Crime in Palermo

Pickpocketing, crime, and other safety issues in Palermo

Palermo is not the safest of Italian cities, with the crime problems of both a big city and a port town. However, it isn't much more dangerous than Big Town, USA, either.

Yes, there's still a strong Mafia presence, but despite splashy headlines and Hollywood imaginations, you're not going to be caught in some kind of goodfellas crossfire.

You should be more worried about common thievery and rampant pickpocketing. Take the necessary common-sense precautions, don't flash valuables, and keep your camera inconspicuous and firmly in hand.

Most of the Old Center is a bit dicey, especially after dark—steer clear particularly of the southern half of the Old Center, especially around the Alberghiera and the train station. Stick to Via Roma and Corso V. Emanuele at night—and, surprisingly, La Kalsa.

La Kalsa, once also firmly on the off-limits list at night, has in recent yers become notably friendlier after dark, with more performance venues, outdoor cafes, and bars (and a stronger police presence to make it safe for Palermitani and visitors alike to take advantage of the burgeoning nightlife scene). I used to avoid La Kalsa myself, but the last two times I was in Palermo I actually stayed in the neighborhood—once at a hotel and again a B&B—and felt perfectly safe.

Most of the New City is as safe as any Italian city.

 

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