11 Solo Travel Spots Women Love & 5 Hidden Gems You Will Want To Discover Next
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about claiming your space in it. For women especially, hitting the road alone can be empowering, eye-opening, and genuinely fun.
The right destination makes all the difference, offering safety, warmth, and that sweet spot between adventure and ease. Whether you’re chasing coastlines or city streets, these places are made for going solo without ever feeling alone.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pedaling along flower-lined canals with the wind in your hair feels magical and freeing. Amsterdam offers solo female travelers a safe urban playground where English is widely spoken and public transport runs 24/7.
The city’s compact size makes exploring neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp a breeze, while museums and cozy cafés provide perfect solo outings.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Temples glowing at sunset and fragrant street food stalls create an atmosphere of wonder without overwhelming solo travelers. Chiang Mai’s laid-back energy and budget-friendly accommodations make it a favorite among women exploring Southeast Asia alone.
Navigating the old city’s grid layout is straightforward, and friendly locals welcome visitors with warm smiles.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Sunlight bounces off pastel-colored buildings while trolleys climb steep, narrow streets in this charming European capital. Lisbon welcomes solo female travelers with open arms and affordable prices.
Staying in Baixa or Chiado neighborhoods puts you within walking distance of major sights. The city’s excellent public transportation and friendly locals make navigating a breeze, even for first-timers.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Peaceful gardens and ancient temples create moments of zen that solo travelers cherish. Kyoto offers women an incredibly safe environment where getting lost means discovering hidden teahouses and local craft shops.
The efficient bus system connects major sites like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Cultural experiences from tea ceremonies to kimono rentals are designed to welcome individual participants.
5. Vancouver, Canada
Mountains meet ocean in this nature-lover’s paradise where solo exploration feels completely secure. Vancouver’s excellent public transit connects you to stunning beaches, forest trails, and cultural attractions without needing a car.
The city’s walkable neighborhoods like Kitsilano and Gastown offer plenty of cafés where solo diners feel welcome. Stanley Park’s seawall provides the perfect place for peaceful reflection or striking up conversations.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Whimsical architecture and palm-lined beaches create a playground for independent explorers. Barcelona’s efficient metro system makes it easy for solo women to zip between Gothic Quarter alleyways and modernist masterpieces.
Stay in L’Eixample or El Born for safe, central locations. The city truly comes alive at night, when women traveling alone can enjoy tapas bars where counter seating makes dining solo completely normal.
7. Reykjavík, Iceland
Northern lights dance overhead in one of the world’s safest countries for solo female travelers. Reykjavík’s compact downtown means you’re never far from cozy cafés, interesting museums, or new friends at bustling communal hot springs.
The city serves as the perfect base for joining group tours to waterfalls and glaciers. Winter visitors find fellow aurora-hunters, while summer’s midnight sun creates endless exploration opportunities.
8. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dragon bridges and riverside cafés create a fairytale setting that’s surprisingly under-the-radar. Ljubljana charms solo female travelers with its pedestrian-only city center and relaxed atmosphere where safety concerns are minimal.
The city’s small size means you can explore the entire historic core in a day. Free walking tours provide instant community, while day trips to Lake Bled offer breathtaking nature just an hour away.
9. Melbourne, Australia
Street art splashes color across hidden laneways where the aroma of world-class coffee fills the air. Melbourne welcomes solo women travelers with its safe public transport, walkable neighborhoods, and friendly locals always ready with recommendations.
The city’s grid layout makes navigation simple even for newcomers. Cultural institutions and quirky boutiques provide perfect solo activities, while communal tables at trendy restaurants ensure you never feel awkward dining alone.
10. San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
Cobblestone streets lead to a stunning pink church that glows at sunset in this artistic haven. San Miguel de Allende attracts solo female travelers with its walkable historic center and strong expat community that makes connecting easy.
The city’s small size creates a secure environment where locals recognize you after just a few days. Spanish classes, cooking workshops, and art studios offer perfect opportunities to meet others while developing new skills.
11. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ancient stone walls embrace a medieval wonderland where Adriatic waters sparkle below. Dubrovnik offers solo female travelers a compact Old Town that’s easy to navigate and filled with friendly locals accustomed to independent explorers.
Visit in spring or fall to avoid cruise ship crowds and high prices. Morning walks along the city walls provide stunning views and peaceful moments before day-trippers arrive, while evening concerts in historic churches create magical solo experiences.
12. Bergen, Norway
Wooden houses painted in rainbow hues create a postcard-perfect setting nestled between mountains and sea. Bergen welcomes solo female travelers with its exceptionally low crime rate and efficient public transportation system that connects to breathtaking fjord excursions.
The compact city center means everything is within walking distance. Friendly locals speak excellent English, making it easy to ask for directions or strike up conversations at the famous fish market.
13. Cartagena, Colombia
Brilliant bougainvillea cascades down colonial facades where salsa music fills warm Caribbean nights. Cartagena’s walled Old Town provides a contained, walkable area where solo female travelers can safely wander and photograph without feeling overwhelmed.
Stay within the historic center or Getsemaní neighborhood for maximum safety. The city’s growing tourism industry means English is increasingly common, and group activities like cooking classes and boat trips create natural opportunities to meet others.
14. Hoi An, Vietnam
Colorful silk lanterns illuminate ancient pathways where motorbikes are banned and pedestrians reign supreme. Hoi An creates a peaceful haven for solo female travelers with its walkable Ancient Town and bicycle-friendly surroundings.
The city’s famous tailors can create custom clothing within 24 hours. Morning markets offer cultural immersion, while cooking classes provide both culinary skills and instant friends among fellow travelers exploring Vietnam’s rich flavors.
15. Antigua, Guatemala
Volcanic silhouettes frame pastel colonial buildings where indigenous traditions blend with Spanish influence. Antigua feels like a small town where solo female travelers quickly become familiar with the grid layout and friendly cafe owners.
Spanish language schools attract international students, creating built-in community. The city’s manageable size means you’re never far from your accommodation, while group hikes to nearby volcanoes and Lake Atitlán offer adventure with safety in numbers.
16. Tallinn, Estonia
Fairy-tale spires rise above medieval streets where WiFi flows freely and history whispers from stone walls. Tallinn offers solo female travelers a perfect combination of Old World charm and modern convenience in an extremely safe environment.
The walled Old Town can be thoroughly explored in a day on foot. Estonia’s digital-forward culture means excellent connectivity for remote workers, while cozy cafés provide perfect spots to journal about your adventures or plan your next Baltic discovery.