Is Milan Safe?

Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is Milan, Italy, still a safe place this year?

Milan, one of the most famous Italian destinations, is a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region. This cosmopolitan hub is known as the mecca for fashion and design. It is also home to the national stock exchange – a very high-end, luxurious city filled with decadent restaurants and shops. In my personal opinion, they also serve some of the most delicious espressos I ever tried.

With all those pluses, one would wonder if Milan is safe for unaware tourists carrying around their Fendi bags.

Often, many tourists jump straight to Rome, Venice, or even Florence. Still, those tourists miss out on this gem of a destination that offers many iconic sights and landmarks, such as the Duomo di Milano, the world’s largest and most beautiful gothic cathedral. Milan is a testament to art and culture, as the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent can attest. You’ll find Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” one of the most significant art pieces.

With all the trendy restaurants, classic cafes, fantastic shopping, and opera performances, you’ll have nothing but options to choose from while you’re visiting Milan. But all that unbelievable touristic greatness aside, you may still be wondering:

Is Milan a Safe Place?

The quick overall answer is yes. Milan is a relatively safe place where security guards and officials patrol the streets often. You’ll have no problem approaching them anytime if you feel unsafe. With a significant police presence, you can rest easy knowing they’ve got your back. That’s especially important if you’re a digital nomad walking around with your laptop in your bag everywhere you go.

However, that’s not to say that Milan is without its problems. Just like any major metropolitan center, there will be things you need to be aware of and some precautions to take.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover some must-know facts and information about Milan, such as the crime rate, areas you might want to avoid, and some of the best places to stay. We’ll also explore how safe Milan truly is, especially for solo female travelers.

So get ready to start packing your bags and prepare your luggage because we’re about to give you all the research you’ll need to have a great stay in Milan!

Milan Crime Rate

As mentioned above, Milan is a relatively safe destination for tourists worldwide. There aren’t any major threats in the area, and travelers of all kinds should feel at ease while visiting the eclectic city. Actually, compared to many other parts of the world, you could say Milan is pretty much crime free – however…

Some areas are hot spots for a lot of pickpockets. There are areas around the city where petty theft is pretty standard. Even in some parts of the city center, you might run into some scams where people offer help or advice but may harass you for payment. Besides the sufficient police presence, bag-snatchers and pickpockets are still able to make a living – that’s what makes up most of the crime in Milan.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation in Milan

Last year, Milan placed at the top in terms of crime rate in Italy. The largest city in the Lombardy province recorded about 1 out of every 20 inhabitants. In Milan, petty crimes such as pickpocketing made up most of the crime rate. Still, Milan also ranked high in burglaries in shops and thefts. This may sound problematic, but it’s not time to sound the alarms just yet. Compared to North America, Milan has about the same crime rate as any average city in the United States.

There is good news in all of this. Milan is starting to see a decline in the crime rate. Petty theft, pickpocketing, muggings, and almost every other crime except for cybercrime networks and drug trafficking, where sectors of the Mafia are still operating. There definitely are some areas you’ll want to avoid.

Areas To Avoid In Milan

Milan is a beautiful city with lots to explore and see, and if you live in America, it also has some of the cheapest flights into Europe.

It’s also a large city, and with any large city, there will be places you might want to avoid if you’re trying to stick around. Whether you’re a tourist looking to check off a bucket list or a remote worker on an extended stay in Milan, you’ll need to recognize and identify the neighborhoods and areas to avoid.

So, what are the areas to avoid in Milan?

Most neighborhoods outside the center don’t offer many attractive destinations or sights to see, so it might not even be worth venturing out too far. Places you’ll want to avoid might include Quarto Oggiaro, Lambrate, and Giambellino-Lorenteggio. That said, there really isn’t anywhere you should be afraid for your life. Just places to be extra on guard. Regarding the rest of Milan, it’s one of the safest cities in Italy.

What Are the Top 3 Areas to Avoid in Milan?

●    Quarto Oggiaro

This area is located to the North West of Milan in Zone 8. Situated at the fringe of Milan, its location isolates it from the rest of the city, attributing to higher crime. Quarto Oggiaro is notorious for its corruption.

