Is Naples really that bad?
 

Hi folks. I'm off to Italy end of April. I've been many times before to various corners of the country, but this time I'll find myself at the Amalfi coast.

I'd be interested to at least take a day in Naples, but the people I know who have been there are all telling me horror stories about getting ripped off or having stuff stolen from them mostly by passing mopeds. I'm not one to usually succumb to these sorts of tales, but this time there really do seem to be a lot of horror stories.

So is Naples really that bad?

No.

Every big city in Italy has pickpockets. Napoli is nowhere near as dangerous as any major American city. Tourists get ripped off everywhere. Beijing is one of the safest cities in the world and you had better believe I've been ripped off there (though much less as time went on as I lived there).

Napoli is worth more than a day. The museums, markets, pizza (l'antica da michele and di matteo come to mind) should be more than enough.

And if you have not been give the ruins of Pompeii at least half a day. An easy and short train ride from Napoli.

Short answer- No.


One shouldn't walk around with the "I'm from North America" shorts and white socks on and you will be less of a target in any Italian city.

I have seen moped "bandits" in Spain, Greece and all over Italia. For some reason people always connect it just with Napoli. Take the same precautions you would on the metro in Roma or any other crowded place and you should be fine.

The odds could be higher that an unguarded person (meaning with wallet or purse out or wearing big jewelry) could be a target, but I know plenty of people who have been mugged in NYC. I still visit.

Spend a few hours in Napoli if you can, see the coastline or have a great pizza. Others on this board tend to be more Northern Italia centric, but you have my advice.

Ciao,
FH

Fair enough. Thanks guys! I was having trouble believing things were that bad. Standard precautions apply naturally but it's good hear that you don't really need to walk around in full Red Alert awareness.

A couple of years ago I travelled solo in Naples, and as a women merely took the usual precautions (NO, that does not mean fanny backs & group tours)-- but being from NYC, I was just always aware of my surroundings and acted accordingly. I found Naples to be a wonderful city, friendly, vibrant, and fairly safe. The only thing you might want to check on is the garbage strike, not sure if it is still going on. As for the traffic, I found it no worse/better than any other major city. And yes, cars, motorbikes etc generally DO STOP at lights, and let people cross-- unlike some of the pr that comes out of Naples tourist sites. Just look before you cross and move along,,,, ie don't linger!

I agree with most responses.....just keep your wits about you and pay attention. If you use a public bus, be extra aware.

I am going in July and can not wait. I have been all over Italy many times but never Naples and although you hear plenty of interesting stories about Naples I can not wait to see it for myself...

You gotta be kidding!

I love Napoli (the city, not the team :td: :td: ;)), but there is no way that you'll be safer from pickpockets there than in N.America.

Don't believe everything you see on tv. New York is one of the safest cities in the world, especially in the tourist areas. So is Boston, Chicago, Seattle, etc.

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To the OP: you will love Naples. Be sure not to spread yourself too thin. There is so much to do and sea (sic) in the surrounding area that you may try to stuff too many things into your trip, and never relax. Just pick a couple of areas to visit, and save the rest for another trip.

That's the plan! We've got a hotel booked for 3 nights and we intend to just hang out in the area (not in Naples itself, but close to it). Anyway, one of the cool things about living in YYZ is that it's the hub for Canadian air travel so it's very easy to go back somewhere. :)

Thanks for the tips guys! :)