I've Visited 9 Cities That Felt Incredibly Safe Traveling Solo

Solo travel is the ultimate adventure in freedom but safety is the real game-changer. After journeying through cities around the globe alone, I’ve learned firsthand which ones feel like a warm hug and which ones feel like a warning sign.

Some places let me wander with ease, while others kept me on high alert. Here’s the real talk on where I felt safe and where I didn’t.

1. Tokyo, Japan – The Ultimate Solo Haven

Walking through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets at 2 AM felt safer than most cities during broad daylight. The crime rate here is remarkably low, and locals genuinely care about helping lost tourists find their way.

Public transportation runs like clockwork, and train stations have clear English signage everywhere. Even in crowded areas like Shibuya, pickpocketing is virtually non-existent.

The culture of respect extends to how people treat solo travelers, especially women. You’ll find 24-hour convenience stores on every corner, making late-night snack runs worry-free adventures.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark – Scandinavian Security

With its safe cycling routes and trustworthy locals, Copenhagen allows solo travelers to explore freely — I once accidentally tested this when I left my phone behind, only to retrieve it the next day.

The city’s compact size means you’re never far from help or a main street. Police officers are approachable and speak excellent English when you need directions.

Even the famous red-light district feels surprisingly safe compared to similar areas in other cities. The strong social safety net here translates into lower desperation-driven crime rates.

3. Singapore – Spotless and Secure

With its near-total absence of street crime, Singapore allows solo travelers to relax and enjoy the city without constantly guarding their valuables.

The efficient MRT system connects every corner of the island, and stations are monitored by security cameras. Street food hawker centers stay busy until late hours with families dining together.

Language barriers are minimal since English is widely spoken. The multicultural blend means solo travelers from any background feel welcomed and understood throughout their stay.

4. Zurich, Switzerland – Alpine Tranquility

Switzerland’s wealth translates into exceptionally safe streets where solo travelers can wander without concern. The Swiss take punctuality and order seriously, which extends to public safety measures.

Lake Zurich’s waterfront provides peaceful evening strolls with plenty of other walkers around. The efficient tram system operates until midnight, ensuring safe transportation back to your accommodation.

Although expensive, the high standard of living means desperate crime is rare. Swiss hospitality includes helping confused tourists navigate their pristine city streets with genuine kindness.

5. Melbourne, Australia – Cultural Comfort

From laneway cafés to lively markets, Melbourne delivers a safe and comfortable solo travel experience, where coffee breaks turn into hours of relaxed people-watching.

Public transportation is reliable, and the free tram zone covers most tourist attractions. Locals are genuinely friendly and quick to offer directions or restaurant recommendations.

The strong arts scene means there’s always something happening, and venues stay open late with good lighting and security. Even walking through the famous laneways at night feels secure.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland – Nordic Serenity

Iceland’s tiny population and strong community bonds create an environment where everyone looks out for each other. Violent crime is practically non-existent in Reykjavik.

The city center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within easy reach. Even during the dark winter months, streets remain well-lit and populated with locals.

Icelanders are incredibly helpful to solo travelers, often going out of their way to ensure you’re not lost. The Northern Lights tours operate safely even in remote locations with professional guides.

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canal-Side Safety

With its extensive cycling network and pedestrian-friendly design, Amsterdam offers solo explorers a safe, stress-free way to experience the city’s charm.

The famous red-light district is heavily patrolled and surprisingly safe for solo visitors during evening hours. Dutch tolerance creates an accepting atmosphere for all types of travelers.

Canal-side walking paths are well-maintained and lit, perfect for evening strolls. The compact city center means you’re never far from busy areas or help when needed.

8. Vienna, Austria – Imperial Elegance

Built for elegant strolling, Vienna pairs its rich history with modern public safety, allowing solo travelers to navigate the city with confidence.

Coffee house culture encourages solo travelers to sit and observe city life without feeling out of place. Viennese politeness includes helping confused tourists navigate their beautiful but complex street layouts.

