Solo Female Travel in Europe: Finally Dare to Take That Solo Adventure!

One continent, a thousand faces, countless possibilities for the woman who dares.

Solo female travel in Europe means embracing freedom, treating yourself to the luxury of the unexpected, and turning every situation into an adventure. Picture yourself in Florence, following in the footsteps of artists, in Barcelona under the Mediterranean sun, or in Prague in a fairytale setting. This continent is packed with ideal destinations for women seeking safety, discovery, and pleasure.

Youth hostels overflow with energy, exchanges, and valuable tips between travelers. Hotels, more intimate, offer comfort and serenity. Organization is key: planning your itinerary, anticipating risks, allowing yourself to be surprised by the kindness of strangers.

Solo female travel in Europe also means learning to meet people, to share, to open up to a community of female globetrotters and explorers like Nomadsister. In forums, cafes, during outdoor activities or cultural visits, every adventure becomes an opportunity to grow when you're surrounded by trustworthy people.

Traveling solo is an enriching experience, a transformative moment, a pleasure every woman traveler should treat herself to at least once. Europe awaits you. Its cobblestone streets whisper ancient secrets, its cafes exhale promises of adventures.

Table of Contents

The best European destinations: must-visit countries, top 5 cities
Itinerary for touring Europe by train
Nature spots and European destinations to avoid crowds
Activities to do alone in Europe
When to go: the best times to discover Europe
Solo female travel in Europe safely: essential tips
In summary: why solo female travel in Europe is true freedom

What are the best destinations for solo female travel in Europe?

Choosing your first solo destination is like choosing your first evening dress. Three criteria guide my personal selection: safety that reassures, transportation that liberates, and hospitality that warms the heart.

France: from Paris to Provençal villages

Obvious, you might say. Well, yes.

The capital and Provence are perfect destinations for getting comfortable with solo travel in France. You can focus fully on what's essential: that rediscovery of yourself that begins with the first step.

I took a charming walk in my own company in Aix-en-Provence, in front of the antique book market that displays its treasures in front of the Town Hall.

I traveled its country roads, wandered through its Parisian museums, savored its Provençal markets. Alone. And every moment resonated with particular intensity. France's remarkable infrastructure makes all your travels easy.

Spain: between vibrant cities and sunny coasts

Spain seduced me from the first minutes in Seville. It's actually one of the 5 cheapest cities in Europe that are ideal for motivating you to start a transcendent road trip!

Barcelona dazzled me with its Gaudí architecture, its colorful markets where spice aromas mingle with laughter. Solo female travel in Spain is like being welcomed into a new family.

This country has that special magic that transforms solitude into freedom. Spaniards have that rare ability to make every female traveler feel like a guest of honor. I spent memorable evenings in tapas bars, where animated conversations spill over from terraces.

Each region reveals a unique character: passionate Andalusia, creative Catalonia, the soothing Mediterranean coast. It's a land that will make you the heroine of your own sunny novel.

Italy: art, gastronomy, and dolce vita

My grandmother travels Italian soil every year. It didn't take much to convince me to try the adventure of solo travel in Italy.

I walked alone through the streets of Trastevere, savoring a cappuccino facing the Pantheon in enchanting silence. Those cobblestone streets where my solitary steps echo, those family trattorias where you can wander according to your desires.

I felt like I was filming a movie in Venice at twilight, sitting on my private little bridge, rhythmed by the songs of gondoliers. Every plate of pasta enjoyed on a terrace, every Tuscan sunset is engraved in my memory.

Italy isn't visited, it's lived intensely.

Top 5 European cities for solo female travel

Every year, my grandmother organizes her solo trip to Venice, and she still manages to be surprised! Every city in the world has its particular soul, so to help you choose, here's my personal selection, tested and approved during my solo escapades.

London: cosmopolitan and accessible

If you speak English, your first solo trip to the UK will be a total success. And London's remarkably efficient transport network allows you to explore every neighborhood in complete serenity.

Let me tell you about that London evening that changed everything. Lost in Shoreditch after a day of museums, I hesitate in front of a crowded pub. A girl waves at me: "Come join us!" Three hours later, we're putting the world to rights over a pint, an unlikely mix of Erasmus students and local artists.

Camden and its eclectic markets, South Kensington and its majestic museums... London transforms every shyness into boldness, every solitude into human adventure.

Paris, France: romantic even solo

The City of Love, solo? What a crazy idea.

And yet.

Paris reveals its purest magic, provided you explore it alone. I discovered that Parisian solitude has its own poetry.

Strolling along the Seine at sunset, when golden light caresses Haussmann facades. Savoring coffee on a terrace, observing that urban ballet so particular to the capital. Getting lost in the Louvre galleries, face to face with the Mona Lisa.

Paris on your own means giving yourself the freedom to fall in love with yourself in the most beautiful city in the world.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: freedom and bicycles

Here, forget the frenzy of crowded metros: the city is discovered at the muffled rhythm of bicycles, gliding along opal canals toward the Jordaan district with its secret galleries, between changing reflections and colorful facades.

