Italy : Safety by City
- Bari
- Bologna
- Cagliari
- Catania
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rimini
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Milan is one of Italy’s most exciting cities, and an international hub for fashion, design, finance, and culture.
It sits in northern Italy’s Lombardy region and is often a gateway to the Italian Alps, lakes, and other parts of Europe.
Travelers come to Milan for iconic attractions like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and the lively Navigli canals.
One of the best things about this city is how well it blends world-class shopping with historic architecture and a dynamic urban vibe.
But as a major European metropolis with millions of tourists each year, Milan has its safety concerns.
Some neighborhoods feel welcoming and secure, while others require more awareness, especially at night.
Understanding the local risks and how to handle them can make your visit safer and more enjoyable.
Here’s what to know about safety concerns and risk levels, along with some trusted tips based on traveler data and advisories, so you know exactly what to expect in Milan.
Warnings & Dangers in Milan
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Milan is generally considered a medium-risk destination for travelers. Violent crime isn't common there, and most visitors experience Milan without major issues. However, pickpocketing, petty theft, and local scams do occur, especially in crowded areas, central train stations, and transit hubs. Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert can significantly reduce your overall risk and make you less of a target for opportunistic thieves and scammers.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transport in Milan is efficient and well-developed, with metros, trams, buses, and taxis covering the city. Public transit is widely considered to be safe, but crowded trains and stations, especially during peak hours, are hotspots for pickpockets. Taxi scams, like refusing to use the meter or taking longer routes, are reported occasionally, as well. You can avoid these by sticking to licensed taxis or reliable rideshare apps. Traffic behavior can feel assertive if you're not used to Italian streets, so most tourists don't try to rent vehicles during their stay. Instead, relying on public transport, taxis, or rideshares, and understanding that driving behavior is different there, can help you have a better experience.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Milan has a high risk of pickpocketing in crowded spaces. Popular attractions like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and stations like Milano Centrale attract tourists and opportunistic thieves, so you must stay alert and pay attention. Scams involving distractions, such as "friendship bracelets" or fake petitions, are common tactics to divert your attention before a theft. To reduce your risk and protect yourself and your valuables, keep wallets, phones, and bags secure at all times. There shouldn't be any easy access for a pickpocket to take something from you.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Milan doesn't face major natural disaster threats like earthquakes or hurricanes, and typical European weather applies. That means you can expect occasional heavy rain, cold winters, and hot summers. Heatwaves, thunderstorms, and localized flooding can occur, but they don't pose a significant risk to tourists compared with crime concerns. Still, it's important to take a look at the weather for the area in the days leading up to your trip, so you can pack the right clothing for your visit.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Muggings are not widespread in Milan, but petty thefts and bag snatches can occur, especially near transit stations or in less populated areas at night. As a tourist, you should stay in well-lit, busy neighborhoods after dark and avoid isolated streets whenever possible. Situational awareness cuts the already low risk even further and can help you feel more confident and secure as you explore the city.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Italy's overall terrorism risk is currently assessed as requiring increased caution, but there's no specific focus on Milan as a direct target. Italy has experienced isolated incidents in the past, but strong security efforts and visible policing help mitigate any direct threats to tourists. Still, staying alert in crowded places and around major events is wise. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or just have a bad feeling about an area, it's best to remove yourself from the situation, just in case. Trusting your gut is important.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Milan has a medium risk of tourist scams, ranging from fake charity collectors and petition signers to overloaded taxi fares and counterfeit goods sellers. Scammers often work in central tourist corridors like the Duomo and Galleria areas, and they use distraction tactics to steal from or pressure unsuspecting visitors. Understanding common scam types goes a long way toward avoiding them.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Many women travel safely in Milan, but pockets of street harassment or late-night discomfort can occur, especially around nightlife zones. Sticking with friends, especially late at night, and choosing well-lit, busy routes can improve your comfort significantly. The overall risk of a problem is moderate and often situational rather than systemic. In other words, you shouldn't expect to encounter widespread issues throughout the city, but it's wise to avoid locations that might lead to increased risk, such as bars or deserted streets late at night. That's especially important if you're by yourself.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Milan is considered safe to drink and meets European standards. The locals drink it regularly, and tourists can too without concern. Bottled water is available and convenient throughout the city, but it's not necessary unless you prefer it or have a medical reason for it.
