According to recent statistics, Milan has a lower crime rate compared to other major Italian cities such as Rome and Naples. However, like any major city, there are still instances of crime, particularly in tourist areas or areas with a high concentration of bars and nightlife.

In 2026, both Milan and Rome are considered safe for tourists, but they present slightly different safety profiles. Milan, Italy’s financial hub, generally feels more orderly but faces challenges with petty crime (like pickpocketing) in high-traffic areas like the Duomo and the Centrale train station, as well as in late-night nightlife districts. Rome, being a much larger and more tourist-saturated city, has a higher frequency of reported "tourist scams" and pickpocketing at iconic sites like the Colosseum, Termini Station, and on crowded public transit lines like Bus 64. According to 2026 safety reports, Rome often ranks slightly higher for petty theft volume due to its sheer number of visitors, while Milan sees more issues related to "modern" urban crime in its outskirts. For a visitor, the "safest" city is often the one where you remain most vigilant; both cities require standard precautions like keeping your phone and wallet in front pockets and being wary of overly friendly strangers. In 2026, Milan’s hosting of the Winter Olympics has also led to a significant increase in security personnel, making many central areas feel exceptionally well-monitored.