Solo Travel in Italy: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

Memories from my solo trip to Italy always dance around my mind. From walking the romantic streets of Milan to soaking up the salty, crisp air and green mountains around Lake Como, Italy feels like a dream. Nestled beneath France, Switzerland, and Austria, Italy protrudes and awaits to steal the hearts of travellers. 

With a language and cuisine to die for, I ventured deeper into the country's culture. I balanced my time eating incredible dishes while visiting key sites like Duomo di Milano and Pinacoteca di Brera. This let me fuel up with the best pasta, pizza, and gelato I’ve ever eaten and use the carbs to walk galleries and museums. 

Navigating one of the world’s fashion capitals was simply incredible. My solo Italy trip is one of my favourites to this day for the freedom to dive into bustling cities and escape to northern Italy’s wild Dolomites in just a few hours. Deciding to solo travel Italy is a promise that you will have an epic adventure in every way possible. Whether you want to head straight to the heart of Milan or hike the summit of Mont Blanc, you won’t regret spending time in one of Europe’s most visited countries.

Planning a solo trip to Italy? Here's where you'll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Italy
2. How To Get To Italy As A Solo Traveller
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Italy
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Italy?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Italy?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Italy
7. Can I Get Around Italy Without Knowing Italian?
8. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Italy
9. SIM Cards in Italy
10. Is Italy a Good Place to Travel Solo?
11. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Italy Cost?
12. Is Italy Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
13. Best Places For Solo Travel In Italy
14. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Italy?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Italy

Italy is more than Carbonara, the Colosseum, and Vespas– Italy is a way of life. Locals grow the sweetest tomatoes in their homes, listening to Italian music and holding space for family. The great weather, soul-satisfying food, and lively cities pulled me to explore Italy and I’ve wanted to go back ever since I left. Hearing ciao everywhere I walked never got old, and learning a few words and phrases before landing meant I could chat a little in Italy’s rich, buttery language.

Something worth noting about any trip to Italy is that it’s not a cheap country to travel. It’s definitely not the most expensive (hello, Norway and Sweden!), but it’s far from the friendly prices of Spain and Portugal. To get the most out of your solo adventure, consider booking off-peak season, staying in hostels, eating cheaper food, and limiting activities. You’ll want to eat and do everything, but you’ll empty your purse before you can say Tagliatelle. 

How To Get To Italy As A Solo Traveller

Your first big spend will be on flights. Luckily, Italy isn’t too far from the UK so flights aren’t as expensive as countries further afield. The cheapest flights will most likely be under £100 when travelling off-peak and aren’t usually longer than a couple of hours. Taking off from London, you’ll rise high above the city and English countryside and descend over turquoise water and coastal cities. 

Some of Italy’s major airports include Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Naples Airport (NAP), and Venice Airport (VCE). Flying direct to one of these airports can be surprisingly cheaper than smaller, more obscure airports. As you can see above, the price of flying to Milan vs Florence is way cheaper! Don’t get me wrong, every city, town, and grain of sand is worth visiting in Italy, but this can be done for less on the ground via buses and trains.

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Italy

Being savvy with your trip prep means saving pennies that can go towards activities and delicious dinners rather than overpriced flights. I put together a blog with everything you need to know about finding cheap flights but let’s go over some of them so you can start making savings right away:

Use Comparison Websites

I would simply be lost without comparison websites in my life! I don’t have time to scour for hours online sourcing the best flight deals. Instead, I trust Skyscanner to get the job done using parameters set out by me so I’m only shown flights that might actually fit into my plans!

Travel Off Peak

Summer may be the time of year with the best weather but airlines put their prices through the roof! Italy can be scorching in the summer anyway, so you’re much better off waiting until spring or autumn when the sun will shine and prices will be considerably lower. 

Sign Up For Airline Deals and Rewards

There’s no shame in making savings wherever possible, and one of the easiest ways is to sign up for airline deals and rewards. Airline loyalty strategies can turn into big savings when points can deduct money from flights or bump you to first class– it’s a win-win!

Stay Flexible

You may have your mind set on a specific date range for your solo Italy trip, but a key to finding the best flight deals is to remain flexible. This means checking out a range of airports, dates, and flight times to uncover the cheapest prices. It may mean switching your plans up a bit but I think it’s worth it for the potential savings, don’t you?

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Italy?

If you have a valid UK, Irish, US, or European passport, you don’t need a visa to solo travel Italy. Abiding by Brexit laws is still a must as Italy is a member of the Schengen area. It’s not possible to spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period in the country. You’ll also need passport validity for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from Italy. Find out more on the UK’s GOV website here.

