Is Italy Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Italy is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. It offers a rich cultural experience with friendly locals and has a low crime rate against tourists. However, minor precautions should be taken as petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Night travel in certain cities may warrant more caution. Women should dress modestly to respect local cultural norms, especially in religious sites. While locals often speak English, knowing some basic Italian language could prove helpful.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 378 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.8 /5

Based on 210 experiences from local women

Italy is currently ranked #48 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Italy?

Safety at night:Safe

Italy is generally quite safe for travelers, including solo female travelers. Although the crime rates are low, be sure to take the usual precautions. Stick to well-lit, populated areas when walking alone at night especially in larger cities such as Rome or Milan. There might be pickpockets and other petty crimes, but violent crime is extremely rare. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted areas or neighborhoods reputed to be unsafe.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Italy is generally very reliable and safe. Buses, trains, metros, trams, and ferries are widely used by locals and tourists alike. Pickpocketing could be a concern, particularly in crowded buses or trains in major cities and popular tourist locations. It's advisable to stay aware of your belongings at all times. Nonetheless, instances of violent crime are rare.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Italy, especially in bigger cities like Rome or Milan, you might experience some level of street harassment ranging from unwanted verbal attention to occasional cat-calling. However, most locals are respectful and if you express discomfort or ignore it, they usually back off. While this might be uncomfortable, it often doesn't go beyond a mere annoyance in most cases.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Italy, like most places, does experience petty crimes. Travelers should be aware of pickpocketing incidents, primarily in crowded city centres and public transportation. Crimes such as bag snatching and cell phone theft can occur. However, with vigilance, precautions, and awareness of your surroundings, your trip to Italy can still be very safe and enjoyable.

Is Italy worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 378 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Nisa

Turkey

Italy, Solo travel

I traveled solo and live in Rome for 6 months. I felt very safe during my trip. I have a google map with location marks So if there is anyone who wants any suggestions about the places, let me know so I can share it with you!

Posted: November 16, 2024

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Lady

United Arab Emirates

Tuscany, Solo travel

I loved every thing there , the weather, food, driving up to wineries and shopping in Florence was amazing . 3 days in Salvador pergamos family farm turned ti be hotel where nature and quietness was lovely moved to florence and spent another 3 days in fantastic hotel in downtown

Posted: November 15, 2024

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Bari, Solo travel

I just got back from a solo trip to Bari, and I didn't have a single unpleasant experience, everyone was very helpful and friendly. I walked around the city at night too, and I felt very safe.

Posted: November 1, 2024

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Cagliari, Family travel

I stayed in Torre delle Stelle in cagliari, in a (not super nice) Airbnb. Other than that, it was near the beach and that never gets old. Would have a beautiful breakfast in the cafe on the beach, then go swim. Pasta at home and then go back to the beach at night. (You definitely need a car if you go here btw)

Posted: October 30, 2024

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Zuza

Poland

Milan, Solo travel

*Safety: I didn't feel very safe at first, I've heard of some bad experiences from Milan and Italy in general too. The crime rates are rising. Being mugged, harassed or raped were my worries. When I arrived, I saw dirty streets and huge poster ads for alarming systems, so not the best time around. But then I walked a lot around the city and I must say, most of the time I didn't feel in danger. I started to recognize the city's vibe. I was very cautious and preventive too. Then I met other travelers and Milanese and they had a great time there! *What to do there: For sight-seeing I liked going on an eng walking tour through citywalkers with Marco. There's lots of history and fun details to learn about the city. You need to book a few days ahead. You pay as much as you wish (generally like 10 eur+). It's 3 hours long and after the tour Marco shows other places you can go to on your own. He loves the place and is a great tour guide. The Duomo visit is quite expensive and the queue was long even on Friday morning during a rainy day, so I chose to skip it. The castle is worth visiting. *Food: I recommend choosing the restaurants and cafes before leaving to eat. It's not easy to find a good place just searching around lol but there is some delicious food for sure! Just plan ahead. Look at the map. Ask people. *Money: A meal in a restaurant/bar costs circa 10 euro. Groceries aren't much cheaper. Public transport is I think around 2,2 euro for 90minutes *Transport: I liked walking. Exploring different places. There're also multiple metro lines, trans, buses I think. Currently there are some strikes around the public transport, but usually it works well. Taxis are expensive. Public transport is packed during the weekend. Duomo Square and streets with expensive stores seem to always be full. *Stay: I stayed at the Yellowsquare hostel. It's been great, they have many activities and guests. They host karaoke nights sometimes and those are popular among Milanese, especially millennials. I loved meeting people there.

Posted: October 21, 2024Experienced: September, 2024

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Twink

Malaysia

Sardinia, Solo travel

Felt very safe in Sardinia. Was easy to rent a car. Without it, would be very difficult to get around. Not so easy to connect with locals unless you can speak Italian. Most restaurants need reservations by phone unless it is super touristy or take away.

Posted: October 13, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Alexia

France

Venice, Solo travel

I loved my stay alone in Venice. I stayed there for 3 nights. The first day, I visited the whole main island on foot going to Punta della Dogana, then crossing Punta dell’Academia I went to Piazza San Marco, then Ponte di Rialto to reach the Jewish quarter. Very very nice. The second day, I went to visit the islands of Murano and Burano. I went to restaurants solo every day and ate really well. I recommend going to small traditional restaurants that are located in alleys.

Posted: October 8, 2024

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Aida

Poland

Italy, Group travel

The trip was really nice I felt very safe. I was with my friends and we had a really really lovely time. We were seeing a lot of new places in exploring different neighbourhoods. Moreover people there were really really nice.

Posted: October 8, 2024Experienced: October, 2024

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Daniela

Spain

Rome, Family travel

We had a great family time. We went to Vatican City, which was a great experience for my mom. We needed to rent a car, so it was really safe and comfy for us since we heard the train wasn't that safe. Best decision ever—we were able to travel to other places in Italy.

Posted: September 29, 2024

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Selene

Canada

Rome, Solo travel

What a city, amazing host, food, people everything was phenomenal, the coliseum was out of this world for sure it’s one of the most amazing cities I ever visited, my host chiara was the perfect fit she take me on a special night tour that I will never forget and I can’t wait to go back :)

Posted: September 24, 2024

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Is Italy safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 210 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 210 local experiences

Prato

Overall situation is not bad, just make sure to avoid certain quarter such as Porta al serraglio station, especially at night. Sometimes you can be approached by some men in a non comfortable way and that can be annoying.

Posted: November 16, 2024

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Antonella

Rome

walking around Rome at night is completely safe, but it depends from the zone. All of the areas are full of character and very lively, even after the sun goes down. Prati is the most safest area, but you have always to be prudent

Posted: November 15, 2024

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