Solo Traveling Northern Italy – Itinerary + Tips for 34F

Hi all! I’m a 34F Asian-American traveling solo through Northern Italy in late August/early September, with a wedding in Lake Como at the start of the trip. I’m excited but a little nervous about catcalling or racist microaggressions — and especially wondering how safe it is walking home alone at night, particularly near Centrale areas in Florence or Bologna.

Here’s my day-to-day plan — would love any safety tips, picnic spots, food/wine recs, and suggestions for solo-friendly activities!

⸻

Milan (1 night) • Arrive in the evening, grab dinner, stay overnight

Lake Como (Thurs–Sun, 3 nights) • Travel to Como, rehearsal dinner • Wedding celebration • Chill ferry day (Bellagio, Varenna, etc.)

Florence (Sun–Fri, 5 nights) • Art museum (Uffizi or Accademia) • Food walking tour + more museums (hoping this helps ease solo nerves) • Vespa tour to Tuscan wineries • Thrift shopping + sunset picnic at Piazzale Michelangelo • Day trip to Siena or a nearby winery • Would love to go out during one of the nights if anyone knows a fun but safe vibe!

Bologna (Fri–Mon, 3 nights) • Explore the city, maybe go out at night • Cooking class • Museums, food, shopping • Fly out early on last day

⸻

Would love any insight on: • Walking home solo at night in Florence/Bologna • Best wineries, day trips, or local classes for solo travelers • Top spots for food, vintage/thrift, or live music/dancing • Solo travel experiences as an Asian woman in Italy, anything to look out for?

Thanks so much for reading! Open to all advice and kind words - especially from fellow solo women travelers!