This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.

I (Crystal) often travel solo and people are either impressed or terrified that I travel alone. In any case, they are always intrigued and curious about my experiences. I am very aware that not all locations are safe for solo female travelers so I do extensive research on anywhere I go before I book my tickets. Out of all the places I’ve traveled to so far, these are my top favorite cities that stand out as particularly welcoming and perfect for solo travelers.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Of course my homeland is included at the top of this list. I still feel like this is the safest place in the world and it’s not just limited to Tokyo. Anywhere you go in Japan is safe. The Japanese are very polite and most of them know English if you’re in the Tokyo area. Their transportation system is super efficient and almost all of the signs are translated into English. Some fun things to check out in Tokyo are the Shibuya Scramble, The Art Aquarium Ginza, the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and so much more.

Colorful buildings of Shibuya, Japan — Shibuya, Japan

2. London, England

London is my second favorite city after Tokyo. All my visits to London have been with my sister, Candy, but there was a time I had to travel solo at night to go see a concert. I was a little nervous traveling alone at night (I usually only stay out during the day when I’m traveling solo), but I felt completely safe taking the trains.

Just like Tokyo, London has a ton of things to do and some of my favorite things to do in London are visiting Westminster Abbey, eating a variety of food at the Borough Market, and watching the world-famous Changing of the Guards ceremony. If you decide to watch the ceremony, I would highly recommend doing the Changing of the Guards tour to get as close as possible at the best view points.

Borough Market London England — Borough Market

London Bridge Aerial View — London Bridge

3. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is super easy to navigate and most people speak English. I had a 10-hour layover here and was surprised at how easy it was to travel to the downtown area. The airport has lockers near the train station, making it convenient for travelers. The train to downtown takes just 10 minutes with only one stop. I had a lovely day exploring Geneva and really enjoyed the cheese fondue at Restaurant Les Armures.

Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) Switzerland — Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a small and easy city to explore on foot, despite its steep hills. During my visit, I started out with a free walking tour and later revisited the areas the guide highlighted with a fellow solo traveler who I met on the tour. I especially loved walking around the charming historic neighborhood of Almafa.

One thing you cannot miss while you’re in Lisbon are the pastel de nata pastries in Belem. Make sure you specifically go to Pasteis de Belem to get the iconic custard tarts. They make the absolute best egg tarts that are warm and melts right in your mouth.

Panoramic views from Castelo de S. Jorge

5. Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Prague is a remarkable city that is filled with an abundance of history, stunning architecture, and rich culture. It’s also where I met the most female solo travelers. In fact, this is where I met my friend, Darling Traveler, who was traveling solo at the time and we instantly hit it off. Since our initial meeting, we have been on many memorable trips together including Turkey, Bosnia, and Serbia.

Prague is generally a walkable city, which makes it easy to explore on foot, but they also have an excellent public transit system featuring efficient trams. Make sure to visit Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, and the Astronomical Clock Show, which is the oldest working clock in the world since 1410.

Astronomical Clock Prague — Astronomical Clock

6. Vancouver, Canada

If you’re a passionate foodie and enjoy exploring museums, then Vancouver is an excellent destination for you. The city offers a vibrant culinary scene alongside a rich array of museums that cater to various interests. I particularly enjoyed the Vancouver Police Museum and the Vancouver Art Gallery. For dining, I recommend checking out Kingyo as they serve some truly amazing and authentic Japanese cuisine.

7. Bratislava, Slovakia

I absolutely love exploring Eastern Europe, and one of my favorite destinations to visit is undoubtedly Bratislava. During my time there, I learned so many fascinating and intriguing facts about this city and the country as a whole, thanks to the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who were genuinely proud and passionate about their homeland.

Taking the Post Communist Tour of Bratislava with Authentic Slovakia was one of the best tours I have ever experienced, and I encourage everyone who has the opportunity to embark on this enlightening journey.

Old Town Bratislava Slovakia — Old Town Bratislava

View of Bratislava from the Bratislava castle

8. Budapest, Hungary

Another interesting and safe Eastern European city to visit is Budapest. It’s an easy 2.5-hour train ride from Bratislava, so you can even hit up two countries in one day which many tourists do. One of the things I enjoyed most was visiting the unique ruins bar, Szimpla Kert. Ruin bars emerged after the Soviet regime ended when old buildings were sold cheaply. Szimpla Kert is the most famous with captivating decor in every corner.

