Florence, Italy
San Giovanni has the Duomo and major museums. Crowded and touristy with high pickpocket risk, but heavy police presence. You'll sightsee here but probably want to eat in other neighborhoods.
San Giovanni is the historic center with the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria - where you'll spend most of your sightseeing time. The cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi are all here. It's constantly crowded with tour groups and very touristy, but that's where the major art and architecture is. Everyone speaks English since it's set up entirely for international visitors. Heavy police and military presence makes it feel safe during the day and evening. That said, pickpocketing is a serious problem - keep your phone and wallet secured at all times. Streets are well-lit until late, people around even after midnight in peak season. Solo dining is fine at the restaurants, but you'll pay tourist prices for everything. There's no local character here, but it's convenient and the sights are worth seeing. You'll probably spend your days here and eat elsewhere.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"Police everywhere so felt safe, but had to watch my stuff constantly"
"Convenient for seeing the sights but zero local character"
"Easy to get around alone, everyone speaks English"
"Exhausting with all the crowds but the art is worth it"
"Fine for daytime but the restaurants are overpriced"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Santa Croce has the basilica, artisan workshops, and a local market. Good mix of tourist sights and neighborhood life, with police presence and well-lit streets.
Santa Maria Novella is convenient if you're arriving by train. The immediate station area is rough with pickpockets, but the residential section toward the basilica is quieter and safer.
Santo Spirito has good restaurants and bars where eating alone is common. The area stays lively at night but feels safe, with less tourist crowds than the center while still being walkable to major sights.
Help other women stay safe in San Giovanni (Duomo)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.