14 Safest Places in Europe to Travel Alone As a Woman

Thinking about your first (or next) solo trip to Europe and stuck on the same question everyone asks… where is actually safe and worth it?

I’ve been traveling solo across Europe since 2009, long before it was trendy or easy to Google every answer. I’ve walked into new cities alone, figured things out as I went, and learned pretty quickly which places feel welcoming and which ones just feel like work.

This list isn’t theory. Every city here is somewhere I’ve traveled solo myself in recent years, and I’m picky. I like places that are walkable, easy to navigate, good for sitting alone at a café, and where you don’t feel on edge the whole time.

If you’re looking for destinations that feel doable, safe, and genuinely enjoyable as a solo traveler, this is a good place to start.

Stuck on Where To Go for Your Solo Trip? Take the Quiz.

Safest Cities To Travel In Europe For Women

#1. Verona, Italy

---

Verona, Italy? Is that really one of the best solo travel destinations for women?

I honestly thought visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was going to feel like one big love fest and somehow make me feel lonely.

Thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Yes, Italy has a romantic reputation, but it’s also a great place for solo trips. Italians are generally chill, and overall, Italy feels very safe for women traveling alone.

Verona ticks all the essential boxes and really stands out as a prime destination for solo female travelers.

Located in northern Italy, Verona sits right between Milan and Venice (a city I didn’t like at first). And of the two, Verona is easily my favorite.

Bologna is also nearby, and I highly recommend all of them for easy day trips.

So what can you expect when visiting Verona? Honestly, some of the best food you’ll ever have in your life.

I love how different the cuisine is between northern and southern Italy. Northern Italian food leans heavily into risotto, rich sauces, and all things cheese, and Verona does it exceptionally well.

So if you are looking for a well located, safe, foodie paradise, Verona is worth visiting!

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Verona

⭐️ Verona solo female travel safety rating: 5/5 | Verona is calm, compact, and easy to navigate, which makes it a great choice for solo female travelers. Stick to the historic center, be aware of the train station late at night, and you’ll likely feel very comfortable here.

Things to Do in Verona Alone

• The best way to visit this great European city is by booking a walking tour! I loved my guide and everything they taught me about Verona.
• See all the sites such as Juliet’s House, Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Torre dei Lamberti!
• Wine taste your way through this incredible Italian city on a wine-tasting tour! Learn all about wine-making from these family-run wineries.
• One of the BEST things you can do in Verona is take a tour of Lake Garda! This half-day semi-private tour takes you to Sirmione.
• Visit the Arena di Verona, especially if there’s an opera or concert
• Walk across Ponte Pietra for some of the best views in the city

📆 Best time to visit: April through June and September through October are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. But Verona is also a great winter destination, especially in late November through December when the Christmas markets are up. The city feels cozy and festive, crowds are lighter than in places like Munich or Vienna, and it’s a really lovely time to wander the historic center, drink mulled wine, and enjoy Verona at a slower pace.

🏠 Where to stay: Hotel Giulietta e Romeo is a great option for solo travelers who want to be central without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. It’s right near the Arena and walkable to everything, which makes coming and going alone feel simple and comfortable. The hotel is well-reviewed, quiet, and practical, which is exactly what you want when traveling solo.

Need help planning a trip to Italy? Read more about visiting Italy here!

#2. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

One of the most beautiful places to visit as a solo traveller is Palma de Mallorca, though I must warn you that it is very popular in the summer months.

Palma de Mallorca is ideal for solo travel because there are so many activities to keep you busy.

If you have never heard of Mallorca (Majorca), it is a Spanish island located in southern Europe. It has some of the most beautiful beaches and lively city life.

I spent four nights in Majorca eating all the street food and checking out various art galleries.

What I love about it the most is you can stay in the old town and walk to the beach! As far as island travel goes, it is one of my favorites!

⭐️ Palma de Mallorca solo female travel safety rating: 5/5 | Social, sunny, and easy to navigate. Palma is great for solo travelers who want city energy with beach access and a generally safe, laid-back feel.

