I have been travelling solo as a woman for a few years now and honestly, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Solo female travel gives you a freedom that is almost impossible to describe until you experience it yourself. You go where you want, eat what you want, and move at your own pace with nobody else’s opinion getting in the way. In this guide I am sharing my 15 favourite destinations for solo female travel, places I have personally visited and a few that are firmly on my bucket list.
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Why Solo Female Travel is One of the Best Things You Will Ever Do
Solo female travel has grown hugely over the last few years and for good reason. More women than ever are choosing to explore the world alone, and the experiences they come back with are genuinely life changing.
Travelling alone pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way. You make decisions faster, trust your instincts more, and build a level of confidence that stays with you long after you get home. One thing i’ve learned is that solo female travel isn’t about being brave, it’s about choosing yourself. And once you start, it is very hard to stop.
Top 5 Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
Europe is one of the best continents to start your solo female travel journey. The transport links are excellent, English is widely spoken across most major cities, and the mix of culture, food, history and nightlife means there is something for every type of traveller. From sun-soaked Mediterranean cities to cool Nordic capitals, Europe delivers on every level.
I have personally visited every European destination on this list and each one left a real impression on me. Whether you are planning your very first solo trip or adding another stamp to your passport, these five cities deserve a place on your list.
1. Barcelona, Spain: Art, Beaches, and Nightlife
Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in the world for solo female travel. It is vibrant, walkable, and there’s many things to see an do! I spent days wandering between Gaudí’s breathtaking architecture, grazing on tapas at local bars, and people watching along La Rambla. The city has a brilliant social energy that makes it incredibly easy to meet other travellers. The beach, the Gothic Quarter, and the food scene alone make it worth the trip. Read my full Spain travel guide for more inspo and book your tours and experiences through GetYourGuide to make the most of your time there.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals and Culture
Amsterdam is a dream destination for solo female travel. It’s compact, safe, and incredibly easy to get around. I loved cycling along the canals, ducking into independent coffee shops, and losing hours inside the Moko Museum. The city has a relaxed, open atmosphere that makes travelling alone feel completely natural. Nobody bats an eyelid at a woman dining solo or exploring at her own pace and that energy is really liberating. The Jordaan district is my personal favourite neighbourhood for wandering and finding hidden gems. Check out my full Netherlands travel guide and browse Amsterdam tours and experiences on GetYourGuide.
3. Lisbon, Portugal: Charming Streets and Local Cuisine
I have visited Portugal and it is a country I would recommend to any solo female traveller without hesitation. Lisbon is a city I am yet to explore fully, but it is firmly at the top of my list. From everything I experienced in Portugal, the warmth of the people and the relaxed pace of life make it an ideal destination for women travelling alone. Here are the highlights to add to your Lisbon itinerary:
- Alfama District: Narrow cobbled streets and traditional Fado music
- Tram 28: An iconic route through the city’s most historic areas
- Miradouros: Stunning viewpoints overlooking the city rooftops
- Local Markets: Fresh pastries, seafood and a real taste of local life
Read my full Portugal travel guide and book Lisbon tours through GetYourGuide.
4. Prague, Czech Republic: History and Affordable Travel
Prague is one of my favourite cities in Europe and a place I would recommend to every solo female traveller. It felt safe, it was affordable, and absolutely beautiful – cobblestone streets, fairy-tale architecture, and a buzzing social scene that makes it incredibly easy to meet other travellers. According to recent travel reports, Prague has actually been ranked the number one city in the world for solo female travel and having been there myself, I completely understand why. Here are the highlights to add to your Prague itinerary:
- Old Town Square: Stunning historic architecture and a lively atmosphere day and night
- Charles Bridge: Get there at sunrise for the most magical views and photos
- Prague Castle: Explore centuries of history and beautiful royal gardens
- Budget Hostels: Some of the best in Europe for meeting fellow solo travellers
Read my full Czech Republic travel guide and book Prague tours and experiences through GetYourGuide
5. Reykjavik, Iceland: Nature, Adventure, and Safety
Reykjavik is one destination that has been on my solo female travel bucket list for a very long time and everything I read about it confirms it deserves its place there. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world for women, and Reykjavik is the perfect base for exploring its dramatic natural landscapes. This one is very much on my list for 2027. Here are the highlights to look forward to:
- Northern Lights: One of the most spectacular natural shows on the planet – best seen in winter
- Blue Lagoon: Iconic geothermal spa. Book well in advance as it sells out fast
- Golden Circle: Incredible waterfalls, geysers and volcanic landscapes on a day trip
- Safe Streets: One of the most peaceful and walkable capitals in Europe
Browse Reykjavik tours and day trips through GetYourGuide.
