One of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, the country works hard to accommodate all of its visitors; including those that enjoy a more adult kind of entertainment. In this guide, we take a look at the sex industry in Rome; from strip clubs to adult body rub centres to swinger clubs and much more in between.
Most venues are popular with the locals but, when in Rome…. Prostitution in Italy is legal though third-party activities relating to the sale of sexual services such as brothels, pimping or prostitution rings is not. Some work for agencies, take to the streets or even work as dancers in strip clubs and massage parlours. Though the trade in sexual acts in these venues is prohibited it can and does take place. However, you should be aware that the owners of these establishments do not tolerate such activity as it can lead to site closure.
You can find prostitutes all around the streets of Rome including some budget hookers along the Tiber. Image via Flickr. Street prostitution is tolerated as long as no explicit soliciting takes place and is a popular way for locals and tourists to engage the services of a professional. The cost of hiring a prostitute in Rome varies considerably. You will find dozens of escort websites serving Rome, including a handful of independent companions with their own web presence.
There are also classified directories and personals boards where ads from courtesans can be freely browsed. However, all of these websites operate in a strictly grey area of the law and we cannot publish links to them on this site. Brothels are illegal in Italy but you may still find yourself in one if you respond to an in-call advertising from some site, particularly classified listings. These small networks of prostitutes tend to rent premises on a short-term basis and move frequently to avoid detection from the authorities.
This kind of operation is not regulated and are not recommended in general. Swinging is very popular in Italy and you can find clubs around Rome as a single man or as part of a couple. Not all of these clubs are open to the general public though most will permit international visitors; however, you may need to pay a joining membership fee. Clubs are generally busier on weekends with the action starting after Bad Romance is a members only swinging club open for singles and couples in the Testaccio area of the city.
