Traveling alone can be thrilling and empowering — but it can also stir up worries about safety, especially for women.
Over the years, I’ve ventured solo across Europe and beyond, gathering anecdotes and keeping a sharp eye on local crime data, women’s well-being indices, and personal-security rankings.
Below is my personal list of 10 countries — arranged from the safest to the riskiest — for women who, like me, love to travel solo yet want some peace of mind.
Keep in mind: No place is 100% safe or 100% dangerous.
This ranking reflects my experiences, cross-referenced with public data and feedback from other female travelers.
Your mileage may vary, but hopefully it helps you plan an adventure that’s both memorable and comfortable.
1. Iceland
Consistently crowned as the most peaceful nation on the Global Peace Index (2024), Iceland remains top of my personal list, too.
From Reykjavik’s laid-back nightlife to the serene geothermal pools, I’ve never felt so at ease wandering around late at night.
Beyond the minimal crime rates, there’s a widespread sense of communal respect that makes you feel seen and safe, not just invisible.
People here speak fluent English, so it’s easy to ask for help if needed.
The famed outdoor adventures, like hiking glaciers or soaking in natural hot springs, are well-organized, with reliable tour operators who take care of solo guests.
If you’re looking for a gentle introduction to solo travel, Iceland is a tough one to beat.
2. Denmark
Denmark has long been hailed as a trailblazer on women’s rights and social equality.
Indeed, the Women, Peace & Security Index places Denmark in the world’s top five for women’s personal security.
My time strolling through Copenhagen’s colorful Nyhavn neighborhood or cycling around the city felt blissfully carefree — day or night.
According to Gallup’s “feel-safe-at-night” surveys, the majority of Danish adults report walking alone after dark without fear, which aligns with what I sensed: people just seem relaxed and trusting.
Of course, remain alert in any big city, but Denmark’s robust social structures and strong community trust offer a tranquil environment for women travelers.
3. Switzerland
Picture postcard scenery aside, Switzerland has a rock-solid reputation for both political stability and personal safety.
Data from the Solo Female Travel Safety Index ranks it above 8.5/10 in overall “feeling safe” scores for solo women.
Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva might not be the wildest nightlife hubs, but they excel at quietly efficient public transit and well-lit streets. Almost everyone is multilingual, so help is easy to find if you’re ever unsure.
It can be expensive, though — so plan that budget if you want to explore high-end shopping or the gorgeous countryside hikes.
4. Slovenia
Slovenia might be small, but it packs a hefty punch in the safety department.
Ljubljana’s cobblestone streets exude a cozy, welcoming vibe, and travelers routinely rave about the city’s near-complete lack of hassle or harassment.
According to the 2024 Global Peace Index that I cited above, Slovenia is firmly in Europe’s top tier for low violent-crime risk.
The difference is stark when you compare it to other capitals — an EU Quality-of-Life report notes that around 80% of women in Ljubljana feel safe walking alone at night.
Beyond the city, Lake Bled’s fairy-tale setting is perfect for a peaceful solo retreat, with easy day-trip options all around the country.
5. Ireland
Much like its Nordic neighbors, Ireland scores high on peace and personal safety indexes, though you won’t find it as widely lauded as Iceland or Denmark.
Still, I felt incredibly welcomed during a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way — locals genuinely engage, offering travel tips or friendly chats in pubs.
Nighttime safety in Dublin is better than many big capitals (a few neighborhoods excepted), and I’ve never had issues with catcalling or aggressive behavior.
Good sense still applies: watch your valuables, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep your wits about you if you’re out enjoying the city’s lively nightlife.
6. Portugal
Portugal isn’t often singled out in women’s safety rankings, but it frequently scores well in traveler polls.
Lisbon and Porto see large influxes of tourists, yet maintain a relatively low level of violent crime.
I personally love Portugal’s laid-back vibe, cozy cafés, and stunning coastlines.
It’s not perfect — petty theft can happen in busy tram lines or tourist sites—but in my experience, local communities look out for one another.
Plus, it’s a relatively budget-friendly haven, ideal for slower-paced solo trips.
7. Germany
As one of Europe’s economic powerhouses, Germany boasts efficient transport, safe roads, and robust law enforcement — major pluses for a solo adventurer.
Cities like Munich or Berlin buzz with nightlife, so late-night public transport might be your main concern. I found night buses and trains generally safe, though it’s wise to stay in well-lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Germany appears in the top 10 on multiple “safest places” lists published by travel insurers, such as Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
While certain urban pockets can get rowdy, especially around big events, overall, it’s a stable environment where solo women can explore with minimal worries.
8. Italy
Let’s be real: Italy can be an absolute dream, and it’s a personal favorite of mine for art, culture, and food. But the country has long wrestled with pockets of street harassment, particularly in tourist hot spots like Rome.
The Solo Female Travel Safety Index confirms Italy’s rating dips below 7.0, mainly due to catcalling and some petty crime issues. In my experience, the vibe shifts drastically from city to city.
I felt relatively safe strolling in Florence or Turin, but nighttime in certain areas of Rome can be iffy, with only 37% of women feeling comfortable walking alone after dark, according to the EU’s city-level data.
Still, if you stay mindful — avoiding deserted alleys, watching your valuables, and trusting your instincts — Italy can be a magical solo destination.
9. Greece
I’ve had a mix of experiences in Greece: Athens’ city center can feel hectic and occasionally sketchy, yet island towns might be downright tranquil.
According to the 2024 Global Gender Gap data, Greece has some ground to make up in areas of personal security for women, and certain neighborhoods in Athens do reflect that.
The biggest threats tend to be petty theft and occasional nightlife-related scams.
That said, Greek hospitality is real — I’ve been offered directions, help, and friendly conversation by so many locals.
If you’re planning a trip, do your research on the specific region or island, keep an eye on your surroundings, and lean on local advice.
10. Turkey
To be fair, Turkey is one of my favorite places for cultural immersion—from Istanbul’s mesmerizing architecture to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes. However, safety can be inconsistent.
While many neighborhoods in Istanbul are safe, others are rife with opportunistic theft, and harassment can be an issue for solo women. Officially, the U.S. State Department rates Turkey at Level 2, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution.”
Additionally, from all the people I’ve talked to while being in this country, not many adults in Turkey feel safe walking alone at night.
If you’re set on visiting, plan meticulously: choose centrally located accommodations, lean on reputable tour guides, and stay hyper-aware in bus stations or crowded markets.
Final thoughts
No country is monolithic — each has safe zones and sketchier corners.
My ranking simply reflects where I personally felt most (and least) at ease as a solo female traveler, backed up by a blend of official stats and traveler feedback.
If you do your homework — research local customs, read updated safety advisories, and stay flexible—you can explore nearly anywhere with confidence.
Whether you pick an ultra-safe haven like Iceland or choose a more challenging locale, the best advice is universal: remain aware, trust your instincts, and be prepared.
That way, you’ll be free to fully embrace the magic of solo exploration — soaking in new cultures, forging unexpected friendships, and discovering how capable you truly are. Safe travels!
