Italy’s Safest Cities For Your Visit

I was standing in Piazza del Duomo in Parma, watching Lily try to count the stripes on the cathedral’s facade while Ethan chased a pigeon, and I realized I hadn’t once checked my bag or scanned a crowd for pickpockets. That’s rare for me in a new Italian city. Parma’s safety index consistently ranks among the highest in Italy, with violent crime rates well below the national average according to thetraveler.org. This guide covers the safest mid-sized cities in Italy for a family visit, focusing on places where you can relax instead of constantly watching your wallet.

Parma: Where safety meets prosciutto

Parma is the city that made me stop worrying and start enjoying.

Parma’s compact historic center is a dream for families. The streets are pedestrian-friendly, traffic is limited in the core, and you can walk from the Teatro Regio to the Palazzo della Pilotta in under ten minutes without crossing a busy road. Violent crime here is rare, and petty crime is noticeably lower than in tourist-heavy cities like Florence or Venice.

We spent three days in Parma and never felt the need to keep a hand on our bags. The local governance and diversified economy keep socioeconomic pressures low, which directly translates to fewer incidents. For food lovers, this is also the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma — you can visit a production facility just outside town and let the kids see where cheese comes from.

One evening we ate at a trattoria near Piazza Garibaldi at 9pm, and families with strollers were still out. That’s the kind of safe I mean.

Modena: Balsamic, bikes, and a very safe center

Modena combines industrial strength with a pedestrian-friendly core that feels designed for families.

Modena’s historic center is largely car-free, which makes a huge difference when you’re herding a four-year-old. The city regulates its nightlife zones, so late-night noise and incidents are contained to specific areas. Reported crime here is low, and the city’s safety profile is comparable to Parma’s.

We visited the Enzo Ferrari Museum and the Ghirlandina Tower, and both were easy with kids. The real draw for us was a balsamic vinegar tasting at a family-run acetaia just outside the city walls. Ethan loved the “grape juice” (unaged must), and Lily thought the barrels looked like a fairy tale.

Modena also has excellent train connections to Bologna and Milan, so you can use it as a base without sacrificing safety. The main train station is well-lit and patrolled, even in the evening.

Treviso: The quiet alternative to Venice

Treviso is what Venice would be if you removed 90% of the crowds and most of the crime risk.

Treviso sits just 30 minutes from Venice by train, but it feels worlds apart. The city has lower tourist congestion, which directly reduces opportunities for petty theft. You won’t see the same concentration of pickpockets here because there simply aren’t enough tourists to target.

The historic center is crisscrossed by canals, but without the cruise ship crowds. We walked along the Buranelli canal, and Lily fed ducks while Ethan napped in the stroller. I left my phone on a bench for five minutes while helping Michael with the stroller, and a local woman ran after me to return it. That’s Treviso.

For families, the city offers reliable public transport, accessible green spaces like Parco degli Alberi, and a slower pace that lets you actually enjoy your vacation. The train station has direct connections to Venice, so you can do a day trip without staying overnight in a high-tourist zone.

Udine: Friuli’s underrated safe haven

Udine is the kind of city that makes you wonder why more people don’t talk about it.

Udine sits in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region that consistently records some of the lowest crime rates in Italy. The city benefits from lower tourist congestion than Venice or Rome, and its compact layout makes it easy to navigate with kids. Violent crime is almost nonexistent here, and property crime is well below national averages.

We visited the Castello di Udine and walked through the Piazza della Libertà, which locals call the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland. The city has excellent international schools and healthcare facilities, which matters if you’re considering a longer stay. For a short visit, the food scene alone is worth it — Friulian cuisine is distinct from the rest of Italy, and the local wines are outstanding.

Udine also serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including the Collio wine area and the Adriatic coast at Lignano Sabbiadoro.

Florence: Safe despite the crowds

Florence is the exception to the rule that tourist-heavy cities are less safe.

Florence appears consistently in safety assessments with a high Safety Index score, reflecting both low violent crime and manageable levels of petty crime relative to its tourist volume. The city’s compact layout, active policing around major attractions, and strong cultural identity contribute to a stable environment.

We visited Florence when Lily was five, and I was nervous about the crowds near the Duomo. But the police presence is noticeable, and the city has invested in security measures around key sites. Pickpocketing does happen, especially on crowded buses and near the Uffizi, but violent crime is rare. The key is staying aware in transit hubs and keeping valuables secured during festivals.

Florence also offers excellent access to international schools and healthcare, making it a viable option for longer stays. The city’s safety profile is comparable to similarly sized European cities like Munich or Lyon.

Bologna and Perugia: Regional centers with solid safety

These two cities offer a balance of culture, food, and safety that’s hard to beat.

Bologna benefits from a large student population and efficient urban services. The city’s porticoes make walking safe and shaded, and the main squares are well-patrolled. Violent crime is low, and the biggest risk is bicycle theft — lock your rental bike securely. Bologna’s food scene is legendary, and the city is compact enough to explore on foot with kids.