Top 5 Solo Travel Destinations in Asia
Asia is hands down my favourite continent for solo female travel and I say that as someone who now calls it home. The sheer variety on offer is extraordinary. You can explore ancient temples at sunrise, eat the most incredible street food for less than £2, and find yourself on a beach so beautiful it barely feels real, all within the same trip.
Asia is also far more accessible and solo-friendly than most people back in the UK expect. Transport links between countries are easy and affordable, the locals are genuinely welcoming, and the solo travel community across the continent is huge. Whether you are a first-time solo traveller or a seasoned adventurer, Asia delivers every single time. For accommodation across Asia, I always use Booking.com to find the best deals.
1. Bangkok, Thailand: Energy, Culture and Tradition
Bangkok is currently the place i call home, so maybe i’m a little biased, but in the best possible way. This city has everything a solo female traveller could want. It is vibrant, affordable, incredibly well-connected, and feels so safe. I spend my weekends exploring the city and it never gets old. The street food alone is worth the flight. Getting around is easy on the BTS Skytrain and MRT, and Grab takes care of everything else. Here are my top highlights for solo female travellers in Bangkok:
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Unmissable – one of the most stunning temple complexes in all of Asia
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: Thousands of stalls, incredible food, and hours of browsing
- Street Food: Pad thai, mango sticky rice, and som tum from ฿50 (£1.15) a plate
Read my full guides on the best things to do in Bangkok and the best places to stay in Bangkok, and book your Bangkok accommodation through Booking.com.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Culture, Food, and History
Tokyo is another destination that sits firmly on my bucket list and the more I explore Asia, the more I want to get there. As a solo female traveller already based in Southeast Asia, Japan feels like a natural next step. Everything about Tokyo points to it being one of the most solo-friendly cities in the world. It is famously safe, incredibly well organised, and the food scene is honestly world class. Here are the highlights to add to your Tokyo itinerary:
- Shibuya Crossing: One of the most iconic city intersections in the world – go at rush hour for the full experience
- Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple – beautiful at any time of day
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Fresh seafood, street food and a brilliant morning atmosphere
- Ueno Park: A peaceful green escape right in the middle of the city
Browse Tokyo tours and experiences through GetYourGuide.
3. Bali, Indonesia: Beaches, Yoga, and Community
Bali is one of those destinations that has been on my solo female travel bucket list for as long as I can remember and from everything I have heard from fellow travellers, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
It is consistently one of the most recommended destinations for women travelling alone, and it is easy to see why. The combination of stunning scenery, wellness culture, friendly locals, and a thriving community of solo travellers makes it incredibly appealing. Here are the highlights to add to your Bali itinerary:
- Ubud: The cultural heart of Bali – temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats and incredible food
- Tanah Lot: A breathtaking ocean temple with some of the best sunset views on the island
- Seminyak Beach: Perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and a lively beach bar scene
- Yoga & Wellness Retreats: Bali is one of the best places in the world to reset and recharge
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Temples and Digital Nomad Life
Chiang Mai is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a digital detox. It’s slower, cooler, and incredibly charming. It’s an excellent choice for solo female travellers who want culture, nature, and a thriving community of like-minded adventurers all in one place. The digital nomad scene here is huge, which means plenty of great co-working cafés and easy opportunities to meet people. Here are the highlights to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary:
- Doi Suthep Temple: A stunning mountain temple with panoramic views over the entire city
- Night Bazaar: Brilliant for street food, local crafts, and people watching
- Elephant Sanctuaries: Choose an ethical sanctuary for an unforgettable wildlife experience
- Old City Temples: Over 300 temples to explore within the ancient city walls
Read my full Thailand travel guide and book your Chiang Mai tours and experiences through GetYourGuide.
