Solo Travel In Italy – Best Destinations & Tips!

Thinking of travelling solo in Italy? Well, I’ll start by saying I’ve done it and I recommend it! Italy is one of the most popular countries to visit in the world known for its breathtaking historical sites, world-class museums, and outrageously delicious food.

But is solo female travel in Italy all it’s cracked up to be? In this guide, I’ll summarise the pros and cons and share my tips for visiting. I’ll also dive into the best places to travel by yourself in Italy from north to south.

ITALY ESSENTIALS

Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld

Getting there: flight / car / bus / train

Getting around: car / bus / train

Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator

Food experiences: EatWith

Read next: my tips for solo travel in Europe

Good things about solo travel in Italy

• Italy is relatively safe – Wisevoter have ranked it the 31st safest country in the world making it very safe for solo female travel
• It has great infrastructure, hostels and tours where you’ll meet other solo travellers
• There’s great public transport from trains to buses so you’ll have no problems getting around.

Challenging things about solo travel in Italy

• Italy can be expensive especially in the summer months (and particularly in the north), plus you need to book in advance which can be annoying if your plans change. One of the downsides of solo travel is that it can be more expensive, meaning those travelling alone may feel the brunt of Italy’s heightened summer costs.

Read next: 30 best places in the world for solo female travel

Is Italy safe for solo female travellers?

In a word – yes!

Italy is a relatively safe country; the worst thing you will face is pickpocketing in big cities. Although I’m not saying that’s necessarily a ‘small’ thing: I know first-hand how inconvenient it can be to have your phone and bank cards stolen when travelling alone (that’s a solo Vietnam travel story).

For that reason, I suggest bringing a secure cross-body bag especially when you’re in big, touristy cities like Rome. Just bring out what you need for the day and don’t carry unnecessary amounts of cash or all your cards; I usually leave a spare at my accommodation (in a locker if I’m staying in a dorm). Follow these tips and it’s a perfectly safe place for solo women travelling in Europe!

It’s worth also researching common scams in Italy so you’re prepared.

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo female travel safety

Staying connected online

Understandably, you might want to stay connected while travelling solo beyond going on hostel Wi-Fi. Although Italy is safe, I find having mobile data makes me feel safer everywhere because I know I can download maps, access transport directions and call an Uber if I need to exit any situation, especially at night.

I recommend Airalo, an e-SIM platform allowing you to download SIM cards online for various countries before visiting and connect as soon as you arrive. A real game-changer! They have Italy packages (for 7-30 days) as well as a Euro SIM that covers 39 countries. This may be more economical if you plan to visit other countries, too.

As a relatively safe country, there aren’t too many places you can’t visit alone in Italy. But some are better than others depending on what you’re looking for. Stick to the big cities if you want to stay busy with endless attractions and meet other travellers through activities and hostels.

On the other hand, there are places for solo travellers in Italy (such as the lake towns and countryside regions) where you can enjoy nature and feel introspective without so many distractions. It just depends what you’re in the mood for!

Sadly, I haven’t been everywhere in Italy yet (don’t worry, it’s on the list!) hence I called in some other trusted solo female travellers to share their recommendations. After my top picks, I’ll share their favourite places, too, so you have plenty to choose from.

Best places for solo travel in Northern Italy

The north of Italy has incredible lakes, must-visit cities, and even spectacular coastline.

Places to add to a North Italy itinerary for solo travellers include…

Venice

Venice is a city that divides the masses and I’ve heard people say it’s the most overrated city they’ve ever been to, while others have told me it’s so beautiful they cried when they laid their eyes on it. What do I think? Well, provided you have the energy for it and your wits about you, Venice is a ball!

You will walk for hours and miles every day in Venice amongst the alleyways heaving with tourists. You will see some of the most spectacular sights of your lifetime and eat some delicious things. Oh, you will get so, so ripped off around St Marks’s Square (eat anywhere else!). You’ll probably notice how dirty the city is. But it’s one of those places I think you have to see in your lifetime!

