Is Naples Safe? Naples safety guide 2025 | Tips for a secure visit.

Yes, Naples is safe, despite common misconceptions. As a local, I know Naples more than others but understand the concern about it. Well, let me tell you the truth, nothing is like you expect to be.

Naples, Italy, often raises questions about its safety for travellers. We’re here to provide you with a thorough and honest assessment of Naples’ safety, along with valuable tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable visit.

Even though Naples, Italy, has a reputation for being unsafe, I can assure you that it is one of the safest cities in Italy.

In this article, I will provide information about the various aspects and reasons you should consider, as well as the necessary steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Naples, Italy. By following these precautions, you can ensure your vacation in Italy is fun and free from any troubles.

Safety Tips for visiting Naples, Italy

Here are some essential tips to help you navigate Naples safely and enjoy your trip to the fullest:

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

Location is key: Selecting accommodation in well-travelled, tourist-oriented areas can significantly enhance your safety. Centro Storico and Vomero are excellent options. If you are a solo traveller, consider staying in a central, well-reviewed hotel for added peace of mind. Skip to the section on where to stay in Naples.

Be cautious exploring Naples at Night

While central, touristy, and heavily populated areas of Naples are generally safe at night, avoiding extensive night time travel is advisable. Instead, opt for busy areas where you can easily enjoy dinner, drinks, and shopping.

Safety tips for walking at Night in Naples.

When walking at night, especially in central and tourist-oriented areas, keep a few pointers in mind: 

• Stick to crowded areas.
• Keep your phone discreetly tucked away.
• Walk confidently with a sense of purpose.

Transportation safety in Naples, Italy

Naples’ central areas are walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Alternatively, you can use taxis, Uber, or the metro. Arrange taxi services through your hotel if travelling during late or early hours.

Never leave your drink unattended.

This must be used as a universal rule, and it doesn’t matter if you are a solo traveller or female exploring Naples. Keep an eye on your belongings and what happens around your drinks.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Stay alert and observe the locals’ behaviour. If you see others avoiding a particular street or discreetly securing their phones, follow suit. Remaining aware of your surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to crime while travelling.

Do not wear flashy jewellery.

Avoid wearing expensive stuff; it must be something you already do when travelling, but let me reiterate it once again. Don’t wear flashy jewellery when travelling; after all, you are not going to a date or a gala night. There is no point in attracting attention, especially if you are travelling alone. In Naples, keeping your valuable items discreetly stowed away is wise.

Personally, I take an extra step to ensure my comfort and security while travelling. I opt for a more casual dress code. I always carry a bang beg with all the essentials: wallet, phone, reusable straw (yes, not as valuable as you think), apartment or hotel key. Also, clothes matter, and not just for safety. You might be more comfortable with a pair of jeans or joggers than flashy attire.

Pay attention when you’re walking.

To enhance your safety in Naples, avoid wearing headphones or watching your phone while walking. Remaining vigilant, with your head up and attentively observing your surroundings, makes you a less conspicuous target. When checking your phone, do so swiftly before returning it to your pocket.

Stay safe, and book a tour of Naples.

If you have concerns about your safety in Naples, the best idea is to book tours, not skip this stop. You are missing something if you just heard or somebody told you Naples is unsafe! The opposite. The city is opening up to tourism more and more.

Districts like Sanita or Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) were inaccessible until a few years ago. Today, instead, those are the most touristy areas of Naples, where the murals of Maradona and the best restaurants in the city are located. Below, you will find a few suggestions for great tours in Naples: ON MARADONA FOOTSTEPS IN NAPLES

Avoid sketchy neighbourhoods in Naples.

We might go deeper about that while talking about where to stay in Naples. By now, you should stick to the usual district. Naples is excellent, but some boroughs are inaccessible and not really pleasant either for locals.

Avoid these places if you are visiting Naples:

Piazza Garibaldi/Ferrovia (Naples central train station area) – You can walk and get around during the day, but don’t get a hotel here.

Scampia – It’s not safe neither for locals

Caivano – Same as above

Gianturco – Not a nice area, and mostly just businesses here

Zona Porto – Nothing around and not well lit at night

Purchase a theft-proof luggage.

Have you heard of secret pockets? Well, these are reality. A theft-proof luggage might cost a little more, but it is an advantage and gives you peace of mind. All our luggage, those for short trips and even the backpacks for long itineraries in Asia are now filled with secret spots.

Keep your luggage at sight.

When pausing at a café for a coffee, ensure you don’t leave your bags unattended. Personally, we always maintain physical contact with my bags, allowing me to notice any unusual movement promptly.

Also, we suggest purchasing a Google tag or an Apple tag, which, in the worst case, can help you locate your belongings. We have a friend who located his luggage back in Palma de Mallorca and left in a taxi, after one week, with all the camera and money untouched.

Always travel with the insurance.

Nothing will happen visiting Naples, but having travel insurance is always a good idea. Because we travel a lot, which doesn’t mean outside the UK boundaries or overseas, but also locally, we have annual travel insurance with HeyMondo. This travel insurance covers everything, from medical to loss of luggage or flight delays. It’s affordable to have and can cover your ass in every circumstance. Check our Heymondo Review or Grab your 5% discount on us HERE.

If you want an alternative to HeyMondo, check Safety Wings, which is better for short, standalone trips.

Plan your itinerary

We have covered itineraries for One day and Two days in Naples. If you want to play safe while visiting Naples, you should make a plan and stick with it. This way helps you avoid areas you should not visit and even enjoy the trip more. If you need more about Naples to plan your visit better, check our inspiring guides:

• What to do in Naples in winter
• How to spend Christmas in Naples
• Is Naples worth visiting?
• Best pizza in Naples
• Best beaches in Naples to boost your summer

Leave valuables at your accommodation.

