Napels is unsafe? How to plan a safe itenary

I have been to Naples twice for one day each time; once in 2001 and once in 2019 plus I will be returning this October for three nights. Like any major city, there are probably some neighborhoods where you should exercise caution but I have never felt unsafe in Naples. It is a bit chaotic and gritty, but that to me that part of the charm. Get the Rick Steves book on Italy and it will give you many recommendations or use the search function on this website for lots of information on where to eat, what to see and how to get around. Enjoy Naples - it's a great city to visit.

We felt completely safe where we stayed, in the waterfront area of Naples named Chiaia, at Palazzo Alabardieri.

I warn you that if you go to Naples, you might be surrounded by fascinating archeological sites, be tempted to eat some of the best pizza you’ve ever eaten, see great art, encounter colorful, animated people, and be near several world class locales like Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Paestum, Amalfi Coast.

Don’t pay attention to your surroundings, trust your instincts, or follow precautions you might if you were in a big city in any part of the world.

If you stay along the coast, from Piazza Plebiscito and west, in the areas called Chiaia, Mergellina, Posillipo, you will be more than fine. Use official taxicabs.

I stayed for 5 nights at a hotel about one long block from the train station. I walked all over. Yes, the walk from the station to the hotel looked sketchy and I felt uneasy. Later I realized that all the sidewalk hawkers were nice people just trying to get by. I did end up my first evening - by a lot of wrong turns - in what is considered the most unsafe neighbourhood. The most dangerous thing was just walking because sidewalks were very narrow and often impassable, so I had to walk in the narrow street and felt like I could have been hit by a car at any time - there were a lot and drivers in Naples are really scary. Naples looks seedy, not much money there for upkeep, I imagine. But once I learned how to cross the street, I felt quite safe everywhere on my own and really enjoyed exploring the city. The RS guide has a good walking tour.

I went to the 2 top rated pizzerias. It was fine, but I had better in Salerno on that trip and even better in Rome and Venice on a subsequent trip. I ate lunch twice at Da Carmine on Tribunali (in the heart of the historic center). In 2017 it was still a place frequented mostly by locals, great rustic atmosphere, limited menu and cheap. The food was excellent, so was the service.

OOO Chani, which pizzeria in Salerno did you like better than Naples? I am intrigued :)

I am literally on the train from Naples to Rome right now, after spending two nights in Naples as part of a Rick Steves tour group. Granted I had safety in numbers part of the time, but I spent quite a bit of time on my own (alone) as well. I never felt threatened or unsafe.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Oriente. It was a very nice hotel with a restaurant on the top floor with a fabulous view. It was well-located just off the main pedestrian street (Via Toledo), next to a subway station and not far from the funicular that will take you up high above the city.

The people if Naples were friendly and lively. When you walk about, there will be thousands of ordinary people walking also - shopping, strolling, hanging out with friends, eating, drinking coffee, etc. This makes the streetscape safer. It’s when streets are deserted and without much activity that they seem (and often are) unsafe.

Do keep track of your belongings and your surroundings. Act as if you know what you’re doing! This is necessary in virtually any large city.

I’ve been to Naples twice and never felt unsafe.
In fact, I found the people there very helpful, honest and friendly!
It’s dirty, messy, loud and overwhelming , but fascinating all the same.
I’ll be back for a couple of days this Fall, staying at a B and B two blocks from Napoli Centrale.
One night on my own , then my best friend arrives from the UK.
I’m an often solo , female , silver haired traveler.

The only slightly unsafe thing in 2013, was when we were on a packed city bus one day, and I said Oh Oh, there seems to be a hand on my backside, we have to get off right now!!