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Milan--how bad is the crime?

Hi folks: I have a trip to Italy (Milan - Venice - Florence - Rome, 5 nights in Milan and then 4 nights each elsewhere) to start during Memorial Day weekend (end of May). I personally have been to these wonderful cities, but my SO hasn't except for Rome. The first stop (also the city of arrival) is Milan. I know that there aren't as many historical sites in Milan as in the other cities and that crime is pretty bad. My brother in Zurich questioned why I bothered traveling to Milan, given the rampant pick pocketing and purse snatching.

Well, my SO's employer has an office (the only office in Italy) there and he can get some work done if necessary. He can, however, work online from anywhere. Another advantage of being close to the office is the gym. He has a medical condition which improves if he can use the gym after big meals. Finally, I need to furnish my new house in 2026 and I can do some furniture shopping (or at least get some design inspiration) in Milan. This latter task, of course, can be done in Rome or elsewhere in Italy too.

So, my question for those of you who have been to Milan over the past few years is -- how bad is the crime?
If it's bad, should I head for Bergamo or other cities before Venice? Thank you!

Posted by
11915 posts

I have been to Milan over a dozen times since 2012 and never felt remotely unsafe. When there on business I frequent; walked over a mile between hotel and office with no concern at all.

I worry more about pickpockets in Rome and Venice due to crowds in buses, vaporetto, and sites. Watch yourself on the Metro but you are unlikely to encounter the crowds elsewhere.

Posted by
1683 posts

@Laurel, thank you for your super prompt and affirmative reply.

Posted by
1714 posts

I've been to Milan 4 times over the last 20 years. I have never felt unsafe. I've walked all over Milan at all times of day and night. I do take the usual precautions, hand over cross-body purse, don't leave my cellphone on the table, etc. The only time my spidey sense really tingled was in 2023. We were leaning against the railing of the metro stop outside the Duomo. We were waiting for friends and my husband and I were just sort of people watching. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a couple of people "nonchalantly" moving towards us. I nudged my husband, looked their way and we straightened up and walked away.

Posted by
1262 posts

I was in Milan last summer (3rd time) with my teen and young adult kids, and walked all over and took the metro and none of us felt unsafe.

Posted by
2538 posts

hey hey barkinpark
i'm curious why your brother thinks rampant pick pocketing & purse snatching in milan.
what's he telling you about venice, florence & rome where we saw it everyday and was more careful and cautious, keep cellphones under "wraps/bag", no fancy jewelry and my cheapo watch.
enjoy some risotto alla milanese, ossobuco and an aperitivo. stay in milan and have a fabulous time.
aloha

Posted by
2995 posts

I was in Milan last summer for a week for a conference. I took the metro and walked. I never felt unsafe.

In my view, Rome is much dicier. Was there two years ago and clearly was targeted on metro. Nothing happened because I figured out their game and didn’t play.

Posted by
1683 posts

Thank you for your replies. I definitely feel better.

My brother's colleague got robbed in Milan two years ago and perhaps he overgeneralized the situation.

Posted by
672 posts

I’m leaving on Monday for Bologna, 3 nights, Padua 2 nights, the RS Village Italy tour and then 6 nights in Milan. So this topic title really gave me pause I must say. I’m happy to read so far things are pretty normal as far as the travelers who have responded. I haven’t read anything about crime so far in my trip planning…..

Posted by
1683 posts

BTW, Zurich isn't crime free. My service apartment was broken into once and I was sexually harassed along the river by the swimming points. The police refused to let me file a record. I guess this was one way to keep crime statistics low.

Posted by
583 posts

“My brother's colleague got robbed in Milan two years ago and perhaps he overgeneralized the situation”
Perhaps?!
Our 6 days in Milano were uneventful. Well, except for the Covid shutdowns.

Posted by
8337 posts

It's seedy in parts around the main train station, that is about it. I can see someone walking around at night not paying attention getting mugged around there; so don't do that and I think everything will be ok.

Posted by
262 posts

I agree with the other posters - the risk of crime in Milan is probably less than that of the Bay Area.