15 BEST First-Time Solo Female Travel Destinations in Europe

Booking your first solo trip feels exciting and terrifying, all at once!

So if you’re trying to figure out which first-time solo female travel destinations in Europe will actually feel easy, safe and enjoyable to explore alone, you are exactly who I wrote this for!

I’ve been solo female travelling since I was 18 and have visited 24 countries (and counting!), and I’ve learnt along the way that not every destination is equal for solo female travel.

Some places just work. They’re easy to navigate, welcoming when you’re on your own, and confidence-boosting in a way that you really need on a first solo trip.

And those are the places I’m sharing here.

I’ll share 15 European destinations that are calm, safe, beautiful and solo-friendly, from scenic mountain towns to easy-going cities where exploring alone feels completely normal!

Ready? Let’s start with my all-time favourite city for solo female travel!

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1. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is my favourite city in Europe, and a huge reason for that is how calm it feels (even when it really shouldn’t, as Sweden’s capital city!)

The first time I visited Stockholm was during the Jubilee celebrations… I mean, the royal yachts of Denmark and Norway were literally moored outside my hotel!

So you’d expect crowds, chaos and a lot of overwhelm, right?

But Stockholm still felt incredibly peaceful.

I spent my days walking by the water, exploring the charming old town, relaxing surrounded by greenery on Djurgården, and island hopping around the archipelago!

And all the time, I was just thinking: this doesn’t feel like being in a capital city at all.

For first-time solo female travel, Stockholm is relaxed and calm in a way that many capital cities in Europe really just aren’t.

The city is relaxed, friendly, incredibly walkable, and built around water, green spaces, and charming neighbourhoods that are genuinely enjoyable to explore alone!

Best things to do in Stockholm

1. Explore Gamla Stan (the earlier the better, so it’s quieter!)
2. Island-hop around the archipelago by public ferry
3. Visit Djurgården for museums and waterfront walks
4. Enjoy fika (Sweden’s coffee culture)
5. Walk up to Mariaberget Viewpoint for the most iconic view in Stockholm

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Stockholm, check out my guides to the best things to do in Stockholm and how to spend 3 days in Stockholm!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re nervous about navigating cities solo, Stockholm is the perfect confidence builder! I especially recommend using the ferries to hop around the archipelago, including beautiful Vaxholm.

2. Lyon, France

Lyon is perfect if you dream of visiting France but feel a little too intimidated by Paris to make it your first solo trip!

And honestly, I get it.

Lyon feels a lot more relaxed and manageable than busy Paris, with a beautiful and walkable old town, quiet and safe-feeling streets, and lots of open green space to enjoy.

I especially loved how easy it was to just wander where your feet take you, especially along the banks of the Rhone River and through the Parc de la Tête d’Or.

For first-time solo female travel destinations, Lyon works so well because it’s friendly, has plenty of open space to escape the busier old town, and is easily walkable.

It’s an underrated French city that lets you travel at your own pace!

Best things to do in Lyon

• Walk around Vieux Lyon (Lyon’s Old Town)
• Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the best city parks in Europe
• Eat in a traditional bouchon restaurant
• Stroll the riverbanks
• Explore the artsy neighbourhood of Croix-Rousse

Katie’s Top Tip: If Paris feels like too much for your first solo trip, Lyon is the perfect, underrated alternative! You’ll still get to enjoy French culture, just without the busyness and overwhelm.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the most popular cities for solo travel in Europe, and that’s for good reason!

The culture is friendly, prices are more affordable than elsewhere in Western Europe, and there’s a huge solo traveller and digital nomad scene that makes being alone feel normal.

I’ve always found Lisbon to be very welcoming to me as a solo female traveller, but in a way that is very low-key and not forced or overwhelming.

What makes Lisbon especially great for first-time solo female travel is how flexible it is.

You can explore the city independently, join guided day trips to places like Pena Palace or Evora, or hop on public transport (like Lisbon’s iconic trams) to easily explore more.

There’s history everywhere, incredible viewpoints, and an amazing foodie scene!

