Wandering the world alone as a woman can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding. The thrill of discovering a new city on your own terms is hard to beat. You want a place that captures your imagination and makes you feel safe, comfortable, and right at home - even if you're thousands of miles from it.
We've handpicked 10 cities that we know will leave you inspired and empowered. These places prioritise the factors that matter most to solo female travellers - from walkable neighbourhoods and welcoming locals, to plenty of opportunities to meet fellow explorers.
If you're craving culture, nature, or an incredible food scene, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to pack your bags and explore some of the best places to solo travel as a woman!
At a Glance
Exploring solo doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. These are our top picks for women who want to travel independently, with the perfect balance of safety, adventure, and new connections:
- Best for Tranquillity – Kyoto, Japan
- Best for Creative Vibes – Wellington, New Zealand
- Best for Nature Lovers – Vancouver, Canada
- Best for Laid-Back Charm – Porto, Portugal
- Best for Culture & Energy – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Moonsand makes it easy to book flights a hotels for your next solo adventure. With great flight deals and flexible options, we've got everything you need to start your journey. Wherever you're headed, start your trip with Moonsand!
1. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of the most peaceful places to visit as a solo female traveller. It’s safe, easy to get around, and has a calm atmosphere that’s perfect if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Known for its temples, gardens, and traditional tea houses, it’s the kind of city where you can wander without worry.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and Kyoto is no exception. The public transport system is reliable and easy to use, with buses and trains connecting you to all major sites. Many trains even have women-only carriages during rush hours. Walking around is also safe, even in the evenings.
Kyoto is best visited in spring (March-May) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or in autumn (October-November) for the beautiful foliage. Early mornings are a great time to explore popular spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama. You’ll avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
Accommodation is very solo-friendly, with plenty of hostels offering female-only dorms. We recommend Piece Hostel Sanjo. It’s perfect if you’re looking to meet others but still want some quiet time.
Kyoto offers something Tokyo doesn’t: a slower, more relaxed pace with just as much culture and beauty. For solo female travellers, it’s a place where you can truly feel safe while taking things at your own pace.
2. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, the quirky capital of New Zealand, is one of the coolest destinations for solo female travellers. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Auckland, but it’s got loads of character. The city is safe, walkable, and has an artsy, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to settle in. Public transport is reliable, but you’ll find most of the main attractions are within walking distance.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Wellington. Start with a walk along the waterfront, where you’ll find great views and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee. Make sure to visit the Te Papa museum. It’s free, and you can easily spend a few hours learning about New Zealand’s history.
Accommodation is solid for solo travellers. The Marion is an excellent option, offering female-only dorms and cosy communal areas where you can meet other travellers. Wellington is also known for its coffee culture, so be sure to stop by Cuba Street for a brew at one of the many cafés.
We recommend visiting between November and April when the weather’s warm but still pleasant for walking around. One thing to note: Wellington’s nickname is the “Windy City” for a reason, so always have a jacket on hand (even on a sunny day!).
3. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is the perfect spot if you want a mix of city life and easy access to the outdoors. It’s one of the safest places to visit in Canada, and solo female travellers will feel right at home exploring its neighbourhoods or getting out into nature. The city is welcoming and easy to navigate on your own.
One of the best things about Vancouver is how close you are to nature. Rent a bike and take a ride around Stanley Park’s seawall, with views of the North Shore mountains and plenty of spots to stop along the way. If you’re more into walking, head to Granville Island for the market and local crafts. Both spots are safe and perfect for a solo day out.
For something off the tourist trail, Commercial Drive is where you’ll find a more local vibe. There’s a good mix of cafés, live music spots, and small shops where you can relax or strike up a conversation with locals.
Vancouver’s food scene is another highlight, especially if you’re dining solo. The food trucks around downtown are perfect for a casual, no-fuss meal. Make sure to try Tacofino for their famous fish tacos!
With its laid-back feel, friendly people, and easy access to nature, Vancouver is easily one of the best places to travel alone as a woman. Trust us, you’ll love it for its balance of adventure and comfort.
4. San José, Costa Rica
San José might not be the first place you think of in Costa Rica, but it’s a great starting point for solo travellers. It’s one of the safest cities in Central America, and you’ll find it easy to get around on foot or using public transport. The city’s focus on eco-tourism and its cleaner, more organised vibe make it stand out compared to other capitals in the region.
Start with San José’s museums, like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, or wander through Mercado Central for an authentic local experience. For a relaxed afternoon, head to Barrio Escalante. This trendy neighbourhood is packed with cafés and restaurants, and it’s a safe spot to hang out or explore on your own. You can view the top 10 attractions for San José here.
San José also puts you in a prime location for exploring Costa Rica’s best attractions. Within a few hours, you can reach popular spots like Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, or the Pacific coast’s stunning beaches.
As always, safety comes first. Stick to Uber or official red taxis for getting around, especially at night. It’s best to avoid walking alone in less busy areas after dark, but overall, San José offers a safe, comfortable base for solo female travellers.
5. Porto, Portugal
If Lisbon feels a bit too hectic, Porto is the perfect alternative if you’re looking for the best cities in Europe to solo travel as a woman. It’s smaller, more laid-back, and easy to navigate on foot, with fewer crowds but plenty of charm. The riverside setting is beautiful, and the city feels safe and welcoming for solo travellers.
One of the best ways to see Porto is from the water. We recommend a boat cruise along the Douro River. It’s a peaceful way to soak in the stunning bridges and colourful buildings. If you prefer to stay on land, head to Cedofeita district and grab a drink at Letraria Craft Beer Garden. It’s a hidden gem where you can easily strike up conversations with locals or just relax in the garden.
