Do you dream of packing up your weekender and sailing off into the sunset? You can do it. You can go anywhere in the world as long as you do your research, plan ahead, and stay smart.
You’re strong, capable, and about to make some of the best memories of your life. You’ll return home with such a sense of accomplishment that you’ll spin the globe to see where you can plan to go next.
Below, we’ve curated a list of some of the safest cities in the world, including those in Scandinavia and Asia, to help you dip your toes into the waters of true independence.
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe has several things going for it. Not only is it considered safe for female solo travelers, it’s also a colorful hotbed for the creative arts.
Known for its pretty Pueblo-style architecture, you can easily find an Airbnb in this city that makes you feel safe while swinging the door wide open to an array of artistic friends.
2. New York, New York
It might be easy to mistake New York for a city that’s unsafe for solo travelers because it’s so large and congested.
But, New York can be very safe if you study the neighborhoods beforehand. For example, Midtown will be relatively safe as you explore Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and an array of fine dining experiences.
Other parts of Manhattan like Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich Village can also be quite safe as long as you remain aware of your surroundings and try to get home before dark.
For more on how to maximize your stay in the city that never sleeps, enjoy our guide to unforgettable experiences in New York.
3. St. Petersburg, Florida
If you have something a little more tropical in mind, St. Pete is the way to go. This is a very safe city for solo female travelers, especially if you envision yourself spending the day in museums and coffee shops.
In the evening, after a quick trip to Trader Joe’s for some snacks, you can surround yourself with the most brilliant glow as you take in the sunset on Treasure Island, a mere 15 minutes away.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen has one of the lowest crime rates, compared to all the other European capitals.
If you time this visit right, you can enjoy tulip season, as well as a few of its other clean, colorful, and safe cities like Odense and Aarhus.
5. Helsinki, Finland
In general, Scandinavia has a lot to offer female solo travelers. The entire Helsinki Region in Finland is relatively safe. The city itself is walkable with many cultural delights including museums and restaurants.
It’s also surrounded by islands and the sea, making it a great destination for someone who wants a taste of both the city life and the sea.
6. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is another surprise. The city itself is made up of 14 islands and the nearby archipelago features 30,000 more.
Not only will this city sweep you away, but that freeing feeling of being out on the water will make it so that you never want to leave.
7. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is more urban than Stockholm. But, you may be tempted to hop over to this metropolis while you’re in the proverbial area.
Zurich is a fast-paced city where people work hard and play hard. Many of the residents are quite content with their jobs and the mass transit system that zips them around town.
As a visitor, you’ll get to soak it all up and enjoy the well-preserved mix of Old Town and modern living along with vivacious views of the snowy Swiss Alps.
8. Vienna, Austria
If classical music and architecture are of interest to you, why not skip over to Austria before, during, or after your Swedish/Swiss adventures?
Although Mozart was born in Salzburg, Vienna still pays great homage to this mastermind, as well as Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. It’s also home to some of the most magnificent coffee houses this side of heaven. You’ll never be the same after some time spent in Vienna.
9. Bergen, Norway
We’re about to depart Scandinavia, but we need to make one more honorable mention: Bergen. Here, you’ll enjoy another clean city with friendly locals eager to welcome you to their safe oasis.
Old town, Bryygen, will be the highlight of your trip along the harbor, especially if you love the thought of fresh caught seafood overlooking the water.
10. Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík almost always comes up in conversations about cities that are safe for solo female travelers. Generally speaking, it has the proud honor of being one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to soak up its vibrant art scene, fresh seafood, and easy trips to the hot springs that will take your breath away.
11. London, England
Like New York, London might put some people on edge. But, it’s all about your research. There are oodles of safe neighborhoods in London where you can walk freely throughout the day without fear of being pickpocketed.
If you’re a royal watcher, you’ll be plenty safe along your tours of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle – just outside the city – or even the Tower of London where many crown jewels are on display.
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
From London, you can take a scenic train ride up to Edinburgh. See if you can stay at The Witchery. It’s an Instagrammer’s delight these days – and for good reason.