Best things to do in Lisbon

1. Ride Tram 28 early in the morning
2. Explore the Alfama district on foot
3. Take a day trip to Sintra
4. Watch the sunset at a local miradouro (viewpoint)
5. Visit Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Lisbon, check out my guides to the best things to do in Lisbon and how to spend 3 days in Lisbon!

Katie’s Top Tip: Lisbon’s hills are no joke, so I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the great network of trams and metros, as well as free escalators throughout the city.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

If safety is a concern for you as a first-time solo female traveller, Reykjavik can’t be beaten!

Iceland consistently ranks as the safest country in the world, and as a solo female traveller, I definitely felt that on my trip.

I felt safe and comfortable walking around Reykjavik and joining guided day trips from Reykjavik solo, both during the day and at night.

I even walked back to my hotel alone through central Reykjavik at 3am, after a Northern Lights tour, and felt very safe (and I’ve never said about anywhere else in the world!)

The city centre itself is compact, quiet and relaxed.

Plus, English is spoken everywhere, and tourism is a big deal, so you’ll never feel isolated, and there are loads of amazing tours to join and see more of Iceland with a small group.

In terms of the time of year, I actually love Iceland in winter!

Yes, it’s cold and dark, but it’s also incredibly peaceful.

And you can also enjoy bucket-list activities like exploring the snowy Golden Circle, chasing the Northern Lights or exploring the South Coast or Snaefellsnes Peninsula at their most rugged and authentic!

Reykjavik feels calm, manageable and reassuring as a first-time solo female traveller, and you can easily explore without feeling isolated or even needing a car.

Best things to do in Reykjavik

1. Walk Reykjavik’s colourful, compact downtown
2. Chase the Northern Lights
3. Soak in the Blue Lagoon
4. Join a whale watching boat trip
5. Visit the iconic Golden Circle

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Iceland, check out my guides to the best day trips from Reykjavik and how to spend 5 days in Iceland!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re nervous about your first solo trip, Reykjavik is one of the best places to join a small group, 8-day Ring Road tour to see more of Iceland. You’ll travel with the security of a small group, plus transport, hotels and bucket-list experiences are all taken care of for you!

5. Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux will always have a special place in my heart, as it was my very first solo trip at 18.

And even though the destination itself is perfect for first-time solo female travel, I was still absolutely terrified (that’s normal, by the way!)

On that trip, I cried in Geneva Airport at 10pm, regretted all my life choices on many, many occasions, and maxed out my mum’s Tesco Clubcard points on a five-star hotel because I was too scared to walk anywhere alone in the dark!

But Montreux also changed everything for me.

What started as a quick trip to visit the beautiful Christmas market kick-started my love of solo travel, made me feel more confident and capable, and even led me to start this blog.

It is no exaggeration to say that solo travel, and that first trip to Montreux, changed my life!

Set along the banks of Lake Geneva, Montreux is beautiful, relaxed and peaceful.

As I said, I first visited for the amazing Christmas Market, but have since returned in May – and it’s stunning in every season!

For first-time solo female travel destinations, Montreux is proof that even quiet, smaller places can still be life-changing as a first solo trip.

Best things to do in Montreux

1. Walk along the beautiful lakeside promenade
2. Visit Chillon Castle
3. Ride the Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train for the most beautiful views
4. Visit the Christmas Market (November to December)
5. Relax by the lake with a coffee and a pastry

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re scared to solo travel, Montreux is perfect! It’s a safe, beautiful town that will give you the confidence to realise you can do hard things (and enjoy them!)

6. Bergen, Norway

I visited Bergen to start the Norway Coastal Express (which I’d also 100% recommend if you want to see Norway’s spectacular coastline without the busyness of a traditional cruise!)

 But Bergen is so much more than a convenient base.

It’s a slow, quiet and beautiful city that feels very safe, compact and easy to explore as a solo female traveller – even in winter (when I visited), and even if it’s your first solo trip.

What I loved most about Bergen is that it never felt overwhelming.

You can explore the historic, UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf easily on foot, join easy fjord tours to Mostraumen Fjord or the village of Flåm, or just wander where your feet take you and never feel out of place.

It’s scenic and lively without being hectic or overwhelming, which is such a great balance for first-time solo female travel destinations!

