My mom and I are going to Rome, Sorrento, and Naples next week and she would like to get a tattoo as a souvineer. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for good, reputable shops in or near any of these places? Also, can you just walk in or do we need to make a reservation? Thanks for your help!

Near any of WHAT places? Naples is a city the size of Philadelphia, Rome is larger than Chicago.

If you have to, get a tattoo when you're back home. You don't want to risk an infection while traveling. Tattoos are far less common and less approved of in Italy - most people look down on those with visible tattoos, considering them to be "in bad taste", at least people of a certain age, so I doubt that the industry is as regulated as it should be considering the health risk.

<i> Tattoos are far less common and less approved of in Italy - most people look down on those with visible tattoos, considering them to be "in bad taste",

</i>

You must be joking!

17% of Italians have tattoos, and almost 30% of people between ages 35-44.

http://www.quotidianosanita.it/studi...icolo_id=30960

I once read that Italy was the most "tattooed" country in Europe, and it wouldn't surprise me. My impression is that tattoos are much more common here than in the US.

The regulations are very strict, with minimum national standards and additional regional regulations.

I think near these "places" means near those cities. Being a tourist, perhaps something in the center would be good, or whever a tourist is likely to be around.

there are zillions.

here's one in Rome
http://www.urbantattooroma.it/

>>My impression is that tattoos are much more common here than in the US.<<

More than 40% of Americans under 30 have tattoos.

@ bvlenci "You must be joking!" - I was not joking. I guess things must have changed drastically recently, or my acquaintances in Italy are "behind the times", but "schifosi" is how they characterize visibly tattooed folks. To each his own...

< i> More than 40% of Americans under 30 have tattoos. </i>

Since "under 30" includes people under 15, that's just not possible.

<less approved of in Italy - most people look down on those with visible tattoos>

I'm no expert but I find that really hard to believe, in this day and age??