Italy
Welcome to your cosy little corner of the internet for everything you need to explore Italy with confidence as a solo female traveller! Here you’ll find all of my best Italy travel tips, detailed itineraries, and travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Planning A Trip to Italy? start here:
KEY FACTS ABOUT ITALY
→ Language: Italian (but English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
→ Currency: Euros (€)
→ Capital: Rome
→ Timezone: Central European Time (CET)
→ Plug Type: Type C, F and L (aka European two pin or three round pins)
→ Emergency Number: 112
→ Transport: Excellent train system, especially between major cities
→ Solo Travel Vibe: Slow travel, with beauty, culture and carbs around every corner!
WHY ITALY IS PERFECT FOR SOLO TRAVEL
If you’ve been daydreaming about cobblestone streets, Aperol spritzes at sunset and losing yourself in art, culture, history and plenty of gelato, Italy is the perfect destination for your next (or first!) solo trip.
After travelling to 24+ countries in Europe, I genuinely believe Italy is one of the best countries in Europe for solo female travellers. It’s got that magical mix of fascinating culture, amazing food, breath-taking scenery and slower travel vibes that makes every day in Italy feel more than a little bit like being in a movie scene!
But what I love most as a solo female traveller? Italy is incredibly easy to travel solo.
Whether you’re enjoying the buzz of city life in Rome, wandering the canals of Venice, joining the world’s most fashionable in Milan, or sipping wine in Tuscany, you’ll find kind locals, reliable trains that connect almost every major town and city, and a rhythm of life that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your trip, rather than rush through it.
Katie’s Top Tip: Pick 2–3 regions max for your first solo trip to Italy. It’s super tempting to try to cram everything into one trip, but Italy was made for slow travel!
MY TOP ITALY SOLO TRAVEL TIPS
- Learn a few Italian basics. Even just “buongiorno” (good morning) and “grazie” (thank you), go a long way – plus locals will appreciate the effort!
- Trains are your best friend. Italy’s rail network is generally fast, affordable and connects both major cities and smaller towns. Top tip: Always book high-speed routes (like Trenitalia or Italo) in advance for the best prices.
- Always validate your ticket. Especially on regional trains, you’ll need to stamp your paper ticket before boarding – look for the green and white machines near the platforms.
- Dress like a local. Italians are stylish and blending in will make you feel more confident. You don’t need to dress fancy, but avoid wearing things like gym wear or flip-flops unless you’re at the beach.
- Be confident eating alone. Italy is one of the best places to dine solo – and it’s totally normal!
- Stay central, even if it costs more. Being close to the historic centre or main train station makes walking everywhere easier and safer – especially at night.
- Download offline maps. Google Maps saved my sanity more than once on my first solo trip to Rome, when I’d run out of data without realising!
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, whether it’s a taxi driver or a stranger being overly familiar, don’t hesitate to walk away or say a firm “no.”
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Italy’s regions are incredibly diverse and are all worth visiting in their own right. But here are my top picks for solo female travellers:
Rome – The Eternal City is perfect for solo female travel, with iconic landmarks, walkable neighbourhoods, and great food (pasta and gelato, anyone?!) around every corner.
Florence – Florence is relatively compact and has a fascinating culture. If you’re an art lover, Florence is a must-visit in Italy.
Venice – Yes, it’s romantic. Yes, it’s very touristy. But it’s also well worth visiting and incredibly beautiful when explored solo in the early morning or late evening. Bonus points if you travel during the off season!
Cinque Terre – Cinque Terre is made up of 5 colourful cliffside villages and jaw-dropping coastal hikes. This part of Italy is perfect if you love nature and want somewhere a bit more peaceful (in Spring or Autumn, anyway!)
Naples – If you’re feeling confident and want some chaos with your coastline, Naples is a more gritty place to visit in Italy. Plus, you’ve got the iconic Vesuvius and Pompeii nearby to explore!
Puglia – For a slower, beachy vibe with fewer tourists. Puglia has charming beach towns and centuries old cities in abundance!
FAQS ABOUT SOLO TRAVEL IN ITALY
Is it safe to travel alone in Italy as a woman?
Yes! Italy is generally safe for solo female travellers, but like anywhere, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings. The most common issues are petty theft (especially in touristy cities like Rome and Naples), and occasional catcalling, which is very annoying but typically not threatening.
I’ve walked alone after dark in cities like Florence, Venice and Rome, and felt totally safe. Just use the same common sense you would at home: don’t flash valuables, keep your bag close, don’t take deserted shortcuts after dark, and always trust your gut.
What’s the best time to visit Italy?
Italy is beautiful all year round, but each season has its perks:
Spring (April–June) – Warm but not over-crowded. Ideal weather for sightseeing and exploring.
Summer (July–August) – Very hot, especially in the inland cities. Coastal areas are buzzing with tourists, and many locals leave Italy to go on holiday in August. Expect much higher prices too.
Autumn (September–October) – My favourite time! Fewer crowds, still warm weather and the perfect time to explore both city and coast.
Winter (November–March) – Quieter, cooler and more local. Great for city sightseeing in Rome and Venice, or skiing in the Alps.
Can I visit Italy on a budget?
Absolutely! Italy can be surprisingly affordable if you plan your trip wisely. I mean, sure, some cities are more pricey than others, but you can still save big on transport, food and accommodation:
– Trains are cheap, especially regional or if you book high-speed tickets in advance.
– Street food is amazing everywhere in Italy!
– Free attractions like churches, piazzas and scenic viewpoints can be found everywhere in Italy.
– Budget-friendly cities like Bologna, Palermo, Bari or Lecce offer just as much charm and great day trip options for less.
How to Get to Italy
Italy is well-connected by air, land, and sea, so it depends where you’re coming from:
Flying – Major airports include Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE), and Naples (NAP). From the UK or elsewhere in Europe, most airlines fly direct daily.
Train – Coming from nearby countries? You can reach Italy by high-speed train from Switzerland, Austria, France or Germany.
Bus – FlixBus and other long-distance coaches connect Italy with much of neighbouring Europe. A good budget option, but slower.
Ferry – If you’re coming from Greece or Croatia, ferries to places like Bari or Venice are a scenic choice.
A FINAL NOTE
I hope this little Italy hub has helped you feel excited (and well prepared!) to plan your own Italy adventure. Whether you’re marvelling at the iconic Colosseum in Rome, exploring Italy hidden gems, or hopping between cities on the train, I promise this country has so much to offer as a solo female traveller!
→ Still have questions? You can always send me an email. 💌
