I don’t really like differentiating between where’s good to travel as a woman vs where’s good to travel as a man, as I believe solo female travellers can go anywhere they want, from seeking out India's most beautiful temples to the best khinkali in Tbilisi and everything in between. But there’s no denying some places are easier and safer than others when travelling alone, as a female.
 |
| Some of the prettiest and safest cities in Europe |
I get asked time and time again where I think is safe for solo travellers, so I decided to break it down by first jumping into the safest cities in Europe and detailing what to do once you arrive. By no means is this an exhaustive list; I will update it as and when I can. But for now, this is my curated list of the safest cities in Europe for solo female travellers, skewed more towards those taking their first solo journey. From France’s capital to a little-talked-about Romanian gem, here’s where to go in Europe when journeying alone.
7 of the safest cities in Europe
for solo female travellers
1. Timisoara, Romania
As the third largest city in Romania, Timisoara may not seem like the perfect weekend destination for solo travellers to Europe, but its under-the-radar status means it's not overrun with tourists, and for me, that’s always a plus point. When I visited alone a few winters ago, I pretty much had the city to myself, and it really is a truly beautiful city in an understated way. Plus, it's possible that no one you know will have been there before, which makes it all the more exciting.
 |
| Beautiful buildings line Timisoara's streets |
The city centre itself is made up of beautiful plazas that really reminded me of the plazas of South America. And just like traditional Bulgarian food in Sofia, the food of Timisoara will impress with its value and variety. I tried Casa Bunicii for typical Romanian dishes—the pork knuckle with rosemary potatoes didn't disappoint, and Restaurant Merlot, which is perfect for something a bit more upscale but still affordable. Bio Fresh serves vegetarian and vegan food alongside a large selection of juices and smoothies, and if you’re craving Vietnamese, you can have that too. Just head over to Little Hanoi Bistro to have Bun Cha, which seriously rivals dishes in actual Vietnam.
 |
| The plazas have a real South American vibe |
The city also has a handful of good coffee shops that suit solo travellers well, try the cute vinyl record store, Viniloteca, just across the Baga River or Mokum Coffee. For art lovers, the Museum of Art and the cool Jecza Gallery are both well curated, showcasing some of the country’s most important artists, and don’t forget to admire the street art and sculptures dotted around the city, too.
CHECK HOTELS & ROOM RATES IN TIMISOARA
2. Athens, Greece
When I told friends I was heading to Athens for a five-day solo jaunt, reactions ranged from "Isn’t it dangerous?" and "I’ve heard it’s a bit grimy" to "Is there enough to do?" I always find reactions like these surprising. If you love to travel, to see new sights and immerse yourself in a new culture, there’s plenty to see and do in pretty much any city, let alone one that’s filled with some of the most incredible ancient architecture in the world.
 |
| The Acropolis of Athens |
After getting the lowdown on the
best restaurants in Athens from an old flatmate who’s from the city and checking into quirky-cool
NEW hotel Athens, this is how I filled my solo days when I wasn't eating and drinking. After taking the airport train to the middle of the city for $10.80 (10 euros), I dropped my bag at the hotel and headed to Mount Lycabettus for sweeping views of the surroundings. There’s a funicular that takes visitors to the top, or if you prefer to walk, as I did, it’s easy to find the track. I walked up on my first evening to watch the sunset and found a beautiful little white chapel at the top, dating back to 1870. It’s worth heading to the top for sunset as an elaborate ceremony takes place around this time each evening, where two guards lower and remove the Greek flag for the night.
 |
| Erechtheion Temple |
On my second day in the city, I walked to The Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world made entirely from marble. It was here that Greece hosted the 2004 Olympics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies for the very first modern Olympics back in 1896. At first, I reached the outer edge, ringed by pine trees and found locals running—you don’t have to pay for the track that runs just outside the stadium, so it’s a good way of seeing the area if you’re on a budget. But I wanted a closer look, so I headed to the entrance and spent a couple of hours inside. There's also a small exhibit showing Olympic posters from all over the world. Later, I found my way through the narrow lanes of Plaka and up to the world-famous Acropolis. I’d bought a $10.80 (10 euros) single-entry ticket online a few days before arriving in Greece, and this allowed me to walk straight through the gates.