When travelling, my general practice is to minimise carrying valuable or essential items whenever possible. This not only reduces the likelihood of becoming a target for thieves but also mitigates the risk of inadvertently leaving valuables behind on public transportation or in cafes.

Secure your camera with a Carabiner or a hook.

When travelling, we carry a couple of carabiners. Those are permanently attached to our backpacks and ready for need. While exploring Naples, you can make use of them. We secure two hooks of our ban bag together, making it difficult to open without notice. Also, a carabinier is an excellent way to secure your camera too.

Don’t Arrive at Night

Arriving at your destination at night is not a great idea, especially if it is your first time there. Same as for Naples. The airport is located in the centre, but reachable only by taxi and bus.

The second and cheapest option will leave you at the train station in Naples, which is not a recommended area. We suggest arriving in Naples during the day to assist the area where you will sleep and stay.

If you are staying in an Airbnb, ask your host to pick you up at the airport if you arrive in Naples at night. Alternatively, book a private transport beforehand HERE.

Avoid empty streets and secluded areas.

In general, it’s safer to be in crowded areas when travelling. Avoid venturing into isolated or desolate streets, as these situations can make you more vulnerable.

To steer clear of secluded areas, avoiding travelling during late nights or early mornings when fewer people are around is advisable. If you’re staying in a hostel and wish to explore in the evening, consider gathering a group for added safety.

Don’t give money to beggars.

As you know, big cities attract beggars. In Naples, you can find people begging for money everywhere, especially in the old town. First of all, we learned at our expense that giving money to beggars just makes them think they have a kind of job. We sustain foundations and charities which might give better help with our money. Instead, you can purchase some groceries and give them as a gift.

Count your change before leaving.

It might not be the first thing coming to your mind while thinking about the safety of visiting Naples. Well, wrong change is possible, and it’s one of the most common minor crimes that can happen. European cashiers occasionally provide incorrect change intentionally, especially with euro and two-euro coins, which can be less or even fake. When paying with a larger bill, take a moment to verify the accuracy of the coins you receive. Count it before leaving the place so you can argue about it in front of the cashiers.

Look both ways before you cross the street.

If you are coming from the US, you might notice that roads are much smaller compared to the States. Well, it’s now time to look both ways because even in narrow turns in Europe, two cars might come from opposite directions. If you are coming to the UK instead, well, in Europe, you know, traffic is the other way around. Always exercise caution and check for oncoming vehicles before crossing the street to stay safe and prevent accidents.

Safest areas in Naples

• Chiaia and Posillipo
• Vomero
• Pozzuoli
• Arenella
• Fuorigrotta

Chiaia and Posillipo: Upscale Tranquillity

Chiaia and Posillipo are among the safest areas in Naples, known for their upscale neighbourhoods, beautiful sea views, and low crime rates. These areas offer a sense of tranquillity with well-maintained streets, upscale boutiques, and a relaxed atmosphere, making them popular choices for both locals and tourists seeking a safe environment.

Vomero: Residential Comfort

Vomero is another safe and residential area in Naples, known for its elegant architecture, green spaces, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighbourhood boasts a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and parks, making it a comfortable and secure choice for visitors exploring the city.

Pozzuoli: Historical Charm and Safety

Pozzuoli, located west of Naples, combines historical charm with safety. This ancient Roman city offers well-preserved ruins, a picturesque harbour, and a welcoming ambience. Travellers can enjoy the archaeological sites while feeling secure in a relatively low-crime area.

Arenella: Community Feel and Security

Arenella, situated in the Vomero district, is recognised for its community-oriented environment and a sense of security. It’s a well-connected area with various public transportation options and local amenities. Travellers often appreciate the friendly vibe and enhanced safety in this neighbourhood.

Fuorigrotta: Modernity and Safety

Fuorigrotta is a modern and safe neighbourhood in Naples, known for its contemporary infrastructure and numerous leisure facilities. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a blend of safety and modern conveniences, including shopping centres, sports complexes, and peaceful residential streets.

Areas to avoid in Naples

• Sanita
• Forcella
• Scampia
• Rione Traiano
• Zona Porto
• Don’t stay at Piazza Garibaldi

Sanita: Historical, but With Safety Concerns

 While it’s worth visiting during the day for its cultural heritage, avoiding wandering there at night is advisable, as it’s known for higher crime rates. Sanita, famous for its historical significance, still grapples with some safety issues.

Forcella: Proceed With Caution

Forcella is another neighbourhood where travellers should exercise caution. It’s known for its tight-knit community and historical sites, but it’s also associated with higher crime levels, especially after dark.

Scampia: Notorious for Crime

Scampia is a neighbourhood in Naples known for higher criminal activity, particularly related to the local Camorra mafia. For tourists, it’s best to steer clear of this area due to its reputation for safety concerns.

Rione Traiano: Exercise Caution

Rione Traiano, while having some attractive local markets and cultural experiences, has higher crime rates than other parts of Naples. Travellers should take extra precautions when exploring this neighbourhood to ensure their safety.

Where to stay in Naples?

Overall | Is Naples safe?

In summary, Naples is a fantastic city for travellers, and with proper precautions, you can enjoy your visit safely. While crime exists, incredibly petty theft, practising situational awareness and following these safety guidelines will help you make the most of your Naples experience.

It’s a city filled with unique culture, history, and delicious cuisine, making it a worthwhile destination for any adventurous traveller.

Remember, safety in any city is a collaborative effort between you and the environment you’re in. You can have a memorable and secure journey in Naples, Italy, by staying informed and making responsible choices.

FAQ | Is it safe to visit Naples, Italy?