Things to Do Alone in Palma de Mallorca

• Take a tour of Palma de Mallorca by electric scooter! This tour is the best way to cover as much ground as possible through the Old Town of Palma.
• Book a boat tour from Cala Figuera to Calo del Moro and S’ Almonia. The perfect 1-hour boat tour through the coastal towns of the Southeastern coast. This tour is also a great way to meet new people.
• Ride a vintage train and go out on a boat ride through Mallorca’s west coast on a full-day tour! Visit the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and take a boat to the coastal village of Port Soller.
• Go on a wine-tasting tour of Mallorca! If you are a wine lover there is no better way to experience the city than on a wine tour!

📆 Best time to visit Palma de Mallorca: April through June and September through October are the sweet spots. The weather is warm but not unbearable, the city feels lively without being chaotic, and it’s much easier to enjoy Palma at a relaxed, solo-friendly pace. July and August are hot, crowded, and expensive, especially with beach tourism in full swing. Winter is quieter and more local-feeling, which can be nice if you’re not coming for swimming.

🏠 Where to stay: Hotel Saratoga is a great choice for solo travelers who want comfort, a central location, and an easy experience overall. It’s walkable to the Old Town and waterfront, well-reviewed, and feels polished without being over-the-top.

Need help planning a trip to Spain? Read my resources about solo trips to Spain!

#3. Rhodes, Greece

I love the Greek island of Rhodes for solo travel for so many reasons! For one, Rhodes is a place where you can visit the historical sites and the beach on the same day!

Rhodes is also a safe island to walk around alone at night, and the locals are very friendly.

If you are interested in medieval architecture, the Old Fortified City has lots to offer.

It is one of the few Greek Islands you can visit in winter; however, don’t expect warm weather.

The weather is cool and rainy from November to May, as it is in most of Eastern Europe.

Things to Do Alone in Rhodes:

• Join a Rhodes wine-tasting tour! It is a great way to meet other solo travelers and see a bit of the island.
• Take the fast boat to Symi Island and go swimming at George’s Bay!
• Go on a day trip to Lindos! This is a great tour for anyone traveling alone! See all the sites of Lindos on this group tour!
• Wander through Rhodes Old Town (one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe)
• Walk the Street of the Knights
• Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
• Spend time at Elli Beach or take a boat day along the coast
• Do a day trip to Lindos for the acropolis views and whitewashed streets

📆 When To Visit Rhodes: May through June and September are ideal. You’ll get warm weather, swimming-friendly seas, and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are hot and busy, especially with cruise traffic. If you prefer a slower, more comfortable pace, shoulder season is the sweet spot.

🏡 Where to stay: Rodos Park is a great option for solo travelers who want comfort, calm, and a central location. It’s walkable to the Old Town but tucked away enough to feel peaceful at night. The hotel feels polished without being stuffy, has a spa and pool, and is a solid choice if you want to feel relaxed and well taken care of while traveling solo.

Looking for more information on Rhodes, Greece? Check out my exclusive posts, here!

#4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

If this is your first solo trip, Amsterdam is a great choice for women traveling to Europe alone. You’ll likely have heard that before.

It is an incredibly safe city, with friendly locals who speak English, so you don’t have to stress about a language barrier. Public transport is extremely reliable, and Amsterdam has a low crime rate.

I recommend planning at a minimum a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands is ranked among the safest countries in the world; it’s no wonder it’s number 1 on my female solo traveler’s bucket list!

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Amsterdam

⭐️ Amsterdam solo female travel safety rating: 4.5/5: Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in Europe to navigate solo. It’s walkable, bike-friendly, and busy in a way that feels reassuring rather than overwhelming. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas like Centraal Station and busy trams. Stay aware, especially at night around tourist-heavy zones, and you’ll likely feel very comfortable here.

Must-Do’s in Amsterdam for Solo Travelers:

• Anne Frank’s House – Visiting Anne Frank’s House is an experience like no other. It’s definitely a somber experience. Getting tickets in advance is a must!
• Amsterdam Canal Tour– This all-inclusive canal tour by Captain Jack won the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2022! Likely to sell out, this 90-minute tour takes you all around the most popular spots in Amsterdam. It’s a perfect tour if you are looking to meet a friend or two!
• Shopping on the 9 streets – If you’re a traveler who delights in shopping and seeks excitement, exploring Amsterdam’s 9 Streets is an essential experience. Situated in the heart of the city, this district brims with lively boutique shops, charming cafés, and numerous spots to discover one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
• Inner City Bike Tour – When visiting Amsterdam for the first time the best way to see it all is by joining a bike tour! Your professional guide will take you to all the best destinations this city has to offer!
• Tour of the Red Light District– You can’t visit Amsterdam without checking out the Red Light District! This private tour of the Red Light District will shed light on all the laws and take you to the most infamous spots in Amsterdam.