Read next: 2 day Venice itinerary

Good things about solo travel in Venice:

• All the snacky cicchetti – small bites at casual cafes mean there’s no need to go for an awkward candlelit dinner for one. It’s also easy to find takeaway food, like €3 pizza slices at Farini or €10 seafood cones at Frito Inn  Seriously, food is everywhere!
• You walk everywhere on the island since cars are not allowed, so there’s no need to pay for taxis for one. Also, it’s easy and cheap to get a bus across the bridge from the mainland (where I presume you’ll be staying unless you’re on a budget)
• There’s so much to see and do that you definitely won’t get bored or think about the fact you’re alone!

Things to do alone in Venice

• Ride the ferry to Murano and Burano – the ferry ride is a fun and affordable way to see Venice, and the islands are beautiful. Visiting Burano is like walking through a rainbow, while Murano is known for its spectacular glass. The glass museum is worth a visit and so is a glassblowing workshop.
• Visit St Mark’s Bascilia – this monument dating back to the 8th century is one of the most popular places to visit, so get there early to line up! Entry to the interior is free, or you can buy a ticket including the rooftop, museum, skip-the-line entry and guide.
• The Doge’s Palace – the palace of the ex-magistrate is a sight to behold dripping with gold and fancy art. Your ticket includes the chance to walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs.
• Go up the Campanile for a bird’s eye view of the city.
• Find Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore and take a photo in the static gondola bobbing out back. No need to splash out on an expensive gondola ride for one!

Where to stay in Venice: I stayed at AO Hostel Venizia Mestre 2 on the mainland, seconds from the bus stop that takes you to the island for around €2. So convenient! It’s a clean, modern base with dorms from €29 and private rooms from €50. You can compare it with other Venice hostels on Hostelworld.

Milan is a city that gets mixed reviews from travellers with many saying it’s boring or too posh. Indeed, it’s one of the more expensive cities in Italy but I enjoyed seeing how the other half live and window shopping the fancy boutiques.

Read next: 2 day Milan itinerary

I took a fascinating free walking tour in Milan then went for one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had (at All’Antico Vinaio) with a new friend from the tour. Browsing the fancy Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall is a must and the Duomo Cathedral is a real wonder.

There are pleasant parks in Milan like Sempione Park and some unusual attractions like Monumental Cemetery (where the graves are elaborate, arty temples) and the Vertical Forest skyscrapers covered in plants that reminded me of Singapore.

Read next: is Milan worth visiting?

There’s enough to do in Milan to keep you busy and some casual, budget eats. At Aldente Pastabar, you’ll pay €10 for pasta, a drink and dessert!

Tip – although I hate everything about Starbucks as a corporation, there’s only one place in central Milan to use the bathrooms, Wi-Fi and top up your water bottle for free, and it’s their store. I used it regularly and got my coffee elsewhere!

Where to stay in Milan: I loved YellowSquare Hostel with two restaurants, a bar and yoga studio inside! Although it’s a social base, the beds (each dorm bunk has its own light and plug socket) make for a good night’s sleep. Check availability from €30 per night or browse all Milan hostels on Hostelworld.

Verona is a historic city in the north of Italy, known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Although it’s just an hour from the modern, glitzy city of Milan, this small city is utterly charming – a complete contrast! It’s worth visiting both to compare.

Explore Verona Arena dating back to 30 AD, visit Juliet’s house and balcony, and climb or catch the cable car to Castel San Pietro for the best views in town, aside from possibly those from Torre dei Lamberti (€6 entry).

Like everywhere in Italy, there’s great food in Verona: my highlight was unusual red wine risotto.

Where to stay in Verona: the Hostello is one of the best hostels I stayed in during my solo travels in Italy with spacious rooms, a garden, modern kitchen and relaxation area. Check availability from €25 per night or browse all Verona hostels on Hostelworld.

Renowned for its stunning scenery and alluring lakeside villages, Lake Como is a great place for solo female travellers in Italy thanks to the quiet towns and friendly locals that provide a peaceful and stress-free experience.

The region boasts historic villas, churches and museums, alongside chances to hike, bike and explore by boat. When it comes to food, there’s no shortage of restaurants and cafes to try authentic Italian cuisine: Trattoria San Giacomo is a budget-friendly standout in Bellagio. Don’t miss a wine tasting at Aperitivo Bar across the road before dinner.

Make the most of Lake Como by spending a few days exploring the various towns dotted around the lake’s edge with the well-connected ferry service. Staying in Como provides a broader choice of affordable accommodations from hostels to hotels.

