How to Solo Travel Italy: The Ultimate Guide

Italy has delicious food, amazing history and culture, picturesque cobblestone streets, and mind-blowing architecture and art. It’s a beautiful country with amazing weather and friendly people. It is, above all, one of the best places for solo travel, no matter your interests. I had my first solo trip (ever) in Italy, and it was spectacular. It definitely wasn’t perfect, as most first-time experiences aren’t, but now, I can share how you can solo travel to Italy, too!

Learn what makes Italy great for solo travel, where to go, how much you need to solo travel Italy, and more in this solo travel guide. You’ll also get essential safety tips and Italy travel tips, too. So, why solo travel Italy?

Why Visit Italy for Solo Travel?

Italy is one of the most popular countries to visit globally, seeing more than 50 million tourists in 2023. And it’s no surprise. Italy has great weather and friendly people, making it a great solo travel destination. The more pleasant you can make the experience, the better. Especially in the U.S., we learn about the Roman Empire early on and dream of someday seeing the ancient ruins. So, it makes sense that Rome is one of the top 5 vacation destinations for U.S. citizens. But besides being a great overall destination, it’s also perfect for solo travellers.

Italy is undeniably gorgeous, with heaps of fantastic history and art, delicious food, and a laidback lifestyle, all of which make for great solo travel. You can spend hours in dozens of museums and galleries alone, going at your own pace rather than matching with someone else.

If you’re not a museum person, you can walk around the city, as most of the main Italian cities are extremely walkable. You can walk along a river, through a park, see famous landmarks, and more. Thanks to this variety of scenery, you will never get bored simply by wandering around the streets of Florence or Venice.

Simply put, there’s something for everyone. You can spend all your time in the big cities, absorbing the culture and the hustle and bustle, or seek out one of the many breathtaking hiking trails near the borders of Italy, Switzerland, and France.

Things to Do in Italy Solo

Here are just some of the many amazing things to do in Italy solo!

Eat all the Fresh, Delicious Gelato and Pasta. Eating alone is always better when you eat good, tasty food. Italy is famous for its fresh, no-frills food and cuisine, and you can’t go wrong with some of the cheapest and freshest gelato or pasta in the world.

Be Mindblown at the Colosseum. It is one of the most iconic structures in the world, and you can walk around in it and even tour inside.

Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain. The famous green-blue waters of the Trevi Fountain are calling your wish into it! It’s ultra-famous for taking photos, as it’s one of the most iconic landmarks that signify that you’re in Italy.

Hike the Dolomites. This breathtaking trail takes you next to and through the impressive and beautiful Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO Outstanding Universal Value mountain range with outstanding natural beauty.

Be Starstruck at the Sistine Chapel’s Ceiling. Michelangelo’s famous Renaissance frescoes decorate the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, and it will literally take your breath away. When you enter the chapel, you hear a collective gasp of everyone walking through the door. It’s a must-see when you’re in Italy.

Relax at Lake Como. This beautiful lake just north of Milan is the area where celebrities own vacation homes. It has crystal blue water and gorgeous mountain scenery. It’s a popular spot for day trips from nearby cities like Milan and is perfect for solo trips.

Best Places to Solo Travel in Italy

All the main cities in Italy are great for solo travel, with good public transportation, many things to do, and an English-speaking population. Smaller Italian towns might be more challenging to navigate, with limited transportation and fewer English speakers. Here are some of the best places to solo travel in Italy (which I’ve personally been):

• Milan: The finance and fashion center in Italy. It’s like the New York of Italy—lots of companies have headquarters in Milan, and it’s more of a business city, but it still retains a lot of its culture and history. There are so many things to do in Milan. See the Duomo, the Last Supper, and the old castle. Spend a day or two here seeing the attractions and dip your feet into Italian life. It’s a great starter city for those who have never been to Italy or your first time solo travelling.
• Florence: The heart of the Renaissance. Florence has an impressive amount of Renaissance art and architecture that will impact your mind. The Statue of David, the Uffizi Galleries, the architecture… All of it is so beautiful, and it’s a must-see on your solo travels. It’s also highly walkable, so you only need it if you are going to and from the airport. Florence is also the best place to stay and take day trips to other areas in Italy, like Pisa and Cinque Terre.
• Rome: Italy’s capital city! Who doesn’t want to see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, or Trevi Fountain? They’re synonymous with travel to Italy and famous landmarks you probably have had on your bucket list for years. It’s one of the best places to see and walk through ancient history that you’ve probably only seen in textbooks. It’s very surreal!

