Is Italy Safe? My Honest Experience Travelling Around Italy

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

Before I tell you how safe I felt backpacking around Italy, I want to make one thing very clear: this is my personal experience.

How safe you feel somewhere can depend on so many things. Your gender, whether you’re travelling alone or with someone, what time you’re walking around, which neighbourhood you’re staying in, how familiar you are with a place and, honestly, sometimes just pure luck.

So I’m not writing this article to say that Italy is unsafe or that you should be scared to travel there.

I’ve travelled around quite a lot of Italy, and I never experienced anything truly horrific like being robbed or seriously attacked.

But I did regularly feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and I think that’s worth talking about too.

Especially as a woman travelling alone, feeling safe isn’t only about whether something objectively dangerous happens. Sometimes it’s the feeling you get when you’re walking down a street, someone follows you, people catcall you or you realise you’d really rather not be walking home alone.

So here is my completely honest experience of how safe I felt in different places in Italy.

If you’re planning a trip yourself, you can start with my Italy Travel Guide, where I bring together my destination guides, itineraries and practical tips from travelling around the country.

So, Is Italy Safe?

Generally, I would still travel around Italy again.

I don’t consider Italy a country where you should be terrified to walk outside or where something bad is guaranteed to happen.

But I also wouldn’t tell you to switch off completely.

There were definitely places and situations where I thought:

“Yeah… I don’t want to be walking here alone.”

And there were also places where I walked around completely alone without thinking twice about it.

For me, the biggest difference wasn’t necessarily between “safe city” and “unsafe city”.

It was much more about specific neighbourhoods, the time of day and the situation I was in.

So let’s go through the places I’ve actually visited.

Milan

Milan was actually one of the places where I didn’t feel particularly unsafe.

There are so many people around the main parts of the city that you rarely feel completely alone.

Obviously, there are areas outside the city centre that can feel a little sketchier, especially later at night, but I didn’t personally have any major safety issues there.

The clubs were a slightly different story.

I don’t necessarily mean that I felt physically unsafe in the clubs, but some of them gave me a weird vibe.

They felt very commercial and, I don’t know, there was just something about the atmosphere that I didn’t particularly like.

But honestly, that’s more of a “I don’t like Milan” opinion than a safety issue.

I know plenty of people absolutely love the city.

For me personally, I just never really connected with it.

Safety-wise, though? I didn’t have any major problems in Milan.

If Milan is part of your itinerary, I’ve also put together a guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Milan.

Lake Como

This is where I had one of the experiences that made me feel genuinely uncomfortable.

I stayed at Agriturismo La Derta near Bellagio, and Bellagio itself felt completely fine to me.

The problem was getting back to the accommodation.

Our accommodation was around a 15-minute walk from the centre, which doesn’t sound like much at all.

During the day? Completely fine.

At night? I really didn’t enjoy that walk.

And I wasn’t even alone. I was travelling with someone else, which already made it feel less intimidating.

One evening, two guys started following us.

We crossed the road.

They crossed the road too.

We changed direction.

They changed direction too.

Eventually, we turned into another street and waited for them to disappear.

And we could literally hear them laughing about it.

So no, this wasn’t me imagining that someone happened to be walking in the same direction.

They were deliberately following us.

Nothing else happened, thankfully, but that doesn’t make it a fun experience.

And this is exactly why I think feeling safe matters too.

Technically, nothing happened to us.

But I still remember that walk.

If you’re staying somewhere outside the centre of Bellagio or another Lake Como town, I’d personally think twice about how you’ll get back at night.

If you’re still deciding where to stay, I’ve also written about Where to Stay in Lake Como and why I personally recommend Bellagio.

Giardini di Villa Melzi in Bellagio Lake Como

Lake Maggiore: Stresa

Stresa was a completely different experience.

I never really felt unsafe there.

It’s much more relaxed and, from my experience, I didn’t have any uncomfortable encounters.

I walked around without constantly thinking about who was around me, and overall it felt like a calm place to visit.

So if you’re looking at the Italian lakes and wondering whether they all feel the same safety-wise, I definitely wouldn’t say that.

My experience in Stresa was much more relaxed than my experience getting back to our accommodation near Bellagio.

If you’re considering Stresa or Lake Maggiore for your own trip, you can read my honest review of Lake Maggiore.

Turin

Turin was mostly fine for me.

I walked around a lot and didn’t have any major problems.

However, there was one area where I definitely felt more uncomfortable:

Porta Palazzo Market and the surrounding area.

During the day, the market itself is busy and interesting, but at night I personally wouldn’t have wanted to walk around there alone.

Again, nothing specifically happened to me.

It was simply one of those situations where my instincts were telling me:

“Maybe don’t wander around here by yourself tonight.”

And honestly, I think listening to that feeling is important.

You don’t need photographic evidence of danger before you’re allowed to decide that you don’t like the vibe of somewhere.

