Is Perugia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Perugia is a city in the Italian region of Umbria.

It is a city full of international students and the university faculties are scattered all over the city.

Perugia is also a small city – nothing like Rome or Florence, so there’s no need to worry about any kind of traffic, but at the same time it’s very cultural: there are tons of beautiful historical places around Perugia.

The center of the city is a medieval citadel on the top of a hill, obviously modernized, but you can see very old architectures near for example a bar, and you can visit most of the ancient places for free while you are walking around.

It is a gorgeous city and lively, too: it hosts two important festivals: the Eurochocolate Festival (every October) & Umbria jazz (every July).

Warnings & Dangers in Perugia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Perugia is generally very safe to travel to but be on the lookout. Petty crime does occur, especially during the holidays and summer.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and other means of transportation are, overall, very safe to use in Perugia, but be on the lookout for pickpockets and other petty thieves.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and bag snatching have been reported and such cases occasionally happen, as do cases of valuables theft when left unattended or in plain sight in an unattended vehicle. Be cautious when handling money or other objects of importance.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There haven't been any natural disasters in Perugia or its vicinity in the recent past so you can relax completely when it comes to natural risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent street crime rarely happens and even if it does, it is usually performed by unarmed criminals. Still, avoid abandoned and poorly lit areas.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

Scams do happen, during the holidays and summer when the number of visitors increases, so double check your change and negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Perugia, like other popular European destinations, is very safe for women travelers, so no need to worry there. Just don't do what you wouldn't in your own country.

So... How Safe Is Perugia Really?

Perugia isn’t exactly the safest city in Italy, but it isn’t dangerous either.

What strikes as weird most visitors who come to Perugia are the unfriendly people, usually with some kind of forced politeness – that usually sticks until you get to know them.

Just like all popular Italian cities, Perugia is a safe city, too.

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 major Italian cities, but tourists are unlikely to experience aggressive beggars.

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.

How Does Perugia Compare?

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, contact your local Italian embassy for further information.

Currency

Currency in Perugia is the euro, like in most popular European destinations. Sightseeing and visiting all the remarkable landmarks in Bologna can add up to a high budget. Take into account that you'll need about 70€ per day, including accommodation.

Weather

The climate is warm and temperate in Perugia, and it has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. In Perugia, the summers are short, warm, and mostly clear and the winters are long, very cold, and partly cloudy.

Airports

Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport is an airport serving Perugia, the capital city of the region of Umbria in central Italy.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Perugia, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Perugia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Italy - Safety by City