5. Singapore: Clean, Safe, and Easy to Navigate
Singapore is one of those cities that ticks almost every box for solo female travellers and it is very much on my radar for an upcoming trip. Living in Bangkok means Singapore is just a short flight away, which makes it even more tempting. It is one of the cleanest, safest and most efficiently run cities in the world, and the mix of cultures, cuisines and architecture makes it a genuinely fascinating place to explore alone. Here are the highlights to add to your Singapore itinerary:
- Marina Bay Sands: The iconic rooftop infinity pool and skyline views are unmissable
- Gardens by the Bay: Futuristic Supertree structures and stunning walking paths – free to explore
- Chinatown & Little India: Two of the most vibrant and colourful neighbourhoods in the city
- Hawker Centres: The best way to eat in Singapore – incredible food at incredibly low prices
Use Trip.com to find great flight deals from the UK or from Bangkok straight to Singapore.
Top 5 Solo Travel Destinations in The Americas
The Americas often get overlooked when people think about solo female travel and I genuinely think that is a mistake. From the buzzing energy of New York City to the colourful streets of Medellín, this continent has an incredible range of experiences on offer for women travelling alone. I have personally visited three of the five destinations on this list and each one surprised me in different ways. Yes, some areas require more awareness and planning than Europe or Asia, but the same is true of any destination when you travel alone. Do your research, trust your instincts, and the Americas will reward you with some of the most memorable experiences of your life. Here are my top five picks for solo female travellers heading to this part of the world.
1. New York City, USA: Iconic Sights and Solo-Friendly Activities
New York City is one of those places that genuinely lives up to every expectation and I loved every minute of my time there. As a solo female traveller, the city feels surprisingly manageable despite its size. The subway connects everything, neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, and there is so much to see and do that you could visit ten times and still not scratch the surface. It is loud, fast, and completely exhilarating. Here are the highlights to add to your New York itinerary:
- Central Park: A brilliant place to slow down, people watch and recharge between sightseeing
- The MET & MoMA: Two of the greatest art museums in the world – both unmissable
- Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across for free and enjoy some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline
- Food Scene: From dollar pizza slices to world class restaurants – New York feeds you brilliantly
Read my full USA travel guide and browse New York tours and experiences through GetYourGuide.
2. Mexico City, Mexico: Culture, History, and Food
I have visited Mexico and absolutely loved it. Cancún specifically blew me away with its stunning turquoise water and vibrant energy. Mexico City however is a destination I am yet to experience, but it has been on my list for a long time. Everything about it sounds incredible – the history, the food, the art scene and the sheer scale of the place. Here are the highlights I am most looking forward to:
- Zócalo: The vast and historic main square – the beating heart of the city
- Frida Kahlo Museum: One of the most fascinating museums in the world for any art lover
- Teotihuacan Pyramids: An incredible ancient site just outside the city – book a guided tour through GetYourGuide
- Street Food: Tacos, tamales, elotes – the street food scene here is world class
Read my full Mexico travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.
3. Medellín, Colombia: Friendly Locals and Urban Vibes
Medellín is one of the most surprising cities I have ever visited and one I would recommend to any solo female traveller looking for something a little different. Colombia has a reputation that puts some people off, but Medellín has transformed beyond recognition over the last two decades and the city I experienced was vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. The people are some of the warmest I have encountered anywhere in the world.
