This is something I’ve been meaning to write for a long time and seeing more and more people referring to Naples as a dangerous, dodgy and dirty city I’ve decided to answer the question – Is Naples in Italy safe to visit?
You might ask yourself who am I to tell you this? Well, since I noticed people talking about their experiences about this city even though they spent a few hours to three days here, I guess living there for a year gives me the right to share with you my experience. And to tell you if Naples is safe.
I’ll make a list of all the things I’ve read about Naples and then elaborate. Honestly, some of those things shocked me and some of them made me laugh. I was actually more shocked by the fact that someone gives themself a right to decide about a place based on a very short time spent there. Some of you might say that everyone has a right to have an opinion and I agree! Opinion is one thing. You can say you didn’t like this place and give your reasons for it. You can also say you loved a certain place and also give a reason for it. But, you can’t state your opinion as a fact when it’s simply just an opinion. Is it based on a fact? As far as I’ve seen the answer is no!
Some of the comments I saw on Instagram are:
“We avoid Naples. Maybe a stop over for pizza. It’s a sketchy place.”
“We would never drive in Italy. We’ve heard some stories about Naples too.”
“Naples is rough!”
“Rule number one: Never, ever drive in Naples.”
“I’ve heard some dodgy things about Naples.”
“We didn’t stay in Naples even for a day, no one recommended it.”
“I wish there was another way to get to Amalfi coast than via Naples, I really don’t like it.”
“Can anyone recommend a hotel in a safe area in Napoli?”
I’ve been trying to find a comment that explains why some of these people think Naples is a sketchy place, why people avoid it, why is it only a transit stop for those going to Amalfi coast and the islands in the Gulf of Naples? Guess what! I found none!
So, is Naples safe to visit?
The first thing that everyone mentions is – Naples is dangerous. In my opinion – Naples is as dangerous as any other city I’ve visited or lived in. If you’re traveling you should be smart enough to keep your valuables close to you and to take care of yourself in general. Even if you do, it can still happen that you get robbed. There are pickpockets in every city! I keep my bag close to me even in my home city. Is someone gonna attack you and rob you in the middle of the street or at night? I hope not. But are you saying that this is only possible in Napoli? No, again, it can happen anywhere.
“Don’t drive in Naples” they say. Ok, if you’re not an experienced driver – don’t drive in Naples. I drove there a few times and loved it. All the fuss and honking – I actually didn’t mind it at all. The whole city and its people are very lively and loud. So, either you get used to it or you don’t. It’s the same about their driving.
“Be careful if you’re a pedestrian”. I mean – do I even need to comment on this. Of course you’re gonna be careful. Everywhere! I’ve read comments like “You have to move every five minutes because people on the vespas drive crazy.” Yes, they drive fast, they like it, but they know their streets like you know yours and no, they’re not suicidal or homicidal so they don’t plan to hurt you or themselves. You just take care of yourself and they’ll take care of their driving.
“Naples has dodgy areas.” It does, like any city, but believe me, you didn’t see them! I didn’t see them! They are not really in touristy parts of Napoli. Describing Quartieri Spagnoli as a dodgy neighbourhood is simply funny. It doesn’t look “representative” to some, but it’s not dodgy. It’s in the center of the city! If you don’t like how it looks just don’t go there. Simple as that! And yes, this area is not for driving if you don’t know the streets. The streets are narrow and they seem like a labyrinth if you don’t know them and that’s why I suggest walking them if you’re up for exploring this area.
“Naples is dirty.” This is true! This is the thing I didn’t like but it’s the thing I don’t like in Belgrade (my home city), in Istanbul (which was my home for two years), nowhere. This is probably the only thing I can say is bad about Naples. Some of the cities are dirtier than others and all I can say is that I hope things will change.
“Don’t walk the streets of Naples alone or at night.” I can’t tell you what to do but I can say I did walk alone. A lot of times. And at night. Thankfully I had no problem with anything.
I tried to give you an insider point of view since I spent a wonderful year in Napoli with my husband and our dog and I hope this helps anyone planning a visit to this amazing city.
One last thing! Try to ask for travel recommendations from someone who actually LIVES (or has lived) in Naples. Don’t only take advice from people who are passing it by just to get to Amalfi coast or the islands. Their only impression is the port or the main train station which don’t look nice, especially at night. But no one came to Naples to see the train station. People are visiting it for amazing art and architecture, not to mention THE BEST pizza and coffee in the world! I also have to say I’m sorry that some people didn’t even consider spending a few days in Naples because I think they missed out on a lot. This city has amazing architecture, gorgeous museums and pretty amazing atmosphere. So, I hope you’ll consider staying in Napoli for some time before you head to Amalfi coast. It deserves to be seen!
I still didn’t write a proper blog post on what to see and do in Naples but I did write about our weekends there and if you’re interested in reading it you can check it out HERE.
P.S. Choosing the photos for this blog post made me come back a bit in time and put a smile on my face. I’m happy to have so many beautiful memories from one of the best years in my life. Just wanted to share that 🙂