Is it Safe to Solo Travel to Italy?

Italy is generally pretty safe, but you’ll need to exercise more caution in the bigger cities. For example, there are some areas in Milan you need to be more careful in, like near the main train stations and tiny alleyways. Italy, as a whole, is much safer than most American cities (we suck at safety, haha).

You will feel secure and safe walking outside during the day or at night, as you aren’t worried someone will hurt you. Violent crime is relatively low, and there is a police presence in all the major cities. You only have to worry about petty crimes, like stealing a phone or wallet. Just exercise caution at night and in touristy areas for petty crime.

Because Italy is safer, it’s ideal for solo travel. I cannot guarantee that you won’t be bothered or harassed (it’s never truly safe anywhere in the world), but for the most part, you’ll have a smooth experience without worrying about safety.

My Experience: I’ve never feared for my life. In the two weeks I traveled solo around Italy, I felt okay even at night. If I were out at night, I would be more aware of my surroundings and use common sense. And in crowded areas, I kept my belongings close to my body.

Here are my solo travel safety tips every woman should know.

Do People Speak English in Italy

In big cities, most people know basic English, but in smaller ones, it might be harder to come by English speakers, especially ones that don’t have many foreign tourists. If you order in a restaurant, most waiters will know basic English to get you what you want, and it’s helpful if you know the word in Italian so you can point and use your fingers for quantity.

Mostly, the younger generation knows better English than the older generation. If you go to a new, trendy coffee shop, chances are the person taking your order will know decent English.

However, a more local spot might have few waiters who speak English. However, as long as you are polite and put an effort into communicating, people will receive your efforts well.

Tips for Getting Around the Language Barrier. You can use translation apps to facilitate the speaking and interacting process. Make sure to download the app beforehand and, if available, download an offline version of Italian, so if you find yourself without service, you can easily communicate.

If you’re trying to make reservations, and you’re staying at a hotel, you can ask the front desk to help you reserve for you.

Note: Don’t assume people will speak English; always try to greet in Italian, Italy’s national language. It’s considerate and polite to learn basic Italian!

Is There a Lot to Do in Italy?

As mentioned, Italy has so many things to do. You have museums, art galleries, hikes, viewing points, food tours, shopping, cooking classes, cafe hopping, etc. You’re talking about one of the most famous countries with famous art, culture, and landmarks. No matter what your travel interests are, there is something for everyone.

Each city in Italy also specializes in something different. Milan is perfect for fashionistas, shoppers, and people who like big metropolitan cities. Florence is for travelers who love art, culture, the Renaissance, and architecture. Rome is for people who like history and archeology.

Italy is an excellent destination for an all-around solo trip to experience some of everything.

Do I Need a Visa?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy for stays under 90 days. However, you may need a visa waiver once the ETIAS visa arrives mid-2025. But thanks to the Schengen zone, Americans do not need a visa.

Before you go, double-check that your passport is valid. Your passport should still be valid for 3-6 months by the end of your trip. You’ll also need two blank pages for stamps in your passport. If not, you won’t make it past the airport check-in or security.

Is Meeting Other People Easy?

You can easily meet people who are traveling solo in Italy. Italian people are pretty friendly, and you’ll strike up conversations with waiters, strangers on the street, shop owners, and more. Especially if you speak English, many Italian people are eager to practice English with tourists.

You’ll also mingle with other tourists, who you can easily chat with if you’re both experiencing the same attraction. It’s easiest to meet other people through tours, where you’re sharing an extended time together.

If you stay in a hostel, you can also meet other solo travelers who might want to explore with you.

