10 of the Safest European Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2024

Take it from someone who has done a lot of it, traveling alone can be an incredibly empowering and liberating experience, but safety is always a very important consideration if you’re traveling solo. Certain cities in Europe are definitely safer and more welcoming for solo travelers than others. Here’s a list of 10 of the safest European cities for solo female travelers in 2024 (in no particular order).

(Of course, you’ll always want to take standard precautions to stay safe while traveling anywhere, and you can find my two cents about that and other solo travel tips here, in my Solo Travel Guide!)

Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities, making it an excellent choice for solo female travelers. The Danish capital is renowned for its friendly locals, efficient public transportation, and clean, well-maintained streets. Violent crime is rare here, and even petty crimes like pickpocketing are uncommon, contributing to a secure environment overall.

One of Copenhagen’s standout features is its strong bike culture. The city is designed with cyclists in mind, featuring dedicated lanes and traffic signals specifically for bikes, adding an extra layer of safety and convenience for getting around. This bike-friendly infrastructure makes exploring the city both easy and secure.

Denmark’s commitment to gender equality fosters a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that women feel safe and valued. With its low crime rates, efficient public transport, and welcoming environment, Copenhagen is easily one of the top 10 safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Rainbow street in Reykjavik, Iceland, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Reykjavik stands out as a top contender for safety, with Iceland’s reputation for low crime rates and high quality of life. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent here, and the overall crime rate is among the lowest in the world, providing a secure environment for visitors.

The city’s compact size and walkable streets make it a breeze to explore on foot, adding to the ease of getting around. For longer journeys, Reykjavik’s public transportation system, primarily buses, is both reliable and safe, ensuring that solo travelers can move about confidently.

Icelanders are known for their hospitality and are often more than willing to assist travelers. Additionally, the country’s strong emphasis on gender equality means that women are treated with respect and fairness. With its combination of low crime rates, welcoming locals, and a supportive social atmosphere, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for solo female travelers seeking a safe and enjoyable experience.

Zurich, Switzerland

Limmat River Zurich, Switzerland, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Zurich offers a high standard of living and exceptional safety, making it a standout choice for solo female travelers. The city has impressively low crime rates, with a visible police presence that enhances the overall sense of security. This creates an environment where visitors can feel at ease while exploring.

Getting around Zurich is straightforward, thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The trams, buses, and trains are not only reliable but also safe to use at any time of day, allowing you to navigate the city comfortably. Cleanliness is a hallmark of Zurich (I have never been anywhere as clean as Switzerland), with well-maintained public spaces that further contribute to the secure atmosphere.

Friendly locals and a welcoming attitude round out the experience, making Zurich feel accessible and easy to navigate for travelers. With its combination of low crime rates, excellent public transport, and a pristine environment, Zurich ranks as one of the top 10 safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Cathedral and other waterside buildings in Helsinki, Finland, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Helsinki is renowned for its low crime rates and high quality of life, making it an excellent destination for solo female travelers. Violent crime is rare, and the overall crime rate is among the lowest in Europe, creating a safe and secure environment for visitors.

Navigating the city is straightforward, thanks to Helsinki’s reliable public transportation system. Whether you’re taking a bus, tram, or the metro, you’ll find the network efficient and easy to use, ensuring you can move around safely and with ease. This makes exploring everything from the city center to the beautiful surrounding nature a stress-free experience.

The locals in Helsinki are known for being friendly and willing to assist tourists, with many speaking English fluently. This openness, combined with Finland’s progressive stance on gender equality, adds to the city’s welcoming atmosphere. Helsinki’s combination of low crime rates, efficient public transportation, and a supportive, clean environment makes it a top choice for solo female travelers seeking a safe and enjoyable European city.

Vienna, Austria

The State Opera House in Vienna, Austria, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Vienna, celebrated for its rich history, stunning architecture, and classical music heritage, is also among the safest cities in Europe for solo female travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and even petty crimes like pickpocketing are not a common concern here. This makes wandering through Vienna’s elegant streets and historic districts a comfortable experience.

The city’s public transportation system is another highlight. Highly efficient and safe at any hour, the network of buses, trams, and trains ensures that you can get around easily, whether you’re exploring the city center or venturing out to the outskirts. Vienna’s commitment to cleanliness and the upkeep of public spaces further contributes to a strong sense of safety.

