My 5 favourite European destinations for female solo travellers

If you’re thinking of venturing out on your first female solo trip and aren’t sure where to go, here are my 5 favourite European destinations to visit for female solo travellers.   

Santorini and more, Greece

Of course, Greece is firmly at the top of my list.  It’s my favourite European destination and it was the country I decided on for my first solo trip back in 2016.  I chose Cyclades Island, Santorini and have been back twice since.  I’ve also bee to other places in Greece — a few other Cyclades Islands, the Sporades group of islands, Crete, and mainland areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, Halkidiki, and Meteora.  I find Greece lovely and feel very safe there every time I visit.  The locals are so friendly and helpful and I love the cuisine and the language.  I try to visit somewhere in Greece every year so I think it’s a great country for female solo travellers. 

Things to see and do (In Santorini)

• Oia — for the sunset
• Wander around Fira 
• Visit Ancient Thira 
• Relax on the Red, White and Black beaches  
• Chill on Perissa beach

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is a down-to-earth, vibrant city.  It has beautiful canals and amazing palaces scattered throughout.  It’s definitely a great place to spend a long weekend and one for female solo travellers.  As a solo female traveller I felt completely safe walking the city during the day and also at night.  I stayed as close to the city as O could based on my budget — I did my Copenhagen Challenge when I visited.  I ended up staying in the district of Nørrebro and even though it was a 20-minute walk away from the city centre I had no problem doing so when the metro closed late at night. 

Things to see and do 

• Nyhavn Harbour 
• Christianshavn
• Amager Strandpark and beach
• Christiansborg Tårnet
• Frederiksborg Castle 
• Tivoli Gardens 

 

Florence, Italy

Florence is my favourite city in Italy.  It’s so beautiful and there’s quite a lot to see and do.  I did a one night stay on my first trip there but felt it wasn’t enough.  I went back another two times!  It felt very safe even when out late in the evening so it’s a city to consider as a female solo traveller.  Everyone is bustling around and there’s always tourists and some locals laughing and chatting in the squares and cobbled streets. 

Things to see and do 

• Duomo – Florence Cathedral
• San Lorenzo Market (Mercato Centrale)
• The Uffizi Gallery 
• Palazzo Vecchio 
• La Torre Vecchio – for beautiful views of the Duomo
• Piazza Michelangelo 

 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the well-know, vibrant and popular Spanish city.  It’s great to visit pretty much anytime of the year and if you live in the UK or somewhere else in Europe, you can easily plan a weekend break.  I love Barcelona and have had a couple of solo trips and felt very safe each time.  It can be a little quiet in areas at night so be a little careful coming back late into the evening. 

Things to see and do 

• Park Güell 
• Bunkers del Carmel
• Sagrada Familia 
• Wander Las Ramblas
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc 
• Go up the Columbus monument

 

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal

Lisbon, Lisbon!  I’ve been to Lisbon a few times both in the autumn and winter months.  I love the city as it’s always vibrant and there’s so much going on day and night.   It’s very easy to get around either using the trams, the metro or walking.  It’s quite safe so it makes a good choice for your first solo female travel.  Porto is the other city in Portuguese that I’d recommend.  I’ve also been there and it’s small enough to spend a few days or add onto a trip to Lisbon (like I did) and I felt safe there. 

Things to see and do 

• Look over the city at Miradouro Santa Luzia
• Visit the Belém Tower 
• Try a Portuguese custard tart from Pasteis de Belém
• Wander through Bairro Alto 
• Ride tram 28 for a tour of Lisbon
• Visit Castle Sao Jorge 

 

Travel safety  

Whether you’re travelling on your own or with friends, making sure you’re safe while away is very important.   As a solo traveller, especially if a solo female traveller, it means you need to be more alert.  You must be aware of your surroundings and any situations that could put you at risk. But don’t let that put you off!  It’s all about being alert and taking a few precautions along the way.

Female solo travel tips 

• Try to make all your accommodation arrangements in advance — don’t leave where you’ll stay to the last minute especially if it’s your first female solo travtrip.  Have everything pre-booked so you have all the details to hand when you arrive.

• Investigate the area in and around your accommodation beforehand — do some research before you depart to know what’s around the area where you’ll be staying.  It’s good to have an idea of where things are before you arrive. 

• Let those at home know your travel plans — don’t just book a trip without letting someone at home know where you’ll be going.  Whether it’s friends or family keep someone in the loop. 

• If you change your plans let someone know — if you decide to change your plans or add another area or route to your trip, you should let someone know.  

• Carry a smaller or cross-shoulder bag — this is useful so you don’t load your bag up but also for safety.  I find shoulder bags are best for trips away generally.  They keep your hands free but are harder for thieves to grab. 

Start planning your first solo travel adventure now:

• For flights, use Skyscanner to start off your search.  
• For accommodation, check Booking.com —  it’s my go-to platform for finding places to stay while I’m away.

These are my 5 favourite European destinations to visit for female solo travellers.  I’ve been to all of them as a solo female traveller — some on more than one occasion.  For me, I felt safe in each destination and I had no problems but that’s based on my own experiences and travels.   As long as you take some precautions — especially if it’s your first time travelling solo — then you’ll have a great time.   For more solo travel advice check out my solo travel page. Disclaimer — all of the content or tips that I provide in my posts are all based on my own solo travel experiences.