Traveling alone can be scary. Whether you’re heading to a city across the country or across the world, traveling alone comes with a variety of concerns, from the awkwardness of eating alone to more serious safety concerns, especially for women. But despite all the fears and uncertainties, traveling solo can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences.
Choosing the right destination is important, so we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations around the world for women to travel solo.
Best for Safety First: IcelandBest for Booking a Single Room: Copenhagen, DenmarkBest for Free Attractions: Washington DCBest Destinations within Walking Distance: BarcelonaBest for Natural Beauty: The Fjords of Norway
Check out our complete list of the best places for solo female travelers.
Iceland
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Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Reykjavik, chasing the Northern Lights, or driving along the famous Ring Road, solo women can have an unforgettable trip to Iceland without worry. Iceland has consistently ranked #1 in both the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, so you can feel safe visiting this nature-rich destination, where safety and gender equality are a priority. Solo travelers can explore the great outdoors via well-traveled (and often crowded) hiking trails and make friends with locals and foreigners alike.
Copenhagen Denmark
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The quirky Danish capital has plenty of centrally located hotels offering single rooms, each a great starting point for your Copenhagen adventure. Must-sees include Nyhavn, the iconic canal lined with colorful houses (take a tour for an up-close look at the city’s waterways), and historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at TorvehallerneKBH food hall; Danish culture places a premium on community dining, so you won’t feel lonely even if you’re traveling solo.
Washington DC, United States
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The nation’s capital’s size and easy layout make it an ideal base for solo travelers. In addition to exploring the monuments along the National Mall, you can also enjoy the free exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution (and the zoo) within walking distance. If you want to explore more of Washington DC, hop on a bike at one of the hundreds of Capital Bikeshare stations that stretch into Arlington, Alexandria, and Montgomery County. Or take advantage of the efficient DC Metro for day trips to nearby areas.
Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona is a walkable city so with a map of some kind it’s hard to get lost. You can window shop on Las Ramblas, stroll along the beach promenade or explore Gaudi’s Park Güell, taking in the gardens and panoramic city views.
Dining options are also solo traveller-friendly: instead of sitting alone in a dining room, you can enjoy paella al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants (people watching is part of the fun) or grab a seat at the counter at a tapas bar.
Norwegian fjords
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There’s no better setting for soul-searching than the soothing blue-and-green canvas of the Norwegian fjords. In Bergen, ride the Fløibanen cable car or take a day trip on the Bergen Railway. Continue to Gudvangen and cruise the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Just as impressive as the waterfall-view boat tour is the Flåm Railway journey, where the view outside your window changes from seascapes to snow-capped mountains. This tour is perfect for solo travelers who want tranquility in nature rather than crowded beer gardens.
Seattle, Washington, United States
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Coffee culture is so ubiquitous in Seattle that it’s not uncommon to see people dining (or drinking) alone. Plus, the city is filled with cafes, so there’s no shortage of places to stop off on your way to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or the Museum of Pop Culture known as “MoPOP.” Downtown is compact, so visitors can explore the attractions, restaurants, and shops on foot, and the easy-to-use Link Light Rail can take you to more remote locations.
Munich, Germany
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The happy-go-lucky German mentality is evident in this Bavarian city, where tourists and locals bond over baking bread in family-run bakeries and sipping beer in beer gardens. Though Oktoberfest only takes place in the fall (and certainly not a great place to enjoy it alone), Munich’s beer halls offer the same festive spirit all year round. The Hofbräuhaus is arguably the most famous, drawing in plenty of other tourists and fellow travellers to the top of Olympiapark’s tower (Olympiatower), from where you can see views all the way to the Alps.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Croatia’s growing tourism industry makes it easier to travel, and its low crime rate adds to its appeal. A seaside medieval city protected by beautiful 6,365-foot walls, Dubrovnik offers history, culture and beautiful beaches all in one destination. Cobblestone streets lead visitors to artisan shops and local eateries, and a walk along the walls offers spectacular bird’s-eye views of the Adriatic coastline. Just minutes from the Old Town, the city offers plenty of opportunities to experience kayaking and snorkeling, either through tours or rentals on the beach.
Austin, Texas, United States
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Austin’s festival culture can easily pull you in many directions, but it’s also a great way to meet new people. There’s plenty to see and do, from listening to live music to dining at Tex-Mex and BBQ restaurants and food trucks. When you need some quiet time, head downtown to take a walking tour or find a spot to watch the bats soar over the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Austin is generally considered to be pretty safe for a city of its size, but be aware that alcohol is ubiquitous here, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While booze makes the streets lively (and therefore generally safe) at night, alcohol can lead to crime, even among tourists, so be careful when taking in Austin’s vibrant bar scene.
Salzburg, Austria
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Overlooked by the Hohensalzburg Fortress and flanked by the River Salzach, Mozart’s hometown is brimming with storybook charm. Relive scenes from “The Sound of Music” in Mirabell Gardens and Nonnberg Abbey, then relax with a coffee on the terrace at Café Tomaselli or a beer in the 1,400-seat outdoor area of Augustiner Bräu, Austria’s largest beer garden.
Although the entire city of Salzburg is within walking distance, it’s also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany, with over 100 miles of bike paths, allowing you to get more done in a day and get around more efficiently (and economically) if you’re traveling solo.
Taipei, Taiwan
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Taiwan’s capital city is an ideal blend of history and modernity, with temples and skyscrapers, modern shopping malls and traditional night markets, perfect for grabbing a snack while shopping for trinkets and souvenirs. Taipei has the hustle and bustle of an Asian metropolis, but it also has a reputation for urban comfort: all road signs and public transport are in English, and while the country’s crime rate is generally low, the subway system has “safety waiting zones” marked on platforms and is closely monitored by video feeds at night to protect passengers.
Melbourne, Australia
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According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, this Australian metropolis is one of the most liveable cities in the world. With a free tourist tram service that takes you to major attractions such as Queen Victoria Market, Carlton Gardens, and Federation Square, Melbourne combines simplicity with safety. The city is especially popular with young expats, as Australia offers a Working Holiday Visa that allows travellers aged 18 to 35 to work for one year.
Stockholm, Sweden
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Safe and accessible, Sweden’s cities are perfect for solo female travelers. You can spend hours walking the cobblestone streets of Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, filled with coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and even a castle. The surrounding modern areas are also easy to navigate, with a string of metro stations that double as art exhibits with splashy murals, mosaics, and sculptures.
Okinawa, Japan
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For a taste of Japan away from the hustle and bustle, head to Naha, the capital of the Okinawa archipelago. The monorail runs from the airport to the city center and is very accessible. Within walking distance of the city center are Naminoue Beach, Tsuboya Pottery District, and Makishi Public Market, which has a stand of pull-up chairs perfect for solo dining.
London, United Kingdom
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If you want a taste of European charm without the culture shock or language barrier, London is the place to be. You could spend days strolling along the River Thames, grabbing a bite to eat at Borough Market, admiring the eclectic houseboats, exploring the Royal Parks, or browsing the luxury goods at Harrods. When the sun goes down, sit with the locals in a pub, take in a show in the West End, or enjoy a late-night meal in nearby Chinatown. The London Underground, or Tube, provides easy access to countless attractions and entertainment.
