Is Italy safe to visit? 

When we think about countries that aren’t considered safe to visit, Italy wouldn’t be one that comes to mind. 

However, saying that there are certain things regarding personal safety to take into consideration when traveling to Italy. 

A country surrounded by beautiful landscapes, romantic scenery and endless travel potential, it’s easy to get lost in its allure. 

In this travel guide, I'll be discussing the topic of is Italy safe to visit? It will cover different regions across Italy as well as which neighborhoods to be mindful of in bigger cities.  

A helpful article that breaks down an important topic, use this resource to help plan your Italy trip.  

Is Italy safe to visit? 

As someone who’s lived in Italy for many years, my response to ‘is it safe to travel to Italy’ would be yes.

However, it’s important to not get too complacent in new surroundings or to get carried away in the moment.  

Be open to new experiences but don’t let your guard down or be too trusting. Essentially, behave the same way as you would back home but with just a little more caution.  

After all, you’re not just traveling to a foreign country but to one where you likely don’t speak the language. 

Is Italy safe to visit for solo women travelers? 

I can’t speak for all solo women travelers that have visited Italy but only from my own experience. 

And personally, I’ve never felt unsafe when visiting places in Italy as a solo woman traveler. 

You could say that speaking Italian places me at a slight advantage over other non-Italian speaking female travelers.  

However, as a woman of color in Italy, there are times where I’ve felt more vulnerable traveling solo. 
But fortunately, I've never (touch wood) been in a situation in Italy where I’ve felt unsafe.

Tips for solo female travelers in Italy 

Keep in regular communication 

Always inform family and friends of your location in Italy, the name of your hotel/B&B/hostel along with your travel plans. 

Have the right SIM card 

Ensure that your SIM card has adequate data when traveling around Italy. Consider purchasing something like the Airalo eSim for easy convenience and no charges for data roaming.

Watch your drinks/belongings 

This may sound obvious but women on their own are more of a target when traveling solo compared to males. 

Even in the present day, us women are more likely to attract attention especially when we’re alone 

Book a taxi in advance if out at night 

Taxis in Italy work slightly differently than to what you may be used to in your home country.  

Most need to be booked in advance or you must wait for one at a taxi rank. Ride-sharing apps like Uber don’t work in the same way in Italy as they do in other countries.

Saying this, be sure you have a safe way to get home after a night out. 

Is it safe to travel by train in Italy? 

Traveling by train in Italy is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to travel between different destinations. 

As with the point regarding is Italy safe for solo women travelers, the same response applies here. 

Personally, I’ve never had an issue regarding safety traveling by train in Italy. Many of my experiences have been positive and I always find that other passengers keep to themselves. 

This isn’t to say that incidents haven’t happened in the past or won’t happen in the future.  

But staying aware and watching your personal belongings is essential and is something that applies across the globe. 

Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Italy? 

Italy is safe for US citizens to travel to Italy. Though I’m not American, I’ve several American friends and relatives that have traveled to Italy without any issue.  

Everyone's story and experience will differ, but again this is something that’s not exclusive to travel in Italy. My guide on how to travel to Italy from the US discusses this topic in greater detail. 

Is it safe to drive in Italy? 

My husband is the designated driver in our family for which I’m eternally grateful.  

Overall, I’d say that it is safe to drive in Italy. However, be more attentive when driving on the highways (autostrada). Alongside drivers swerving between lanes without signaling (or regard for others), we regularly see drivers using their cellphones. 

One of my biggest pet peeves, it’s one of several things I don’t like about living in Italy. 

Is it safer to stay in the Italian countryside? 

There’s likely less chance of being targeted as a tourist when visiting or staying in the Italian countryside. 

Smaller towns and rural parts of Italy will be accustomed to visitors but not to the degree of larger cities. 

From this perspective, I’d say that Italy is safe to visit. However, don’t let your guard down completely and always remain aware of your surroundings. 

Is Rome Italy safe? 

The capital of Italy comes with its own set of challenges just like any other major city. 

But when discussing the topic of is Italy safe to visit it’s vital to talk about Rome. 

A city known for petty crimes like pick-pocketing and home to several scams in Italy, it’s imperative to stay vigilant.  

But for the most part Rome is safe for tourists and is a city accustomed to receiving masses of visitors. 

Is Rome dangerous?

While I wouldn’t say that Rome is dangerous, there are probably some areas that visitors shouldn’t choose to stay in.  

One such Rome neighborhood is the area between Roma Termini station and Esquillino. Our good friend — and a Rome native — advised us of this.  

In brief, if arriving by train at Roma Termini, don’t spend too long hanging around by the station. 

For more in-depth advice on the various neighborhoods in Rome, see my guide on where to stay in Rome. 

Is Milan safe? 

Another Italian city that attracts countless visitors, it’s important to include Milan when discussing is Italy safe to visit. 

Milan neighborhoods 

The Italian metropolis is divided into 8 Milan neighborhoods. In alphabetical order they are: 

• Brera 
• Duomo 
• Navagli 
• NoLo 
• Porta Nuova 
• Porta Romana 
• Porta Venezia 
• Sarpi-Chinatown 

While some encompass some of the best places to stay in Milan, others comprise of areas to avoid in Milan. 

Brera 

A stone’s throw from Milan Cathedral is the elegant Brera neighborhood.  

Brera is home to sights like the Brera Pinacoteca art gallery and the 15th century Carmine Church. Also nearby is the pretty Sempione Park where you’ll find Sforzesco Castle and the Arch of Peace. 

