The areas, from liveliest to quietest
- Historic centre (Trevi, Pantheon, Piazza Navona): lively and lit, but pickpockets work there. Streets between the squares are darker: prefer busy thoroughfares.
- Trastevere: very lively in the evening, with big crowds at night; keep your phone and bag in front of you.
- Termini and Esquilino: the station and its surroundings are frequented by dealers and people in difficulty; avoid lingering late with luggage. See Termini station.
- Residential districts: quiet and poorly lit; the street can be empty after midnight.
Getting home: metro, night buses and taxis
The metro runs from 5:30am to 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30am on Friday and Saturday. After that, night buses nMA, nMB, nMB1 and nMC follow the metro lines with the same tickets (see transport in Rome). On night buses, keep your belongings in front of you. Official taxis are white with a "TAXI" sign; take them at a rank or book by phone or app, never a driver who approaches you.
Good habits
- Walk on lit, busy streets rather than shortcuts.
- Do not show your phone in the street; a closed bag, worn in front.
- Refuse offers of drugs and "bracelets" or "gifts" pressed on you (cannabis and drugs).
- Limit alcohol (rules on alcohol in the street) and never leave your glass unattended.
- Tell someone your route home and keep your phone charged.
If something goes wrong
Call 112, the single emergency number (police, carabinieri, fire, medical). In case of theft, block your cards and report it to the carabinieri or police: the details are in the guide to scams.
Summary
| Where | Main risk | Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Historic centre | Pickpockets | Closed bag in front |
| Trastevere | Crowds, alcohol | Phone put away |
| Termini | Dealers, thefts | Avoid at night alone with luggage |
| Night buses | Pickpockets | Belongings in front |
| Taxi | Unlicensed driver | Rank or app |