Because of its popularity, when planning a trip to Amsterdam, I encourage you to book your activities in advance.

📆 Best time to visit:
April through May and September are ideal. Spring brings tulips and mild weather, while fall feels cozy and local once summer crowds thin out. June through August is lively but busy and more expensive. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, but expect short days and cold temps.

🏠 Where to stay:
Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein is a solid choice for solo travelers. Don’t let the word Motel throw you off. This is a great, centrally located, well-lit at night, and close to public transport, hotel. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and practical, which is exactly what you want when traveling alone.

Need more resources for Amsterdam? Check out my solo trip Amsterdam Itinerary!

#5. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of my favorite cities in Europe and an easy place to recommend for solo travel. It’s compact, calm, and consistently feels safe, which makes exploring alone feel simple instead of stressful.

If you prefer smaller cities over big capitals, Salzburg is a great fit. You’re surrounded by natural beauty, the city is easy to navigate on foot, and it’s a solid choice if you like mixing light adventure with culture.

One of my favorite things to do is take a day trip to Untersberg. The cable car ride up is straightforward, the views are incredible, and it’s the kind of place where it’s completely normal to be solo and still end up chatting with other travelers.

After a couple of days in Salzburg, it’s easy to see why it works so well for women traveling alone. Austria, in general, is very safe, and Salzburg is one of those cities where you can relax into the experience instead of constantly being on guard.

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Salzburg

⭐️ Salzburg solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Salzburg never made me feel on guard. It’s small, calm, and easy to move through, which makes solo travel feel natural instead of something you have to think about.

Things to Do Alone in Salzburg

• Do a 2.5-hour walking tour of Salzburg! This walking tour will help you get acquainted with the area in the shortest amount of time!
• Eat your way through Salzburg on a food tour! Salzburg has some great food! Trying new foods is always the best part of my trip.
• When I visited Salzburg, I joined a bike tour, and it was the best thing I could have done! It is a great activity to do if you are solo, I made so many friends!
• Wander Salzburg’s Old Town and along the Salzach River
• Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for views over the city

📆 Best time to visit: May through September is ideal for warm weather and outdoor activities, but it’s also when Salzburg is at its most expensive. If you want a better balance of good weather and fewer crowds, late April, early May, and September are especially nice and slightly easier on the budget. December is also a great time to visit for Christmas markets. Salzburg feels cozy and festive then, but prices are still high, so it’s best if you plan ahead and book early.

🏠 Where to stay: Boutique & Design Hotel AUERSPERG is a great option for solo travelers who want a central, walkable location.

Looking for more information on Austria? Check out my exclusive posts on Salzburg here!

#6. Copenhagen, Denmark

When I think of cities with low crime rates and friendly locals, Copenhagen comes to mind first.

Funnily enough, traveling solo to Copenhagen had never really been on my bucket list. I ended up visiting because I had found a cheap flight from the US and gave it a chance!

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, is located in Northern Europe. It is close to Sweden and borders Northern Germany. Public transportation in Copenhagen is fantastic, safe and should be used whenever possible.

If you fancy yourself as a solo female in search of the world’s best restaurants and fairytale-like architecture, Copenhagen is the place for you.

If you visit in the summer, there are also a few sandy beaches near the city center.

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Copenhagen

⭐️ Copenhagen solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Copenhagen is one of those cities where being alone barely registers. It’s orderly without feeling cold, busy without feeling chaotic, and I never felt like I had to constantly scan my surroundings. I walked everywhere, stayed out late, used public transport solo, and never once felt uncomfortable. It’s expensive, yes, but from a safety standpoint, it’s about as stress-free as it gets.