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Italy?

There are many ways to adventure around Italy with pre-planning and organisation leaving less room for spontaneity than simply booking flights and one night of accommodation. Which type of trip suits you best?

Book Entire Trip

Organising your whole trip can be comforting for travellers on their first solo trip overseas as accommodations and activities can be finalised beforehand. This can save money rather than paying for everything when you land, but can also feel restrictive for those like me who like changing plans and seizing in-the-moment opportunities. Jet2’s package holidays are ideal for arranging everything before setting off, so there’s nothing to think about when you land. Check out their package holidays designed for solo travellers at affordable prices for a trip filled with epic adventures. Make sure you use the code SOLO30 when booking to save money on your solo trips!

Join a Group Trip

Group trips are such a fun way to meet other travellers in Italy, and when you make friends you can join in on activities together. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about your solo trip to Italy, don’t worry! There will be plenty of other travellers feeling similar to you, and booking a group trip can help boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable. Not to mention there’ll be loads of people able to help you get that perfect Insta shot! If you're interested in group trips, why not check out G Adventures Italy itineraries that take all the stress out of organising, leaving you to make memories and friends for life.

Arrange Flight and One Night’s Accommodation

For the spontaneous souls, why not simply arrange your outward flight and first night’s accommodation? This means a bit more legwork on the ground but keeps you open for any surprise opportunities and intuitive plan-changing. 

How To Book Hostels And Hotels In Italy

If you can source cheap flights and accommodation for your solo Italy trip, you’ll be off to the best start possible. When it’s time to prepare for a new adventure, I only look at Hotels.com, Booking and Hostelworld for the best deals. I can effortlessly set search parameters for exactly what I need, filtering out useless results and only displaying options suitable for my trip. 

This saves me time and also lets me explore comments made by other guests about the location, affordability, amenities, and more. It’s no secret that comparison websites make things a lot easier nowadays to find the best deals, but for more of my top tips, read my blog here.

Currency, Plugs And The Best Ways To Get Around Italy

Italy uses the euro, so you’ll either need to carry cash or a prepaid travel card already boosted with euros. I like to carry a mixture of the two as smaller market stalls and independent shops don’t always take card payments. To explore cities and travel around Italy, planes, trains, buses, boats, bikes, and hire cars are at your service! Buses are the more affordable way to travel between larger areas, but train journeys are simply epic. 

The Bernina Express traverses from Tirano to the Swiss Alpine resort St. Moritz for an unbelievably magical experience. Maybe Italy will be part of a bigger European adventure where you’ll explore a variety of countries on a longer trip. When packing, be sure to carry adaptors for C, L, or F plugs as these are commonly used in Italy. Check out my tips for packing for long journeys so you don’t leave anything essential behind!

Can I Get Around Italy Without Knowing Italian?

When travelling, it’s not a must to know the language of the country, but I’ve found it far easier to discover a location by learning a few basics. Some Italians speak great English, but the more remote you travel, the less likely it becomes to converse in English. I learned a few simple phrases which helped provide more of an authentic experience. 

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Italy

Travel insurance wasn’t a priority when I first began solo travelling. A decade on, however, and it’s something I won’t jump on a plane without. Although I hate to think about risks when travelling, I like to keep things real and recognise accidents do happen. Taking out a travel insurance policy means you’ve got reliable cover and help at the end of a phone whenever needed. 

Arranging plans for your solo Italy trip is an exciting time, but it can be easy to skip the important stuff. Travel insurance isn’t a must, but I can only describe the comfort and peace of mind it gives me overseas. Being covered for unexpected events like flight delays, lost baggage, and illness means I’m more relaxed and become a yes person. 

I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. If you need travel insurance for a solo trip to Greece, SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and you have complete control over when your policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner.

They also cover:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.

Best eSIM For Travelling To Italy

Staying connected while abroad is a must for me! Yes, it means I can post stories on Instagram and stay in touch with friends, but it’s also the ideal tool in emergencies to call for help or navigate to a safer place. To beat roaming charges, I use Holafly. The company boasts a range of data plans in over 200 countries and regions including Italy. Plans are super affordable and start from just €6 for Italy!

My number one solo travel safety hack is eSIMs – they're a lifesaver for solo female travellers who want to feel confident when travelling alone. Why does this make solo travel safer? Because the second you touch down in a new destination you have access to the internet and can text/make calls. An eSIM is invaluable for solo travellers to be able to navigate & look up directions, find their hotel, book an Uber and stay connected with friends and family. Holafly are my go-to eSIM provider and I have a special discount code ABSOLUTELYLUCY for 5% off at Holafly – get yours now to prepare for first time solo travel. 

