RicF33

I'll be spending 12 days in Italy most of the time in Rome breaking up the week with 3days/ 2 nights in Napels. <BR><BR>EVERYONE I've spoken to has warned me about Naples. Anyone with experience able to tell me just how bad the theft and safety is? Can I carry my camera. Wallet in the front pocket is a given...anything else I should know?<BR><BR>Is it worth paying for two hotels, we're keeping the one in Rome while we're in Naples so we don't have to carry our luggage, paying for the train ride and the hotel in Naples to be paranoid. I'm usually a carefree but aware tourist. This is the first time I've actually reconsidered a place. Thanks, in advance, for any info.<BR>Ric

Kelly

Yes you can carry your camera in Naples. Just be aware of your surroundings just like any place else.<BR><BR>I am not sure I understand the second part of your question, about "paying for the train ride and the hotel in Naples to be paranoid". As for keeping the hotel in Rome just to store your luggage, I would say this is a waste, as most hotels will gladly store your luggage for a couple days if you are returning (and sometimes if you are not).

Dina

We carried our camera in Naples, (strapped on of course), used moneybelts, walked everywhere, and never felt unsafe. We found a big portion of the city to be dirty and unkempt, but not dangerous--except for the insane traffic, as everyone says! <BR><BR>I've read several posts here telling how a wallet was picked from a front pocket while traveling, so I don't think that is the safest alternative.

Maria

I second the suggestion for a moneybelt to hold your passport, plane tickets, cards, money, etc.! They are essential. You will want to keep some money available for easy access so you don't have to dig out the moneybelt during the day.

scout

My friend had a nasty experience in Naples. A group of men attacked her and her husband while they were leaving a restaurant and pinned them to the ground until they gave up their watches. They were not seriously hurt but they said the police did nothing to help them. Just keep your jewelry (even the fake stuff) out of sight.

toptop

topper

fritzi

Visited my brother in Naples about 4 years ago. He'd been living there for about 3 years at the time. He's a no-worries sort of person, but when he took us downtown, he insisted that nobody carry anything in their pockets, or watches on wrists. He had his valuables around his neck, and he had all sorts of cautionary stories for us. He said that the train station area was the most notorious, which I guess is to be expected.<BR>That being said, I wouldn't stay away because of those conditions.<BR>I had been to Rome and Florence a couple of times, so I sort of thought I "knew" Italy. Seeing Naples taught me how much I didn't know, and how much more there is to learn. It's a fantastic city. We, too, walked all over and had no bad experiences.<BR>Hope you enjoy it, too!

jessie

Hi Ric,<BR><BR>Just be careful. Use a lot of common sense, and enjoy yourself. I was robbed in Naples, but I was young and foolish. I had just gotten off the ferry from Capri and forgot to put my money belt on again. It was in my backpack. Incredibly stupid. I had fallen asleep on the ferry so I was still groggy when I landed in Naples. As I was trying to get on a very crowded bus (stupid again) someone started pushing me very hard and at the same time was taking my money belt out of my bag. Everyone saw him do it. No one helped. Lost my passport, money, travelers checks (to this day I'm a loyal AMEX user). That nightmare could have been avoided with some common sense on my part.<BR><BR>I'll never return to Naples though. <BR><BR>Not a great idea to leave your wallet in your front pocket. Use a money belt. And really use it. <BR><BR>And have fun.

Suzzanne

I am planning to briefly stop in Naples to see the Archiological museum before moving on to Pompeii. I plan to leave my luggage at the train station in the left luggage room. Is this a good idea?

Joyce

I spent 3 days in Naples last year. I was traveling alone and had no problems with crime. I felt very safe. Some advice:<BR><BR>1. Try to get a street map before you arrive, or buy one at one of the local stores in Naples. The map my hotel gave me was useless. Naples has a very convoluted street system (no apparent logic to it), and it is very easy to get lost. <BR><BR>2. Be very careful crossing the street, and even walking on the sidewalk. Vespas come out of nowhere, and often ride on the sidewalks.<BR><BR>3. As the previous writers advised, always wear a money belt under your clothes.<BR>