Things to Do Alone in Copenhagen

• Visit the amusement park that is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney! I am talking about Tivoli Gardens! Skip the line with these tickets!
• Check out the trendy food scene in Copenhagen on this 4-hour culinary walking tour! It’s the perfect thing to do when you are traveling solo!
• Experience Copenhagen by boat on this canal cruise! Unless the weather is truly terrible you must join this tour!
• Climb the Round Tower! Located in the city center, this tower features a viewing platform perfect for a clear-day visit!
• Wander Nyhavn, then escape to quieter canals nearby
• Visit Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden
• Spend time in Nørrebro or Vesterbro for cafés and secondhand shops

I noted all my most treasured finds in my three-day Copenhagen itinerary. This guide will give you excellent restaurant recommendations and the city’s most beautiful hotels, broken down by affordability.

All my links for tours and activities have been hand-selected for solo women travelers. And, as someone who has visited Copenhagen four times, I know what I am talking about!

📆 Best time to visit: May through September is the best window for good weather, long daylight hours, and being outside without freezing. Summer is beautiful but very expensive and busy. If you’re okay with cooler temps, late April, early May, and September are great compromises. Winter is dark and cold, but December can be charming if you’re coming specifically for Christmas markets and hygge vibes. Just know prices don’t really drop.

🏠 Where to stay: Hotel SP34: is where I stayed, and it’s a great option for solo travelers who want to be central without feeling overwhelmed. It’s walkable to a lot of the city, well-reviewed, and feels stylish but unfussy. The kind of place where you feel comfortable coming back alone at night and starting your day slowly in the morning.

Need more resources for Denmark? Check out all my posts for traveling to Copenhagen!

#7. Faro, Portugal

Portugal has so many amazing cities for solo travel, definitely one of the cheapest countries I have visited! (Though, in 2026 that has started to change)

The only downside I see to traveling alone is that you don’t have the luxury of splitting the costs of things like hotel rooms and taxis.

Faro is so great for solo travel because it’s very affordable! You can find some great deals if you book your accommodations well in advance!

There is also easy access to many day trips from Faro, making it one of my favorite solo travel destinations!

Portugal is also a safe country to travel alone on trains and buses. I felt very safe walking alone at night in this small town.

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Faro

⭐️ Faro solo female travel safety rating: 4.5/5: Faro is a great place to go alone. It has a calm feeling about it. I had no issues staying in the center and getting around alone.

Things to Do Alone in Faro

• Go on a cruise to Ria Formosa Natural Park! This little boat will take you and other travelers over to explore the park on Barreta Island!
• Explore Faro at night on this Segway tour! Make a few new friends on your solo trip here on this tour of Faro.
• Try all the foods Faro is known for on this 3-hour classic food tour! If you love trying new cuisine, this is a great tour to join!
• Spend a day exploring the Algarve region! When I visited Faro I wanted to visit all the beautiful beaches in Portugal. Visiting the Algarve is easy from Faro! You can take a day trip or go solo by public transportation.
• Wander Faro Old Town and the city walls
• Visit the Igreja do Carmo and Capela dos Ossos

📆 Best time to visit: April through June and September through October are ideal. The weather is warm, prices are reasonable, and the city feels calm without being sleepy. July and August are hot and busier, especially with beach crowds passing through. Winter is quiet and local-feeling, which can be nice if you’re not coming for swimming and want a slower pace.

🏠 Where to stay: 3HB Faro is my favorite place to stay for a central location. It’s modern, well-reviewed, and walkable to the Old Town and marina. The rooftop pool and spa are a bonus, especially if you like having somewhere relaxing to come back to after a day out on your own.

Planning a trip to Portugal? Get all my exclusive tips here!

#8. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is one of my favorite European cities I visited solo in France. For me, it beats out a solo trip to Paris because unlike Paris, its a Bordeaux is a small city.

Bordeaux had me from the start for one simple reason: the cafés and the food. That alone was enough to put it on my list.

Once you’re there, though, it’s clear there’s a lot more going on. The city is easy to explore, and if you love wine, Bordeaux makes it very easy to turn a day into a winery trip without much effort.

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Bordeaux

⭐️ Bordeaux solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Bordeaux felt very comfortable to navigate alone. It’s orderly, walkable, and busy in a way that feels normal rather than chaotic. I walked around solo during the day and at night without issue, especially in central areas near the river and historic center.

