Italy : Safety by City
Italy is a country situated in southern Europe, and it is considered to be the cradle of Western culture.
Famous for its food, its culture, and its gorgeous language, it is one of the most visited countries in Europe because it is also where the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie.
You can find monuments and pieces of fine art in every corner of this beautiful country.
From Venice’s gondolas, through Florence’s museums all the way to its bright blue coastline, Italy is the country that keeps on giving.
And while it is considered a very safe country precisely because of the number of tourists, there are some cities and areas that should be avoided.
However, the most dangerous thing likely to happen is pickpocketing near tourist destinations and landmarks, so using common precaution measures should suffice.
Warnings & Dangers in Italy
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Italy is ranked 34th on the list of world's safest countries, and since it's filled with tourists all the time, you should feel safe traveling here.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation and taxis are normally safe in Italy, so there is no need to avoid them.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Since Italy is a very attractive and popular tourist destination, there is, naturally, a high risk of pickpocketing. You should keep your valuables in a safe place, make sure nothing of value is in your back pockets, and never keep all your money in the same place.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Some of the worst natural disasters that could strike Italy are avalanches, though it is somewhat improbable they will.White Friday is the name given to the day when one of the worst avalanches in Italian history happened, during World War I, killing 270 people.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Italy is relatively safe when it comes to mugging and kidnapping, and such cases rarely happen, even more so to tourists, but do pay attention to your surroundings.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
It is best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in Italy, since its neighbors, France and Belgium, have been victims of terrorist attacks. However, Italy hasn't suffered from such occurrences.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
When a country is a top tourist destination, you should expect people trying to take advantage of it. This rule applies to Italy too, where scammers will likely try to take advantage of tourists and rip them off whenever they can, mostly in large, popular cities and landmark areas. Be on the lookout for anyone trying to distract you, help you with your luggage or groups of people acting strange.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Italy, like other popular European destinations, is very safe for women travelers.
So... How Safe Is Italy Really?
Just like all popular European destinations, Italy is a safe country.
Violent crime is rarely reported and tourists are not likely to have any incidents involving anything more than petty crime.
Pickpocketing is the most prominent form of crime that represents a threat for tourists, especially since pickpockets often work in teams or are in some sort of a deal with the street vendors.
A similar thing happens with beggars – they work in organizations and because of that begging is pretty common in Italy, like in every larger capital, but tourists are unlikely to experience aggressive beggars.
As for terrorism, Italy’s neighbors (France and Belgium) have experienced it and because of that Italy has increased security in almost every larger city, in case of such an occurrence.
Be especially cautious in public transportation or crowded places such as train stations, bus stations, restaurants or airports, and tourist landmarks because this is where the muggers might try and snatch your bag or steal your valuables.
Mugging and bag snatching is a serious problem in Italy, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times because they might try distraction as a tactic to steal from you.
Take the usual precaution measures like you would when traveling to any other country (do not walk alone at night, leave your valuables unattended in plain sight or carry all your money in one place, easily reachable to potential muggers) and your trip will most probably go smoothly.
How Does Italy Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Italy | 77 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| New Zealand | 90 |
| Hungary | 83 |
| Uruguay | 77 |
| Singapore | 90 |
| Sweden | 83 |
| Oman | 76 |
| Switzerland | 89 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visa is not required for any stays shorter than 90 days, and members of the EU (Schengen) can stay in Italy for as long as they like. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of return to the country you're visiting. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Currency in Italy is the euro, like in most popular European destinations. Although it is cheaper than other European countries, sightseeing and visiting all the remarkable landmarks can add up to a high budget. Take into account that you'll need about 70€ per day, including accommodation.
Weather
The weather in Italy is warm and dry; it is absolutely gorgeous in the summer, with a Mediterranean climate calling to tourists all June through September, which is the time when it is best to visit Italy, although you can visit the big cities all year long, and still be amazed.
Airports
The busiest airports are in Italy's capital Rome (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), Milan (Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport, and Bergamo Orio Al Serio), Naples (Naples International Airport), Bologna (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport), Pisa (Pisa International Airport) and Venice (Venice Marco Polo Airport).
