The thought of traveling alone can be daunting for single women—but it doesn’t have to be. Naturally, the best solo trips for women are those on which you feel safe, welcome, and able to explore freely. Luckily, there are opportunities all over the world.
You may be content in your own company and happy to discover galleries and temples at your own pace. Or perhaps you travel solo to meet new friends and share adventures.
Either way, the possibilities are boundless. Whether you want to do yoga in Bali, gaze at art in Barcelona, or explore the wilds of Alaska, thrilling adventures for women going solo await all over the world.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a wonderful and easy place to travel as a solo female. This is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world, and women are treated with respect. Most people speak English, so communication is easy. There’s plenty to see, too.
Tour the wild, volcanic landscapes and geysers of the Golden Circle. Ride an Icelandic horse across jagged lava landscapes. Take a guided tour inside a volcano, or a walking tour of Reykjavik to admire the city’s contemporary architecture.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Factor in time for a visit to the famous geothermally heated spa, Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most beautiful places. You can float around in the milky water, gazing up at the sky and relaxing. Apply detoxifying mud to your whole body without worrying about how you look, as everybody else is doing the same. You’ll leave feeling like new.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
Bali has always been a warm and welcoming place for single women thanks to its beauty and the gentle nature of its mainly Hindu population. The island secured an even firmer place on the map following Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. If you go to arty Ubud, set in the hills north of Denpasar, you won’t be alone in seeking out locations featured in the book.
This exquisitely beautiful island is one of the best places for solo female travel in the world. There are gorgeous beaches all around the south coast, where you could simply relax in the sunshine. However, Bali offers plenty more, from yoga classes to spa treatments and Indonesian cooking lessons.
Unwind on gorgeous Nusa Dua Beach, explore the temples and market in Ubud, and admire the emerald Jatiluwih rice terraces, one of Bali’s best places to visit.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Historic Dubrovnik is easy and safe to explore independently, as it’s so compact. The medieval city is enclosed by chunky ramparts that extend for more than a mile. If you want to stroll around the walls, which is highly recommended, take water and try to avoid the heat of the day.
Other things to do in Dubrovnik include visiting the Rector’s Palace and its ancient pharmacy. Pick up some of the organic lotions here, which smell almost edible. Clamber up to the top of Fort Lovrijenac for jaw-dropping views down over the old city, or take the cable car up Mount Srd for views that extend along the coast to the islands beyond. Reward yourself with a platter of Dalmatian air-dried ham and salty cheese washed down with a chilled local white.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
Solo travel in beautiful Stockholm is generally easy, fun, and stress-free. English is spoken everywhere, and Sweden is regarded as one of the world’s safest destinations.
Visit the Vasa Museum to admire the almost fully intact 17th-century warship that was hauled up from the seafloor in Stockholm’s harbor. Sing ABBA classics with fellow travelers at ABBA The Museum, and check out the band’s glitzy costumes from the 1970s.
Adventurous travelers can join an unusual tour clambering over the rooftops of Gamla Stan, the medieval center, for a different perspective on the old town and a bonding experience with fellow climbers.
Read: Best Museums in Stockholm
Kyoto, Japan
Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan
Japanese cities can seem overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the culture or the language. But in reality, Japan is an extremely safe place to travel solo, with great emphasis placed on spirituality, respect, and politeness.
If it’s your first time, the best way to explore Kyoto is on a guided tour. You’ll see some of Japan’s most beautiful places, including the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Temple, known for its stone garden. Photograph the tunnel of scarlet torii gates at the Fushimi Inari shrine and sit down to a traditional Japanese lunch.
Kyoto also has several onsen, or natural hot spring baths, which are wonderfully relaxing. Men and women bathe separately in onsen, so there’s nothing intimidating about enjoying the experience as a solo traveler.
Alaska, USA
White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, Alaska
Alaska is a great place to travel solo. You’ll meet friendly locals wherever you go. Everybody in Alaska has a story to tell about living in such an extreme place, so it’s easy to strike up conversations.
This is a place for active travel, and if you want to make new friends, there’s nothing like a shared activity to break the ice. In Ketchikan, join a guided hike through Tongass National Forest in search of bears, or paddle a kayak through the sheltered coastal waters, looking out for marine life and bald eagles.
Juneau is the perfect place to take a whale-watching trip, or get up close to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier in a canoe. From Skagway, ride the famous White Pass and Yukon Route railway and follow the treacherous mountain pass tackled by prospectors seeking their fortune.
Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy
Florence may exude romantic Renaissance beauty, but there’s no reason you can’t fall in love with the city as a solo traveler.
The center is easy to explore, with beauty at every turn. Head to the striking Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, aka the Duomo, and gaze at the spectacular interiors. Admire Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in the Uffizi and Michelangelo’s exquisite David in the Accademia, both iconic masterpieces of art in Florence.
