From historically rich buildings to tantalizing food, Naples, Italy is immersed in culture, landmarks, and incredible cuisine. However, all this beauty begets the question: Is Naples, Italy safe?
Stories abound about crime and its active volcano that can scare first-time visitors to death. The bottom line is that here’s a guide to help you research the truth behind the safety in Naples and provide tips and insight to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
Key Takeaways:
- Naples is Safe for Tourists: Millions visit Naples each year without issues. Stay alert in crowded areas and avoid isolated places at night.
- Avoid Certain Neighborhoods: Steer clear of Scampia, Sanità, Secondigliano, and Quartieri Spagnoli, especially after dark.
- Safest Areas to Stay: Chiaia, Vomero, Posillipo, and the Historic Center are safe, welcoming, and ideal for tourists.
- Safety Tips: Keep valuables secure, avoid showing expensive items, stick to well-lit areas, and use official taxis at night.
- Naples Nightlife: Naples offers a lively nightlife, especially in Chiaia and the historic center, but stay cautious and use safe transportation.
- Emergency Number in Italy: Dial 112 for emergencies, 118 for medical help, and 113 for reporting crimes to the police.
- Budget-Friendly Destination: Naples is more affordable than Rome and Florence, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Mount Vesuvius: While nearby, Vesuvius is closely monitored and poses no immediate threat to visitors.
Is Naples Safe for Tourists? Everything You Need to Know
Naples has always been a little rough around the edges, but do not let that serve as a reason to avoid visiting this dynamic town. In truth, millions of visitors pass through Naples annually with absolutely no problems.
A safe trip depends on being alert and cautious, particularly in crowded, touristy areas like the old town center or train stations, where thieves search for unsuspecting victims.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Carry belongings close.
- Use anti-theft bags.
- Do not carry expensive jewelry.
- Stick to known tourist destinations, especially during nighttime.
- Avoid sparsely populated areas or travel alone when it is dark.
Naples is overwhelming but for the first-time visitor only and with little consciousness, one feels quite safe compared to other big European cities.
Places Not Recommend Visiting in Naples
Naples is a very safe city and pleasant to tour, but, like with other cities of the same size, there are some areas that you would do well to steer clear of or, for your sake, avoid when it’s dark.
There is plenty of tourist activity in the safe and well-policed central parts of town including the old center, Piazza del Plebiscito, and along the waterfront.
However, some of its neighborhoods have a serious crime problem, and during nighttime hours nothing good seems to happen after sundown.
- Scampia: This is one of Naples’ more notorious quarters: wracked by its dark history, high crime rates, and less desirable inns. It’s no place for tourists to go.
- Sanità: This is an old neighborhood with beautiful buildings, but it’s also a place of crime. You should see it during the day if you’re visiting in a group. Don’t venture there at night.
- Secondigliano: Another district, similar to Scampia, has had its problems with organizational crime. As a tourist, you should not go there after sunset.
- Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters): Although the Spanish Quarters have become a hip destination for tourists due to its old-world charm, this part of town is still a little seedy – especially at night. If you are going there, stay on the main streets, and don’t stray down any side alleys.
Safest Areas in Naples: Where to Stay
Some neighborhoods always attract tourists with their reputation as being safer and welcoming to visitors. They are great places to find where one might stay and continue exploring Naples.
- Chiaia: It is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Naples. It is full of luxury boutiques, fashionable cafes, and restaurants. The area is safe during the day and at night, so it’s always full of tourists and locals.
- Vomero: It is at the top of the hill. From here, you can see the whole town, and the quiet surroundings make all forms of peacefulness audible. It’s suitable for family and all those seeking to spend their holiday in peace while also being conveniently located close to most attractions within the city.
- Posillipo: The bay views are like from a picture, with one’s feet dangling in the Mediterranean Sea. The view of the Bay of Naples is breathtaking. The Posillipo area of the city is considered to be one of the wealthier areas. It’s very safe and offers a much more relaxed atmosphere that is freed from the tension of the city center.
- Historic Center (Centro Storico): While the old town is very popular and usually pretty safe, at least during the daytime, it’s always rather crowded, so it’s no bad strategy to stick to the main streets.
