People going about every day life at Galleria Umberto I in Naples, Italy (Katie Wells)
Naples is a city with a strong heartbeat; the people enjoy living life, are proud of their culture, and are willing to share it. There is so much great stuff to explore from beaches, local artwork, artisanal shops, volcanoes and more, and you should not be discouraged to do so. Like in every city, there are a few things to be aware of when out and about and these things are good to know for situational awareness.
Events and tours
It is common for events not to be well-advertised. Many events are word of mouth, and they may not have a clear start time or date. Go with the flow. You might be in the city exploring when suddenly you stumble upon a parade in the Piazza del Plebiscito.
Raised Italian flag at National Unification and Armed Forces Day celebration in Naples (Katie Wells)
I booked my first tour in Naples a couple of weeks in advance to hike Mount Vesuvius and stop for a famous Margherita pizza. Unfortunately, the night before, it was cancelled. Apparently, last-minute tour cancellations are common, so check yours frequently. Luckily, I found a new self-guided hiking tour of Vesuvius. It was fine, but on the return trip our bus pulled into a dirt parking lot by a little shop and our driver said, “We have a special surprise today.” His buddy proceeded to get on the bus to tell us all about his famous “one of a kind” limoncello. We were then ushered off the bus into the store for a tasting, and while it could have felt a bit scam-ey, sometimes it’s okay to lean in. I brought home some special buffalo mozzarella limoncello.
Pickpockets and petty theft
Most of the crime in Naples is petty theft. As you walk through the busy streets, it is wise to carry an anti-theft bag and to put your wallet away as soon as you finish making a purchase. Be mindful of drawing attention to yourself. I once set my camera down on a cafe table, and a very friendly-looking man got way too close for comfort, side-eyeing it, before I put my hand firmly on top of it and smiled back at him, making sure he knew that I knew he was there. He swiftly changed direction. I kept my camera in my bag when not in use after that. As with any city, walk with purpose, be aware of your surroundings and take a buddy when you can.
Crossing the street
Pedestrians crossing the street in Naples, Italy (Katie Wells)
In Disney’s “Mulan,” when crossing a street full of busy carriages, Mulan’s wise grandmother puts one hand over her eyes while holding up her lucky cricket companion. The traffic never fully stops, but she safely makes it to the other side. Crossing the street is a lot like this in Naples. There are a few pedestrian lights, but they are not at every intersection. Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath, step out and say, “Good luck, everybody else.”
Hawkers
If you’ve visited busy tourist areas like Rome or Paris, you know not to take anything someone is offering you for free. Occasionally, in busy areas of Naples, hawkers will try to place a bracelet, flower or something of a similar nature in your hand saying, “It’s free,” only to then harass you for payment. It’s best not to accept the item, and while it may feel rude, try not to interact and just keep walking.
Promoters at restaurants and stores
On busy streets near areas like Via San Gregorio Armeno (Christmas Alley) promoters stand outside restaurants trying to coax people to eat there. While harmless, they can come across as aggressive with their tactics, saying things like, “You look too hungry, come eat!” Even after you’ve said “no, grazzie” a couple of times. It’s okay to just keep walking.
Pop-up purse vendor and restaurant promoters along San Gregorio Armeno (Katie Wells)
Sometimes promoters for certain brands or companies set up in malls or pharmacies. Similar to Kiosk workers at malls in the United States, their job is to promote their products, and they too can be pushy and not take your first “no” at face value. They may even try to get you to sample their products. You do not have to accept what they are selling even if it is the same brand you intended to buy.
Umbrella Girls
Prostitution is legal in Naples, but not for U.S. soldiers and dependents. Typically, if you mind your business, Umbrella Girls will mind theirs. For those curious, and since you will see this in areas surrounding Naples, these women are called Umbrella Girls because they sit outside, especially in the summer, under umbrellas along streets and main highways like SP15, Provincia di Caserta, Italy. You can also tell if someone is an Umbrella Girl through their set-up: At night, they operate with a light system. If it’s on, they are available; if it’s off, they are not.
Roma Camps
Along Highway SS-162 NC Asse Mediano in the Municipality of Giugliano in Campania, there are Roma, or “Rom” Camps. These types of informal settlements and campgrounds house nomads known as Roma people. While some of the Roma are only in search of refuge and peace, these types of camps are historically associated with terrible living conditions, waste, protests and sometimes, crime. Keep your car locked and do not stop. Some people residing there have been known to swarm the vehicles of people who stop and take everything.
Car Safety
If you do not live in a gated community or on a military installation, do not leave anything valuable in your car. Locals also advise that you leave your car unlocked if you are in the grocery store or parked on an open street. This ensures that the worst someone will do is rummage, rather than break a window to get in.