Where to stay in Como: the best option for those on a budget is Ostello Bello Lake Como with bunks from €28. You get a welcome drink and free coffee and tea, plus the staff are super friendly, earning it 9.6 stars on Hostelworld.

Recommended by Bronwyn of Bronwyn Townsend.

Tuscany is a safe region with wonderful local culture to explore. There are a wide range of group activities and fun things to do for solo travellers like Vespa tours and bike tours in Tuscany, some including wine tasting at a vineyard!

To experience a charming medieval city in Tuscany, head to Siena, where you can drink Aperol Spritz on Piazza del Campo, the famous shell-shaped square where the medieval Palio Festival takes place in August. Explore the Duomo complex to meander through masterpieces of none other than Michelangelo and Donatello. You might also enjoy Lucca with its medieval city walls and charming old town.

A smaller place to visit is San Gimignano, a typical Tuscan town. Climb Torre Grossa for sweeping views of Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards. If you drive, make sure to stop by Monteriggioni, a tiny walled town that can easily be visited in under an hour.

Another must on a road trip is driving around Val d’Orcia where you can admire the iconic Cypress trees. Most places in Tuscany can be visited on group tours from the cities which is a great way to meet other solo travellers in Italy.

Recommended by Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers.

Florence

Florence is a great destination for those travelling alone in Italy because of the sheer number of attractions. You can spend a day in Florence walking around the old town which feels like an open-air museum.

Start the morning with a visit to the imposing cathedral and the Duomo, which gets crowded later in the day. Climb the bell tower to get beautiful views of the city and stroll through the impressive city squares. Don’t miss the famous Uffizi Gallery and Galleria Academia (but make sure to book your ticket in advance).

The sunset views over River Arno while crossing the old bridge, Ponte Vecchio, are fabulous. Head to Piazza Michelangelo in the evening for the best views of the city.

Sitting at any of the cafes in the squares and watching people while sipping coffee is a delight in Florence. The city also offers some of the best gelato in Italy.

Where to stay in Florence: you can rely on the YellowSquareFlorence with a rooftop pool or Ostello Bello Firenze which is a funky modern hostel with beds from €35. Browse all hostels in Florence on Hostelworld.

Recommended by Shweta of Zest in A Tote.

For solo travel in Italy, the capital is a must-visit, home to one of the New Wonders of the World. Rome is a safe city to visit, but keep your eyes open for scams and never leave your belongings unattended as pickpockets are active. 

If you just have 2 days in Rome, hit the most important landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. From there, head to Piazza Venezia for the Altar of the Fatherland: its terrace offers one of the most impressive views in the city.

On your way to the historic centre (home of Trevi Fountain, Campo de’ Fiori and the Spanish Steps) stop at Largo di Torre Argentina where there’s a cat sanctuary!

On your second day, visit the Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Then walk to Castel Sant’Angelo, where the highlight is the view of St. Peter’s. From there, it’s an easy walk to Trastevere, one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Rome.

For the best traditional cuisine in Rome, try Felice A Testaccio: its tonnarelli cacio e pepe are legendary.

Where to stay in Rome: for a reliable hostel in several Italian cities, go for Yellow Square with beds from €29. Compare all Rome hostels on Hostelworld.

Recommended by Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across The World.

Located on the Italian Riviera coastline, the name Cinque Terre literally means ‘5 lands’, primarily because the area is made up of 5 different villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. 

Solo female travellers in Italy will find these fishing villages delightful places to explore, and incredibly safe.

One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is the hike between the five villages along the coastal path with postcard-perfect views the whole way. The trail itself isn’t too difficult (although there were a few steep parts) and there’s a shop about halfway selling fresh orange juice.

As well as hiking, simply exploring the villages is worthwhile. Find secret spots and get lost within the winding alleyways. Other highlights include boat trips and delicious seafood restaurants.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre: with great reviews, Hostel Ospitalia del Mare have dorms and privates for not much more, while Mar-Mar have dorms for under €25. Browse all options in Cinque Terre on Hostelworld.

Recommended by Alice from Adventures of Alice.

