Is Bologna Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bologna is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. The residents are friendly and respectful which provides a welcoming environment. However, like any city, it's important to take precautions, especially at night. Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas. Public transport is reliable and safe to use. If you practice common sense and stay aware of your surroundings, you'll likely have a wonderful experience in Bologna.

Safety rating

3.1 /5

Based on 4 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Bologna is relatively safe for solo female travellers at night. While petty crimes such as pickpocketing are reported now and then, especially in high-traffic tourist areas, overall violent crime is low. The general rule of thumb is to exercise common sense such as avoiding desolate areas and unfamiliar districts alone late at night. For the most part, Bologna is well-lit with plenty of people around, making the city quite safe for evening strolls. As long as you stay alert and aware, Bologna can be a very welcoming city even for tourists venturing out after dark.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Bologna, is generally safe with incidents being an exception rather than the norm. The services are reliable, with buses and trains typically running on time. The local population is friendly and helpful, which makes navigating around the city easier. Like anywhere, it is advised to stay vigilant, especially during night hours or when in less crowded areas.

Street harassment: Low

Bologna typically presents a safe and respectful environment. Street harassment is not a common occurrence and you are likely to experience minimal, if any, unwelcome attention in public. However, as with any large city, it's always recommended to stay alert and cautious especially at night. The locals are generally welcoming and respectful towards solo female travelers.

Petty crimes:Low

Bologna is a relatively safe city where petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse snatching do occur, but typically in crowded places and major tourist spots. Always be aware of your belongings and surroundings. While it's necessary to remain cautious, the likelihood of encountering such situations is not high.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Bologna, is not only safe to drink but also of high quality. The country strictly regulates its water sources and treatment methods, ensuring that it's public water supply is clean and well controlled. Bologna's water is perfectly safe to drink directly from the tap, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

2.8 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

2.6/5

Safety

3.1/5

Food

3.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel experience

I don't recommend visiting this city at any price! People do not clean their pet pees on the street and l put my shoes on one of them... terrible! Because the Unibo accepts so many students, there is always lack of room in this city. B&B canceled my booking out of the blue and l did not know what to do. People were not kind of nice in my experience and just wanted to Rip you off as soon as they get that you are a tourist. Just don't go there...

Posted: August 24, 2023Experienced: September, 2022
Things to do: 1/5Food: 1/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 1/5
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İlknur

İlknur

Turkey

Couple travel experience

A trip I never want to return to. people are friendly and there are people interested in dancing art around every corner. one of the cities I want to go to again and I would love to live there You should add this city to your italy route

Posted: July 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Bologna is ideal city for a short city break. It is really lively thanks to many young people studying here. City centre is small and you can see it in a day or two maximum but it is really nice just to stroll around

Posted: June 18, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I have been to Bologna last week and absolutely enjoyed it! I recommend to go up the Asinelli tower. The way up is exhausting (~ 500 steps) but the view is amazing. I also did a free walking tour that was really nice. They have amazing food there as well, especially the handmade pasta you find everywhere. I did Bari, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice the last couple of weeks and Bologna was actually my favorite after Bari.

Posted: November 19, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

Beatrice

Beatrice

Italy

Bologna is a wonderful place to spend a long weekend. With its beautiful landscapes and characteristic porticoes, it is a city extremely easy to travel on foot. All the different neighborhoods offer their typical beauties: the city centre with the main Basilica, the University area with cafes and bookshops, the zone nearby the Cineteca (one of the most famous Italian movie centre) and the green and peaceful Giardini Margherita, where having a chat while eating an ice cream is a lovely way to spend a coazy afternoon.

Posted: November 1, 2023
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Beatrice

Beatrice

Italy

I’ve been living in Bologna my whole life, I’m 24 years old right now and I can luckily say that nothing has ever happened to me. Obviously I try to avoid going solo at night in certain areas of the town outside the center (pilastro, bolognina, and san donato are some of the worst). But a part from that you can easily go solo around the city during the day and also at night. But keep your eyes open at night, you never know 👀

Posted: October 28, 2023
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Meet locals in Bologna

Beatrice

Beatrice

Speaking

About Me

hi girls 🌸 I’m Beatrice, 24 years old, born in Italy, lived here my whole life except one year spent in Canada. I’d love to start travelling solo, in particular I’m planning to explore the south east Asia asap. If you have any advice for a solo traveller I’ll be happy to hear you 🫶🏻 I also love meeting new people, especially from other countries, so if we happen to be in the same city don’t hesitate to text me. here or on ig if you prefer @doublebbii

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Greta

Greta

Speaking

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

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇫🇷 France, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇮🇴 British Indian Ocean Territory, 🇩🇪 Germany

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Beatrice

Beatrice

Speaking

About Me

I'm a 24 years old girl studing AI between Bologna and Pisa. Madly in love with my city, I offer advices about where to go, what to drink and how to have fun in Bologna, between suggestions that go from cultural trips to climbing advices in the area nearby. I'm here as a person who really likes to travel and truely believes in sharing togheter the best of our experiences.

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Stay with locals in Bologna

Greta

Greta

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

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

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇫🇷 France, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇮🇴 British Indian Ocean Territory, 🇩🇪 Germany

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Chiara

Chiara

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hello everybody! I’m Chiara, I’m 22, currently studying sociology at the University of Bologna. I’m interested in social science.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇲 San Marino, 🇩🇪 Germany

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Anna

Anna

Speaking

You can stay for:

1 day

About me

Just an Italian girl who love having international friendships. If I host you, you will host me then? Lovely

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Safety in Italy