Practical Safety Tips About Naples, Italy
Below are some practical tips to keep you safe while you experience this bustling city of Naples:
- Keep a keen sense of observation about the surroundings: Be more careful, especially in crowded places like markets, railway stations, and tourist attractions.
- Use anti-theft bags: Pickpocketing often happens in crowded places, so always place valuables in an anti-theft cross-body bag.
- Avoid displaying valuables: Avoid showing too flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas: Especially at night, the best idea is to stay in populated places where there are other tourists or locals around.
- Use official taxis: If you’re traveling around the city at night or to a less-known location, use an official taxi or ride-share rather than walking.
- Know basic Italian phrases: While many people in tourist areas speak English, a few phrases will help you in case you need assistance.
What is the Emergency Number in Italy?
In case you get caught in an emergency while in Naples, the universal emergency number you would call in Italy is 112. It connects you to the police, ambulance, or fire service.
Save this on your phone when you travel. But if it were a medical emergency, you could dial 118, for the fire department dial 115, and for reporting crimes directly to the police, one just needs to dial 113.
Crime in Naples
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are notorious petty crimes committed in Naples, especially in crowded tourist areas. But murder and other violent crimes are extremely rare.
Most of the vicious crime problems associated with the city’s “dangerous” reputation concern organized crime operations and city feud disputes, which usually don’t involve tourists.
Crime Types Brief Summary
- Pickpocketing: Very common on markets, public transport, around Piazza Garibaldi, and train station.
- Scams: Be very careful of people who offer unsolicited assistance or try to sell you something, especially at tourist spots.
- Bag snatching: While not very frequent, you can be relieved of your purse or backpack by a scooter or motorcycle rider. Just keep your valuables safe near you.
However, Naples is safe to travel to if you are vigilant, do not visit dubious areas, and take common sense precautions.
Numerous tourists have traveled to the city without being exposed to danger and have been able to truly experience the rich cultural heritage, history, and succulent cuisine.
Why Is Naples So Dangerous? Or Is It?
The reputation of Naples as “dangerous” may be overstated. Of course, crime is higher here than in some of the smaller Italian towns, but that’s mostly where street crime like pickpocketing and snatching handbags is much higher.
Serious violent crime, however, is not typically a problem for tourists, and most locals are friendly and not opposed to having visitors around. Be sensible, follow the rules, and you’ll be fine.
There is a big difference between perception and reality. One may find Naples pretty sleazy because of how it looks and its crime reputation. The major threats to any visitor are theft, not violent confrontation.
In reality, however, the threat that Naples faces is almost identical to that of any major tourist resort the throngs at popular sites bring with them the pickpockets.
Is Naples Safe from Volcanoes? Taking a Harder Look at Mount Vesuvius
One of the most unique concerns about Naples is its proximity to Mount Vesuvius famous volcano that destroyed Pompeii in AD 79. But how alarmed should you be about this natural wonder?
Mount Vesuvius is technically an active volcano, but it last erupted in 1944. The volcanologists are carefully watching its activity; there are also comprehensive emergency plans in place in case it erupts.
The risk to visitors is virtually nil. Many people make day trips from Naples to visit the incredible archaeology of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which lie at the foot of Vesuvius.
Is Naples Safe at Night? Discovering the City after Sunset
Naples is different when the sun goes down. While the city still provides more excitement during the day, safety is not totally out of the window. The historic center and seafront continue to be well-crowded and very safe for tourists.
Other areas, like the Quartieri Spagnoli, are very sketchy and less secure for travelers who aren’t familiar with Naples.
If you are moving around at night, be guided by the following tips:
- Dine or sip coffee in bright, bustling places such as Piazza Bellini or Via Toledo.
- Get a taxi or an appropriate ride-sharing app to return you home.
- Avoid walking alone in deserted places or uncharted regions.
While Naples can still be quite safe at night for a female single traveler, it also depends on some additional caution and precautions.
Many women have traveled alone without problem in Naples; they just need to behave wisely so that they stay secure, avoiding isolated places and using reliable transport when needed.