Safest Places to Visit in Milan
Milan’s most popular neighborhoods are also its safest for visitors.
For example, the Duomo area is constantly patrolled and bustling with tourists, shops, and restaurants, while Brera is known for its arts scene, cafes, and secure streets.
Porta Nuova and CityLife are modern districts with clean, well-lit areas that feel comfortable day and night.
Additionally, Navigli, with its canals and lively nightlife, stays popular and active, though you’ll want to use caution in this area after midnight.
These areas combine high foot traffic, vibrant culture, and regular police presence, which makes them ideal bases for travelers to explore and feel safe.
Places to Avoid in Milan
While Milan doesn’t have outright “danger zones,” some neighborhoods have higher crime rates or feel less welcoming.
Corvetto, Quarto Oggiaro, and long stretches of Via Padova and parts near Rogoredo see more street activity and reports of petty crime, especially at night.
Along with those areas, the immediate surroundings of Milano Centrale can feel sketchy after dark due to transient crowds and isolated passages.
These areas aren’t strictly dangerous, but tourists who are unfamiliar with the city are better off sticking to well-lit, busy zones and staying away from darker, quieter, and more deserted locations.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Milan
- Secure Your Valuables in Crowded Places: Milan’s biggest safety issue is petty theft, especially in tourist hotspots like the Duomo, Galleria, and transit hubs. To protect yourself, use a zipped bag or anti-theft purse, and keep phones and wallets in inside pockets. Never leave your belongings unattended on chairs or benches, even for a moment.
- Know the Scams Before You Go: Bracelet offers, fake petitions, and unsolicited help near attractions are common, so don’t engage with people who approach you unexpectedly on the street. Just politely decline and keep walking, especially if something feels off.
- Always Use Licensed Taxis or Rideshare Apps: Licensed Italian taxis are white and clearly marked. Always make sure meters are on before your ride starts, and consider apps like Uber that provide an added layer of transparency and route tracking.
- Avoid Quiet Streets After Dark: Areas around Milan’s major stations and less populated zones are fine during the day, but after sunset, they feel emptier. It’s best to stick to well-lit, busy roads and consider a taxi if walking alone at night feels uncertain.
- Stay Alert on Public Transportation: Crowded metros, buses, and trams attract skilled pickpockets, so stand near other riders and keep your bag in front of you. Also, be especially cautious during peak hours, as that’s when the majority of pickpocketing occurs.
- Carry Copies of Important Documents: Keep your passport stored safely and carry a photocopy, along with storing digital copies in a secure cloud folder. This speeds up reporting if something gets lost or stolen.
- Watch Out for ATM Helpers: Strangers offering to help at ATMs often have hidden motives. To help protect yourself, use machines inside banks or busy shops, cover your PIN, and decline any unsolicited help.
- Dress Modestly and Blend In: Milan is stylish, and locals dress smartly. Dressing more like a local and avoiding flashy jewelry or overt displays of wealth can reduce your visibility as a target.
- Know Local Emergency Numbers: In Italy, 112 covers police, medical, and fire emergencies. You should save this number in your phone, along with your embassy or consulate contact info and accommodation details, before you travel.
- Trust Your Instincts and Act Quickly: If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a street, a person, or a situation, move away without hesitation. Even minor decisions like changing direction or entering a shop can diffuse potential risk and increase your overall safety.
So... How Safe Is Milan Really?
Milan feels safe overall for travelers who plan smartly and stay aware, as serious crime involving tourists is rare, and day-to-day life in popular neighborhoods feels comfortable and secure.
The biggest concerns are petty theft and scams that thrive in crowded areas and transit hubs, not violence.
Milan’s modern infrastructure, relatively low violent crime, and strong tourism presence make it a great city for first-time visitors and solo travelers.
