How safe is Naples for walking around in the daytime?

Peter,

I've walked around Naples in both day and night (carrying expensive Camera gear), and so far haven't had any problems. However, I was staying near Piazza del Plebiscito, which seemed to be one of the nicer and safer areas (especially as there seemed to be a permanent Police presence at the end of the street - you can view the Police Van on Google Earth street view).

I probably wouldn't recommend venturing into the Spanish Quarter at night, but I wouldn't hesitate to travel during the day. The Archeological Museum is incredible!

Happy travels!

In 2008 we took the hydrofoil from Sorrento to Naples and walked to the museum. It was Saturday with lots of shoppers. We enjoyed Rick's walk and stopping for pastries. Loved the museum including the lowest level. Maybe we were lucky but we felt very comfortable

I agree - I have never felt threatened in any of the touristy areas of Naples and I have been as a woman walking alone, as well as there with a small child. I would certainly not bring valuables and use the same caution I would in any other big city and I'm always particular wary of pickpockets in crowded areas, like the rain station. As for being "mugged" I would think the odds would be very, very slim - Italy has a very low violent crime rate and I haven't heard personally of any tourist having any sort of issue with that - don't wear flashy jewelry and don't put your wallet in your back pocket and you should be fine :-) Act like you are going to NYC.

it can be a shock going from sorrento to naples but definitely worth it. people are very friendly and it's a great city with so much to see. in some areas you may feel "different" such as the squre in front of the train station but you can always get taxi if needed. also be careful crossing streets - traffic is unpredictable!

I did Rick's "A Slice of Neopolitan Life" walk a few years ago and felt perfectly safe. Be sure to visit the Cappella Sansevero. For a safe ATM, use one at the Bank of Napoli headquarters. It's on the Scappanapoli, in a courtyard on the right a short distance past the Santa Chiara church. There's also a free and interesting small liturgical museum in the courtyard.

Hi Peter, I will be in Rome in October and plan to do the Naples/Pompeii day trip. I've spoken to 3 friends that have been to Naples and they all said that they weren't bothered by pickpockets but that they were all prepared as everyone on this board has mentioned. My girlfriend said she was on the train ready to get off in Naples when an Italian lady motioned to her that she should take off her earrings and hide her necklace even though she was just wearing cheap costume jewelry. I was actually thinking of skipping Naples but sounds like as long as we're careful, we should be okay.

Thanks everyone for the replies. We'll definitely take in Naples--we were planning on doing the Rick Steves walking loop during the day. We are always careful with our valuables and keep everything important in our security waistbands.

We are 60+ (and not fast runners!), and we STAYED in the Spanish quarter for four days last year. Naples is wonderful - enjoy yourself!