Things to Do Alone in Bordeaux

• Eat your way through Bordeaux on a group food tour! Trust me, the food in France does not disappoint.
• See Bordeaux by bike on this 3-hour immersive tour experience! A great tour for anyone traveling alone to meet new people and see the sights!
• Crusie the Canelé of Garonne River in Bordeaux on this tour. Enjoy a glass of wine while seeing the site of Bordeaux by boat!
• Book an incredible day trip to the medieval village and winery town of St. Emilion! This was my favorite day of my trip to Bordeaux.
• Wander the historic center and along the Garonne River
• Spend time café-hopping and people-watching
• Visit La Cité du Vin (even if you’re not a wine expert

📆 Best time to visit: May through June and September through October are ideal. The weather is pleasant, the city feels lively without being overwhelming, and it’s a great time for wine-focused day trips. July and August are warmer and busier, and prices tend to spike. Winter is quieter and more local-feeling, which can be nice if you’re more interested in food and museums than vineyards.

🏠 Where to stay: Hôtel de Sèze is a great option for solo travelers who want to be central and comfortable. It’s walkable to shops, cafés, and the historic center, feels polished but relaxed, and is the kind of place where coming back alone at night feels easy and stress-free.

#9. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is one of the best European cities to visit solo! The locals are very friendly, and I made friends everywhere I went! It’s the perfect city for a weekend in Ireland.

If you are a native English speaker, I always recommend that newbie solo travelers visit other English-speaking European countries.

Dublin is so casual and laid back, it is a great choice for a first-time solo trip. I especially love how walkable Dublin is.

There are lots of free walking tours to join, as well as easy day trips to make!

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Dublin

⭐️ Dublin solo female travel safety rating: 4/5 : Dublin is easy to get around alone, but parts of the city center around O’Connell Street, Abbey Street, and Temple Bar can feel rougher at night, with visible public drug use and rowdy behavior. Stick to busy, well-lit streets after dark and you’ll likely be fine.

Things to Do Alone in Dublin

• Get easy access to the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle with a tour. A great thing to do in Dublin when you are traveling by yourself. I met lovely people on my tour of Trinity College.
• Another great activity when you are traveling alone in Dublin is joining a food tour! This walking tour of Dublin includes my favorite thing to do. EAT!
• I love taking day trips like this one to Kilkenny and Wicklow! It is a great way to meet other travelers.
• Visiting Northern Ireland is also a great way to spend a day when you are traveling alone in Ireland. You can rent a car or take the train!
• Explore neighborhoods like Stoneybatter or Portobello
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse or a smaller local distillery

📆 Best time to visit: May through September is ideal for longer daylight hours and mild weather. Summer is lively but busy and expensive. If you want fewer crowds, April and October are great shoulder-season options. Winter is colder and darker, but Dublin still feels social, especially if your plan revolves around pubs, food, and slower days.

🏠 Where to stay: The Hoxton, Dublin is a great option if you want something new, central, and easy for solo travel. It’s in a well-connected area, feels modern and lively without being chaotic, and is the kind of place that’s comfortable to come back to alone at night. If you like a hotel that feels social but not overwhelming, this one works really well.

#10. Sifnos, Greece

The Greek island of Sifnos is a good solo travel destination, only if you are looking for a quiet island trip. I was lucky enough to travel to Sifnos on my own last September.

The island was very chill and relaxing, exactly what I was looking for. If your solo travel style is a little more social, it might not be the place for you. Many other islands have a happening nightlife. Sifnos was very quiet and had the best restaurants!

The best way to reach Sifnos from Athens is by ferry. There are many ferry routes to consider in the summer months. Usually, you can get there in just 3 hours!

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Sifnos

⭐️ Sifnos solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Sifnos is one of those islands where solo travel just feels calm. It’s quiet, community-oriented, and never gave me that on-edge feeling. I moved around on my own, stayed out late for dinner, and felt completely comfortable. Crime isn’t really a concern here. It’s more about navigating narrow roads and buses than personal safety.

