Discover the safest cities for solo female travelers. Explore worry-free destinations with friendly locals, low crime, and empowering experiences
Why Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers Empowering
Traveling solo as a female can be an eye-opener and very empowering. For those seeking culture, adventure, or a break for reflection, traveling alone enables you to make your own schedule, set your own pace, and get to know your own memories that only you can travel with. But it’s crucial for a solo woman to choose the right destination, one that’s safe. Let us show you some of the safest cities for a solo female traveler in this guide. Each city on this list is not just welcoming and safe but also offers a wealth of culture, is budget-friendly, and will give you stories to last a lifetime.
Solo Female Travel and How to Stay Safe
Traveling solo, especially as a girl, comes with its own safety issues. Factors that affect the safety of a city:
Low Crime: Cities where crime is low or heavily monitored by the police are something that makes it easy to feel comfortable solo traveling.
Country’s Attitude towards Women: The higher the women’s status in a country, the broader the level of comfort for a woman traveler.
Public Transit: Easy-to-calculate public transit makes it easy for solo female travelers to go all around the city without any difficulties.
Local Vibes: Having friendly locals around can really make all the difference when you find yourself traveling solo in a new city.
In this article, we’ve only included cities that are not just safe but also make solo female travelers feel welcome and offer loads of cultural and leisure offerings.
Top best, top most safest cities for solo female travelers
Copenhagen, Denmark
Overview
Copenhagen is one of the most secure cities in the world. It’s known for its progressive culture, its efficient public transportation, and its high quality of life. It’s also one of the safest countries in the world for women to visit, and as one would expect, Copenhagen is one of the safer cities too.
Must-Visit Places
Tivoli Gardens: Known as one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli is especially beautiful at night when it’s all lit up with lights, music, and rides.
Nyhavn: Rows upon rows of colorful canal houses and the boats lining the cobblestone street here make it one of the city’s most photographed corners.
The Little Mermaid: A visit to Copenhagen is not complete without a visit to see the famous statue, which was the inspiration for the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
Local Experiences
Tour the City on Bikes: Copenhagen is one of, if not the, most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, and it’s the kind of place you want to tour on bikes. Rent a bike and explore the city like a local.
Cafes: Denmark is all about café culture, so take a break and watch the world go by. Watch the people inside the city’s cozy courtyard and enjoy some pastries.
Canal Tours: Take a guided boat tour and ride through Copenhagen and see the beautiful city from the water.
Cultural Highlights
Hygge: In Denmark, we have the concept of ‘hygge,’ which is this warm, cozy feeling that often comes with friends, food, and a good place to hang out.
Danish design: A long line of the world’s most iconic design shapes are Danish. Head for the Design Museum and find out about this fascinating cultural trend.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Attractions are discounted, and public transport is complimentary with the Copenhagen Card.
If you want to save a bit on lodging, try hostels or Airbnb.
Check out free places like the National Museum of Denmark.
Safety Tips
You can stroll around the streets of Copenhagen at any time of the day without fear. Safe-—It’s worry-free with well-lit streets and safe public transportation.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Overview
Solo travelers in Iceland can find refuge in the country’s capital, Reykjavik. It boasts stunning natural beauty, low levels of crime, and welcoming residents, making it the perfect destination for solo female travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Must-Visit Places
Blue Lagoon: The popular geothermal spa is located just outside of the city and is a great place to soak in warm, mineral-rich water.
a Gullfoss Waterfall Gullfoss Waterfall: A large and powerful waterfall, which is perfect for a spectacular hike.
Thingvellir National Park: Hike between two tectonic plates while soaking in some beautiful landscapes at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Local Experiences
Iceland is famous for its whale watching, so be sure to go on a boat tour when you are on vacation to really make the most of it.
Geothermal Pools—Icelander’s own nature hot tubs—there are hot springs all over the country, but the best come from Mother Nature herself.
Chase the Northern Lights: From September to April, Reykjavik is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.
Cultural Highlights
Icelandic Folklore: Meet the elf, troll, and fairy who make up a huge part of Icelandic culture.
Viking History Learn about Vikings in Iceland at the National Museum of Iceland.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Cheap out by eating at a local food truck or small, family-owned restaurant.
