Italy : Safety by City
- Bari
- Bologna
- Cagliari
- Catania
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rimini
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Vatican City is one of those places that feels bigger than its physical size.
Tucked inside Rome, it is the smallest independent state in the world, yet it carries enormous cultural, spiritual, and artistic weight.
Travelers come here for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the simple thrill of standing inside a place known across the globe.
Because it is surrounded by Italy and receives massive numbers of visitors every year, safety in Vatican City is a little different from safety in a typical country.
You are not dealing with a sprawling capital full of neighborhoods and nightlife districts.
You are dealing with a compact, heavily visited religious and tourist center where crowds are the main issue.
In my view, Vatican City is generally very safe, but like any world-famous attraction, it rewards visitors who stay alert.
Warnings & Dangers in Vatican City
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Vatican City is generally a low-risk destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, security presence is strong, and the area is heavily monitored due to its religious and political importance. The biggest real-world safety concern is not serious violence but tourist-related crime such as pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially around entry lines and nearby transit points.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Inside Vatican City itself, transport risk is low because the destination is small and can be explored on foot. The bigger issue is getting there through Rome. Buses, metro stations, and taxis around the Vatican can be hectic, and travelers should use official taxis or trusted ride services to avoid overcharging and confusion.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpocketing is the most common risk travelers should take seriously. Huge crowds gather around St. Peter’s Square, museum entrances, and surrounding streets, creating perfect conditions for thieves who target distracted tourists. This does not make Vatican City dangerous overall, but it does mean wallets, phones, passports, and bags need constant attention.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Natural disaster risk in Vatican City is low for short-term visitors. There are no major local natural hazards that commonly affect tourists during a normal visit. Summer heat can be intense, however, and dehydration or sun exposure can become a real issue if you spend long hours outdoors in queues without water, sunscreen, or shade.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The risk of mugging in Vatican City itself is low. The area is busy, highly visible, and packed with visitors, clergy, staff, and security personnel. Most criminals looking for easy opportunities prefer stealth theft over confrontation. Still, travelers wandering alone late at night in less active parts of Rome should use normal urban caution.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Because Vatican City is one of the most symbolically important religious sites in the world, it naturally receives elevated security attention. For tourists, that means the practical risk feels controlled, but the symbolic profile of the destination cannot be ignored. Visitors may encounter bag checks, police patrols, and barriers, all of which are there for good reason.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams around the Vatican are more likely in the surrounding tourist zone than inside the core religious sites. Common problems include fake tour guides, overpriced transport, unofficial ticket sellers, and aggressive street sellers. None of this is unusual for a major European attraction, but it is enough to justify a medium rating for unprepared visitors.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women travelers generally find Vatican City very safe, especially during daytime sightseeing hours. The constant flow of tourists and visible security help create a reassuring environment. That said, solo travelers should still be cautious in the surrounding parts of Rome at night, avoid isolated routes, and stay alert for petty theft and unwanted attention in crowded places.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water risk is low. In and around Vatican City, drinking water is generally safe, and Rome is known for its public fountains supplying potable water. Travelers can usually refill bottles safely, which is useful during warmer months. As always, if plumbing at a specific accommodation looks questionable, bottled water is a reasonable backup.
Safest Places to Visit in Vatican City
St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is one of the safest places for first-time visitors because it is open, busy, and closely watched.
There is usually a visible security presence, and the area is designed for huge numbers of people.
I think it is one of the best starting points because you can get your bearings, admire the architecture, and feel the atmosphere without needing to navigate complicated streets.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is both awe-inspiring and relatively secure.
Entry procedures can be slow, but they help create a controlled environment.
Once inside, the mood is calmer than outside, and most visitors are focused on sightseeing, prayer, or photography.
It is an excellent place for travelers who want a memorable experience in a structured, monitored setting.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are extremely crowded, but they are still among the safest places to visit because they are organized, ticketed, and staffed.
The main safety issue here is not danger in the traditional sense, but crowd fatigue.
If you keep your belongings zipped and stay patient in bottlenecks, you can enjoy one of the world’s greatest museum complexes with little trouble.
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most controlled visitor spaces in Vatican City.
It can be packed, but it is closely supervised and part of a managed museum route.
