10 Best Solo Female Travel Destinations for 2026

Although I now spend most of my travels exploring as part of a couple, I spent many years adventuring around the world solo—and those experiences remain some of the most liberating of my life.

Solo travel teaches you to trust your instincts, set your own pace, and create a trip completely on your terms. If you’re planning your first solo trip or looking for new ideas in 2026, these are the top destinations I recommend for solo female travelers (and the guys, too). Each place feels safe, walkable, and full of things to do on your own or by connecting with a local small-group tour on arrival. From bike rides in Copenhagen to late‑night food markets in Bangkok and sunset walks at Lisbon’s Belem Tour, these are some of my favorite solo spots.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore solo. It’s flat, bikeable, and incredibly safe. English is widely spoken, and there’s a casual, open vibe that makes it easy to blend in and feel at home. There are lots of great food halls for dining solo and people watching. You can also soak up the sun (if it’s out) along the many waterways.

Solo tip: rent a bike or join a guided food tour to get oriented. Copenhagen expensive but it has the best casual food scene.

2. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik makes a fantastic base for solo adventures in Iceland. The city itself is small and walkable, with quirky cafes and friendly locals. From here, you can join small-group excursions to the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, or even go glacier hiking. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Getting the Fly Bus to and from the airport is easy and convenient.

Solo tip: check out a geothermal spa and book a day tour with a local guide to explore the surrounding nature.

3. Vancouver, Canada

For a destination that combines nature and city life, Vancouver is ideal. You can spend mornings hiking or walking the seawall and heading into Stanley Park, afternoons exploring markets on Granville Island, and evenings dining solo at chic spots in Yaletown. This was one of my most memorable solo spots, and I never got bored. Highlights for me included hugging trees that looked like Ents in Stanley Park, exploring the aquarium, and solo dining at the sushi bar at Blue Water Cafe.  

Solo tip: get a Compass Card for easy public transport and stay near downtown or the West End for walkability.

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is bold, chaotic, and surprisingly easy to navigate solo with a little prep. I’ve done Bangkok solo twice before meeting up with tours and loved every minute of it. The BTS Skytrain is safe, and the food scene is top tier. Whether you’re exploring temples at sunrise (Wat Pho is amazing) or grabbing pad thai from a street stall, it’s a city full of magic for independent travelers.

Solo tip: My favorite solo spot is Riva Surya. It’s lively, on the water, has a great pool, and is walkable to tons of lovely restaurants. If that’s out of your budget, there are plenty of hotels and hostels in the same area, close to main attractions, or you can stay near a BTS station in Sukhumvit or Silom to reduce reliance on taxis.

5. Singapore

Singapore is an easy trek from Bangkok and one of the best solo female travel destinations in the world. I had such a blast here on my own and meeting up with fellow travelers. The city is ultra-modern, sparkling clean, and packed with things to do, from exploring the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to sampling diverse dishes at bustling hawker centers. English is an official language, public transit is easy, and capsule hotels make it comfortable and affordable for solo stays. You’ll feel confident adventuring on your own, day or night.

Solo tip: Check out Gardens by the Bay, stroll the Marina Bay, and enjoy a solo meal at a local hawker center for unbeatable people watching and flavors. At night, check out Clarke Quay. I recommend finding a capsule hotel right in this area for walkability to major attractions. It’s expensive, but worth it, and you can save by eating amazing street food.

6. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of my favorite solo travel destinations thanks to its café culture, friendly locals, and walkable, artsy neighborhoods. And there’s always something going on, from street art tours to book festivals. And I love the bohemian vibe.

Solo tip: spend a day on the Great Ocean Road with a small tour (this was one of my favorite activities!) or take a self-guided art crawl through laneways and galleries.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

If you love history, literature, and moody walks, Edinburgh is the perfect destination. The Old Town is compact and filled with amazing food, music, museums, and more. I’d recommend staying in the heart of everything and exploring on foot.

Solo tip: Build a DIY tasting tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town. If you want to connect with other travelers, book a ghost tour or history walk.

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is beautiful. It’s full of colorful trams, tiled facades, and delicious seafood. It’s a great city for solo travelers to wander, though some areas have steep climbs (that are worth it for the views). Ride the funicular and the trams, explore the flat areas and the hills, and check out Time Out Market and Belem Tower. The city has a dilapidated beauty that shows its resilience. It’s also affordable, safe, and full of creative energy.

Solo tip: do a wine tasting or join a local-led food tour to understand the regional dishes and get insider recs.

9. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is peaceful, charming, and well suited for solo wandering. You can get tailor-made clothes, take a cooking class, and watch the lantern festivals. I found it incredibly easy to meet other travelers at cafes and markets, and the pace was perfect for slowing down.

Solo tip: stay in the heart of town for walkability but choose a quiet boutique hotel for better rest.

10. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a dynamic, stylish city, rich in culture, food, and late-night energy. It’s become a much more popular destination in the decade between my first and last visit. But as a solo traveler, it’s crucial to stay in the right neighborhood. I recommend Palermo Soho or Recoleta for a balance of walkability and safety. The café scene makes solo dining easy, and activities like tango classes, market strolls, or museum visits fill your days with style.

Solo tip: stick to well-lit, central areas and use Uber to get around.

How to Pick the Right Solo Travel Destination

When choosing a destination for solo travel, think about your travel style, comfort level, and what kind of experience you want:

• Safety: Look for places with low crime rates and strong solo travel infrastructure.
• Language: If you’re new to solo travel, consider destinations where English is widely spoken. But translation apps are a great tool to help you get around.
• Walkability: Pick cities where you can explore on foot from a central hotel or hostel base.
• Transit: A strong public transport system makes solo travel smoother and more empowering. My first solo trip in my 20s was to Rome, and I was so proud of myself for navigating it all on public transport from start to finish.
• Activities: Choose places with museums, food tours, or nature access that you can do independently or in small groups.
• Vibe: Some cities are relaxed and restorative (like Hoi An or Reykjavik), while others are fast-paced and buzzing (like Bangkok or Buenos Aires). Choose based on your mood and travel goals.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Traveling solo is empowering, but smart habits make the journey smoother:

• Share your itinerary with a friend or family member.
• Use official taxis or rideshare apps (like Grab, Cabify, or Bolt) instead of hailing off the street. Research the recommended app for each location and download before arrival.
• Keep copies of your ID and travel documents in digital forms.
• Research local norms ahead of time. Particularly for female travelers, it’s good to know customs, dress, and other information that impact your safety and well-being.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with strong solo traveler feedback. Two of my favorite accommodations are CityHub and Generator Hostel. If I’m not stayin in a hotel or capsule, I look for four-bed, female-only dorms at hostels.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave or ask for help. I always had some “just in case” money and had to use it a few times to book a better accommodation on arrival or hop in an expensive taxi when out on the town.
• Limit alcohol intake when alone (I’m talking to myself here as much as anyone else) and avoid walking in unfamiliar areas late at night.
• Pack a portable charger, small flashlight, and a doorstop if staying in budget lodgings.

I think you’ll love the destinations on this list for walkability, a sense of safety, and depth to make your trip feel purposeful. What are your favorite solo destinations? Let us know in the comments.