Best things to do in Bergen

1. Walk the historic, UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf
2. Join a boat tour to the spectacular Mostraumen Fjord
3. Ride the Fløibanen funicular
4. Visit the Fish Market
5. Use Bergen as a base to join the Norway Coastal Express ferry

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Bergen, check out my guide to the best things to do in Bergen in winter!

Katie’s Top Tip: If this is your first solo trip to Norway, make sure you book at least one guided fjord tour whilst you’re in Bergen (I recommend Mostraumen Fjord!)

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is perfect for solo travellers – trendy, vibrant, walkable, and full of beautiful green spaces that make the whole city feel relaxed!

I especially love visiting Copenhagen in spring (specifically April), when the cherry blossoms are out in full bloom, and the city is alive and vibrant without the busyness of summer.

For first-time solo female travel destinations, Copenhagen works so well because everything feels easy.

Public transport is reliable and connects every part of the city, most of the best things to do in Copenhagen are easily walkable, and there are also many amazing, easy day trips to do.

You can even hop over to another country for the day!

Both Malmö and Lund in Sweden are simple and stress-free, but totally beautiful day trips to add to your Copenhagen itinerary.

Best things to do in Copenhagen

1. Take a boat trip along the picturesque Nyhavn canal
2. Cycle or walk around the city centre
3. Visit for cherry blossom season (spring)
4. Take a day trip to another country (Malmö or Lund in Sweden)
5. Relax in Tivoli Gardens

Katie’s Top Tip: If you do one day trip, make sure you hop over the border into Sweden! It’s such a cool experience to cross the mighty Øresund Bridge and say you’ve visited a whole other country for the day!

8. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is an unusual choice for solo travellers (in fact, I’ve never seen it on any other list before!), but it definitely deserves its place.

I actually lived in Gibraltar alone for a year when I was 18, and it played a huge part in how my confidence grew as a solo female traveller.

Sharing a border with Spain, this British Overseas Territory is small, friendly, very walkable, and has a tight-knit community feel that makes you feel instantly at ease.

Plus, English is spoken everywhere, so you won’t have to consider a language barrier, which is so reassuring on a first solo trip!

Beyond the famous Rock of Gibraltar and, of course, the monkeys that call it home, Gibraltar also has quiet beaches, historic tunnels to explore, and one of my favourite underrated spots: the beautiful Alameda Botanic Gardens.

Best things to do in Gibraltar

1. Visit the Top of the Rock for incredible views and the famous monkeys
2. Walk across the live airport runway (yes, really!)
3. Relax at Eastern Beach or Catalan Bay
4. Explore the Alameda Gardens
5. Wander and shop along Main Street

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Gibraltar, check out my guides to the best things to do in Gibraltar and also my 1, 2 or 3-day Gibraltar itinerary!

Katie’s Top Tip: The English-speaking territory of Gibraltar is perfect if you want your first solo trip to feel familiar but still exciting and unique!

9. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is one of the most underrated first-time solo female travel destinations in Europe!

The picturesque old town is compact, atmospheric and incredibly peaceful (especially in the mornings before cruise passengers and day-trippers from Dubrovnik arrive).

I’ve spent some of my favourite solo travel moments in Kotor, wandering the quiet old streets before breakfast, sitting with the local cats or watching the sunrise over the bay!

And beyond the old town, Kotor is an incredible base for exploring more of Montenegro.

You can take a one-day boat trip around the beautiful Bay of Kotor, or even head inland on day trips to Lovcen or Durmitor National Park for a taste of nature!

Plus, everything is very doable without a car, which removes a lot of stress for solo travellers.

Best things to do in Kotor

1. Join a Bay of Kotor boat trip
2. Explore the famous old town early in the morning
3. Climb to St John’s Fortress
4. Visit nearby Perast
5. Take a day trip to Lovćen National Park

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Montenegro, check out my guides to the best things to do in Kotor and also my 7-day Montenegro itinerary without a car!

Katie’s Top Tip: Plan your days early in Kotor. Morning exploring and then getting out of the old town on a day trip or to the beach is the sweet spot for avoiding the midday crowds!

10. Scottish Highlands, Scotland

If you’re dreaming of a solo trip that gives you space, quiet and uninterrupted time out in nature, the Scottish Highlands are incredible!

