The Safest European Cities for Solo Female Travelers

Dreaming of traveling to Europe but wondering if it’s safe for solo female travelers? Well, for starters we can tell you that yes, it is. We wrote about it before  so make sure you read our blog posts about it (here and here). Today, we’re focusing on the Safest European Cities for Female Travelers.

Essential Solo Female Travel Safety Tips

Europe is safe in general but some of these European cities are frequently cited as the best and the safest for female travelers, particularly solo travelers.

Obviously when traveling you should:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• trust your instincts (if something feels really off, it usually is)
• be careful when walking alone at night.
• It’s also important to research your destination before you go, book somewhere to stay beforehand, even if it’s just for a couple of nights to start
• research the local customs and traditions. Understanding cultural norms, especially regarding dress and interaction, can enhance your feeling of safety and respect for the local culture.

Top 10 Safest European Cities for Female Travelers

Here is our list of the top 10 safest cities in Europe*, perfect for your next solo adventure:

1. Reykjavik, Iceland: Consistently ranked as the safest country globally; features extremely low crime rates and is very safe to walk alone at night.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark: Known for its high social cohesion, very low crime, and is extremely bike-friendly and easy to navigate. Need local food recommendations? Read our guide for the best places to eat on a budget.
3. Vienna, Austria: High quality of life and very safe; women report feeling extremely secure walking alone at night.
4. Zurich, Switzerland: Excellent infrastructure, very low crime, a high safety rating, and efficient public transportation.
5. Munich, Germany: Ranks highly for overall quality of life and safety, with a very low risk of violent crime.
6. Stockholm, Sweden: A safe, clean, and modern city with a low crime rate and a high degree of gender equality. Need local food recommendations? Read our guide for the best places to eat on a budget.
7. Lisbon, Portugal: Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, and Lisbon is welcoming, laid-back, and very safe for solo travelers. Find our guide for the best cheap eats in Lisbon here.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Very safe and easy to explore with reliable public transport and friendly locals, despite being a major global city. Find our guide for the best budget-friendly eats in Amsterdam here.
9. Prague, Czech Republic: Known for being a safe, charming, and affordable city in Central Europe, with a high overall sense of security.
10. Ljubljana, Slovenia: A small, peaceful capital praised for its sustainability, friendly atmosphere, and extremely low crime rate. Find our guide for the best budget-friendly eats in Ljubljana here.

* according to the Global Peace Index and the OECD Better Life Index

Traveling solo as a female is an adventure. It’s scary, you might feel crazy sometimes and it takes an incredible amount of bravery and trust but it’s one of the most empowering and rewarding things you’ll ever do. 

Ready to explore Europe safely?

If you need a safe and trustworthy place to stay, our hostels are all highly ranked, well situated and held to high standards, so come stay with us and we’ll make sure you have the time of your life.

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