Solo Female Travel Destinations: 25 of the Best Cities to Travel Alone

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Are you an avid solo female traveler like me, looking for some of the best solo female travel destinations?

A person who doesn’t wait for other to book a trip because then, yeah, you wouldn’t travel anywhere except the grocery store (me, bitter? No way)? Do you shudder every time someone looks at you weirdly when you, GASP, SHOCK, HORROR, say you’re traveling ALONE? Do you get tired of your parents lecturing you and telling you to, “be careful” even though you’re well into adulthood?

No mom and dad, I’m gonna be super reckless and wear only a thong, into the bad part of town, in the hope that someone will pillage me.

Talk about winning at vacation.

But I get it. Safety is a huge concern for solo female travelers and an important factor when determining if a city is one of the great places to travel alone.

That’s why I created this handy-dandy list of some of the best places to travel alone female, to help you avoid insanity, chaos, and terror at every turn!

Actually, scratch that, I created NOTHING.

Instead, I found the raddest and baddest solo female travelers around. And these kick ass and take names kind of ladies were awesome enough to share, with me, their list of great places to travel alone.

This is the time to grab some popcorn and your snuggie because it’s about to get ultra real up in here!

Sorry, but not every city can be added to this epic list of best places to travel alone female. Because when it comes to female solo travel, some cities are total duds, not studs.

So take a look, get inspired, and see if you agree with this list of awesome solo travel destinations. You never know, there might be some super important, up and coming, solo female travel destinations that these pro bloggers missed.

It could happen! Angels in the Outfield reference anyone? Bueller? 

***If you’re planning to visit all of these magnificent places, then check out this perfect, solo female RTW packing list or try a perfect solo vacation package.***

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. 

1. Taipei, Taiwan

By: Patti from The Savvy Globetrotter (Check out her blog on Twitter and Facebook)

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is one of the best cities for solo travel.  But for some reason, Taipei is off the radar and doesn’t receive as much attention or, visitors as other capital cities in Asia!

I mean:

Taipei wasn’t even on my list of best places to travel alone until I randomly chose to visit.

However:

When I visited, I was so impressed by this urban oasis that it quickly became one of my favorite solo travel destinations in the world.

Now:

Whether you’re a fan of culture, food, themed cafes, shopping, skyscrapers, temples, museums, national monuments (with changing of the guard’s ceremonies), or stunning natural landscapes, Taipei has it all and is worth a visit even if you only have twenty-four hours in Taipei.

Plus:

Taipei is an easy, safe, and pleasant city to explore by foot or by public transportation since the metro system is clean and efficient. The locals are also kind, helpful, and friendly, making this an extremely safe city for solo female travelers.

But the main reason I loved Taipei so much was the food!  Taiwan is truly a food lovers paradise since one of the best things you can do is explore one of the many night markets and taste an assortment of delicious Taiwanese dishes and snacks.

So no matter who you are or what you like, Taipei really does have something for every type of traveler.

2. Tokyo, Japan

By: Kristine Li of the Petite Wanderess (Check her out on Instagram and Twitter)

Nope:

You’re not crazy for considering a solo trip to Tokyo. In terms of safety – a top concern for solo female travelers – Tokyo’s got you covered.  Low crime rates, female only hotel floors, and trains with female-only cabins all make Tokyo one of the safest cities for solo female travelers.

Plus, Tokyo is an incredibly easy city to navigate since trains are everything here.

Just grab a train map and it will take you anywhere you like. Plus, you’ll even feel a sense of achievement when you finally figure out where you’re going.

What, you can’t speak or read Japanese? No worries, many people in Tokyo speak English if you need some help. 

From day until night, experience the eccentric, traditional, and modern aspects of Tokyo life.

You can even explore some public parks, go hike a mountain (yes! In Tokyo!), or just watch the seasons change with stunning cherry blossoms in spring or vibrantly colored leaves in the autumn.

Enjoy shopping?

Then check out the independent boutiques in Harajuku and Shibuya. And when you’re totally exhausted by the end of each day, there’s nothing like a good bowl of ramen to help you unwind.

