22 Cities Perfect for First-Time Solo Female Travelers
This post shows you the best cities for solo women travelers.
So you’ve decided to set out on your own for the very first time. Congratulations!
Solo travel is both fun and fulfilling – once you’ve got a taste for it, you’ll probably find yourself addicted to the thrill of exploring a new place solo.
It’s also much easier to travel solo than you probably think – but some places are easier to visit solo than others.
From Stockholm to Seoul, here are 22 cities that are ideal first-time solo destinations for women.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is incredibly safe, with an incredibly fast and punctual subway system – and English signage – that makes it easy to navigate even for solo travelers.
Unlike many parts of the world, Tokyo is a place where eating out alone is seen as normal, not weird. Almost every bar, restaurant and noodle bar has lots of options for dining solo.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and there are plenty of attractions suitable for solo exploration, from serene temples to bustling markets.
Needless to say, the shopping is amazing too.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
With its bike-friendly streets and excellent public transport, Amsterdam is a breeze to navigate solo.
English is widely spoken, and the city’s progressive culture makes it a welcoming destination for women traveling alone.
Amsterdam offers a huge number of attractions for solo travelers to explore. Spend a morning wandering the canal district, stopping at Café de Jaren on Kloveniersburgwal canal for coffee and cake.
Your afternoon will likely be dedicated to the world-famous museums – Anne Frank’s House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are all musts.
For a light dinner, try the meatballs at De Hallen, a food hall and cultural hub that was once a depot for the city’s trams.
3. Sydney, Australia
What everyone says about Sydney is true. It really is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, with a laid-back vibe and an enviable outdoor lifestyle.
It’s easy to spend a day wandering around the waterfront and exploring the shops and cafes of Sydney’s inner suburbs, but be sure to get out to some of Sydney’s more far-flung attractions.
Book a day trip to see the famous Blue Mountains, and a cruise through the spectacular Sydney Harbour – the city is even more beautiful from the water.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Has the recent aurora borealis inspired you to see more of the Northern Lights? Iceland is one of the best places to see this incredible natural phenomenon, either under your own steam or as part of a guided tour.
Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and its capital Reykjavik is compact and easy to get around, with English widely spoken.
If you like experiencing night life solo while staying safe, Reykjavik is a great choice.
For a quieter visit, relax in the city’s geothermal pools or join one of the many excursions to natural wonders like waterfalls and glaciers.
5. Montreal, Canada
A lively and multicultural city known for its vibrant arts scene, delicious French-inspired cuisine and historic architecture, Montreal is the ideal place for a solo city break.
The first thing many people notice is that Montreal often feels more European than American, with historic churches, picturesque squares and Paris-style cafés galore.
Most visitors start in charming Old Montreal, the central area where the city was born in 1642, but there’s a lot more to discover.
Hop on the subway to Little Burgundy, where the food stalls of the Marché Atwater offer everything you need for a picnic by the canal.
Nearby Rue Notre-Dame West is where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, and be sure to stop at Patisserie au Kouign Amann for the perfect Sunday-morning pastry.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Any major city in Spain makes a great solo travel destination, but Barcelona offers something really unique with its blend of culture, history and beach vibes.
Explore the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter, visit Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces including the Sagrada Familia cathedral (remember to book ahead), and finish the day soaking up the sun at Barceloneta Beach.
As well as being one of the world’s great cities, Barcelona is an excellent jumping-off point for a number of day trips.
The towns of Sitges, Girona and Tarragona are all easily accessible from Barcelona by train.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
There’s something special about Edinburgh. People who visit fall in love with the city’s history, culture, friendliness and sense of fun.
Voted the UK’s safest city in 2023, Edinburgh is a perfect destination for a first-time solo female traveler, especially if you’re interested in history and books.
That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of amazing outdoor attractions in Edinburgh.
If you’re a fan of One Day – either the Netflix series or the book – you’ll definitely want to follow in Emma and Dex’s footsteps and visit Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park and the University of Edinburgh, all key locations in their love story.
8. Singapore
OK, you’re probably not going to book an international flight just to visit Singapore. But if you’re visiting Asia for the first time, Singapore is the ideal introduction to the region.
It’s widely acknowledged as one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world, making it perfect for solo female travelers.
English is widely spoken, and the city’s efficient public transportation system makes getting around a breeze.
Thanks to its unique ethnic mix, including Chinese, Indian, Eurasian and Malay, Singapore is an incredible city for foodies. Hawker centres serving up curries, laksa, satay, chilli crab and noodles of all kinds can be found in every neighborhood.