Brera is considered a safe neighborhood in Milan. But as previously mentioned, stay aware of your surroundings. 

Duomo  

The historic center is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Milan. 

Come here to visit Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Scala Theater and the fashion quarter. 

The Duomo neighborhood could be considered one of the safest areas in Milan given the number of crowds it attracts.  

But while police presence is likely to be more visible, the large numbers can also attract opportunists to the city. 

Navigli  

Twin canals (Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese) cobbled streets, vintage shops and art galleries best characterize the Navigli neighborhood.  

Known as Milan’s nightlife district, many locals come to enjoy an aperitivo, dine out and to frequent its club scene. 

NoLo 

The Milan neighborhood we usually stay in when visiting the city, NoLo has a slight hipster feel to it.

Characterized by fun bars, creative types and street art, expect diverse crowds, vegan cafes and arthouse cinemas. 

Porta Nuova 

A modern neighborhood in Milan dotted with independent bars and cafes, Porta Nuova attracts young creative professionals and families.  

An area with a more local vibe, it’s home to the famous Vertical Forest skyscraper and the BAM botanical garden. 

Milan neighborhoods map

Porta Venezia 

Milan’s multi-ethnic quarter, Porta Venezia is filled with parks, trendy bars, East African restaurants and plenty of shopping options.  

It’s where you’ll also find the legendary Bar Basso, home of the famous cocktail, Negroni Sbagliato.  

One of my top Milan travel tips, drinks at Bar Basso also comes with a generous order of delicious snacks. 

Brera or Porta Venezia? 

If struggling to decide whether to stay in Brera or Porta Venezia it comes down to personal preference.  

I found both Milan neighborhoods safe and well connected (public transport) during our Milan trip. In the wider context of is Italy safe to visit, you can’t go wrong with staying in either neighborhood. 

Porta Romana 

Porta Romana is a central neighborhood in Milan, but one in which you can get a peaceful night’s sleep. 

It has one of the best food districts in Milan, and its wine bars and weekly market attracts both students and professionals. Porta Romana is one of the most fun and attractive neighborhoods in Milan.  

A short walk from Porta Romana is the Prada Foundation (Fondazione Prada). Art exhibitions displayed in a fashionable complex, it's also home to Bar Luce, the cafe designed by director Wes Anderson. 

Sarpi-Chinatown 

The final Milan neighborhood on the list is Sarpi-Chinatown.  

Milan’s Chinatown district, along Via Paolo Sarpi, is filled with Chinese restaurants pizzerias and pastry shops. 

A lively area in Milan, Sarpi-Chinatown is also where you’ll find the ADI Museum and the Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale). The cemetery contains sculptures of different styles, some of which were created by famous artists and architects. 

Areas to avoid in Milan 

Having covered the 8 different Milan neighborhoods, below are some of the areas that you should probably avoid in Milan. 

Aside from one place, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a reason to frequent the others on the list. However, in the context of is Italy safe to visit, it’s important to be aware of these zones. 

Milan Central station 

The busiest train station in Milan, Milan Central (Milano Centrale) doesn’t just attract travelers through its doors. 

The surrounding area also attracts a high concentration of less than savory characters that may target visitors arriving and departing.  

Personally, we’ve traveled to Milan by train many times and have never seen or encountered such dangerous situations. But certain factors, such as the time of day you travel to Milan may play a role. 

A busy and lively area in Milan, we’ve eaten a few times at the nearby Milan Central Market. A location filled with plenty of mouthwatering food stalls, it’s a place we’d happily return to. 

Piazza Tirana 

Piazza Tirana sits outside Milan’s historic center. An area in Milan to avoid visiting at night, several incidents of fights between rival gangs have been frequently reported. 

Piazza Bottini 

Outside the boundaries of Milan’s historic center to the east of the city is Piazza Bottini. It’s located by Milan Lambrate train and tram station and not too far from the metro stop. 

The area is well known for the number of people abusing substances and alcohol in front of passers-by. 

Is Venice safe? 

Living in Veneto, north-east Italy, we’re regular visitors to Venice.  

A city we’ve traveled to, and stayed in, countless times, I’ve always found Venice to be safe. 

However, I recognize that I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who’s a local and a frequent visitor.  

We’ve heard stories of tourists having had their passports stolen in Venice and being subject to tourist scams. And these incidents have happened in broad daylight. 

But unlike Milan, there are no specific neighborhoods in Venice that are best avoided.

On the contrary, we’ve walked many times through the narrow streets and alleys after midnight and have never felt unsafe. 

This isn’t to say that I encourage visitors to do the same. My guide on where to stay in Venice provides an in-depth guide to the different Venice neighborhoods. 

Is Naples Italy safe? 

An Italian city that divides many that visit, I can understand why some would ask is Naples safe? 

There’s no city like Naples that I’ve ever visited in Italy. Even many of the bustling and energetic cities in Sicily that we’ve been to don’t come close. 

But within the context of is Italy safe to visit, Naples can divide opinions.  

My husband and I had the best time during our one day in Naples and didn’t once feel unsafe. We did take the advice of our Italian relatives (remove jewelry, keep phones inside bags etc) before visiting. 

However, it made little difference. We walked through many parts of Naples neighborhoods regarded as ‘dodgy’ but instead found the locals friendly and welcoming.  

Areas with a notorious reputation for crime, such as Scampia, are outside the historic center. Not that we had any interest or reason to want to visit. 

Ultimately, even as locals in Italy, we always remain vigilant of our surroundings and belongings.

Incidents can happen at any time, but we can only do our best to keep ourselves safe by being streetwise and attentive.