3. Ecuador

By: Jen Ruiz of Jen on a Jet Plane (Check her out on Instagram and Facebook)

Ecuador, one of the best places to travel alone female since it has three things that are guaranteed to make your next solo female vacation a success: adventure, affordability, and chocolate.

Plus:

With new direct flights from the continental United States to Quito, it is now easier than ever to access this country for less and spend two days in Quito.

Once in Quito:

Visit the Museo Intiñan which sits atop the Equator, at the center of the world. Walk the Equatorial line and see water swirl in different directions, depending upon the hemisphere that you are in.

Be sure to enter the chocolate tent too and watch them turn Cacao beans into Ecuadorian chocolate.

Just don’t forget to bring your passport and get a Mitad del Mundo stamp as a souvenir.

Those craving adventures can head to Baños, Ecuador, a town that is just four hours away from Quito by bus (plus it only costs $4.00 to get there).

Once there:

You can swing off the edge of the world, go rappelling, try bungee jumping, fly down a zip line, soak in thermal baths, or brave Class V rapids on a whitewater rafting trip.

The options are endless and affordable since most of these activities cost only $20-$40 per person.

And if you’re looking for another destination that is a bit closer to home, then consider doing a bit of solo travel in Mexico.  

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

By: Tara Kenyon of Nutrition Abroad (Check her out on Instagram and Facebook)

While Thailand is generally considered a safe country to visit, Chiang Mai, a city in the north of Thailand, is definitely one of the best trips for solo travelers in Thailand.

Not only is Chiang Mai much smaller than Bangkok (and a great place to stop while backpacking Thailand), but most of the city’s major attractions are adjacent to one another, making it an easy place to explore.

This city is also safe and free from many of the tourist scams that plague Bangkok, so a female traveler can feel comfortable walking around Chiang Mai alone.

Plus:

This city is filled with travelers from all over the world, so you are guaranteed to find great friends with whom you can explore the city and possibly travel with to other destinations.

Chiang Mai also offers visitors an assortment of activities to choose from like exploring ancient ruins, visiting breathtaking temples, making new friends at the elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, cliff jumping at the ‘Grand Canyon,’ eating every type of food imaginable, dancing the night away, and even shopping until your heart gives out.

Additionally:

Pai, one of the chillest, rural towns in Thailand, is just a short van ride away. Once in Pai, you can cruise around back roads by motorbike, explore art cafes, or visit local villages.

So check out Chiang Mai; a city that is a convenient vacation stop for anyone doing Thailand solo travel.

5. Luang Prabang, Laos

By: Matilda of the Travel Sisters (Check her out on Twitter and Facebook)

Luang Prabang is one of my favorite places and is probably one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers.

Located in northern Laos:

Luang Prabang is one of the most delightful and charming cities in all of Southeast Asia, with friendly locals and a laid-back vibe.

Dotted with beautiful buildings and ancient Buddhist temples, the entire town has become a designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And while Luang Prabang is a great destination for travelers who want to spend the day at a local cafe, there is no shortage of activities for more adventurous visitors.

Plus:

The city is small in scale, making it safe (one of the many safe destinations for solo female travelers), cheap and easy to explore by foot.

One of the best things to do when trekking Luang Prabang is to take a tour or hire a tuk-tuk and head to the nearby Kuang Si Falls, a spectacular multi-tier waterfall where you can take a dip in warm, iridescent, turquoise water.

If you’re up for it:

you can even wake up early and devour some local food at the morning market or watch orange-robed monks emerge from their temples to collect alms at dawn.

Other exciting activities include a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, shopping at the night market, or taking a cooking class.

6. Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

By: Christabel Lobo of Wheres Bel (Check her out on Facebook and Twitter)

7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

8. Singapore

Looking for one of the best solo travel destinations (Not to worry traveling families because there are a ton of great things to do in Singapore with kids too)?