Here are the highlights to add to your Medellín itinerary:
- Comuna 13: One of the most powerful and visually stunning neighbourhoods I have ever walked through – the street art tells an incredible story
- Metrocable: Ride above the city for breathtaking panoramic views over the hillside communities
- Parque Lleras: The social hub of the city – brilliant for people watching, food and nightlife
- Local Coffee: Colombia produces some of the best coffee in the world – drink as much as possible
Read my full Colombia travel guide for everything you need to know before you visit.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Tango, Cafés, and Vibrant Streets
Buenos Aires is a city that has been on my solo female travel bucket list for years and the more I hear from other travellers who have been, the higher it climbs. It has this reputation for being the Paris of South America, and from everything I have seen and read, that comparison feels completely justified. The architecture, the food, the tango, the wine. It sounds like an extraordinary place to explore alone. Here are the highlights to add to your Buenos Aires itinerary:
- La Boca: One of the most colourful and photographed neighbourhoods in all of South America
- San Telmo: Cobblestone streets, antique markets, tango shows and brilliant café culture
- Recoleta Cemetery: A surprisingly beautiful and fascinating historic landmark – unmissable
- Palermo: The best neighbourhood for parks, restaurants, bars and a vibrant nightlife scene
Browse Buenos Aires tours and experiences through GetYourGuide.
5. Vancouver, Canada: Nature and Urban Balance
Vancouver rounds off my Americas list perfectly and it is another destination I am yet to visit but cannot stop thinking about. It has this incredible combination of urban energy and raw natural beauty that feels completely unique. Mountains, ocean, forests and a world class city all in one place. From everything I have read and heard, it is also an exceptionally safe and welcoming city for women travelling alone. Here are the highlights to add to your Vancouver itinerary:
- Stanley Park: Over 400 hectares of forest, trails and stunning ocean views right on the city’s doorstep
- Granville Island: A brilliant public market full of local food, art and independent shops
- Grouse Mountain: Take the gondola up for incredible panoramic views over the city and beyond
- Robson Street: The best street in the city for shopping, dining and soaking up the local vibe
Use Trip.com to find the best flight deals from the UK to Vancouver.
Essential Packing Tips for Solo Female Travellers
Packing well makes solo travel so much easier and over the years I’ve got it down to a fine art. The key is packing light without sacrificing the things that actually matter. I always travel with a good SPF. Non-negotiable in Asia especially, along with a solid skincare routine that works in different climates, a reliable dry shampoo for long travel days, and a portable charger that has saved me more times than I can count. A reusable water bottle is another essential I never leave without. For all of my tried and tested travel must-haves, from beauty essentials to travel gear – check out my Amazon storefront where I have pulled everything together in one place.
For accommodation I always recommend checking Booking.com – I have included a widget below where you can search and compare hotels directly. And if you are travelling without employer health cover, please do not skip travel insurance. I personally use and recommend SafetyWing – it is designed specifically for people already travelling outside their home country and the cover is excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel
How Can I Help You Plan Your Solo Trip?
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do, but I completely understand that the planning side of things can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time travelling alone. That is exactly where I come in. I help solo female travellers plan trips that are tailored to their budget, travel style and destination wishlist. Whether you are dreaming of a weekend city break in Barcelona, a beach escape in Thailand, or a full multi-country adventure across Asia – I would love to help you make it happen.
If you have any questions about any of the destinations on this list, or you would like help putting together your perfect solo trip, get in touch – I would love to hear from you.
You can also check out my full Thailand travel guide and my guide on whether Thailand is safe for solo female travellers for more inspiration.
Request a quote or get in touch and let’s start planning your perfect solo adventure.
Abi is a UK travel blogger, currently living in Thailand, sharing destination guides, solo female travel tips, and insider advice on exploring Southeast Asia. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she helps women discover the world with confidence, whether they’re travelling solo or joining one of her hosted group trips.