●    Lambrate

This area is located to the North East of Milan, situated relatively far from the city center. This area is also considered somewhat dangerous but is on its way to becoming cleaner and safer.

●    Giambellino-Lorenteggio

This area is a two-for-one. Giambellino-Lorenteggio is a two-in-one neighborhood located pretty close to the city center. This area is mainly known for its drug trafficking and ties to the Mafia. Giambellino-Lorenteggio gets its name from the two ample avenues constructed in the 1920s. Here you’ll find a lot of poverty and immigrants from Italy and other countries. Here you’ll find most of the subsidized housing.

Places to Avoid in Milan

Again, Milan is overall safe and has lots of fun things to do. It also has fantastic places to visit and stay, so try to avoid these places, and instead choose one of the suggestions below.

Ps: If you are still in doubt about a move to Milan or another city, check out our Expat Living City Guides, with information about cities for expatriates and digital nomads all over the world!

Best Neighborhoods In Milan To Stay

As we’ve said, Milan is a spectacular destination for any tourists or digital nomads looking to stick around anywhere from a few days to a few months. Also, on the outskirts of Milan, there are some smaller towns that are perfect for people willing to retire from the urban noise.

Here we’ve put together a mix of Milan’s safest, cleanest, most beautiful, and most exciting neighborhoods. Most of them are central and well-connected by public transport (something important, because Milan has one of the most expensive Uber prices in the world). So let’s get right to it!

What are the best places to stay in Milan?

Milan is a very diverse and eclectic major city in Italy. It offers fashion districts, historical centers, and beautiful places to stay and visit. Some of these places include Brera, San Lorenzo, Navigli District, and Porta Nuovo. Making your way around these areas and neighborhoods is easy as most of Milan is flat and not too big.

• Brera – great for sightseeing
  • A modern area where the city’s most important museum is located (the Pinacoteca de Brera).
• San Lorenzo – the spot for a romantic getaway
  • This area has unique street art, lovely restaurants, and fantastic shops to take your date.
• Navigli District – where the night comes to life
  • This is the most energetic and vibrant area in all of Milan. If the party scene is your jam, then be sure not to miss out on this district. It reminds some areas of Berlin, but it is much more elegant.

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in the best areas of Milan. You can find them below.

Is Milan Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

By now, you’ll know that Italy is a safe country, and Milan is no exception. A common concern for travelers is safety for solo female travelers. We assure you that women will feel safe and secure in Milan, with standard precautions you would take anywhere else. In my view, it is, for example much safer than Athens.

In this stunning city, violent crimes are highly negligent – only you should be on the alert for petty theft. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your purse or bags and lock up luggage like in any big city. Traveling in groups is always recommended anywhere you go.

You may hear cat calls like “ciao bella” or “che bella.” If you hear any of this while you’re out and about, the best move is to keep on with your business and not give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of you.

That “open appreciation” for women isn’t regulated or policed. Still, if it gets to the point where someone won’t stop bothering you, the police are always around and ready to help.

Another essential piece of advice is to ensure you have an Italian SIM card or even an international one. Hence, you always have your phone ready to use. Hopefully, you never find yourself in an emergency, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Emergency numbers:

• 112 – Carabinieri (Italian force)
• 113 – Emergency Police Help Number (also ambulance and fire)
• 115 – Fire Department
• 118 – Medical Emergencies

Is Milan Safe? Conclusion

The streets of Milan are always bustling day and night, and there are always people and police roaming around. Milan is relatively safe for visitors, and solo female travelers shouldn’t be more worried about traveling here than most places worldwide.

So start packing your bags and planning your trip! This hub of history and culture is waiting to be explored!

Other Tips for Visiting Milan

Personal opinion: The best time to visit Milan is around November, since it is a low season and prices are very low.

1st — If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous.  Book a transfer in advance from the Malpensa Airport, Bergamo Airport, or from any station to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

4th—Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities (at least in Europe and South America), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

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If you enjoyed this article answering the question Is Milan Safe? here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

Is Rome Safe?

