Best Places to Solo Travel in Italy (from a die-hard Italy solo traveler)
Solo travel in Italy is unlike anywhere else. The country is a mix of lively cities, slow-paced countryside, and coastal towns that look straight out of a dream. But if you’re traveling solo, some places will feel more welcoming, easier to navigate, and better suited for meeting people along the way.
I’ve traveled solo across all 20 regions of Italy, and I’ve learned which cities work best for independent travelers. Whether you want culture, adventure, or just a damn good plate of pasta, these are the best places in Italy to explore on your own.
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1. Florence – Walkable, Social, and Cultural
My first solo travel experience was when I moved to Italy, and my first stop was 3 weeks in Florence. Florence is a perfect city for solo travel. It’s small enough to be completely walkable but packed with art, history, and a vibrant social scene. If you love museums, wine, and meeting people, you’ll love it here.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Super walkable – You can explore the entire city on foot.
✅ Great social scene – Cooking classes, wine tastings, and hostel meetups are popular. P.S. If you’re looking for a wine tasting in the Tuscany countryside with all the logistics handled, I really enjoyed this one.
✅ Amazing views – The sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo is unreal (albeit crowded)
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Ostello Bello Firenze – Clean, fun, and great for meeting people.
- Mid-range: Hotel Cardinal of Florence – Central location with a rooftop view.
- I have a whole article dedicated to where to stay as a solo traveler in Florence here.
See my full recommendations for Florence here.
2. Rome – The Classic Solo Travel Experience
Rome is overwhelming in the best way. It’s a city where you can step into history one moment and sip wine on a quiet piazza the next. Because it’s so big and well-traveled, it’s easy to blend in as a solo traveler, and there’s no shortage of things to do.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Packed with history – Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon, you name it.
✅ Easy to meet people – Join a food tour, walking tour, or just chat with fellow travelers at a wine bar.
✅ Great for wandering – You can spend hours walking through Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto, and Monti without ever getting bored.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: The Beehive – A relaxed, friendly hostel. YellowSquare – A lively social scene with a great bar
- Mid-range: Hotel Santa Maria – A quiet, calm escape
- I have a whole article dedicated to where to stay as a solo traveler in Rome here.
See my full recommendations for Rome here.
3. Bologna – The Ultimate Foodie Destination
Bologna is criminally underrated. It has some of the best food in Italy, a thriving student population, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to explore alone. It’s small, very walkable, and has great day trips by train. To see the whole city at a slow pace, you don’t need more than 3 nights here. Add a night for a day trip.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Best food in Italy – Try tortellini en brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella.
✅ Casual and welcoming – The university crowd makes it easier to meet people.
✅ Easy day trips – Modena, Parma, and Ferrara are all close by.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Il Nosadillo Hostel – Cozy and social.
- Mid-range: Hotel Roma – Classic, central, and too convenient to pass up.
See my full recommendations for Bologna here.
4. Naples – Chaotic, Authentic, and Full of Life
Naples isn’t for everyone, but if you like cities with personality with a bit of chaos, this is it. It’s raw, unfiltered, and has some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Personally, it’s one of my favorite cities in Italy and I never shut up about it.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Insane food scene – Pizza, sfogliatella, spaghetti alle vongole… just eat everything.
✅ Super affordable – Cheaper than most other Italian cities.
✅ Perfect for adventure – Day trips to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Procida.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Ostello Bello Napoli – One of the best hostels in Italy.
- Mid-range: Hotel Potenza – Simple, central, and a great value.
See my full recommendations for Naples here.
5. Palermo – The Best Street Food and Nightlife in Sicily
Palermo is chaotic, loud, and ridiculously fun. It’s perfect for solo travelers who love food, culture, and nightlife. I freaking love Palermo.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Best street food in Italy – Pani ca meusa, arancine, and panelle are must-tries.
✅ Lively nightlife – The Vucciria market at night is something else.
✅ Gritty but charming – Palermo has a real, lived-in feel.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: A Casa di Amici – Social and welcoming with an awesome staff. Tell them I sent you.
- Mid-range: Hotel Posta – Comfortable and central.
See my full recommendations for Palermo here.
6. Catania – The Gateway to Mount Etna
If you’re more into nature and adventure, Catania is the better Sicilian option. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Palermo but still full of character. Note to solo female travelers: be aware of a repeat handful of men near Piazza dell’Elefante who persistently ask to go out with you. Ignore them, please.
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
✅ Mount Etna – One of the coolest hikes you can do in Italy. I did this guided tour, which had great tour guides and was totally worth the money for pickup and logistics.
✅ Laid-back vibe – Less chaotic than Palermo but still lively.
✅ Easy day trips – Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Syracuse are all nearby.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Ostello degli Elefanti – Chill but social and in a great location.
- Mid-range: Art & Jazz Hotel – Affordable, central, and it has Jazz in the name, so you know it’s cool.
Solo Travel Tips (Full Guide Here)
- Italy is Safe, But Stay Aware – Pickpockets exist, especially in bigger cities with high tourist concentrations. See also my guide on how not to get pickpocketed in Italy.
- Budget Smart – Stay in hostels (even private rooms if needed) or affordable B&Bs.
- Learn Basic Italian – Grazie, il conto, per favore, and Google Translate offline.
- Meeting People is Easy – Join food tours, cooking classes, or Couchsurfing Hangouts.
Stay Connected – Get an Airalo eSIM & download offline Google Maps.