Almost got robbed in Rome

Italy had been on our bucket list for years, and when my husband and I finally booked our trip, we decided to start our adventure in the heart of it all - Rome. We landed early in the afternoon, feeling a mix of excitement and jet lag and decided to spend the first two days exploring the ancient city on foot before heading north.

We stayed at a simple motel just outside the city and commuted in every day using public transport. As always, I packed light. My small daypack held only the basics: sunglasses, a light jacket and a water bottle. Nothing valuable. While researching Rome before the trip, I’d read countless Reddit threads and travel forums warning tourists about pickpockets, especially around major attractions. So I took those warnings seriously.

I left my passport and most of my wallet in the room’s locker. The only things I carried on me were my credit card and 50 euros tucked into the pockets of my skirt and shirt. I knew Rome was beautiful, but I also knew I had to be smart.

On our first day, still shaking off the jet lag, we headed out around 1 PM. Our plan was simple: visit the Trevi Fountain and then walk our way toward the Colosseum, taking in every monument and cobblestone alley that charmed us along the way.

Trevi Fountain was as magical as I had imagined. After soaking it all in, we continued our walk, weaving through narrow streets and lively piazzas. At one point, we stopped at a pedestrian crossing. Around 15 people stood waiting with us including locals, tourists, families, all going about their day.

The light turned green. I took my first step forward… and heard it.

A faint zip.

It was subtle, but because I’d been so mentally prepared, my senses were already heightened. I instantly turned around and there it was my backpack hanging open, the zipper completely undone. My heart raced. Thankfully, the careful planning paid off. Just as I expected, the bag contained nothing worth stealing.

I shouted out that someone had tried to rob me, hoping to catch the culprit or at least alert others. But in the sea of blank stares, no one reacted. No guilt, no movement, no panic. In a foreign country, with nothing stolen and no way to pinpoint who did it, I knew accusing someone would lead nowhere. So we took a deep breath and continued our day.

That moment stayed with me, not as a bad memory, but as a reminder of how important it is to read, research, and stay aware. I’m incredibly grateful to every traveler who shared their own stories online. Because of them, I knew exactly what precautions to take, and it saved me from a stressful and potentially trip-ruining incident. Pickpocketing isn’t unique to Rome. I’ve heard similar stories from friends and family who visited other popular destinations in Europe. These things happen in crowded cities everywhere.

Rome is stunning, vibrant, historic and absolutely worth visiting. But like any major tourist hub, it requires a bit of street-smarts. Here’s what worked for me:

• Don’t keep important documents on you unless necessary

• Use pockets, preferably with zippers

• Keep only what you need for the day

• Stay alert in crowds, especially at crossings, bus stops, and landmarks

• Do your research - other travellers' experiences are gold

  
  

Our trip to Italy went on to be unforgettable, and that tiny scare didn’t overshadow the beauty of the city. But it did remind me of one thing: being prepared is the best travel companion you can have.