Stroll along the Royal Mile, sip tea in one of its many tearooms, and dip into Edinburgh Castle for a step back in time.
13. Paris, France
The same holds true for Paris as it does for its comrades, London and New York. If you stay in a reputable arrondissement like the Latin Quarter, Ile St. Louis, or Le Marais, you won’t have to stress too much.
In our list of 20 safety tips for female solo travelers, we suggest wearing a money belt under your shirt. Small tips like this will allow you to sip a glass of wine in Hemingway’s favorite cafe, visit Shakespeare & Company, and stroll through the Tuileries with a little less worry.
14. Venice, Italy
If journaling in a cafe and strolling the streets is your speed, Venice can do for you what Paris also did.
It’s truly a walkable city – which you’d want to do anyway – and no other solo dining experience will ever compare to the splendor of Venice.
The central square, Piazza San Marco, will astound you with its Byzantine mosaics and the Campanile Bell Tower will serve up the most stunning views of the city’s famous red rooftops.
15. Lisbon, Portugal
With colorful streets on your mind, Lisbon should be another contender for your bucket list. Painted in bright hues of red and yellow, you can’t help but be cheerful in this safe mecca for solo travelers.
São Jorge Castle is well worth a visit, as is the National Azulejo Museum with its displays of five centuries of ceramic tiles.
As Portugal’s coastal, hilly capital, it’s not only safe but forgiving on your purse strings. Once you’ve taken in the sights of the city, you can also soak up the string of nearby Atlantic Beaches, including Cascais and Estoril.
16. Galway, Ireland
Ah, Galway. This is a music-lovers delight. Only in Galway do office workers tuck their fiddles under their desk so that, at five o’clock, they can walk down to the local pub and join in with whoever’s playing.
These live Irish music sessions, also known as trad sessions, abound all throughout the city. They’ll whisk you away to magical fairy forests and not because of that pint in your hand.
Best of all, Galway is nestled into the Atlantic Coastline, giving way to something called the Wild Atlantic Way – the most scenic drive through one of Europe’s most scenic countries.
17. Vancouver, Canada
Sometimes, it’s nice to visit countries where the language barrier won’t be a concern. Vancouver—as well as many of the main cities in Canada—are known to be quite safe, with plenty of cultural offerings.
You’ll have it all in this mecca, from the Vancouver Art Gallery to the stunning natural beauty served by its breathtaking natural landscapes, mountains, forests, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
18. Melbourne, Australia
Standing tall as the coastal capital of southeastern Australia, Melbourne will welcome you with open arms. Here, you’ll find no shortage of art galleries and live music to sweep you off your feet.
The city’s center is Federation Square, a lovely place to dine on a meal while overlooking the Yarra River. Once you’ve gotten your sea legs, there are a few day trips out of Melbourne you might like to explore, including Phillip Island, Sovereign Hill, and the Great Ocean Road.
19. Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo often gets top billing when people are considering a trip to Japan. And, while that’s a nice place to start, don’t neglect a train ride into the mountains of Kyoto.
It’s a clean, fresh, rejuvenating city with dining delights you’ll never forget and onsens, or hot springs, that will wash all your cares away. All you have to do is switch the letters around in Tokyo to find your ticket to paradise.
Since you’ve made it this far, here’s more on all of Japan’s must-see destinations.
20. Singapore
Like Scandinavia, this corner of the world has several safe options for solo female travelers. Typically, most of the signage is also in English, so you won’t have to worry too much about mass transit.
Singapore is another one of those special cities with all the urban delights you’d expect, like art galleries and botanical gardens. But, it also has a secret treasure: easy access to Sentosa Island, where you can gaze upon the water and wonder how soon you can return to this special place on the planet.
For more, here are the top ten things to do in the Lion City.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
If you have it in your heart to take a solo trip somewhere, don’t let fear hold you back. Do your due diligence, research the areas you’d like to visit, remain aware of your surroundings, and then get out there and do it.
You’re strong; you’re capable, and you may find that solo travel is your favorite way to see the world.
No matter where you’re headed next, we have a destination guide already outlined for you. We’ll take your pocketful of dreams and help you turn them into a roomful of memories.