Italy captivates travelers with its unparalleled blend of ancient history, Renaissance art, and world-renowned cuisine. From the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers diverse experiences across its varied regions.
Italy is a very safe destination for travelers with a low rate of violent crime. The main safety concerns are petty theft, pickpocketing at tourist sites and on public transport, and tourist-targeted scams. The south (Naples, Palermo) requires slightly more vigilance in certain areas but is generally safe for tourists.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Be alert to pickpockets at major tourist attractions (Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain), on crowded buses and metros, and at train stations. During 2025 Jubilee Year, expect heightened security and large crowds in Rome.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Italy is assessed at Level 1 — exercise normal precautions. Petty crime common at tourist sites and on public transport; be vigilant.
Standard tourist precautions advised
Crime levels are low but pickpocketing and bag snatching occur, especially in cities and on public transport. Take extra care in Naples, Rome, and other tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Be vigilant against pickpockets at tourist attractions, especially Colosseum, Vatican, and train stations
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
Use official taxis or rideshare apps; avoid unlicensed drivers at airports
Be aware of common scams including fake petitions, friendship bracelets, and overcharging at restaurants
During 2025 Jubilee Year, expect heightened security and large crowds in Rome
Register with your country embassy upon arrival; Italian emergency number is 112
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees or entry may be refused
Validate train and bus tickets before boarding; inspectors impose on-the-spot fines for unvalidated tickets
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy; refill at free public drinking fountains (nasoni) in Rome
Do not eat or drink on the steps of monuments or in historic piazzas — heavy fines apply in cities like Rome and Florence
Book Vatican Museums and major attractions online in advance; long queues can waste hours, especially during Jubilee Year 2025
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Friendship Bracelet
A person approaches and ties a bracelet on your wrist 'for free' then aggressively demands payment of €10-20. Common near tourist sites in Rome and Florence.
How to avoid: Keep hands in pockets near tourist sites; decline firmly with 'No grazie' and walk away without stopping
Fake Petition
People claiming to be deaf or supporting a charity present clipboards asking for signatures, then demand a donation or steal your wallet while you're distracted filling out the form.
How to avoid: Never stop for clipboard petitions; decline and walk away
Rose Giving
A person presses a rose or flower into your hand then demands payment; if your partner takes it, they may be very aggressive about collecting money.
How to avoid: Don't accept any item from strangers near restaurants and monuments
Restaurant Menu Switch
A restaurant quoted one price on the tourist menu but the bill includes inflated prices, service charges, or items not ordered. Common in tourist areas near major sights.
How to avoid: Always ask for written menu with prices before ordering; check bill carefully before paying
Overcharging Taxi
Unlicensed taxi touts at airports and train stations charge 3-4x normal fares. Even licensed taxis sometimes 'forget' to turn on the meter.
How to avoid: Only use white official taxis from ranks; insist the meter is on; use Free Now or ItTaxi apps for transparent pricing
Colosseum Skip-the-Line Scam
People outside the Colosseum offer to sell tickets or tours at inflated prices, claiming queues are too long. Many are counterfeit tickets or massively marked up.
How to avoid: Book official tickets online at coopculture.it; ignore all touts outside the Colosseum
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations up to date: MMR, Tdap, flu, COVID-19
- Water
- Safety
- Safe to drink in all major cities - Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan
- Exceptions
- Check locally in Sicily and Sardinia - some areas use bottled water
- Fountains
- Nasoni (Rome) and public fountains provide free drinking water - carry reusable bottle
- Notes
- Bottled water common in restaurants but tap water (acqua del rubinetto) free if requested
- Food
- Facilities
- Farmacie (green cross sign) widely available in all towns
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Italy is excellent for solo travel with vibrant hostel culture, busy public spaces, and generally welcoming locals. Solo travelers thrive in Italy's cafe culture — sitting at a bar or trattoria alone is completely normal. Use common sense: avoid poorly lit areas around Termini station in Rome at night; keep valuables secure in crowded tourist spots.
Female travellers
Italy is generally safe for female solo travelers. Verbal attention (catcalling) exists especially in Naples and Sicily but is generally harmless; firm rebuffs work without engaging further. Dress modestly in the south and rural areas. Stick to well-lit areas at night; major cities have excellent safety records for visitors. Italian culture generally very respectful to women.
Families
Italy is excellent for families — Italians adore children and welcome them everywhere. Family-friendly with children's menus, high chairs, stroller-accessible cafes. No specific safety concerns beyond normal supervision. Medical facilities excellent in cities. Keep children close in crowded tourist sites to prevent separation.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Italy has legal same-sex civil unions (since 2016) but not full marriage equality. Milan and Rome have active, open LGBTQ+ scenes. Florence, Bologna, and Turin are notably LGBTQ+-friendly. Rural areas and the conservative south can be less accepting — public displays of affection may attract attention outside major cities. EuroPride has been held in Rome. Generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers with normal discretion in conservative areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112 or 113
- Medical
- 118
- Embassy
- Tourist Police