Traveling alone is often an unforgettable adventure — especially in Europe, where every country seems to have its own flavor, culture, and story.
Personally, I love the freedom of exploring a new place without having to compromise on schedules. But if there’s one question most solo travelers ask before booking a flight, it’s this:
“How safe will I be on my own?”
Let’s dive into my list of 12 European countries — ranked from the safest bets to those you might want to approach with a bit more caution.
1. Iceland
According to Vision of Humanity, Iceland still tops the Global Peace Index for the 17th straight year, scoring lowest worldwide on violent crime.
Whenever I think about Iceland, my mind goes straight to its breathtaking landscapes: waterfalls, hot springs, and endless horizons of rugged terrain.
But beyond its postcard-worthy scenery, Iceland is extremely safe for solo travelers.
One friend of mine visited Iceland alone a few years back—she raved about how comfortable she felt venturing out to see the Northern Lights in the middle of the night. That’s not surprising when the entire country is known for being exceptionally peaceful.
It’s a top choice for those who want to travel with a carefree mindset.
2. Denmark
Based on Forbes 2024 solo-travel data, Denmark is ranked #2 for adventurous loners thanks to super-low crime and world-class healthcare.”
I’ve always loved how Denmark finds that sweet spot between modern efficiency and old-world charm.
If you’re roaming Copenhagen on your own, you’ll likely see locals biking everywhere, a strong signal that their streets are safe enough for daily commuting — on two wheels, no less.
A personal tip: if you’re traveling solo, swing by one of the cozy coffee bars near Nyhavn.
Danes are famously reserved, but they’re also polite and generally helpful if you need directions or a quick recommendation.
3. Slovenia
A new Numbeo roundup put Slovenia’s 2025 safety score over 76, landing it in the global top 15 for feeling safe on the streets day or night.
That stat was a pleasant surprise for me the first time I visited Ljubljana.
You get a small-town vibe in the capital — narrow streets, riverside cafés, and a castle perched above the city — but with the infrastructure of a well-run European hub.
I have a friend who spent two weeks hiking the Julian Alps alone, and she never once felt uneasy.
From my perspective, Slovenia is perfect if you’re looking for a blend of outdoor adventures and city exploration — minus the stress about safety.
4. Portugal
I haven’t traveled solo to Portugal yet, but it’s high on my list — especially after reading that Portugal sits 7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index, making it Europe’s fifth-most peaceful — and a chill choice for solo wanderers.
When I picture Portugal, I see pastel-colored buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and the promise of delicious custard tarts.
If you’re like me and enjoy the psychological comfort of laid-back vibes, Portugal’s calmer pace might be a great fit.
I once heard a fellow solo traveler describe Lisbon as having an almost meditative feeling—no rush, no fuss, just good food and friendly folks.
5. Switzerland
Travel analysts flag Switzerland as a top-three safest pick for women traveling alone, citing ultra-low violent-crime numbers and spotless trains.”
That last part about trains?
Absolutely true.
Switzerland’s public transport is possibly the most punctual and pristine I’ve ever experienced.
I remember traveling by train from Zurich to Lucerne, gazing out at the snow-capped Alps and feeling like I was living in a postcard.
What made it even better was the ease of mind — I had my laptop and camera out for most of the journey, and not once did I worry about someone snatching them.
6. Croatia
The Adriatic coast is a magnet for tourists, but according to Vision of Humanity, the 2024 Peace Index slid Croatia into the world’s top 20 peaceful nations with a calm score of 1.504 — good odds you’ll stroll the Adriatic drama-free.
From the old walls of Dubrovnik to the hidden coves around Split, Croatia manages to feel both historic and trendy.
I’ve mentioned this before in a different post, but when a place has a strong sense of cultural heritage, it often feels safer simply because communities look out for each other.
That vibe is real in Croatia.
Don’t be surprised if a local shopkeeper goes out of their way to help you find your Airbnb.
