A key part of planning your trip to Rome will be choosing where to stay. A metropolis with a population of 4 million will make you want to ask yourself: are there any areas to avoid in Rome?
The city where I was born and raised is one of the safest places in Italy and the world. Rome is safe for solo female travelers and has no dangerous areas.
Therefore, I feel like telling you to safely choose any neighborhood if it is safety that you care about.
If you only have a few days to visit Rome you will want to stay in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rome’s historic center. This article discusses that topic as well.
But first I’d like to focus on areas to avoid in Rome for tourists: not because these areas are dangerous. If I advise you to avoid areas, it is only because I want you to see beauty more than anything else during your trip. Some parts of the city, especially peripheral ones, could be more beautiful.
Areas to avoid in Rome
Visiting Rome is certainly not a walk in the park. The historic center with its monuments is immense, the public transportation congested, the traffic not to speak of. And then, of course, there are the lines to deal with.
All this you expect from the Eternal City, but what you probably don’t expect is to find it ugly. Yes, aesthetically ugly. That can happen in Rome as well, especially in the suburbs.
Rome’s suburbs number 35 and are home to 2.9 M inhabitants. Not all suburbs are the same. Some, such as Flaminio and Parioli, are home to the largest share of Rome’s wealthy residents and are among the city’s most beautiful areas.
Other suburban areas such as Primavalle, where my family comes from, Tor di Quinto, San Basilio, Alessandrino, and Prenestino-Centocelle are home to hundreds of thousands of inhabitants who verge on the poverty line.
When Rome’s economic and housing emergency began to press on the municipal government in the last century, public housing appeared in these areas.
These are simple-looking buildings with no outdoor space, which the municipality assigns to families in severe economic distress. Which are many.
In these neighborhoods, schools resemble barracks and the streets are an undefined succession of 3-10-story buildings, a concrete jungle.
It must be said that Roman street art in the last 3 decades has given these neighborhoods some beauty.
Another aspect of the suburbs is drug dealing and prostitution. Again, I believe a traveler is not interested in staying in one of Rome’s suburban neighborhoods.
Unless you find a very, very convenient Airbnb.
However, I emphasize that any neighborhood in the outskirts of Rome is not dangerous for a tourist per se. Again, there are no Rome neighborhoods to avoid.
Want a list of areas to avoid in Rome?
Here is a list of areas that locals perceive as more run-down than others:
- San Basilio
- Torre Maura
- Torre Angela
- Tor Bella Monaca
- Termini
- Esquilino
- Trullo
- Centocelle
- Torpignattara
Some of these areas are located in the historic center and deserve a separate discussion. I now discuss the safety of the Esquilino Neighborhood of Rome.
The Esquilino Neighborhood includes the area of the Roma Termini central train station and is one of the oldest areas of the city. Within it you will also find two basilicas, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. There are also many museums and ruins from Roman times in the Esquilino neighborhood.
Some of the best hostels in the city are in this area. Overall, this is one of the best areas for solo travelers in Rome.
Why do locals perceive it as a neighborhood to avoid in Rome?
I’m afraid there are no real reasons, only prejudices. When I attended La Sapienza University, my classes were held in the heart of the Esquilino neighborhood and a stone’s throw from Termini Station.
I always felt safe. I happened to see a lot of homeless people and a lot of foreigners (36 percent of the foreign population in Rome lives in Esquilino), that’s all.
The Termini Station area sees thousands of travelers coming and going every day. Travelers are the target of pickpockets, who abound in Rome, and who prefer crowded areas like Termini Station for their thefts.
Therefore, when you find yourself passing through Termini Station, watch your purse, your phone, your wallet. If someone approaches you trying to sell you something, be wary and walk away.
And your belongings will be safe, and so will you.
Rome Crime Rate
The business and finance newspaper Sole24 Ore publishes an annual list of the 10 cities with the most crime reports in Italy. Rome is present in 5th place with more than 200K complaints. The most common crimes in Rome are the following:
- Petty theft (like pickpocketing or shoplifting)
- Premeditated theft in apartments
- Robberies
- Muggings
- Drug dealing
I hope that reading these facts will not make you recede from your travel plans to Rome! Rome is a safe city and worth visiting once, ten, 100 times!