My favorite way is to stay with a host or host family, which guarantees you a friendly and helpful face during your entire stay in Italy. It’s easiest if you are solo and can find an Airbnb where you rent a room in a family or person’s apartment or house.

How Much Does a Solo Trip to Italy Cost?

Comparing Italy to other destinations like France, England, or Denmark, a solo trip to Italy is relatively affordable. Food and goods in Italy are about a third cheaper than other countries. For example, a cappuccino in Italy costs me USD 2 versus the same would be USD 6 in England or Denmark.

The most expensive thing for a solo trip to Italy (and travel in general) is housing. The average price for a room in an Airbnb in a central Italian city is around $35-45 USD. So, you’ll pay about $500-600 USD on average for two weeks.

The flight can vary depending on when and where you fly from. For example, it’s a hundred or two hundred dollars more to fly from the West Coast vs. the East Coast of America simply due to distance.

The nice thing is that Italy is relatively cheap for food, souvenirs, etc. Museums are expensive and rack up, so it’s better to look at museum passes or cards if you plan on visiting many museums. I bought all my tickets separately.

How Much I Paid for My Solo Trip in Italy: I spent $1500 USD on all-inclusive expenses for two weeks solo in Italy. Here’s the price category breakdown:

Item	Price
Airbnb	$625
Flight	$450
Attractions	$199
Food	~$350
Total	$1624

So for a similar solo trip to Italy, you should save about 2000 USD.

Note: Solo trip finances can be more expensive than going with more people because you can’t split any expenses. For example, if you take an Uber that costs USD 15 by yourself, you have to cover 100% of the cost vs. with two people, you split it in half.

How to Solo Travel in Italy

Here’s all you need to know about solo travel in Italy.

Know What You Want to See

You could visit hundreds of small towns and cities in Italy, but obviously, there’s not enough time (or money) to visit them all. Pick where you want to go and prioritize what you want to see. That way, your Italy itinerary will be much easier, smoother, and less overwhelming.

Also, accept that you won’t be able to see it all!

Travel is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t overfill your itinerary. Plan for what you must see on your trip, then list things you would like to see in case one of the main items falls through. Plus, leave some room for spontaneity!

Take Breaks

Leave room in your itinerary for chill days and downtime. On my first-ever solo trip, I learned the hard way that the human body cannot walk 20k+ steps a day, recover on minimal meals, and have zero rest.

Not every day should be a filled itinerary day where you’re walking across town to see five different things. That’s exhausting!

Rest is necessary for our bodies to recover and be able to travel long-term, not just over three days. It might feel counterintuitive to relax during travels when you want to see and do everything. But trust me, you need it.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Language Barrier

It may be stressful to navigate a foreign land and a new language during your travels, especially if you are solo. You might find yourself awkwardly trying to order, having a hard time communicating with a local, or being unable to read any signs or posters.

It’s okay to feel anxious in these situations, and know that it’s very typical! Most of the time, people want to help understand what you’re trying to do or say.

So, learn some basic Italian and perhaps have a translating app ready. Plus, communication is not just verbal! Overcoming communication difficulties is just a part of travel.

Go Around Different Cities

If it’s your first time in Italy, visit different cities! The train system in Italy is great and can get you to almost anywhere. It’s also the best way to get from city to city, especially from larger cities or doing day trips from your trip base.

Plus, you’ll definitely want to see different sides of Italy, from history to art to business.

Book Communal or Private Accommodations

When traveling solo, you can book communal or private accommodations, meaning you can stay in a hostel or get your own room at a hotel or Airbnb. You can also get a private room in a hostel if you want the social aspect and privacy.

Besides hostels and hotels, you can also do a farm stay, au pair, couch surfing, or an English teaching program. A farm stay is where you live on a farm and get provided housing and food in exchange for labor. It’s an economical way to experience Italy uniquely, plus you get the convenience of not having to pay for necessities. The downside is that it can be far from large cities.

An au pair is when you stay with a host family while caring for their child(ren). In exchange, you get housing and usually receive a stipend or salary. You’re essentially an at-home nanny, but abroad.

