Italy was one of the first countries I visited as a wide eyed solo traveller over 30 years ago, and I have returned more times than I can count. It has an easy rail network, solo friendly dining and enough history, art and food to fill a lifetime of trips.
It’s one of the best places to travel alone, even for your first solo trip.
Below are my favourite solo travel destinations in Italy, plus two ready made itineraries, and my honest take on safety and the downsides nobody mentions.
Best Solo Travel Destinations in Italy (A to Z List)
Drum roll, please. Here are my favourite places to visit in Italy as a solo traveller. As I have visited all of these awesome destinations – some more than once – I can vouch for every one.
1. Bologna
Food is Bologna’s calling card. Elegant Bologna, in the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lends its name to ragù alla Bolognese, the dish that spawned spaghetti Bolognese.
Bologna’s culinary delights don’t end here. Many of Italy’s most iconic foods hail from this region: cured meats such as prosciutto and mortadella, fresh stuffed tortellini, world-class parmesan (DOP Parmigiano Reggiano), balsamic vinegar (DOP Balsamic di Modena), and local wines, including Lambrusco, Pignoletto and Barera.
But it’s not just about tantalising your taste buds. Bologna’s medieval centre is also home to Europe’s oldest university and is famous for its 38 kilometres of UNESCO-listed porticoes. As this is where most of its basilicas and piazzas are located, it is easy to get around on foot.
In my most recent trip, I stayed here for five days, using it as a base for day trips to Ferrara and Modena.
2. Cinque Terre
Solo travellers to Italy are in for a treat here. It’s like five holidays in one small stretch of coast.
What makes the Cinque Terre one of the best places to travel alone in Italy is ts the number of free things to do in a small area. The main one, and also the best way to get around, is walking between the villages.
Trails link them from the hills above, past old fortresses and vineyards looking out over the Ligurian Sea. The 12km Blue Path connects all five villages.
You can walk, eat, swim and watch the sea. Doing la passeggiata in the early evening, eating gelato and meeting other travellers is mostly what you’ll be doing here. You’ll always feel safe as a solo traveller, and on the trails you’ll pass someone every few minutes.
Cinque Terre is a sensuous place.
You can stroll, eat, swim and just gaze out to sea at the beauty of one of Italy’s most scenic locations. Walking in the early evening (la passeggiata), eating gelato and meeting other travellers is mainly what you’ll be doing here. Unless it’s midnight, as a solo traveller, you will always feel safe, and on the hiking trails, you’ll meet someone every few minutes.
Vernazza, is a UNESCO site and one of the most colourful villages, and a favourite for photographers. By the water is the 14th century Santa Margherita d’Antiochia church with its octagonal tower, next to a small port, the main piazza and the market. Winding lanes connect small plazas in this pedestrian only village, so it stays compact and free of large chain hotels.
Suggested by Monique of TripAnthropologist
3. Florence
Florence is an excellent choice for your first solo trip to Italy. It’s the ultimate destination for art, architecture and history lovers.
Of all the places you should visit while in Florence, don’t miss Palazzo Vecchio, where the powerful Medici Family used to reside. If you love art, the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti should be on your list. To see sculptures in Florence, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, Orsanmichele Chruch and the Bargello Museum.
But Florence is a work of art outside the galleries, too. Take your time to walk the streets and admire its beautiful piazzas, the Duomo and Giotto’s Campanile. Explore the street markets, and maybe pick up a leather bag or a pair of soft gloves.
If you are looking for more social activities, take advantage of the best this region has to offer and try a cooking class or a wine tasting. Tuscany is famous for fabulous food and wine.
Florence is also a perfect base to take some day trips. See the leaning tower in Pisa, taste the amazing food in Bologna or explore rural Tuscany.
Suggested by Anda of Travel for a While
4. Milan
One of the best places to travel solo in Italy is Milan.
The sophisticated capital of Lombardy has a lot to offer, with its focus on shopping and fashion, it’s a great place for those travelling alone, as you can spend your time exploring Milan’s boutiques instead of its bars.
If you’d rather meet people while travelling solo, tthere are plenty of tours to join, including some tours of Milan at night. Don’t miss the Duomo, Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall. The Navigli Canal area and Sforzesco Castle are also worth a visit.