Things to Do Alone in Sifnos

• My favorite thing to do in Sifnos is trying new restaurants! My solo Sifnos guide has all the best restaurants.
• Walk around the town of Kastro and visit the Church of Seven Martyrs. I loved spending my days traveling all around the old capital city of Kastro!
• Go to the beautiful beach at Platis Gialos! I spent a whole day alone just hanging out by the Aegean sea!
• Eat extremely well. Sifnos is known for its food for a reason
• Take it slow. This is not a checklist island

📆 Best time to visit: Sifnos is closed in winter. May, June, and September are ideal. The weather is warm, the island feels relaxed, and it’s easy to enjoy Sifnos at its natural pace. July and August are beautiful but busier and more expensive, especially with Greek holiday travel. Spring and early fall are perfect if you want quiet beaches and uncrowded villages.

🏠 Where to stay: Nival Boutique Hotel is where I stayed, and it’s a standout on Sifnos. It’s located right in the Old Town of Apollonia, which makes it incredibly convenient for dinners, wandering, and slow evenings. It’s also one of the only hotels in this area with a pool, which honestly feels like a luxury after a long, hot day exploring.

#11. Corfu, Greece

I will be honest with you, I have never met a Greek Island I didn’t like…so it was hard to make this decision. This Greek island is located away from some of the other most famous islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Solo trips to Greece are the best for female travelers. Corfu snags the spot because it didn’t feel like party town or honeymoon Central.

Although if you are looking for a party or thinking of spending your honeymoon here, you won’t be disappointed. I felt it offered something extra special for women traveling alone.

The public transport is limited, but if you are staying in the old town and only for a couple of days you won’t need it.

When staying in Corfu for more than a few days, I recommend renting a car and driving around and visiting the more remote villages.

If you pack light, you can even walk to the city center from the airport! I would categorize Corfu as somewhere relaxing and chill.

Now that I live in Athens, I often dream of returning to this incredibly safe island of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

Download Free Google Map of the Best Locations in Corfu

⭐️ Corfu solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Corfu felt very comfortable for solo travel, especially if you stay near Corfu Old Town or along the east coast. It’s lively without being chaotic, and I never felt on edge walking around alone.

Things to Do Alone in Corfu

• Visit all the top attractions in Corfu on this wonderful day tour! Go with a professional tour guide to Paleokastritsa Beach, then have a glass of wine and a snack at Lakones. You will finish the day with a tour of the Corfu Old Town!
• If you are a foodie visiting Corfu you will love this small-group gastronomy tour! Taste all the different dishes from around the island!
• Looking for a little more of an adventure travel activity, then I would suggest making a day trip to Albania.
• If you are planning a day of exploring on your own, check out The Old Venetian Fort and The New Fort!

📆 Best time to visit: This is not a winter isalnd. May, June, and September are ideal. The weather is warm, the island feels alive but not overwhelming. July and August are beautiful but busier and more expensive, especially in beach areas.

🏠 Where to stay: New York Luxury Suites is a great option for solo travelers who want to stay central and walkable. It’s right in Corfu Old Town, close to cafés, shops, and evening life, which makes being alone feel easy and comfortable. Quiet, well-reviewed, and very well-located for exploring without needing a car.

#12. Athens, Greece

Athens offers a lot, and for anyone traveling alone, it’s a great city. But it is a major city, so not all areas are created equal. I know because I have been to Athens several times alone.

Athens is the gateway before starting your beach vacation. I moved to Athens in 2023 so that I could be close to all those Greek Islands ; )

The locals are all so friendly and welcoming. The Greeks are my favorite people in the world.

If you are on a tight budget, Athens is a good choice. Food and accommodations in the off-season are very affordable. At a minimum, you should visit Athens for 2 days.

The best time to visit Athens is truly in November when the weather is cooler, and the majority of the tourists are gone.

⭐️ Athens solo female travel safety rating: 4/5: Athens is generally easy to navigate solo, but it’s a city where awareness actually matters. Most areas felt fine, especially during the day, but pickpocketing is very real. I was personally pickpocketed on Ermou Street, which is one of the busiest shopping streets in the city and a known hotspot for this kind of thing. It’s common, not violent, and usually happens in crowds or distractions. Keep bags zipped, valuables in front of you, and stay alert in busy areas and on public transport.