The occasional risk near major stations or in quiet pockets after dark is worth noting, but it can be managed with common-sense precautions and local awareness.
With a bit of preparation, Milan’s rich culture, fashion scene, and historic attractions are best enjoyed without worry, and many visitors go home with fond memories and no safety issues at all.
Staying aware of your visit can help you be one of them.
How Does Milan Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Milan |
65 |
| Vatican City |
72 |
| Florence |
72 |
| Verona |
65 |
| Bari |
74 |
| Rimini |
62 |
| Palermo |
55 |
 Texas | 65 |
| Rhode Island | 85 |
| Mankato | 82 |
 Kuwait City | 69 |
 London | 70 |
| Pikeville | 88 |
Useful Information
Visas
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, and travelers from many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU, can enter Italy visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. Still, always check the entry requirements for your nationality or country before you travel.
Currency
Italy uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in Milan, but smaller cafes, markets, and public transport ticket machines may favor cash, so you'll want to have some with you. ATMs are also common throughout the city.
Weather
Milan has a continental climate, which means that summers can be warm and humid, while winters are cool with occasional fog. Spring and fall are ideal times for mild temperatures, making them great for sightseeing. Pack layers and comfortable shoes, so you have what you need if the weather changes or you plan to do a lot of walking.
Airports
Milan is served by Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN). There are trains, buses, taxis, and rideshare services that connect both airports to the city center, with the Malpensa Express train being a popular choice.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for your visit to Milan. It helps cover health care, theft, trip interruption, and emergency support, which is an excellent way to give you peace of mind and add to your comfort while traveling abroad.
Milan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
6 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 7 |
| Low °C |
-2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| High °F |
43 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 45 |
| Low °F |
28 | 32 | 37 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 63 | 63 | 55 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
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 |
Beware of pickpockets
Beware of pickpockets especially in the more crowded, tourist filled areas of Milan. I have a friend who lost her coin purse when we were together on a trip there. We were enjoying moment too much and forgot about our surroundings. Thankfully it was just her coin purse and she keeps her bills and cards deep in her bag. It might help to use anti theft bags, which I’ve only found and purchased recently and will be using in future travels.
Be careful of the pickpockets.
My daughter is on a year-long work experience in Milan, she had her bag stolen in a nightclub, ( which had her passport in) miraculously got it back the following day.
Has been hassled by pickpockets at Milan central station.
This week at the station, young men on bikes, took her AirPod case.
I have visited my daughter in Milan, and the same pickpockets were trying to put their hands into my bag.
My advice is to be careful and be aware there are many gangs operating in these areas.
Women are not safe at all
Women safe in Milan?
Update your data, cuz Milan has become the most dangerous city in Italy by far.
Pickpockets, stabbing, raping and other dangerous crimes are very common.
Being a woman in Milan is horrible.
This is a rumor that’s being propagated online for a few months now by certain social pages (whose owners, regularly, turn out to be ‘sympathisers’ of certain parties opposed to the current city council) with the ill-concealed aim of portraying Milan as a place more unsafe than it really is, by leveraging the famous italian city parochialism and – above all – a not even too veiled racism towards those who are not considered ethnically Italian.
Pure rage-baiting.
Crime according to the local prefect (who is a super partes figure and the only source of the data that matters) is at an all-time low.
Milan is as safe as just any major European city.
Milan really knows how to blend history with modern vibes; wandering around the Duomo feels like stepping into a living postcard!
There’s something really special about walking around the Duomo; it’s hard not to feel the weight of its history and beauty all around you.
Is it true that the Duomo is even more breathtaking in person than in pictures?
Did you feel safe walking back from the Navigli area after midnight, like actually alone with just the tram lights and a bit of that humid river smell hanging in the air?
Exploring the Navigli canals at dusk is magical, but it’s good to stay alert as the area can get a bit crowded.
Has anyone else found the Duomo area stunning but packed, and the late-night trams make me nervous after my bag got brushed on the metro?
Spent a weekend wandering between the Duomo and the Navigli and while the canals at sunset felt magical, I got uneasy near the station at night when a couple of groups seemed rowdy.