I'm traveling to Rome for the first time next month and I'm a bit nervous about it. My friend told me that it's supposedly not so safe in some neighborhoods at night. Do you guys know about this? Which areas are really problematic and where can you walk around without worries?
But you should avoid the areas around the main train station (Termini) and parts of San Lorenzo at night - there's more petty crime and sketchy people there. The historic old town, Trastevere, the center around the Pantheon and Colosseum are relatively safe even at night, especially if you stick to busy streets and don't stay out too late. General rule: stick to touristy neighborhoods, avoid taking shortcuts through dark side streets, and watch your bags like you would anywhere else - that should be enough for you to relax and enjoy the city.
Rome is overall a fairly safe city, but like everywhere else, there are areas where you should be more careful at night. The biggest problems typically happen in certain neighborhoods: Around the main train station Termini, at night it's an area where lots of sketchy people hang around - you shouldn't linger there late in the evening. It's similar in parts of San Lorenzo, especially if you're out alone. The areas south of the old town, for example around Largo di Torre Argentina at night, can feel unpleasant too. Testaccio can also be a bit rough at night, especially when there's a lot going on and the bars are overflowing.
Most tourist areas are actually totally fine at night - the center around the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, or the Trevi Fountain are brightly lit and there are still plenty of other people around. Walking along the Tiber is normally no problem. Generally I'd say: avoid going alone at night into unfamiliar side streets away from the main routes, no matter which neighborhood. Take the metro or a taxi if it gets late and you'd have to walk longer distances. The usual precautions help - don't flash expensive stuff around, keep an eye on your bag, stay with other tourists if possible. With a bit of common sense you'll get through it safely.
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