How Safe Is It to Visit or Live in Rome, Italy?

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When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and the Romans do it marvelously.

Together with Vienna, Rome is my favorite capital in Europe. It is wonderful in so many ways that to explain it would need an entire book.

But one acquaintance had her wallet stolen in Rome, and the way it happened shocked me because it was extremely creative (more about it below). That for a moment made me ask: is Rome safe in 2022?

I visited Rome twice, and fortunately, nothing ever happened to me except having a lot of good memories. Maybe the fact that I am Brazilian and I am always aware of my surroundings helped me to avoid this kind of problem.

So in this article, I will tell you the best areas to stay in Rome and how to avoid scams and thieves, keeping your wallet safe inside your pocket.

Because Rome is worth a visit. Or multiple visits.

Rome, the Eternal City, is not only the capital of Italy but also a center of culture, religion, and especially architecture, worldwide.

With approximately 3 million people living within the city limits, Rome is the third-largest city in Europe, with 90% of the population being Italian.

When you visit this ancient city, you’ll find some of the most beautiful palaces, fountains, churches, ruins, and some of the most vibrant nightlife in the world!

Although it’s a large city, you’ll find it very walkable and accessible.

So if you’re into fashion, shopping, history, sightseeing, and living up the night scene, then the most visited city in Italy is the perfect spot to check out!

But like every major city, there’s much more beneath the surface than touristic snapshots. Before planning a trip to Rome, there’s something you might be asking yourself:

Is Rome Safe?

The overall answer is yes. The locals say Rome is a safe place to visit. It’s one of the safest cities in Italy. Figures show that Italy has dropped in overall reported crime.

Rome is safer than some of the other most visited cities in Italy, like Bologna and Florence. According to the Economist, Rome ranks 29th in the world for safest cities, with an index score of almost 70.

But as with anywhere that is best-known as a must-see destination, travelers should still do their research and take certain precautions before heading out to see this fantastic city.

Talking about safety, check also the 8 safest big cities in the US.

Crime in Rome

Rome is best known for its culture and fantastic architecture, and not so much for its crime. The locals say you’ll have a great time while here and perhaps even better if you exercise some basic precautions.

There are a few common petty theft crimes, especially pickpocketing and scams.

The summer and fall are periods when tourism is at its peak, so you’ll also see theft spike around those times. The most common places where theft happens are in crowded places, as well as public transportation hubs. Thieves usually operate by distracting their victims.

As far as scams go, many risks exist. There have been reports of counterfeit European currency where many tourists were deceived by scam artists when taking back change.

Some other scams may include credit card fraud, fake petitions, spiked food or drinks in bars and cafes to steal money from the victim, and in a few cases, even sexually assaulted.

So What are the Scams Happening in Rome to Keep An Eye Out On?

● Taxis not using their meter when transporting a foreigner. If a driver offers a flat rate or “forgets” to turn on their meter, hop off that taxi and walk instead!

● “Free” bracelets or charms might be offered to you, but once you accept this kind of gift, you may find the person begin to demand payment. Kindly but assertively tell the person that you are not interested.

● Fake charity petitions are a great way to pull at your heartstrings by simply getting you to sign a petition. Sounds easy enough; however, this is a great way to distract and pickpocket. The person may even become hostile in demanding a donation. That is how the person mentioned at the beginning of this article had her wallet stolen.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded touristic places like the Colisseum. You’ll need to keep an eye on your belongings and not be careless with flaunting an expensive watch or cellphone.

Is Rome Safe For a Single Woman?

Long story short, the answer is yes. Rome is very safe for a single woman traveler looking to explore the streets of Rome. However, there are some safety precautions every single woman should take when out and about, enjoying all the fantastic fun this beautiful city offers.

If you are intelligent and composed, there is no way you should miss out on this adventure — be sure to stay informed and check out these valuable tips:

● Sadly, the most significant hazard to women around the world is the risk of sexual assault, like in many Latin countries in South America (or Bradford in England), so is Italy and the capital Rome. Other dangers also exist, so it’s best to try and blend in.