Read my full blog post on the Best eSIM For Solo Female Travellers To Beat Roaming Charges for more information.

Is Italy A Good Place To Travel Solo?

Italy is without a doubt a fantastic location to travel solo. With nearly 60 million tourists in 2023, the country is popular with travellers worldwide. Being fairly close to the UK, flights tend to be short and cheap with many hopping to one of Italy’s big cities for weekend getaways. Italy has a rich tourism infrastructure making it a dream for solo backpackers to walk winding streets, visit endless museums and galleries, and dine in bucket-list restaurants. 

Southern Italy is a feast for the eyes, with beaches like Cala Brandinchi in Sardinia and Marina di Cetara on the Amalfi Coast stealing the hearts of every visitor. Italians are known for being exuberant, and I found this consistent cheeriness infectious! Being greeted by wide smiles, warm eyes, and open arms didn’t get old, and this openness is something I miss when travelling to other European countries like France. 

Should I Go To Italy On My First Solo Trip?

Deciding to solo travel Italy for your first solo trip is an awesome idea. Many Italians speak at least a little bit of English, there’s sightseeing spots, mountains, beaches, national parks, and more to spark some Italian magic into your soul! When I touched down in Italy, I knew I wanted a diverse trip with a balance of city visits and wild nature excursions to fill my inner wanderer. This meant heading south to the Amalfi Coast after exploring Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice to name a few!

I felt safe in every Italian spot I visited. This doesn’t mean I didn’t take precautions– I always do. Particularly around tourist hotspots, I made sure my bag was fastened shut and close to my body and I didn’t parade my belongings around to draw attention. I also stayed aware of any tourist traps and scams, instead booking tickets for museums online to avoid being ripped off at the door. 

Is Italy Cheap For Solo Travel?

Italy isn’t the cheapest European destination, but there are many ways to keep the costs of a solo trip to Italy down. Planning a budget beforehand is one of my top tips as it means you have a figure to work with from the off. You can fit accommodation, activities, and food purchases into the budget and calculate daily limits to stick by. 

Staying in hostels and navigating the country via buses is a no-brainer. Hostels have come a long way since the early 2000s and it’s commonplace to find split-gender dorms, proximity to beaches or towns, and clean rooms. This comes at a fraction of the cost of a hotel and will leave you extra funds for exciting opportunities like water sports, a hiking tour, or cocktails.

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Italy Cost?

A solo trip to Italy can cost as much or as little as you like, but I think most travellers will agree; the cheaper, the better! This doesn’t mean missing out on fun or staying in unpleasant accommodation. It just means being more conscious of spending and not throwing away money on things you don’t really need. I kept to a strict budget in Italy which let me control my daily spending and I enjoyed any leftover funds on my last couple of days.

One Month In Italy

I’ve roughly budgeted a month in Italy, focussing on hostels, public transport, limited activities, and grocery shopping over nightly restaurant visits. Costing just over £1100, Italy is affordable for solo travellers, but it’s possible to make this even cheaper by riding a bike to get around and taking part in fewer activities. Visit my blogs for endless travel money tips and learn how to enjoy more for less.

Is Italy Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

From the moment I arrived, Italy’s relaxed vibe infused my body with a sense of calm and safety. I felt secure walking the streets of Milan alone and explored Rome with my head high and heart open to the vast numbers of locals and tourists lining the streets. Crime can happen anytime, anywhere so regardless of where I’m travelling, I always bear this in mind. 

Solo women searching for a historical destination with an abundance of things to do, sights to see, and delectable food to eat won’t be disappointed. Choosing to stay in hostels and take part in group excursions means you will definitely make some friends on your trip! Creating unforgettable friendships on your Italian venture will be a breeze, so you may not spend too much time alone after all! 

Read my tips for solo travel so you can feel ready to tackle any adventure.

Which Part Of Italy Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?

There wasn’t a single part of Italy I didn’t like, and choosing my favourite spots feels near-impossible! If I had to decide on two places for solo female travellers it has to be the Amalfi Coast and Milan. Both are strikingly different from one another but matched in beauty and safety. 

Amalfi Coast

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s jewels, situated on an epic coastline with dramatic cliffs, historical buildings, and a charming town bursting with life. There’s nowhere better to enjoy the freshest seafood with stunning scenery from every direction, listening to people laugh and bond over glasses of local wine and produce.

