15 Best Cities for Solo Female Travellers: Safety Ratings and Where to Stay (2026)

This list is based on a combination of crime data, traveller surveys, infrastructure quality, and the practical experience of solo female travellers. We have prioritised cities where women report feeling comfortable walking alone at night, where public transport is safe and reliable, and where the overall culture is welcoming to independent female visitors.

Every city has areas that feel less comfortable. We have included neighbourhood recommendations for each destination so you can book accommodation in the right area. Safety is never absolute, and common-sense precautions apply everywhere. But these 15 cities offer the best combination of safety, atmosphere, affordability, and infrastructure for women travelling alone.

Tokyo is arguably the safest major city on Earth. Violent crime is almost non-existent, public transport operates with clockwork precision until midnight, and the culture of respect means solo female travellers report feeling completely comfortable at all hours. Lost property is returned, streets are spotless, and even late-night walks through residential areas feel safe.

The only caveat is crowded trains during rush hour, where groping (chikan) is a documented problem. Women-only carriages exist on most lines during peak hours and are clearly marked in pink. Use them during rush hour; outside peak times, all carriages are fine.

Best neighbourhoods: Shinjuku (vibrant and central), Shibuya (energetic), Asakusa (traditional), Shimokitazawa (bohemian). All are safe.

Budget: Mid-range. Hotels from 60 to 150 euros, excellent cheap food, free shrines and temples. Transport costs add up without a rail pass.

Explore our Tokyo neighbourhood guide for detailed safety data.

Copenhagen ranks consistently in the top 5 safest cities globally. The city is compact, almost entirely bikeable, and has a social culture that makes solo dining and exploring completely normal. Danish culture is reserved but friendly, and the infrastructure for solo travellers is excellent.

The only area that requires slight caution is Christiania (the free town), which has open cannabis trading and a no-photography rule. It is safe to visit during the day but the atmosphere changes at night. The rest of the city, including Norrebro and Vesterbro (once considered edgy), is comfortable for solo women at all hours.

Best neighbourhoods: Indre By (city centre), Norrebro (trendy, multicultural), Vesterbro (hipster, great food), Frederiksberg (leafy, residential).

Budget: Expensive. Copenhagen is one of Europe's priciest cities. Hotels from 100 to 250 euros, meals from 15 to 30 euros. Street food and bakeries help keep costs manageable.

Lisbon combines safety, affordability, and atmosphere in a way that few European capitals can match. Solo female travellers consistently rate it highly for its walkable centre, friendly locals, and the general ease of navigating alone. The city's hills mean streets are rarely deserted (people are always walking up or down them), which adds to the feeling of safety.

Petty theft (particularly on Tram 28 and at crowded viewpoints) is the main risk. Some parts of Mouraria near Martim Moniz feel rougher at night. But overall, Lisbon is an excellent choice for a first solo trip.

Best neighbourhoods: Principe Real (sophisticated), Alfama (atmospheric), Chiado (elegant), Graca (budget-friendly).

Budget: Moderate. Hotels from 70 to 150 euros, meals from 8 to 20 euros. Wine is famously cheap.

See our full Lisbon neighbourhood guide and where to stay in Lisbon article.

Melbourne's cafe culture, arts scene, and laid-back attitude make it one of the most enjoyable cities in the world for solo travellers. The city is walkable, public transport (trams, trains) is safe and reliable, and Australians are famously welcoming. Solo dining is completely normalised; many restaurants have bar seating specifically designed for it.

The city centre is safe at all hours, though the usual late-night precautions apply around King Street (nightclub district) on weekends. The inner suburbs (Fitzroy, Carlton, Collingwood, St Kilda) are all comfortable for solo women.

Best neighbourhoods: Fitzroy (creative, excellent food), Carlton (Italian quarter), South Yarra (upscale), St Kilda (beachside, backpacker-friendly).

Budget: Mid-range to expensive. Hotels from 80 to 200 AUD, excellent cafe breakfasts from 15 to 25 AUD.

Taipei is one of Asia's most underrated destinations for solo female travel. Crime rates are extremely low, the metro system is spotless and safe at all hours, and Taiwanese culture is remarkably welcoming to visitors. Night markets stay open until midnight and are full of families and couples, making solo exploration feel natural.

The city is easy to navigate, with English signage throughout the metro and at major attractions. Healthcare is excellent and affordable. The combination of safety, affordability, incredible food, and genuine hospitality makes Taipei a standout choice.

Best neighbourhoods: Da'an (trendy, excellent food), Zhongzheng (central, near memorials), Xinyi (modern, shopping), Songshan (local, great temples).

Budget: Affordable. Hotels from 40 to 100 euros, night market meals from 2 to 5 euros. One of Asia's best value destinations.

Completing our top 15:

• 6. Reykjavik, Iceland: Possibly the safest city in the world. Tiny population, near-zero crime, and stunning natural beauty within day-trip distance. Expensive but unforgettable.
• 7. Barcelona, Spain: Vibrant, walkable, and full of solo travellers. Pickpocketing is the main risk. Stay in Eixample or Gracia for the best experience.
• 8. Chiang Mai, Thailand: The digital nomad capital is welcoming, ultra-affordable, and culturally rich. The old city is compact and safe. Outstanding food and temple culture.
• 9. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Bike-friendly, progressive, and compact. De Pijp and Jordaan are perfect for solo exploring. Avoid the Red Light District late at night.
• 10. Bali, Indonesia: Ubud especially is a magnet for solo female travellers. Yoga retreats, rice terraces, and a strong community of independent travellers. Seminyak and Canggu are also popular.
• 11. Edinburgh, Scotland: Compact, walkable, and beautiful. The Old Town and New Town are safe at all hours. Excellent solo dining culture.
• 12. Vienna, Austria: Consistently voted the world's most liveable city. Superb public transport, stunning architecture, and very low crime. Museum passes make it excellent for solo cultural exploration.
• 13. Medellin, Colombia: Once notorious, now a vibrant city with excellent weather, affordable living, and a welcoming digital nomad scene. El Poblado and Laureles are safe and lively. Research neighbourhood boundaries carefully.
• 14. Singapore: Ultra-safe, ultra-clean, and incredibly well organised. One of the few cities where walking alone at 3am feels completely normal. Expensive but excellent for a first solo trip to Asia.
• 15. Porto, Portugal: All of Lisbon's charm in a smaller, more affordable package. The Ribeira district, port wine cellars, and Atlantic coast are perfect for solo exploration.

Search hotels for your next solo trip on Expedia

Regardless of destination, these practices will help you travel more safely and confidently:

• Share your itinerary. Send your hotel details and daily plans to someone at home. Use live location sharing on WhatsApp or Google Maps.
• Book the first night near the airport or station. Arriving in a new city late and navigating to a distant neighbourhood alone is stressful. Spend the first night somewhere easy to reach, then move to your preferred area the next day.
• Research neighbourhoods before booking. A cheap hotel in the wrong area can ruin a trip. Use our city search tool to check neighbourhood safety for any destination.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. Step into a shop, flag down a taxi, or call someone. Politeness is never worth your safety.
• Use ride-hailing apps. Uber, Bolt, Grab, or local equivalents are almost always safer than unmarked taxis. The driver's details and route are tracked.
• Connect with other solo travellers. Hostel common areas, free walking tours, and apps like Meetup and Bumble BFF are easy ways to find company when you want it.