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

4.3 /5

Based on 535 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.8 /5

Based on 754 experiences from local women

Italy is currently ranked #65 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 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 535 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

La Verna, Solo travel

I walked from Rimini to La Verna. It took me 5 days. I felt very safe while trekking in the woods and thorough the countryside. I've met a snake, a couple of hares and a hedgehog. Medium difficulty of the trail

Posted: July 4, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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Rome, Solo travel

I went to Rome by train. Stayed at my boyfriend's. We went to the city centre for a drink, saw the Colosseum. It was very hot and full of tourists. At least there are fountains to fill the bottle of water

Posted: July 4, 2025Experienced: June, 2024

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Venice, Solo travel

I solo travelled to Venice (F28) and it was one of the best weeks of my life! I stayed at Anda Hostel in Mestre which was very clean and had a mini club downstairs, plus it’s only a couple of minutes onto the island from there. The only issue is that it can be a bit noisy sometimes. There are so many beautiful sites to see, boat trips to do and history to take in, everywhere you walk feels like a storybook. (Or that episode of Doctor Who). I was slightly disappointed with the food in Venice but it was alright. Very easy to do day trips to places like Bologna and Florence too.

Posted: July 4, 2025

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Julia

Poland

Bari, Family travel

I was in Bari for one day. And I didn't swim in the sea because it was cold. I felt safe. I rented a cool apartment on booking.com and was delighted with the host. Highly recommended!!! https://secure.booking.com/app_link/myreservations.en.html?stid=325542&bn=4697326006&aid=332731 I didn't have time to do a lot, but I'll tell you what was in my plans: 1. Local ice cream: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSkzwpmeJHPH9J467?g_st=ipc (Since 1880, the art of homemade gelato has been handed down for generations); 2. The Bari Fish Market (Mercato del Pesce) is a kingdom of fresh fish and seafood, where local chefs and gourmets find the best ingredients for Apulian cuisine. The counters are bursting with the catch brought by fishermen straight from the sea: octopus, squid, shrimp, mussels and much more. Traders are eager to tell you how to properly cook seafood; 3. Orecchiette Caserecce - the street. Every morning, the housewives of Bari go out into the street with their workbench and, using a few precious ingredients: water, flour and skill, begin to prepare pasta. 🍝 4. Alberobello is a town 60 km from Bari. It is world famous for its unique tiny houses that look like fairy-tale gnome dwellings. These small white stone buildings with a gray conical roof are called trulli. You will not find such houses anywhere else in the world.

Posted: June 28, 2025

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Milan, Solo travel

Everything was fine but i didn’t like that it’s hard to find places to eat during some hours(like 16-17) became a lot of places are closed for some rest( Mostly people are kind and easygoing. Little bit expensive food in crodwded places

Posted: June 28, 2025

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Bologna, Family travel

I recommend visiting Bologna, but not for more than 3 days. The city is nice, but it doesn’t have the unique atmosphere of other charming Italian towns. Prices are reasonable, and all the must-see spots are within walking distance. You can also take a direct fast train to Venice for a day trip — I highly recommend that. I felt safe in the city, so it’s a good option for a weekend trip

Posted: June 25, 2025

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Is Italy safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 754 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 754 local experiences

Francesca

Padua

How safe is Padova for me? Pretty safe, it’s my hometown. Like any city, it has a few areas where I stay more aware (around the train station, some corners of Arcella), but overall I walk, bike, and live here without fear. If you have common sense and know how to read a place, Padova is welcoming, vibrant, and calm. Solo travel feels fine, even at night just choose the right streets.

Posted: July 5, 2025

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Giudit

Genoa

Genoa is a relatively small city. Most People would visit the city centre only. Genoa expands beyond it, both West and East. Coastal area of the city is super safe. City centre it is super safe in day Light and mostly safeat night. It is like entering a labirynt of narrow streets. At night Best advice is to move around following the crowds. Public bus is ok. Maiby the n. 1(I believe at night turns number in 618) can be slightly less pleasant.

Posted: July 5, 2025

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