• Best Hotel: B+B Casanova
• Best Hostel: Seven Hostel
• Best things to do on the Amalfi Coast

Milan

I was surprised to find out that Milan is a relatively small city. This means it still packs a punch (as every Italian city does) but it’s very walkable. Milan is home to so many attractions that I found it difficult to carve out time to see everything! Sempione Park is an idyllic picnic location while Piazza del Duomo, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Teatro alla Scala await to be marvelled.

• Best Hotel: Golden Milano Hotel
• Best Hostel: Hostel Colours
• Best things to do in Milan

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Italy?

My selection of the best places for solo travel in Italy is quite a list, but how could I possibly make it any shorter? This is a country I could easily spend a couple of years travelling, but with limited time and budget, these are my favourite destinations.

Pisa

Pisa is home to the famous Leaning Tower– a key part of Tuscany’s architecture. Beyond the tower, the city houses enchanting cathedrals, and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Also known as the Square of Miracles, this is a location famed throughout Italy and entices global visitors every year. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Bologna
• Best Hostel: Safestay Pisa Centrale
• Best things to do in Pisa

Florence

The city of Florence is an epic location for museums and one of my most loved Italian cities for exploring the country’s history. To help beat the crowds, I’d advise booking tickets online so things run smoother on the day and you don’t waste hours in queues!

• Best Hotel: Hotel degli Orafi
• Best Hostel: Hostel Santa Monaca
• Best things to do in Florence

Sicily

A decoration of volcanic coastline, white sand, and delicious street food awaits in Sicily. Off the coast of southern Italy, Sicily is easily reached by train, plane, or ferry. Buses also make most of the dreamy landscape for one the best road trips in Italy. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Venere di Erice Resort & Spa
• Best Hostel: A casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
• Best things to do in Sicily

Puglia

Also known as Apulia, Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy. It’s home to ancient architecture, vineyards, delicious produce, and crystal waters providing utter serenity during summer. 

• Best Hotel: Tenuta Padre Pio
• Best Hostel: Olive Tree
• Best things to do in Puglia

Rome

I first visited Rome as a child, and simply had to take another trip now that I’m old enough to enjoy everything to the fullest! Obviously, the charismatic city is famed for the Colosseum which you simply have to see, but you also can’t miss the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Best Hotel: Hotel Emmaus
• Best Hostel: Hostel Trastevere
• Best things to do in Rome

Verona

Verona captivates travellers with a romantic energy and ancient Roman architecture lining gardens, piazzas, and markets. Home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it’s no surprise so many visitors flock to the city each year in search of rich history, exquisite gardens, and fine Italian cuisine. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Verona
• Best Hostel: Gabanel Bike Hostel
• Best things to do in Verona

Venice

Is there a better way to enjoy Venice than cruising the canals and sipping an Aperol spritz? After exploring cities bursting with energy and endless stimulation, Venice is a place to wind down and navigate the small islands it’s built on. Top spots of interest include Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco, and Ponte di Rialto– all boasting incredible architecture. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel La Residenza
• Best Hostel: MEININGER Venezia Mestre
• Best things to do in Venice

Naples

No solo trip to Italy is complete until you’ve hit the streets of Naples, tasted authentic pizza and stared endlessly at Mount Vesuvius (unless you plan on climbing the volcano of course). Naples offers everything from great food and music, to historical sites, and a jaw-dropping landscape.

• Best Hotel: Hotel Potenza
• Best Hostel: Tric Trac Hostel
• Best things to do in Naples

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Italy? 

Journeying solo around the world sounds like a romantic idea, and it has shaped the way I live today, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t felt lonely over the past 10 years! I’m so grateful for all the beautiful souls I’ve met on my travels, many of whom I still speak to today. Making friends isn’t always easy, but I’ve got some tips which make it a breeze. Trust me. See my full blog here or read a few of my top tips below:

Stay In Hostels

What’s one of the easiest ways to make friends when travelling? Stay in hostels! They are such hotspots for backpackers and it’s a win-win if you choose ones with communal areas. Here, you can enjoy some alone time but also be approachable for travellers to join your table and strike up a conversation. 

Look Up From Your Screen

We’ve all been there. You’re feeling nervous so whip out your phone and bury yourself in the screen. It might feel comforting and familiar but this isn’t the best way to make friends! Instead, why not grab a drink from the hostel bar, sit on a couch and smile at the next friendly backpacker you see walk past? You never know when a friendship could blossom!

Smile 

It sounds simple, but smiling is your go-to way of initiating a convo! It makes you appear friendly and approachable so other travellers are more inclined to want to speak with you. Even if you have butterflies in your stomach and nervy waves are rushing through you, take a second to breathe, relax, and let that gorgeous smile illuminate your face.