Suggested by Stephanie of History Fangirl
5. Naples
Don’t let Naples’ reputation put you off. It can feel chaotic, and I’d hesitate to send a first time solo traveller here, but it’s one of the most fascinating and historic cities in Italy.
From Naples Cathedral to the lavishly decorated San Domenico Maggiore Church, it has more churches than you can shake a stick at (more than 450 to be precise). It is home to one of the great museums of the world, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, housing an extensive collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. Add in underground tunnels, catacombs and a UNESCO listed historic centre, and you’ve plenty to fill a few days.
This is the birthplace of pizza, and one of the things that you must do in Naples is to snack on a slice of this world-famous Italian food.
It is also the ideal base from which to explore the Amalfi Coast. Replenish your supplies of limoncello in Sorrento, explore the Blue Grotto on the idyllic island of Capri or explore the Roman sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
6. Orvieto
Orvieto is so much more than a handy stop on the journey between Florence and Rome. With its small-town feel, relaxed and friendly vibe, affordable accommodation and excellent food and wine, it’s ta good spot to slow down for a few days. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in Umbria.
Orvieto has a clutch of excellent attractions, starting with its cathedral. Duomo di Orvieto is striking inside and out, and houses a fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli. The hilltop town’s history stretches back to the Etruscans, and its museums and necropolis tell that story well.
Orvieto is also an excellent base for day trips to other towns, including Arezzo and the unforgettable Civita di Bagnoregio.
7. Padua
Even if you have just a passing interest in art, you shouldn’t skip visiting Padua. This is where you’ll find the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), home to one of the most celebrated fresco cycles in the history of art. I’ve seen it twice and would go again in a heartbeat.
Paintings depicting the lives of Christ, Mary and Mary’s parents wallpaper the walls of this small 14th-century chapel. Sculpted with light and colour, they offer a sneak preview of the Renaissance one hundred years before it took off.
Padua was also home to Friar Anthony of Padua, one of Christendom’s most popular saints. Pilgrims still visit to see his tomb.
If you’re a history buff, walk in the footsteps of Dante and Galileo through the ancient university. But my vote goes to sipping an Aperol Spritz under a shaded portico by the cobbled squares.
And with its excellent connections, Padua is easy to reach from Venice, Verona and Vicenza. Why not combine these cities into one awesome itinerary?
8. Perugia
Umbria is one of my favourite Italian regions, and Perugia, its capital, is a good base for exploring it. I’ve visited a few times, first for the annual Chocolate Festival, and later to explore nearby Spello and Assisi.
Perugia draws a fraction of the visitors that Florence and Rome see, and is all the better for it. Start with the Palazzo dei Priori, whose frescoes match many famous galleries. Then lose yourself in the underground medieval city beneath Rocca Paolina.
San Lorenzo Cathedral looks plain from outside but holds the alleged wedding ring of the Virgin Mary. Outside, the circular Fontana Maggiore is one of Italy’s finest medieval fountains.
The National Gallery of Umbria houses works by Perugino and Pinturicchio without the crowds you’d meet elsewhere, and San Severo has an outstanding Raphael fresco.
On my last visit I timed it with the Perugia 1416 festival, marking the year Braccio Fortebracci entered the city and the start of the Renaissance era locally. The streets filled with smiling locals in medieval costume, from peasants to noblemen.
9. Puglia
Puglia, or Apulia, occupies the heel of Italy’s boot. It is steeped in history, influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Normans, but most people are lured here by its beaches and the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello.
The downside of visiting Puglia is that its rail network is thinner than in other regions of Italy, so many visitors hire a car. During my week there I had to plan journeys carefully and lean on local knowledge. It’s no longer a quiet secret either, so expect other travellers.
But your reward for heading this far south is a collection of iconic and beautiful destinations.
Start with Alberobello’s trulli, those cone-shaped buildings that look like Smurf villages.
Lecce earns its “Florence of the South” nickname through baroque architecture carved from golden limestone.
I based myself in Monopoli, roughly halfway along the Puglian coast. From here, it was a short train journey to Ostuni’s whitewashed old town and Polignano a Mare.
Puglia’s food scene is legendary, revolving around orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese and olive oil. Washed down with a first-rate glass of Primitivo, of course.
10. Rome
All roads lead to Rome, and that’s true for solo travellers to Italy’s capital. It is full of ancient, Renaissance and modern treasures to explore: the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain could easily fill days on their own.
