Yes, the area of the Spanish Steps in Rome is safe at night (especially compared to less central areas), but be aware of pickpockets and other petty crime, especially if the area is still crowded.
Since the Spanish Steps are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, there is usually a police presence in the area. However, when we visited in July, I didn’t notice any police (truth be told I wasn’t paying attention).
There are usually patrols in popular tourist areas, and you may find both local police (Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri) and municipal police (Polizia Locale) in the area.
However, the police presence in the Spanish Steps area on any given day (or night) depends on whether or not there are any major events happening that night, like football games, security alerts, and resource allocation decisions by the police department.
Below is a walking tour video of the Spanish Steps at night so you can see for yourself what it looks like:
Crime Rates in Rome
Per Statista, Rome has Italy’s 7th highest crime rate (as measured in cases per 100,000 inhabitants), which is pretty good. In front of Rome are Milan (in 1st place), Bologna, Rimini, Prato, Florence, and Turin.
According to Numbeo, people feel moderately safe walking alone during daylight in Rome, with a high safety rating of 72.12. However, the safety perception drops to moderate (43.13) for walking alone at night. From my personal experience, I felt safe walking at night in Rome in the popular tourist destinations because there were open stores and restaurants were, the main streets were well-lit, and there were many people walking around.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Spanish Steps Area at Night
Even though the area of the Spanish Steps in Rome is generally safe at night, it is always a good idea to keep the following tips in mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself from pickpocketing and other petty crime.
- Keep your valuables close to your body and out of sight. Better yet, avoid showing them off altogether.
- Be especially careful in crowded areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dark or deserted areas. Stay in well-lit areas.
- If you are approached by someone who seems suspicious, walk away and report the incident to the police.
What to Do If You Become a Victim of Crime
If you stay in well-lit areas and are not walking alone at night, chances are that you will be safe. However, it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst.
If you become a victim of a crime, here are a few things that you need to know:
1. Know the location of the nearest police station (commissariato or Carabinieri station) and have a way to contact emergency services (call 112 immediately to report the crime).
This step is crucial, as a police report (denuncia) will be necessary for insurance claims and will be helpful in any investigations or future legal proceedings. The address of the police station that’s closest to the Spanish Steps is San Lorenzo Precinct at Piazzale del Verano, 11, 00185 Roma. Their phone number is +39 06 447 4031.
2. Notify the US Embassy in Rome. The address is Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Roma and the phone number is +39 06 46741. The US Embassy in Rome can assist with language barriers, understanding local legal procedures, and replacing a stolen passport.
3. Cancel and Replace Stolen Items. Call the credit card issuers as soon as possible to cancel them and prevent fraudulent use. The same holds true for your mobile phone carrier.
4. Document Everything. Write down all the details remembered about the crime, including physical descriptions of the criminal(s), any witnesses, the sequence of events, and any other relevant details. This information can be helpful for both the local police and insurance claims.
5. Call the Travel Insurance Company. You need to report the incident and inquire about any assistance (some policies cover losses due to theft, which helps if your wallet was stolen).
FAQs Related to the Safety of Tourists in the Area of the Spanish Steps at Night
From my experience, the area of the Spanish Steps in Rome is safe at night. However, don’t take my word for it. See it for yourself without setting foot in Rome. How? Just look up something like “Spanish Steps in Rome live camera,” and Google will return plenty of results. That way you will see what this popular tourist attraction in Rome looks like at night. Last time I checked, there were people climbing up the stairs at 11.30 pm.
What is the general lighting like around the Spanish Steps at night?
The street leading to the Spanish Steps and the Spanish Steps themselves are well-lit thanks to the street lighting and the lights from the shops. However, there are smaller piazzas in the area that are not as well-lit. That doesn’t mean those areas are unsafe at night.
Is there a visible security presence in the area during the night?
Yes, both the Carabineri (military police) and the state police (Polizia) can be seen patrolling the area. After all, it’s in their best interest to keep the tourist areas safe. If they are not safe, tourists will stop visiting Rome, and the billions of dollars a year that they leave in the city will disappear. The local authorities don’t want that.
What are the common types of crimes reported in the area, if any?
The most common types reported in the area are petty crimes like pickpocketing. That usually happens during the day when the area is crowded. As for tourist-targeted scams, beware of people offering you “free” friendship bracelets or similar gifts. Refuse to accept them or be prepared to pay for them, as they are not really free. When I visited the Spanish Steps (during the day), I didn’t encounter any scams.
Are there any specific times at night when the risk is higher?
After midnight, when the shops close, the atmosphere changes a bit. That doesn’t mean the area becomes less safe. It just feels different when the crowds recede.
What is the accessibility of safe transport options during the night?
There are different modes of transportation during the night:
- Taxis – The licensed ones are white and have the TAXI sign on the roof.
- Public Transportation – The metro stops running at 11.30 PM or 12.30 AM depending on the day of the week. The address of the closest metro station (“Spagna” metro station on Line A) to the Spanish Steps is Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma. After the metro closes, the night buses take over. They are not as frequent at night as they are during the day, though.
- Ride Sharing Services – Unlike the US, Uber is not very popular in Rome and it’s more expensive because only Uber Black (the company’s luxury service) is allowed. There are local ride-sharing apps like FreeNow (formerly MyTaxi) and itTaxi that you can download to your phone if you want to use such services.
Are businesses (like restaurants, cafes, or stores) open late? Do they contribute to a safer environment?
Yes they do. The restaurants stay open well past 10 PM. The luxury shops close around 8 PM or 9 PM, but the smaller shops, especially the ones that sell souvenirs to tourists, stay open until 11 PM or midnight and are usually well-lit, which makes the area feel safe.
What are the safe and unsafe practices for a tourist in this area at night?
The safe practices for tourists are to keep your belongings secure and within sight, stay in well-lit areas, travel in groups, limit alcohol consumption to stay alert, know the emergency number for the Italian police (112) by heart (most officers speak English), and trust your instincts (if something feels off, it probably is).
Is It Safe to Visit the Spanish Steps Area at Night?
Yes, it is safe to visit the area of the Spanish Steps in Rome at night. The most often reported crime is pickpocketing, but it usually happens during the day when the area is crowded (and it doesn’t happen very often). However, for your peace of mind, make sure you are accompanied by someone else when visiting at night.