Best places for solo travel in Southern Italy

The cheaper and more relaxed south of Italy is idyllic with beautiful weather and divine Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s where to head…

The Amalfi Coast, nestled in the sun-soaked embrace of Southern Italy, offers a perfect blend of safety and adventure. The enchanting cliffside villages like Positano and Amalfi provide a secure environment for exploration, accompanied by a variety of hostels and hotels.

With panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is the ideal place for solo travellers who love hiking and gorgeous beaches with a mix of historical gems like the Amalfi Cathedral and the many villas along the coast. I recommend doing a cooking class while in the area, or simply dancing the night away at Music On The Rocks, a cave club with scenic views in Positano. 

Getting to the Amalfi Coast is part of the adventure with options including a scenic drive (or bus ride) along winding coastal roads or a relaxing ferry ride from Naples. Whether strolling through charming villages, exploring historical landmarks or savouring local cuisine, the Amalfi Coast promises a delightful solo travel experience, where safety, beauty and adventure merge on the stunning Italian coastline. 

Recommended by Meryl of Merryl’s Travel & Tricks.

Where to base on the Almafi coast? I recommend…

Salerno

If you’re looking for a safe seaside city suitable for solo female travel in Italy, head to Salerno at the base of the Amalfi Coast. Unlike the small towns loaded with tourists and high-priced hotels, in Salerno, you’ll hear less English and find everything more affordable and the people friendlier.

In Salerno, there’s a real sense of community. Witness it every evening during the ‘passagata’ when everyone takes their pre-dinner stroll down the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. There’s also a wonderful coastal path along the shore of the city that offers beautiful Mediterranean views, especially at dusk when it’s perfectly safe to walk alone.

As a Roman colony in 197 BC, Salerno is an important historical city with plenty to see such as its 11th-century cathedral. Afterwards, go to the Minerva Gardens for the vista. You’re close enough to take the ferry to Amalfi or Positano and the views from the ferry alone are worth it.

Another reason to visit Salerno: some of the best food in Italy! Enjoy Caprese salads, seafood pasta, Neapolitan pizza and sfogliatella pastries. And don’t forget the limoncello! 

Where to stay in Salerno: there’s more in the way of B&Bs in Salerno than hostels but that’s ok because prices start from €22. Browse them on Hostelworld.

Salerno recommended by Denise of Chef Denise.

Naples is one of the best places to travel solo in Italy. Yes, it’s loud and chaotic, but it’s safe. It’s a city of art, history, architecture, delicious food and affectionate people. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re an art lover, 10 museums and over 40 art galleries await you in Naples. Over 400 historic churches and 50 palaces can satisfy any architectural thirst. In addition, if you dream of sleeping in a palace, you can do it in Naples; some of them are Airbnbs and B&Bs now!

As the home of pizza, Naples is a city of fabulous food. Gino e Toto Sorbillo is a Michelin-starred pizzeria in the heart of the historic centre known for some of the best pizzas in Naples. It’s always full with long queues, for good reason!

However, the culinary scene is not only about pizza. Try traditional minestrone soup, frittatina Napoletana (pasta omelette), zuppa ‘e cozzeche cu ‘o rrusso (spicy mussel soup) or casatiello bread. Joining a food walking tour to explore the culinary delights is one of the top things to do in Naples!

Where to stay in Naples: there are endless hostels in Naples (browse them on Hostelworld) but you can’t do better than Tric a Trac with bunks from €20 and sparkling reviews.

Recommend by Milijana of World Travel Connector.

West of Sicily

Trapani is a quaint city tucked away in West Sicily. The old town is set on a peninsula surrounded by vibrant blue seas on each side. It’s an ideal destination for solo travellers in Italy, especially if you’re looking for some tranquil self-time away from bustling cities. 

The city offers a wide array of accommodation options catering to various budgets although for the most immersive experience, staying in the Old Town is recommended so you’re right in the heart of the photogenic cobblestone streets and historic architecture with restaurants, bars and amenities. 

The West of Sicily often gets overlooked, as most visitors flock to the east coast and the areas surrounding Mt Etna, however, there’s a multitude of lesser-visited gems in this region. Easy day trips include the medieval hilltop town of Erice. A short cable car ride from Trapani takes you to the top, where you can meander through the charming streets and enjoy the tranquil ambience.