Enjoy a stroll along the Tiber River, wander the cobbled streets of Trastevere, and then head to Villa Borghese for some shade. Stay in the historic centre, a safe and easy base for exploring Rome’s landmarks on foot, with your daily cappuccino steps from the Spanish Steps or Piazza Navona.
If you’re craving company, join a food tour and taste your way around the city. You’ll stop at several different eateries and try Rome’s best pizza, pasta and gelato, with a few glasses of wine, of course.
Suggested by Katy of Untold Italy
11. Venice
Don’t let Venice’s reputation as a romantic city put you off. La Serenissima is one of the best solo travel destinations in Italy.
This floating city of 118 islands and 177 canals needs little introduction. Its main sights, the Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal and St Mark’s Square, form the tourist centre, but much of the joy of visiting Venice is wandering without a plan through its backstreets, away from the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to get a little lost.
Art galleries and museums make good solo pastimes, and Venice has plenty, from the grand Doge’s Palace to the smaller Museo della Fondazione Querini Stampalia. If you have time, take a vaporetto to Murano for glass blowing, or Burano for lacemaking and candy coloured houses.
Or explore further afield with a day trip to Verona, Padua, Lake Garda or Vicenza, all reachable by train.
12. Verona
When Venice’s crowds wear you down, head to my favourite city in the Veneto.
As the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona has become a symbol of love across the globe. But sticking to Verona’s Romeo & Juliet sites alone is doing this medieval city a grave disservice.
It has a wealth of Roman ruins, including its immense amphitheatre, Arena di Verona, which is the setting for the city’s renowned annual opera festival.
Verona’s historic centre has courtyards filled with flowers, Renaissance balconies and faded frescoes. Stop for an Aperol Spritz in Piazza delle Erbe and you may not want to move on.
It’s a highly walkable city, so a day covers the highlights, though I’d stay longer if you can. Good rail links make it an excellent base for day trips. I did an easy day trip to Lake Garda by train on my last visit, and Padua and Vicenza are good choices too.
13. Vicenza
Vicenza is also in the Veneto region, roughly halfway between Padua and Verona and within easy striking distance of Venice. It’s an excellent stop on a Northern Italy itinerary and is less touristy than its better-known neighbours.
This UNESCO-listed city is one of Italy’s most distinctive. It is widely known as the city of Palladio, the Renaissance architect whose style spread across the world, from the White House to English country homes. Palladio’s buildings top the list of best things to see in Vicenza, but there’s also an attractive old centre, a fine park and quiet squares for an Aperol Spritz.
Solo Italy Itineraries
Here’s how to knit these places together. Think of these as frameworks to tailor to your own interests. I never hire a car in Italy, so both work well if you’re exploring Italy by train
Classic 10-day itinerary for first-time visitors
This itinerary includes Italy’s most iconic cities—Venice, Florence, and Rome—which you can use as bases for day trips to other nearby destinations.
Classic 14-day itinerary
Two weeks is enough time to see the best of Italy at a relatively relaxed pace. It’s a point-to-point itinerary from Venice to the Amalfi Coast (both Venice and Naples have major international airports).
Is Italy Safe to Travel Alone?
Italy is one of the safer European countries for women travelling alone, and in all my years visiting I’ve never felt threatened. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Your main risks are pickpockets and the odd pushy street vendor, and your biggest decision is whether to have gelato for breakfast again.
What women travelling alone should know
- Street harassment exists but follows predictable patterns. Yes, you might encounter the odd catcaller, particularly in larger cities like Rome or Naples. But it’s typically more performative than threatening, and Italian women have perfected the art of the dismissive eye roll or wave of the hand. Follow their lead.
- Train stations require extra vigilance. Areas around major train stations tend to be dodgier, especially after dark. It’s not that they’re dangerous per se, but they do attract a more unsavoury crowd.
- Tourist areas have their own ecosystem of minor crime. The Spanish Steps, Colosseum and St. Mark’s Square are magnets for pickpockets who’ve turned bag-snatching into something approaching an art form. Ditto the infamous No. 64 bus to Rome’s Colosseum, dubbed the “Pickpocket Express” (a friend was robbed on this bus). These thieves aren’t violent, just opportunistic.