Shop for handmade leather items, which you’ll see everywhere. Visit the Gucci Museum at the flagship store of the iconic brand, which was founded here. If you’re looking to explore food in Florence, Sant’Ambrogio Market has all sorts of edible souvenirs, from truffle oil and spices to cheese and dried porcini mushrooms.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands’ buzzing capital, is a great place to explore solo. English is widely spoken, and there’s plenty to fill your time.
Book in advance for the poignant Anne Frank House, where you can learn about the harrowing experience of a young girl who documented her time hiding from the Nazis in her diary. At peak times, you’ll also need to book ahead for the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, two world-class art museums in Amsterdam.
One of the joys of visiting Amsterdam is simply wandering through the narrow streets that line the canals, especially in the pretty Jordaan neighborhood. It’s safe here—and it’s difficult to get lost. You’ll find some intriguing local shops, too, showcasing the work of Dutch fashion designers or selling covetable vintage.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Laid-back Lisbon has made a name for itself as a liveable city for digital nomads, and as such, there’s a good social scene here.
Explore the narrow alleys of the whitewashed Alfama district, one of the oldest parts of the city, and check out medieval São Jorge Castle, which has sweeping views from its crenelated ramparts. Ride the vintage No. 28 tram, which trundles through some of the most scenic parts of the city.
Spend time in the superb Time Out Market, which is part colorful market and part dedicated to pop-up restaurants showcasing the city’s best culinary offerings. A fun thing to do is to join a cooking class to learn how to make Lisbon’s signature pastel de nata, a melt-in-the-mouth flaky pastry custard pie.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Traveling solo is commonplace among Australians, so there will be no raised eyebrows or questions if you’re exploring beautiful Sydney on your own.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House, a famous Sydney landmark, or join a Harbour Bridge climb if you have a head for heights.
Ride the Manly Ferry, one of the world’s most jaw-droppingly scenic ferry journeys, passing the Opera House, the bridge, the Taronga Zoo, and some of the finest beaches. Speaking of which, it’s worth heading to Bondi Beach, where you can take an introductory two-hour surfing lesson, no experience required.
Grenada, Caribbean
Grenada, Caribbean
Lush Grenada, known as the Spice Isle, is a safe and laid-back corner of the Caribbean with plenty to entertain the active traveler. Join a guided trek through plantations of cacao and nutmeg to the scenic Bamboo Waterfall, where you can cool off with a dip before the return hike. Try a chocolate tasting or a rum tasting.
One of the best things to do in Grenada is to take a snorkeling tour to admire the extraordinary Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, where 75 evocative sculptures stand on the ocean floor, slowly becoming colonized by marine life.
Or if you’re feeling in need of relaxation, simply head to one of the island’s beaches, order a rum punch, and lie back on your lounge chair, listening to the waves breaking.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Dynamic Barcelona is packed with things to see and do. Wander along Las Ramblas boulevard, taking in all the street entertainment, and drop into La Boqueria market for coffee or tapas and a glass of sparkling cava.
Explore the art museums that Barcelona is known for, showcasing the work of greats including Picasso and Miró. Take in the colorful, organic architecture of Antoni Gaudí, the city’s famous architect. On weekends, locals gather in leafy Parc Guell, while you can admire Casa Battló and La Pedrera from the street; both are on Passeig de Gracia, which is also the location of many designer shops.
Join a tapas tasting tour if you want to connect with fellow foodies, or stroll along the waterfront at Barceloneta, where there’s a fine urban beach and several waterfront tapas restaurants.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is cool, fashion-conscious, friendly, and safe, making it a great city for women traveling solo to explore.
Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen include visiting the lavish Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace, one of the homes of the Danish royal family.
On a sunny day, head for beautiful Tivoli Gardens, which combines a leafy park with an old-fashioned funfair. There’s a food hall here selling produce from all over the world, which is a great place for grazing. Head for Nyhavn, the colorful old waterfront, buzzing with life in summer, and people-watch in one of the friendly beer gardens.
Chania, Crete, Greece
Chania in Crete, Greece
Chania is a beautiful old city, its sheltered port lined by the ochre and terracotta houses of former sea captains. The whole port area is abuzz with cafés and restaurants. The tangled backstreets around the harbor are crammed with fashion boutiques and tasteful souvenir shops selling everything from organic body lotions to jewelry.
Chania is a delightful place to spend the day, even if you don’t leave the port area. It’s easy to spend time alone here, shopping, drinking coffee, and watching the world go by. And if you want to venture further afield, the scenery of western Crete is spectacular, ranging from the rugged White Mountains to sheltered coves and sheer-sided gorges.
One of the best things to do in Crete for an easy guided hike is Therissos Gorge, just six miles from the city—a three-mile-long canyon in a bucolic setting of orange groves and vineyards. You could join a group trip into the wilds of the White Mountains, too, or take part in a tasting of local wines.
Read: Best Girls’ Trip Locations
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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