Are you looking at taking your first solo trip and wondering whether Europe is the place to start? Are you worried about how safe it really is? When venturing out on your own, it can be difficult to know where to go, and safety should always be a priority when solo travelling. Today, I’ve brought together the top 11 safest European cities for solo travellers to help you find the ideal location for your solo trip.
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Why Should You Travel Europe as a Solo Traveller?
There are countless reasons to travel to Europe. Each city is a unique tapestry of history, culture, and atmosphere, offering something new and exciting at every turn. The beautiful sights and delectable food will leave you in awe. While exploring these wonders with friends and family is fantastic, there’s something truly special about travelling solo.
Travelling solo allows you to truly immerse yourself in a city. You have the freedom to follow your own itinerary, discover hidden gems, meet new people, and boost your confidence. There’s nothing more rewarding than facing challenges on your own and emerging victorious. It might sound daunting, but it’s an incredibly empowering experience that I highly recommend. Europe is an excellent place to start your solo adventure.
Spend a month travelling around Europe, and you’ll see how easy it is to navigate from one city to another. Most European cities are well-equipped to accommodate tourists, with large train stations offering both international and national connections. This makes hopping from country to country a breeze. Generally, people are friendly, willing to help, and often speak English. So, if you ever find yourself in a bind, assistance is usually just around the corner.
Is Europe Safe to Travel as a Solo and Solo Female Traveller?
As a solo female traveller myself, I’d say Europe is one of the safest destinations you could go to. I’d be happy to travel to most European cities on my own. In fact, I have travelled to a lot of different countries in Europe, and have always felt safe.
However, you should always take your safety seriously. You should always take the necessary precautions, no matter where you are. For example, avoid walking alone down quiet streets at night, don’t have valuables on show, and keep your money in a zipped pocket that’s hard to access.
Despite knowing that Europe is a safe place, I know it can be hard to relax when travelling on your own. I’ve created this list of the safest European cities for solo travellers to help take away some of the stress you might have. After all, you don’t want to be worrying about your safety when you want to be enjoying your travelling.
The cities below are some beautiful cities that you might want to prioritise on your travels. This way you can be excited about your trip, and confident in the places you’re going to visit. You’ll have a great time, I promise!
What are the Safest European Cities for Solo Travellers
Below I have listed the safest European cities for solo travellers. Of course, this is now exclusive to women, and I would encourage everyone to add these to their travel bucket list as beautiful and interesting places to visit.
Munich, Germany
Munich is a city of beautiful architecture, gardens, and good Bavarian cuisine. It also happens to have the lowest crime rate in Germany, and the crime statistics show it’s even safe to walk around at night.
Most crime at night takes place near the central station. However, this is mostly by people who have been drinking and men are actually twice as likely to be a victim of violence. This might sound quite scary on paper, but it’s a similar story in most cities and probably isn’t something you would notice when walking through in real life.
You’ll feel incredibly safe in this city, comfortable exploring its many stunning sights, and freely enjoying the nightlife.
York, England
Walking through York is like taking a step back in time, and there are plenty of interesting and fun things to do in York. York has been a central location in England since the Roman Empire and was England’s original capital. Its oldest building is the Norman House, built in 1180 it still has a substantial amount of remains. York is filled with cosy English pubs, great independent restaurants and shops, it’s a beautiful place to spend your time. Or if pubs aren’t your scene, discover York’s quaint cafes for a more relaxed atmosphere.
As someone who’s lived in York for years, and can honestly say it is one of the safest cities I’ve ever been to. The only crime you really have to worry about in York is having your bike stolen (or just the lights, which has happened to me three times now!), and if you’re just visiting, that’s unlikely to be a problem. So whether you’re visiting York for the weekend or looking to stay a bit longer, you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Read Also: 2 Week Europe Itinerary + Planning Tips!
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a city of museums (there are over 50!), great nightlife, and beautiful architecture, all set with an incredible backdrop of picturesque mountains and the lovely Lake Zurich. Zurich’s Old Town is a must-see, and you won’t be able to resist taking the time to enjoy the incredible traditional Swiss dishes.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe, so any city would make a good destination for this list. Travel Safe Abroad gives the country a safety index of 89, the fifth highest rating given to any European country. Zurich itself scores Low on all their rating categories and sits with a very nice safety index score of 87.
Enjoying this list of the safest European cities for solo travelling? Why not check out this post on 12 Things to Do When Solo Travelling?
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a vibrant city known for its colourful azulejos (ceramic tiles), steep hills, and delicious Portuguese cuisine. As Europe’s 5th oldest city, established in 1200 BCE, Lisbon is steeped in history, and you can feel its rich heritage as you stroll through its charming streets.
Lisbon is also very safe for visitors. Travel Safe Abroad ranks it highly in terms of safety, with low scores across most categories. The main concerns are pickpocketing and potential travel scams, but these are manageable with a bit of caution. Stay aware of your surroundings and familiarize yourself with common scams to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Overall, Lisbon’s safety lets you fully immerse yourself in its cultural and historical beauty without major worries.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a land of breathtaking landscapes, from volcanoes and glaciers to hot springs. Its capital, Reykjavik, is the perfect base for exploring this stunning country. You can spend your day’s whale watching and your nights marvelling at the Northern Lights, or delve into Icelandic history at museums like the Víking Maritime Museum.
