Litters, wealthy women moving about the city.

[magnificentbeast]

Would a wealthy upper class woman, always ride in an enclosed litter about a Roman city? Or would it be acceptable for them just to go on foot sometimes? 

[caldrail]

As long as she didn't move around unescorted, it was a matter of choice. One thing to bear in mind was that Rome was a somewhat constricted city with no real division between classes, so large urban villas might be found among the Roman equivalent of slums and tenements. Carriages were possible in some of the wider width streets, but there might also be legal restrictions on when she could use them (Caesar had banned deliveries in daytime to reduce congestion). Hazards from crowded streets, irate or clumsy citizens and workmen, or perhaps worse, muck thrown casually from upper stories of buildings would be something to consider.

In Pompeii, they've actually found small niches in the back wall of expensive properties presumably rented out to prostitutes operating in the back alleys.

Her motive for travelling about might have an influence. For an important social occaision, then make the biggest impression, so yes, she would likely choose to arrive in style. If she's creeping out of the house for a secret liaison, either within her social circle or even with her favourite gladiator, discretion is called for.

Funnily enough, I haven't seen any contextual evidence of horse or donkey riding about town. 

[caldrail]

Chariots. It just occurred to me. Nothing more grand than two horses and a servant/slave to do the driving. The wife of Tarquin Superbus was supposed to have driven over her father after her husband threw the old king off his throne.

[magnificentbeast]

Thanks for the reply! Good info. I never thought about women traveling about in chariots, I guess I thought that was a man thing. And I love the name Superbus.