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Italy, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Italy Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 12 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Low °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| High °F | 54 | 57 | 61 | 66 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 81 | 72 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 43 | 46 | 55 | 63 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 54 | 46 | 39 |
Italy - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bari | 74 |
| Bologna | 56 |
| Cagliari | 64 |
| Catania | 71 |
| Florence | 70 |
| Genoa | 54 |
| Milan | 66 |
| Naples | 66 |
| Palermo | 58 |
| Perugia | 60 |
| Pisa | 61 |
| Rimini | 62 |
| Rome | 64 |
| Sorrento | 60 |
| Turin | 42 |
| Vatican City | 72 |
| Venice | 74 |
| Verona | 65 |
Taxis WILL try to cheat you
The site needs to be updated regarding taxi scams. I visited in 2017 and went to Florence, Rome, Naples and Sorrento. Out of about 20 taxis I took, only about 2 were honest. The vast majority tried to cheat me either by overcharging; speeding away without giving change; offering insufficient change; or taking an excessively long route to my destination. The drivers were never aggressive but I had to call the police twice – I always got my money before the police showed up.
If you use a taxi in an Italian city, expect to be cheated. Insist on a meter, establish the cost before setting off, and pay while you are still inside the taxi so the driver cannot speed away. When you end up getting cheated, make efforts to call the police and you will get your money.
“It is best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings in Italy, since its neighbors, France and Belgium, have been victims of terrorist attacks.” BELGIUM?? NEIGHBOR OF ITALY?? LOOK AT THE MAP, MAN!
Italy safe country
Who wrote this article has never been in Italy.
This is a safe country 100%
as in all the countries of the world it is good not to leave bags unattended (not the Italians to steal)
Not totally agree
Italy is not so safe. Rapes in Milan and Rome are getting quite common, and recently near Como there was an armed robbery in a house with family inside.
Not safe like other countries.
100% of security in Italy, is not fair. Or you are in other century or perhaps an italian.
Great country, very historic
My fiance and I went to Italy recently and both really loved it. It is one of the most beautiful places and culturally rich countries we have been to in some time. We are already planning to go back. I never once felt uneasy or unsafe. I loved the food too!
Italy is not a safe country
Ur dumb Syrian dude
Are u Syrian ur dumb
YOU ARE A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND TOTALLY UNRELIABLE BUNCH OF IDIOTS
HOW DARE YOU BE SO PATHETIC AND IRRESPONSIBLE ??
What? Who is irresponsible?
Fantastic country
I love southern italy better climate lovely people a great atmosphere. I have been 3x in 18 months .when the covid is under control I would reccomend going .serrento is a beautiful place. God bless italy now!
SOUTH ITALY = MAFIA
If you haven’t already realised no hate but SOUTH ITALY = MAFIA. I have heard that north Italy is definitely more safe, like Milan and places.
You heard it wrong
@Nick WIlson
“north Italy is definitely more safe”
Not really. Just take a trip to the Duomo or in Venice and tell me.
Italians are too busy to acknowledge the crime ongoing in OUR country due to ITALIANS and the people of other countries, which prospers thanks to ITALIANS.
The mafia isn’t going to bother with tourists. Been to southern Italy many times and it’s totally safe, beautiful and less expensive than the north. The people are warm and friendly.
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Mafia is hidden to tourists
corona thats all I have to say
well dont go there unless you want corona especially in the northern parts of Italy
Agreed. The Southern part of Italy, where its nice and warm -Palermo, Sicily, no problems, no Corona.
I love that country, very beautiful, delicious food, a lot of places to vistit. And I felt safe there
Compare to other countries its safe
When in Italy don’t go near other foreigners stick staying with Italians.
Not safe
I visited Italy with my family in 2004 and we were fearful of our safety, especially after 6pm. We witnessed some fights in restaurants and groups of people were hurt.
Don't get scammed
In 2018 my family and friends went to Italy to enjoy the history they have.
Very beautiful place to visit never felt unsafe where we were but had a bad experience with two taxi drivers that we were taking after visiting the Trevi fountain. We were looking for a taxi out on the street near the fountain, so half of us went on one taxi and the other half in the other taxi which was parked right behind the first one we took.
We asked how much would they charge to go to the hotel that was no more than 15 minutes away in the car. The taxi driver said $20 per taxi. We agreed. What was strange to me is he was asking questions about how long we had been there and from where did we come.
It seemed kind of odd since they hardly talk. Well once we got to the hotel I reached into my wallet and got the $20 Euros my wife had given me, so as I was about to leave the taxi I handed the $20 to the driver plus tip and as I started to turn and walk out the driver said, excuse me you gave me a $10 so in my mind, I swear I gave him a $20, but what I did notice as I turned as he did a quick hand movement but did not think much of it. I said hold on went to the back taxi to ask my wife what she had given me and she said hold on.
