Is Naples safe for tourists? Best area and safety tips
Yes, Naples is safe for tourists who follow simple local advice and stick to the city’s best neighbourhoods. Naples is energetic, busy, or, as some say, chaotic, but totally safe. You can enjoy a vacation in Naples by applying the same caution as in any normal city. When we talk about the most touristy parts…
Yes, Naples is safe for tourists who follow simple local advice and stick to the city’s best neighbourhoods. Naples is energetic, busy, or, as some say, chaotic, but totally safe. You can enjoy a vacation in Naples by applying the same caution as in any normal city. When we talk about the most touristy parts of Naples, we refer to the Centro Storico, Spanish Quarter (near Via Toledo), Chiaia, and Vomero as the safest areas of the city.
The city’s reputation is a thing of the past, with lock-up neighbourhoods now hidden gems and low-budget accommodation hubs. We are talking about the Spanish Quarter and Sanita. For the few higher-friction pockets, they are easy to avoid or pass through during the day and move on.
Daytime exploring is worry-free in core districts; after dark, we keep to the well-lit spines (Via Toledo, Dante, seafront) or grab a taxi—simple habits that turn “is Naples safe?” into “we had the best time”
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Is Naples safe for tourists?
Yes, Naples is totally safe for tourists. What is seen on TV or in the newspaper isn’t totally removed from reality, but only in certain districts. Surely this isn’t the case in the touristy part of Naples. Tourism has taken over the city, transforming the entire neighbourhood, alleviating financial pressure for locals, and converting small houses into new Bed and Breakfasts.
It’s given that locals are more likely to expose shady businesses, due to a new surge in popularity and the influx of fresh, legitimate money from tourism.
The real risks are the usual urban nuisances: pickpockets in crowds, phone snatches when texting while walking, and late-night aimless wandering in quieter lanes—not dramatic, just preventable with a zipped bag and purposeful walking. We keep phones away between checks and avoid dangling camera straps; these micro-habits remove 95% of the headaches, letting the day be about pizza and cloisters instead of “oops” moments.
How to get around Naples safely
Metro and funicular: Line 1, which runs between Toledo, Dante, Museo, and Cavour, will serve as your daily shuttle. Stations have staff/CCTV, and the service runs frequently. Please note that peak times tend to attract more crowds, so keep your bags in front and consider riding off-peak whenever possible.
Evenings: If dinner ends late away from the main grid, call an official taxi. Note that there is no Uber in Naples, but the App will connect with the local taxi company.
Airport arrivals: By day, Alibus/shared shuttle or official taxi; late arrivals, we prebook a transfer and skip debuting Naples at Garibaldi with luggage and zero bearings. Read our guide on how to get to and from Naples Airport.
Neighbourhoods we recommend
Chiaia + Posillipo: Quieter, upscale, and great for seafront walks and mellow evenings; we use this base when we want easy nights and morning coffee by the water.
Vomero + Castel Sant’Elmo: Residential and polished with the city’s best viewpoints; the funicular makes it easy, and the return down to the historic centre is a beautiful journey in itself.
Centro Storico: Walk-to-everything central; stay just off Spaccanapoli (Piazza Dante has great accommodation options) on the main lanes for an atmospheric day and quick hops to dinner streets at night.
Spanish Quarter (near Via Toledo): Lively, social, and transformed; Enter from Via Toledo to Largo Maradona, eat well, and stick to busy arteries after dark—no drama, just flavour.
Where to avoid (or treat with caution)
We suggest avoiding accommodations around Piazza Garibaldi/Centrale completely, even if the rates look tempting—it’s functional by day for transit, but not a comfortable place to end a night for first-timers; consider moving through and basing elsewhere.
Once we had friends who ended up there for one night, but wanted to stay longer in Naples. Their first reaction to Naples was away from everything I’ve ever described to them, only because they were looking at the city from Piazza Garibaldi. Every place on earth has its dark side; Naples’ central ones are around the central station.
It’s hard to find accommodation there, but we would also skip Scampia, Caivano, and industrial edges like Gianturco and the port’s backstreets.
Day vs. night: our real routes
By day, we go deep into the Spanish Quarter and Rione Sanità—markets, catacombs, palaces, church basements, the lot—because that’s where Naples is most “Naples” and the community’s renaissance is obvious on foot.
Night in Naples is incredible. Via Toledo, Dante, Chiaia seafront, Piazza Plebiscito to Castel dell’Ovo for sunset, are a must do, and you’ll not be afraid of walking at night there. As it might be your first time in Naples, you don’t know the right direction, so take a taxi back home for later.
Rione Sanità: what changed and how to enjoy it
Sanità’s old reputation has been revitalised by its revival—local associations, street art, and cultural projects have transformed it into one of our favourite daytime walks, featuring the Catacombs of San Gennaro/San Gaudioso, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, and architectural gems like Palazzo dello Spagnolo and Palazzo Sanfelice.
We took a full tour of the Sanita District, and it’s one of the highlights of our recent visit to Naples. Late in the morning, we had a sweet treat at Poppella. They are renowned for their Fiocco di Neve. Additionally, the district is home to some of the most renowned pizzerias in Naples – Oliva is our favourite – so you can stay for dinner too. There are numerous accommodations in the Sanita district, especially for budget-friendly travellers. Check the best options here.