 |
| The Parthenon |
My favourite parts were the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a pretty stone Roman theatre, and the female forms outside the Erechtheion temple. To learn more about Greek Culture and to see some fascinating exhibitions, I'd also recommend the Benaki Museum on Koumbari St, where you can easily spend half a day. The building itself is beautiful, and there are four floors filled with fabulous ancient ceramics, sculptures and even costumes. The first floor was my favourite for the bold jewellery, embroidery and stunning bridal costumes. Other museums worth checking out are The Museum of Cycladic Art, The Acropolis Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
CHECK HOTELS & ROOM RATES IN ATHENS
3. Stockholm, Sweden
There's something about waterways in Stockholm that has a calming effect; the reflections, the glimmer of sun on shimmering ripples and the way the light changes so beautifully throughout the day and for me, the best way to take in the city's beauty is with long solo strolls. Made up of 14 islands connected by bridges, Stockholm is one of those places that instils a feeling of tranquillity throughout your whole sense of being as soon as you arrive. The people are friendly too, in that satisfied, content kind of way. And why wouldn't you be when you live in a place with some of the best coffee shops in Europe, surrounded by the prettiest buildings and hip hotels?
 |
| The calming waters of Stockholm |
I stayed at Hotel Birger Jarl in the Vasastan area of town. The hotel itself is modern with bright rooms and a great breakfast that includes everything you could think of, from pancakes and waffles to cheese and cured meats. There's also a chilled bar in the hotel’s lobby, which knocks up a pretty good G&T. But if I were to return to Stockholm, however, I would book a stay at the Haymarket by Scandic on Hotorget Square. I noticed it one day while exploring, thinking to myself that the facade wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson movie. Once inside, the interiors' Art Deco 1920s aesthetic boasts dusky pink hues, geometric tiling, plush furnishings, leafy plants and monochrome accessories—bliss. Södermalm is the place to go for vintage shopping and pop-up flea markets, as well as cool coffee shop hangouts. And it’s in this area where Fotografiska can be found, a cool gallery space showing contemporary Swedish photography and interesting, ever-changing exhibitions. Johan & Nystrom is an absolute must for coffee lovers, while Operabaren, next to Cafe Opera, is great for a solo lunch within opulent surroundings. The meatballs are particularly delicious, served with lingonberries, pickled cucumber, creamed potatoes and cream sauce. Swedish classics such as pickled herring, lightly salted salmon and 'Isterband' sausage also feature on the menu.
 |
| Meatballs at Operabaren |
Elsewhere, local spot Rolfs Kok serves seasonal and simple meals like red wine-braised ox cheeks with Swedish truffle and potato puree. Staff are extremely knowledgeable, and they have a well-stocked cellar of over 450 different wines. Award-winning Svartengrens is my favourite place to go for cocktails. The menu is small, but features blends totally different to anything you may have tried before, and solo-ers are always welcome at the bar.
4. Lisbon (& Sintra), Portugal
A long solo weekend in Lisbon is perfect for getting to grips with the super cool, laid-back city, but you won’t regret a longer stay if you have the time. Whenever I get to a new city, whether that's ancient Athens, pretty Padua or quirky-cool Lisbon, I like to head to a high point to get sweeping views and to figure out how the city is laid out. St George’s Castle sits atop Lisbon’s highest hill, so it is the place to begin any solo trip to Lisbon. I stayed right in the centre of hip neighbourhood Barrio Alto, with its cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and ornate tile work. It’s also this area of town where I discovered BA Wine Bar, the perfect spot for dining on dreamy local cheeses and expertly paired Portuguese wines.  |
| Ascensor da Gloria |
As the sun begins to set, take a trip on one of the city's ancient elevators that move up and down steep parts of town. My favourite was Ascensor da Gloria, which dates back to 1885 and ascends from the garden of São Pedro de Alcantara to Restauradores Square, but unfortunately, it’s now closed following a terrible accident that took place at the end of 2025. As one of the best travel destinations for foodies, seeking out great bites is a must. For dinner, don’t miss Cervejaria Ramiro, where the surroundings are simple but the seafood is out of this world good. There’s always a massive queue, so arrive early and be prepared to wait.
