Exploring Italy Solo: A Traveler's Guide

how to travel italy alone

Italy is a great place for solo travel, especially for those who love history, museums, and Italian cuisine. With good transport infrastructure and plenty of attractions, the country is a safe destination for women travelling alone.

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when travelling solo in Italy. First, be careful of your valuables at train stations in Cinque Terre and the night market in Palermo. Second, expect the occasional wolf whistle or admiring glance from Italian men, especially in the south. Third, some of the more popular destinations, such as Venice, can get very crowded during the summer months, so it's best to pre-book tickets for palaces and attractions in advance.

When it comes to accommodation, it's worth noting that hostels in Italy can be just as expensive, if not more so, than hotels and Airbnbs. Therefore, it might be worth avoiding hostels and looking into other options such as hotels, Airbnbs, or even monasteries or convents, which can be a unique and cheap way to stay in the country.

In terms of transportation, Italy has a good train and bus network, as well as ferries that operate to the islands. Walking is also a great way to get around in cities like Florence and Venice, while Rome has a good metro and bus system.

Some recommended places to visit in Italy include:

- Venice: a romantic city of more than 100 islands connected by waterways, known for its canals and bridges.

- Milan: the fashion capital of Italy, offering a paradise for shoppers and fashion enthusiasts.

- Bologna: one of the safest cities in Italy for solo female travellers, with plenty of historical sites and culinary delights.

- Florence: a beautiful and relatively safe city, known for its Renaissance art and easy walkability.

- Rome: the capital city and a popular solo travel destination, offering a wealth of history and attractions such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

- Naples: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, stunning bay area, and centuries of important art.

- Pompeii: a well-preserved ancient city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, located less than 10km from Naples.

- The Amalfi Coast: a stunning stretch of coastline with picturesque fishing villages perched on Italian cliffs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Characteristics Values
Accommodation Hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, B&Bs, agriturismo, masseria, monasteries, convents
Transport Trains, buses, taxis, boats, rental cars
Safety Trust your intuition, separate your cash and cards, be vigilant with valuables, avoid dangerous areas
Food Pizza, pasta, seafood, gelato, coffee, aperitivo, focaccia
Activities Visit museums, take guided tours, cooking classes, food tours, day trips, hiking
Clothing Cover up at religious sites
Other Learn some Italian phrases, embrace dining alone, take photos, get travel insurance

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Safety tips: Be vigilant with your valuables, especially at train stations and night markets

When travelling alone in Italy, it is important to remain vigilant with your valuables, especially at train stations and night markets. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Before your trip, make photocopies of all your important documents, such as your passport, ID cards, insurance cards, credit cards, and rail pass. Store these copies separately from the originals in a safe place. Additionally, keep digital copies of these documents by scanning and emailing them to yourself.
  • When boarding the train, try to get on as early as possible. Look for compartments with other backpackers, families, or business professionals. If you are a solo female traveller, opt for compartments with other women. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, don't hesitate to change compartments.
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings while on the train. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, and distribute your cash and cards across different pockets or bags. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, preferably one that can be zipped or buttoned up, or in an inside jacket pocket. You can also use a money belt for added security.
  • Be cautious of groups creating a commotion, as this could be a distraction for pickpocketing. Avoid anyone trying to hold your hand or wrist, as they may attempt to steal your watch or wallet.
  • When sleeping on the train, use your daypack as a pillow and keep your passport, cash, and rail pass on your person. If your cabin has a lockable door, remember to lock it before sleeping.
  • Always double-check your surroundings and the area around your seat before getting off the train to ensure you haven't left any valuables behind.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings when in train stations, as these are common places for pickpocketing due to tourists being distracted by finding platforms or train information. Do not leave your bags unattended unless you are using a luggage storage office.

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Venice: Don't be deterred by its romantic reputation—it's just as magical alone

Venice is a top-of-mind destination when travelling to Italy, known for its 100 small islands and many canals. It is a gorgeous city in Italy, famous for its gondolas, canals, and architecture. It is a walkable city, with no cars, and is very safe for solo female travellers.

  • The locals are friendly and helpful, so don't be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations.
  • Venice can be budget-friendly if you do it right. The most expensive part will be your accommodation, but there are plenty of budget-friendly food options.
  • Getting lost in the city is one of the best things to do alone in Venice. There are lots of small alleys and bridges to explore, and you're sure to find interesting spots off the beaten path.
  • Take a food tour or a cooking class to meet people and learn about Italian cuisine.
  • Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see modern art and attend events.
  • Do a guided boat trip to the islands of Murano and Burano.
  • Learn how to row a gondola or take a shared gondola ride.
  • Stay in Venice proper – it will be cheaper and more convenient.
  • Eat dinner around 8 pm to fit in with the locals, who dine later than in North America.
  • Consider staying in a hostel to meet other travellers.
  • Take a day trip to Verona or one of the nearby islands.
  • Visit the Royal Gardens for a relaxing walk.
  • Take a street food tour to discover Venice's culinary delights.
  • Do a self-guided tour of the city with a downloaded app.
  • Learn some Italian phrases to help you get around and connect with locals.
  • Join a Facebook group for solo female travellers to find travel buddies or advice.

