| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Zebra crossing, no light | Look at the driver, step out firmly |
| Red light | Cars usually stop, but scooters sometimes go through |
| Gap on one side only | Cross in two stages, wait on the centre line |
| Several pedestrians | Cross together with Romans |
| Phone in hand | Put it away before leaving the kerb |
The method
A gap in both directions at once is rare: you cross when the nearest lane clears, without stopping halfway. Once you start, keep the same pace, because drivers calculate your path. Do not trust the white stripes alone.
Figures and sensitive spots
According to Wanted in Rome, on average four pedestrians a day are knocked down by a vehicle in the capital, and the police point out that pedestrians also cross where they should not. Around the Colosseum, the Vatican and Trastevere, narrow streets with little pavement need extra attention, especially with selfies or a phone in hand.
FAQ
Do cars stop at crossings in Rome? Not always: many guides advise not to count on it.
Must I wait for a complete gap? No, you step out when the near lane is clear, then keep going.
How do I cross with children? Hold their hands and cross at a light or with a group.
Go further
A walking tour of the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona helps you pick up the rhythm: see the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Navona walking tour. Also read scams to avoid in Rome, Rome in one day and around the Colosseum.
The Rome Authority editorial team