Plan Early

Italy is a very popular destination, meaning that attractions, train tickets, and restaurants have increased demand but not increased supply. So, if there are attractions and items that you really want to see in Italy, like the Colosseum or the Statue of David, make sure to plan ahead.

Sometimes, tickets will sell out ahead of time or only be purchased online. So, if you show up without a ticket or try to buy one in person, you will be turned away. And you don’t want to be disappointed, especially since you came all this way!

This also applies to housing! The earlier you book accommodation, the cheaper it is, and you’ll also have more variety in picking.

A few people I know don’t plan anything and show up in a foreign country and figure everything out. I wish I could do that, but I would have so much anxiety, haha. Do whatever suits your traveling style best!

Book Day Excursions

A great way to explore Italy solo is by booking day excursions from major cities like Rome or Florence. Especially if you are stressed about taking the correct train, planning the logistics of when things are open, etc. You can easily find a day tour to popular places like Pisa, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and more.

Tours will usually pick you up, drop you off at meeting points, and share the history of the place you are visiting.

It’s a nice treat to be taken around for once during solo travels! You can also meet other people on tours. I’ve met a handful of friends just from tours.

How to Combat Loneliness

Loneliness is never discussed during solo travel, but it’s a shared experience!

It’s very common to feel lonely, especially when it’s your first time. The best solution is to make friends or talk to people to combat it. Social interaction helps us feel connected and less alone.

If it’s hard to socialize, whether the language barrier or anxiety, try connecting with people back home. It seems counterintuitive, but missing our closest friends and family only signifies your love for them.

How to Make Friends

Making friends and connections is one of the best things about solo travel, but it can be challenging. The easiest way to make friends is to take a tour or class, like the mentioned day excursion, or find a class on an activity you’re interested in. There are plenty of cooking classes in Italy or a food tour of the best spots in a specific city.

The tours and classes are the best because you are with people with the same interests as you, making it easy to start a conversation and meet them outside of the tour or class.

Here are 5+ other ways to make friends while traveling solo.

Book a Tour or Travel Package

If it’s your first time traveling solo, and you’re unsure what to expect or how to start, book a travel tour or package. The tour provider will handle everything, including accommodation, itinerary, attractions, food, etc. So, it makes your first time solo traveling much easier, as you won’t have to stress about planning or logistics.

The downside is that you don’t have as much freedom or flexibility in your travel plans with a tour, but you can always stay in Italy longer once the tour is over to try your hand at solo travel.

How to Get Around Italy

Each city has its own public transportation network, which is pretty reliable. But the best way to get around Italy is by train. Small towns might not have robust public transportation, but the train system is great and can get you from any city or town.

You can take the train from Milan to Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Venice, and even smaller towns like Sorrento. There are high-speed trains and local trains which you can combine to make a trip.

But by far, walking is the best and better way to explore cities once you’re there. Italy is incredibly walkable, with lots of pedestrian streets and green spaces. City centers tend to be compact, so walking is often the only way to get around, especially since the roads get congested or there might not be roads in the center.

You can always buy train tickets at train stations from ticket machines or the counter. However, I advise you to buy them ahead of time online so you don’t want to rush to the station early to purchase tickets.

Are People Friendly in Italy?

Very! Italian people are pretty friendly and open to chatting with strangers. People working in hospitality are especially friendly, like waiters, Airbnb hosts, hotel front deskers, shop owners, etc. People are always curious about what I’m doing in Italy by myself and then commenting how courageous it is to travel alone.

I am Asian American, so I always have a little anxiety in terms of sticking out, especially going somewhere where I am a minority and am wary of discrimination or racist comments. But in Italy, I personally didn’t experience it that much, except for one man (definitely drunk) who shouted in my direction, but I quickly walked off to my destination. Otherwise, people are pretty friendly!

All my hosts were incredibly friendly and lovely, and the Italian people were some of the most hospitable.

