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The Solo Girl’s Guide: 5 Cities to Explore Alone

  • Writer: C. Dobby
    C. Dobby
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read

Solo travel as a woman is empowering, but the destination definitely matters! When choosing solo-friendly cities, I prioritize safety, walkability, social vibes, and a balance of comfort and independence. Here are some cities that stand out in these areas, based on my experiences and insights:


First Things First, What Makes a Great Solo Girl City?

  • Safe, walkable neighborhoods

  • Reliable public transport & easy navigation

  • Plenty to do alone (cafés, markets, & cultural sites)

  • Friendly and inviting local culture


#1 - PARIS 🇫🇷

Why It’s Amazing for Solo Girls

  • Walkable, efficient metro system, endless things to do (museums, parks, cafes, & shopping)

Best Solo-Friendly Things to Do

  • Walk through Rue Clar Street Market, Museums like the Lourve and Orsay, Parks like Luxembourg Gardens, & Cafe terraces perfect for people-watching

Safety & Comfort Tips Specific to This City

  • Petty theft can happen (like any big city) but stick with common sense habits - zipped bags & avoiding deserted areas late at night.

My Favorite Food Recs

  • Chez Julian, Il Sorrentino, Sadelles @ Kith, & Andia

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#2 - OSLO 🇳🇴

Why It’s Amazing for Solo Girls

  • One of the safest cities in the world, easy to navigate, relaxed culture, & nature everywhere. If Paris is exciting and romantic, then Oslo is calm & grounding.

Best Solo-Friendly Things to Do

  • The Holmenkollen area for views, Munch Museum, Oslo Opera House, & Vigeland Sculpture Park

Safety & Comfort Tips Specific to This City

  • Oslo is very safe, but it's still smart to take normal precautions. Stay in central, well-lit neighborhoods and avoid walking through parks/wooded areas alone (Slottsparken, Grunerlokka River Path, etc.)

My Favorite Food Recs

  • Norwegian cafes and restaurants are chill, not crowded or rushed. Many locals actually dine alone or work quietly in cafes so eating solo feels super normal.

  • Jimmy's, Amazonia, Basso Social, Pier 42, & Barcode Street Food


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#3 - BERLIN 🇩🇪

Why It’s Amazing for Solo Girls

  • Berlin is great for solo girl travel, but in a differnt way from Oslo or Paris. It's edgy, creative, diverse, and super social. It is less polished than Oslo, less romantic than Paris but it's a city where I think you'll feel the most free.

Best Solo-Friendly Things to Do

Safety & Comfort Tips Specific to This City

  • Berlin is generally safe, especially in lively, central neighborhoods like Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Neukolln. As one of the most open-minded, inclusive cities, nobody is going to look at you weird for eating alone, going to clubs alone, or sitting in a park alone. Petty crime again will be common and also if you do explore the nightlight, just be mindful of your drink. Tbh though, I felt safer here than other European nightlife capitals.

My Favorite Food Recs

  • Belle Alliance, Dolores, Night Kitchen, Capvin, Markthalle, & Bruderherz


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#4 - LISBON 🇵🇹

Why It’s Amazing for Solo Girls

  • Another super safe city to walk, use public transport, and dine alone. Lisbon is BEAUTIFUL and you'll feel safe just getting lost within the city.

Best Solo-Friendly Things to Do

Safety & Comfort Tips Specific to This City

  • The Portuguese people tend to be really friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Lisbon is also really affordable and has great value - hotels for reasonable prices, cheap pastries + coffee, and lots of free viewpoints and parks.

My Favorite Food Recs

  • Dear Breakfast, Fauna & Flora, Boca Luna, & Cana


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#5 - AMSTERDAM 🇳🇱

Why It’s Amazing for Solo Girls

  • One of my favorite cities! It provides a great balance of day time and night time solo activities such as museums, the canals, cafes, nightlife, or just wandering.

Best Solo-Friendly Things to Do

  • Rent a bike/take a bike tour, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, FOAM Photography Museum, canal cruise, or day trip to see the Tulips or Windmills.

Safety & Comfort Tips Specific to This City

  • Bikes are the #1 hazard, haha. Always look both ways, twice! Stay out of the bike lane as a walker. Pickpockets in tourist heavy areas like the Dam Square or Red Light District.

My Favorite Food Recs

  • Bramble Med, Chin Chin Club, Food Hallen, Cecconis, Foer (my fav), Salvos Bake House, and Lourens for a cookie croissant


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Ok so...as we embark on this journey of exploration and self-discovery, let's celebrate the joy of choosing destinations that champion our independence! I have never felt more myself than when I travel alone. There is so much peace and freedom that heals my soul in so many ways. Whether you're stepping out for your first solo adventure or planning your next getaway, remember that the world is filled with vibrant cities ready to welcome you with open arms. Embrace the freedom to wander at your own pace, to make spontaneous decisions, and to truly connect with the places you visit. I'd love to hear your favorite solo-friendly destinations! TYWIL!

 
 
 

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