Alone, you abandon yourself to this sweet carefreeness, carried by Dutch open-mindedness that reassures and warms. The Leidseplein terraces buzz with muffled conversations, the Rembrandtplein clubs awaken without excess, while the leaning houses of Begijnhof tell their ancient stories.

Here, solo female travel becomes a sensory immersion, a parenthesis in time, serene and unequaled.

Prague, Czech Republic: charm and budget-friendly

This city that seems straight out of a fairy tale transported me to another universe during my first solo visit.

The cobblestone streets of Malá Strana district resonate under your feet like a medieval melody. Gothic architecture rises majestically before you, creating that mysterious atmosphere so conducive to introspection.

The exceptional safety (Prague is among the safest cities in Europe) and affordable prices allow you to treat yourself to memorable experiences. Prague's youth hostels naturally facilitate encounters between solo travelers, and the lively nightlife perfectly complements this cultural getaway.

Lisbon, Portugal: hills and authenticity

Lisbon seduced me with that relaxed atmosphere so conducive to solo travel in Portugal. It's a perfect alternative to over-touristed top destinations.

I immersed myself in the steep streets of Alfama, where every facade tells a story, surrounded by colorful azulejos that transform walls into works of art. In a tiny pastry shop, a smiling grandmother handed me a pastéis de nata still hot and crispy: a bite of pure happiness.

Alone but never isolated, carried by the kindness of Lisbon locals who transformed every request for directions into a warm conversation. Between vintage trams, melancholic fado, and sunsets over the Tagus, Lisbon offers you that perfect palette of emotions for contemplation and personal discovery.

Touring Europe by train

The ultimate? European trains represent the safest and most romantic way to visit several cities and experience different countries.

There are many circuits for crossing the continent while savoring its exceptional cultural diversity: safety and comfort guaranteed!

My favorite little itinerary:

(1) Paris → (2) Amsterdam → (3) Berlin → (4) Prague → (5) Vienna → (6) Rome

The InterRail pass allows you to travel with complete serenity and facilitates last-minute itinerary changes, especially if you plan several countries in succession. It also allows you to save money on your reservations. For buses, FlixBus guarantees safety and comfort at affordable prices.

European nature spots or seaside destinations to recharge alone

Europe abounds with natural sanctuaries where your soul can find that peace so rare in our hectic daily lives.

Austria: alpine lakes and wellness

Austria ranks third in the Global Peace Index. But beyond the numbers, it's that particular atmosphere that seduces.

Hallstatt resonates like a promise of serenity. It's a postcard village, nestled on the shores of an alpine lake with crystal-clear waters. Austrian trains take you there effortlessly, crossing landscapes that seem straight out of a romantic dream.

I walked the forest trails where century-old firs whisper ancient secrets, breathed that pure air that soothes the soul. The local thermal baths crown it all, offering deep reconnection with yourself during a unique solo trip in Austria.

Slovenia: Lake Bled and tranquility

Lake Bled represents that perfect nature destination for beginners to start gently. This alpine pearl, where tranquility reigns supreme, will leave you speechless from first sight.

The lake tour, doable in an hour's walk, offers breathtaking panoramas. The mysterious island and its church seem to float by magic.

Slovenia's exceptional safety, the natural kindness of inhabitants, and particularly affordable prices make it an ideal destination for women traveling alone.

I particularly recommend the Škocjan caves, true underground cathedrals sculpted by time, and the Soča River of emerald green, of unparalleled purity.

Greece: paradisiacal islands and serenity

Greece enchants you from first sight. Its infinite coasts draw a dream coastline, dotted with islands with crystal-clear waters and white villages clinging to cliffs.

Santorini and its legendary sunsets, the Meteora suspended between sky and earth, Athens and its ancient Acropolis... Every stone tells the story of our European civilization.

During my solo trip to Greece, I savored that Mediterranean sweetness of life, tasted that authentic cuisine inscribed in UNESCO heritage, felt that Greek hospitality so warm.

Between traditional villages, preserved wild nature, and paradisiacal beaches, Greece offers you perfect diversity to nourish your traveler's soul.

Where to go alone in Europe if you want to avoid crowds?

Discover my secret destinations, those rare gems that still escape mass tourism.

Tallinn, Estonia: Baltic medieval jewel

This Estonian capital preserves its medieval authenticity in a cocoon of tranquility.

Its UNESCO historic center can be discovered without crowds, its ramparts offer colorful panoramas, and Estonian hospitality, of benevolent discretion, facilitates solo exploration. The gentle prices and exemplary safety seduce female travelers seeking Baltic authenticity.

This dynamic cultural life offers a thousand opportunities for spontaneous encounters with locals.

Croatia: Korcula, the authentic island

Korcula represents that perfect alternative to Dubrovnik, without the oppressive crowds that sometimes spoil the trip. This Dalmatian island charmed me with its fiercely preserved authenticity.