What to Eat + How to Solo Dine

Italy is the place for food. With espressos, pastries, fresh pasta, panini, and more. Here are some things you have to try when you’re in Italy:

• Cannoli
• Pasta
• Tiramisu
• Gelato
• Panini
• Espresso
• Regional Specialties: Florentine Steak in Florence, Cotoletta alla Milanese in Milan, fried artichokes in Rome, etc.
• Seasonal Dishes: Most restaurants in Italy have seasonal dishes of the day or week featuring fresh veggies. It’s a meme where tourists can never find vegetables when they travel to Italy, but trust me, the Italians eat a lot of veg.
• Grocery Store Food: I love exploring local grocery stores wherever I travel to see what the locals eat and buy. It’s a great way to see local snacks and produce and how people shop.

How to Eat Alone. When you’re solo, you’ll inevitably eat alone, which can be scary at first. But if you start gradually, you can work your way up to enjoying eating alone! In Italy, eating is a very social thing. This is not to say that people don’t eat alone at all, but if you go out, most of the time, people eat with at least one other person.

Just know that no one will bat an eye or look at you weirdly for eating alone. If you want less friction by asking for a table, you can always make a reservation beforehand. Or you can take food and eat it in a park or return to your accommodation.

Here are five other ways to make eating alone less stressful!

Tip: Avoid restaurants with English signs outside; they cater to tourists! These restaurants aren’t bad and can save you in a pickle if you’re exhausted, but you’ll find much better and cheaper food elsewhere.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Italy is in the spring or fall. They’re the shoulder travel seasons, meaning fewer people will be in the popular cities and sites. Generally, flights and accommodations are also cheaper, so for a better price, you get a less crowded experience. Also, the weather is much better and pleasant. However, it is cooler in the North vs. South.

Summer is hot in Italy, and it’s also when most people travel to Italy since school is out and all the families have summer break vacations. But most of Europe doesn’t have air conditioning, so you’ll suffer from heat and crowds.

However, it can be busier during spring break when both schools and universities are out. Venice, in particular, also has its famous Carnival in spring, so it’s the busiest time of year. Otherwise, spring and fall are the ideal times to go to Italy.

What to Wear in Italy

It depends on the season, but generally, Italy follows standard European fashion, with more formal casual clothing and a more put-together look when you step outside the house.

In summer, wearing shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, or more revealing clothing is normal. Breezy, flowy fabrics are popular because they allow you to cool off faster. Skirts and dresses are also popular.

Italy doesn’t get too cold, so wearing basic layers and pants is key. Wear clothing that goes well together by sticking to a color scheme and mixing and matching your outfits.

In the cities, people tend to wear more traditional colors like black, brown, white, etc., but you’ll find people wearing all sorts of colors.

The most important thing to wear in Italy is comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking a lot, and the last thing you want to worry about is your sore feet.

What to Bring

For an international trip, here is a list of the essentials to bring and what to pack on your vacation. These are basics for every trip, including your solo travel to Italy. You, of course, need your important documents like passports and visas, a travel adapter, credit cards, clothing, and personal items.

It’s pretty much the same for solo travel, but if you’re staying in a hostel, you might need to bring a small, compact microfiber towel, padlock, earbuds, and eye mask.

Some underrated items to bring on a trip include an airtag for a checked suitcase and over-the-counter medication like stomach or headache medicine.

Tips for Solo Travel in Italy

Here are my best tips on how to solo travel in Italy (along with all the information in this article):

• Book tickets ahead of time (attractions and train).
• Validate your public transportation tickets.
• Walk away from the crowds if you get overwhelmed.
• Avoid main train stations at night.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water fountains (it’s clean).
• Cover up at religious sites.
• Make sure you have data before you leave home.
• Wear good walking shoes.
• Watch out for common scams (here are some examples in Milan).

Solo Travel Italy Easier and Better

Hopefully, this solo travel Italy guide will help you make the solo trip of your dreams a reality. There are so many beautiful cities, towns, and sights to see in Italy, so there’s something for everyone. The major cities are walkable and easily explorable, and the country train system is fast and reliable. You’ll cover a lot of ground in a limited amount of time! Italy is also relatively cheap (compared to Western currencies), and it’s a great starter trip for first-time solo travellers. And after Italy, you can visit some of the other amazing places in Europe to solo travel. Happy travels!