Then consider Singapore! It’s one of those amazing places where you can easily stroll across the city or go shopping at Mustafa Centre at 3 AM without worrying about your safety.

I mean:

The people here are so nice that even if you leave your cell phone in a cab, you’ll probably get it back in just a day or two. But this makes sense since Singapore’s crime rates are some of the lowest in the world (probably due to a harsh punishment policy for even low-level offenses), making this tiny country one of the safest countries for solo female travelers.

10. Gold Coast, Australia

When I discuss solo female travel in India, I try to be practical and suggest places where I have felt the most comfortable.

On the banks of the River Hooghly, lies an old city that was founded in the 17th century. Slumbering in the haze of the decaying British empire lies Kolkata, one of the best travel sites for solo travelers.

This is a city that knows exactly how to roll cottage cheese into a ball and soak it in sugar syrup to create a delightful treat known as Rosogolla. This city also knows the secret recipe for serving steamed carp al dente in a fine, mustard gravy.

Traditionally:

This city has been a place of worship for the Hindu goddess Kali (Sotee Peeth of kalighat, a place believed to have the deceased ruins of Hindu goddesses), making Kolkata a safe haven for female travelers.

Coron, located in the Palawan province of the Philippines, should be on everyone’s list of top solo travel destinations.

Palawan, as a whole, is a spectacular place with crystal clear waters and quiet, white sand beaches that have hidden lagoons that are the perfect place for you and your diving squad to live it up and do a little scuba diving!

There are even some secluded islands here that are home to an incredible array of wildlife and that have amazing panoramic, ocean views.

Sometimes the best solo female travel destinations are those that push us out of our comfort zone! And Istanbul is one of those places that will challenge you while simultaneously capturing your heart,

That’s why:

Istanbul is definitely my pick for the top solo female travel destination. It’s a beautiful combination of East meets West and old meets new. A dynamic city that wakes up early with the morning call to prayer.

Here:

You can easily spend a few days wandering the streets, taking in a variety of distinctive architectural and cultural experiences. You can even go on a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, explore the Grand Bazaar or visit beautiful mosques like the Blue Mosque or Sophia Haglia.

But amazing sites are not all that Istanbul has to offer.

With a public transportation system that is easy to navigate and with some very welcoming locals, you’ll have no trouble getting around on your own.

And added bonus:

Many of the accommodations in Istanbul are very budget-friendly so you won’t go broke as you solo travel Istanbul.

Just be sure to research exactly what to wear in Turkey before you go so that you’re fully prepared and can have an amazing trip. 

14. New York City, New York (USA)

By: Kristi Evans of Travel Love Fashion (Check her blog out on Instagram and Twitter)

With a population of over eight million people and seemingly endless attractions:

New York City is an ideal destination for any solo female traveler, especially since you can use Limo Find to make your way to and from the airport. The bustling streets here are full of crowds that make you feel like you are never alone (if you’re looking for a slightly quieter US destination for solo female travelers, then check out the beauty of Tacoma, Washington).

Additionally:

Not only is NYC is a welcoming place for parties of one, but it’s safe, easy to get around, and filled with a ton of fascinating activities.

So whether you are in New York City for twenty-four hours, or for two weeks, you’ll never get bored as you solo travel New York City.

Now:

If you choose to explore NYC alone, it’s easy to disappear into the beat of the city and wander around without getting hassled or feeling like a spectacle.

But:

If you yearn for companionship, this city has boundless opportunities to meet and connect with other travelers from all over the world.

Couple this with NYC’s world-class art galleries, exceptional retail stores, and many fine dining options, and you have a solo female travel destination that thrills visitors who are on their first, or two hundred and fifty-first, trip to this incredible city.

15. Siem Reap, Cambodia

By: Elise Pickersgill of Travel Work and Play (Check her blog out on Twitter and Instagram)

My favorite city for solo female travelers is, undoubtedly, Siem Reap. Although there is the occasional bag snatching, like in the rest of Southeast Asia, this location is remarkably safe and welcoming for solo travelers.