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Florence: A beautiful, relatively safe city that's easy to walk around and get lost in

Florence is a beautiful, relatively safe city that's easy to walk around and get lost in. The city is known for its Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments, with plenty of museums to visit, such as the Museo Galileo and the Uffizi Gallery. The breathtaking Duomo, with its iconic view from the Piazzale Michelangelo, is a must-see.

Florence is a relatively safe city to explore, with a low crime rate compared to other bigger Italian cities. The local police are professional and dedicated to keeping the city safe. However, it's always important to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas like train stations, where pickpocketing is common.

The city is quite compact and walkable, making it easy to get around on foot. You can stroll through the historic streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and discovering hidden gems. The city centre, with attractions like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, is within walking distance of each other.

Florence also offers great shopping opportunities, especially on Via de' Tornabuoni, where you can find beautiful jewellery with the fleur de lis symbol as a souvenir.

When it comes to dining, don't be afraid to embrace eating alone. Many restaurants in Florence offer casual dining, and you can always opt to sit at the bar if you feel uncomfortable.

Florence is also a great place to meet other travellers. Staying in hostels or joining guided tours and cooking classes can be a great way to connect with people.

Overall, Florence is a wonderful city to explore, with its combination of art, history, and culture, set against a backdrop of stunning architecture. It's a city that invites you to wander and get lost, making new discoveries around every corner.

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Rome: Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish

Rome is the country's capital and one of the most popular destinations in Italy. The city is full of liveliness, with amazing historical structures at every turn, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most well-known fountains in the world, and it is surrounded by fascinating myths and rituals.

The tradition of tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is believed to have originated from an old pagan ritual of making offerings to the water gods. The act of throwing a coin is said to ensure your return to Rome, with each coin tossed representing a different wish. According to local lore, tossing one coin will bring you back to Rome, tossing two coins will help you find love, and tossing three coins will lead to marriage in the Eternal City.

To toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish, follow these steps:

  • Stand with your back to the fountain: Position yourself facing away from the fountain, ready to make your wish. This action symbolizes letting go of the coin and allowing the fountain to receive it.
  • Use your right hand: It is customary to use your right hand to toss the coin, signifying the act of giving and ensuring good luck and a safe return to Rome.
  • Make your wish: Take a moment to reflect on your desires and dreams. Make your wish silently or whisper it softly to yourself.
  • Toss the coin over your left shoulder: Extend your right arm behind you and toss the coin over your left shoulder, aiming for the central basin of the fountain. As the coin descends, feel a sense of hope and anticipation.
  • Reflect on the moment: After tossing the coin, pause to appreciate the significance of the act and the connection to the ancient traditions associated with the fountain.

The coins collected from the Trevi Fountain are not just wishes—they also contribute to charitable efforts. Each day, over 3,000 Euros worth of coins are collected and donated to Rome's Catholic Charity Caritas, which uses the money to provide food, shelter, and social programs for the city's poverty-stricken communities.

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Transport: Italy has a good public transport system, making it easy to get around

Italy has an excellent public transport system, making it easy and affordable to get around. The country is relatively small, and distances are reduced, especially when compared to larger nations like the US or Australia.

Public transport is a great option for those travelling on a budget. Single bus and subway tickets are very cheap compared to other European cities like Paris or London, and won't cost more than a couple of euros.

There are several train options available, from high-speed trains to slower, regional trains. A high-speed train journey from Rome to Milan, for example, takes around three hours and can cost over €100. However, slower trains are available for less than half of that price. Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca trains are the fastest and most expensive, with first and second class options, and top-quality facilities including free wi-fi, newspapers, and a restaurant. If you're looking to save money, choose a slower Regionale train, which Italians use daily to commute, or an Intercity train, which is somewhere in the middle.

There are also several options for travelling longer distances, including planes, coaches, buses, and cars. Italy has a well-developed railway network, making it possible to reach even the most remote locations while enjoying the scenery. High-speed trains make travelling between big cities even easier. For example, you can get from Milan to Rome in just over three hours. These trains are also comfortable, with services such as free wi-fi, catering, assistance for disabled people, childcare, transport for pets, and bicycle storage.

If you're looking for a more scenic option, you can travel by coach or bus. These pass through beautiful views and unique panoramas, from the sea to the mountains, and are a great way to see the smaller jewels scattered throughout Italy.

For maximum freedom, you can also travel by car. European driving licenses are recognised in Italy, but citizens travelling from non-EU countries will need an international driving permit (IDP). There is a comprehensive motorway network, with two main motorways connecting northern and southern Italy: the Autostrada del Sole (A1) and the Adriatica (A14). Tolls are charged on these motorways, which can be paid by cash or credit card, or with a Viacard, a magnetic card that can be used at automatic and manual toll gates.

Overall, Italy's public transport system makes it easy and affordable to get around the country, with a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Italy is a very safe country for women travelling alone. However, it is still important to be vigilant with your valuables, especially at train stations and night markets.

Italy has a good public transport system, with an extensive train and bus network. It is easy to get around the major cities, with efficient metro and bus systems in Rome, for example.

Italy has something for everyone. If you're a history buff, you can visit ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Art lovers can admire Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, such as the Uffizi Gallery. Foodies can indulge in the local cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and gelato. And nature enthusiasts can explore the Dolomite Mountains, Lake Como, or the Amalfi Coast.

It is recommended to bring a money belt to keep your cash and cards safe. Additionally, bring comfortable walking shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking, especially in walkable cities like Florence.

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