7. Spain
Did you know that Barcelona logged 180,342 crimes in 2024?
This is nearly half of the thefts — researchers found pickpockets still rule Las Ramblas after dark.
As someone who’s visited Barcelona solo, I can confirm the petty theft issue is real.
The upside?
With basic awareness, like keeping your bag zipped and in front of you, it’s manageable.
On my trip, I found that stepping off the tourist path can lead to some of the best local hangouts, where you’re less likely to be targeted.
If you love tapas and late-night strolls, Spain is definitely worth the pickpocket precaution.
8. Germany
A spike in knife assaults in Germany has officials worried. As The Guardian reports, serious blade attacks are up nearly 10% year-on-year, putting solo walkers on alert.
Germany is generally known for its efficiency, but this statistic underscores the importance of staying aware — particularly if you’re exploring after dark in major cities like Berlin or Frankfurt.
That said, I think Germany remains relatively safe if you practice the usual precautions. If you’re new to solo travel, try starting with smaller towns like Heidelberg, where you can soak up the local flair without feeling overwhelmed.
9. France
The Travel Agent site states that U.S. travel officials still rate France as ‘Level 2: exercise increased caution’ after fresh terrorism and civil unrest warnings — researchers found tourist spots top the risk list.
France draws millions of solo travelers every year, especially to Paris.
But that charm comes with a side of caution.
Crowded places like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are prime spots for pickpockets, and there have been sporadic protests in recent years.
Last time I was in Paris alone, I planned my days to visit popular sites early, when crowds were thinner. It made a huge difference in how safe and relaxed I felt.
And if you love cultural experiences, France still has an unmatched arts scene that’s worth the extra vigilance.
10. Italy
Perhaps not surprisingly, Rome is often crowned the worst European city for light-fingered thieves.
Italy’s stunning architecture, iconic art, and mouthwatering pasta can make you forget about everything else — but petty theft is rampant in busy tourist areas.
A trick I picked up during my last solo excursion in Rome was wearing a money belt under my shirt. Not the most fashionable look, but it definitely reduced my stress level.
Italy is gorgeous, and I fully understand why people keep coming despite the pickpockets — just keep your valuables out of easy reach.
11. Greece
Petty crime, like pickpocketing, is common in Greece as well. That’s probably why the country sits at ‘Level 1: exercise normal precautions‘.
As locals have told me, crowded metros are the main trouble spot in Athens.
Greek islands are a dream — crystal-clear waters, white-washed buildings, and that ancient mythology everywhere you look.
Athens, though, can be a different ballgame. The main train stations and metro lines can get pretty busy, making them prime spots for pickpockets. I once lost a small souvenir bag during a crowded train ride in Athens, but I didn’t even notice it was gone until I got off.
Lesson learned: Never lower your guard, even if you’re mesmerized by the Parthenon views.
12. Turkey
At the end of the list, we’ve got Turkey’s Level 2 advisory for terrorism and arbitrary detentions, with a stark ‘do not travel’ note for areas near Syria.
Let’s admit it: Turkey is fascinating — where Europe meets Asia. Istanbul is a city I’ve always wanted to explore on my own, but the warnings are pretty clear, especially regarding the southeastern region bordering Syria.
If you’re planning a solo trip to Turkey, it’s best to stay updated on current events and stick to well-known tourist areas.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque area can be perfectly safe with normal precautions, but the broader advisory indicates you need to do a lot of research before you hop on that plane.
Putting it all together
That wraps up my personal rundown of 12 European countries, from the easiest destinations to navigate solo to those that might require a bit more vigilance.
The common thread?
Knowledge and awareness can go a long way in ensuring a smooth trip.
Whether you’re hitting up the geothermal pools of Iceland or wandering through Turkey’s cultural crossroads, staying informed will help you focus on what matters most — making unforgettable memories.
Safe travels, and remember:
Wherever you choose to go, your mindset and preparation can make all the difference. Here’s to exploring Europe and coming back with stories worth sharing!
