My train arrives in naples Centrale around 11PM. I heard the area around the train station is not very safe. I booked accommodation in the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore area. About 1mile, 20minute walk away.
Do you guys think walking in Naples in that area late at night may be unsafe for a tourist?
No it is not unsafe; just make sure you know where you are going if walking. If not take a Taxi
At that time of night I would take a taxi, especially if you don't know the area well. Just seems like the smart thing to do.
I was just at Napoli Centrale last Sunday afternoon, after taking the CV train in from Sorrento. Wanted to go to the Archeological Museum. Exiting the main entrance, just to the right there was a line of taxis. They were animated, fun, pointed us to the right cabbie. The rates were regulated at 15 Euro, so we took it to the Museum, probably about a mile away as well. Took a cab back too, same amount.
No idea how that area would be at night, but it's Naples. Take a taxi, why risk it?
How much is the taxi? Around 10 Euros?
Part of my wants to walk just for the thrill of being scared, but I can't afford getting mugged.
I'm not very risk averse (it's funny but I know the thrill you're talking about), but I wouldn't want to schlep luggage anywhere at night for 20 minutes, especially over bumpy streets (you're really going to destroy your luggage wheels that way, BTW). I would do it only if you have a very easy route to get there on main streets (like Corso Umberto) and you have well-honed street smarts and a good sense of direction. Many parts of Naples have small, convoluted streets that are not that straightforward. I love getting lost, but not at 11pm and with luggage - you will make yourself an easy target like that. And your reaction time won't be quick if you have luggage. If you're carrying only a backpack and not walking alone, then that's another story. Cabs should be very cheap - and your hotel is likely only a mile or less away, right? Alternatively, can you take the metro to a stop that's closer than a 20 min walk?
It's an airbnb room. I actually haven't booked it yet so I don't know the exact address. It's about an hour away. I think the walk would look something like this:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Stazione+di+Napoli+Centrale,+Piazza+Giuseppe+Garibaldi,+80142+Napoli,+Italy/San+Lorenzo+Maggiore,+Piazza+San+Gaetano,+80138+Napoli,+Italy/@40.8513365,14.2526117,15.01z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x133b081659811bf3:0x26f7eaf2d2c03d87!2m2!1d14.2725033!2d40.8528559!1m5!1m1!1s0x133b0841f3eed833:0x3ac54e43c5dd166c!2m2!1d14.2577836!2d40.8508109!3e2
It looks like the walk is big streets only?
I'm good with directions generally, but not sure how I would do in Naples. I'm generally very attentive.
Would thieves go up to me and demand that I hand over my stuff? I guess this is what I'm worried about the most.
Just curious, but why are you taking all these late trains? I assume it's to have more sightseeing time in your departure city, but I think you are making it harder on yourself.
I have walked around Napoli at late hours, but not with luggage. I have never felt unsafe there. You may run into sections of streets that are not completely lighted. Take a taxi.
Why don't you ask your airbnb host? Maybe they'll even offer to pick you up. They'll know what's best and you know your risk tolerance. I doubt you'll find anyone on this forum who would walk at 11pm with luggage...most folks are scared of Naples (day or night). I was told by locals to watch my stuff and walk with confidence..no issues, but I wasn't dragging luggage around.
If I was in our shoes and determined to walk, I would take Corso Umberto I and Via Duomo (the latter is a big street). I don't have many worries on big streets, just smaller ones. The problem with smaller streets is you may not be able to easily see street names at night. The street names are on the buildings themselves (in the corners)...if you are not used to that or you can't see very well at night, then stick to the largest streets if possible so you don't have any chance of getting lost.
Zoe, yes, you are correct. I'm trying to fit as much as I can in the 12 days I'm in Italy. By "making it harder on yourself," do you mean I would be potentially tired from the night traveling and/or it's not so convenient to travel at night (e.g., checking in to accommodation may be more difficult late at night, safety concerns, etc...)
Were you alone when you were walking around in Naples at night?
I'm confused?
First you said that you have an accommodation booked and it's "About 1mile, 20minute walk away."
But now you're saying you haven't booked anything but are looking at something (no address) that's an hour away. On foot, that's approx. 3 miles away.
There's a big difference. Which is it?
Yes, when you're tired, you make mistakes and you make yourself vulnerable. Don't overfill your schedule. You will feel very run down by trying to make each day a 16 hour day. I know because I tend to do that as well, but it's not good. Generally it's not a great idea to schlep your luggage over 1 mile in a new unfamiliar place very late at night...yes, you'll get a thrill but it may not be fun.
I did ask potential airbnb hosts, indirectly. I have not booked accommodation yet, but I asked two potential accommodations "What is the best/safest way to get to your rental at night." One of them said "taxi" and the other hasn't responded. I don't think they'll offer to pick me up. Maybe I can offer to pay them extra for housing if they pick me up.
I'll probably end up taking a taxi. I don't want to risk anything carrying around valuables.
I was alone, and yes, I was thinking of fatigue but also late check-out/check-in and traveling/arriving late (what if you are taking the last train and it is cancelled? It can happen), checking in late, especially if you are working with a host rather than a front desk.
Kathy, I was about to book before I made this post, but haven't yet. I'm looking at two places that are about the same distance from Naples Central station, about a mile away.
I agree with the others, at that time of night a Taxi would be a good idea. Be sure to check the RS Italy guidebook for current information on using Taxis in Naples.
"Yes, when you're tired, you make mistakes and you make yourself vulnerable."
This is true, and it's even truer when you're in an unfamiliar place, and when it's late so the usual daytime foot traffic is absent. If there are any people looking to to take advantage of someone around, you will be the target.
If you're arriving late, after dark, in an unfamiliar place, with luggage, take a taxi. This applies anywhere, not just to Naples. Once you've stowed your luggage and so are unencumbered, you can walk or take local transit much more safely and comfortably.
Personally, I'd take a taxi, if you arn't familiar with the area. The next easiest would be to take metro line 1. Garibaldi to metro Dante. Cost E 1,50. Takes 12-15 minutes, then a short walk.
Walk out of Napoli Centrale, turn left, cross the street. Enter Garibaldi metro mid piazza.
Edit. Metro stops running at 22:20 (10:20) so if you want to use it you need to be there earlier than 23:00
