Italy : Safety by City
- Bari
- Bologna
- Cagliari
- Catania
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rimini
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Genoa is a historic city along the Italian Riviera.
It’s in the north of Italy, south of Milan, and north of the French island of Corsica.
It’s an industrial city that also hosts a large financial and commercial sector.
The site where the city is now has been occupied since Roman and Etruscan times, first as a small fishing village, but about 1,000 years ago, that village started to grow in importance and in population.
Genoa is also known for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Nowadays, the city is a vibrant place to be, and many people who’ve been there have absolutely loved it.
Many consider it to be very safe, save for some specific areas you don’t want to go into at night.
That said, it’s not completely crime-free, and visitors need to know that they should take precautions.
Italy currently has a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State, which requires increased caution.
Recent global developments have increased the risk of terrorism, especially as the country hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Tourists are urged to be careful in tourist spots and other crowded “soft targets” like markets.
Does that mean Genoa is too dangerous to visit?
No, not at all.
There’s plenty to do in Genoa during the daytime, and the staff at the hotel you choose to stay at can give you suggestions and advice about what else to see and where to go, or not go.
Knowing about the potential risks doesn’t mean a city is unsafe.
It just means that you’re now more knowledgeable about what you could potentially encounter.
This gives you a chance to find ways to make yourself less desirable as a target, so you can have fun during your trip.
Genoa is beautiful and a lot of fun, and with common sense, you can turn your travels there into the trip of a lifetime.
Warnings & Dangers in Genoa
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Genoa is mainly safe, but it has its issues that you need to know about. Sometimes hearing about all the possible things that could go wrong can make a city seem completely unsafe, but that's not the case here. You just need to know that these things are possible so that you can take precautions.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Stick to official taxis and don't accept rides in unofficial taxis that claim to offer cheaper rates. Official taxis are usually white. Always ensure the meter is running. If you take other transport, watch out for pickpockets and scammers.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
You really do need to watch your valuables and belongings when out and about in Genoa. Especially in tourist areas and on transportation, pickpockets can quickly swipe your valuables if you aren't careful. Use theft-resistant bags and money belts if possible.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
The city is prone to flooding and landslides, as well as earthquakes. Heavy rain in 2018 led to the collapse of a major bridge. The city has an inadequate drainage system that allows smaller streams to flood the area. Watch weather reports and stay close to your hotel if heavy rain is in the forecast. You might want to ask your hotel's staff about what to do if there's a risk of flooding.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging isn't an across-the-board problem all over Genoa, or anything like that. However, it can happen, and some areas of Genoa are worse than others. Stay out of dimly lit alleys and isolated areas, and don't walk around alone at night. Don't wear flashy, expensive stuff (as fashionable as Italy can be, sometimes it's nice to stay low-key), and guard your cash. Be careful at ATMs, even in banks, to ensure no one follows you.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorism itself as part of Italian life is fairly low. The problem is that, with the recent actions in Iran, the risk of attacks targeting U.S. citizens and those perceived to be associated with the U.S. is elevated. So even though the region isn't known for huge terrorist attacks, do be cautious and keep your eyes open for suspicious behavior.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Tourist scams are an issue, as they can be in much of Europe. Watch out for overcharging in establishments and at gas stations if you're driving. Distraction scams, especially those using petitions, are a problem, and always beware those who try to offer you a small "gift" only to demand payment. (Roses and bracelets seem to be popular items for this.) Also, be sure that any tickets you buy are through official channels. No scalpers.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Genoa is regarded as generally safe, but petty theft is a real problem. You've got to keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of what's going on around you at all times. Anecdotal reports call the city very safe, with some areas to avoid, but other ratings imply that safety for women isn't as great. It's still considered safe, but experiences show that women still have to be careful to some extent.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Genoa's tap water is very safe, and the city has public fountains where you can refill a reusable water bottle. Some fountains have water that's not drinkable, but these should have signs. If you're not sure, you might want to avoid the fountain. You'll see other people filling up at drinkable fountains.
Safest Places to Visit in Genoa
Piazza de Ferrari, Via Garibaldi, and the well-lit portions of the caruggi (the narrow streets) are often recommended, although be cautious in the caruggi because it’s easy to get lost.
The Nervi and Camogli areas are recommended by some for those who don’t want to stay in the center of the city.
Albaro and Bocadesse are nice, too.
Places to Avoid in Genoa
There are some areas of Genoa where you don’t want to go.
In addition to the usual dark alleys and such, avoid Via della Maddelena, deserted roads (and alleys), alleys in Darsena and Principe, Sampierdarena (especially at night), the port district at night (Pre), and Centro Storico at night (during the day, it’s supposed to be OK).
Also, double-check routes on a map before going anywhere.
If you get lost and appear to be a tourist, scam artists are going to be very interested in you.
Also, when choosing a hotel, don’t stay near the port district.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Genoa
- Watch your belongings and use cross-body bags and money belts.
- Look for signs that state water isn’t drinkable before filling your water bottle at a fountain.
- Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You’ll get emails about changes in travel advisories and have an easier time staying in touch with the U.S. embassy.
