Here’s why Naples is not as dangerous as they say: false myths about the italian city

“Is Naples really as dangerous as they say?” is the question any foreign (or northern Italian) friend asks me as soon as I tell them that I am Neapolitan.

The issue of security in Naples is a very sensitive topic that I particularly care about. I have been able to see, thanks to the many foreign friends I have, how misperceived reality is when it comes to Naples.

The typical little alleys of Naples

First of all, I would like to emphasize that its not common at all for a tourist to fall victim to some unpleasant incident while exploring the city. Naples’ problems have nothing to do with tourism. In fact, I would say that Naples can be dangerous for for those who live there, not for tourists.

The risks for tourists here are exactly the same as in any other city in the world. Such as small robberies, muggings, or typical scams to which the most naïve tourists take the bait.

We must always be careful-anywhere in the world-when talking on a cell phone, when taking pictures with an SLR, or when opening our bag on the subway or bus.

But Naples, my friends, Naples is so magical. Naples is not just about violence and clan wars. Neapolitans are a people made up – for the most part – of genuine, kind people who will help you even if they have never seen you in their lives. I don’t say that because I’m from Naples, I say that because it is the truth. Who has the “courage” to visit Naples falls madly in love with the city. And not only because of its amazing food or breathtaking landscapes. But thanks mostly to the great heart of Neapolitans.

Is Naples Dangerous? False myths about the Italian city

Seafront of Mergellina

     1. It is not true that in the city’s bad neighborhoods there are shootings and robberies every day.

First of all, I want to dispel the false myth that areas like Sanità or the Spanish Quarter are so dangerous that if you go in there, you won’t get out alive. This is absolutely false. As is also the case in Rio de Janeiro, you are much more likely to be mugged in the most famous tourist street than in the more “difficult” neighborhoods of the city. Because, let’s face it, muggers live there in these neighborhoods, but-for obvious reasons-“work” elsewhere.

     2. Neapolitans are not all crooks who want to rip off tourists

As it is a big city, yes, it could be dangerous, I cannot deny that. And just like all other big cities in the world, one can come across unpleasant occurrences in Naples especially if one is not paying attention, but it is certainly not as commonplace as one mistakenly thinks.
I can assure you that tourists are treated extremely well in Naples. Of course, you can always run into people who want to rip you off, but for the most part you always work with professionalism, competence, honesty, passion and, not least, a lot of sympathy!

     4. In Naples you won’t see garbage everywhere

The waste crisis in Naples is a very sensitive issue and unfortunately not yet fully resolved. But that does not mean that everywhere in Naples is full of garbage. Especially the tourist areas are, for the most part, kept well to be able to give a good image of the city. So rest assured, when you visit Naples you will not be overwhelmed by garbage.

     3. Gomorrah is not the reality of Naples

This serie depicts a Naples in which violence, oppression and death are the city’s prevailing laws. As if Naples has only violence and crime to offer. As if the residents of Scampia were all involved in Camorra business. This is absolutely not the case. In fact, I would invite you to take a tour around there, perhaps accompanied by some Neapolitans, to realize that it is a tough neighborhood, but it is certainly not the Wild West.

In Gomorrah Naples is portrayed as extremely dangerous. The series tends to glorify the Mafia lifestyle, but those who live in Scampia do not necessarily come to a bad end. Indeed, this neighborhood is mostly inhabited by good people who make many sacrifices to be able to lead a worthy life and send their children to school.

The Scampia neighborhood

How to spend the vacations in Naples safely

So, is Naples dangerous? I hope it is quite clear to everyone that Naples is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. However, as I always say, while traveling one should never act like a clueless person.

Here are some useful tips to avoid falling victim to some unpleasant incidents:

1. Do not show valuables as if they were a trophy. Leave expensive watches, jewelry or any other valuables at the hotel.
2. Don’t walk around with necklaces around your neck because that is never a good idea.
3. Watch out for the bag or backpack. And not just because of muggings, but because today’s pickpockets are able to rob you without you noticing. Thieves mainly operate in crowded places and on buses.
4. I do not recommend going to the outlying areas of the city especially in the evening or overnight.
5. In the central station and harbor area, there are small groups of people who pretend to play three-card games on makeshift tables. Be very careful, do not try your luck, because they are scammers. Although someone will shout happily, “I won!” it is never true, they are all complicit. The same goes for the so-called bell game. It’s all fake, move on and don’t fall for it.
6. Don’t get “fooled.” If someone should offer you a smartphone, pc or tablet at a ridiculous price, don’t fall for it. The item that the scammer will show you will be authentic, but what you will find in the package is a nice brick heavy enough to make you believe that inside is really the item you purchased.

In conclusion, I would say that Naples, like any other big city in the world, is dangerous only for distracted tourists. So use common sense and fully enjoy the countless beauties that the Neapolitan city has to offer.

The view on Naples

I would love to live on an all-Neapolitan planet, because I know I would fit in, Naples should be taken as a unique city, very smart, Naples is too special, so not everyone can understand it. (Marcello Mastroianni)