Are you on the hunt for the best cities for solo female travel in Europe? This post contains a list of the 15 best cities for solo female travellers that are safe, fun, and perfectly fitting for solo adventures. One of the best areas in the world to explore as a solo female is Europe, which is why this list focuses just on this continent.
As a solo female traveller picking cities to visit that are safe, welcoming to females, and enjoyable alone is a must. There are many places that are a no-go for solo travellers, especially females, and although Europe is overall pretty safe and welcoming there are some cities that rank better for solo female travellers than others. This list of the 15 best cities for solo female travel in Europe is based on a few factors: safety,
Find here the best and safest cities for solo female travel in Europe.
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Best Cities for Solo Female Travel in Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Safety Ranking: 4/5
- Cost: $$$
Amsterdam is one of the best places for solo female travel in Europe. Despite its shady reputation, it is actually a very safe and clean city that is perfect to visit on your own and as a female. A safety ranking of 4/5 is awarded to Amsterdam as it is an extremely safe city but there are a few things to look out for.
Many tourists in the city are here for parties which means plenty of drunk people wandering the streets at night. This makes walking around at night a little unsafe as a solo female traveller. But, you can still enjoy a night in Amsterdam without drinking and with proper precautions, you can avoid any run-ins with drunk people.
However, Amsterdam is super safe during the day (keep an eye out for petty crimes like pickpocketing). Due to Amsterdam’s small size, it is the perfect place for a weekend visit, where you can see a lot in this short amount of time. Plus, Amsterdam is a wonderful place to visit year-round, it is beautiful during all seasons and there is plenty to do in both summer and winter.
Amsterdam is not the most budget-friendly place and you may find yourself spending a bit on accommodation and food. Take a look at this Amsterdam budget travel guide for some budgeting tips, and here for some free things to do in Amsterdam.
Reykjavik, Iceland
- Safety Ranking: 5/5
- Cost: $$$$$
Iceland is the safest European country on this list and has actually been rated the safest country in the world for over a decade, which makes it the perfect place for solo female travel in Europe. Iceland has extremely low crime rates, a stable political environment, and presents few opportunities for natural disasters or health risks. A visit to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, will show you the beauty of Iceland and will have you feeling safe and secure the entire time.
Beyond the safeness of Iceland, it is the perfect place to explore on your own to admire and immerse yourself in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. As one of the most beautiful places in Europe, Iceland is home to some of Europe’s most stunning sights and attractions that are easy and fun to explore on your own. Solo travel in Iceland is common so you can even meet a few new people along the way!
The one downside to visiting Iceland is the cost. It is one of Europe’s most expensive places to visit and you will see these prices reflected in plenty of places. From accommodation to food and beyond Iceland is pricey! However, you can find ways to save by buying food from the grocery store, staying in hostels, and more!
London, England
- Safety Ranking: 3.8/5
- Cost: $$$$
London, England is always a top option for solo female travel in Europe for many reasons. Mainly, London is safe and very easy to explore since English is the first language here. Spending a few days exploring this beautiful city is a welcome opportunity. Plus, London welcomes plenty of solo travellers, and meeting friends in hostels and out and about is very common. London is great for solo female travel in Europe because it is clean, easy to get around, and a very comfortable place to explore.
Venice, Italy
- Safety Ranking: 4.1/5
- Cost: $$$
Venice is one of those travel destinations that everyone needs to visit at least once in their life. Like anywhere in the world, you need to keep vigilant for petty crime in Venice, but overall it is a super safe city to visit. Venice is very small and most of the main island is safe both day and night as long as you stay in the highly populated areas. It is a much safer place to visit in Italy, than say, Naples, for exploring as a woman on your own.
Beyond being one of the best places for solo female travel in Europe, it is also a very beautiful and enchanting place to visit as a solo traveller. There are plenty of museums and attractions that are almost more enjoyable on your own like Doge Palace, St. Marks Basilica, and more! Prepare to budget a little extra for Venice just because it is such a popular tourist destination and due to this prices are higher. Just be sure to stay within the main island of Venice and avoid walking around small side streets late at night.
Lisbon, Portugal
- Safety Ranking: 4.5/5
- Cost: $$
Portugal is one of the best European countries to visit for solo female travel in Europe. It is one of the safest countries in Europe to explore and the feeling of safeness is something women echo time after time when visiting the capital city of Lisbon. Plus, Lisbon is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, making it a must-visit.
