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

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How safe is Bologna?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Bologna worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.4/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Group travel

I felt very safe in Bologna, and I had a great time. Less touristic than Florence or Rome which made it way better for experiencing the local culture and just relaxing. The local food was absolutely amazing and the Gelato as well!

Posted: July 19, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Group travel

I have a great splendid time in Italy, Bologna, actually I visited Bologna and cervia.it was great.and there food was top notch I had both restaurant and home cooked food pasta with some cream I'll recommend,ice cream too lol.my budget was around 800euros,I spent like almost all because of the good things around,I stay with a friend and it was nice,I visited cervia too beach around, everything about the country is grate, nice churches too, food drinks people are friendly. I can say I had a great time in Italy.

Posted: July 1, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Solo travel

I stayed here for one night and was amazed with the history of the city. It’s a small Italian city so you don’t need much time unless you’re using it as a base of travel. I was going to my next city via train. My platform was #19, on my way to finding it. A man approached me and said it’s my job to help people find their platforms. I was very naive and let him help me. He took me down and showed me the platform, and demanded all my money. I gave him whatever coins I had in my purse. This scam is one I never came across, not sure how common it is in Bologna or other cities in Italy/Europe

Posted: June 22, 2024
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Solo travel

I feel very safe. I walked all day but the rain hunted me. I didn't stay anywhere cause I had only one day. The food was amazing. I saw Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, a historical library, and the Basilica of San Domenico.

Posted: March 20, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt quite safe in Bologna both day and night. I went to a concert and other concert goers were very approachable and kind. We ended up having a really great experience and even went on to the afterparty. The venue security (Arena Puccini) did a great job. Bologna has no shortage of good food and the transport system was easy to navigate - except at night, when we took cabs. It was my third solo trip and it was unforgettable because of the friendships made :)

Posted: December 1, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
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Solo travel

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
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İlknur

İlknur

Turkey

Couple travel

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
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Solo travel

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
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Solo travel

I was in Bologna last week and I absolutely fell in love with it! I recommend going up the Asinelli Tower. The climb is exhausting (~500 steps) but the view is amazing. I also went on a free walking tour, which was really nice. They have amazing food there too, especially the handmade pasta, which you can find everywhere. I visited Bari, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in the past few weeks and Bologna was my favorite, right after Bari.

Posted: November 19, 2022
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Is Bologna safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

Bologna as a very active night life and there are some services like “Nottambula” which is a group of people that helps women get home safe at night, overall people are very friendly so if you are alone or are feeling kind of unsafe usually groups of girls (but not only) will include and help you. As concernes crime there are A LOT of bike stealings every day so you gotta lock it well, and usually in some areas like squares (such as Piazza Verdi) people will try to sell you cannabis (not very good quality) but if you just say that you are good they will not bother you most of the times.

Posted: January 12, 2025
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Bologna is generally a very safe cities also for women. I have walked around after dark and nothing weird has happened to me. However, I know that some women have had bad experiences and there are some areas of the city were people say it's not safe to go especially with the dark (Bolognina, Pilastro). However, overall I think it's of of the safest Italian cities.

Posted: January 4, 2025
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Meet locals in Bologna

farangis

farangis

About Me

I'm studying Astrophysics and Cosmology Master degree. I have been living in Bologna for almost a year. I love traveling. I enjoy meeting new people, showing around, and even sharing some stories of the night sky.

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Martina

Martina

About Me

Hello girls! Nice to meet you, i’m Martina! I’m an Italian girl from Bologna, northen Italy! I downloaded this app cause i really enjoy to travel all over the world, but sometimes nobody wants to come with me… So I just go alone! Of course it would be amazing to stay with someone who loves to share cultures! I’m a gym girl, i love sports and fitness, as much as i love arts, animals, trap music…🤩 If you ever come to Bologna as well, let’s meet up! I truly love my city and i’m always very excited to show it around! Love xox Martina

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bologna

farangis

farangis

Bologna

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm studying Astrophysics and Cosmology Master degree. I have been living in Bologna for almost a year. I love traveling. I enjoy meeting new people, showing around, and even sharing some stories of the night sky.

Speaking

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Devika

Devika

Bologna

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Cue the identity crisis. Wow okay. I’ve just come to Bologna as a student at their local university. It’s such a beautiful place. I’ve decided I’m going to begin traveling more and seeing as many skies as possible. I’m 23 (will turn 24 on Jan 2, 2025) I’m from India I’m a writer, astrologer and I read tarot cards too. I have the most amazing family history and that’s what I’m in search to uncover more of <3

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Bologna

Holly

Holly

About Me

My name is Holly, I’m 22and an artist :) I love being outdoors and doing new and exciting things.

Speaking

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Safety in Italy