Iceland is also incredibly safe. It’s ranked as one of the safest countries by Travel Safe Abroad, with a safety index of 95. It scores the lowest on the Global Peace Index (GPI), reflecting its overall tranquillity. In Reykjavik, crime is nearly non-existent, with 70% of reported crimes being traffic-related. This safety lets you explore Iceland’s natural wonders and vibrant culture with complete peace of mind.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a stunning city, known for its stone buildings, historic castles, and lively bars. The Royal Mile is a must-visit, with its quirky shops and vibrant atmosphere. At the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views from its perch atop an extinct volcano, making it the perfect spot to see the city from above.
As someone who lived in Scotland and has returned to Edinburgh many times as a tourist, I can confidently say it’s a very safe city. I’ve always felt secure during my visits, and the city’s welcoming nature ensures that everyone feels comfortable exploring its streets. Edinburgh’s safety and inclusiveness make it a fantastic destination where you can enjoy all the rich history and culture without any worries.
Also Read: How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Edinburgh
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a charming city filled with colorful houses, stunning churches, and picturesque canals. It’s a fantastic place to wander around and soak in the unique architecture. Known for being one of the happiest cities in the world, this cheerful vibe is reflected in the friendly locals you’ll meet during your visit.
As a city renowned for its happiness, it’s also incredibly safe. The crime rate in Copenhagen is very low, so you can explore with peace of mind. There’s little to worry about, making it a stress-free destination where you can fully enjoy everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant streets or enjoying a canal tour, Copenhagen’s safety and warm atmosphere ensure a delightful experience.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a treasure trove of museums, galleries, and stunning parks. As the birthplace of musical legends like Mozart and Beethoven, and the famous Sigmund Freud, Vienna is rich in history and culture that you’ll love exploring.
When it comes to safety, Vienna ranks among the safest cities in Europe. The city’s low crime rates contribute to a sense of security for travellers. However, it’s wise to stay alert to common scams. For instance, be cautious when using your credit card and booking accommodations in advance. To avoid any issues, book through reputable companies and always check reviews before finalizing your plans. With a bit of careful planning, you’ll be free to enjoy Vienna’s artistic charm and historic beauty without a hitch.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Prague is a city straight out of a fairytale, brimming with stunning architecture and charming bridges that make it perfect for a romantic getaway. If you’re a beer enthusiast, Prague is a must-visit. The Czechs are the world’s top beer drinkers, so you can bet they know how to brew a perfect pint.
When it comes to safety, Prague shines as a secure destination. Violent crime is rare, and the city is generally very safe for tourists. Like many popular spots, pickpocketing can be an issue, so keep an eye on your belongings to stay stress-free. With a little caution, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the magic Prague has to offer. Whether you’re savouring a locally brewed beer or exploring its beautiful streets, you can relax and immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a romantic city to visit, with beautiful architecture from the building to its bridges. If you have a love for beer, you won’t want to miss Prague. Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world, so you can be assured that they know how to brew one.
There is very little violent crime in the Czech capital, and Prague is generally considered a safe palace to visit. Most crime, like a lot of tourist destinations, involves pickpocketing, so be vigilant with your belongings and you should have a great, stress-free time.
Bologna, Italy
Bologna is a city of incredible food, medieval buildings, and a great atmosphere. You’ll find great nightlife with bars always bustling, and plenty of things to do during the day discover the city’s history through the Archaeological Museum, or its culture by wandering its oldest market, the Quadrilatero. I spent two days in Bologna whilst solo travelling Italy and fell in love with its friendly locals and lively student atmosphere. I never once felt unsafe or worried about asking people for help or directions.
Bologna is a university city, with students from all over the world coming to live here each year. I for one felt incredibly safe here alone, even at night. The streets were always busy, and the younger crowd was comforting. However, it is quite a large city with an increasing amount of tourists visiting each summer, so be wary of pickpocketers and street scams. This is especially true during the tourist season. But that should never put you off, and Bologna is well worth the visit.
Thinking of a trip to Bologna? Check out Where to Stay in Bologna before you go!
Budapest
Why Budapest is One of the Safest Cities to Travel in Europe
Budapest stands out as one of the safest cities in Europe, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking security and peace of mind. During my three-day visit to Budapest, I found the city to be incredibly welcoming and secure. With its low crime rate and friendly locals, I felt safe exploring the vibrant streets at all hours. The city’s well-lit and well-maintained public spaces, along with extensive CCTV coverage, contribute to a strong sense of safety.
Additionally, Budapest is a popular destination for solo travellers, who often praise the city’s safe and welcoming environment. With its stunning landmarks, affordable attractions, and a general atmosphere of safety, Budapest offers a fantastic experience for travellers who want to enjoy a European city without worry.
Also Read: The Best 21 Free Things to Do in Budapest! Perfect for Budget Travellers
So, where are the safest European cities for solo travellers?
Europe is generally considered very safe and would be the perfect destination for anyone venturing on their first solo trip. However, it’s comforting to know cities that are particularly known for being safe, and it can take away some of that initial stress that comes with travelling alone.
I would feel very safe travelling to all of these European cities as a solo female. I think travelling on your own is one of the most liberating things, and really helps you to grow as a person. If you’re unsure another whether to do a solo trip, do it! Chances are, since you’re already wondering, you’re going to love it.
If you do have any questions about solo travelling, don’t hesitate to send me an email through the contact form. I’ll be more than happy to talk more about travel with you!