The cheapest way to travel around the city is by public bus.
Budget-free walking tours cater to the tight-walleted.
Safety Tips
Iceland is also one of the safest destinations for solo travelers. The city is extremely safe, and you don’t ever have to worry about walking around the country.
Tokyo, Japan
Overview
Tokyo is also one of the safest and best organized for the solo female traveler. It has an extensive public transport system, the crime rate is low, and the city is so culturally diverse that it is a convenient place for solo travel.
Must-Visit Places
Shibuya Crossing: Tokyo’s busiest intersection crossing with a 4-way zebra crossing.
Senso-ji Temple: Stunning Buddhist temple in the center of Asakusa.
Meiji Jingu: A peaceful and serene shrine with plenty of forest around it, located close to Harajuku.
Local Experiences
Karaoke: I love singing in karaoke bars It’s one of my favorite things.
Neighborhoods to Know in Tokyo: Find varied districts, from the entertainment-packed (Shinjuku) to electronics and anime (Akihabara).
Sumo Wrestling: Watch them train or go to a match.
Cultural Highlights
Japanese Tea Ceremony: Experience the Japanese spirit of hospitality and reflection in a tea ceremony.
Japanese food: In the capital you can eat some of the best sushi and ramen in the world at some local places at an unbeatable price.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you intend to travel outside Tokyo inexpensively, the JR Rail Pass might be your ticket.
Cheap but delicious conveyor belt sushi or ramen shops will do the trick.
Safety Tips
Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world for a solo female traveler. Low street crime and safe, dependable public transportation make traveling throughout the city worry-free.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview
We are Amsterdam—a safe and easygoing city offering endless cultural exploration. Amsterdam: Known for picturesque canals, a vibrant art scene, and intense history, Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers.
Must-Visit Places
Rijksmuseum: Take in the best of Dutch masters, including Rembrandt.
Anne Frank House: Commemorate the story of Anne Frank and her experiences during World War II.
Vondelpark: Beautiful park! Get a blanket, some wine, and cheese, and lay back and enjoy!
Local Experiences
Canal Cruises: Take a boat ride and see the city from its waterways.
Take a Bike Tour: Rent a bicycle and see Amsterdam the way the locals do.
Jordaan District: Known for narrow streets, hip cafes, and independent shops.
Cultural Highlights
Creators of Dutch art: Head to the Van Gogh Museum to take in Vincent Van Gogh’s celebrated paintings.
Dutch Food: Try some traditional Dutch snacks with stroopwafels and poffertjes.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Multiple museum passes.
Buy inexpensive meals from local markets or from food trucks.
Safety Tips
There are certainly places online to see violence (I’m thinking I’m referencing a “dirty alley”), but on the whole Amsterdam is very safe with excellent street lighting and the best public transportation you could hope for. But by all means, stay perceptive and be particularly vigilant in high-traffic areas.
Conclusion: These Are the Best Cities for Solo Female Travelers
There’s nothing like the power of single female travel. Regardless of whether you’re in search of culture, history, adventure, or simply relaxation, the cities above seem like the perfect combination of safety, culture, and personality. Scattered with bike-friendly roads in Copenhagen and serene countryside in Reykjavik, there’s something for every type of solo female traveler.
These cities are not only the ones where your safety is guaranteed; they also have many things to do, immersing into the local lifestyle, meeting other locals and discovering hidden treasures
FAQ
1. Which is the safest city in the world for solo female travelers?
Copenhagen, Denmark is often ranked as one of the safest cities for solo female travelers, thanks to its low crime rate, friendly locals, and excellent public transportation.
2. How can solo female travelers stay safe while exploring new cities?
Solo female travelers should research their destination, avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep emergency contacts handy, and stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
3. Is Tokyo safe for solo female travelers at night?
Yes, Tokyo is extremely safe, even at night. Public transport is reliable, and crime rates are low, making it a great city for solo exploration.
4. What are some budget-friendly safe cities for solo women travelers?
Cities like Reykjavik (Iceland), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Copenhagen (Denmark) offer a mix of safety and affordable options with the right planning.
5. Why is solo travel empowering for women?
Solo travel helps women gain confidence, make independent decisions, and experience personal freedom while exploring new cultures safely and meaningfully.