Eaten your fill? Get out and explore Singapore’s historic districts, amazing museums and attractions like the spectacular Gardens by the Bay.
9. Wellington, New Zealand
Ah, my home town. Wellington, which likes to call itself the “coolest little capital in the world” (although Reykjavik might have something to say about that), is a friendly and welcoming city for solo travelers.
While New Zealand isn’t known for great public transport, Wellington has one of the best services of any city in the country – and it’s compact enough to easily explore on foot.
It’s got an amazing coffee culture, a spectacular waterfront, a thriving arts scene and plenty of wildlife within easy reach. Plus the awesome national gallery, Te Papa. Come on over!
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
The cycling culture, the progressive values, the high standard of living… there are plenty of reasons why Danes love their country, and why Denmark has a reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world.
Get a taste of the famed Danish lifestyle with a few days exploring Copenhagen, the safe and easy-to-navigate capital city.
What to do with a long weekend in Copenhagen? Here are a few ideas:
- Wander the charming streets of Nyhavn, the super-picturesque 17th Century canal district
- Visit lovely old castles and world-class museums like the National Gallery of Denmark
- Relax in the city’s delightful parks and gardens.
11. Taipei, Taiwan
In a world where it seems every great destination has been TikTok’d and Instagrammed to death, Taipei remains a true hidden gem.
It’s a modern and cosmopolitan city known for its delicious street food, bustling night markets, and stunning skyline.
Taipei is often recommended for solo travelers who want an experience of China without all the challenges of the mainland.
Explore historic temples like Longshan Temple and Taipei Confucius Temple, shop for souvenirs in vibrant markets like Shilin Night Market, and enjoy panoramic views from Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Then eat eat eat! Must-try dishes include lu rou fan, a combination of pork and rice that’s considered one of Taiwan’s national dishes, and hujiao bing, or pepper buns – delicious dough balls, filled with meat and cooked in a tandoor-like oven.
12. Vancouver, Canada
Stunningly beautiful Vancouver is safe, fun, friendly and easy to navigate – the perfect destination for a first-time solo traveler.
It’s best known for its adventure attractions like Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and the vertigo-inducing Capilano Suspension Bridge, but there’s so much more to Vancouver than the great outdoors.
If you like markets, you’ve come to the right place. You could spend a whole day wandering the shops and stalls on Granville Island, but preserve some energy for the Richmond Night Market – it’s the largest night market in all of North America.
13. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s lively and welcoming atmosphere, friendly locals and rich cultural experiences make it an excellent choice for solo female travelers.
Ireland is famous for its whiskey and beer, but that doesn’t mean you need a companion to drink with. Pull up a stool at a cozy pub, take a whiskey-tasting masterclass, or join a tour of the Guinness factory, audio-tour included.
Like Edinburgh, Dublin is a wonderful destination for history buffs and bookworms: for an intro to the city’s cultural history, check out the Dublin Writers Museum, Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
14. Florence, Italy
There are two ways of looking at Florence: one is that it’s one of the most romantic cities on earth, and you’d be crazy to want to go there on your own.
The other viewpoint (one that I wholeheartedly support) is that if you’re the sort of person who loves museums, galleries and historic sites of all kinds, then there’s no better place to visit solo than Firenze.
Florence is of course known for its Renaissance art and architecture – you’ll want to see all the globally famous landmarks like:
- Santa Maria del Fiore, aka Florence Cathedral, the third largest church in the world
- The Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David
- Palazzo Vecchio, former home of the powerful Medici family.
But the best thing about visiting Florence is simply wandering around: stroll along the picturesque Arno River, then climb the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking sunset view.
15. New York, USA
If I had to spend a week on my own anywhere in the world, New York would be near the top of my list.
In the city that never sleeps, there’s literally no end to the things to do and places to see – street festivals in the Bronx, shopping in Soho, ferry rides around the Statue of Liberty and much more.
And that’s not to mention all the world-leading museums, cutting-edge theater and free events every day of the week.
New York is wonderful, but exhausting. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, jump on the subway and head to a park. Central Park is the obvious choice, but my pick is Brooklyn Bridge Park for the people watching, the diversity of landscape, and the incredible views across to Manhattan.
16. Kraków, Poland
With its charming cobbled streets, incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture, and friendly, welcoming locals, Kraków might just be Europe’s quintessential solo-travel destination.
Almost all its main sights are clustered in easy walking distance of the Main Square (yes, that’s its actual name) so you probably won’t even need to use public transport at all, except for day excursions such as the Wieliczka salt mine and the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Central Kraków highlights include Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter which is now the city’s hippest district, packed with street art and humming cafes and bars.