 |
| Beautiful Sintra |
Finally, head over to the magical and mysterious town of Sintra, a short train ride out of Lisbon city centre. The Moorish National Palace and the 19th-century Pena National Palace are both stunning.
5. Krakow, Poland
Sweep any preconceived notions of Krakow out of your mind, this pretty city, situated in the south of the country, is one of Poland’s oldest and most fascinating, plus its smallish size makes it the perfect destination for solo travellers. The cobbled old town is filled with restaurants, fun shops and cocktail bars, and there's a castle not far from the main square. CK Browar, set in a cosy cellar with its own brewery, is a great place to sample Polish dishes like pork knuckle and delicious meat stews that don’t cost a fortune. Brewed beer samplers come in cute mini glass tankards and are a great way to sample a few different local beers.
 |
| Pierogarnia Krakowiacy in Krakow |
For classic Polish dumplings known as Pierogi, try Pierogarnia Krakowiacy for filling and tasty versions in the centre of town. Bunkier Café, attached to Kraków’s best contemporary art gallery, is a great place to people-watch. I loved the chilli hot chocolate here, while Café Camelot is a good little breakfast spot with squeaky floorboards, tiny tables and an antique shop upstairs. There are some amazingly well-priced Airbnb options in Krakow, ensuring solo travellers can find accommodation to suit all budgets.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Scattered with around 130 volcanoes and an abundance of waterfalls, plus mysterious black sand beaches, lagoons, glaciers and lava fields, Iceland attracts independent travellers looking for both tranquillity and unforgettable natural landscapes. And its reputation as one of the world’s safest destinations is another reason it continues to draw solo-ers, like me.
 |
| The scenery just outside of Reykjavik |
The capital itself, Reykjavik, makes an excellent base, which, despite its compact size, offers a vibrant mix of contemporary culture, striking architecture, welcoming cafés, and a thriving creative community that’s easy to enjoy at your own pace. It is worth joining a group tour; however, if you want to get out of the city and see the rest of the island, which I’d highly recommend, did you know it’s possible to do it on horseback? Icelandic horses are a unique breed that came to the country with the first settlers back in 1874 AD, and now they’re one of the purest breeds in the world with a thick winter coat and sturdy frame that’s ideal for exploring.
7. Paris, France
A beautiful mix of old, grand mansions with typical iron balconies and wooden shutters, juxtaposed with high-rise blocks, each covered by a bold commissioned mural, Paris really does appeal to all sorts of solo travellers. For me, the 13th arrondissement is a favourite, filled with amazing street art, rare bookshops, the four huge towers that make up the National Library of France and the buzzing Asian quarter.
 |
| Oysters for sale in Paris |
When I’m in Paris alone, I like to walk, and Rue Mouffetard is a favourite starting point. This cute cobbled street is one of the oldest in the city and is known for its food stalls and shops selling local produce.
 |
| The twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower |
One Sunday in January, I was amazed at the life and spectacle I found here: shoppers picking up fruits and vegetables for the week ahead, people eating oysters and drinking wine before midday, couples dancing in their finest clothes, an accordion player setting the scene. After, I continued to the Grand Mosque, one of the largest in France, with its perfectly symmetrical garden, before a very late lunch and a stop off at the brilliant Picasso museum.
Post a Comment