AmericanPapist Comments
Sounds like some Italians need to go North a bit and see how badly the Swiss are showing them up. In defense of Rome, however, Naples is worse.
Wow, I thought parts of London were dirty/smelly and Rome's every worse? Uh oh.
I'm heading for my first trip ever to Rome.
Any suggestions on where to stay? (In terms of neighborhoods?
Jess, I stayed in Rome for three months as a student. The best neighborhoods in terms of crime are those on the northwest side, near the Vatican. Ironic, isn't it? The Vatican seems to have a good influence on the city, but they can't hack the Pope trying to tell them how they can improve.
Most of the clean areas of the city are the tourist areas (Colliseo, Pantheon, and Vittorio Emmanuele area including Foro Romano). These central areas are regularly patrolled by police, and are therefore pretty expensive.
Anything near St. Mary Major and Termini will be dirty and crime-ridden. Take public transportation wherever possible.
Jess, try "Sant'Anna Hotel" at Borgio Pio 133. Google should pull up info for you. It is about 100 meters from St. Peter's, and was reasonably priced (when I was there in 2005). Very close to the Vatican, but it is outside the wall, in Rome.
Yes, when I stayed near St. Mary Major (which I loved), I had to go around many gypsies trying to steal my wallet; once, I even had to make a dash for it as a group of with prying hands made more than a simple trial at it. Made me think of buying a mouse-trap and putting it in my pocket (but I knew such would not be an appropriate solution).
That''s just too funny. But what do you expect of the tired old politicians and bureaucrats who are a cause of many of the problems. I was in Rome 2 years ago, found the city absolutely fascinating but much could be done. A lot of shabbiness for sure. But, I'm sorry, judging by the work ethic we encountered, the Italians have only themselves to blame.
Cheers from Canada.
Tony
The great thing about Rome is that it is old.
The bad thing about Rome is that it is old.
Now, when I stayed near S. Maria Maggiore, I did not experience any violent crime, but I did have this very attractive Italian woman drive up to me as I was walking in front of the Basilica (yes, I know, the women of Rome are all molto bellissima), and ask me if I was a tourist before asking if I wanted to "get in and, you know" . . . (her words, not mine). I didn't realize that prostitutes were so fancy in Rome. Here in D.C., they merely stand on the corner, rather than driving up to you.
But one key to avoiding street crime in Rome (or anywhere else) is to be alert and adopt the attitude of you-know-where-you-are-going, dressing like the natives, so you do not stick out like a guy with a neon target on your back.
If you all hate Rome so much then stay in ure own country and let us romans enjoy our beautiful city ;)
Another "in-tell-eck" to be in awe of!
Thanks for the recommendations!
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