Lisbon is also one of the more budget-friendly places in Europe! Here you can find hostels that are super nice and clean. So you can stay in a low-cost accommodation that looks and feels like a medium-price accommodation.
Beyond this Lisbon is absolutely magical. There are so many amazing things to do in Lisbon for solo female travellers, all of which are perfect solo activities. From exploring the streets to checking out attractions, there is nothing here that a solo traveller cannot join in on. While in Lisbon but sure to take the short trip to Sintra just 20 minutes away to experience one of Europe’s most magical castles.
Lagos, Portugal
- Safety Ranking: 4.5/5
- Cost: $$$
Lagos is much like Lisbon but with a more coastal and relaxed vibe. It is the perfect place for solo female travel in Europe for those looking for sun, sand, and relaxation. Lagos ranks high in safety and accessibility. Walking the streets both day and night feels very safe, but it is important to keep vigilant because petty crime does still exist. As one of the most popular places in the Algarve, you can expect to meet a lot of other travellers on the beaches and in the city.
Along with being accessible and safe, Lagos is full of amazing things to do for solo travellers. There are plenty of tours to join that are welcoming for solo travellers so you can enjoy this magical destination amongst others. Lagos also is very close to Albufeira, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to explore more of Portugal.
Lagos is one of the more expensive places in the Algarve. It is not super overpriced but you will find more expensive food and accommodation here compared to what you would find in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal.
Zurich, Switzerland
- Safety Ranking: 4.8/5
- Cost: $$$$$
Switzerland is an extremely safe country, which makes it a very popular place for solo female travel in Europe. If you are new to solo travel and want to go somewhere that is super clean, comfortable, and safe your choice should be Zurich. Zurich is one of the cleanest cities in Europe and crime is very low. You will feel very safe walking around the city both day and night.
Zurich is easily one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland and has a relaxed and laidback feel to it. If you are new to solo female travel in Europe you will find Zurich a great place to begin your adventures as you can explore the streets both day and night safely and get to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, making it one of the safest places for solo female travel in Europe. The only downside to Zurich is that is very expensive. Like most places in Switzerland, prices are high which can mean spending quite a bit on your stay.
Budapest, Hungary
- Safety Ranking: 4.1/5
- Cost: $
Budapest is one of the most unexpected places for solo female travel in Europe, but let me tell you, you will be amazed! Budapest is not only safe but also welcoming and full of tourists. It is the perfect place to travel to if you are looking to meet young travellers and enjoy a more adventurous lively trip. Whether you are exploring the historic streets by day or joining a pub crawl at night you will feel safe as Budapest has a very low violent crime rate.
What makes Budapest even better is that it is a super budget-friendly travel destination! Prices for food, accommodation and attractions are much lower here than in Western European countries, but the city remains clean and safe, making it a perfect fit for solo female travel in Europe.
Stockholm, Sweden
- Safety Ranking: 4.8/5
- Cost: $$$$
Sweden is a notoriously safe country that is perfect for solo female travel in Europe. The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, and this city is the perfect place to travel to alone as it is diverse, progressive, and absolutely stunning. Women can feel safe in Stockholm both day and night with its low crime rates and overall safety ratings for females. It is the perfect place to venture to in Scandanavia which is lively yet safe.
However, Stockholm, like most Scandinavian countries is quite pricey. Accommodation and food prices will be much higher than in most countries so be prepared to spend a lot to get a little! Stockholm definitely ranks as one of the safest places when it comes to solo female travel in Europe.
Bruges, Belgium
- Safety Ranking: 4.7/5
- Cost: $$$
Bruges is a beautiful city in Belgium that is perfect for solo female travel in Europe. Most people here speak English and getting around is very easy. Plus, it is a super safe city with low crime rates! The small size of Bruges makes it extra attractive because as a solo traveller you can walk everywhere and avoid having to navigate confusing transportation systems or ending up in strange neighbourhoods.
Compared to other cities, Bruges ranks in the middle on cost. It is not super expensive like some Scandinavian cities, but not as low cost as Eastern European cities.