- Be vigilant about how much you pay. Overcharging scams are a problem for tourists.
- Take only official taxis. Don’t try to arrange rides with unofficial drivers who claim to have better rates.
- Be careful in summer with the heat and humidity.
- Take weather warnings seriously.
- Don’t accept small “gifts” that strangers try to give you. These are often part of a scam to pressure you into handing over money.
- Ensure no one follows you after you use an ATM.
- Get travel insurance that covers not only problems with reservations, but also medical care, evacuation, and translation.
So... How Safe Is Genoa Really?
Despite all the information here about scams! terrorism! floods! Genoa is actually considered really safe.
People love it.
There are areas you don’t want to go into, especially at night.
But as a whole, the city is a great place for travelers, including solo travelers.
Bad things can happen anywhere, and people can have uneventful trips in the most dangerous of places, so just take commonsense precautions against theft and scams, and keep your eyes open as you enjoy the city.
How Does Genoa Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Genoa |
60 |
| Rimini |
62 |
| Pisa |
61 |
| Catania |
65 |
| Milan |
65 |
| Verona |
65 |
| Sorrento |
75 |
 Queens | 73 |
| Vermont | 85 |
| Las Cruces | 46 |
| Biddeford | 86 |
| Idaho | 85 |
| Marquette | 78 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. citizens don't need a visa if they're staying for 90 days or fewer. Anything more, and they will need a visa plus a permesso di soggiorno, or permit of stay. Keep in mind that the 90 days are any 90 days within a 180-day window; in other words, you can't stay for 90 days, then leave for a few days and return for another 90. You have to leave for at least 90 days before coming back without a visa. Also, make sure you have at least three months left on your passport. Do be sure your passport is valid and hasn't been reported as lost.
Currency
Italy uses the euro, and as of early March 2026, US$1 = €0.86. Euros are divided into cents. You've got several options for getting cash, such as using exchange offices in the airport or independent offices in the city. Banks are always an option, and you can also use ATMs to withdraw cash. Try to stick with ATMs in banks for safety.
Weather
Genoa's weather can be pretty moderate thanks to the city's coastal location. Winters can be chilly, with highs (in Fahrenheit here, but remember to use Celsius in Italy) averaging in the mid 50s. Lows are in the mid 40s. In summer, the weather gets a little unpleasant, with highs often in the low to mid 80s and lows in the low 70s. Summer humidity can be uncomfortable in the low 70s percent-wise. Jackets during winter are a must, as are cold-weather accessories like gloves. In summer, layers rule the day and night, and you will need something to protect your head and eyes. Watch out for heat exhaustion on hotter days.
Airports
Genova City Airport, also called Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport, is located on the coast just northwest of the city of Genoa. You can rent cars there (you'll need car insurance from the rental company), or you can arrange for a driver service to take you into town. Taxis are available; look for the stand outside the airport, and take only those taxis. They should be white with red signs. Verify the price of the trip before starting, and ensure the driver uses the meter. If you want to take a train, take the Airlink Shuttle service from the airport to the Sestri Ponente Aeroporto station. Finally, Volabus has a line that connects the airport with the city center.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't required for entry into Italy if you're a U.S. citizen, but you should get it anyway. Any time you travel, you want to have coverage for problems like trips being canceled, missed flights, sudden changes in hotel reservations, and so on. You really want medical insurance; Italy's health system isn't going to just change your bill to zero. Get medical coverage that includes translation service coverage and medical evacuation, as well as medical treatments. If you don't have coverage and something goes wrong, that can wreak havoc on your finances, and the U.S. government isn't going to help.
Genoa Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Low °C |
4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| High °F |
50 | 52 | 55 | 61 | 68 | 75 | 81 | 81 | 75 | 66 | 57 | 52 |
| Low °F |
39 | 41 | 45 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 66 | 68 | 63 | 55 | 48 | 43 |
Italy - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bari | 74 |
| Bologna | 56 |
| Cagliari | 64 |
| Catania | 65 |
| Florence | 72 |
| Genoa | 60 |
| Milan | 65 |
| Naples | 62 |
| Palermo | 55 |
| Perugia | 60 |
| Pisa | 61 |
| Rimini | 62 |
| Rome | 65 |
| Sorrento | 75 |
| Turin | 42 |
| Vatican City | 72 |
| Venice | 72 |
| Verona | 65 |
Historic eateries
You’d be surprised on how pleasant Genoa really is, tourists don’t flock here as much as other places in Italy and that’s why I love this place! I agree that it isn’t a tourist trap, its a city you have to explore and enjoy firsthand. As a foodie, I highly recommend you check the eateries around, they have a lot of history to share.
Genoa is not safe for women!
I visited Genoa for 4 days (01.06-04.06.2022). I normally don’t bother to write reviews but I think this one is important – safety for women.
