to know what areas to avoid before making the move. This guide will help you!

Ellie

4 minute read

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Updated on 20 May 2024

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Living

Are you moving to Rome to work or study at a university? You’ll be happy to know that Rome is a remarkably safe city to live in. But to be extra safe, here're some parts of the city to avoid.

With a safety index of 64, Rome was considered the 29th safest city to live in by the Economist in 2021.

While particular areas have a negative reputation, the risk of violent crimes is very low. The majority of crime in Rome is petty crime such as pickpocketing, scams or theft. Even at night, Rome’s a hub of social activity, and night buses get you home safely after you enjoy Rome’s nightlife.

Yet, to feel super safe and at ease, there're some areas you should avoid where certain crimes are common.

When searching for a new home, learning which neighbourhoods to avoid is essential. The most crime-ridden neighbourhoods in Rome are Esquilino, San Basilio, Corviale and Tor Bella Monaca. These areas can feel unsafe due to petty crimes and drug use.

1. Esquilino

Esquilino is close to the city centre and the Termini Train station. Its central location and big immigrant population are 2 reasons why Esquilino is a popular location for expats to settle in.

However, Esquilino’s central location also makes it ideal for pickpocketers, scammers and thieves. Many Romans believe that this area has the highest level of crime in Rome because of the amount of petty theft here. Termini Train station, in particular, is a hotspot for petty crime. It’s wise to be cautious around the station and to avoid the back of the station, particularly at night.

There're also plenty of knock-off designer products sold in this area. If you’re caught buying knock-off designers, it can result in both the buyer and the seller getting a fine.

2. San Basilio

A little further from the centre lies San Basilio. This district is quiet compared to other parts of the city and boasts beautiful street art, unique shops, and plenty of bars and cafés. This suburb also has lots of nature and is closeby to farmland.

Because of its distance from the centre, there aren’t many tourists in this area. So there’re fewer petty crimes like pickpocketing or theft. However, drug-related crimes and prostitution are common in this area, making it generally uneasy to walk around at night.

3. Corviale

Corviale is best known for the 1km long residential building (one of the world’s longest). Although it was built in the 1970s to facilitate the growing population of Rome, it's now home to many squatters. Petty theft, pickpocketing and drug use are very prevalent in this area. Although there have been plans for “urban regeneration” for Corviale for a few years, it remains one of Rome's more unsafe parts.

Luckily, Corviale is quite distant from the centre and doesn’t offer much property for expats. So avoiding this area will be very easy.

4. Tor Bella Monaca

Similarly to Corviale, Tor Bella Mona has several abandoned apartment buildings. Squatters usually occupy these buildings, and petty crimes, drug use and prostitution are widespread in this area. However, initiatives have begun to reduce crime, increase employment, and make the area feel safe. Locals of Tor Bella Monaca say the area has a wonderful community. But for now, it’s not a friendly neighbourhood for expats.

Tor Bella Monaca is avoidable as it sits outside the city centre and isn’t well connected to public transport.

Even if you don’t live in the centre, knowing what areas to be more careful in will protect you from petty crimes.

The more dangerous parts of central Rome are Vittorio Square, Tiburtina Station and Ostiense Station. These parts are a pickpocket favourite because of the amount of foot traffic.

The rate of pickpocketing in Rome increases during the Summer and Autumn season as tourists visit the city.

At night, be cautious in or avoid isolated streets and empty public transport stations. Although there's plenty of surveillance and police in central Rome, being careful never hurts!

Most crimes in Rome are easily avoidable and here’re some tips to stay safe as a new resident.

1. Introduce yourself to the locals. They’ll tell you the truth about the neighbourhood, and you’ll also make some friendly neighbours! If that’s not possible, check Facebook groups, online threads or even Google Maps satellite view.
2. Search for homes for rent in Rome via a safe rental platform, like HousingAnywhere. This will help you avoid rental scams.
3. Read the rental contract carefully and look for unfair terms. The best way to do that is to familiarise yourself with your tenant rights.
4. Get an Italian SIM card and memorise the emergency numbers. This way, you’ll always have data and signal should you need help.
5. Don’t linger in stations, as most crimes occur in and around public transport stations.
6. Keep your doors and windows locked. This is an obvious tip, but a lot of theft occurs due to a window or opening left slightly ajar. Consider getting insurance for extra peace of mind.
7. Learn to blend in to avoid being scammed by the typical Roman scammers. When you’re out and about in Rome there’re a few common scams. If you’re offered anything “free”, stopped to make a charity donation or in a taxi with a “fixed rate”, you’re probably being scammed.

It’s valuable to learn what numbers you should call in an emergency.

• 112 (free service) for all emergencies
• 113 for the police
• 118 for health emergencies
• 115 for the fire brigade
• 06 57 0600 for emergency medical services

The potential benefits that life in Rome offers far outweigh the potential negatives. Don’t let your fears hold you back from living the Italian life. Especially now that you know which neighbourhoods to avoid and how to be safe while living in Rome!