Is Naples Safe? [2025 Insider Tips]

A city rich in history, amazing food, and the unique charm of Southern Italian culture, Naples is becoming increasingly popular. While foreign tourists would stick to Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice once upon a time, the port city now receives hordes of travelers annually, reporting 3.7 million tourists in 2017 (via Outlook Travel Magazine). However, with historic links to organized crime, Naples does still have a lingering reputation of being less safe than other Italian cities.

Is Naples Safe to Visit in 2025?

Unfortunately, Naples is often considered to be one of the least safe destinations in Italy. This comes down to several factors, including a higher crime rate and historical associations with organized crime.

However, the reality is that most tourists won’t get into trouble in Naples as long as they practice common sense.

On the organized crime front, there is a criminal group operating out of Naples, but this rarely affects tourists. The group’s criminal activities have nothing to do with visitors coming to Naples, so this shouldn’t be a concern.

While Naples does have a relatively high crime rate of 68.68, this again mostly comes down to issues that won’t affect tourists (via Numbeo).

There are high levels of corruption, bribery, vandalism, breaking and entering, and armed robbery, which tourists won’t need to worry about in most cases. There are also high levels of muggings and robbery, but as a tourist, you’re more likely to face potential pickpockets than violent thugs.

Pickpocketing is a real issue, however, so in Naples it is absolutely vital to secure and watch your belongings at all times, but especially in crowded areas and around the train station. Bag snatching is also common, so it’s a good idea to invest in slash-proof luggage and wear your bag around your body rather than just over your shoulder.

Because the biggest issue that most tourists will face in Naples is pickpocketing, it is an equally safe destination for female travelers. Regardless of who you are, practice common sense by avoiding walking alone at night or through some of the rougher suburbs, and you are unlikely to have any problems.

While street harassment and catcalling definitely can occur, it’s not really more prevalent in Naples than anywhere else (via Travel Ladies). And the good thing about Naples being a smaller and less bustling city than say Rome or Florence is that the locals are generally welcoming and happy to assist travelers.

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Naples

Despite its reputation, there are several areas in Naples that are safe for tourists to base themselves in, and they also happen to be some of the best neighborhoods to stay in for conveniently exploring the best attractions of the city.

• Centro Storico – Essentially the heart of Naples, the city’s historic center is where you’ll find most tourists. It’s home to iconic sights like the Duomo di San Gennaro and the Naples National Archeological Museum, while also being lined with tourist-friendly cafes and trattorias.
• Chiaia – South of the Spanish Quarter, this coastal neighborhood is renowned for tree-lined streets, luxury shopping, public parks, and scenic vistas.
• Vomero – This area is a bustling hub of nightlife that offers views of Mount Vesuvius. It’s always crowded with people, even into the night.
• Posillipo – Popular with history buffs for being the final resting place of the Roman poet Virgil, Posillipo offers wonderful views of the Bay of Naples.
• Port of Naples – With easy access to public transport, and walking distance to several surrounding popular districts, the Port of Naples is a great area to base yourself in. Along with always having people around, this is where you’ll catch the ferry to destinations like Sorrento, Positano, and Capri.

Most of the areas in Naples that you absolutely shouldn’t travel to are well beyond the boundaries of most tourists. However, there are also some areas located in the city center that, while not being hard no-go areas, should definitely invite caution.

• Garibaldi Station Area – The area around the Garibaldi Station has a reputation for pickpocket activity. If you find yourself there alone late at night, petty crime could progress into more violent crime, such as mugging. In addition to watching out for pickpockets, be mindful of beggars inside the station and vendors selling fake designer items.
• Scampia – Situated to the north of the city, Scampia is known for being a hotspot of organized crime and drug activity. It’s best to avoid it altogether.
• Forcella – While more centrally located than Scampia, Forcella is believed to have significant ties to organized crime and is also best avoided.
• Rione Sanità – A low socio-economic area with higher levels of crime. It is currently being innovated and improved, but is still considered generally unsafe.
• Centro Direzionale – A business district in central Naples, Centro Direzionale is best avoided at night due to the risk of violent crime, including muggings.

Crime in Naples

While Naples does have a higher crime rate than many other cities in Italy, this comes down to factors that don’t actually have a huge impact on tourists (via Cost of Living).

The Southern Italian city struggles with societal issues, including the presence of organized crime groups, corruption and bribery, and drug trafficking. These then manifest into crime waves consisting of vandalism, theft, and violent assault, in addition to murder.

