Question 1

What is the "Robbery and harassment in the Pre / Maddalena / Campo lanes after dark" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

The stretch of old town around Via di Pre, Via della Maddalena and Via del Campo is lively and busy by day but turns into deserted, poorly lit vicoli at night frequented by drug dealers and sex workers. Tourists who wander these alleys after dark, or stray toward the seedier lanes near the waterfront, risk aggressive begging, intimidation, bag-snatching or worse. Locals consistently warn against the isolated alleys closest to the sea at night. After dark stick to well-populated streets such as Via Garibaldi, Via San Lorenzo, Via Luccoli and Piazza delle Erbe, and avoid the dark side-vicoli toward Pre, Maddalena and Campo. Walk with purpose and don't explore unlit alleys alone late at night. Take a taxi or main, lit routes back to your accommodation.

Question 2

What is the "Unlicensed parking touts (parcheggiatori abusivi) at Porto Antico" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

Self-appointed 'attendants', who do not own the spaces, control much of the street parking around the Porto Antico museum district and wave drivers into spots before demanding cash. They often work in numbers and intimidate, steering you to a space and then asking for around 5 euros to 'watch' the car. Tourists who refuse have reported their cars being scratched, and police struggle to act because victims rarely file reports. Use a marked municipal garage or an official pay-and-display machine and ignore anyone who waves you into a space. Pay only the machine and keep the printed receipt; do not hand cash to a person. If someone follows you for money, stay calm, refuse, and park elsewhere or in a staffed garage.

Question 3

What is the "Fake 'helper' at station ticket machines" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

At Genova Piazza Principe and Brignole, opportunists hover by the Trenitalia ticket machines and offer to 'help' you buy a ticket. They press buttons before you can react, then demand a tip, or use the moment of confusion to distract you while an accomplice eyes your luggage or wallet. The machines work in English and need no help at all. Buy tickets yourself from the machine (switch it to English) or from the staffed counter, and decline any unsolicited helper with a firm 'no, grazie'. Only accept assistance from uniformed station staff. Keep your bag and wallet secured while you stand at the machine.

Other Tourist Scams in Genoa

Robbery and harassment in the Pre / Maddalena / Campo lanes after dark

Unlicensed parking touts (parcheggiatori abusivi) at Porto Antico

Fake 'helper' at station ticket machines

Experienced a scam here?