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Dangerous Districts of Milan: Areas to Avoid and Safety Tips

Posted on by Anna
Panoramic view from Torre Branca in Milan, offering an extensive perspective of the city and its surrounding landscapes.
06
Sep

Security in Milan is an important topic to know before traveling. Milan, being one of Italy’s most important cities, attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich history, culture, and beautiful architecture. Although it is a charming city, it is worth bearing in mind some issues regarding safety. In this article, we provide information about dangerous districts in Milan, analyze crime statistics, and provide practical advice on how to move around Milan to feel safe. You will learn which areas are best avoided, where to exercise extra caution, and which neighborhoods offer peaceful conditions for visiting and living.

Crime Statistics

According to the latest data from the “Indice della Criminalità 2024” report published by Il Sole 24 Ore:

  • Milan is considered the least safe city in Italy.
  • In 2023, more than 7,000 crimes were reported in Milan per 100,000 residents.
  • The number of crime reports in Milan has increased by about 4.9% compared to the period before the pandemic.

Types of Crimes

Milan is characterized by particularly high levels of:

  • Theft and robbery – these are among the most common crimes recorded in the city.
  • Sexual offenses – Milan ranks third in the country in terms of the number of sexual offenses.
  • Drug-related crimes – fifth in the country for drug-related offenses.

Crime Trends

On a national level, the number of reported crimes increased by 3.8% in 2023 compared to 2022, marking the first rise since 2013. The increase mainly concerns serious crimes, such as:

  • Homicide,
  • Bodily harm,
  • Assault,
  • Robbery.

Crime Context

30% of all crimes in Italy in 2023 were reported in the 14 largest cities in the country.

Milan and Rome account for 15% of all reported crimes in Italy.

It is worth noting that despite these statistics, Milan remains a popular tourist destination. The high number of reports may be partially related to the large number of tourists and the density of the population. Tourists should exercise caution, especially in crowded places and around tourist attractions.

General Context of Safety in Milan

In recent years, Milan has made significant progress in terms of safety, but some problems remain. Crime has not disappeared entirely, and there are areas where it is better to exercise greater caution, particularly at night.

Statistics indicate that petty crime, such as theft and robbery, remains an issue in central areas of the city and around major railway stations.

Milan: List of High-Risk Areas

Some districts in Milan have a reputation for being dangerous, mainly due to petty crime, drug activities, and the presence of homeless people, which can create potentially risky situations.

Dangerous neighborhoods in Milan: zones to avoid

Here is a list of the main areas to avoid in Milan, especially at night:

  • Stazione Centrale (Central Station): This is one of the busiest places in Milan but also one of the most prone to petty crime, particularly at night. The presence of homeless people and petty criminal groups makes it worth exercising extra caution.
  • Corvetto: This district is known for its high crime rate, especially related to drug trafficking and the presence of gangs. The outskirts of Corvetto can be dangerous, particularly for people who are unfamiliar with the city.
  • Quarto Oggiaro: Historically, it has been one of Milan’s most infamous districts. Currently, it is undergoing a revitalization process, but there are still areas where crime remains a problem, especially after dark.
  • San Siro: Although this district is primarily known for its stadium, it also has residential areas that are problematic. In some parts of the district, petty crime and urban neglect are still issues, making it advisable to be cautious.
  • Rogoredo: Known for drug activities, the area called “Rogoredo forest” is associated with drug trafficking and consumption. For this reason, it is one of the places that should be avoided, especially by visitors unfamiliar with Milan.

Safety Tips: How to Get Around Milan

Being prepared and exercising caution is key to avoiding unpleasant situations. Below are some practical tips on how to stay safe while moving around Milan.

Where Not to Go in Milan at Night

  • Avoid Stazione Centrale during late night hours, especially on the more isolated streets around the station.
  • Districts such as Corvetto and Quarto Oggiaro can be dangerous after dark, especially for people traveling alone.
  • Rogoredo, due to its reputation for drug-related activities, should be avoided at any time of day, but especially at night.

Using Public Transportation Safely

Public transportation: Milan’s metro is generally safe during the day, but it’s advisable to be more cautious in the evenings and on weekends. Avoid empty carriages and always keep your bags well closed and close to you.

Main stations: Milan’s train stations are monitored, but it’s always a good idea to watch out for pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas, such as platforms and ticket counters.

Transformation and Revitalization of Certain Milan Districts

Milan is a city that is constantly changing, and many districts that were once considered dangerous are undergoing a transformation thanks to revitalization projects.

Quarto Oggiaro: Thanks to new housing investments and the opening of social and cultural centers, the district is slowly changing its image.

Isola and Porta Garibaldi: Once industrial areas, today they are trendy districts thanks to significant investments in new infrastructure and commercial activities.

Safe Districts in Milan: Where to Feel at Ease

If you’re looking for safe districts, Brera, Porta Venezia, and CityLife are some of the most recommended. Besides being beautiful, they offer safety both during the day and at night. Navigli, although often crowded in the evenings, remains an area where security is active and the risk of crime is relatively low.

Check out where to sleep in Milan

Conclusions

Milan is a wonderful city with many attractions, but like any major city, it has areas where special caution should be exercised. Knowing the dangerous districts and taking precautions can ensure a peaceful and enjoyable visit. Remember to avoid high-risk areas, especially at night, and always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Milan

Is Milan safe for tourists?

Yes, Milan is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to be aware of areas to avoid, especially at night.

Which areas should be particularly avoided?

Stazione Centrale, Corvetto, Rogoredo, and some parts of San Siro are considered high-risk areas, especially at night.

Can I move around Milan at night without any issues?

Most central areas are safe, but it is recommended to avoid peripheral areas such as those mentioned earlier.

Which districts are recommended for living in Milan?

Brera, Porta Venezia, CityLife, and Navigli are among the best options for those seeking peace and safety.

Sources:

Anna Bujanowska


Anna

I lived in Milan for 18 years, and it was there that I came to know the city’s daily life best - not just its landmarks, but also its rhythm, its habits, and its less obvious sides. Today I live in Wrocław, but I still return to Milan regularly.