While visiting Cambodia and Siem Reap:

I have never once felt uncomfortable or in danger, since Khmer people are extremely friendly, and will never make you feel out of place or alone.

This charming temple town has a thriving core with bustling markets, a great food scene, and a buzzing expat community; a community that is filled with writers, photographers, NGO workers, teachers and people who just never left!

As a result:

Siem Reap has a cosmopolitan vibe, complete with a ton of activities that the local visitor’s community to choose from.

This city is small enough to travel around via bicycle but big enough to ensure that you won’t get bored.

City highlights include the Angkor marathon and photo festival, Khmer New Year parties, weekly farmers markets, eclectic food options, vibrant nightlife, and temples galore.

Be sure to visit Kandal village for amazing coffee and delectable eats. Also explore Sok San, or Taphul village for leafy pools, lively bars, and lesser known temples.

16. Helsinki, Finland

By: Jeanine Romo of Le Wild Explorer (Check out her blog on Pinterest and Instagram)

With a low crime rate, happy people, and an easy-to-navigate layout, Helsinki, Finland is one of the best places to travel alone female.

But don’t take my word for it.

The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report of 2017 actually ranked Finland as the safest country in the world, so clearly, this city is one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. 

Sitting adjacent to the Gulf of Finland:

Helsinki is not only picturesque but the largest city in Finland, making it a top urban destination for many travelers in Scandinavia.

Additionally:

English is widely spoken and understood by much of the population, making it easy for foreigners to get around.

Plus:

Helsinki is home to the largest university in Finland, the University of Helsinki; a school that has a large number of international students, creating a diverse community that is welcoming to all.  

Also don’t forget to check out a traditional Finnish sauna, a national pass time that is enjoyed by Finns all over the country. 

17. Tallinn, Estonia

By: Natalia of Mytriphack (Check out her blog on Twitter and Facebook)

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, expertly intertwines history and modern innovations, making this one of the best solo vacations. . 

Due to its diverse history:

Tallinn is an interesting destination for architectural enthusiasts and photography lovers alike. Between the Baroque style Kadriorg palace and the narrow, quaint, colorful streets of the Old Town, there is no shortage of places to explore in this vibrant city.

There are even a ton of Soviet Era buildings that make up the Rotermann Quarter, creating a location that is perfect for every type of traveler.

You can also find plenty of budget accommodations that are perfect for solo female travelers who have no one to split the cost of a room with.

Locals are also very friendly and helpful and are all too ready to assist you if you get lost.

That’s why overall:

Tallinn is one of my favorite cities in the world for solo travelers.

18. Valencia, Spain

By: Sanne Wesselman of Spend Life Traveling (Check out her blog on Facebook and Instagram)

Do you love the beach, palm trees, good food, a great climate, rich history, and beautiful architecture?

If you answered yes to any of the above then you have to plan at least a short visit to Valencia, Spain! Not only is it less touristy than either Barcelona or Madrid, but it’s much less expensive too.

That’s why this stunning city is one of the best destinations for solo travelers.

Valencia has a lot to offer and the world seems to be slowly catching on since more travelers are making their way here every year. and creating their own Valencia, Spain itinerary.

I have been visiting Valencia for many years, often on my own, and love how perfect this city is for solo female travelers. Its safe, the people are friendly, and the city center can easily be explored in just 2 or 3 days.

But even though Valencia is probably one of the safest places for solo female travelers:

It’s not one of those artificially manicured cities: it has a bit of a grungy feel to it that is exemplified by great street art, narrow streets, historic buildings and dimly lit, late night bars.

At the same time:

Valencia has impressive parks, gorgeous sandy beaches, and a number of outdoor activities that you can enjoy every day.

So if you’re wondering where to travel alone then definitely visit Valencia, Spain.

19. Girona, Spain

Although I have traveled solo before:

Dublin was the first place that I traveled to alone after I got married. And I have to say, It was a great city to visit as a solo female traveler since there are so many things to do in Ireland. 

Not only is this city welcoming and safe, but most of central Dublin, where all the top attractions are located, is extremely walkable, making this city a great destination if you have just one or two days in Dublin.

