Is Naples safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Naples was first founded by the Greeks back in the 6th or 7th century BC leaving it with a fascinating history and a beautiful historic center that is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are so many landmarks and monuments to see here, and in fact Naples, Italy is home to the most historic churches in the world!

These amazing sites and other hidden gems, as well as the fact that Naples was the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, attract lots of tourists from all around the globe. It is one of southern Italy's most visited cities and can see up to 3.7 million tourists in a year. On top of that, Naples is home to nearly 2.2 million citizens of its own. The city gets even busier between the months of June and August when tourism spikes, so you can expect more crowded areas if you visit Naples in the summertime.

We bet that you're excited to go out and explore the city's history and attractions like the Catacombs of San Gennaro, but before booking a plane ticket you should make sure that you know everything that you can about Naples and its safety. Remember to leave your valuables in a secure luggage locker in Naples while you're out and about gazing at the architecture and admiring the scenery. Bounce is a great choice with convenient storage locations all over the city.

Is Naples safe to visit right now?

Looking at the travel advisories for Italy, Naples is a safe city to travel to right now and there are no safety concerns or advisories. That being said, you should check in with your own government closer to the date of your vacation in case any new travel restrictions are put in place. In general, the country is always safe, and it has a very good Global Peace Index rating of 32.

Just because it is considered safe doesn't mean that there is no crime in Naples. In fact, the city does have a problem with petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams that could affect tourists. You can still have a safe trip here and we'll do our best to prepare you as much as possible. Busy traveler or not, do your research before vacationing anywhere, including Naples. Every Naples safety guide you read will keep you informed and ready to go on holiday and experience things like shopping on Via San Gregorio Armeno.

Top petty crimes and scams in Naples affecting tourists

This is not a dangerous city but there are some things that you'll need to look out for when visiting Naples since tourists are often the targets of small crimes. The good news is you only need to use common sense and follow these safety tips to make the most of touring fantastic places like Palazzo Reale and San Domenico Maggiore.

Pickpocketing

Petty theft is quite common in Naples, especially around the most popular tourist sights. Pickpockets often look out for unsuspecting tourists since they are easier targets for bag snatching. You'll have to do a bit of extra work to protect your personal belongings. We suggest taking the basic precautions of watching your surroundings and leaving expensive jewelry or tech at the hotel or in a Bounce luggage locker where they can't be stolen. Some petty thieves work in groups so be wary if someone is trying to distract you, since someone else might be stealing your stuff. To be extra safe, consider buying a slash-proof bag.

Mugging

Naples does have petty criminals, although most of them can be found in certain neighborhoods. If you're planning to venture outside of the main attractions always know where you are headed, and do some research before visiting a new place. Our safety advice is to not wear designer clothes or flashy jewelry since that'll make you an easy target for muggers. You should also avoid walking around late at night, especially in unsafe areas that have a reputation for crime.

Scams

Some scams are local knowledge but they could be overlooked by visitors. One example of a common crime is the bracelet scam where a vendor will put a bracelet on you and you won't be able to take it off, and then they'll pester you for money. Look out for similar tactics with rings as well, and when buying things make sure that you get the correct change back. The Lira 500 looks very similar to 2 Euros, and some vendors might purposefully give you the wrong one. Drink spiking might happen in bars with the goal of stealing your personal belongings, so for that reason and for your personal well being, it is important to never leave your drink unattended.

Is Naples safe to travel alone

Naples is not the most dangerous city, but it isn't the safest either. It does have a reputation for organized crime and although this won't affect tourists, that does mean that criminals live here. If you're a solo traveler you'll have to take some extra precautions, but with proper preparation and by following safety tips you'll be completely fine and happy as you see the sights. Some areas can be more dangerous than others and should be avoided, especially if you're traveling alone. You should always be aware of your surroundings and even more so at night.

Italy is ranked 23rd on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index, but if you're a woman traveling solo in Naples take the same precautions as you would back home. As we mentioned earlier, be extra cautious with your beverage when out since there is a chance that your drink could get spiked. Other travel tips include avoiding dark and narrow streets at night, and if possible, trying to stick with a group. We completely understand wanting to visit a city alone, and in general, this Italian city is fine if you're careful and don't venture outside of the safe spaces in central Naples.

Safest neighborhoods in Naples

Naples is a big city with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Feel free to wander, but take the local advice by sticking to the safe neighborhoods. Here are a few that you can walk around freely without worry.

Chiaia Chic

Chiaia Chic is a safe and trendy area that you can explore trouble-free. If you like to try new restaurants, this is the place to do it.

Posillipo District

Posillipo District is a residential area that does not experience much crime. Enjoying views from the Virgilian Park or seeing Baia delle Rocce Verdi, where you can admire the sea, are just two places to go.

Mergellina

Looking for seaside entertainment? Mergellina is a small and tourist-centered neighborhood with gelateries, bars and places to dine.

There is no doubt that Naples is a beautiful city, and anyone with wanderlust will want to see it all. Unfortunately, the truth is that some places are less safe and these areas should be enjoyed during the day. This includes Forcella, San Giovanni and Scampiar. You should also be extra careful around Garibaldi Square. While Piazza Garibaldi does have a new underground mall, street hawkers may hassle you after dark.

Is Naples public transportation safe?

As with most big cities, public transport in Naples is not without its issues. We do suggest using public transport as opposed to driving yourself since parking is scarce and illegal parking touts might try to target tourists who are lost. Parking touts are known to block streets, forcing people to pay if they want to park there. You'll also have to deal with a significant amount of traffic during rush hours and some drivers can be reckless. Be careful of fake taxi drivers as well, and only accept drives from licensed taxis.

Luckily the bus, train and metro can get you almost anywhere in Naples. Be aware that some places like Garibaldi Station have a higher rate of petty crime, and in general you should always keep an eye on your items when using any bus or train station. Plan your trip ahead of time so that you don't wander around looking lost, since scammers and pickpockets might notice and target you. Overall, Naples is not any more dangerous than other Italian cities as long as you're careful.

Important emergency numbers in Naples

If you take note of the travel safety tips written above then the chances of you encountering any form of violent crime are low. That being said, you never know what might happen and even a simple accident could lead to you needing help. If you're ever in an emergency situation you can use one of these services. When preparing for a trip, take into account your embassy number.

• Carabinieri: 112
• Emergency Police, Fire and Medical Services: 113
• Fire Department: 115
• Ambulance: 118

Visit Naples safely

With historic landmarks, a nearby active volcano and the best pizza in the world, it is clear that many cities can't compare to this one. Crime exists here just like in any other city, but it is relatively easy to avoid if you know what to look out for and take the necessary precautions.

To get more familiar with beautiful Naples, read this guide on Where to Stay in Naples: The Ultimate Guide as well as this useful article on How to Get Around Naples. Now you're ready to visit Naples to taste delicious Italian food, explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast, and discover everything else that Naples has to offer!