Top 10 cities in Europe for first-time solo female travellers
- Sassy Travels
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
My post on '10 best destinations for first time solo travellers' seems to be getting a lot of attention right now. If you have missed it, you can check it out here. Since it seems to be a hot topic, I thought I would make it even more specific, and elaborate on the topic when it comes to European city destinations. So, here comes my list of the top 10 cities in Europe for first-time solo female travellers.
There could always be more destinations, but when I picked the top ones, I was trying to keep a few aspects in mind: safety, comfort, busyness, enough to do without the overwhelm and walkability. As a first-time solo traveller the key is to tip your toes in the water, not to dive in the deep end. So, I listed the cities that I think do pretty well in most of these areas listed.
Vienna, Austria
Compared to other European capital cities, Vienna still gets less attention, but it is certainly a city that is ideal for solo female travel. The city is filled with museums, coffee shops and welcoming restaurants. The centre is also very walkable, organised, clean and safe. Getting from one point to another is easily done, the public transport is reliable and everyone speaks a basic level of English at least.
Sevilla, Spain
I feel like this city ticks most boxes for an ideal solo city break. Walkable? Tick. Safe? Tick. Affordable? Tick. Busy enough, yet comfortable? Tick. If you are starting out on solo travelling and want more of a hidden gem, then an overwhelming experience, like Barcelona or Rome can be, I would consider this sunny, Spanish city. During my long-weekend stay I came across many fellow, solo, female travellers and felt like this city was perfect to meet new people over tapas. The city is small enough to just walk around or rent a bike and cycle.
Dublin, Ireland
If navigating through foreign public transport systems intimidates you, you will love Dublin, it doesn't even have a metro system! You can take the tram instead to explore the city, making it a more comfortable and cozy experience. The city centre is not overwhelmingly huge, and the locals and very friendly. You can find a cozy cafe or pub on every corner and the air is often filled with traditional Irish music, giving a whole city a lively and upbeat feel.
Valletta, Malta
The most southern capital city in Europe is a real gem, and the perfect destination for a first-time solo female traveller. It is easily accessible, again, no metro systems to navigate, only local buses and trams. Getting around on foot is the easiest way to explore the city. Here you will find the cutest, little streets with the sea as a background, beautiful architecture and pretty sunny weather all year-round.
Budapest, Hungary
This pick actually isn't only based on my opinion, some of my friends also visited the Hungarian capital solo, and they all had a great experience. The reason? Budapest is very solo friendly; you can easily explore many of the cities attractions on foot and the city is considered very safe (this is actually a reason why one of my friends liked it so much). Additionally, you will find beautiful architecture, different museums and lots of thermal spas to choose from. Not to mention the food! If you are interested in visiting Budapest, make sure you check out my recent blog on some of my favourite foodie hotspots!
Copenhagen, Denmark
When I mentioned in the beginning that I want to include cities where there is enough to do, but without feeling overwhelmed, Copenhagen is exactly what I meant. This capital city is the literal example of a cozy and calm travel destination, perfect for solo travel. You can wonder around on foot, trying different Danish pastry and coffee shops and really taking your time, allowing you to practise the hygge lifestyle.
Lisbon, Portugal
One of my favourite capital cities in the world, Lisbon is the perfect destination for solo female travellers starting out. The whole city has a very laid-back, cozy and warm vibe, with friendly locals and vibrant culture. There is nothing better than walking around the cobble streets of Lisbon with a coffee and pastry in hand on a sunny day. I recently saw someone who moved to Lisbon alone, and she described it as a sweet and playful city where you can really connect with your feminine energy, and I must say, I agree with her. Lisbon is full of colours, beauty and opportunities to explore who you are on your own (because isn't that the whole point of solo travel anyway) without feeling overwhelmed or under pressure. So, if you feel called to visit make sure you check out my blog post on some of my favourite food spots I would recommend!
Helsinki, Finland
While Helsinki may not be on everyone's bucket list, I think it is worth mentioning when it comes to top, solo female travel cities in Europe. In terms of safety and navigation alone it is a great pick, while also offering some epic coastal views and beautiful architecture pieces. Another city that is also walkable and compact. The locals and friendly and everyone speaks perfect English. And there are some cool rooftop bars to enjoy the city views from if your feet get tired from all the walking!
Madrid, Spain
I have been to Madrid several times now, sometimes with friends, sometimes solo, and it is another destination that I always recommend to anyone. Compared to Barcelona, the Spanish capital gets less attention, but it is such a gem, especially if you are a solo female traveller. The city is beautiful and the locals are friendly. It is always buzzing and lively, in the evening the parks and restaurants are filled with families and friends catching up over tapas and a glass of wine. Even though Madrid is a capital, the famous, Spanish work-life balance shines through the atmosphere of the city. There are amazing tapas bars and restaurants on every corner, the only thing you will struggle with here is choosing just one!
Florence, Italy
We're talking amazing food, beautiful streets, easy to walk around and famous art works. Florence will also remind you that there is so much beauty in life. This city is easy to navigate on your own, it is walkable, compact, yet you feel like you're in a movie (like Under the Tuscan sun, iykyk). You can take long walks by the river, eating gelato and enjoying the views of the famous Ponte Vecchio.
I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about planning your first solo trip to Europe. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Florence, watching the sunset in Lisbon, or exploring the streets of Helsinki, each of these cities has its own rhythm, charm, and safe spaces for solo female travellers to thrive.
Remember — the beauty of solo travel isn’t just about the places you go, but how much you grow along the way. It’s about discovering what makes you feel at home, no matter where you are in the world.
And if you’d like a little extra support as you plan your next adventure, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It’s filled with simple tools — from a printable checklist to self-care prompts and grounding rituals — designed to help you feel cozy, calm, and confident wherever your journey takes you. Click below to download it and start building your perfect solo travel routine today!