The traditional fishing villages, where time seems suspended. The secret coves with turquoise waters, accessible only on foot. The family vineyards that produce exceptional wines.

The entire island seems to come out of a novel.

The excellent safety, legendary Croatian hospitality, and ease of scooter travel transform every day into a personalized adventure.

Montenegro: Kotor and its fjords

Kotor offers that preserved nature destination, perfect if you're seeking authenticity.

This spectacular bay, often compared to Norwegian fjords, will dazzle you. The medieval old town, nestled between vertiginous mountains and Adriatic Sea, can be discovered entirely on foot. The stone streets resonate under your feet like an echo from the past.

You never feel like a tourist thanks to the exceptional friendliness of Montenegrins. Hikes in surrounding mountains, perched traditional villages, and this local gastronomy create a unique experience, far from classic tourist circuits.

Activities to do alone in Europe

Europe offers this unequaled palette of adventures, perfectly adapted to solo female expeditions depending on the country you want to visit.

Norway: dog sledding and northern lights

Norwegian Lapland offers magical outings, perfectly safe for women alone. I drove my own team across the polar plain, revealing unsuspected inner strength.

The biting cold, the dogs' breath forming vapor clouds, the creaking of snow... All your senses awaken. You'll feel transformed after observing the northern lights, alone facing this cosmic spectacle.

Denmark: exploring Copenhagen's canals by boat

Copenhagen reveals its secrets from its historic canals. I invite you to navigate peacefully between the colorful houses of Nyhavn, rocked by the lapping of water.

This unique perspective allows total immersion in Scandinavian lifestyle. Royal palaces reflect in calm waters, creating fascinating mirror games.

Denmark's exceptional safety will give you pure serenity. If you're seeking urban tranquility, don't hesitate!

Scotland: mystical hikes in the Highlands

The Scottish Highlands offer unforgettable solo hikes in mystical landscapes. You're invited to traverse these verdant valleys dotted with legendary lakes, immersing yourself in an atmosphere worthy of Walter Scott.

The morning mist rising from lochs, the ruined castles, the grazing sheep... This wild solitude allows deep reconnection with nature.

Well-marked trails guarantee safety and comfort, so abandon yourself to this Celtic immersion that transforms every step into time travel.

When to go: the best times to discover Europe

Timing can completely transform your solo experience. Smart planning maximizes your pleasure while preserving your budget.

I discovered that Mediterranean Europe reveals its magic in May and September, when summer heat subsides and tourist crowds disperse. Spain and Italy then offer that perfect gentleness for wandering alone through their historic streets.

Nordic countries like Denmark or the Netherlands flourish from June to August, when their gardens bloom and their terraces come alive.

For Central Europe, Prague and Vienna unveil their autumn romance in October, while Austrian and Slovenian alpine destinations dress in shimmering colors.

Solo female travel in Europe safely: essential tips

It's all well and good to plan, but now you need to take action. And how do you choose when everyone gives you their personal tips?

Booking flights and accommodation solo: the right tools

For flights, I recommend Skyscanner to compare prices, Google Flights for fare alerts, and Momondo to find hidden deals.

Female-only hostels like Hostelle in Amsterdam or St Christopher's Oasis in London guarantee safety and enriching encounters. Look carefully at reviews left by other women traveling alone. These testimonials often reveal crucial details about the real safety of accommodations.

And if you're still not reassured, you can trust the NomadSister community. You choose your destination, your supportive female host, and voilà! You'll feel at home, free and serene. They'll share their adventures during your stay, and you can meet wonderful female travelers.

Formalities and documents for solo female travel in Europe

This is often what discourages you or makes you lose time in your preparation, but trust me, you'll thank me.

In the European Union, your identity card suffices for all your travels. I nevertheless advise you to carry your passport for certain specific activities (car rental, some reservations). If you come from non-European countries, don't hesitate to check your government's official website.

Absolutely take out travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses. This precaution, often neglected, can save you from catastrophic financial situations.

Digitize all your important documents and send them to your personal email address. Note the European emergency numbers (112) and your embassy in each country visited. Inform a trusted person of your detailed itinerary.

In summary: why solo female travel in Europe is true freedom

One of Europe's real advantages is this freedom to choose your adventure mode: prefer relaxation in luxury hotels, or cross the continent by train armed with your backpack?

After a few weekends and introductory vacations, I moved to the next level. I had too many ideas, too many projects in mind, and InterRail allowed me to combine several desires: explore different countries, travel ecologically, and especially, feel that need for adventure that had been tickling me for a while.

Honestly, going alone to Europe was more reassuring for a first expedition than flying off to a distant island. I needed to prove to myself that I could manage, savor independence, and step out of my comfort zone.

Rest assured: I can guarantee you that this experience will transform you. Europe perfectly combines safety, cultural diversity, and ease of transport, making it the perfect destination for your first solo trip. Don't hesitate anymore!

BUDGET| ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Laëtitia

Traveler

19 Juin 2025

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Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!

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