I’m lucky enough to live in the UK, so I’ve explored the Highlands on several road trips, via train and on guided tours.

And honestly, I always leave feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated!

If you’re not driving, I highly recommend joining guided tours to get around without stress. (I did this brilliant tour from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, which was stress-free and beautiful!)

And Inverness is a fantastic base, with direct trains from London King’s Cross and easy links from Edinburgh and Glasgow, plus an airport.

I also love quieter spots like Inveraray and Balmoral Castle for slower travel days.

Best things to do in the Highlands

1. Base yourself in beautiful Inverness
2. Join an Isle of Skye day tour
3. Visit the charming town of Inveraray
4. Explore Balmoral Castle
5. Enjoy a boat trip on Loch Ness

Katie’s Top Tip: If this is your first solo trip, I would definitely recommend joining an organised tour (or tours) to get out in nature and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics or planning your own itinerary.

11. Heidelberg, Germany

The underrated German town of Heidelberg is small, very walkable, and has a calm, local feel that makes exploring alone for the first time feel natural!

I always recommend it to first-timers because it’s safe and totally stunning, without being overwhelming. You’re never battling crowds, traffic, or having to deal with complicated public transport because everywhere is so easily walkable.

But what I love most about Heidelberg is the pace of life.

It’s perfect for slower travel, as you can wander the streets of the old town and along the river without any real plan, hop on a relaxing boat along the Neckar River, and take your time exploring the beautiful Heidelberg Castle and Philosopher’s Walk.

Visiting in autumn is extra special, as the hills around the castle turn golden, the air is crisp, and the whole town has this peaceful vibe that’s perfect for first-time solo travel!

Best things to do in Heidelberg

1. Visit Heidelberg Castle for stunning old town views
2. Visit in autumn for the most spectacular colours
3. Take a boat trip on the Neckar River
4. Explore the Altstadt (Heidelberg’s old town)
5. Walk the peaceful Philosophers’ Walk

Katie’s Top Tip: Heidelberg is ideal if you want your first solo trip to feel relaxed and calm, with slow mornings, long walks by the river and in the old town, and dreamy boat trips!

12. Rome, Italy

I have to be honest, Rome isn’t the easiest destination on this list for first-timers. It’s busy, loud, and can feel overwhelming for a first solo trip.

But with planning and the right expectations, it can also be one of the most unforgettable first-time solo female travel destinations!

Rome works best for first-timers who want to visit somewhere truly iconic, don’t mind walking (a lot!) and are happy to follow a more structured itinerary to reduce overwhelm and make the most of the trip.

But what makes Rome surprisingly good for solo female travel is how alive it feels.

You’re never alone. There are always people around. And that constant buzz of life from fellow tourists can actually feel reassuring if it’s your first time travelling solo.

I loved balancing solo exploring with day tours when I was in Rome, as it gave me both freedom and company when I wanted it!

Best things to do in Rome

1. Visit the iconic Colosseum & Roman Forum
2. See the Trevi Fountain
3. Head to Vatican City and explore St Peter’s Basilica + the Vatican Museums
4. Walk around the beautiful Trastevere neighbourhood
5. Join a foodie tour of Rome

Katie’s Top Tip: Rome is much easier solo when you plan your big sights in advance and then leave space for wandering in between. You definitely need a bit of structure first, then spontaneity second, in a big city like Rome!

13. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a car-free alpine village surrounded by mountains, including the famous Matterhorn, and it’s one of the safest-feeling, calmest places I’ve ever travelled solo!

If the idea of a city break feels too intense for your first solo trip, Zermatt is a beautiful alternative, especially if you love nature but still want walkability, good transport and plenty of fellow tourists around.

Plus, despite being tucked away in the Alps, Zermatt is incredibly well connected by train, which makes getting there easy even if you’re travelling alone.

But what I loved most was how quiet and calm everything felt, with no traffic and no overwhelming crowds – just fresh mountain air and the most stunning scenery!