● Try not to stick out and look like a lost tourist. Or, in other words, “fake it till you make it.” Be confident and sure as you walk around, even if you’re a little lost. That will keep you from becoming a target.

Other tips to stay safe in Rome:

● Not accepting drinks from strangers. Be sure to see your drink made and never leave your glass unattended.

● When in Rome, dress as the Romans do. The Vatican has a dress code, so wear something a little less like a beach outing and a little more conservative. Dressing like a local will also make you look less like a tourist and will help you become less of a target.

● If dining alone, be sure to eat at cafes or pizzerias. These eateries are excellent choices for solo travelers not wanting to stand out.

Important numbers to know when in Rome:

● Carabinieri: 112 (Carabinieri are the national gendarmerie of Italy that primarily carries out domestic and foreign policing duties)

● Police: 113

● Ambulance: 113

Check also: How Belgrade Defeated Criminal Clans and Became a Prime Destination

Best Areas to Stay in Rome

Rome, The Eternal City, has some of the best places to stay in the world. So many that it may be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is the best for you. Luckily, we got you covered.

We put together some of the best districts to stay in, depending on your personality or length of stay. There’s a little something for everyone in this amazing ancient city, but be sure to check out:

Pantheon / Piazza Navona

This area is accessible, and you can easily walk and explore the city’s best sights. This district is great for first-time travelers. Located right in the center of the historic town, this is where you’ll find the over 2,000-year-old Pantheon.

Piazza di Spagna

The area around Piazza di Spagna is where the most incredible high-end shopping can be found. Located in the center of Rome as well, you’ll find the gardens at Villa Borghese here. You’ll also find the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in this area.

Trastevere

This is a captivating district that is also close to the center. This neighborhood is known for its authentic cobbled streets and delicious traditional restaurant scene. When you think of the classic shuttered houses with ivy vines growing on their sides, you’re thinking of Trastevere. Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, this area will have you exploring antique churches, museums, and much more!

So whether you’re staying for a night or even weeks, check out these lovely areas that will have you dreaming of Italy for a lifetime.

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in Rome. You can find them below.

How Many Days do You Need in Rome?

Of course, this answer will vary from traveler to traveler, but there is one definite answer: One day is not even close to being enough to see Rome. That said, you don’t have to stay here for weeks either.

A minimum safe amount would be anywhere from 3–5 days to give a more accurate answer.

Five days is probably the number you want to shoot for if you’re trying to immerse yourself in the city’s culture. You won’t cover everything Rome offers, but that should be enough to check the most important items off the bucket list.

Top pro tips for tourists visiting Rome:

● Pick the right season. Check out Rome during the Spring and Fall.

● Find accommodation in the city center.

● Avoid public transportation if you can.

● Bring comfy shoes. You’ll be walking for hours.

● Have a picture ID handy with you at all times.

● Best to carry cash (don’t overdo it, of course).

Learn the survival Italian words:

○ Si (yes)

○ No (no)

○ Per favore (please)

○ Grazie (thank you)

○ Prego (you’re welcome)

○ Scusi (excuse me)

Conclusion: Is Rome Safe?

So, Rome is safe, but here are some extra tips.

1st —If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — If you are visiting some more isolated places, hire a guide. You can find some amazing guides and tours at Viator. Not only they will give you insider information about historical and natural curiosities, but they will also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

3rd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous.  Book a transfer in advance from the Rome-Fiumicino or the Rome-Ciampino airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th — Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities (at least in Europe and South America), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

Again, Rome is a very safe city, and these precautions are the same as any single woman traveling should take in their home country. So get out there and visit the incredible monuments and incredible pieces of art.

Travelers visiting Rome can feel at ease much more than in some other European capitals like Athens (where my family was a victim of 2 crimes in 2 days).

So all in all, you’ve got everything you need to go and visit one of the safest cities in the world. The police are very helpful and friendly should you bump into trouble, so relax!

Rome is one of the most extraordinary adventures of a lifetime, so the actual crime in all of this would be to miss out!

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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.