pantheon tickets-4

Pickpockets at the Pantheon

by Pantheon Tips

Like many popular destinations around the world, the area around the Pantheon in Rome can have pickpockets. The area tends to be crowded, and the monument is so impressive that it is easy to let yourself be distracted by the beauty and the excitement.

While Rome is a very safe city overall and there is very little violence, it does have a good deal petty crime. In fact, the bus routes to the Pantheon are a bit notorious for thieves because they know there will be a high concentration of people packed in a small space.

Here are a few tips to help avoid pickpockets at the Pantheon and around Rome in general:

Stay Alert: While you don’t need to waste energy being hyper vigilant, keep an eye on your surroundings and be cautious of any unusual behavior around you. In Italy, pickpockets are often well dressed and blend in with the crowd. In other words, ‘the last person you expect’ might very well be the pickpocket that knows you haven’t given them a second thought. Pick pockets often work in pairs and one might cause a distraction – like falling or yelling – to keep all eyes on them. Don’t fall for it and be cautious of anyone who feels like they are standing too close to you.

Buddy up: If you’re traveling with one or more companions, keep an eye out for each other’s belongings – and stay aware of what is happening around your group. Warn each other if something seems off.

Bring the right kind of bag: Use bags that close securely (preferably with zippers) and keep them in front of you or in a way that you can always feel them. Large backpacks aren’t allowed in the Pantheon anyways, so leave those at the hotel and use a cross-body bag or small pack that you can keep a hand over while taking in the sights. If you prefer to keep your phone or wallet in your pocket, opt for your front pockets or (even better) a zippered coat pocket.

Keep Belongings VERY close: Never put your bag on the ground (for example, while waiting in line) and be very cautious of leaving your phone or camera on the table if you stop for a coffee or a snack on the Pantheon square. It will be gone before you know it.

Only carry what you really need for the day: Leave extra cash, credit cards, and passports in a safe place like a hotel safe. You can keep a copy of your passport in your bag, or simply have a photo on your phone. Rather than bringing a large amount of cash with you to Rome, it is usually better to take out €300 at a time from the ATM, after check the conversion rules with your bank.

These good practices will serve you well on your trip and ensure that a visit to the Pantheon does not include losing any valuables.

pantheon bus-1

Taking the Bus to the Pantheon

by Uncategorized

In Rome, the Pantheon is well-connected by public transportation, especially if you don’t mind taking the bus. There are several bus stops near the monument and bus lines connect here from all over the city. The actual Pantheon is in a pedestrianized area, but the buses can take you within a few minutes’ walk. 

The most convenient bus stop to get to the Pantheon is Largo di Torre Argentina. The bus stops between the archeological area of Torre Argentina, and Feltrinelli, a large bookstore that you really can’t miss.  The bus stop is located just a few blocks away, about a 5-minute walk. Buses that stop at Largo di Torre Argentina include:

Line 30: This bus connects the area with other parts of Rome, including the Vatican and Ostiense. It is an express bus, so it tends to be faster than other lines.

Line 40: Provides a direct link between the Vatican and Termini Station, stopping near the Pantheon along the way.

Line 62: This bus travels through central Rome, including stops near major tourist attractions.

Line 64: Well used by visitors, Bus 64 covers many central attractions, ending at Termini Station. However, it is also notorious for pickpockets so stay highly alert and be sure that your valuables are inaccessible.

Line 81: Connects Vatican Museums with central areas like Pantheon, plus the Colosseum and Circo Massimo.

Line 492: Runs a comprehensive route through Rome, including areas further outside of the center like Tiburtina, which sits beyond Termini station.

From Largo di Torre Argentina it is an easy walk to the Pantheon, which is  just 400 m (less than a ¼ mile, or about a 5-minute walk) away. Once getting off the bus, walk down either Via dei Cestari or Via di Torre Argentina – the small roads on either side of the book store. The same bus stop is also close to other sites like Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona, and even Trastevere, all of which are within walking distance. 

Other nearby bus stops include “Rinascimento” and “Senato.” These stops are within about a 10 minutes’ walk from the monument. There are multiple transportation apps that can estimate routes, but Google Maps is truly one of the most accurate and easy to use.

You can also take the tram (8) or the metro (although the nearest metro stations, like Spagna or Barberini on Line A, are a bit further away) and then walk or catch one of the buses above.

Remember: Bus tickets should be purchased before boarding and then validated at the machines on the bus. Some buses are equipped with instant payment systems at the machines but these sometimes fail and riders will be liable for a fine even if they attempted to purchase tickets. 

Bus tickets in Rome cost 1.50 and are valid for 100 minutes, meaning you can reboard another bus and/or make unlimited transfers during that time. Here is a helpful guide to buying bus tickets in Rome. 

Ready to go? Be sure to pre-book your Pantheon tickets to avoid the lines and have more time to enjoy the area. You can find these at the official site, or if those are sold out, use the widget below.