Is Naples Safe for a Single Female Traveler?
Naples can be a great destination to travel alone as a female, but you have to be careful and keep track of the usual safety precautions.
In certain areas of the city, harassment or catcalling may be prevalent, but mostly it is an annoyance rather than a threat.
A lot of women went wandering around the city, discovering it entirely without problem, particularly when traveling alone, especially when traveling during the day.
When sightseeing solo, you ought to take note of these additional tips:
- Dress conservatively so that you do not attract unwanted attention.
- Stick to mainstream tourist areas and book a guided tour to get more security.
- If you feel uncomfortable, go to the nearest café or a crowded place for a break.
Is Naples, Italy Safe to Live? What Locals Say
For people who would like to stay a bit longer, security in Naples remains the question. Of course, everything depends on the neighborhood you choose to live in.
The safest places to live are usually great neighborhoods like Chiaia, Posillipo, or Vomero-they can boast a wonderful view and style on the streets-but a neighborhood like Scampia is usually talked about for its crime rate.
As with any big city, it takes some street smarts to get by in Naples. If you choose the right neighborhood and don’t get too comfortable, Naples can be an exciting, affordable city to live in.
Is Naples Italy dirty? Let’s bust the myths about Naples’ cleanliness.
One of the most common complaints for Naples is its cleaning level, or better said, the lack of it. Some parts of the city, located out in the suburbs, can be a little messy, but this shouldn’t be taken to represent the whole.
Naples has lots of old streets; sometimes, garbage collection takes a little longer in these areas. However, most tourists report the historic center and main districts to be clean enough to enjoy.
Naples is true, without the shine of a city such as Florence or Rome. In other words, that is part of its attraction. The city exudes raw, organic energy to which many visitors fall in love despite occasional litter.
FAQ
Is Naples better than Rome?
One is simply just fabulous, while the other is quite another. You would find that Naples is lovely with its food, vibrant culture, and coastal views, but Rome is more historic with many world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, local experience, then Napoli would be better suited for you. Rome is much more touristy, hence much busier and more expensive.
Why is Naples so famous?
Naples is renowned to be the birthplace of pizza, possessing a rich history, to is not so far from Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. It is also famous for street animation and picturesque bay views.
Is Rome or Naples safe?
Both cities are secure but you should be vigilant. Rome is safer, with less petty crime and Napoli is infamous for pickpocketing in crowded places. Stick to tourist destination zones of both cities and avoid lonely areas at night.
Why is Naples, Italy so run down?
Some parts of Naples can look degraded in cases of mere economic struggle and a slow city pace. Still, this kind of atmosphere gives the place its originality.
While some places might have a second-hand appearance as though abandoned, something is captivating about the rawness and reality of it all in Naples.
Is it worth going to Naples with the girls?
Definitely. Naples would be just terrific for a girls’ trip. There is super-delicious food, super-fun day trips, and super-fun shopping areas. Just stick with safe neighborhoods and be in a safe area at night.
Is Naples safe for couples?
It’s pretty safe for couples, to be honest. While there, you can browse the romantic spots around the city waterfront and the historic streets, but while in well-known tourist areas, take all your basic precautions.
Is Naples budget-friendly?
Yes, Naples is one of the most affordable cities in Italy. Food, museum admissions, and visiting historic sites are much less expensive than most other destinations and still really quite a bit in comparison to Rome or Florence.
Is Naples a good town to go out at night?
Nightlife in Naples is amazing: bars, restaurants, and cafes, all full of life, open late into the night. Chiaia, the old part of town, is usually always crowded.
Conclusion: Is Naples, Italy Safe?
So is Naples, Italy safe? You think and stay awake for your surroundings. So is Naples dangerous? Like many big cities, Naples has its problems, but these are easily managed with a bit of common sense.
The city doesn’t have much to live up to a bad reputation so don’t let that deter you. Naples is the epitome of history, culture, and adventure all in one place.
Whether one visits Naples as a tourist, a backpacker traveling around the world, or planning to move there, this vibrant city has so much to hold for visitors. Follow the instructions of this guide and become ready to explore Naples with great confidence.
