Tips for Solo Travel in Italy: From an Expert • Anthony in Italy

Introduction

If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about traveling solo in Italy. If that’s the case, I couldn’t be more excited for you. My first solo travel experience was when I moved from the US to Italy at 29 years old. That was 2.5 years ago, and since then, I’ve traveled to all 20 Italian regions, mostly solo. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned so you can hopefully explore Italy like I did—by experiencing the popular landmarks with fellow travelers, while also discovering authentic places and unique experiences.

A man smiles with the Amalfi Coast in the background, wearing a black 'Atlanta' t-shirt and a backpack.

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1. Safety Concerns: Is Italy Safe for Solo Travelers?

The short answer is yes. Of course, as a 6’4” male, my experience may be different than that of a 5’4” female, but I’ve been out in large cities late at night and never felt unsafe or experienced anything sketchy. However, the answer lies in the data. As I’ve detailed in my article “Is Naples Italy Safe?“, you were more likely to get murdered in Hilton Head, South Carolina, in 2019 than anywhere in Italy.

Crime Stats Comparison: The rate of robbery in Italy is about half of that in the US, while rates of rape are about one-eighth. That said, pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded tourist areas. My advice? Be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t put valuables in obvious places.

Note for Female Travelers: I’ve met plenty of solo female travelers in Italy, and their experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. For more insight, check out my article 7 Questions for Female Solo Travelers to Inform and Inspire You. That said, from what I’ve heard and observed, Italian men can be very assertive, often to the point of harassment. If you’re not interested, stand your ground and be firm.

2. Budget Tips: How to Save Money as a Solo Traveler

Accommodations: My go-to choice is hostels. They’re cost-effective, often centrally located, and provide the perfect environment to meet fellow travelers. If dorm rooms aren’t your thing, many hostels offer private rooms, or you can find budget-friendly private rooms on Booking.com. Check out my list of the best hostels I’ve stayed at in Italy for recommendations.

Strength in Numbers: For activities like tours or shared expenses, it’s smart to make friends. For instance, gondola rides in Venice have a flat rate, so my sister and I saved money by teaming up with a couple from the UK.

Where to Travel Solo in Italy

Click the link for each destination to see my specific recommendations for that destination.

Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Italy

Rome: The Eternal City has endless historical sites like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Pantheon. I recommend staying in Trastevere for its mix of cobbled streets, local restaurants, and lively nightlife. Because it’s so big and well-traveled, it’s ideal for solo travelers.

Florence: Perfect for art lovers and history buffs. Lose yourself in the Uffizi Gallery, climb the Duomo, and catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on your own terms, and it has great night life as well with awesome bars, restaurants, and a lively social scene.

Venice: Getting lost in Venice’s maze-like streets and canals is part of its charm. Honestly the city itself is all you need to see.

Naples: Authentic southern Italy at its best. Whether you’re diving into pizza margherita or grabbing a sfogliatella, you’re in for a treat. Stay close to the city center to be in the heart of all the action.

Amalfi Coast: Generally travelled by couples and families, the Amalfi Coast is a great place for solo traveling. Just know there aren’t hostels on the Amalfi Coast, so you’re unlikely to meet fellow travelers in this area. Take a group hike on the Path of the Gods for breathtaking views and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.

A man stands on a terrace overlooking Naples and Mount Vesuvius, wearing sunglasses and a scarf on a clear day. — *Naples is a great solo destination – check out the volcano!*

Less-Traveled but Great Spots for Solo Travel

Palermo: The capital of Sicily is a chaotic yet charming city. Explore Palermo Cathedral, lively street markets, and the Vucciria street market at night. I absolutely love love love Palermo. I’ve met some really cool people there, too.

Perugia: A hidden gem in the heart of Italy. Walk through the medieval city center, relax in Piazza IV Novembre, and enjoy views from Porta Sole. Be sure to try Umbrian dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragù. Perugia really is a museum everywhere you look.

Bologna: Known as Italy’s food capital, Bologna offers a rich culinary experience. Its flat layout makes it easy to explore by foot or bike. Don’t miss a food tour!

Trieste: With its coastal views and blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, Trieste is a unique destination. Visit historic cafes and try local dishes like jota (bean and sauerkraut soup).

4. Language Barriers: Navigating Italy as a Non-Italian Speaker

Common Phrases to Learn: Italians appreciate any effort to speak their language. Start with basics like “Ciao” (hello), “Grazie” (thank you), “Dov’è…?” (Where is…?), and “Il conto, per favore” (the check, please). I used the Coffee Break Italian podcast to pick up essential phrases.

Using Apps: Google Translate is a lifesaver. Be sure to download the Italian language pack for offline use.

If you want to read more about how you can learn Italian like me, check out my post How I Learned Conversational Italian in Less than a Year (as a normal person)

5. How to Stay Connected

SIM Cards and eSIMs: For longer trips, consider getting a local SIM or using an eSIM provider like Airalo. It’s reliable and can save you from hunting for Wi-Fi. You can get 15% off an eSIM with Airalo here. If you are just going on a short trip, an international day pass from your home carrier will be more convenient.

Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi isn’t always easy to find, so having a mobile plan is key. Be sure to download offline maps of your destinations on Google Maps for backup.

guy looking down at phone with Amalfi Coast in the background

6. Meeting People While Traveling Solo

Cultural Meetups: Join group tours, cooking classes, or local events. During my first week alone in Italy, I attended an international friends meetup in Florence and met other travelers and locals that I still keep in touch with.

Hostels or Airbnb Experiences: Hostels are a great way to connect with others. Even if you’re not staying at one, check out the bulletin boards for events or walking tours. Many hostels have bars open to the public, so pop in and see what’s happening.

For more tips about staying in hostels, check out my blog post 15 Practical Tips For Staying in Hostels.

Couchsurfing and Apps: Couchsurfing Hangouts is a great way to find other travelers and locals interested in meeting up. I once met a cool guy from Canada in Rome through the app, and we spent the day wandering around the city. Bumble BFF is another option that seems to be popular with female travelers.

Me playing foosball in Florence with a group of fellow travelers — *Foosball with fellow solo travelers at a meetup in Florence!*

7. Solo Travel Mindset: Embrace the Experience

Confidence Tips: Solo travel is a chance to explore freely and focus on yourself. I’ve learned to enjoy wandering aimlessly, following whatever catches my eye.

Handling Loneliness: There will be moments of loneliness, and that’s okay. Try journaling, taking photos, or planning a group excursion to balance solitude with connection.

Dining Alone: Dining solo is something I’m no stranger to. In Italy, it’s rare for locals to dine alone, but it’s never stopped me. Download a podcast or audiobook and enjoy your meal. One of my favorite things to do is walk around a new city while listening to Anthony Bourdain’s audiobooks like Kitchen Confidential or World Travel. His stories make solo wandering feel more immersive.

That’s all for Now

Italy is a fantastic place for solo travelers, filled with history, beauty, and culture. With the right preparation, it can be an unforgettable experience. I sincerely hope you found value in this article and that you feel equipped and inspired to embrace the solo travel experience in Italy like I did. If you’re planning your solo trip, explore more of my posts on AnthonyInItaly.com for hostel recommendations, itinerary ideas, and travel resources to make your journey memorable.

Happy travels!