If you’re visiting Turin, I’ve also put together a guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Turin.

Porta Palatina in Turin Italy

Genoa

Genoa was actually one of the places where I had really good experiences travelling alone.

I walked around by myself quite a lot and never really felt particularly unsafe.

This surprised me a little because I had heard mixed things about Genoa before going.

But as always, your own experience can be completely different from what you’ve heard online.

For me, Genoa was one of the Italian cities where I felt comfortable exploring alone.

If you’re planning a short visit, I also have a 1-Day Genoa Itinerary with how I’d spend a day in the city.

Florence

Florence was another place where I generally felt pretty comfortable.

And I think one reason is simply that there are people everywhere.

The centre is extremely busy, especially around the major sights, so there aren’t many moments where you’re wandering through completely empty streets.

Obviously, being surrounded by people doesn’t automatically mean you’re safe.

But personally, I feel much more comfortable when I’m not completely alone.

I never had any major safety issues in Florence.

The main thing I’d be more aware of there is the usual tourist stuff: pickpocketing, keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware in very crowded areas.

If you’re planning a visit, you can also check out my guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Florence.

Italian gelato in Florence Italy

Verona

Okay.

Verona was by far my worst experience.

And this is probably the city where my personal feelings about safety changed the most.

I stayed at The Hostello Verona, which is in Veronetta, and personally I really didn’t like the feeling of the neighbourhood.

On my first evening, I arrived at around 7 PM and went out to get a pizza.

On the way there, three different people whistled at me.

That already made me uncomfortable.

But the walk back was much worse.

A guy on a scooter stopped next to me and asked for my number.

I said no.

He told me he’d never seen someone as beautiful as me and then said he wanted to sleep with me.

I said no again.

Then he told me he could pay me.

Again, no.

Then he started talking about his body and, eventually, drove his scooter onto the pavement directly in front of me, stopped and exposed himself.

Yes.

Actually.

I walked around him and immediately started walking back towards my hostel.

And after that, I basically decided that I wasn’t going to be wandering around Verona alone at night anymore.

Was this representative of every person in Verona?

Obviously not.

Was it representative of every part of Veronetta?

I can’t say that either.

But it was my experience, and it genuinely made me feel unsafe.

So if you’re staying in Verona, I would personally pay attention to where your accommodation is located and how comfortable you feel walking back at night.

For me, staying in Veronetta wasn’t an experience I’d choose again.

I’ve also written more about my overall experience in my honest review of whether Verona is worth visiting.

The Hostello Verona hostel in Verona Italy

Venice

Venice was actually pretty uneventful for me from a safety perspective.

I didn’t have any major problems and didn’t generally feel unsafe.

Obviously, Venice can get extremely crowded, so I’d still keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

But personally, I didn’t have the same uncomfortable experiences there that I had in Verona.

My experience with Venice was much more about the crowds than safety, which I talk about in my honest review of whether Venice is worth visiting.

Rome

Rome was mostly fine for me too.

The biggest thing I noticed was catcalling.

There were definitely moments where men shouted things at me or made comments while I was walking around.

And honestly, it gets annoying.

But apart from that, I generally felt okay walking around Rome.

As with any huge tourist city, I’d be sensible with my belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.

But I never had an experience in Rome that made me think I didn’t want to return.

And considering how much I love Rome, that’s probably a good thing.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, I’ve also put together a full Rome Travel Guide with things to do, food, hidden gems and practical tips.

Sicily

Sicily is a bit more complicated for me.

I absolutely love Sicily and would go back again without hesitation.

But I also had one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my travels there.

At one point, a guy literally grabbed my head and kissed me without my consent.

He then tried to do the same thing to my cousin.

Her reaction was basically to start screaming like an absolute maniac.

And weirdly enough?

It worked.

He backed off.

So yes, apparently my official travel safety recommendation is: if necessary, scream like a hysterical person.

Obviously, I’m joking.

But the actual lesson is that you should look after each other.

Don’t ignore someone who looks uncomfortable. Stay together when you’re out, especially late at night, and don’t be afraid to make a scene if someone crosses a serious boundary.

I also noticed a lot of partying, drugs and generally chaotic nightlife in some parts of Sicily.

I heard stories from other travellers about drinks being spiked too, so I would personally be extra careful with your drink and with who you’re around when you’re out.

That doesn’t mean “Sicily is dangerous.”

It means that, like anywhere with a big nightlife scene, you should use some common sense and look after yourself and your friends.

And yes, there are still parts of Sicily where I felt completely comfortable.

If you’re planning your own trip, my Sicily Travel Guide covers the places I visited, my route and practical tips for travelling around the island.

Cooking in the hostel kitchen at Ostello Bello Palermo

So Where Did I Feel Safest in Italy?