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Safety Ranking: 4.7/5
- Cost: $$$$
Copenhagen is one of those Scandinavian cities where women of all kinds can feel safe and accepted. Apart from the usual petty crimes, Copenhagen is very safe and you can experience a visit as solo travel without feeling unsure of yourself. However, as a Scandinavian country, Denmark comes with a price tag. You will likely spend more on food and accommodation but can find lower-cost hostels that are safe and clean.
Beyond this Copenhagen is a stylish and modern city. It is the perfect place to wander around on your own, and the explorations alone will feel welcome and exciting. The slow and casual pace of the city is ideal for solo female travel in Europe where the European lifestyle can often get quite hectic.
Vienna, Austria
- Safety Ranking: 4.1/5
- Cost: $$$
Of all the places on this list, Vienna is one of the least safe. Now, that is not to say Vienna is unsafe, but with all these ultra-safe cities in Europe, there have to be some that rank lower! Overall, Vienna is a safe city, however, taking the subway at night or walking the streets alone after dark can be a little unsafe. It is best to avoid this. However, enjoying the city during the day is very safe apart from the all too common petty crime.
If you are okay with being careful after dark Vienna is an amazing place to visit. It is super historical, beautiful and welcoming. You could easily spend hours exploring the endless streets and marvelling and the white and blue architecture. Plus it is a mid-priced city which makes staying within a budget very easy.
Positano, Italy
- Safety Ranking: 4.8/5
- Cost: $$$
Positano is a small village located on the very famous Amalfi Coast. It has a small-town vibe to it that results in a tight-knit vibe that makes it feel super safe and welcoming. Overall, Positano is super safe, just keeping an eye out for pickpocketers and other petty crimes is needed. However, exploring the streets at night alone will feel almost too safe. This is one of the best places for solo female travel in Europe that will far exceed expectations.
Positano is also shockingly beautiful. There are so many things to do and see here that you can easily spend a few days. The only problems you might run into are when you are spending a day on the famous Positano beach you will not have a partner to watch your stuff while you swim!
Helsinki, Finland
- Safety Ranking: 4.8/5
- Cost: $$$$
Finland is a place full of happy, friendly people, warm streets, and a safe atmosphere. There are very low crime rates in Helsinki, Finland – the country’s capital – which makes it the ideal place for solo female travel in Europe. It is one of the more expensive places to visit but here you can enjoy a beautiful city with few tourists and super friendly locals.
Edinburgh, Scotland
- Safety Ranking: 4.7/5
- Cost: $$$$$
Scotland is a very safe country to visit for women, the LGBTQ+ community and others! The best place to spend your time in Scotland is Edinburg which is an old, historic city with tons to explore. Catcalling and street harassment are rare here and the risk of infections or anything of this matter is unlikely. This is one of the top places for solo female travel in Europe that is almost better to explore on your own than with others.
How to get around Europe
By Bus: Bus is the cheapest way to get around and hop between countries, especially in regards to solo female travel in Europe. There are buses that can bring you from Amsterdam to Paris for 11 euros!
By Plane: The plane is the fastest way to get around Europe and it can be quite cheap. Finding budget prices for flights across Europe is common and shouldn’t be missed.
By Car: A car is a fun way to get around but prices could add up. Plus parking in Europe is very expensive.
By Train: Train is a fun and expensive way to get around. You can move around Europe and see all the unique and diverse countries as you go!
Safety Tips for solo female travel in Europe
- Keep someone informed on your travel plans and whereabouts throughout your trip
- Keep your valuables hidden
- Avoid going outside at night
- Know places to avoid whenever you travel to
- Learn emergency phrases
- Stay alert at all times
As you can see there are plenty of amazing places for solo female travel in Europe! The stunning continent of Europe is one of the best places for solo female travel where you can immerse yourself in culture and history while feeling safe and welcomed.
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Love,
SSW
I haven’t been to all these cities, but Vienna, Lisbon and Brugges for sure are beautiful European gems to discover!
Thanks for putting this together! I’ve been to Amsterdam, Zurich, Stockholm and Vienna as a solo female traveller and loved every moment of these breaks! Bruges is now at the top of my list, I hope it still happens in 2021!
Thanks for these great suggestions! I have yet to see many of these places, so it’s good to know they’re a great fit for solo travel. I’d also recommend Prague as it was a very safe and easy city to navigate as a solo traveler. Happy travels!