Perugia offers a walkable historic core with relatively low reported crime. The city sits on a hill, so you’ll use escalators and mini-metros to get around, but the center is safe even at night. We visited during the Eurochocolate festival, and despite the crowds, we never felt unsafe. Perugia also has strong community networks and accessible green spaces for kids.

Both cities have good train connections and international schools, making them solid options for families considering a longer stay.

Southern Italy: Lecce and Matera as safe bets

Southern Italy gets a bad rap for safety, but smaller cities like Lecce and Matera tell a different story.

Lecce benefits from lower population density and reduced nightlife-related incidents. The city’s Baroque architecture draws tourists, but not at the volume of Naples or Palermo. Reported burglary and assault rates are lower here, even during peak season. We walked through the historic center at 10pm and saw families eating gelato — a good sign.

Matera, with its famous Sassi district, has seen significant investment in tourism infrastructure and public safety. The city is compact, well-lit, and patrolled by both local police and Carabinieri. Violent crime is rare, and the biggest risk is uneven stone steps — watch your footing, not your wallet.

For families prioritizing safety in a southern context, these mid-sized inland cities offer the most stable environments. They also provide access to unique cultural experiences that you won’t find in the north.

Smaller towns: The safest option of all

If safety is your absolute priority, Italy’s smallest towns are where you want to be.

Italy’s smallest towns and rural municipalities generally exhibit the lowest crime rates in the country. In regions such as Valle d’Aosta, Trentino-Alto Adige, and parts of Molise and Basilicata, communities are tightly knit, with informal social controls and active local policing. Many record near-zero homicide figures and minimal violent crime.

For families considering very small communities, practical considerations include access to schools, healthcare, and transport, as these services can be limited outside regional hubs. However, the trade-off is frequently reflected in higher perceived safety and lower exposure to both violent and property crime.

We spent a week in a small town in Trentino last summer, and the kids roamed freely in a way they never could in Boston. That kind of freedom is priceless.

Parma vs. Modena vs. Treviso: Which is safest for your family?

All three are safe, but they offer different experiences.

Your safety questions about visiting Italy

Is it safe to walk around Italian cities at night with kids?

In the cities listed above — Parma, Modena, Treviso, Udine, Florence, Bologna, Perugia, Lecce, and Matera — yes. Stick to well-lit main streets and avoid empty side alleys after midnight. Families are common in central piazzas until 10pm or later.

In larger cities like Naples or Milan, exercise more caution after dark, especially in less central neighborhoods. Use taxis or ride-shares if you’re out late.

Which Italian city has the lowest crime rate?

Small towns in Trentino-Alto Adige and Valle d’Aosta consistently record the lowest crime rates in Italy. Among mid-sized cities, Trieste, Trento, and Bolzano top the safety rankings. Parma and Modena follow closely behind.

For a city with strong cultural attractions and very low crime, Parma is your best bet. It combines safety with world-class food and a compact, walkable center.

Is Florence safe for solo female travelers?

Yes. Florence has a high Safety Index score and low violent crime rates. Solo female travelers should take standard precautions: avoid dark alleys at night, keep bags zipped in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis after dark.

The city is well-policed around major attractions, and the compact layout makes it easy to navigate. Many solo travelers report feeling safe walking alone during the day and early evening.

What’s the biggest safety risk in Italy for tourists?

Petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and near major attractions. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The risk is highest in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples.

In the cities covered in this guide, petty crime is lower due to reduced tourist congestion. Still, keep your wallet in a front pocket and your bag zipped and in sight.

Is southern Italy safe for families?

It depends on the city. Naples has higher property crime rates and requires more vigilance. Smaller cities like Lecce, Matera, and Bari (in certain neighborhoods) offer better safety profiles. Stick to well-trafficked areas and avoid isolated streets at night.

For families, mid-sized inland cities in the south tend to offer the most stable environments. Matera, in particular, has seen significant safety improvements in recent years.

Why I’d pick Parma for my next family trip

After visiting all of these cities, Parma is the one I keep thinking about. It’s not just the safety — it’s the way the city makes you feel like a local instead of a target. The food is incredible, the streets are quiet, and the people are genuinely warm. I’ve already started planning a return trip with the kids, and this time I’m bringing a compact drone to capture the cathedral from above — something I’d never feel comfortable doing in a busier city.

Sources and further reading

The Traveler. “Safest Cities in Italy for Expats and Families.” 2025. 🔗

Numbeo. “Crime Index by City 2025.” 🔗

Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). “Crime Statistics by Province.” 2024. 🔗

Related reading on Emily in Italy

Parma: Where Pork and Pasta Meet Culture — A deeper dive into Parma’s food scene, including where to eat with kids and how to book a prosciutto tour.

Capri: Beat the Crowds for an Authentic Experience — Tips for visiting Capri without the chaos, including ferry schedules and quiet spots.

Live Emily in Paris’s Venice Itinerary with Real Spots — A practical Venice itinerary that avoids the worst crowds and focuses on family-friendly stops.

Lombardy: Taste Italy’s Sweet Life — A guide to Lombardy’s safest towns and best food experiences for families.