Is Milan safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Milan is generally safe, with low violent crime against visitors. The realistic risks are pickpocketing on the metro and around the Duomo, bracelet and bird-seed scams, and some bag snatching around Milano Centrale at night. Most visitors have no problems with normal care.
The real risks
Pickpocketing
On crowded metro lines (especially M1 and M3), trams, and in Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria. Keep bags closed and phones in front pockets.
Bracelet and bird-seed scams
People tie a 'friendship bracelet' on your wrist or hand you bird seed around the Duomo, then demand money. Do not accept anything and keep walking.
Station area at night
Around Milano Centrale and the parks nearby, petty crime and drug dealing occur late at night. Stay on main streets and keep an eye on luggage.
Tourist-trap tables
Very high prices for drinks at tables in Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria. Check the menu first.
Fake petitions
People with clipboards asking for signatures for a charity while an accomplice picks your pocket. Ignore them.
Areas and times to take care
The centre, Brera, Navigli and Porta Nuova are safe and lively in the evening. Take more care late at night around Milano Centrale, in Parco Sempione after dark and around some metro stations on the periphery. The Navigli can get crowded on weekend nights; watch your belongings.
Getting around safely
The metro and trams are safe and efficient; the metro runs until about midnight-00:30. Use licensed white taxis from ranks or apps such as itTaxi or FreeNow. From Malpensa, use the Malpensa Express train; from Linate, the M4 metro.
Solo and women travellers
Milan is comfortable for solo women. Normal precautions apply late at night around stations and in quiet parks. Using the metro in the evening is common and generally safe; taxis are easy to find via apps.
Health, water and heat
Tap water is safe and good; public fountains (vedovelle) give free drinking water. Summer can be hot and humid, around 30-31°C, and winters are cold and foggy. EU visitors should bring the European Health Insurance Card; others need travel insurance.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Milan safe for tourists?
Yes. Watch for pickpockets on the metro and around the Duomo, and refuse bracelets or bird seed from strangers.
Is the area around Milano Centrale safe?
By day, yes. Late at night keep to main streets and watch your luggage.
Can I drink tap water in Milan?
Yes. Tap water and the public vedovelle fountains are safe.