Solo travel for women: Best cities to visit as a female traveller

Solo travel for women is empowering, exciting and liberating. In fact, research shows more than 80% of solo travellers are female. Sometimes we could all do with a little alone time and travelling is the perfect way to indulge your interests. Whether you’re in search of a cultural journey or a gastronomic adventure, choosing the right destination to travel solo as a woman is important. Cities are eternally popular, since there’s always something to see, do, eat or experience. But do you know the best cities for solo female travellers?

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, we’ve created a list of the top cities to visit as a solo female. These cities were chosen on the basis of their incredible sights, safety and accessibility. So, why not celebrate International Women’s Day by planning your next solo adventure today?

Madrid, Spain

One of the best solo travel destinations for women, Madrid is not only safe, but it’s also home to all manner of sightseeing treasures. From the incredible masterpieces of the Prado Museum to the Baroque-era architecture and glorious Royal Palace. Furthermore, the Spanish capital is home to all kinds of galleries and museums, alongside upmarket shopping streets for a little retail therapy. When it comes to eating out, Madrileños tend to have their largest meal of the day at lunchtime. Therefore, solo travellers can enjoy causal lunchtime dining and hit the informal tapas bars of the capital at night. This can help to alleviate the eating alone worries that some travellers may have.

The capital has a large student population and a fantastic coffee culture, so you’ll have no problem finding a cosy cafe to relax in once you’re tired of sightseeing. A truly global city, there’s something for every kind of traveller here. Furthermore, Madrid is well connected with the rest of Spain, making day trips by train or car a breeze if you fancy exploring further afield.

Reykjavik, Iceland

One of the world’s safest destinations, the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik is the ideal city for solo female travellers. Whilst you’ll find all kinds of sights, shops and top-notch eateries in the city, Reykjavik is also a good base for exploring the rest of the country. Organised day trips to see the Golden Circle and other natural wonders are popular. On the other hand, an excursion to the famous thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some self-care during your solo adventure! Furthermore, Iceland is the perfect solo travel for women destination if you’re looking for more adventurous pursuits! From whale-watching trips to glacier hikes, there are plenty of chances to step outside of your comfort zone in Iceland.

Lisbon, Portugal

Solo travel for women should be filled with all the best things in life. Sunshine, good food, beautiful architecture and friendly people. Boasting all of these things and more, Lisbon is the perfect destination for solo travel. From melancholic fado music to mouth-watering pastel de nata and magical Portuguese architecture, you’re going to want to get out and explore! We recommend staying in one of the central neighbourhoods of Barrio Alto, Cais do Sodré and Baixa Chiado where you can feel safe walking back to your hotel in the evenings and be close to all the top sights. Furthermore, getting around the city is a breeze. Lisbon has a metro system, historic tram lines, buses and taxis.

Tokyo, Japan

For a further-afield adventure, Tokyo tops the charts of the best cities to visit solo. Whilst you might be put off by the language barrier, travellers tend to find travel to Japan surprisingly easy and hassle-free. Everything is very organised and systematic, so you’ll soon get the hang of the metro system, supermarkets and eating out. Furthermore, going to dinner alone is considered completely normal in Japan, so you’ll never feel awkward taking yourself for an evening meal (and why should you?).

Travelling to Japan is all about immersing yourself in the local culture. Explore incredible temples, go shopping in the vibrant Harajuku district and hunt down the best sushi on the planet. Furthermore, the sheer number of things to see and do will keep you busy during your solo adventure. From themed cafes to idyllic city parks and interesting museums, Tokyo is a must for solo travellers!

Chiang Mai, Thailand 

A long-time favourite of backpackers, Chiang Mai is one of the most popular solo travel destinations for women. Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, this city is famed for its historic old city and elaborate temples. It’s also become a must-visit wellness destination with many yoga and meditation retreats helping travellers reconnect with themselves. The great thing about Chiang Mai is that it’s such a popular destination you’ll have no trouble meeting fellow travellers.

Hostels are the ideal place to stay if you want to connect with other travellers and don’t worry, since many now come with the choice of a private room. When it comes to things to do in Chiang Mai as a solo traveller, the choices are endless. Go sightseeing at the temples, volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary, chill out with a Thai massage or take a Muy Thai boxing class, it’s up to you! Undoubtedly, Thailand is great for solo travel for women, and Chiang Mai is the perfect destination to get a feel for the friendly solo travel community in Thailand.

Vienna, Austria

With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Vienna is a very safe place to travel solo. Furthermore, the city has more of a small-town feel than most capitals, with friendly locals and a laid-back nightlife scene. One for lovers of the arts, Vienna is famed for its classical music and rich cultural heritage. Travellers can easily spend an entire day or two at the MuseumQuartier, home to over 60 cultural institutions. Whether you’re into the works of the Flemish and Dutch masters or prefer 20th-century pop art, you can find it all here!

When it comes to navigating the city, bicycle hire is a great option, especially during the warmer summer months. Furthermore, Vienna also has a metro system, but most sights are within walking distance of each other. When it comes to eating, Austrian cuisine is simply delicious. The Viennese are also known for their cafe culture, which dates back hundreds of years. So, you’ll feel at home if you like a mid-afternoon coffee and slice of cake. For ultimate cosy vibes, visit during the winter for the Christmas Market season!

We want to wish you a happy International Women’s Day and hope you feel inspired to take a solo adventure soon! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned solo traveller, check out our latest solo trips. From beach breaks to cultural city tours, there’s something to suit all tastes:

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