Has anyone travelled to Naples Italy?? I hear only bad things...lots of picpockets, a lot of whom are locals, and the scams are very organized...Am I getting the right message about Naples?? If so does anyone have any suggestions about a different place close by to stay??
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
Whitney,
Hey neighbour! You might want to use the upper right hand box to search past threads on Naples. If I remember correctly there have been quite a few posts about Naples and Safety. Or try the section "To The Boot".
Hope that helps!
Safe Travels,
F/A
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
I don't know. We have been in and through Naples several times, mostly recently summer 06, and don't think it is any worse than any other large Italian city. At one time, maybe 10 or 15 years it did have a reputation for being a tough city. Is it better today --- I think so, but cannot prove it. Just use your normal, reasonable precautions that you would use anywhere.
Posted by
OP
Brampton, Canada
4 posts
thanks to you both!!! I'll check it out!!! F/A is the weather as nice in Niagra as it was here today!!! Spring has finaaaally arrived!
Posted by
Canberra, ACT, Australia
115 posts
I was actually wanting to go there this year and go to pompeii - but my italian friend who i am staying with is refusing to go as she believes it's unsafe.
I am fine with that (a little disapointed - really want to go to pompeii) I figured she would know - she lives in Italy :)
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
I wouldn't so much about the pickpockets and scams as I would about the pollution. They still haven't got their garbage problem solved and are burning toxic and industrial waste.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You might look in the Helpline section "To the boot" for Italy-specific posts. I prefer Sorrento over Naples. Cleaner and prettier.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1557 posts
I actually really liked Naples, more so than Venice or Florence as it seemed more of the 'real Italy' rather than the touristy part of the country. Traveling to Pompeii was a breeze - I didn't think there was anything to fear other than taking the normal precautions.
Posted by
Mukilteo, WA
61 posts
My hubbie was in Naples 4 months for work, and came home with many stories. Beware of kids on Vespas who have purse-snatching down to an art. A lady had just exited a tourist bus; her purse had a shoulder strap. 2 kids on a Vespa - as they flew by the rider grabbed the purse strap - but she didn't let go! Both the snatcher and the lady hit the pavement, at that point the kid gave up and ran.
That said, in the 4 months he was there, that was the only event of this nature he witnessed. Sure, there were pickpockets working the crowd - so use a money belt.
Something to consider - many Italians do give Naples a wide berth. The drivers are insane, and the reputation of the pickpockets etc cause a lot of folks to avoid Naples.
Hubby spent a lot of time in Sorrento and down the Amalfi Coast - and loved it. We're going together so I get to see it too: Davide's Gelatteria in Sorrento is first on my 'gotta see/eat at' list! He can do the driving - opening my eyes is optional....
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Even Italians worry about Naples and when I went there I didn't wear a watch, was terrified to use my phone, blah, blah, blah.
All pointless. No one bothered us, no one even came near us, and Naples is beautiful! You walk right along the sea, with Mt. Vesuvius in the distance, and we rented a little boat and rowed out onto the bay. Drank limoncello. We had a great time walking around the center at night, lots of great restaurants and pubs. My advice, DONT wear a Rolex and don't buy a cell phone from a man on the street, use some street sense and you will be fine. The only really sketchy part was the train station, once I got past there, no problem. As for the trash problem, they are doing a regular trash collection in the historic center, so not really an issue.