Is Milan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Milan is generally safe for solo female travelers. It's a bustling, cosmopolitan city with an efficient public transportation system. Street crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist-heavy locations or on public transportation, but violent crime is relatively rare. As a female traveler, it's advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone late at night in less crowded areas, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 23 experiences

4.2 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Milan, being one of the global capitals of fashion and design, is generally safe at night, even for solo female travelers. The city is bustling and vibrant at all hours, with well-lit streets and many people around, even relatively late. Important areas like the city center and shopping districts are quite populated and patrolled by police. However, as with any place, some neighborhoods may be less safe than others and it's always important to remain vigilant, especially when walking alone. Public transportation typically runs late in the night and taxis are readily available.

Public transportation: Very safe

Public transportation in Milan, is generally highly reliable and safe. Buses, trams, and Metropolitana (subway) are mainly operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi and they tend to be punctual and well-maintained. There might occasionally be pickpockets in crowded places, but by being cautious with your belongings, you can mitigate this risk. Trams and buses often have special spots reserved for women at night for added safety. The city's commitment to safety and convenience make traveling by public transport in Milan a very viable option.

Street harassment: Low

During your solo travel in Milan, you may experience an occasional catcalling or staring in some specific areas, but it is not prevalent throughout the city. Local people are generally respectful and maintain a decent behavior towards solo women travelers. Be aware that it can happen but it's not a constant issue.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Milan is generally safe, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams can occasionally occur, especially in crowded places such as public transportation and tourist sites. However, these crimes can be minimized by maintaining constant vigilance over personal belongings, avoiding ostentatious display of valuables, and practicing awareness of your surroundings.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Milan is thoroughly clean and safe for drinking. The city has an incredibly good water filtration system making the tap water not only safe but also tasty. Refilling your water bottle from the tap or drinking from public water fountains is a normal practice among locals and visitors alike.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 23 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Milan for 3 days on my own in November and really liked it. I walked or got the subway everywhere and felt safe the whole time, I didn’t go out at night though, so I’m not sure how safe it is at night but other than that I’d recommend it. Beautiful architecture and much to see.

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

Great place for solo travelling if you love walking around, sightseeing, shopping and great food! There are female-only hostels available in the central of the city - very close to all must-see places.

Posted: November 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent 2 days in Milan and felt really safe. The city is very lively, even at nighttime. It‘s really easy to get around using public transport. I had a hotel at the central station and never used a taxi. It was really lovely time.

Posted: October 20, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

My first solo trip was to Milan and I absolutely loved it. I did 3 days there, one day trip to Lake Como and one day trip to Turin. I felt safe and didn't have any issues. Language was not an issue, I got around mostly with English and understanding Italian.

Posted: October 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Andreea

Andreea

Romania

Solo travel experience

As a gelato lover I want to recommend you this place in Milan: Viel🍦So delish! 🥰 Maybe you are a gelato lover too, haha! Of course the city itself was a vibe and as a solo traveler I felt safe and mesmerized by the architecture, art in general, green spaces, kind and curious people. 😁 #bellaitalia

Posted: October 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Gülis

Gülis

Netherlands

Solo travel experience

I think it was a good city to solo travel to, my host was very nice and she took me to hidden spots around the city. There were some sketchy guys sometimes but overall it was a safe experience, and the city that time of the year was amazing.

Posted: July 24, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I didn't like Milan. It's just a really boring city, other than the cathedral there's nothing to do unless you like fashion and spending money.

Posted: July 12, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went on a solo trip to Milan, Italy, and it was amazing! It was my first time traveling alone, and I didn't speak the language or know much about Italy, but I had a great time. I got lost a lot, but I always managed to find somewhere to eat, which was fun. I felt really safe in the city, and I would definitely recommend it to any women who want to explore and enjoy delicious food. This trip gave me a lot of confidence and reminded me that I'm a strong woman who can handle anything on my own!

Posted: July 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

This was my second time in Milan and i was somewhat dissappointed. Since i had been once before i had already seen all the touristy sites and felt like the city didnt have that much more to offer (however i was on a tight budget so i didnt go out to eat and stuff, which would probably be very fun). But a nice city overall! Felt very safe all the time☀️

Posted: June 30, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Family travel experience

I didn’t feel safe in Milan, me and my sister had multiple experiences of men following us or shouting things and just being generally really creepy. I was also surrounded by a group of homeless-looking people in the metro station whilst buying my train ticket and one of them grabbed my money from me. Wouldn’t go back there.

