When organizing a trip or a business trip, it is useful to identify the areas of Naples to avoid and the best area to stay.
And even though Naples is not as dangerous a city as Bogota or Rio de Janeiro, it is prudent to find out more to avoid choosing accommodation in a dangerous area or a red-light district of Naples.
That's why I made this 2024 guide to the neighborhoods of Naples with a map that allows you to locate them.
Is Naples dangerous?
According to Numbeo ranking 2024 of crime in European cities, Naples appears as the 5th most criminal city in Europe. In comparison, with a crime index of 62.10, Naples would therefore be more dangerous than London, Rome, Barcelona ou Paris.
However, these figures should be interpreted as averages. Indeed, insecurity in Naples is not the same everywhere in the city. Thefts, crimes and acts of violence only take place in certain places in Naples (see list of neighborhoods to avoid below).
Map of Naples neighborhoods
It's difficult to identify the good and bad neighborhoods of Naples. So click on this carte to locate the neighborhoods to avoid in Naples listed below.
Is Naples safe to visit in 2024?
Before you know where the worst and best neighborhoods in Naples are, tourists first ask, is Naples safe for tourists?
Well we can say that tourists are not at risk of being murdered in Naples but (as in all tourist cities), they can be subject to pickpocketing or attacks to obtain money, in particular:
- around tourist sites,
- in public transport,
- in and around airports and train stations.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Naples
Without giving you an overview of all the districts of Naples, here are the main districts deemed to be the most dangerous (with the highest crime rates):
- Scampia
- Fork
- San Giovanni a Teduccio
- Barra
- Spanish Neighborhoods
- Centro Direzionale
- Rione Traiano
See below where these dangerous neighborhoods or areas to avoid are geographically located in Naples:
Scampia – The most dangerous district in Europe
This district, which was the setting for the film Gomorra, is reputed to be the largest retail drug store in Europe.
Located north of the city of Naples, it is an area that tourists should avoid. See Google Maps location
These huge veil-shaped towers dating from the 60s have become the territory of the camorra, the Italian mafia. In this neighborhood, they manage the heroin, cocaine and crack trafficking networks.
See article Drug trafficking, murder for € 2 and PNL clip: welcome to La Scampia which says in particular: “Living there is a 6 out of 10 chance of being murdered following involvement in drug trafficking.”
If, a few months ago, it was a question of razing this district, for the moment, it would seem that the municipality is only planning a transformation: Infrastructural and social redevelopment in the district of Scampia on the official site comune.naples.it
Forcella – Neighborhood under the control of the mafia
Very close to the historic center of Naples, the Fork is located between the districts of Vasto and Porto. It would also be a dangerous area of Naples because it is said to be under the influence of the Camorra. See the Paris Match article « Me Enzo 15 years old Mafioso«
San Giovanni district in Teduccio
The San Giovanni a Teduccio district is located in the South East of Naples along the coast. See Google Maps location
This district compares to the Bronx (famous dangerous neighborhood in New York) according to the article from napoli.repubblica.it: Ecco il "Bronx" di San Giovanni a Teduccio
Also pay attention to the Piazza Garibaldi very close which is the terminus of the train. Like all stations in big cities, this is a place where tourists should be careful.
Barra – Neighborhood to avoid in Naples
Less dangerous than its neighbor the San Giovanni district, Barra nevertheless remains a district to avoid if you are looking for accommodation in Naples. See Google Maps location
Rione Sanità in the center of Naples
1,6 km from the historic center of Naples, La Sanità is a crowded neighborhood with more than 32 inhabitants in less than 000 km². See Google Maps location
This district has become a ghetto where poverty and violence are the daily life of residents. And, even if today this district is in full transformation, it remains a district not recommended for tourists.
Spanish Neighborhoods
In the heart of Naples, Quartieri Spagnoli is an old district of Naples and one of the poorest in the city center. This neighborhood has a bad reputation because, according to the media, the Neapolitan mafia is present there. See Google Maps location
Because of its authenticity, its animation and its tourist interest, the Spanish quarters attract many visitors. Indeed, tourists do not take any risk in this district. You just have to be careful when the night comes.
Centro Direzionale to avoid at night
This is the business district of Naples. At night and on weekends, this neighborhood and its surroundings transform and become disreputable. There have also been numerous thefts and robberies. See Google Maps location
So the Centro Direzionale is also a neighborhood to avoid in Naples, especially for foreign tourists.
Area to avoid around Naples – Rione Traiano
In the western suburbs of Naples, the Rione Traiano district is known for drug trafficking. See newspaper article ilmattino.it and see its Google Maps location
Best neighborhoods in Naples
The best areas of Naples are far from the popular areas and the historic center. These are the districts of Chiaia, Mergellina and Posillipo.
Chiaia chic and friendly neighborhood by the sea
The beautiful residential area of Chiaia is very popular with the Neapolitan bourgeoisie and tourists who can afford it. See Google Maps location
It is probably the most chic place in the city with its luxury boutiques and great restaurants. Very trendy, this district is also popular with stars who come to enjoy the palaces on the seafront.
Mergellina nice little neighborhood of Naples
To the west, right next to the district of Chiaia, the very small district of Mergellina is a nice and very touristy place. See Google Maps location
The quiet and wealthy Posillipo district
On the hillside, to the southwest of Naples, Posillipo is a residential area where the richest population of Naples is located. See Google Maps location
It is a very beautiful place with small beaches and a superb view of the Bay of Naples.
What neighborhood to stay in Naples?
The 3 neighborhoods that I just mentioned as the best neighborhoods in Naples are perfect for staying.
But for tourists who want the Neapolitan atmosphere and animation and proximity to tourist sites, this is the neighborhood Spaccanapoli you need!
Spaccanapoli is the historic center of Naples which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located to the north of the large port of Naples, this district is divided by the large avenue Via Spaccanapoli into two parts: Pizzofalcone and Decumano. See Google Maps location
Where to sleep in Naples in a safe area?
This is a wonderful accommodation in a safe and ideal area for sightseeing in Naples without taking public transport.
For those on a lower budget, see my recommendation here: See this cheap accommodation in Naples
Bisogna stare solo attenti a non indossare orologi bracciali anelli di valore, perché on occasion fa l'uomo ladro. Un po' di attention in più per borse e zainetti.
This is the basic rules for all the metropolis of the world in this way you can pass quietly through New York along the promenade in Barcellona. I vicoletti malfamati sono dappertutto anche nella tua città.
Sì, sono d'accordo con lei. Molte città turistiche presentano gli stessi rischi per i visitatori.
Essendo figlio di un Napoletano “DOC”, e Madre Austriaca sono diventato una buona miscela!
Da bambino ho fatto tuttte le mie ferie a Napoli e da grande sono andato minimo 4 o 5 Durante l`anno
in Naples. Non mi e mai successo niente e non ho visto mai niente di male. La Gente di Napoli has a great cuore like lùniverso. Accogliente, buon gustai (la cucina migliore mondo) Duemila anni di storia, greci, romani, normanni, francesi e cosi via, hanno lasciato le loro traccie. La cultura, la Musica, lo stile di vita tutto compreso fa un opera `arte di Napoli
Scusatemi my pessimo italiano
Vado a Napoli tutti gli anni, è la mia città del coore (io sono di Sanremo), ho girato nte e giorno, da sola e in company e mi sento più al sicuro lì che in other città….