Is Genoa safe?
Generally safe with normal big-city care. The old town's alleys, port areas and station surroundings have petty theft and some street dealing at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-22.
- Homicide rate in Italy: 0.6 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Italy: 5.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Genoa at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing on buses and in the Centro Storico alleys, bag snatching, and occasional street dealing around Via Pré and the stations. |
| At night | Main streets and the harbour area stay lively; narrow alleys feel quiet and uneasy late. Take a taxi from the station area late. |
| Solo women | Generally fine for solo women. Expect some staring in the alleys; keep to well-lit streets late and use taxis from the stations. |
| Other risks | Flash floods in autumn heavy rain; Steep stairs and slippery stone; Aggressive scooter traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Bracelet or flower sellers who then demand money
- Unlicensed drivers at the stations offering 'cheap' transfers
- Fake petition clipboards as a distraction for theft
Take care
- Via Pré, Via del Campo and nearby alleys late at night
- Around Principe station after dark
- Crowded buses and funiculars: pickpockets
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Validate paper bus and regional train tickets before travelling or face on-the-spot fines.
- Driving into a ZTL limited-traffic zone triggers camera fines, often billed later through your rental company.
- Sitting on monuments, wading in fountains or eating on landmark steps can bring fines in Rome, Venice and Florence.
How Genoa compares in Italy
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Venice | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Amalfi Coast | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lake Como | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cinque Terre | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Positano | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Sardinia | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Capri | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Siena | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Matera | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lecce | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lucca | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Rome | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Florence | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Milan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sicily | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tuscany | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bologna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Verona | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pisa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sorrento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lake Garda | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Turin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puglia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dolomites | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Taormina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palermo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Catania | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bari | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Genoa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Naples | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Genoa safe for solo female travelers?
Generally fine for solo women. Expect some staring in the alleys; keep to well-lit streets late and use taxis from the stations.
Is Genoa safe at night?
Main streets and the harbour area stay lively; narrow alleys feel quiet and uneasy late. Take a taxi from the station area late.
What is the crime rate in Genoa?
Pickpocketing on buses and in the Centro Storico alleys, bag snatching, and occasional street dealing around Via Pré and the stations. Nationally, Italy records 0.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Genoa?
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112.
More about Genoa
Going to Genoa solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- AMT Genova (public transport)
- Genoa Airport
- Comune di Genova
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.