Other must-sees include the 16th century Wawel Castle and St Mary’s Basilica, the famous red-brick church with two towers of different heights.
17. Seoul, South Korea
Safe and simple to navigate, with both high-tech vibes and easy access to nature, Seoul is one of Asia’s most foreigner-friendly cities.
Book your accommodation in central Myeongdong or Gangnam and you’ll have plenty to explore within your local area, including shopping, restaurants and street food.
Further afield you’ll find Bukchon Village, the traditional hillside village where you’ll find Seoul’s most picturesque views, and the spectacular Gyeongbokgung Palace – rent a hanbok (a traditional Korean dress) at the gate and you get in for free!
The setting for numerous Netflix shows and the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous music groups, Seoul is a must-visit for fans of K-drama and K-pop.
Korea is at the cutting edge of cosmetic medicine, so if that’s something that interests you consider booking a treatment or two while you’re in town – prices are surprisingly affordable, and many providers speak excellent English.
18. Stockholm, Sweden
One of Europe’s easiest cities for female solo travelers is also one of its most beautiful. Slung across 14 islands connected by bridges and ferries, Stockholm is a fantastically scenic place, whether you’re wandering through charming Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s old town – or out on a boat tour around the islands or through the lovely Djurgården canal.
Stockholm’s traditional museums and galleries are superb, but the most fun has to be the ABBA museum, an interactive celebration of Sweden’s greatest pop group.
And you absolutely have to book a ticket for the Vasa Museum, which houses an incredibly well preserved 17th century warship. Even if you have no interest in ships or naval history, the Vasa is worth seeing for its sheer size and amazing story.
After that, time for fika – Swedish afternoon tea. The daily ritual involves coffee (or tea) and a sweet cake and pastry, and is the reason why every coffee shop seems to fill up with people from 3pm. In Stockholm some of the best cafes are found in SoFo, the area ‘south of Folkungatan’ on Södermalm island.
19. Lisbon, Portugal
Everyone falls in love with Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is experiencing a tourism boom at the moment, and for good reason – the city is immensely attractive, surrounded by water and with stunning hilltop views.
It’s a wonderful place to just wander around, but if your feet get tired it’s easy to jump on the Metro or one of the historic trams.
Attractions include the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both of which are located in Belém, the waterfront district that’s also home to Lisbon’s most famous custard tart bakery, Pastéis de Belém. Eat your pastel de nata in the cafe with a strong espresso, or take a box to go and eat them overlooking the river Tagus.
20. Vienna, Austria
In one of Europe’s most stunning cities, there’s nothing better than simply walking around and soaking it all in. Vienna has a remarkably well-preserved central city, with grand examples of 17th, 18th and 19th century architecture on display.
Vienna was once the capital of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, and is now full of grand buildings such as cathedrals, opera houses and palaces – including the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, setting for much of the action in the addictive Netflix series The Empress.
Vienna is where great thinkers and artists such as Sigmund Freud and Gustav Klimt once met over kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) in one of the city’s many coffee houses. Today a visit to a coffee house is an essential part of any Vienna trip.
One of the most famous is Café Central, where you can find plaques around the room detailing all the famous visitors from over the years.
21. Seville, Spain
Magical Seville is a city that will stay with you for life. The capital of Andalucía, Seville has a joyful, laid back atmosphere and some of Spain’s most beautiful architecture.
Live out your Game of Thrones fantasies at the Real Alcázar, a 700-year-old former royal palace, whose gardens stood in for Dorne in the series.
Climb to the top of the cathedral, visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and look out over the city from the famous Giralda bell tower.
Hire a bike and cruise around on the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. Or just pack a picnic, find a shady spot in one of Seville’s gorgeous parks, and relax for a while – it’s what the locals would do.
22. Bangkok, Thailand
A city of over 11 million people might not sound like the easiest destination for a female solo traveler. And it’s true that Bangkok can be loud, chaotic and sometimes overwhelming. But Bangkok is also incredibly tourist-friendly and welcoming, with English widely spoken.
Thanks to an excellent public transport system, it’s easy to get around Bangkok’s many highlights.
Don’t miss:
- The Grand Palace, the official residence of the King of Siam
- The floating weekend markets at Khlong Lad Mayom and Taling Chan.
- The famous reclining Buddha (and popular traditional massage centre) at Wat Pho temple.
- And the enormous Chatuchak Market for souvenirs, jewellery and clothing galore.