Austria places a strong emphasis on respect and equality, and this cultural value is evident in the way women are treated in Vienna. The welcoming locals and the city’s clean, well-maintained environment make it an ideal destination for solo travelers. With its low crime rates, reliable public transport, and respectful atmosphere, Vienna easily ranks as one of the top 10 safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

A classic canal view in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Amsterdam, famous for its iconic canals, world-class museums, and lively nightlife, is also one of Europe’s safest cities for solo female travelers. Violent crime is a rarity here, and even petty crimes like pickpocketing aren’t as common as in many other tourist hubs. This helps create a secure environment where you can explore with ease.

One of Amsterdam’s standout features is its infrastructure. The extensive bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets make it not just easy but safe to get around, whether you’re on two wheels or on foot. If you prefer public transport, the city’s network of trams, buses, and the metro is reliable and user-friendly, giving you multiple safe options to navigate the city.

Adding to this is Amsterdam’s famously relaxed vibe and open-minded culture. The locals are known for being friendly and used to travelers from all over, which makes for a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With low crime rates, efficient public transport, and a bike-friendly setup, Amsterdam offers a safe and enjoyable experience for solo travelers.

Edinburgh, Scotland

A beautiful historic building on a street in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, stands out as one of Europe’s safest cities for solo female travelers. Violent crime is notably rare, and the overall crime rate remains low, providing a reassuring environment for visitors. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate, whether you’re exploring on foot or using the efficient public transportation system, which includes reliable buses and trams.

Friendly and approachable, the locals add to the city’s welcoming atmosphere. Should you need assistance, you’ll find the Scots more than willing to help, often going out of their way to provide guidance. This combination of low crime rates, dependable public transport, and a genuinely hospitable local population makes Edinburgh an excellent choice for solo travelers looking for a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re delving into its rich history or simply taking in the scenic views, Edinburgh offers peace of mind along with its many charms.

Munich, Germany

Marienplatz in Munich, Germany, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Munich, nestled in southern Germany, is famous for its Bavarian culture, beer gardens, and stunning architecture. It also stands out as one of the safest cities in the country. Violent crime is rare here, and the city’s overall low crime rate, paired with excellent public services, creates a strong sense of security for residents and visitors alike.

Navigating Munich is straightforward thanks to its efficient and safe public transportation system, which includes trains, trams, and buses. It’s easy to use and well-maintained, ensuring that solo travelers can move around the city with confidence.

Munich’s welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by the friendly locals, who are often willing to assist and make visitors feel at home. With its combination of low crime rates, reliable public transport, and warm hospitality, Munich earns its place as one of the top 10 safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation along the river in Ljubljana, Slovenia, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a European trip, but it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. Known for its friendly locals, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Ljubljana also boasts a strong reputation for safety. Violent crime is rare, and the overall crime rate remains low, offering peace of mind for visitors.

The city’s compact size and walkable streets make it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to fully take in its scenic beauty. When needed, Ljubljana’s public transportation system, primarily buses, is both reliable and safe, providing an additional layer of security for solo travelers.

Slovenia’s commitment to sustainability and public safety contributes to the city’s welcoming atmosphere. This combination of low crime rates, efficient public transport, and a walkable city layout makes Ljubljana a great choice for solo female travelers looking for a safe and enjoyable destination.

Stockholm, Sweden

Classic Stockholm buildings along the waterfront in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers.

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is famed for its stunning archipelago, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It also ranks as one of the safest cities in Europe. Violent crime is rare, and the city’s low crime rate creates a strong sense of security, allowing visitors to explore with peace of mind.

The city’s public transportation system is another highlight, offering a reliable network of buses, trams, and the metro. It’s safe and easy to use, making it convenient for solo travelers to navigate Stockholm’s various neighborhoods and attractions.

Sweden’s strong emphasis on gender equality further enhances the city’s appeal, ensuring that women are treated with respect and dignity. Combined with friendly locals and a beautiful, clean environment, Stockholm stands out as one of the top 10 safest European cities for solo female travelers.

For more solo travel tips, tricks, and general wisdom, be sure to check out my Solo Travel Guide!