Here are some positive notes that will put your mind at ease.
Rome is the seat of the Italian Parliament and the President of the Republic.
Even the Pope, the highest representative of the Catholic religion, lives in Rome (although technically the Vatican is a state unto itself).
All ministries of the Italian government are located in the historic center of Rome.
This means that law enforcement constantly monitors the historic center of Rome. During your trip, you will see lots of police and carabinieri.
There are also thousands of cameras in the city, which certainly make crime less attractive.
Nicest neighborhoods in Rome
If Rome is safe in every part of it, I recommend staying in or near a neighborhood in the historic center for an aesthetic factor.
As a traveler, when I leave my hotel in the morning to prepare to explore a new city, I want beauty to surround me. Rome is the perfect city for those who love architectural beauty, so why not stay in one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods? There is more than one.
Monti
When embarking on your first adventure in Rome, the Monti neighborhood is a must-visit and an ideal place to consider for your stay.
Picture this: you’ve just landed in the Eternal City, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum beckon you with their ancient allure. Well, here’s the fantastic part – Monti borders the very square where the iconic Colosseum stands tall.
With Monti as your base, a mere 5-minute stroll leads you to Italy’s most famous monument and the enchanting Via dei Fori Imperiali, a scenic route overlooking the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forum. You’re immersing yourself in millennia of history.
But Monti is more than just history; it’s a vibrant, trendy neighborhood that attracts intellectuals, university students, and young professionals seeking community. Within its streets, you’ll find an array of vintage shops, some designer boutiques, enticing street food stalls, and cozy restaurants.
The heart of this neighborhood comes alive during the happy hour at Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.
For a sweet treat, don’t miss Fatamorgana Monti in Piazza degli Zingari, home to some of Rome’s finest gelato.
If you're looking for accommodations, consider Relais Monti, a boutique hotel in the heart of Monti. To check its availability and rates, have a look here.
Monti offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity, ensuring your stay in Rome is nothing short of extraordinary.
Parione
While the Monti district offers an exceptional base for exploring Rome, another enchanting neighborhood that deserves your attention, especially if you’re planning a two-day stay, is Parione.
Tucked snugly within the curve of the Tiber River, this area cradles one of Rome’s most precious Baroque gems – Piazza Navona. Wandering through Parione’s streets, you’ll immerse yourself in sheer beauty at every turn.
From the Parione neighborhood, a world of wonders opens up to you. The Pantheon, Colosseum, and Vatican City’s splendid museums, are easily accessible from this enclave.
Look no further than Piazza Campo dei Fiori and Piazza del Fico if you seek lively Roman evenings. And if shopping is your passion, prepare for a delightful spree, beginning with Via dei Giubbonari, a renowned shopping haven in Rome.
While the Colosseum may require a pleasant 25-minute walk, if you aim to stay in the heart of Rome and explore on foot, Parione is a fantastic choice.
Safety is always a concern for travelers, and you’ll be pleased to know that Parione, given its central location and array of monuments, is one of the safest neighborhoods in Rome.
If you're looking for accommodation in the baroque neighborhood of Rome, Navona Rooms, just a two-minute stroll from Campo dei Fiori, offers not only a convenient location but also a delightful continental breakfast. To check availability and book this hotel, click here.
Trastevere
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most famous neighborhoods. Its popularity has increased exponentially since the 1960s when so many foreigners began to move to Rome in pursuit of the Dolce Vita myth.
No travel guide does not recommend the Trastevere neighborhood. Here, you will find plenty of osterias, restaurants, pizzerias, and pubs. In the historic osterias Da Cencio alla Parolaccia and Meo Patacca, singers of Roman stornelli roam the tables singing rhymes in Roman dialect and playing guitar and accordion.
Trastevere is the realm of Roman pastas: carbonara and amatriciana among them.