Therefore:

You won’t waste time worrying about cabs or getting lost in subways by yourself. In Dublin, I was able to easily and efficiently navigate my way through the city and even enjoyed some solo touring through an assortment of churches and museums that

And if you find the time, definitely consider taking one of the best day trips from Dublin, up to the Giant’s Causeway or Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In the evenings:

Visit some of the local pubs, enjoy some live music, and make friends with some of the lovely people there. Dublin also has a ton of hostels that are the perfect place to meet other solo travelers.

But if your budget allows:

Try staying in a local bed and breakfast since they are the perfect place to chat with a local homeowner and get a feel for local Irish culture.

21. Lisbon, Portugal

22. Leiden, the Netherlands

By: Maria of 203 Challenges (Check out her blog on Facebook and Twitter)

In 2017, I fell in love with the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. It truly is one of the many great places to travel alone since it’s safe and gives visitors a variety of outdoor activities to choose from.

I know safety isn’t the most exciting topic, but it’s one of my biggest concerns for solo travelers. Plus, constantly looking over your shoulder while you’re traveling gets exhausting.

But in the Azores:

I felt safe no matter where I was. Which makes sense since the island has a low crime rate and a small population that, from my experience, is friendly, active, and nature-loving.

I felt totally secure walking around at night and didn’t feel like I stood out on the streets while carrying my backpack or camera.

And the island itself is incredibly picturesque, with outdoor activities being one of the biggest highlights.

While here:

Ladies can see stunning landscapes — beaches, mountains, hot springs, cliff-side farms, volcanoes — without being rushed since the island is so easy to get around.

So while Sao Miguel is a quiet island, it’s also a great destination for women seeking a little adventure in their lives.

24. Edinburgh, Scotland

I typically travel with my husband.

But when I had the chance to take my first international, solo trip, I knew Edinburgh would be an ideal spot.

Since English is the primary language (albeit a unique brand of English), it’s simple to get around the city.  And with a compact tourist zone centered in the Old Town and New Town areas, you can easily walk or hop on a bus to discover all of Edinburgh’s top attractions.

Now:

If you’re itching for some company, people are always flooding the streets around The Royal Mile, which brims with pubs, coffee shops, and about a thousand places to buy tartan scarves.

Various free group tours also have meeting points here for both day and night excursions that delve into the rich, and sometimes gruesome, history of Edinburgh.

Several big museums are free too, like the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland.

Away from the hubbub:

Holyrood Park is an amazing park that invites hikers to make their way up Arthur’s Seat and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

And while the trails here are popular, you can still find a private spot to relax and watch the sunset over Edinburgh Castle.

25. Paris, France

By: Alison Roberts-Tse of Up&AtEm Travel (Check out her blog on Instagram and Facebook)

To some:

Roaming around the city of romance as a solo female traveler, with happy couples everywhere, would be a soul-crushing disaster.

But even though I am happily married to a man who enjoys travel almost as much as I do, I found exploring the streets of Paris on my own to be positively incredible.

If you’re an art lover:

Paris solo travel means that you can take as long as you want in the fantastic art galleries or the stunning Palais Garnier without an unenthusiastic companion nagging at you, “Are we done, yet?”

You can also aimlessly stroll along the charming streets, with a warm croissant in hand.

Exploring the French capital alone also gives you the ability to duck in and out of shops as much as you’d like.

That’s why Paris really is the perfect place to take some time for yourself and explore the city’s lesser-known areas at a leisurely pace.

TADA! Our mission to find the 25 best solo female travel destinations is complete!

I hope you found this list inspiring because I know I did. Sure, I’ve been to a couple of these cities but many of these places are cities I’ve never even heard of, let alone visited.

So if you need me, I’ll be livin’ la vida loca during one of my best solo vacations ever! Sorry but I gotta go get my solo female travel swerve on!

But if this list of the absolute best trips to take alone makes you want to do some solo travel planning for yourself, then pin this now and read it again later!