12 Ways to Stay Safe in Naples 💪

12 Ways to Stay Safe in Naples 

Worried about saftey in Naples ? It never hurts to be cautious but rest assured that Naples  is safe, for a major European city.

The monuments, the flaking ochre and red  palazzi, the cobblestones, the sea … Naples  can feel like Disneyland.

It is a city. A major city, where real wages have stagnated and benefits have been cut.  Naples  is a city that is incredible to visit, but its residents are not always benefitting from the global economic upturn. There is a trickle-down effect between the economy and safety in Naples , so its always best to be sure.

It is a city filled with wonderful people, but as with any place, there is always a group who will take advantage. And it is much easier to take advantage of a foreigner in a strange land who has succumbed to the allure of 1 euro shots.

The drinking age in Italy is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for liquor.  Being released from the confines of a country that raises the drinking age to 21 means that young Americans might go a little crazy when given the freedom to drink whatever they want.  I get that.  But here is where I start to sound like your father : just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Here are common sense tips for how to stay safe in Naples  (and for just saying safe in general wherever you might be):

1. Know the Italian emergency numbers.

General Emergency: 113

Police (Carabinieri): 112

Fire (Vigili del fuoco): 115

2. Sign up for the US STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (link in my blog - bottom page   ) . This way your nearest Embassy will know how to contact you in case of an emergency. [Most other countries also have an equivalent]

3. Don’t go on a pub crawl. Spend your time and money doing something more Neapolitan  if you want to experience the city. Get a glass of wine at a local bar, or check out ongoing events for something more exciting.

4. Always stay with someone you know. Keep an eye out for each other.  Traveling alone? That’s ok too! Naples  really is quite safe but common sense applies.

5. Know your limits. It is not just about looking out for your friends, but also about looking out for yourself.

6. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know and don’t leave your drink unattended. This is as true in Naples  as it is anywhere else in the world.

7.Be aware of your surroundings. This is a much bigger risk of pickpockets who will opportunistically snatch your phone or wallet. 

Bag in front of you all times  as it is anywhere else in the world.

8.Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Driving in Naples ? Be sure that you take everything with you out of the car. Suitcases piled on backseats and charging iPhones look might tempting and you may come back to smashed windows and 0 stuff.

9. Have copies of your important documents stored electronically, or left with family at home to ensure you can easily replace anything that is stolen, and quickly cancel stolen cards.

10. Avoid certain areas at night, or at least use good judgment. These include parks (which should be closed), the darkened areas around Stazione Centrale and Piazza Garibaldi  , and as much as th area has improved, I have noted that it is not a place for nighttime wandering.

11. Pick secure accommodation. Best area :  Centro Storico/Spaccanapoli  , Chiaia , Vomero and Lungomare (waterfront  )  My fav is Centro storico and Chiaia to get a real experience 

12. If you want to live la bella vita, you also need to embrace la bella vita . This means keeping up a good public image, not losing control, and still enjoying all the good things that Naples  has to offer.