The city’s wealth and stability translate into low crime rates and well-maintained public spaces. Even late-night classical concerts end with safe walks back through well-lit historic districts.

9. Quebec City, Canada – European Charm

Strolling alone through Quebec City’s walled Old Town feels like time travel — but without the safety concerns often found in historic districts elsewhere.

French-Canadian hospitality includes patient help for English-speaking visitors trying to navigate the historic streets. The compact tourist area means you’re always within walking distance of help.

Winter festivals and summer terraces maintain active street life that enhances safety through natural surveillance. The strong tourism infrastructure ensures solo travelers feel welcomed and protected throughout their visit.

10. Mumbai, India – Overwhelming Intensity

Mumbai’s sheer intensity can overwhelm solo travelers, especially women navigating crowded local trains during rush hour. The massive population density makes personal space non-existent in many areas.

Pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists are common in popular areas like Colaba and Crawford Market. The contrast between extreme wealth and poverty creates uncomfortable situations for obvious foreigners.

Traffic chaos and pollution add to the stress of solo navigation. While many locals are helpful, the language barrier and cultural differences require constant vigilance to avoid misunderstandings or exploitation.

11. Naples, Italy – Beautiful but Risky

The city’s vibrant streets hide risks for solo travelers, with motorcycle theft and skilled pickpockets frequently preying on unsuspecting tourists.

The chaotic traffic and narrow streets create dangerous situations for pedestrians unfamiliar with local driving habits. Some neighborhoods require local knowledge to navigate safely, especially after dark.

While the warmth of Neapolitan culture is genuine, the economic struggles create desperate situations that can affect tourist safety. The beauty of the Bay of Naples doesn’t compensate for constant vigilance requirements.

12. Cairo, Egypt – Ancient Wonders, Modern Worries

Cairo’s incredible history draws solo travelers, but navigating the city safely requires extensive preparation and cultural awareness. Harassment, particularly of female solo travelers, is unfortunately common in tourist areas.

The language barrier complicates emergency situations, and police response can be unpredictable. Traffic is chaotic and pedestrian infrastructure is poor, making simple street crossing dangerous.

Economic pressures create aggressive selling tactics and potential scams targeting obvious tourists. While many Egyptians are genuinely hospitable, the constant need for defensive awareness detracts from enjoying the pyramids and museums.

13. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Paradise with Pitfalls

Behind Rio’s beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere lie real safety risks for solo travelers, with armed robbery and theft common in hotspots like Copacabana and Ipanema.

The stark inequality creates visible tension between wealthy tourist zones and surrounding favelas. Public transportation can be unreliable and sometimes unsafe, especially for obvious foreigners traveling alone.

While Carioca friendliness is legendary, distinguishing between genuine locals and potential threats requires constant judgment calls. The city’s beauty doesn’t eliminate the need for expensive security precautions that limit spontaneous exploration.

14. Bangkok, Thailand – Sensory Overload

The city’s energy is magnetic but exhausting, and for solo travelers, Bangkok’s heat and sensory stimulation can make situational awareness more difficult to maintain.

Scams targeting tourists are sophisticated and common, from fake gem dealers to overpriced tuk-tuk rides to nowhere. The language barrier complicates navigation and emergency communication.

While Thai hospitality is genuine, the massive tourist industry creates predatory businesses specifically targeting solo travelers. The incredible street food and temples require balancing cultural immersion with necessary safety precautions.

15. Marrakech, Morocco – Maze of Uncertainty

For solo travelers, Marrakech’s vibrant medina can turn intimidating fast — where assertive touts and a lack of clear direction make getting around feel more threatening than thrilling.

Navigation without a guide becomes genuinely dangerous as identical-looking alleys lead deeper into residential areas where tourists shouldn’t wander alone. The cultural differences in personal space and interaction styles create uncomfortable misunderstandings.

While Moroccan hospitality is traditionally strong, the tourist industry’s pressure tactics make it difficult to distinguish genuine offers of help from commercial manipulation targeting vulnerable solo travelers.