Safety in Naples
 

i have read most of the postings, however they are old. I have heard from others that the city is cleaning up its act and there is more police presence in the touristy areas. I will be staying in a large 5 star hotel near the opera house, and will walk to Spaccanapoli, Santa Chiara, etc. How safe is Naples? My wife and I are active mid-60s, and I speak Italian,(1st generation) and look Italian, my wife is a dead giveaway, Irish/German decent. Are we physically safe?
We are well traveled, and take all of the necessary precautions, which have helped in
Rome, Paris, London, Budapest, Prague, Monte, Florence and Venice to name a few. Wife's handbag was opened and picked in Paris galleria. Please advise.
Alberto

Just take your usual precautions when being in a big city. You'll be fine.

I found the biggest challenge in Naples was crossing the street!

cw

Pay attention to what you're doing, and don't do anything stupid (carry your wallet "unattended" in your back pocket, for instance), and you'll be fine. When I was in Naples in June, most everybody just seemed to be minding their own business. The only time I saw any problems (several times, mind you) was in Napoli Centrale train station. See my post here for the good, the bad, and the ugly of Naples:


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34647441

Naples is noisy, chaotic, and a far cry from Rome or Florence, but it's worth every minute. It's fun. It's invigorating. And I definitely want to go back to Naples and spend more time there.

Hi A,

As noted, take the usual precautions and enjoy your visit to Naples.

Try to see the Veiled Christ at the Capella Sansevero.

((I))

Thanx to all for the info. I feel much better. You know, some people write so poorly of Naples, where they encounter the same things that they would encounter in any major European city or US city. I have always felt that when traveling you should take certain precautions, however I had my reservations whether or not that would be enough in Naples.
Thanks for setting me straight.
Alberto

Topping

Avoid the train stations area especially at night. Other than that, the normal pickpocket security.

Alberto, we've just returned from a trip to Naples and Sicily (report part1: "Torno d'Italia" on this board)

We spent our first 4 nights in Napoli and just loved it. We went around by bus and train and felt quite safe everywhere.

We stayed down near the opera house/porto as we were taking a night ferry to Stromboli. We stayed at the Mediterraneo ( now a Renaissance ) and found it comfortable w/ a fabulous roof terrace for breakfast.

We walked back one night from the "egg" fort ( great place to catch the sunset) and enjoyed dinner in Santa Chiara at "Ettore"

We don't carry handbags!

buon viaggio a Napoli

AndrewDavid

zip the whats it?

why?

DON'T UNDERSTAND ZIP THE WHATS IT!
aLBERTO

I was in Naples this weekend, got lost once, asked for help, no problems. Walked to the Metro station from the museum along a busy street after dark, no problems. Like the other posters said, just take the same precaustions you would take in NYC.

alberto

this thread (and mnay others) was topped by a user named Ti_stahw_eht_piz

which backwards is "zip_the_whats_it"

Hope this helps

AndrewDavid,
Thanx for the help. Incidentally, we'll be staying at the Mediterraneo. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay there. We're really looking forward to our trip, which begins in two 1/2 weeks. Napoli, Taormina and Rome for 26 days. I am 1st generation Italian (Lazio) speak the language, but have never been to Naples.
Your posting was very informative.
I would suggest that you post it to Virtual Tourist.
Mille grazie,
Alberto