For beach lovers, island hopping to the Egadi Islands is a must. These islands, accessible via short ferry rides from Trapani, boast some of the most pristine beaches in the region. The azure waters and white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for relaxation or adventure-filled water sports.

Further afield is the city of Marsala famed for its wine, as well as the photogenic city of Mazara del Vallo. Finally, be sure to explore the Arab district – it looks just like a little Morocco! For history buffs, a trip to Selinunte Archaeological Park to explore the ancient ruins is a must.

Trapani’s direct airport access ensures hassle-free travel, making it an even more appealing destination for solo expeditions.

Where to stay in Trapani: although there are no hostels, there are lots of B&Bs with private rooms from €3. Not too bad at all!

Submitted by Becki from Meet Me In Departures.

Is it expensive to solo travel in Italy?

In a word, yes, it’s pretty expensive but it depends on where you’re comparing it to. It’s much more expensive than travelling alone in Asia or Eastern Europe and I even found parts of Portugal cheaper. But compared to the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordics, it’s cheap in Italy.

I noticed a lot of blogs quoting around €150 a day as an average daily cost for Italy. It may be the average but you can do it way cheaper – I did! If you visit in off-season and stay in hostels, eat snaky food rather than at restaurants, and take public transport around, you can do a solo trip to Italy on €50 a day. Of course, having a higher budget will allow you to enter more attractions and maximise the trip.

Budget tips

There are plenty of countries in the world where it’s cheaper to stay in big cities because there’s a wider variety of affordable accommodation options such as hostels. However, the touristic cities in Italy do get very expensive during the summer, especially those in the north.

If you’re on a budget, it can be cheaper down south. If you don’t mind some alone time, you’ll get better bargains in quiet places than you will in a city like Milan or Rome!

Budget tips for Italy:

There are plenty of ways I make friends when travelling alone. Here are a few…

• Stay in hostels – there are brilliant ones in Italy! The YellowSquare hostels in Rome, Florence and Milan have amenities like yoga studios and restaurants inside. Hostelworld is my go-to for researching and booking hostels
• Day tours and activities – companies like GetYourGuide and Viator have SO many options in Italy from food tours to cooking classes and day trips to regions hard to access by public transport. You can also find cool things to do on Airbnb Experiences
• Use Facegroup groups like Girls Love Travel to connect with other female travellers who are visiting at the same time as you
• Join the locals for an aperitivo after work – 6-8pm is when to sip Italian beverages like Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Campari along with small snacks. Who knows who you’ll meet!

Tips for solo travel in Italy

• Brush up on your Italian – although lots of people speak English (especially if they work in tourism), basic Italian phrases will help you
• Download offline maps (Maps.me or simply Google Maps) if you’re out and about without a local SIM card
• Get in your own photos – you want photos of your adventures, after all! Use my guide to solo travel photography for tips
• Avoid peak season and weekends – especially when visiting popular attractions. I scheduled my rest days for weekends then visited busy places early on weekday mornings
• Get used to dining alone – no one is thinking about you, I promise, and you don’t want to miss out on all the amazing food! Of course, if it’s your first time travelling alone and you’re feeling nervous, you can eat snacky foods like chichetti, maximise bakeries and get takeaway pizzas.
• Geek up on your Italian coffee order – a cafe macchiato is a little coffee with a drop of milk while a latte macchiato is a regular-sized latte with milk. And don’t order just a latte as it will be a glass of milk!

Best season to visit Italy alone

I highly recommend shoulder season of spring (March to early June) and autumn (late September to early November) because prices are lower and places are less crowded.

If you must go in high season (the summer months of mid-June to mid-September), I urge you to book as far ahead as possible and get up early to explore before it gets too hot and crowded.

What to pack

• Comfy footwear – you’ll need it during busy days!
• Microfibre quick-drying towel – ideal if you have limited luggage space
• Security: a handy bum bag with secure zip
• Combination padlock (ideal for hostel lockers)
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack (women’s).

Travel insurance

Just because Italy is safe for solo travel, it doesn’t mean you should skip travel insurance. Illness and injuries can occur anywhere, and so can petty crime like pickpocketing of your valuables.

I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked.

Last time I claimed, they paid out within 2 days! Get a free quote in 2 minutes.

For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.