However, even with these societal problems, the murder rate in Naples is only .7 out of 100,000, which is significantly lower than many cities in the U.S., per Quasi Italiano. Meanwhile, the statistics for robbery in Naples are 126.5 out of 100,000, and 5.6 out of 100,000 for rape.

As a tourist, you likely won’t have to deal with any of this, but petty crime is a real concern. However, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by following basic safety principles, including being aware of your surroundings and watching your belongings carefully.

Common Scams in Naples

As Naples is becoming more popular among tourists, scammers are increasing their activity. One of the most common is the camera-breaking scam. The scammer will ask you to take their picture with their camera, but as you give their camera back to them, they will purposely drop it and demand you compensate them.

Be wary of anyone hanging around ATMs. Some scammers will pretend to offer you help with operating the ATM, but are really just trying to scan the details of your card so they can steal your money.

While many pickpockets are subtle and just slip their hand into your unzipped pocket, others will try to distract you. Another popular scam in Naples involves throwing white paste onto tourists. If it lands on you, you’ll look up and think it was a bird. Meanwhile, the thief will approach you, offer to help clean you up, and swipe your phone or wallet.

Most locals in Naples are friendly and genuine, but don’t trust anyone that you’ve just met. This also goes for new “friends” that you might meet at a bar, who then ask you to go drinking with them.

This universal scam involves luring tourists to particular bars, which the scammers usually work for. You and your new friends will rack up a huge bill (which you won’t realize because the inflated prices will be kept from you), and then they’ll disappear when it’s time for you to pay. If you don’t have the money on you, the bars will usually send bodyguards to escort you to an ATM to make the withdrawal.

Public Transport

The train (and around the train station) is where a lot of the pickpocketing in Naples takes place, so always be extra vigilant here. If possible, avoid catching the train or lingering around the station at night.

The Circumvesuviana network has a particular reputation for petty crime, so be extra careful when using it to get to Pompeii or Sorrento.

Terrorism

No city is 100% safe from terrorism, but Naples isn’t a particular target. Always be mindful of any suspicious behavior around you, particularly while tensions are high in the Middle East.

Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters

With a Mediterranean climate, Naples is quite hot and dry in the summer. It’s not uncommon for heat waves to hit, and if that’s the case, try to keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you are going to be at the beach or outdoors, make sure you stay hydrated and stay under the shade where you can.

There have been wildfires in Naples in the past, and these have often been suspected of being the result of organized crime arsonists (via The Independent). If there is a fire, follow the guidelines of authorities and emergency service personnel.

That also applies to earthquakes, which are common in Naples. Evacuation plans have been put in place in the event of an emergency (via CNN). The region is renowned for its seismic activity, after all!

Things to Consider – Safety Tips For Naples

Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. While it’s never your fault for being a victim of theft, the reality is expensive items attract thieves.

Keep your handbag securely strapped across your body. Don’t just let it hang loose over your shoulder. Thieves have been known to swipe bags from people in passing.

Learn some basic Italian phrases. This will help you to blend in with the locals, avoid standing out as a tourist, and also to ask for help when you need it.

Arrive in Naples during the day rather than at night. As with any city, the likelihood of being a victim of crime goes up after dark, even in areas that are safe during the day.

Avoid carrying too many valuables on your person, even if they’re out of sight. Where possible, keep important items securely locked in your suitcase or in a hotel safe.

Be especially careful in crowded areas, including on public transport. These are prime areas for pickpockets to operate.

Don’t walk around with your face buried in your map or your phone. This sends the message that you don’t know where you’re going, or at the very least, that you’re distracted. Instead, research your route before you leave your accommodation, and walk with confidence and conviction.

Don’t drive unless you’re very confident. There’s a lot of chaotic driving that goes on in Naples, including speeding and road rage. If you’re planning on riding a scooter in Naples, never do so without a helmet. And as a pedestrian, always maintain extra caution when crossing the road.

If you are renting a car, don’t leave belongings in the car in full view of passersby.

Be careful around Garibaldi Square, and if possible, avoid the area entirely at night.

Memorize the number 112. This is the number to call in case of an emergency.

Avoid wearing anything that makes you stand out as a tourist. For example, “I love Italia” souvenirs should definitely be left in your suitcase! Not only does your status as a tourist attract petty crime, but it also makes you more likely to be ripped off or scammed.

Before leaving for your trip to Naples, purchase thief-proof luggage that is resistant to slashing.

Never leave your luggage unattended, even in the hotel lobby.

FAQs About Naples Attractions