I do not agree with the statement here that the city is safe for women tourists – it is definitely not! Risk should be changed at least from low -> medium! I was walking from the old port to the royal palace museum with my fiancee and father in law, there is a main street going there but for some reason google maps sent us through a parallel narrow side street. As any other side street in Genoa, it was very narrow and there were flocks of African heritage men on that street and absolutely no one else. They were just staring at us, behaving strange. At some point, 15-20 of those guys were on each side of the narrow street and when we passed through them (my father in law was behind me and my fiancee in front of me), one of those guys started following me/ whistling / singing. I count my father in law and fiancee being two guys as some sort of security (at least I wasn’t alone), yet still the guy on the street came following me (no respect even for the guys together with me). I tried to play it cool and ignore it – I could’t have done anything to get rid of those guys anyways without getting us into more trouble. So this situation was uncomfortable for me but not much better for my father in law and fiancee. Note, this was in broad daylight, very busy tourist area otherwise (main streets and old port very close). I have travelled a lot in Asia, South America and Europe and I have never felt so unsafe (not even in Brazil which in general is not considered safe for women). I am quite sure if I would not have been walking together with my fiancee & father in law, I would have been physically harassed. I was not wearing short dress nor asking for this attention, just looking like an average north-eastern european blonde woman. I advise women to not walk around alone, it is very easy to accidentally end up on one of those side streets which are not safe not even during daylight. I always take precautions (even on my safe home country) but was completely blown to end up in this situation in Italy and during the day!
Women: google unsafe neighbourhoods, avoid those areas and even in “safe” areas don’t go through narrow/quiet side streets.
Note, I am not being racist here, for whatever reason these guys from that street ended up in Genoa, they are definitely not integrated in the society and their behavior towards women is disgusting.
Beside the serious safety concern for women, Genoa is historical and architecture is very grandiose and beautiful. Went to a beach which was very nice as well.
Another comment, the streets in Genoa are not easy to walk, city is on the side of a mountain, streets are either uphill/downhill or need to take many stairs. Google maps doesn’t work well on Genoa, gives either wrong directions or strange paths. I’m young and fit but was struggling. Make sure to check google maps before booking accomodation – ours ended up being on a narrow hillside street (200 m uphill walking each time). Not suitable for people with difficulties to walk.
On the 1st night I fell in love with the city and by the end of the 3rd day I changed my mind. I would not live in Genoa and I wouldn’t travel back there. Unless there is any specific reason, I’d suggest to visit other smaller relaxed cities in Italy.
Historic centre is unsafe
We accidentally booked an Airbnb in the most dangerous part of town without realising – and got followed home by men on our first night. The ‘historic centre’ you mention is beautiful and is central to transport, restaurants and the port. But unsuspectingly unsafe. We went to dinner and we’re walking home around 8:00pm during summer (still light) when we noticed at least two men following us. We stopped to “look” at a shop and they passed us, then noticed we had stopped and waited for us to pass them again. We then “stopped” a second time at another shop, where they again waited for us to leave. We felt really uneasy and unsafe and knew we were being targeted. We waited them out and they eventually left. We took the long way to our apartment but agree with the earlier comment – the historic area listed in this blog is not safe.
Genoa safety is a myth
The same happened us. The idea of Genoa being safe is a myth. Had my bag, cards and cash stolen and the police wouldn’t even come out to our 5 star hotel. Don’t think they are interested in tourism
Avoid walking on streets at night. I was walking back to my Airbnb then i got fronted with an group
of African men. They were waiting for me to mug me. The on guy started whistling behind me and shouted to the other guy “This guy”. Then I realized that I’m in a bad neighborhood and this guys planning to do something to me. They started to follow me and I just luckily was in front of my Airbnb so I opened the door as fast as possible and closed the door before they try to jump me. I almost got trapped and god knows what would be happening to me. Be careful where you book your Airbnb and check its in a good part of the city. Avoid walking at the beach at night. Its not safe!!
NOT SAFE FOR WOMEN!!! Please look out
We also booked an appartement in a place called ‘safe’. Girls please look out, even the places they call safe were really bad. In three hours we were followed by 5 groups of men!! I never felt so unsafe and so scared in my life. We also talked to a police men he said that there are no really safe places in Genau. And the airbnbs are mostly horrible, I have never seen so much mold, dirt and dust in one room..
Not Safe Got Mugged
Genoa is only city in Europe where I was mugged. I was walking alone at noon (in the daylight) through the streets when I was approached by a North African man who took interest in my Ray-Ban sunglasses. He asked if he could try them on, I said no and then he proceeded to follow me until he grabbed my sunglasses from my face and pushed me to the ground and left. The police were nice and I was able to file a police report but I would not go back after what happened.
Wandering through those narrow streets really feels like stepping back in time, and the food is just incredible.
Strolling through those narrow streets felt like stepping back in time, and the food was just incredible!
That feeling of getting lost in those tight little streets near the old center, then ending up eating something ridiculously good by the sea, is exactly why Genoa stuck with me long after I left.
Strolled the old caruggi and the smell of fresh pesto from a corner shop had me smiling, I just avoided a couple sketchy alleys after dark.
Strange and a bit funny that a place with Etruscan and Roman roots made me feel at home by day, yet I still checked with the hotel staff about which markets and neighborhoods to steer clear of after dark.