Is Palermo Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Palermo is mainly safe for solo female travelers. Like any major city, it has its share of petty crime, but violent crime is uncommon. Normal precautions like staying in well-lit areas, not walking alone late at night in deserted areas, and being alert to your surroundings should keep you safe. For additional safety, always keep emergency numbers handy. Furthermore, locals are typically friendly and helpful. Just remember, as with any city, it's important to stay vigilant and aware no matter how safe the environment feels.

Safety rating

3.6 /5

Based on 9 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.1 /5

Based on 10 experiences from local women

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How safe is Palermo?

Safety at night:Moderate

Palermo, like many other cities, is reasonably safe at night. However, as a solo female traveler, it's prudent to exercise caution especially after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in deserted areas or narrow streets. If you're staying in a central location, you are likely to find people around even late into the night. However, as with any other city, instances of petty theft or public harassment can occur, so watch your belongings and prioritize your comfort and security.

Public transportation:Safe

The public transportation in Palermo is generally safe, even for solo female travelers. The buses, trams, and trains are reliable and frequently used by locals and tourists alike. However, like any urban area, it's always smart to stay alert to your surroundings. It can get crowded during rush hours and it's advisable to secure your belongings. Staff are usually helpful, but not all might speak English. Also remember, in Italy it's necessary to validate your ticket at the beginning of your journey to avoid fines.

Street harassment:Low

While walking through the streets of Palermo you will generally find that the locals are friendly and respectful. Most of the time, you won't face any unpleasant experiences or untoward harassment. However, Italy being a passionate and expressive country, you might get occasional attention or appreciative comments, which mainly reflect the local culture rather than direct harassment. Being aware and confident can enhance your solo travel experience in Palermo.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Palermo is fairly safe for travelers although petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur especially in the crowded areas such as markets and public transportation. Always be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings. General prudence and basic precautionary steps such as not flaunting valuable items will lower the risk significantly.

Is Palermo worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

3.6/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel

Palermo was incredibly beautiful. A lively city next to the sea, good food and beautiful places around. The city strongly smells of fish and moisture! If that makes any sense! Also, not many people speak English. But they are warm and helpful if you try to communicate with them using Google translate. The city was not at all dangerous, but I'd still advise to be cautious.

Posted: May 27, 2025Experienced: March, 2024

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Solo travel

*as someone who visited over 20 places in italy, palermo is in top 3 *food is amazing and cheap *mostly safe, men sometimes stare uncomfortably but nothing more than that in my experience. Be careful about your belongings as in any other touristic city *went in October and it was 30 degrees Perfect for the beach still but also not as crowded as in summer months *public buses suck in sicily compared to the rest of the country but trains are great Went to a day trip to cefalu and agrigento Would recommend agrigento 10/10 *I stayed in casa di amici, female room, super clean and walkable distance from everything

Posted: January 15, 2025

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Solo travel

I had a great experience while visiting Palermo. I felt safe and it was so easy to get to know new people. There is also large expat community which organise regular meetings and activities

Posted: September 5, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Deniz

Netherlands

Group travel

I went with a mixed friend group, and we stayed at a quite central location. Although it did get dark at night as it was not surrounded by crowded areas, both during the day and at night, I did not encounter any situation that made me feel unsafe.

Posted: July 10, 2024

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Solo travel

I went to Palermo quite a few times now, and I really recommend it. Beware of the fact that in summer it is incredibly hot, and packed with tourists. I would recommend going in April/May. People are very lively there, especially in Ballarò. It isn't the safest city, I would recommend not travelling with any jewelry, that is my personal preference. The food is amazing there and inexpensive: go to "il signor Carbognano for an amazing Ice cream with Brioche"

Posted: April 1, 2024

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Is Palermo safe for women?

Safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Palermo is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main areas. Stay alert, avoid isolated places at night, and watch for petty theft like pickpocketing.

Posted: May 19, 2025

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Meet locals in Palermo

Fatima

About Me

Hi I'm Fatima originating from Pakistan but currently living in Italy for my education. I'm not gonna bore anyone with long paragraphs or interests lists, just I'm an easy going person open to having diversified experiences, loves nature (obviously) and can dance all night. 😅 So far I have traveled to multiple places in Italy and am excited to start my solo journey in Europe with learning different cultures and expanding knowledge, with a peak interest in engaging conversations regarding politics and social issues. (If you are open) That's it for now, later I'll see you on the other side. 😌😉

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Palermo

Katerina

Palermo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Im Katerina, a greek in Palermo. Im 25 years old and i love music, beers, politics and meeting new people. If you come by athens or palermo contact me to get to know eachother or if you need any help/suggestions/hosting 🙈❤️

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Martina

Palermo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! My name's Martina and I love connecting with new people. I love travelling and outdoor adventure (climbing, walking, swimming and everything connected with nature). Next year I'm going to move for my period abroad to Leeds, UK. Looking forward to meeting new people!

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Upcoming visitors to Palermo

Giulia

About Me

Ciao to everyone 🌞 I’m Giulia and I’m a student from Florence. At the moment I can’t host 🥲 but I would love to meet new people and walk around the city.

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Safety in Italy

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