In Piazza Trilussa and Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere locals and travelers gather to chat from aperitif time until late at night.
In Trastevere, it will be impossible to get bored or lonely: it is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for nightlife (and Trastevere is safe at night.)
So if you want to experience Rome’s social and convivial aspects, instead of visiting Trastevere for a few hours, decide to stay here.
One of the best hotels in Trastevere is the Calisto Luxury Trastevere, a 4-star hotel. Check this hotel’s latest rates and availability here.
Prati
Allow me to introduce you to my favorite neighborhood in Rome’s historic center – Prati. It’s an enclave that has won my heart thanks to its elegance – many buildings in Prati feature mittle European architectural style.
Prati sits gracefully on the other side of the Tiber River, offering a unique perspective of ancient Rome.
This charming neighborhood is framed by the Vatican Wall, the iconic Sant’Angelo Castle, the western banks of the Tiber River, and the Milizie Street.
Steeped in history, Prati underwent a complete transformation in the latter half of the 19th century. Today, it boasts an array of residential and administrative buildings, all exuding a distinct European charm. The centerpiece of this transformation is Piazza Cavour, a testament to Prati’s elegance.
As you explore Prati, wander down Colonna Street and Cicerone Street, where a delightful procession of coffee bars, cozy restaurants, and tempting gelato shops beckon for a delightful self-guided street-food adventure through the heart of Rome.
Shopping enthusiasts take note: Ottaviano Street and Cola di Rienzo Street stand tall as two of Rome’s prime shopping destinations, offering an array of boutiques and stores to explore.
Evenings in Prati are tranquil, with peaceful strolls leading to iconic sites such as Saint Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums, all within minutes from your doorstep.
Garbatella
Garbatella neighborhood, in the southern part of Rome, is a place that’s nothing short of picturesque, a ‘village‘ nestled within the bustling city.
What sets Garbatella apart is its unique architectural style and layout, creating an intimate and close-knit community atmosphere. Despite being well-connected to the city center via transportation, this residential haven enjoys the luxury of being spared from the usual urban traffic.
As you explore, meander through streets like Via Domenico Chiodo, Largo Randaccio, Piazza Nicola Longobardi, Piazza Bonomelli, Piazza Montecroce, and Piazza Brin. The barocchetto-style houses will trigger your camera, each exuding an old-world charm, complete with gardens that lend a touch of bucolic bliss.
The beauty of Garbatella hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it often finds itself featured as the backdrop in Italian cinema. The district’s appeal is further accentuated by the presence of murals, making it a must-visit destination, even if you choose not to book accommodation here during your visit to Rome.
Garbatella is one of the finest places to reside in Rome. Bounded by Ostiense Street, it’s also a vibrant hub for university students, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual and creative exploration.
Within its streets, you’ll discover charming spots like Caffè Letterario and Romeow Cat Bistrot, some of the coziest cafes in Rome. Vintage music clubs and affordable restaurants add to the district’s allure.
The evenings in Garbatella come alive, with a wealth of dining options lining Porto Fluviale Street and Delle Conce Street, creating a lively and inviting ambiance perfect for travelers looking to experience the heart of Rome’s local culture.
Wrap-up | Areas to avoid in Rome
With this detailed piece on areas to avoid in Rome, I hope I have convinced you that there are no Rome neighborhoods to avoid. Rather, it is a matter of reasoning about what are the nicest areas to stay that will not send you over budget when you book a room in a hotel.
In a large metropolis like Rome, it is normal to wonder if some areas are safer than others. The most common crimes at the expense of tourists are pickpocketing, which occurs in broad daylight and in crowded areas such as Termini station or the inside of buses. Anyway, generally speaking, Rome is safe for tourists.
Neighborhoods in the historic center as well as those in the suburbs are safe. Those in the historic center have advantages: they are close to places of interest and are aesthetically pleasing to stay in.
In the suburbs, on the other hand, you can find inexpensive apartments or rooms, but it will take you about half an hour to reach the center by transportation. In addition, the suburbs do not offer the same quality of nightlife that you find downtown.
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