Best European Cities for Solo Female Travelers: Your Complete Safety Guide
- Mary
- Jun 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Solo female travel in Europe has never been more popular. The solo female traveler market continues to grow, with women choosing destinations based on cultural value and beauty, and for good reason. Europe offers some of the world's safest destinations with incredible culture, excellent public transport, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Whether you're planning your first solo trip or looking for your next European adventure, this guide covers the safest and most exciting cities that welcome women traveling alone.
Why Europe is Perfect for Solo Female Travelers
Europe is a very safe place for women to travel alone, generally speaking, about as safe as your hometown. The continent offers excellent infrastructure, diverse cultures, and affordable transportation between countries. About 54% of solo female travelers endorse Europe as the perfect first solo trip destination for women.
Europe claims all five of the top spots for personal security, and seven of the top 20 spots for overall safety in The Economist's 2021 Safe Cities Index. The region's overall peace score significantly outperforms many other destinations worldwide.
Top 10 Safest European Cities for Solo Female Travelers
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with plenty to keep you entertained in Reykjavik, plus stunning natural wonders like Black Sand Beach and Thingvellir National Park. The city offers numerous wellness spots, including public baths and geothermal lagoons, perfect for solo relaxation.
Why it's great for solo females:
Extremely low crime rates
Friendly, English-speaking locals
Easy access to natural attractions
Vibrant nightlife and cultural scene
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna's Kaffeehaus culture has garnered the city a reputation as the best place for coffee in Europe, which is handy for solo travelers since people-watching is a solo-travel necessity. Vienna is by far one of my favorite cities in all of Europe, and for sure one of the safest capital cities to explore on your own.
What makes Vienna special:
World-class coffee culture is perfect for solo relaxation
Excellent public transportation
Rich history and stunning architecture
Easy day trips to the Alpine countryside
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but one of my favorite European winter cities to explore, and I had such a great time traveling solo in Copenhagen. Denmark consistently ranks among the world's safest countries with a high quality of life.
Solo travel highlights:
Bicycle-friendly city perfect for exploring
Hygge culture promotes coziness and well-being
Excellent English proficiency
Clean, efficient public transport
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
With an overall safety score of 7.62, the Netherlands is regarded as a safe and welcoming place for women traveling alone, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque windmills, and vibrant tulip fields.
Why solo females love Amsterdam:
Extensive bike culture and infrastructure
Liberal, accepting atmosphere
A compact city center is easy to navigate
Rich arts and museum scene
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
The small and compact capital of Slovenia is one of the prettiest and indeed one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe. The small nature of the city makes it easy to get around, and walking is your best option.
Perfect for first-time solo travelers:
Extremely safe and peaceful
Compact size makes navigation easy
Environmental consciousness and sustainability
Affordable compared to Western Europe
6. Lisbon, Portugal
There's this nighttime camaraderie in Lisbon that means you don't feel singled out as a solo tourist. Obviously, be aware of your surroundings, but I felt more than safe dancing well until sunrise. Portugal has emerged as one of the most secure countries in Europe, with hardly any incidence of violent crimes.
Solo travel benefits:
Excellent value for money
Fantastic food scene
Welcoming local culture
Historic trams and easy transportation
7. Dublin, Ireland
The Irish capital is one of the best European cities for solo female travelers as well as an incredibly fun place to visit thanks to the Irish's famous hospitality and amicable nature. Ireland is ranked as an incredibly safe country for solo female travelers, with its overall safety score of 7.88.
What makes Dublin special:
Legendary pub culture and nightlife
Friendly, helpful locals
Rich literary and cultural heritage
Easy day trips to stunning countryside
8. Barcelona, Spain
With an index score of 7.45, Spain is considered the safest country for female solo travelers. Barcelona offers incredible architecture, beaches, and vibrant culture, though travelers should be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas.
Solo travel highlights:
Amazing food and tapas culture
Beautiful beaches within the city
Incredible Gaudí architecture
Lively nightlife and social scene
9. Florence, Italy
When it comes to art appreciation, especially anything more classical and/or predating impressionism, Florence is the city for you. The city center is abundant with museums, palaces, galleries, and churches featuring works by Italian masters.
Perfect for culture lovers:
Renaissance art and architecture
Compact, walkable city center
Incredible food scene
Rich history and museums
10. Bergen, Norway
Quintessentially cute, Bergen is located on the southwestern coast of Norway and is commonly regarded as the most photogenic city in the entire country. Bergen is incredibly safe for solo travelers.
