Every year, I hear the same concerns from travelers planning their trip to Italy.

“Is it safe?”

“Should I be worried about pickpockets?”

“Is there political unrest?”

“What if something happens while I’m there?”

These are reasonable questions. After all, when you’re traveling halfway around the world, it’s natural to want to protect yourself and your investment.

But here’s what I often tell people: Be prepared, not paranoid.

As someone who was born in Italy, spends half the year there, and leads small-group tours throughout the country, I can honestly say that Italy remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world for travelers.

That doesn’t mean nothing ever happens. Like anywhere else, there are scams, petty theft, transportation strikes, and some occasional inconveniences. But most travelers who run into trouble in Italy do so because they let fear take over—or sorry to be blunt: because they completely ignored common sense.

The sweet spot lies somewhere in between.

Remember Why You’re Going

Before we talk about safety, let’s talk about perspective.

Italy is a country filled with extraordinary beauty, remarkable history, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.

You’ll find yourself sipping wine in a medieval piazza, wandering through olive groves, learning family recipes from local cooks, and watching the sun set over landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries.

If you spend your entire trip worried about what might go wrong, you’ll miss what makes Italy magical in the first place.

Travel smart, yes, but leave room for wonder.

Watch for Pickpockets—but Don’t Obsess Over Them

Let’s address the hot topic that gets the most attention.

Yes, pickpocketing exists in Italy.

It exists in Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, and virtually every major tourist destination in the world.

However, most incidents occur in predictable places:

• Crowded train stations (This is a big one!)
• Busy metro lines
• Popular tourist attractions
• Packed buses
• Areas where visitors are distracted

The good news is that avoiding problems is usually simple.

Carry a crossbody bag that zips closed. Keep valuables in front of you in crowded areas. Avoid placing your phone in your back pocket or on a table while enjoying your meal. Don’t leave bags unattended while taking photos.

That’s about it.

I often see travelers arrive expecting criminal masterminds around every corner. In reality, a little awareness goes a long way.

I can honestly say, I’ve spent decades traveling throughout Italy and have never been pickpocketed. Does that mean I am immune? Of course not, just vigilant and prepared. My hand is almost always on my zipped crossbody bag. I wear it on the shorter side, not hanging too low to my waist and it would be practically impossible for anyone to slide their hand inside without me noticing it. And if I am not wearing a crossbody, I am wearing my trusted Longchamp that practically rests under my armpit!

And please don’t wear backpack-style pocketbooks. These are notoriously targeted by a master thief. And it could be hours before you even notice.

Blend In a Little

One of the easiest ways to stay safe anywhere is to avoid looking completely overwhelmed. And perhaps this is where I excel, I just blend in really well, even when traveling with a group.

But, you don’t need to pretend you’re Italian.

But you can walk confidently, know where you’re going before pulling out your phone, and avoid standing in the middle of busy sidewalks studying maps for ten minutes. If you need directions, step into a café, hotel, or shop and ask. Italians are generally happy to help visitors.

A little confidence makes you less likely to be targeted by scammers and helps you feel more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places.

Protect Your Passport

Your passport is the most important item you’re carrying. Have a printed photocopy and keep it separate from the original. Take a photo of it and store it securely on your phone. Legally, you should be carrying your passport with you at all times, so tuck it into your bag in a small pouch, and put that pouch in a zipped pocket in your bag or purse.

Keep in mind that most travelers never need these backups. But if something does happen, you’ll be grateful you prepared.

Be Smart With Money

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is carrying too much cash.

Italy is increasingly card-friendly, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Carry a small reasonable amount of euros for small purchases, cafés, local markets, and the occasional establishment that prefers cash. Avoid flashing large amounts of money or carrying your entire trip budget with you each day.

And, if possible, always use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines aimed at tourists. (This is more so you get a better rate, and less about safety.)

Understand That Strikes Happen

One thing that surprises many visitors is that transportation strikes occasionally occur in Italy. Trains, buses, airports, and public transportation workers sometimes participate in organized labor actions. While these can be frustrating, they’re rarely dangerous. In fact, Italians often joke that strikes are simply part of life.

The key is flexibility.

Before traveling, download transportation apps and keep an eye on local news. If you’re traveling independently, leave some breathing room in your itinerary rather than scheduling every connection down to the minute. Most strikes are announced in advance, allowing travelers to adjust plans accordingly.

Stay Connected

Technology makes travel safer than ever.

Before leaving home, make sure you have a plan for phone service in Italy. Whether that’s an international plan, an eSIM, or a local SIM card, having access to maps, translation tools, and communication can provide tremendous peace of mind.

I also recommend sharing your itinerary with a family member or friend. Not because something will happen—but because it’s a simple precaution that makes everyone feel more comfortable.

Trust Your Instincts

My grandmother, Rosina, who has been gone for some forty years, thaught me one of the best safety tools I can share with you: always trust your own intuition.

If a situation feels wrong, leave. If someone approaches aggressively, keep walking. If a street feels uncomfortable, take another route or call a taxi. And if someone offers you a “free” bracelet, magnet or squishy toy of any sort, walk away. They aren’t “free” and they’ll get aggressive about it if you accept without payment.

But these aren’t Italy-specific rules. They’re universal travel principles.

Most people you’ll encounter in Italy are kind, generous, and welcoming. But common sense should always accompany curiosity.

Don’t Let Headlines Shape Your Experience

News coverage often magnifies rare events. A story about a tourist scam in Rome can make it seem like every visitor is at risk. A transportation strike might sound like the entire country is shutting down.

The reality on the ground is usually much different. Millions of people visit Italy every year and return home with nothing but wonderful memories. And if you are traveling with me, perhaps an extra pound or two!!

The safest approach is to stay informed without becoming consumed by worst-case scenarios.

The Real Risk

After years of helping travelers discover Italy, I’ve come to believe the greatest risk isn’t pickpockets, train delays, or getting lost.

The greatest risk is allowing fear to prevent you from experiencing something extraordinary. I’ve seen travelers postpone trips for years because they worried about every possible thing that could go wrong. Then they finally arrive in Italy and wonder why they waited so long.

Travel requires a certain amount of courage. Not reckless courage, but the willingness to embrace the unknown. Italy rewards that courage generously.

So secure your passport. Zip your bag. Purchase travel insurance. Use common sense. And come to Italy!

Then put the guidebooks away for a moment. Order the extra glass of wine. Talk to the shop owner. Take the scenic route. Accept the invitation to linger a little longer at the table. Because Italy isn’t meant to be experienced through fear. It’s meant to be experienced through delicious meals, curiosity, connection, and joy. And that’s where the real magic happens.

Ci vediamo in Italia! I’ll see you in Italy!