Travelers who respect the rules, keep their valuables secure, and avoid carrying bulky bags will usually find it safe, orderly, and unforgettable.
Places to Avoid in Vatican City
Crowded Entry Queues
The most problematic places are often not hidden alleys or dangerous districts, but crowded entry lines.
Long queues outside the Vatican Museums and around major entrances attract distraction-based theft.
People are busy checking tickets, dealing with heat, taking photos, and managing children or bags.
That is when phones and wallets disappear.
Streets Immediately Outside the Vatican Walls
Technically, Vatican City is tiny, so many of the concerns travelers associate with the destination are actually in the nearby Roman streets surrounding it.
Areas packed with souvenir stands, unofficial tour sellers, and heavy tourist traffic can feel chaotic.
These zones are not necessarily dangerous, but they are where scams, overcharging, and opportunistic theft are far more likely.
Empty Surrounding Streets Late at Night
Vatican City itself is not a nightlife destination, so the atmosphere changes significantly after sightseeing hours.
Once the crowds vanish, nearby side streets in Rome can feel much quieter.
I would not call them high-risk hotspots, but they are less comfortable for wandering, especially if you are alone, unfamiliar with the area, or visibly carrying valuables.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Vatican City
- Keep valuables in front of your body. The number one issue here is petty theft in crowds. Use a crossbody bag, anti-theft backpack, or money belt, and keep zippers closed. Never leave your phone sticking out of a pocket while standing in line.
- Book tickets in advance when possible. Pre-booking reduces time spent in crowded queues, which are often the least comfortable and most theft-prone parts of the visit. It also helps you avoid stress, confusion, and unofficial sellers hovering around the entrances.
- Use only official transport options. If you take a taxi or arrange transport in the surrounding area, choose clearly official services. Tourist hubs attract drivers and sellers who know tired travelers make quick decisions, and that can lead to inflated prices or misleading offers.
- Dress for the weather and the dress code. Vatican City has religious standards for entry into certain sites, and Rome’s heat can be brutal in warmer months. Wear breathable clothing that still meets modesty rules, and bring water so you are not stuck overheated and uncomfortable.
- Do not flash passports, cash, or expensive items. Keep important documents tucked away unless they are truly needed. A crowd full of distracted tourists is exactly where criminals watch for loose wallets, open handbags, and travelers fumbling with money.
- Stay cautious with unofficial guides and ticket offers. Some people around the Vatican present themselves as helpers, guides, or ticket facilitators. A few may be legitimate, but many are overpriced, misleading, or simply trying to steer you into a bad deal. Verify everything before paying.
- Arrive early for a calmer experience. Early visits often mean smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and a more relaxed atmosphere. From a safety standpoint, that is useful because you are less rushed, less distracted, and less likely to get separated from your group.
- Watch children closely in busy areas. Vatican City is family-friendly, but the density of people can be intense. Kids can become separated quickly in museum corridors, public squares, and security lines. Set a meeting point in advance and keep them close in peak hours.
- Respect security procedures and barriers. Bag checks and controlled access points are normal here. Cooperating with them keeps the visit smoother and safer for everyone. Trying to rush, skip lines, or ignore instructions only adds stress and confusion in already crowded spaces.
- Be just as alert in surrounding Rome as inside Vatican City. Many travelers treat the Vatican as its own bubble and let their guard down the moment they step outside. That is a mistake. The nearby streets, stations, and tourist corridors require the same attention to bags, money, and route planning.
So... How Safe Is Vatican City Really?
Vatican City is one of the safer places a tourist can visit in terms of violent crime.
It is compact, heavily protected, globally significant, and under constant attention from both religious authorities and security services.
That alone gives it an advantage over many larger city destinations where travelers have to navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and late-night transport systems.
But safety here comes with an important asterisk.
Vatican City receives enormous numbers of visitors in a very small space, and that crowd pressure creates ideal conditions for petty crime.
In practical terms, your biggest danger is not assault or serious street violence.
It is a distraction.
It is the phone left half-exposed in a pocket.
It is the wallet pulled from a loosely zipped bag while you stare up at a masterpiece.
For most travelers, Vatican City feels orderly, calm, and secure.
Families, solo travelers, older visitors, and first-time European tourists usually manage very well here.
I would consider it a low-risk destination overall, especially during standard visiting hours.
