Reality about insecurity in Rome: Neighborhoods to absolutely avoid

Rome, the Eternal City, attracts millions of visitors every year, especially in 2025 for the Jubilee. However, many tourists wonder about the safety of the city and its neighborhoods.

Indeed, we will see below that despite its undeniable charm, certain districts of the Italian capital can prove dangerous for tourists who come visit Rome.

So check out this study on insecurity in Rome in 2025 with the 10 neighborhoods to absolutely avoid. I also share with you the best neighborhoods to stay in for a safe stay.

How dangerous is Rome?

According to the most recent statistics, Rome ranks 2nd among Italian cities in terms of crime rate, with 6074 crimes per 100000 inhabitants. This rate places it behind Milan but in front Florence et Rimini.

But fortunately, in the city, the main safety issues in Rome are petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams. In fact, violent crime remains rare in the city center, although some neighborhoods can be dangerous at night (see list below).

Rome is therefore not very risky for tourists. Indeed, in comparison, on the Ranking of the 149 most criminal cities in Europe, Rome is ranked 37th. It comes out much safer than Paris, Barcelona, Brussels ou Athens !

Security improved in Rome

Rome has taken enhanced and additional security measures for its Jubilee 2025The event, which began on December 24, 2024 and will run until January 6, 2026, saw the deployment of around 700 additional security officers in the Italian capital.

The Italian authorities have put in place a system that allows visitors to feel safer:

• Increased patrols around sensitive sites such as the Vatican, basilicas and the city centre;
• Checkpoints along the main roads leading to the Vatican;
• Advanced surveillance systems, including facial recognition cameras at airports, train stations and tourist attractions;
• Rapid intervention units positioned at strategic locations.

Indeed, in 2024 France Diplomacy recommends that French travelers exercise caution: Pickpocketing is common in large cities. It is therefore advisable to be vigilant in the following places:

Thus, the 2025 Jubilee promises to be an exceptional event, combining spirituality and significant economic benefits for the city.

The 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Rome

Although Rome is generally a safe city for tourists, it is still essential to avoid the following 10 risky neighborhoods:

• San Basilio : Located in the north-east of Rome, San Basilio is considered one of the most crime-ridden districts of the capital. This peripheral district is known for its problems with delinquency and drug trafficking.
• Tor Bella Monaco : This area, located east of Rome, has a very high crime rate due to a strong presence of delinquents (about 300 people belonging to Roman criminal circles). Public services are poorly developed, which contributes to the general insecurity.
• Corvial : Located southwest of the historic center, Corviale is known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Rome.
• Ostiense : In the south of the city, its high crime rate makes it an area to absolutely avoid for tourists.
• Esquilino (around Termini station) : Although central, the Esquilino district, especially around Termini Station, requires increased vigilance. Pickpockets and petty crime are common there, especially at night. Particularly avoid the Vittorio square and Calipari Park, where suspicious gatherings are common, even during the day.
• Ostia (Lido di Ostia) : Although it is a seaside area, Ostia has become in recent years a hotbed of criminal groups. The presence of local mafias makes this outlying area potentially dangerous for unsuspecting visitors.
• One hundred cells, Torpignattara, Torre angela et teal complete this list of the least safe neighborhoods in Rome.

Red light districts of Rome

Among the areas to avoid in Rome (especially for people traveling with family), we can mention areas that are poorly frequented and reserved for adults at night. It mainly concerns the Suburra red light district, of certain streets in the neighborhood Coppedè and the area Delle Tre Fontane.

The 3 best neighborhoods to stay in Rome

Rome offers several safe and attractive areas for tourists. Below I present the 3 best neighborhoods to stay in for a tourist stay: The historic center, Trastevere and Prati.

The historic center, Trastevere and Prati are the 3 best neighborhoods for a tourist stay in Rome for several reasons:

• The historic center (Centro Storico) is safe and ideal for history and culture lovers, offering easy access to tourist attractions (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps). It allows a total immersion in the authentic atmosphere of Rome.
• Trastevere is perfect for those looking for a bohemian and lively atmosphere. Renowned for its gastronomy, nightlife, picturesque alleys and colorful facades, it offers good value for money for accommodation.
• meadows is considered the most luxurious and contemporary district of Rome. It is ideal for its tranquility and proximity to the Vatican. Its Art Nouveau architecture and well-kept parks make it a pleasant area to stay in. It has elegant streets, high-fashion boutiques and fine restaurants. Its tranquility makes it an excellent choice for tourists.

Recommended hotels in these safe neighborhoods

Choosing the location of your hotel is crucial to the success of your stay.

Here are my hotel recommendations in these 3 safe and touristy neighborhoods (far from the neighborhoods to avoid in Rome):

• Historic center: Monti condominium with an ideal location for sightseeing in Rome without a car and without taking public transport.

And for a more luxurious stay in the historic center, 200 meters from the Quirinal presidential palace, I recommend the Villa Spalletti Trivelli :

• Trastevere: TheHotel Ripa Rome, a 4-star hotel with modern and spacious rooms, has an ideal location for exploring the area and the city.

• Practice: TheHotel Rome Vatican is located near the Vatican, 500 meters from Lepanto metro station and close to Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona.

What to do in the event of theft or assault?

Here are the numbers you can call in an emergency:

• 112 (free European number) for all emergencies
• 113 number to reach the police
• 118 health emergencies
• 115 fire brigade
• 06 57 06 00 Emergency Medical Service
• 06 48 89 91 Tourist promotion service (information on tourist sites, stations, airports)

For those on a higher budget, see my recommendation on: Where to stay in Rome to visit on foot?

See also Which neighborhood for shopping in Rome?