Italy is consistently one of the most visited countries in the world.
In 2019, prior to the COVID lockdowns, the boot-shaped peninsula welcomed an average of 62 million visitors a year.
People flock to the country for its globally renowned art, landmarks, shopping, and culture.
After all, it’s hard to not love a country that gives cats rights, (they are the only residents allowed to wander freely about the ancient ruins).
The capital city of Rome is home to The Vatican, which in itself is a pilgrimage for many. In Milan, you’ll find a designer shopper’s paradise.
Florence is where you want to go to experience ancient art from icons like DaVinci and Michelangelo.
The cities are not the only places to find beauty and recreation. Italy offers some of the most gorgeous beaches and mountains in the world as well.
So it’s no wonder so many of us dream of a trip to this Mediterranean country.
But what about crime?
Unfortunately, this is a question all of us, as travelers, regardless of where we come from, must ask.
For its population of over 59 million people, Italy’s overall crime rate is pretty low.
The country’s violent crime rate is 11 per every 1,000 people.
While the property crime rate is 39 for every 1,000 people.
In 2019, Italy reported 307 murders. By comparison, the city of New York had 285.
Most of the crimes in Italy revolve around theft, fraud, pickpocketing, scams, and organized crime.
When traveling to Italy, you should take extra precautions at airports, train stations, and taxi stands.
Even though Italy is one of the safer countries in the world, some cities are more dangerous than others.
We compiled our list based on data, surveys, and news reports from crime statistics sites like Numbeo and Statistica.
Read on for the 10 most dangerous cities in Italy.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities In Italy
10. Venice, Italy
With a population of 261,900, this unique city is built on a series of islands in a lagoon.
There are no roads or cars, only canals, and boats.
The floating city has a low level of crime with 33 per 100,000 people.
Most of the crimes against residents involve theft or vandalism.
As for tourists, pickpockets and muggings are the main crimes.
Only 11 murders took place over the past 7 years in Venice, and they were related either to domestic violence or organized crime.
9. Catania, Italy
Catania is the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily.
With a population of around 320,000, Catania has a rich history.
Coupled with the fact it’s at the foot of Mt. Etna, makes it a destination for over 1 million visitors a year.
The crime rate in Catania is 44 per 100,000 people.
However, most of those are non-violent in nature, like prostitution, pickpockets, and petty theft.
The area also has a problem with drivers being cornered by scooters and motorbikes, then being robbed, often at gunpoint.
Visitors should take extra caution when walking around markets and waiting at train stations.
8. Florence, Italy
Home to many artistic masterpieces from the Renaissance era, Florence has a population of approximately 383,000.
If you’re an art fan and admire the classical architecture, you’ll definitely want to make a stop in this city.
The overall crime rate is 47 per 100,000 people.
Tourists should be on the lookout for pickpockets, scams, and theft.
Residents of Florence say they are most concerned about drug use, vandalism, and theft.
In 2021 there were 16 murders.
However, all of them were related to drugs and organized crime.
7. Imperia, Italy
Imperia is an attractive destination for tourists because of its beautiful coastal location, and beaches, and because it’s close to the French border.
The center of town is right on the waterfront and contains a ton of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
It’s also home to the Grock Villa, an iconic mansion that is a must-see if you’re in the area.
The year-round population is around 42,000, but tourists can make it quite crowded.
Therefore, there’s ample opportunity for theft, pickpockets, and robberies to occur.
Last year there was a total of 3,955 crimes reported in the city.
6. Livorno, Italy
Livorno is a port city on the western coast of the Tuscany region.
Known for its delicious, fresh seafood, the city has approximately 158,000 residents.
It’s also a quick train ride to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The crime rate in Livorno is 42 per 100,000 people.
The majority of crimes involve drug use and dealing, theft, and vandalism.
When traveling to this coastal town, keep your belongings close, don’t flash money, and don’t wear expensive jewelry.
5. Turin, Italy
Cradled by the snowy Alps, Turin is a great city for history buffs.
It’s got a long list of museums, monuments, and a historic downtown center.
Turin is Italy’s 4th largest city with a population of 1.4 million.
Like many of the country’s other bigger cities, the most prevalent crimes tourists must be concerned with are pickpocketing, muggings, and scams.
Residents of Turin are most concerned about break-ins, car theft, and drug use.
The city has a very low violent crime rate and an overall rate of 52.8 per 100,000 people.
4. Naples, Italy
Naples is a great place to visit if you want to get an authentic glimpse of old-world Europe.
With its ancient palaces and cathedrals, narrow, cobblestone streets, and underground wonders, you’re sure to be impressed.
However, with a population of over 3 million, Naples rates fairly high on the crime index at 61.8 crimes per 100,000 people.
There is a high rate of robbery, car theft, vandalism, and drug use.
If you’re in Naples, steer clear of the Scampia neighborhood.
It’s rated the most dangerous neighborhood in Europe.
3. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is one of the top food cities in the world.
They’re also home to the oldest university in existence (The University of Bologna, founded in 1088).
Located in central Italy, the city’s 390,000 residents have reason to be concerned about their safety.
Bologna’s crime rate is 68 per 100,000 people.
What’s most concerning, is the high number of sexual assaults, something not normally seen in large numbers in Italy.
Last year, Bologna reported 17 sexual assaults for every 100,000 people.
This, along with high rates of armed robbery and aggravated assault make Bologna one of Italy’s more violent towns.
2. Rimini, Italy
This coastal city on the Adriatic Sea is known as Italy’s number one beach destination.
The beautiful beaches are also home to some very popular nightclubs.
Unfortunately, a vibrant nightlife and large population of clubs bring with it, drug dealing and use, assaults, street gangs, and other mischief.
Rimini has an overall crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents.
However, tourists are fairly safe, provided they use common sense.
1. Milan, Italy
Milan is, without a doubt, the fashion capital of Italy.
If you’re a shopper, Milan is the place for you.
With the Houses of Versace, Armani, and Prada all based in Milan, there are plenty of bargains to be had.
Sadly, it’s also the crime capital of Italy.
The crime rate in Milan is 66 per 100,000 people.
The main crimes are theft, armed robbery, vandalism, and drugs.
If you should visit Milan, be careful near train stations, public transportation, and open markets.
Pickpockets and scammers are everywhere.
5 Safety Tips For Traveling To Italy
- Be especially cautious and alert when in markets, palazzos, and public transportation. These are the favorite hangouts for pickpockets and scammers.
- Make your purse hard to grab. Wear it across your body and keep it on the side away from the street.
- Don’t draw attention to yourself or advertise wealth. Leave expensive jewelry and bags at your hotel. Better yet, leave it at home!
- Check with the Office of Tourism for a list of neighborhoods to avoid.
- Be careful of strangers that are overly friendly, offer you gifts, or ask for help.
Italy Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Italy Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for my trip to Italy?
Regardless of the season, some things are essential for your trip to Italy.
These include a universal phone adapter, a travel umbrella, sunscreen, comfortable sneakers, a swimsuit, and a waterproof jacket.
Do you need to carry your passport at all times while in Italy?
You should have identification with you at all times.
However, carrying the originals of your paperwork can be risky.
Try to make photocopies of everything and carry those instead.
Keep the originals in a hotel/house safe.
Is Italy friendly to tourists
For the most part, the Italian people love people that come to enjoy what their country has to offer.
Just keep in mind to be respectful of local customs and show appreciation for services that are provided to you.