My top safety tips for female solo travellers in Italy
- Don’t dress like a tourist. Ditch the flip flops and obvious tourist kit. Italian women dress simply and well, so clean lines and neutral colours will serve you better than cargo shorts.
- Secure your things like a local. Bulky backpacks are a giveaway. I use a crossbody bag with anti-theft features, worn across the front of my body, and keep copies of important documents separately.
- Use common sense on transport. Italy’s trains are safe, but avoid empty carriages late at night and move if someone makes you uncomfortable. Regional trains can get lively on Friday evenings, loud rather than dangerous.
- Learn a couple of phrases. “No, grazie” said firmly works well. “Lasciami in pace” (leave me alone) is your last resort.
Disadvantages of Solo Travel in Italy
Before you start planning your Eat, Pray, Love moment, let’s have a reality check. Whilst Instagram makes it look effortless, solo travel in the Bel Paese comes with a few challenges that no amount of carefully curated photos can hide.
Your wallet will feel it. Accommodation hits harder when you’re flying solo. Your Room With a View fantasy of bagging an Arno-facing room? You’ll pay the same price a couple would split between them.
This solo “tax” is unfair, but that’s the way it is. You’ll feel it most acutely in popular destinations like Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast.
Transport costs don’t scale down. That private transfer from Rome airport to your hotel costs the same whether you’re alone or with three friends. Day trips become particularly expensive when you can’t split taxi fares or private guide costs.
Thankfully, small group tours are available (I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book), and public transport will take you most places you want to go.
Everyone wants your spot – Peak season means peak misery at major attractions. The Sistine Chapel in August feels less like a spiritual experience and more like being trapped in a highly decorative sardine tin. I know it’s stating the obvious, but do yourself a favour and try to visit outside peak season.
Photography becomes an exercise in patience. Getting that perfect shot of the Trevi Fountain without 847 other people in it requires the persistence of a wildlife photographer and the patience of a saint. At least couples can take turns holding the camera.
Restaurant reservations can be surprisingly tricky. Popular restaurants often prioritise groups over solo diners, especially during busy periods. You’ll find yourself eating dinner at 6 pm like a schoolchild or 10 pm like a Spanish person, simply because those are the only slots available for one.
Why you should visit Italy alone
Italy has had centuries of tourists, so its infrastructure is well set up for solo travel: accommodation for every budget, restaurants everywhere, an extensive rail and bus network, and English widely spoken in tourism hotspots. Major destinations connect easily by train with Trenitalia and Italo, with buses filling the gaps. Read my guide to train travel in Italy for more.
There are well worn tourist traila, so locals are used to solo visitors and you won’t be the only foreigner around. If it’s your first trip, sticking to this trail isn’t a bad idea. You can go further off it once you’ve found your feet.
What keeps pulling me back is the history: Roman ruins, medieval architecture, Renaissance art and modern design, all within reach of each other. You could see Renaissance art in Florence, ancient Rome and the Amalfi Coast in one trip without much effort.
Dining out alone isn’t easy everywhere, but Italian food culture makes it simple, from standing at a coffee bar to a casual trattoria. And having grown up around Italian food, Italian cinema and its art, most visitors arrive already half familiar with the place.
Ordering pizza or pasta comes naturally. Just don’t drink a cappuccino after 11am or ask for wine with your pizza.
Above all, Italians are warm and welcoming, and that goes a long way when you’re travelling on your own.
Italy Solo Travel: Final Thoughts
Italy is an exceptional country for those travelling alone for the first time, but also reaps rewards for more experienced solo travellers. If it’s your second or third time around, you are likely to have the confidence to explore more off-the-beaten-path regions like Aosta, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Calabria and Abruzzo. And more challenging cities like Naples will hold no fear
Italy’s biggest danger to solo female travellers isn’t crime, it’s the risk of falling so completely in love with the country that you’ll spend the rest of your life comparing every other destination to it. I know I have. Consider yourself warned.
I’VE WRITTEN THIS ITALY SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE!
A 100+ page ebook to inspire and equip solo travellers with the confidence and knowledge to explore Italy independently
- Plan Your Trip – with curated itineraries, budgeting and how to get around
- Explore Awesome Destinations – guides to the must-see cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples
- Stay Safe as a Solo Traveller – practical safety advice, empowering you to confidently navigate Italy and avoid common pitfalls
- Enjoy Eating Out in Italy – essential tried-and-tested solo dining tips
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.