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

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How safe is Italy?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.
Tap water:

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Italy is generally safe for consumption. Cities and larger towns typically treat their water to ensure it's clean and drinkable. You'll often see Italians filling their bottles from public drinking fountains, especially in Rome. However, in some remote areas, the taste may be different due to the minerals in the local water supply.

Is Italy safe to travel?

4.4 /5

Based on 56 experiences

Solo travel experience

I feel safer in Italy somehow than for example in Germany. One reason might be that during the summer in Italy many locals seem to only come out after dark, meaning you'll see many women, groups of girls and families out and about when it's dark. Therefore I felt pretty comfortable, tho it's still important to listen to gut feeling and be safe!

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Group travel experience

During my budget trip to Italy, I stayed in hostels and felt safe throughout Venice, Milan, and Lake Como. In Venice, I really enjoyed St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and a gondola ride, skipping expensive restaurants for local eateries like Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go. Milan highlights included the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Castello Sforzesco, with nice budget food at Luini and Pizzeria Spontini. In Lake Como, I took a scenic boat tour and explored Como town, recommending Osteria del Gallo for affordable dining. I traveled on foot in Venice, used metro in Milan, and took trains and ferries around Lake Como.

Posted: July 15, 2024
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Pakwan

Pakwan

France

Solo travel experience

If you're traveling to Venice, I suggest checking out Anda Hostel. It's known for being safe for solo travelers. Since I live in Paris, I spent around 350€ on this trip for 3 days. That makes taking the bus to Venice a more budget-friendly option, and I get to enjoy the scenery along the way too. Plan your trip thoroughly. It's also wise to avoid carrying too many valuables. I felt safe in Milan. Maybe because I avoid drawing attention to myself, which can deter pickpockets.

Posted: July 4, 2024
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Dorota

Dorota (17)

Poland

Couple travel experience

Last year, I went with my sister for a quick trip to Italy. Ancona is a lovely town, and nearby Numana has beautiful beaches. It was our first trip abroad and we felt safe. In mid-June, there were not many tourists which was a plus. We heartily recommend it<3

Posted: June 23, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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Lucia

Lucia (17)

Slovakia

Group travel experience

When I was on my trip to Italy, I was there with my school, so obviously i felt safe. We called it Giro d’Italia, because we were basically on a roadtrip there by a bus and visited LOT of cities (for example Perugia, Assisi, Rome, Florence, Nerano, Amalfi, Capri, Positano, Ostia, Bologna…) We were there for around 10 days and it was really exciting trip full of nice memories!

Posted: June 9, 2024Experienced: May, 2022
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Duygu

Duygu

Turkey

Solo travel experience

I visited 12 cities of Italy last year and it was awesome!!! Italy is quite nice place for girls because you can travel solo safety and the beauty of the environment is just so interesting! Also If you are not even interested in history and culture, it can start make you different, you will maybe like to learn while you are traveling! Greeting from Türkiye 🇹🇷

Posted: June 2, 2024
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Naomi

Naomi

Netherlands

Solo travel experience

Lovely country, safe environment and easy to meet new people. Plenty good voices overall. Lots of sightseeing opportunities, I went to Rome, Milan and Amalfi coast. Would love to visit again. I don’t speak Italian but could easily manage with just English.

Posted: March 2, 2024
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Family travel experience

I travelled through Italy with my sister. We felt pretty safe most of the time. We visited Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan. Especially in Rome and Florence there was a lot of vegan food to enjoy. Always look out for student discount and sometimes you have to book museum tickets etc. in advance. Once a month there is usually a day where you can get into a lot of museums for free.

Posted: February 18, 2024Experienced: July, 2021
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Solo travel experience

It was a wonderful experience in all. I was meant to go with a friend but her passport didn’t arrive in time so it turned into a solo trip! I felt mostly safe but I did have to take precautions in Naples and I did experience some catcalling and unwanted attention in Milan, My total trip for 6 days cost roughly £1000, including flights, accommodation food and spending money. Being as I went in June, I spent a lot on staying hydrated and sun cream, so something I would consider if you are of fair skin (I am not, and I struggled even!) and are planning to travel to places like Rome in the summer when temperatures hit 35• when I was travelling. Overall an experience I will treasure for life! I would highly highly recommend. Italy is a beautiful country with kind people ❤️

Posted: February 15, 2024
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Couple travel experience

We were traveling with my friend's bus and spent a total of about 2 weeks in Italy. We started our time in Italy wonderfully, driving from Vienna through small towns like Belluno, charming little cities like Feltre, and the beautiful mountains near Tarvis. Despite traveling by bus, we spent a night with a lovely older couple in Belluno, enjoyed delicious pasta, drank wine, and listened to stories and tips about the area. A beautiful evening that I won't forget quickly :) Of course, we also spent a day in Venice, where we were near, cheaper than expected (definitely walk through the side streets, you'll almost be alone!) and unforgettable. We rounded off the trip over Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Overall, the time in Italy was beautiful. Shopping may not always be cheap, but it's not particularly expensive either. And especially espresso, at one of the many bars, was always delicious and affordable :) In Italy, you can feel 100% safe, even in small towns, while swimming in the lake, or in larger cities. We'll be back soon to explore Tuscany. I'm excited!! ☀️

Posted: February 2, 2024
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Is Italy safe right now?

Before your visit to Italy, it's essential to check travel advisories for Italy, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Italy due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Italy. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 24, 2024

Is Italy worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 56 experiences

Paulina

Paulina (17)

Germany

Solo travel experience

I can recommend to eat ice cream because it is very good there and the price is also ok Also is important to not fall for the restaurants that are for tourists, because they are often more expensive and not as good as they for the locals. To find these I recommend for example asking locals or searching on spots a bit away from touristic attractions

Posted: July 25, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

the food there is good as known, people are friendly and enthusiastic, I carried two suitcases at the end of trip, and every time I come to a staircase, there will be someone come out to help. Amd I met theft two times, better watch out

Posted: July 13, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 2/5
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Meet locals in Italy

Meet local women in Italy who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Francesca

Francesca

About Me

I love to meet people from all over the world

Speaking

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Greta

Greta

About Me

Hello, I'm Greta and I'm interested in books, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, languages, health, running, sightseeing, surfing, trekking, swimming, writing, nature, live music, culture and art

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Stay with locals in Italy

Stay with local women in Italy who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Francesca

Francesca

Loro Ciuffenna

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I love to meet people from all over the world

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Silvia

Silvia

Florence

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I am silvia 34 years old, I am nice girl i want to discover the World i really love to travel and meet New people and culture.

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Upcoming visitors to Italy

Connect with upcoming visitors to Italy who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Olga

Olga

About Me

Hello, I am a Ukrainian adventurer. As an interpreter and translator, I dwell in the fascinating world of languages. When I'm not building bridges between cultures, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, sketchpad under my arm, or en route to the next adventure. Travelling was always my dream, which finally became a full-time reality. Art holds a special place in my heart, whether it's poetry that makes my brain dance or paintings that truly inspire and provoke me. If you like your humour the way you like your coffee - strong, dark, and a little bitter - we're going to get along just fine!

Speaking

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Olga

Olga

About Me

Hello, I am a Ukrainian adventurer. As an interpreter and translator, I dwell in the fascinating world of languages. When I'm not building bridges between cultures, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, sketchpad under my arm, or en route to the next adventure. Travelling was always my dream, which finally became a full-time reality. Art holds a special place in my heart, whether it's poetry that makes my brain dance or paintings that truly inspire and provoke me. If you like your humour the way you like your coffee - strong, dark, and a little bitter - we're going to get along just fine!

Speaking

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Safety in Italy