Spanish Quarter reality check
The Spanish Quarter near Via Toledo is now a hub of meals, murals, and match-day energy. We enter from Via Toledo to Largo Maradona, graze on street food, peek into bassi workshops, and sit for pasta e patate with provola at loud and loving trattorias—we never tire of it. As with any densely populated area, we keep pockets zipped, avoid displaying new gadgets in the crowd, and use the brighter arteries at night; it’s common sense, not caution tape.
The Spanish Quarter is another district we recommend exploring. It’s safe and perfect for a budget vacation in Naples. There are small bed and breakfasts for good rates, especially during the shoulder season.
Central Station/Garibaldi: our no-mess plan
The central station, or Garibaldi Area, is the one to avoid for accommodation. We want to note that, as it is often flooded with messages about whether the Station is a good area in Naples, the answer is no, especially at night.
So even if tempted by the rates, remember to walk past it, and instead prefer more central areas.
Fuorigrotta: The Stadium district
One of the areas on the rise is Fuorigrotta, and you’ll know that if you are a football fan. Although not many travel guides mention this area, it’s mostly because it’s based on local knowledge.
Located on the outskirts of the city centre, very close to the promenade Mergellina, is one of the local favourite areas. The densely populated Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. It’s a very strategic position, with mid-budget accommodation available. The lack of sights is compensated by the easy to commute options.
You’ll have a metro/train line, which connects Fuorigrotta to the two ends of Naples and the province. You can easily get to Pozzuoli (another beautiful town by the sea, with Greek and Roman ruins. Also, the same train can take you to Salerno, passing by Pompeii, and Vietri sul Mare (on the Amalfi Coast).
Stay in the Naples outskirts for safety
Another safe option for staying in Naples is taking accommodation in one of the nearby towns. The city itself is a conurbation of many cities, one into the other.
There are places, such as Portici, located within walking distance of the ruins of Pompeii (by the way, one of the best Roman ruins to visit), the hike to Vesuvius, and just 1 hour by train from Sorrento. Additionally, one train takes you directly to the heart of Naples within 12 minutes for just € 1.80.
Where to stay in Naples: Solo, couples, and families
We lived in Naples for years and over the years, I have helped friends plan their trips, choose the best areas to stay, explore, and enjoy their vacations. We got a sense for every type of traveller, and these are our suggestions:
Solo travellers to Naples: Book central bases (Chiaia, Vomero, Centro Storico near main spines), move confidently, and cut across quieter areas with a taxi after dinner. It’s a central location with everything nearby, including small alleys, nice sights, restaurants, and cafes. A lot is happening at night, too.
Naples for Couples: Same pattern, with the bonus of seafront evenings and easy metro hops to culture stops like Museo and Dante.
Families in Naples: Vomero and Chiaia offer calmer sidewalks and playgrounds; get around by taking the funicular and Metro Line 1. Dinner is easy, Vomero is a very active and safe area at night.
How to stay safe in Naples
Keep phones away while walking, lock zippers, and count change at counters; these are tiny habits that can lead to a big piece of mind.
- Ride Metro Line 1 for fast, central movement; stations have staff/CCTV, and you’ll actually enjoy the architecture along the way.
- Book late-night taxis via official stands or accommodation; no guesswork, no side quests.
- Don’t book stays at Garibaldi/Centrale just to save a few bucks at night—trade-ups in comfort and evenings are worth more than that.
- Don’t flash jewellery and open tote bags; the city is stylish without needing to advertise it on the tram.
Where to go in Naples for tourists
- Centro Storico: Spaccanapoli, Duomo, Sansevero, and the Santa Chiara Cloister for a calm, tiled oasis in the middle of the buzz—one of our favourite resets.
- Spanish Quarter: Largo Maradona, murals, trattorie, and €1 spritz tucked off Via Toledo—local colour without trying hard.
- Maradona Walking Tour: It’s a must in Naples, for the revered figure of Maradona, through murals and votive shrines.
- Vomero and Sant’Elmo: The best views of Naples are just a quick funicular away from the centre. We love the sunset from there.
- Lungomare and Castel dell’Ovo: Simple, safe, and stellar at golden hour; Get a pizza fritta like above in the photo, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with Vesuvius at your back.
Emergency numbers and quick wins
Save these in notes: 112 general, 113 police, 115 fire, 118 medical; never needed, always calming to have. We keep a photo of passports, IDs and cards backed up in the cloud. Travel insurance numbers are handy too. Regarding that, have you considered travel insurance for your trip to Naples? You can have travel insurance for just £1 per day.
Is it safe to travel to Naples?
Naples is safe, generous, and gloriously alive when approached with normal city instincts and a local rhythm: busy by day in the core, stick to lit arteries at night, taxi when tired, and keep valuables tucked in—then it becomes the most fun decision of an Italy trip.
Build the trip around Centro, Spanish Quarter (near Via Toledo), Chiaia, and Vomero; treat Garibaldi as transit only; and use Line 1 like a pro—do that, and the only risk is falling a bit in love with the chaos and ordering dessert twice.