Best things to do in Zermatt

1. Ride the Gornergrat mountain railway (one of the most scenic in Europe!)
2. See the famous Matterhorn
3. Ride the Glacier Paradise cable car
4. Walk around the car-free village centre
5. Join the Glacier Express train route to St Moritz

Katie’s Top Tip: Zermatt definitely isn’t cheap for a solo trip, but you don’t need to do everything. Pick one big activity, then enjoy slow days exploring the car-free centre or hiking the nearby trails!

14. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik can be an incredible first solo destination, as long as you avoid peak summer.

In July and August, the old town gets so crowded and overwhelming, especially when you are travelling alone.

But if you visit in spring or autumn, Dubrovnik is a completely different place!

I personally visited Dubrovnik in early October and had the best experience.

The famous walls weren’t overcrowded, the old streets were actually fun to explore, and I was able to join day trips without having to book weeks in advance to guarantee my spot.

Outside of peak season, Dubrovnik feels safe, walkable, and very manageable for a first-time solo trip.

Plus, there are also endless day tours to choose from, so you never have to explore alone if you don’t want to.

And the old town is compact enough that you can explore at your own pace, without having to over-plan an itinerary.

Best things to do in Dubrovnik

1. Walk the famous Dubrovnik City Walls
2. Explore the compact, historic old town
3. Join a fun Game of Thrones walking tour
4. Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for incredible city and sea views (best at sunset)
5. Do a day trip to Korčula, one of my favourite towns and islands in Croatia!

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Dubrovnik, check out my guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik!

Katie’s Top Tip: Dubrovnik is all about timing. Outside of summer, it’s calm and magical. But if you visit during the peak summer season, it’s a lot and overwhelmingly busy.

15. Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is one of my favourite winter destinations in Europe!

It’s an easy, accessible way to experience the beauty and adventure of the Arctic without feeling remote or unsafe.

This makes Tromsø a great option for first-time solo female travel if you want to do something a little different and make unforgettable memories along the way!

The city itself feels very safe, compact and walkable – even in winter when there is snow and ice on the ground.

Plus, all of the big experiences (like visiting the nearby fjords, chasing the Northern Lights, or going husky sledding or reindeer sledding) are offered via guided tours.

This takes a huge amount of pressure off, as everything (from logistics to transport) is organised for you!

Best things to do in Tromsø

1. Chase the Northern Lights
2. Visit the unique Arctic Cathedral
3. Go husky or reindeer sledding in the Arctic
4. Walk around the peaceful harbour
5. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car for the most spectacular views

For more inspiration for your solo trip to Tromsø, check out my guides to the best things to do in Tromsø and chasing the Northern Lights from Tromsø!

Katie’s Top Tip: Book your tours early and build your trip around them. Tromsø in winter is definitely at its best when you let the experts handle the logistics for you!

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your First Solo Trip in Europe

Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be the boldest, bravest, or most impressive trip on your bucket list – it just has to feel calm, safe and actually doable.

The best first-time solo female travel destinations are the ones that let you ease into this new independence, build confidence daily, and actually enjoy the experience instead of constantly feeling anxious.

And that’s why every place on this list is here for a reason!

All of the destinations I’ve shared with you are not just breath-takingly beautiful, but welcoming, safe-feeling, easy to navigate, walkable, and manageable for a first solo trip.

Solo travel can be genuinely life-changing, and I would recommend it to anyone.

So wherever you choose, trust yourself – you’re way more capable than you think, and this first trip is just the beginning!

Read More About Solo Female Travel:

• 15 BEST First-Time Solo Female Travel Destinations in Europe
• 23 Thoughtful Gifts for Solo Female Travellers She’ll Love
• Solo Female Travel Confidence: 9 Secrets Every Woman Needs
• 11 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts To Feel Confident
• Solo Travel With Social Anxiety: What It’s Really Like
• 11 Tips to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety (That Actually Work)
• 7 Steps to Create a Solo Travel Evening Routine You Love
• 7 Easy Steps to a Stress-Free Solo Travel Morning Routine
• Is Solo Travel Lonely? 27 Tips to Stop Feeling Lonely Abroad
• 11 Common Solo Female Travel Mistakes (+ How to Avoid Them)
• Is it Weird to Travel Alone as a Woman? 7 Things to Know
• 11 Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel for Women
• The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide: Everything I Wish I Knew

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