So I did. She was having the same issue but didn’t know till I asked her for another $20 and I came back paid the driver again, and as soon as I paid they rush off. We talk about it and find out she had gone through the same issue. We both got scammed by two white taxis waiting by the streets near Trevi fountains.
It’s recommended if you are getting a taxi to go and ask in a restaurant or store to call for one so you won’t be scammed as we did. Hope this helps I usually don’t write comments, but hope it helps anyone traveling to Italy. One more thing. Before paying drivers to count out the money in front of them and your family or friends.
A 10 stars-country with so much to visit and explore!
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, home of many art masterpieces, wonderful landscapes and a big piece of world history. It’s a place where you can find pretty much anything and everything you’d ever want to see, visit or experience. Italy has it all. Is it a super safe place? No, because of its many tourists, this of course attracts a lot of pickpockets and thieves so you need to be careful at all times.
You risk getting your goods stolen on the street even in day time (they go for your phones or anything they can get in a hurry). You need to pay attention to your surroundings and to shady people approaching you for sweet deals which are scams or just a diversion so someone else can steal from you (your watch, wallet, phone, bags, etc). Be very careful in crowded places where pickpockets like to hang out as it’s harder to feel when someone has their hands in your pockets.
As for what to visit, where do I even start? I have been to Italy 8 or 9 times already and I had the chance to visit most of the big attractions but I would need years to visit everything I find interesting and exciting in this country. I saw the imposing Colosseum (even now after all this time) and took a hundred pictures outside it and in it. It’s amazing how well this has stood the test of time.
Then how about the Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. Such an exquisite cathedral, that makes you feel like you are in another time and age. The dome is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, ever. Then there’s Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the leaning tower of Pisa, Lake Como (how beautiful this place is, such serenity can be found here), the Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Vatican City, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Pantheon. And the list can go on and on and on. Like I said, you’d need years to explore everything Italy has to offer.
Beware pickpockets
We were at a train station in Pisa and as we were getting on the train some people getting off assisted us with our bags. Or so we thought.
The three women robbed us while they were helping us! Very light-fingered as we didn’t feel a thing! We reported our loss and we were reunited with some of our possessions including a passport and bank cards but we lost a phone and cash. We have learned to be wary of a helping hand… and that losing a phone is losing access to anything that requires 2-step verification so next time passport, phone etc. will be kept in a money belt.
Apart from that, we enjoyed our trip.
Italy should be experienced
Looking for good pasta and gelato? Italy is the place, Rome is overrated in my opinion but Milan is great!
Very bad people in a countrywho is helping them to survive.
Being at Milan, last June, I need to park my car in center area to pick up keys from apartment. Because Caos that day, I was directed to Olmetto Garage at Via Olmetto. I was received by a latinamerican male and a woman. He order me to let car keys with him, not allowing to park by myself. I don’t like that and and didn’t like that person but I was in a hurry. I took 2 carry on with me and let in trunk 2 more luggages. As soon as possible I returned to garage. My car was drived by one of them and stop at entrance. Five minutes later I parked at other place and took a look at trunk. Both laggges broken, both locks broken and al content open and in disorder. They were looking for values not capable of tracing. They in their condition of refugees or inmigrants are not working, just robbing your goods. This was the only problem of that issue, driving in Svizzera, Osterreich, Germany, Spain and France.
Venice
I traveled to Italy a long time ago, early 80s and I was a preteen. We stayed in Venice for three days and visited Florence for a day trip. This was a big trip – we went to several EU countries. My experience was that I found everything to be inflated pricewise. My can of coke was $5 (converted from Lire). I asked for ice. The waiter came back five minutes later with one ice cube. Maybe that’s why my soda was expensive. Or it might have been because I was sitting in the Plaza in Venice? Also, we bought two coral necklaces on the Plaza from a vender. (I still have them btw and never wore them) I forget how much we spent but recall my mom saying it was a lot. Years later I talked with someone who said I was supposed to haggle for a better price. Well I’m an American. You say its a certain price, I pay that price. So we paid more for things because we didn’t understand cultural differences. Also, I ordered pepperoni pizza and it was disappointing. Our hotel had no ac. This was May and it was hot. We had just stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Zurich so I was expecting better I suppose. And the shower situation was confusing. Turns out I was supposed to take a bath the way things were set up. I didn’t hate my visit to Italy but it wasn’t as, how should I say, ‘comfortable’ as the other places we went to.
Better than before
Not as bad as it used to be