Best destinations for solo female travellers
Choosing where to travel independently can be a deeply personal decision - one that reflects a desire for growth, connection, and gentle assurance.
Many women look for destinations where they’ll feel respected, safe, and free to explore at their own pace, without feeling self-conscious or isolated.
Whether you’re considering your first solo adventure or you’ve already set out on a few, this guide draws on real experiences, trusted recommendations, and the latest traveller insights to help you plan a journey that feels both enriching and safe.
Here are ten thoughtfully chosen destinations that offer a blend of cultural depth, personal space, and genuine welcome, plus practical details to help you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Summary
- Ten destinations where solo women travellers report feeling safe and welcome.
- Practical tips and local experiences, with references to traveller insights and expert sources.
- Each location chosen for its atmosphere, accessibility, and opportunities for gentle connection.
- Emotional and sensory descriptions to help you vividly imagine your next journey.
- An invitation to start dreaming about your next adventure, with resources for planning.
What Makes These Destinations Stand Out?
Recent research by Booking.com (Women Travellers: 2024 Trends) and feedback from seasoned solo travellers point to a few key factors: feeling comfortable dining alone, easy access to public transport, supportive local communities, and a culture that respects independent women. These destinations are consistently recommended by sources such as Solo Traveller World, Condé Nast Traveller, and Lonely Planet, and their safety records are supported by the Global Peace Index (2023).
Kyoto, Japan: Serene Streets and Subtle Welcome
In Kyoto, the sense of calm is tangible. As reported by Lonely Planet, “Kyoto is one of the safest cities for solo women, with a culture that values privacy and quiet respect” (Lonely Planet, 2023). Stroll quiet temple paths at dawn, where the scent of cedar mixes with incense. Local teahouses and small guesthouses invite lingering, while public transport makes it easy to explore. Travellers often mention how “blending in” feels natural in Kyoto, and solo dining draws no second glance (Solo Traveller World, 2024).
Copenhagen, Denmark: Friendly Faces and Effortless Navigation
Copenhagen is regularly listed among the world’s safest and friendliest cities for solo women (Global Peace Index, 2023; Condé Nast Traveller, 2024). Locals are approachable, and the city’s cycling culture makes getting around simple. “Eating alone is completely normal here,” shares travel writer Anna Kaminski, “and you’ll find friendly conversation at communal tables or cafés” (Condé Nast Traveller, 2024). Try a canal-side walk, or join locals for a coffee in the atmospheric Nyhavn district.
Queenstown, New Zealand: Nature and New Friends
According to New Zealand Tourism’s official guide, “Queenstown’s atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, with plenty of group day trips and outdoor activities that welcome individual travellers” (NewZealand.com, 2024). The town’s natural beauty is matched by its inviting social scene. Visitors often mention the warmth of local guides and the ease of making friends on a lakeside walk or small-group wine tour (Solo Traveller World, 2024).
Seville, Spain: Lively Plazas and Open Arms
Travel + Leisure names Seville as “one of Europe’s best cities for women travelling alone” (Travel + Leisure, 2024). The Andalusian tradition of tapas bars means solo diners are common, and locals often strike up conversations. Walking in the old quarter, you’ll hear music on the breeze and find yourself invited to join in, especially during evening paseo. “There’s a lightness here, a sense of being drawn in,” says solo traveller Natalie Lee (Solo Traveller Library, 2024).
Vancouver Island, Canada: Coastal Calm and Community
Vancouver Island offers “the right blend of solitude and gentle connection,” according to National Geographic Traveller (2023). Markets, art events, and small-group tours welcome visitors, while hiking trails and beaches provide space for reflection. “I found it easy to talk to locals at markets and cafés, but never felt pressured to join in if I needed quiet,” reports solo traveller Jude R., via Solo Traveller Network (2024).
Bologna, Italy: Food, History, and Authenticity
Bologna is described by Forbes as “the friendliest city in Italy for single women, with a vibrant food culture and open, communal dining” (Forbes, 2023). Its walkable historic centre, lively markets, and variety of cultural events make it a favourite for independent travellers. Local hosts are known for their hospitality, and the city’s porticoed streets feel safe even after dark (Solo Traveller Network, 2024).
Tasmania, Australia: Wild Scenery and Creative Spirit
Tourism Tasmania highlights the island’s “welcoming small towns and creative communities,” noting that “solo visitors often find themselves chatting with locals over coffee or at a gallery” (TourismTasmania.com, 2024). The region’s boutique hotels and farm stays are often family run, adding a personal touch. Many women mention the sense of comfort and belonging, whether exploring Salamanca Market or hiking in Freycinet National Park (Solo Traveller World, 2024).
Galway, Ireland: Music, Markets, and Gentle Welcome
According to Visit Ireland, “Galway’s reputation for friendliness is well earned, with solo visitors frequently welcomed into conversations and live music sessions” (VisitIreland.com, 2024). Small-group walking tours and market visits offer easy ways to meet people, but the city also respects privacy and solo leisure—ideal for those seeking balance (Solo Traveller Network, 2024).
Ljubljana, Slovenia: Compact, Calm, and Community-Minded
Slovenia consistently ranks highly for safety and ease of travel (Global Peace Index, 2023). Ljubljana’s riverside cafés, colourful markets, and relaxed pace offer opportunities for connection. “I felt instantly at ease,” says travel blogger Niamh Shields, “with plenty of spots to pause, watch the world, and join a conversation if I wished” (Eat Like a Girl Blog, 2023).
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Energy and Reflection
Condé Nast Traveller recommends Buenos Aires for solo women seeking “a dynamic mix of culture, art, and genuine social opportunities, particularly in the café-rich neighbourhoods of Palermo and San Telmo” (Condé Nast Traveller, 2024). Locals are proud to share their city, and cooking classes or walking tours offer gentle ways to connect. Many travellers say the city’s creative energy is matched by its warmth (Solo Traveller Network, 2024).
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Use up-to-date sources like Solo Traveller Network and official tourism websites to check for local advice and safety updates.
- Choose boutique hotels or guesthouses with strong reviews from women who have travelled alone (Booking.com, Women Travellers: 2024 Trends).
- Join a class, tour, or workshop for low-pressure opportunities to meet people (Solo Traveller World, 2024).
- Trust your instincts and give yourself permission to change plans if something doesn't feel right (Traveller Insights Master Report, 2025).
Ready to start planning your solo journey?
If you’re ready to start dreaming about your next adventure, these destinations can offer the perfect combination of reassurance and possibility supported by the experiences of those who have walked similar paths.
Meet Your Accredited Tour Specialist, Philip
As a Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Certified Tour Specialist, I’ve gained in-depth knowledge through specialised training with CATO members, enabling me to provide clients with expert tour advice and help them book with confidence. Read More
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