So, girl you’re gearing up to conquer the world alone – Great! Whatever your interest is – be it history, culture, adventure, or nature, the world is filled with stunning places, all waiting to be discovered. And going all alone to your favorite destination promise you a rush and experience like no other. But no matter you’re impulsive, first-timer, or already a seasoned pro, safety is probably the main thing you would look into your solo expedition, among many other key aspects. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled here some of the best places for female solo travelers.
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Best Places for Female Solo Travelers
We are very excited to introduce to you the best places for female solo traveler. So, let us get started!
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Firstly, this is one of the finest destinations in Africa for solo female travelers. The city’s astonishing diversity in culture, history, natural landscapes, and seasons. These make it a favorite of all types of solo travelers. Add to this friendly local, exuberant nightlife, and vast dining, shopping, and leisure options. Take a city tour that takes you around the region’s top historical and cultural landmarks. For example, the colorful Bo-Kaap, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and Robben Island where eminent personalities like Nelson Mandela were jailed.
Best Time to Visit: March to May & September to November
Languages spoken: English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa
Top Attractions: The V&A Waterfront, Robben Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the colorful Bo Kaap or Malay Quarter, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch (a 100-year-old garden placed along the Table Mountain’s slopes)
2. French Polynesia
This boundlessly beautiful place is mostly perceived as a romantic retreat. As a result, it is ideal for honeymooners and couples looking to rekindle their love for each other. But, the reality is that it’s a destination that can be explored solo as well. But, don’t limit your Polynesian trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora; be sure to go far-field by visiting its lesser-known gems such as Moorea, Maupiti, and Rangiroa. The balmy weather and sparkling pristine waters, interspersed with verdant greenery and soulful serenity, are definite to take your breath away.
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Languages spoken: Tahitian, French, and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Bora Bora Lagoon, stay in over-water bungalows, the Huahine Natural Aquarium, Teahupo’o (perfect for surfers), Papeete Market, and Moorea
3. Lombok, Indonesia
It’s known to all that Indonesia is one of the top places for female solo travelers. But, this time ditch its over-touristy places like Bali and instead head to Lombok. With its paradisiacal natural beauty, exquisite greenery, unspoiled sandy beaches, and several other hidden treasures, it offers a laid-back holiday enriched by ample prospects for sightseeing, leisure, and adventure. Not to mention, you can look forward to being part of some refreshingly amazing experiences. For example, go on a diving session amidst the stunning coral reefs of Sekotong, swim with sea turtles at Gili Islands, and explore Bangkang bat cave among others.
Best Time to Visit: July and August
Languages spoken: Bahasa Indonesia and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Gili Air, Air Kalak Hot Springs, Kuta Lombok, Sendang Gile Waterfall, Mount Rinjani, and Narmada Water Park
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam may be the Europe’s sin city, but the irony is that it’s also one of the world’s safest cities. So it goes without saying that it’s a perfect destination for solo travelers. You can’t help but lose yourself to its compelling charm, poignant past, and inspiring landmarks, most of which can be easily navigated by a bike. Also, don’t miss the legendary canal cruise which allows you to know for yourself why Amsterdam is dubbed as the Venice of the North. Interestingly, it glides you down the UNESCO-listed canal ring.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to May & September to October
Languages spoken: Dutch and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, Red Light District, and Oude Kerk (Old Church), Canal Cruise, wine and cheese tasting tour, and bike tours
5. Dubai, UAE
The Arabian cities don’t get any better than Dubai! Located in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), it’s probably the most popular city in the Middle East. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, it assures you of a safe and memorable holiday filled with the most treasured Dubai tours and experiences. After all, it is compact, boasts of zero crimes, and easily navigable too. Thanks to its highly reliable and super-efficient public transport, mainly the Dubai Metro which is fully automated and covers almost the entire city.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Languages spoken: Arabic and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Ski Dubai (inside Mall of the Emirates), Dubai Parks and Resorts (with three theme parks and a water park), Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise, and Shopping at traditional Arabian bazaars or souks.
6. Tbilisi, Georgia
The capital city of Georgia is another amazing destination for solo travelers. It is famous for its age-old historical and cultural landmarks mixed in with the right bout of adventure and modernity. There is never a dull moment in this place. That’s not all! It also serves as a great start point to discover the country’s ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes across Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and Kakheti. Certainly, it will leave you in awe with its 8000-year-old wine-producing techniques.
Best Time to Visit: May, June and September
Languages spoken: Georgian and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tsminda Sameba), Narikala Fortress (tracing its origin back to 4th century), Metekhi Church, Sulphur Bathhouse District, Peace Bridge, and Stalin’s Underground Printing House
7. Kyoto, Japan
For history-and-culture obsessed solo travelers, Kyoto is an absolute treat. You’ll find here one of the world’s greatest assortments of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also, some 15 plus including castles and Buddhist and Shinto shrines can be found. Being an ancient capital city, it further allows you to take in centuries-old festivals and be part of several cultural experiences like Geisha and Maiko. It’s equally noteworthy for its imposing Zen gardens and gently swaying lush bamboo gardens.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Languages spoken: Kansai-ben
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, Kifune Shrine, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, and Togetsukyo Bridge
8. Cairns, Australia
Captivating landscape, relaxed ambiance, exotic adventure, salubrious climate, and of course safe environment – Cairns effortlessly checks off all boxes for an amazing solo female travel. Beyond this, the reputation of this quaint coastal city largely lies in its status as a gateway destination. This offers easy access to the epic Great Barrier Reef as well as the region’s other attractions and experiences like Daintree Rainforest, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and jungle surfing at Cape Tribulation.
Best Time to Visit: April to September
Languages spoken: English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Daintree Rainforest, Crystal Cascades, Cairns Botanical Gardens, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, culinary adventure at Flames of the Forest, and dolphin and whale watching
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
If you think that Iceland is all about snow and freezing winters, then you are wrong. Moreover, you have to know that it’s the land of ice and fire. Thanks to its mix of endless amounts of glaciers, fjords, valleys and active volcanoes. Start at its capital city, Reykjavik, and throw in natural phenomena like Northern Lights, black sand beaches and ice caves along the way. And as for safety, it’s top among the list of the world’s safest destinations for solo female travelers.
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Languages spoken: English, Danish, French, German and Spanish
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: National Museum of Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Settlement Exhibition, Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders, Arbaer Open Air Museum, Bruarfoss Waterfall, Videy Island, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, and Whale Watching Tour
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Lastly, Zurich is one of the world’s most expensive cities. In the same vein, for a solo female traveler, this place is incredibly safe and absolutely worth every penny. And it has it all – the history-steeped Old Town, the glorious Lake Zurich, the enlightening museums, and the astonishing shopping and culinary scene to name a few.
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Languages spoken: German and English
Top Attractions & Must-Experiences: Museum of Fine Arts, Lake Zurich, the Old Town, Lindenhof, Uetliberg, and Fraumünster
Final Words for Solo Female Travelers
So, if you can really travel without a companion, do it at least once in your lifetime – it’s worth it! This not only gives you the chance to admire the world from a whole different light but also empowers you. Also, overcomes your worst fears, and of course, allows you to know yourself better. So, get yourself out of the comfort zone as you take your pick from this above list of places for female solo travelers.
Happy traveling!
Neha loves traveling and is an avid trekker and explorer. She has done her post-graduation in Mass Communication, loves meeting new people, and strongly believes in the Gandhian principle – ‘Simple living, high thinking’
