These Are the Best Destinations for Solo Female Travellers – and Two Are in Europe
I’ve lost count of how many times women have told me, “I’d love to travel solo, but…”
But it’s not safe. But it’s too complicated. But what if something goes wrong?
After years of traveling alone — from late-night trains in Portugal to sunrise hikes in Japan — I can tell you this: the right destination makes all the difference. Some places just work for solo female travellers. They’re safe, easy to navigate, affordable, and genuinely welcoming.
Key Takeaways
- Lisbon and Copenhagen are two of the safest and easiest European cities for solo female travellers.
- Japan offers ultra-safe public transport, with train rides from $3–$20 between major cities.
- Vancouver combines city life and wilderness, with day hikes just 30 minutes from downtown.
- Ubud, Bali offers private rooms from $25 per night and a strong solo female travel community.
Here are five destinations I confidently recommend — including two standout spots in Europe.
1. Lisbon, Portugal (Europe)
If you want your first solo trip to feel empowering instead of overwhelming, start in Lisbon.
Portugal consistently ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world. In Lisbon, I’ve walked back to my guesthouse in Alfama at 10:30pm and felt completely at ease — something I can’t say about every European capital.
Why it’s perfect solo
The city is compact. You can cross the historic center on foot in about 30 minutes.
Public transport is simple: a 24-hour metro and tram pass costs around €6.80. Uber rides within the city rarely exceed €8.
What to do alone (and love it)
- Ride Tram 28 early (before 9am) to avoid tourist chaos.
- Watch sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte — go 45 minutes before sunset for a good spot.
- Spend a slow afternoon in Belém (20 minutes by tram).
And don’t skip the food scene. If you’re planning your meals strategically, check out this Lisbon food guide with rooftop spots and local dishes — it’s gold.
What to avoid
Overpriced Fado dinners marketed to tourists. If the menu is outside with laminated photos, walk away.
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October. Warm weather, fewer cruise crowds.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark (Europe)
Copenhagen feels like a city designed for independence.
It’s clean, organized, and incredibly safe. Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world — and you feel it.
Why it works
You can rent a bike for around 120 DKK ($17) per day and explore like a local. The entire city is built around cyclists.
English is spoken everywhere. No language stress. No awkward misunderstandings.
Solo highlights
- Nyhavn at sunrise (before the Instagram crowds).
- Street food at Reffen — meals from 80–120 DKK ($12–18).
- A solo sauna session at CopenHot (book in advance).
Yes, it’s expensive. A simple lunch can cost $20–25.
But here’s the thing: safety and ease are worth it on a solo trip. You’re paying for peace of mind.
Best time to visit: May–September for long daylight hours (up to 17 hours in June).
3. Kyoto, Japan (Asia)
If safety is your number one concern, go to Japan.
I once left my phone on a café table in Kyoto. Twenty minutes later, it was still there.
Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries globally. Crime rates are extremely low, and public transport is flawless.
Why Kyoto over Tokyo?
Tokyo is exciting but intense. Kyoto is calmer, more walkable, and perfect for solo reflection.
A local bus day pass costs around ¥700 ($5). Train rides between Kyoto and Osaka take 30 minutes and cost about ¥570 ($4).
What to do alone
- Fushimi Inari at 7am — the earlier, the better.
- Tea ceremony in Gion (around ¥3,000–4,000).
- Philosopher’s Path in cherry blossom season.
Eating solo here is completely normal. Ramen counters are built for it.
Best time to visit: Late March–April (cherry blossoms) or November (autumn leaves).
4. Vancouver, Canada (America)
If you want city energy plus wilderness, Vancouver is unbeatable.
You can have brunch downtown and be hiking in the mountains 30 minutes later.
Why it’s solo-friendly
Canada ranks high for safety, and Vancouver has excellent public transport. A single SkyTrain ticket starts around CAD $3.15.
The outdoor culture makes it easy to meet people — especially on group hikes or kayaking tours.
Don’t miss
- Capilano Suspension Bridge (go early — it gets packed after 11am).
- Stanley Park seawall (9km loop, rent a bike for ~$25).
- Granville Island Public Market.
If you’re drawn to deeper nature experiences in the Americas, you might also love this story about explorers who discovered a rare dolphin population in the Amazon — it’s a reminder of how wild this continent still is: read it here.
Best time to visit: June–September for dry hiking weather.
5. Ubud, Bali (Asia)
Ubud is where many women take their first “big” solo trip outside Europe or North America.
And for good reason.
You can rent a private room with a pool for $25–40 per night. A healthy smoothie bowl costs $3–5.
Why it works
There’s a strong solo female traveller community. Yoga classes, cooking workshops, and co-working spaces make it easy to connect.
It feels social without being chaotic like parts of Canggu.
What to do
- Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise.
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (arrive before 8am).
- Traditional Balinese cooking class (~$30).
Be cautious with scooter rentals if you’ve never driven one. Traffic rules are… flexible.
Best time to visit: May–June or September (dry season, fewer crowds).
Practical Solo Travel Tips (From Experience)
No matter where you go, these rules make a difference:
- Book your first two nights in advance. Arriving stressed is avoidable.
- Share your live location with a trusted friend.
- Arrive during daylight when possible.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave.
- Don’t overschedule. Solo travel is about freedom.
And here’s something important: solo doesn’t mean lonely. It means self-directed.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Go First?
If it’s your first solo trip ever, choose Lisbon or Copenhagen. They’re easy, safe, and confidence-building.
If safety is your absolute priority, go to Kyoto.
If you want nature and city combined, Vancouver wins.
If you’re craving transformation, yoga, and community, Ubud delivers.
Solo travel isn’t reckless. With the right destination, it’s one of the smartest, most empowering things you can do.
Now the only question is: where are you booking first?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest destination for solo female travellers?
Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates and reliable public transport. Cities like Kyoto are especially calm and easy to navigate alone.
How much does a solo trip to Lisbon cost?
Budget travellers can expect to spend €70–120 per day in Lisbon, including accommodation (€25–80), food (€15–30), and transport (€6–10). Prices rise in peak summer months.
Is Bali safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, especially in areas like Ubud with strong tourist infrastructure. Use reputable drivers, avoid riding scooters without experience, and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
When is the best time to travel solo in Europe?
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak July–August season.