Things to Do Alone in Athens

• The Acropolis, obviously ; ) I recommend you take a tour as I did so that you can maximize your time and possibly make a friend.
• Walk around the Plaka area and check out all the shops! Plaka also has some authentic Greek restaurants and cafes to visit.
• Take a day trip from Athens city center to the Temple of Poseidon! If you are looking for something fun to do solo, check out this tour!

📆 Best time to visit: April through May and September through October are ideal. The weather is warm but manageable, and the city feels more comfortable to explore on foot. Summer is hot and busy, especially July and August. Winter is quieter and cheaper, but some islands and tours slow down.

🏠 Where to stay: COCO-MAT Hotel Jumelle is a great choice for solo travelers who want something calm and comfortable without being far from the action. It’s in Kolonaki, the ritzy area, and you can expect about 15 minutes to Plaka. The hotel itself is quiet, modern, and very well-designed.

#13. Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a small beach town just 40 minutes west of Lisbon. The beach town of Cascais makes the perfect day trip from Lisbon for solo female travelers.

I find Cascais to be safe to walk around alone at night, and there is enough to do to keep me entertained.

⭐️ Cascais solo female travel safety rating: 5/5: Cascais is one of the easiest places in Portugal to travel solo. It’s compact, well-kept, and feels very safe both day and night. Cascais isn’t as widely known, and I know most people just go for the day, but I love it for the actual base over Lisbon.

Things to do in Cascais:

• Wander the historic center and marina
• Spend time at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Conceição
• Walk the coastal path toward Guincho
• Do a day trip to Sintra or Cabo da Roca
• Sit at a café with a book and absolutely no agenda

📆 Best time to visit: April through June and September through October are ideal for the obvious reasons. The weather. You can expect it to be pleasant. July and August are beautiful but busier, especially on weekends when Lisbon locals come out. Winter is quiet and peaceful, but there is A LOT of rain.

🏠 Where to stay:
Hotel Albatroz Cascais is a swanky option if you want to be central and comfortable. It’s right by the water, walkable to everything, and feels calm and secure, especially in the evenings. A solid choice if you want an easy, low-stress stay without needing a car.

#14. Porto, Portugal

Another great destination for women traveling on their own is Porto! I was lucky enough to spend a great day in Porto back in April.

I stayed in the city center and couldn’t have been happier! The area around the river does get very lively, so just be sure to keep your purse close when walking through large crowds.

⭐️ Porto solo female travel safety rating: 4.5/5: Porto is a city I feel comfortable recommending for solo travel, especially for women traveling alone for the first time. Most areas feel busy and lived-in rather than sketchy, and I walked a lot on my own without issues. That said, the riverfront and São Bento get crowded, and that’s where petty theft can happen. It’s not a city that feels unsafe, just one where basic awareness matters in tourist-heavy spots.

Things to do in Porto:

• Sit by the river with a glass of wine and people-watch
• Wander Ribeira, then move slightly uphill to quieter streets
• Visit São Bento Station for the azulejo tiles
• Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge
• Explore Miragaia or Cedofeita for a more local feel

📆 Best time to visit: April through June and September through October are ideal. The weather is comfortable, crowds are manageable, and prices are more reasonable. July and August are warmer and busier, especially along the river. Winter is quieter and still enjoyable, just cooler and sometimes rainy.

🏠 Where to stay: Torel Avantgarde is my suggestion if you want something stylish and calm. It’s slightly outside the busiest areas, like a 10-minute walk. Comfortable, safe-feeling, and a nice place to come back to alone.

Solo Female Travel in Europe: FAQs

Need Help to Plan That Solo Trip to Europe?

I hope these destinations inspire you to finally start mapping out your Europe trip and see what solo travel here can look like in real life. Traveling alone through Europe has given me so much confidence and clarity, and I truly believe the right destinations make all the difference.

Every place in this guide is somewhere I’ve experienced firsthand, and if you want help turning inspiration into an actual plan, I’m here for that too. As a certified travel advisor, I offer custom Europe itineraries tailored to your travel style, pace, and comfort level, whether it’s your first solo trip or your next one. Have questions, reach out!

However you decide to travel, I hope this list helps you feel more confident taking that first step.