Porto has a great range of social hostels, like Gallery Hostel, which offers female-only dorms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s easy to meet fellow travellers or just chill in the common spaces after a day of exploring. Plus, plenty of low-cost airlines fly to Porto - so it’s easy to reach.
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6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Looking for a city where you can explore on foot and feel safe? Edinburgh is a great choice. It’s compact, easy to get around, and solo female travellers will love the mix of history, culture, and friendly locals. You won’t feel out of place here, whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets or hiking up Arthur’s Seat for a view.
If you want a break from the crowds, head to Dean Village. It’s a peaceful spot just minutes from the centre, perfect for a solo wander. Edinburgh’s café scene is another bonus. Make sure to grab a coffee at The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling worked on Harry Potter, and enjoy some quiet time.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with fewer tourists and mild weather. If you’re into festivals, August is buzzing with the Fringe Festival. You’ll find it easy to meet people, whether on a literary pub tour or just chatting with locals in the cafés.
Hands down, Edinburgh is one of the coolest places to solo travel as a female. It’s small enough to feel comfortable, but with plenty to keep you busy.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the best cities to solo travel as a woman, Buenos Aires has great energy, and you can explore at your own pace. You’ll feel comfortable exploring local markets, sipping coffee at street cafés, or even trying out a tango class. Buenos Aires is a city where solo travel feels easy, and there’s always something new to discover.
We’d definitely recommend giving tango a go while you’re here. Head to La Catedral Club, a laid-back, local spot where you can join a class or just soak in the atmosphere. It’s far from the tourist trail, so you’ll get a real taste of Buenos Aires culture without the crowds.
Buenos Aires is known for its steakhouses, but if you fancy something different, try Hierbabuena in San Telmo. It’s a chilled, veggie-friendly café that’s great for solo diners.
For accommodation, Palermo is your best bet. There’s a great mix of hostels and boutique guesthouses where it’s easy to meet people but still have your own space when you need it. It’s got the right balance of social and quiet.
One safety tip: stick to using Cabify or ride-hailing apps after dark. It’s safer than public transport at night, and you’ll find it super reliable. Buenos Aires is full of energy, and with a bit of street smarts, it’s a fantastic city to explore solo.
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a gem for solo female travellers! It's got all the charm of Thailand with a more relaxed atmosphere than Bangkok. The Old City is perfect for wandering. You can easily spend a day exploring ancient temples on foot or by bike.
For a unique experience, we'd suggest joining a cooking class at Mama Noi's. It's a great way to meet other travellers and learn to whip up some mean pad thai. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Doi Suthep for a hike. The views are worth it, trust us.
When it comes to accommodation, we like Mercy Hostel. It's got female-only dorms and a rooftop where you can chill with other travellers. For a quiet moment, pop into Akha Ama Coffee. It's a local favourite and the perfect spot to plan your next move.
Don't miss the Sunday Walking Street market. It kicks off around 4 pm, and you'll find everything from local crafts to tasty street food. Just keep an eye on your belongings – it can get busy.
Considering Thailand? Recommended:
• The best travel tips and guide for Phuket
• Bangkok travel tips: The alternate travel guide
9. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana might not be on everyone's radar, but we think it's a hidden gem. This compact capital is perfect if you're after a laid-back European adventure. You can easily explore the whole city centre on foot, soaking in the mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. It’s also one of the most affordable holiday destinations in Europe.
We recommend starting your day at Cafetino. It's a cosy spot where you can fuel up on some seriously good coffee before hitting the streets. For a bit of local flavour, head to the Central Market. It's busy in the mornings and a great place to pick up some fresh produce for a picnic.
When it comes to where to stay in Ljubljana, we're big fans of Celica Hostel in the artsy Metelkova area. It's got female-only dorms and private rooms in a converted prison (way cooler than it sounds!).
In the evening, enjoy a meal at Slovenska Hiša by the river. The staff are used to solo diners, and the outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching. Try the štruklji - it's a local dish that'll knock your socks off!
Don't forget to pack some comfy shoes. Ljubljana's very walkable, and you'll want to explore every nook and cranny.
10. Melbourne, Australia
Last on our list of the best places to travel solo as a woman is Melbourne. While Sydney's got the beaches and Brisbane's got the weather, Melbourne's got a vibe that's hard to beat.
What we love most about Melbourne is its incredible café culture and artsy atmosphere. Unlike other Aussie cities, you'll never feel out of place here sipping a flat white solo or browsing a quirky boutique in Fitzroy. Plus, the free tram zone in the CBD makes it a breeze to get around, and it feels safer than navigating Sydney's sprawling suburbs or Perth's quieter streets after dark.
For accommodation, we'd recommend The Nunnery in Fitzroy. It's a converted convent with female-only dorms and a great social scene. Plus, it's right in the heart of Melbourne's coolest neighbourhood.
Don't miss a wander down the laneways - Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane are our favourites for street art. For a unique evening out, check out Curtin House. It's got a rooftop cinema in summer and each floor has a different bar or restaurant. Perfect for a solo night out where you can people-watch to your heart's content!
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Solo Travel as a Girl
So there you have it - our top picks for solo female travel. Each place has its own vibe, but they're all pretty good for exploring on your own.
Don't worry if you're feeling a bit nervous about travelling solo. It's normal. Just start with somewhere that feels comfortable, maybe a city where they speak your language or has a reputation for being safe.
Remember to trust your gut and be aware of your surroundings, just like you would at home. But also don't forget to relax and enjoy yourself. That's what travel is all about, right?
Whether you end up people-watching in a Melbourne laneway or trying out your terrible Japanese in Kyoto, you'll probably surprise yourself with how much you enjoy solo travel. Who knows, you might even prefer it to traveling with others.
We hope this list of the best destinations to solo travel as a woman gives you some ideas for your next adventure. Happy travels!
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