Based purely on my own experience, the places where I felt most comfortable were:

  • Genoa
  • Stresa / Lake Maggiore
  • Florence
  • Venice
  • Rome, apart from the catcalling

Places where I was more cautious:

  • Milan, especially outside the centre at night
  • Turin, particularly around Porta Palazzo at night
  • Lake Como, mainly because of the walk back to our accommodation

And the place where I had by far my worst personal experience:

Verona.

But please don’t read this as a ranking of which Italian cities are objectively safe or unsafe.

It’s simply a ranking of how I personally felt while travelling there.

Is Italy Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

I think Italy can absolutely be travelled solo as a woman.

I’ve done it.

I wouldn’t let my experiences put you off visiting Italy.

But I also wouldn’t travel around completely oblivious to your surroundings.

For me, the biggest things are:

Trust your gut

If a street feels wrong, leave.

If someone is following you, go somewhere busy.

If you don’t like someone’s behaviour, don’t convince yourself you’re being dramatic.

Your instincts are useful.

Don’t force yourself to walk alone at night

Especially if your accommodation is in an area you don’t know well.

You don’t get bonus points for walking 20 minutes alone in the dark to save €10 on a taxi.

Make friends

One of my favourite things about backpacking is meeting people.

And honestly, sometimes having someone walk back with you is simply more comfortable.

You don’t have to do everything alone just because you’re travelling solo.

Stay together at night

If you’re travelling with friends or meet people at your hostel, look after each other.

Especially when drinking or going out.

Be careful with your drinks

Don’t leave your drink unattended and be aware of what you’re drinking and who you’re with.

Keep your belongings close

Crowded tourist areas are the places where I’d be most alert about pickpocketing.

Don’t be afraid to make a scene

If someone crosses a serious boundary, you are allowed to be loud.

You’re allowed to leave.

You’re allowed to ask someone for help.

You’re allowed to make yourself difficult to approach.

You don’t owe someone politeness when they’re making you feel unsafe.

So… Would I Still Backpack Around Italy?

Absolutely.

And I think that’s probably the most important thing I want you to take from this article.

I’ve had uncomfortable experiences in Italy.

I’ve felt unsafe.

I’ve been followed.

I’ve been catcalled.

I’ve had someone sexually harass me.

I’ve had someone touch me without consent.

And I’ve also spent days walking around Italian cities completely alone without thinking about my safety at all.

Both things can be true.

Italy isn’t automatically unsafe just because I had some bad experiences.

But I also don’t want to pretend those experiences didn’t happen just because I love Italy.

If you’re backpacking around Italy, especially as a solo woman, my biggest advice is simply:

Be careful. Trust your gut. Look after each other. Make friends. And don’t feel like you have to walk around alone at night just to prove that you can.

You can absolutely have an amazing time in Italy.

I know I did.

I’d go back tomorrow.

I just know now that there are situations where I’d rather say “nope, I’m going with someone” than find out the hard way that I should have listened to my gut.

And honestly?

That’s not being scared.

That’s just travelling smart.

If you’re thinking about doing the same, I’ve also put together a Northern Italy Backpacking Guide with my route, budget and practical tips.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

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START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

More Italy Travel Guides

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FAQ: Is Italy Safe?

Is Italy safe to travel to?

Yes, Italy is generally a safe country to travel to, but your experience can depend heavily on the city, neighbourhood and situation. I personally had many completely safe experiences, but also several situations where I felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

Is Italy safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Italy can be a great destination for solo female travellers. I have travelled around Italy alone and generally had good experiences, but I would still stay aware of my surroundings, especially at night and in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

Is Italy safe to travel alone?

Italy is generally a manageable country for solo travel, with good public transport and plenty of busy cities where you rarely feel completely alone. However, I would be more cautious when walking alone at night or staying in an unfamiliar area.

Is Italy safe at night?

It depends on where you are. Some areas feel completely fine at night, while others can feel uncomfortable or sketchy, especially when streets are quiet. Personally, I would avoid walking alone late at night if you don’t know the neighbourhood well.

Is Verona safe?

I personally had my worst experience with feeling unsafe in Verona, particularly around Veronetta at night. This was based on my own experience and doesn’t mean the entire city or neighbourhood is unsafe, but I would personally be more careful about where I stay and how I get around at night.

Is Rome safe for tourists?

I generally felt safe in Rome, although I experienced quite a lot of catcalling. As with any busy tourist city, it’s important to watch your belongings in crowded areas and stay aware of your surroundings.

Is Sicily safe to travel to?

I would still absolutely recommend travelling to Sicily, but I personally experienced some uncomfortable situations there, particularly around nightlife and unwanted attention. I would take normal precautions, look after your friends and be careful with your drinks when going out.

What are the biggest safety tips for travelling around Italy?

Trust your gut, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night, keep your belongings close in crowded places, be careful with your drinks when going out and stay with people you trust. If someone makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to leave or ask for help.

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