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.

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 where they can't be stolen.

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 have an idea of where you are headed, and do some research before visiting the new area. We also recommend being extra aware when walking around at night.

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.

Is Naples safe to travel alone

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. Travel tips include avoiding dark and narrow streets at night, and if possible, trying to stick with a group.

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.

Is Naples public transportation safe?

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 hour.

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.

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!