Posted: June 18, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 2/5
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Local experiences

Sara

Sara

Italy

It's a pretty safe place to visit (obviously it depends from the areas) and very clean! The metro is the best way of transportation in my opinion, the are a tons of them till midnight and it brings you basically everywhere there are things to see fast. It is pretty busy and safe, but pay attention and keep your belonings safe from pickpokets because there are many of them! Avoid eating near tourists attractions (like Duomo or Castello) better and cheaper restaurants are probably just a few minutes away with public transport

Posted: July 8, 2023
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My local suggestions for things to do: - Duomo of course, not only visiting, but going on top of it. - Castello Sforzesco, a castle in the center of the city, which hosts a musuem as well. It's home of the beautiful Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo Buonarroti. One of my favourite thing in the city. - Biblioteca & Pinacoteca Ambrosiana: one of the oldest public libraries in the world, home of a beautiful art collection including pieces from Leondardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Raffaello. - Pinacoteca di Brera: home of many important pieces of arts, from Renaissance to Modern. - Cimitero Monumentale, the historical graveyard. Don't miss this one, it's also completely free. It's unique, like an open air museum. - Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio: one of the most ancient churches in Milan, a jewel of Romanic art. - Other churches that worth a visit: Santa Maria in San Satiro, San Lorenzo, San Bernardino alle Ossa (it is decorated with human bones), San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (few know about this one, though it's really amazing, it's completely decorated in frescoes). - The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci (book in advance).

Posted: December 1, 2022
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Food: Milan is very diverse so you can find different restaurants from all over Italy. For something super local I recommend finding a Trattoria specialised in Lombardy food. Also something we love is aperitivo (very popular on Navigli area) where you order a drink and fill up your plate for free from a lovely buffet. Nightlife: I would recommend Navigli area and Arco della pace for bars to drink and experience the city vibe. The most popular nightclubs are in Corso Como/Moscova which mainly do commercial/house. Attraction: Must do is duomo square (can also go in or up the cathedral) and walking through the nearby shopping streets. Sforzesco Castle and potentially other museum such as pinacoteca di Brera, science and technology museum or the last supper (book in advance) Things to do: a day trip to lake Como with a boat tour to explore the lake is definitely worth it. Day trips to other popular cities (Turin and Bologna) are also worth it.

Posted: December 1, 2022
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Meet locals in Milan

Ioana

Ioana

Speaking

About Me

Hello ladies, my name is Ioana and I am a product developer and entrepreneur. Copenhagen, it has been my home for the past 9 years, I am engaged here but I have to travel to Milano for a some period. I love meeting people, I love food, cultures, music and life in general. I am a creative person with a true passion for philosophical discussions.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Marta

Marta

Speaking

About Me

I am Marta, easy going and open minded woman living in Milan. I live visiting museums, drawing and making puppets, well then I am here because I am curious about the world.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇭🇷 Croatia

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Aidana

Aidana

Speaking

About Me

Heyy! I'm a first-year master's student based in Milan. Ds student, gym girlie and an ielts tutor, ig @aydonaryder

Countries I’ve Visited

🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇹🇷 Turkey

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Stay with locals in Milan

Margherita

Margherita

Speaking

You can stay for:

1 day

About me

My name is Margherita, and I'm 20 years old. I am originally from Rome, Italy, but I moved to Milan last year. I am currently studying economics and management for art, culture, and communication. I love being in touch with nature and traveling, but I also enjoy the vibrant city life - going out with friends, visiting museums, and attending theater performances. Exploring both the natural world and the urban landscape brings a wonderful balance to my life

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands

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Daniela

Daniela

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hello! I’m a latina living in Europe :) I love to travel and meet new people. I love love to share a cup of coffee or go hiking with an interesting person! 🤭

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Victoria

Victoria

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I’ll go with the short story: I’m from Milan, I live in Rome, I’ve been a producer organising commercials, music video, films, series and photo shoots for years now I’ve decided to stop organising other people’s art and start valuing my own vision, I started shooting in analogic and now it’s what I love and what I am.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇫🇷 France, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Upcoming visitors to Milan

Klaudia

Klaudia

Speaking

About Me

I love meeting New people & hear their stories!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇦🇹 Austria

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Elvira

Elvira

Speaking

About Me

Hi I am elvira I am 27 and I’d love to visit Aachen and Köln in April or May

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇩 Indonesia

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Local discussions

ShoestringDoes anyone know cheaper hotel brands in Italy not on usual booking websites?

I’m thinking of going Milan next week but hotels seem really expensive. Does anyone know cheaper hotel brands in Italy? That maybe wouldn’t be on the usual booking websites.

Posted: August 15, 2023
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TravelDo any good weekday markets exist in Milan to buy fruits or vegetables?

Does anyone know any good „weekday“ markets in milano ( like to buy fruits or vegetables).

Posted: August 1, 2023
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TravelWhat recommendations and tips do you have for Milan and Lake Como?

Hey all! I’m heading off to Milan for a long weekend in a couple of weeks and would love to hear about any recommendations and tips - also interested in booking a cookery class so if you’ve done one of these please let me know. Also looking at doing a day in Lake Como so any advice and recommendations for there would also be amazing

Posted: November 18, 2022
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TravelWhat are some recommendations for bars/nights out in Milan and tips/advice for Lake Como?

My friend and I are heading to Milan and looking to do a day trip to Lake Como. Let me know some recommendations for bars/nights out in Milan. Ideally we are looking for somewhere not too glam and throwback hits/ cheesy tunes Also any tips/ advice for lake Como would be much appreciated as we’ll be doing a day trip there

Posted: November 1, 2022
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Solo travelIs it too cold to walk around in Milan and Lake Como in early November?

Please advise planning a trip to Milan and lake Como first week of November. How is the weather in early November ? Is it too cold? or manageable to walk around in the city

Posted: October 3, 2022
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Safety in Italy