9. Ubud, Bali

If you’re looking to unwind or do some soul searching, Ubud is the place to do it. If you’re not keen on being totally alone, I suggest doing a yoga retreat like I did. You’ll meet some new friends and create some wonderful memories together. I was going through a particularly tough time mentally at that moment in my life, and it turned out to be the perfect sanctuary to begin my healing journey, all while being surrounded by the beautiful and rich local culture, along with the kind-hearted and welcoming people of Ubud.

Yoga retreat at Soulshine Bali — Yoga retreat at **Soulshine Bali**

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

There’s no other country quite like Iceland. The landscapes are incredible and in some areas, you are completely alone with no one on the road. If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll also be fortunate enough to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dancing in the night sky. Typically, I do not drive in other countries, but I felt entirely comfortable driving around Iceland since the roads are remarkably straightforward and easy to navigate.

Even if you decide not to rent a car, you can still explore plenty of attractions and activities around Iceland with convenient shuttle buses and organized tours. Reykjavik, being a small town, makes it very easy to get around, as everything is conveniently within walking distance. From Reykjavik, you can enjoy an array of day tours including the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle tours which I highly recommend.

Pingviller National Park on the Golden Circle Tour

Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland — Reykjavik, Iceland

11. Corfu, Greece

If you’re looking for an island getaway with some interesting history, Corfu is wonderful. Old Town Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a compact area where every attraction is within a 10-minute walk. Getting lost in the enchanting streets of Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings and lush greenery, was my most favorite thing to do during my visit to Corfu.

From Corfu, you can also explore the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Paxos boasts charming landscapes, while Antipaxos features stunning beaches with soft sands and clear waters. I felt very safe throughout my time on these beautiful islands, and the locals were all incredibly friendly and helpful. This welcoming atmosphere is always a nice feeling, particularly when you are traveling solo and exploring new places.

Sitting in front of a historical building in Paxos, Greece — Paxos, Greece

12. Vienna, Austria

If you love shopping and eating, Vienna is a lovely destination worth exploring. Kaerntnerstrasse stands out as one of Vienna’s most popular shopping streets and is widely packed with a delightful variety of shops, charming cafes, and inviting restaurants. The historical buildings themselves, within which these shops and restaurants are housed, are definitely a sight to behold, showcasing the city's rich architectural heritage.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of the classic film The Sound of Music, like I am, you simply must visit Salzburg, which is about a 3-hour drive from Vienna. I did the full-day Salzburg tour that picked us up directly in Vienna and took us on a scenic journey to Salzburg, making several interesting stops along the way.

The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna

13. Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you’re a fan of the show, Game of Thrones, then you absolutely must make a visit to Dubrovnik. A significant amount of the show was filmed in this stunning location, and as you stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways and admire the ancient buildings, you truly feel as though you’ve been transported into the medieval fantasy world of Game of Thrones. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, I highly recommend taking one of the guided tours, as they provide you with a wealth of fascinating behind-the-scenes information.

Dubrovnik offers more than just its Game of Thrones fame. This picturesque town captivates visitors with stunning views from every angle along the Adriatic Sea. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters invite refreshing swims, with Banje Beach as a popular spot. For the adventurous, cliff jumping off the rocky coastline provides an exhilarating experience.

14. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is an absolutely charming and enchanting town. Being a small town, it’s incredibly easy to explore and check out all the popular attractions. With its picturesque canals and beautifully preserved medieval architecture, this quaint destination provides a perfect backdrop for wandering and discovering hidden gems.

One of the best things about Belgium, in my opinion, are their famous Liege waffles, which are significantly better than your typical breakfast waffle. The dough of this Belgian waffle is much thicker, resulting in a treat that is crispy on the outside and warm, soft, and dreamy on the inside. It’s also a little sweeter because they use pearl sugar.

Charming Bruges, Belgium — Charming Bruges

15. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another compact and vibrant city that is just a short train ride away from the charming streets of Bruges is Amsterdam. This city is notoriously known for the Red Light District, but there is so much more to explore and appreciate in this beautiful city.

Not only are there charming and picturesque canals winding through the streets, but there are also numerous fascinating and diverse museums that one can check out, such as the renowned Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the contemporary Moco Museum, and the deeply moving and powerful Anne Frank House, each offering a unique glimpse into art, history, and culture