A stunning city is hailed is one of best in the world for foodies, but is also flagged as being among the most dangerous places to visit.
Naples, the largest city in southern Italy, is synonymous with culinary culture, famed for its pasta and seafood dishes. It’s also said to be the birthplace of one of the most beloved cultural exports ever, pizza.
TimeOut ranked the city top in its list of the best cities for food in May last year, quoting writer and local resident Gabriela Proietti who hailed Neapolitan cuisine’s celebration of diversity, as well as it “simplicity and the marriage between land, sea and history”.
She identified particular highlights like pasta alla genovese and Neapolitan ragù, as well as ricotta-filled sfogliatella or babà, a small yeast cake soaked in a sticky, boozy syrup.
“The energetic Quartieri Spagnoli district is erupting as the place to be for food right now, but don’t settle for any open-air trattoria,” she added.
Lovers of a traditional margherita pizza are told Santa Maradona is a must-visit, while CU.QU. / cucinadiquartiere offers “Neapolitan culinary classics with a creative bistrot twist”, according to Proietti.
But while Naples’ place in the pantheon of culinary capitals is assured, AXA Travel Insurance previously identified the city as the second most dangerous to live in and travel to.
In a travel guide on its website, the company cites the presence of “organized crime syndicates like the Camorra” as well as the risk of “petty theft and pickpocketing”, with high-risk areas including “the historic center, Piazza Garibaldi and around the Central Station”.
However, the company says despite these issues, it remains “an amazing place for visitors who take precautions”.
Tourists are told they can remain safe by staying aware of their surroundings, keeping their valuables safe and avoiding some neighbourhoods after dark.
It notes that many visitors don’t experience any issues when travelling to the Campanian capital, especially those who use trusted local guides and stay in busy areas.
Though precautions should be taken, it adds that the city’s proximity to the ruins of Pompeii and the stunning shoreline of the Amalfi Coast make it worth a visit.
Other highlights include its impressive National Archaeology Museum, and the bustling squares Piazza Bellini and Gesu Nuovo.