Why it's ideal for solo females:
Extremely safe environment
Stunning natural beauty
Gateway to Norwegian fjords
High English proficiency
Essential Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe
Transportation Safety
Round-trip flights between major European cities are commonly under $50, and buses can make convenient connections for less than €10. Most European cities have excellent public transportation systems that are safe for women traveling alone.
Accommodation Tips
Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central locations. Hostels are great for meeting other travelers, while boutique hotels offer privacy and security. Book accommodations with good lighting and easy access to public transport.
Money and Safety Precautions
Use anti-theft bags and keep your belongings secure, especially in tourist areas. In most of Europe, tipping is not the norm like in the United States, so don't feel pressured to over-tip.
Communication
Most of Europe has high English proficiency, making communication easier for English-speaking travelers. Download translation apps for countries where English is less common.
Budget-Friendly Options for Solo Female Travelers
Eastern European Gems
Eastern Europe offers a good range of safe and welcoming cities that empower women to travel independently, with each city providing a unique blend of history, modern amenities, and solo female travel-friendly environments.
Consider these affordable options:
Prague, Czech Republic - Stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife
Kraków, Poland - Kraków is a city with well-preserved medieval architecture, making it a top pick for solo female travelers
Tallinn, Estonia - Tallinn's nightlife and food scene are wonderful, with the Old Town area having many cozy cafes and historic taverns
Money-Saving Tips
Take advantage of free walking tours available in most European cities
Cook meals occasionally if staying in hostels with kitchens
Travel during shoulder seasons for better prices
Use budget airlines for intercity travel
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, fewer crowds, moderate prices
Summer (June-August): Peak season with festivals and events, but higher prices
Fall (September-October): Beautiful weather, harvest season, good deals
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, winter sports, lowest prices
Cultural Experiences Not to Miss
Food and Dining
Each European city offers unique culinary experiences perfect for solo diners. From Vienna's coffeehouse
culture to Spain's tapas bars, you'll find welcoming environments to enjoy local cuisine.
Arts and Museums
Many European cities offer world-class museums and galleries. Take advantage of free museum days and audio guides to enhance your solo cultural experiences.
Local Festivals
Research local festivals and events during your visit. Europeans are generally welcoming to solo travelers
joining public celebrations.
Getting Around Europe Solo
Transportation Options
Trains: Comfortable and efficient for longer distances
Buses: Budget-friendly option with good coverage
Flights: Often cheapest for longer routes
Local Transport: Most cities have excellent metro, tram, and bus systems
Eurail Passes
Consider a Eurail pass for multiple country visits. These passes offer flexibility and can be cost-effective for longer trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Europe safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Europe claims all five of the top spots for personal security in global safety rankings. Most European countries have low crime rates and excellent infrastructure for travelers.
What's the safest European country for women traveling alone?
Spain is considered the safest country for female solo travelers with an index score of 7.45, though Iceland, Austria, and Portugal also rank extremely highly for safety.
How much should I budget for solo travel in Europe?
Solo trip expenses typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on destinations, accommodation choices, and trip length. Eastern European cities offer better value than Western European capitals.
What are the main safety concerns for solo female travelers?
Women worry about personal safety (66%), higher costs versus splitting with companions (66%), and language barriers (42%) when traveling solo in Europe.
Which European cities should I avoid as a solo female traveler?
While most European cities are safe, exercise extra caution in certain areas of Naples, some parts of Paris at night, and be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas of Barcelona and Rome.
How long should my first solo trip to Europe be?
First-time solo travelers usually choose trips lasting 7–10 days, which allows enough time to explore 2-3 cities while not feeling overwhelmed.
What's the best way to meet people while traveling solo in Europe?
Stay in hostels, join free walking tours, visit local cafes and bars, and participate in local activities. Free walking tours are available in just about every major European city and are great for meeting fellow travelers.
Should I learn the local language before visiting?
While helpful, it's not necessary for most European destinations. Much of Europe has high English proficiency, and basic phrases in the local language are usually sufficient for travel needs.
Solo female travel in Europe is not only safe but incredibly rewarding. With proper planning, awareness, and choosing the right destinations, you'll create unforgettable memories while exploring some of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Start with one of these recommended destinations, and you'll quickly gain confidence for future solo adventures across the continent.
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