I have booked a short trip to Naples with the main purpose of seeing the Pompeii ruins. However, I've just read about the city in more detail in the Rick Steves 2009 Italy guide and feel a bit frightened! Is it "safe" to go as a lone female to Naples? Thoughts and opinions appreciated.
Also, if anyone has hotel suggestions for Naples I would appreciate that as well. I know Rick recommends Sorrento, but as I only have a very short amount of time this isn't really practical.
Thank you!
Kate,
I found Naples to be "safe", but it's a good idea to be a bit cautious (especially at night). I also travel solo, but the safety issues for males are a bit different.
One Hotel you might look at is Hotel Chiaia, which is in a nice part of town (although you'll need a Taxi to & from the train station). The Piazza at the end of the street had a constant Police prescence, so that area was definitely safe!
To visit Pompeii you'll need to travel on the Circumvesuviana commuter train, which has a bit of a dodgy reputation. Be sure to wear a Money Belt! It can get quite crowded at times, so you may need to stand.
Cheers!
This has been discussed frequently on this forum in the past, here are 90 past discussions, here, in which the words Naples, female, and either safe or safety were usedIn the last several years a broad range of opinions have been given here about Naples, no consensus has emerged. So it will be best if you browse some of these past discussions.
Kate, I recently stayed in the area near the station in Naples - cheap, and convenient for what I was wanting to do. Granted, the area is less than salubrious but never did I feel ill at ease. Hotel Europa was quiet, had a reading room with English langauge books, TV room, Internet access. There were lots of stalls on the pavements in that area, and the main shopping street was close by. I obviously stand out like a sore thumb - tall, fair, and solo female. I don't use a money belt, but had my handbag tucked under my arm, strap over my shoulder. I walked and walked and walked, saw heaps, and would love to return.
