Safest Cities For Women To Travel To
There comes a time in every woman’s life when she realises she needs to leave her loving family/significant other/ ride-or-die bestie/all-of-the-above behind and explore the world with no obligations to anyone but herself.
Tell people about your plans for a solo adventure and you’ll find more than one raised eyebrow pointed at you, “isn’t it dangerous?”, they’ll ask. “Not where I’m going” is your response. After all, you trust your instincts and have done your research to find the most welcoming destinations for solo women travellers across the world.
From late-night walks and smooth public transport to friendly locals and low crime rates, here are our favourite cities for solo travellers that offer something invaluable: peace of mind.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has consistently topped the Global Peace Index as the safest country in the world since 2008. The only thing that’s shocking is the sense of safety that’s infused into everyday life there. You’ll find babies snoozing outside peacefully in prams while their parents shop indoors, and a 1 am stroll to enjoy the northern lights and grab a snack is pleasantly devoid of catcalls.
Reykjavik is a great place to base yourself and take day trips to Puffin Island, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, travel north to Húsavík to watch whales and stay in a turf house.
Tokyo, Japan
We’ve covered Japan extensively in the past and it’s the perfect place for introverts to go. Tokyo is one of the safest megacities in the world. Its efficient public transport and women-only train carriages make it even better for a solo traveller. Japanese culture is all about respect which makes for a reassuring atmosphere for even the most nervous traveller. Solo dining is the norm, so you won’t have eyes on you as you slurp down some ramen.
Apart from exploring a centuries old culture, did we mention Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise with everything from upscale designer stores to quirky boutiques and traditional markets?
Singapore
Singapore is clean, well-lit, and exceptionally safe, with strict laws that contribute to its low crime rates. For solo female travelers, it’s a destination where logistics melt away—transport is simple, English is widely spoken, and everything just works.
One minute you’re eating world-class street food, the next you’re walking through a rainforest or along the waterfront at Marina Bay. It’s compact, polite, and ideal if you want to explore a multi-cultural city without constantly looking over your shoulder.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Take a trip to the capital of one of the happiest countries in the world. Copenhagen is ideal for a short trip, if you’re strapped for time, or as a mini city break on a longer one. Discover the city using the local’s favourite means of transport by joining a bike tour or get a pass for the Metro. As a woman travelling alone, you’ll find it’s easy to cycle at night or eat at a restaurant without attracting unwanted attention.
Explore Rosenberg Palace, eat at a café in Nyhavn, and catch a glimpse of The Little Mermaid atop her rock.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is perfect for a laid-back, elegant break steeped in culture. Clean streets, the all-access Vienna Card, and a measured pace of life are all things to look forward to. It’s ideal for solo museum hopping, evening concerts, and wandering historic streets without feeling rushed or uneasy. Stephansplatz is the perfect place for people-watching and a lazy brunch before visiting the famous cathedral. We suggest booking skip-the-line tickets to your must-see attractions; they’re well worth it!
Montreal, Canada
If you’re looking for a safe place to go closer to home, then Montreal should be at the top of the list. It combines European charm with North American candour making it an excellent choice for women traveling alone. Practice your French and indulge in as much poutine as you want.
From festivals and food markets to museums and bike paths, Montreal offers plenty to do solo without feeling isolated.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a great base for your grand Swiss adventure or simply to visit on its own. The Zurich Card offers access to its excellent transport system including bike rentals and mini lake cruises. Many museums offer Zurich Card holders free access too.
For the outdoorsy traveller, Zurich offers easy access to mountains, lakes, and scenic train journeys. The only downside? Zurich isn’t light on the pocket, but the sense of security can feel worth it.
A Few Things To Remember Before You Go
All the places on this list are welcoming places, where a woman can feel safe exploring alone. While you won’t have to lock yourself up in your hotel room at sunset, it’s always wise to take the same precautions you would when travelling anywhere – keep your bag zipped up and, on your person and trust your gut.
Once you start planning, you’ll find the only threats are those raised eyebrows trying to deter you from your trip.
You can read more tips for travelling solo here.
