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: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.

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.

Travel experiences

4.7 /5

Based on 40 experiences

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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Solo travel experience

I traveled independently throughout Italy, mainly Tuscany. It is very safe there, traveling by train is fantastic and easy, I never felt unsafe. I definitely relied on my instinct. I discovered that everywhere there were people who spoke English or at least understood enough to help. Cinque Terre was fantastic, as was Cortona, San Gimignano, Florence, Venice and Pisa.

Posted: October 2, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I traveled through northern Italy for a month last year and felt very safe. I didn't have much money to spend on hotels, so I stayed in hostels, which were great. I chose hostels based on location and reviews. I was never disappointed. However, I would recommend choosing dormitory rooms, which are divided into male and female.

Posted: September 21, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent a week alone in Florence and Milan (Airbnb in Florence, hotel in Milan) and I felt completely safe walking around the area. I wear a bag over my shoulder and did not take it off even while eating meals. I had no problems, and the trip was beautiful. I had a great time.

Posted: September 21, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went on a solo trip to Italy for 10 days and visited Milan, Venice, Florence, Positano, and Rome, staying in each city for 2 days. I never felt unsafe. I noticed once in the metro in Milan that a certain young man was eyeing me, but when he noticed that my baggage was locked and not an easy target, he walked away. You just have to be aware and cautious, like everywhere else. Every place was magical and unique in its own way, and I highly recommend visiting them.

Posted: September 19, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone through Italy last summer and I didn't speak Italian. I was in Turin, Venice, Naples, Lucca, Pisa, and Florence, everywhere was completely safe and I had an incredibly nice time.

Posted: August 1, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I took a trip to Italy on my own and it was a wonderful adventure. Learning how to use the trains was complicated for me. I felt very safe, but I did not stay out in the city late since I was alone. Italians are very friendly and helpful - many of them speak English in the cities.

Posted: June 1, 2023
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Is Italy safe for women?

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 AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Italy. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 20, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in Italy. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 2, 2023

Is Italy worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 40 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Pree

Pree

Canada

Group travel experience

Overall our trip to Italy was amazing. We went to Santorini, Amalfi coast, Venice, Florence, Lake Como and Cinque Terre. It was amazing weather in October, and not too crowded. Venice was the only place we found crowded. Food was amazing. It could be a little expensive there, but it is definitely worth it. Highly recommended.

Posted: February 14, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I solo traveled to Italy and it was amazing. During 10 days I visited Milan, Venice, Ligurian coast including Genoa and small cities as Albenga and Buonasola. Also I visited Cinque Terre of course and it was so good and beautiful! The food was delicious but a bit pricy in the restaurants. The pizza in Monterosso was really good! Spring is a great time to visit Italy. It is not so crowded and the weather is wonderful. If you are planning your trip in February don’t miss out the carnival in Venice! It is an amazing experience.

Posted: February 9, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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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.
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

Speaking

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Tina

Tina

About Me

Hi, I’m Tina, I’m a solo travelling women in europe for around 4 years and like to meet people and exchange experiences.

Speaking

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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.
Greta

Greta

Bologna

Can host 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

Speaking

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Freya

Freya

Turin

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, im Freya Im a medical student in Torino. In love with nature, flowers, long walks,... Im a positive person and try to enjoy every moment of my life 😊

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Italy

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

Laurie

About Me

American in Florence for an artist residency. From New York but lived in California for 12 years. Looking to meet likeminded people and see art and eat food.

Speaking

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Kübra

Kübra

About Me

Hi! I’m Kubra I’m an engineer and a traveller!🤭

Speaking

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Safety in Italy