Still, because it sits inside one of the busiest tourist zones in Rome, your experience depends on basic street smarts.
Stay alert, plan, and secure your belongings, and Vatican City is likely to feel far more inspiring than intimidating
How Does Vatican City Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Vatican City |
72 |
| Bari |
74 |
| Turin |
42 |
| Palermo |
55 |
| Florence |
72 |
| Bologna |
56 |
| Milan |
65 |
 Hamburg | 80 |
 Barnstable | 81 |
| Deerfield Beach | 78 |
| Corolla | 81 |
| Winona | 86 |
 Bergen | 71 |
Useful Information
Visas
Vatican City does not issue a typical tourist entry system for most visitors because access is usually tied to entering from Italy. For most travelers, the real visa question is whether you can legally enter Italy and the Schengen Area. Check your nationality’s rules before travel, especially for the length of stay and passport validity.
Currency
Vatican City uses the euro. Since it is surrounded by Rome, exchanging money is usually easiest in Italy before your visit, though cards are widely useful for most tourist expenses. I recommend carrying a small amount of cash for minor purchases but avoiding large cash withdrawals in busy tourist zones.
Weather
Vatican City shares Rome’s climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and pleasant spring and autumn seasons. Summer sightseeing can be exhausting because of the heat and long outdoor lines, so light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes are essential. In cooler months, a light jacket is usually enough.
Airports
There is no airport in Vatican City. Most travelers arrive through Rome, usually via Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport, then continue by taxi, train, bus, or metro into the city. From central Rome, reaching the Vatican is straightforward, making it an easy day trip or part of a longer Rome itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a smart idea even for a short Vatican City visit. Medical issues, trip delays, lost items, and theft can all affect your plans, especially when traveling through busy international gateways like Rome. I always think insurance is worth it for peace of mind, even in generally low-risk destinations.
Vatican City Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
12 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Low °C |
4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 6 |
| High °F |
54 | 55 | 61 | 66 | 73 | 82 | 90 | 90 | 81 | 72 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F |
39 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 57 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 43 |
Italy - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bari | 74 |
| Bologna | 56 |
| Cagliari | 64 |
| Catania | 65 |
| Florence | 72 |
| Genoa | 60 |
| Milan | 65 |
| Naples | 62 |
| Palermo | 55 |
| Perugia | 60 |
| Pisa | 61 |
| Rimini | 62 |
| Rome | 65 |
| Sorrento | 75 |
| Turin | 42 |
| Vatican City | 72 |
| Venice | 72 |
| Verona | 65 |
Visit the Sistine Chapel
As with any public place we should not litter anywhere, its unfortunate to see some tourists fail to follow this common courtesy. Anyhow, its their issue if they end up facing the police, which does happen. The Sistine Chapel is gorgeous and is definitely something you should see first hand, considering that is the pope’s residence.
Unique experience
As a huge art fan, Vatican City was a must and I’m so glad I had the inspiration to visit it before the pandemic hit. It was everything I hoped for and more. If you’ve already traveled to more than two or three foreign countries then you already know the bare minimum safety protocol. I say bare minimum because this is what you’ll need in Vatican City.
Walking around distracted might leave you with one or two valuables less so be aware of pickpockets. This is the first thing our travel agent recommended and we did just that; tbh, I do the same no matter where I’m traveling. I can’t imagine how a policeman, no matter the city I’m in, can find the phone that was swindled off me during my short stay in that city. Also, filing police reports is never fun so just be careful and you’ll be fine.
Famous landmarks like Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica attract a lot of people aka you will waste a lot of time queuing to see one or the other but it’s well worth the effort.
If visiting during the summer lightweight linen clothing, ankle length and no midriff in sight, just like the article states, is ideal as the weather is hot and rather uncomfortable if you’re like me and can’t stand the heat. If you’ll be there during the colder months then jeans and a long-sleeved blouse would be the solution. You don’t have to dress like the pilgrims, just use your common sense.
Being such a small city exploring it on foot is the best and only solution. As for the food, all I had was a light salad but their local, Italian cuisine has a lot to offer.
I found the city safe, pleasant, friendly, a rather unique cultural experience that everyone should add to their list.
St. Peter’s Square is beautiful up close, but the crowds and the insanely long lines had me feeling more impressed with my sneakers than with my patience.