12 Cities Solo Female Travelers Can Trust — Cities That Actually Score High on the Global Index

Looking for the safest cities for solo female travelers? This list gives you 12 evidence-backed urban destinations that rank highly on global safety indices and in travel reporting. I selected cities in countries that lead the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Index and the Global Peace Index, then translated those national strengths into city-level features solo travelers care about: well-lit streets, reliable public transit, visible policing, and women-focused services. Where hard city-specific statistics are limited, I use the latest country-level figures and travel reporting to explain what solo female travelers can actually expect on the ground. All time-sensitive stats are noted "As of 2025." Each city entry includes a clear safety snapshot, two to three practical tips for getting around safely, and one example of a local women-focused service you can use. This is designed for readers in the US and North America planning urban trips who want concise, actionable guidance rather than broad country platitudes. Use the tips here to choose neighborhoods, plan nighttime transit, and find local resources quickly. Remember to double-check local advisories and reach out to your embassy if you need official support while abroad; conditions can shift, so update plans before you travel. Sources include the WPS Index, Global Peace Index, BBC Travel, HowStuffWorks, and other reputable travel reporting (see in-section notes).

1. Copenhagen, Denmark — 78% of women say they feel safe walking alone after dark

Copenhagen benefits from strong national protections for women and a well-maintained urban environment that makes nighttime navigation easier for solo travelers. As of 2025, Denmark ranks at the top of the Women, Peace & Security Index and country-level reporting notes that roughly 78% of women report feeling safe walking alone after dark (Global Citizens Solutions, 2025). In the city, frequent buses and metro service extend late, bike lanes are plentiful, and main neighborhoods like Indre By and Vesterbro are well-lit and busy into the evening. Tip 1: Favor well-trafficked streets and use the metro or night buses for longer trips rather than isolated shortcuts. Tip 2: Keep a local transit app and a reusable transit card on hand to avoid fumbling for payment at night. Tip 3: Choose centrally located lodgings near a major station to minimize late-night transfers. Women-focused services: Copenhagen hosts several female-friendly hostels and local tourist information desks that can point to safe walking routes and emergency contacts. (Sources: Global Citizens Solutions 2025; International Insurance travel reporting.)

2. Stockholm, Sweden — 74% of women report feeling safe walking alone at night

Stockholm’s compact islands, frequent transit and visible emergency services contribute to a strong sense of safety for solo female visitors. Country-level WPS data shows Sweden among the top scorers with about 74% of women saying they feel safe walking alone at night and high female employment levels that support public presence after hours (Global Citizens Solutions, 2025). In the city, the tunnelbana, trams and night buses run on consistent schedules and the main squares remain active late into the evening. Tip 1: Rely on core transit lines that serve central districts rather than switching multiple times late at night. Tip 2: Use a real-time transit app to check arrivals and wait in designated well-lit stops. Tip 3: Learn basic local emergency numbers and save them to your phone before arrival. Women-focused services: Some stations and trains have had women-focused safety campaigns, and Stockholm offers female-only support services and clear tourist police points. (Sources: Global Citizens Solutions 2025; BBC Travel coverage.)

3. Zurich, Switzerland — 85% of women report feeling safe at night

Zurich combines low national crime rates with punctual, clean public transit and multilingual tourist services, which supports confident solo travel. Swiss reporting indicates that around 85% of women feel safe at night, reflecting a broader pattern of low violent crime and strong emergency response systems (Global Citizens Solutions, 2025). The city center is compact and walkable, and trams and S-Bahn trains run into the evening. Tip 1: Pick hotels near major tram stops to reduce late walking distances. Tip 2: Use official taxi stands or licensed ride apps if you’re returning very late. Tip 3: Keep your embassy’s local contact and the Swiss emergency number easily accessible. Women-focused services: Zurich has a range of women-only or women-friendly accommodations and clear tourist police presence in main squares. (Source: Global Citizens Solutions 2025; local travel reporting.)

4. Reykjavik, Iceland — small-city safety and strong community support

Reykjavik benefits from Iceland’s high placement on peace and safety indices and a low-crime culture that travelers frequently praise. Country-level peace rankings consistently list Iceland near the top, and visitor accounts report open, community-oriented responses to travelers’ needs (Global Peace Index; travel reporting). The capital itself is compact, with popular neighborhoods clustered near the harbor and downtown pedestrian areas that remain lively well into the evening. Tip 1: In summer, take advantage of long daylight hours for late exploring; in winter, plan routes and transit earlier due to limited daylight. Tip 2: Check ferry and tour safety briefings if you plan excursions outside the city. Tip 3: Reserve centrally located lodging so you can walk safely to restaurants and late events. Women-focused services: Visitor centers and local hostels often staff English-speaking personnel who can advise on safe neighborhoods and emergency contacts. (Sources: Global Peace Index, BBC travel perspectives.)

5. Oslo, Norway — visible public services and late-night transit options

Oslo’s urban design emphasizes safety through lighting, public transit and an active waterfront that remains occupied at night, making it a sensible pick for solo female travelers. Norway ranks highly on the WPS Index, and city infrastructure reflects those national priorities with routine night buses and a well-integrated tram network. Tip 1: Use the Ruter app to monitor night bus and tram schedules so you’re not waiting longer than necessary. Tip 2: Stick to main promenades and avoid isolated paths along the fjord after midnight. Tip 3: Confirm hotel pickup options for late arrivals to reduce transfers. Women-focused services: Tourist offices and some accommodations list local women’s centers and helplines for immediate support. (Sources: WPS Index context, local travel reporting.)

6. Helsinki, Finland — walkable neighborhoods and reliable late transit

Helsinki is a well-ordered city with compact districts and dependable tram and metro service that extend into the evening, which supports solo travel confidence. Finland’s strong WPS performance translates into visible public services and urban planning that favors pedestrian safety. Tip 1: Plan routes using the HSL transit planner to minimize wait times and transfers at night. Tip 2: Choose neighborhoods like Kluuvi or Kamppi for central access and busy street life. Tip 3: Carry a small printed map if your phone battery dies — many stations and hotels provide free paper maps. Women-focused services: Female-friendly hostels and local tourist information desks often provide up-to-date guidance and safety contact lists. (Source: WPS Index context; travel reporting.)

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia — compact capital with pedestrian-first design

Ljubljana’s small scale and pedestrianized center make it easier for solo female travelers to navigate safely on foot. Slovenia’s standing on peace and safety indices, combined with a visible tourist police presence in central areas, contributes to a positive traveler experience. The Old Town is walkable and well-lit, and main attractions cluster within a short distance of each other. Tip 1: Book accommodation in or near the pedestrian center to reduce the need for late transit. Tip 2: Use licensed taxis from official stands if you plan an after-hours return. Tip 3: Keep a copy of your lodging address in the local language in case you need to ask for directions. Women-focused services: The city’s tourist information centers provide immediate assistance and local emergency contacts geared to visitors. (Sources: travel reporting; country indices.)

8. Vienna, Austria — efficient transit, steady public presence, and low violent crime

Vienna’s combination of reliable U-Bahn service, broad boulevards and well-lit parkways supports safer solo travel, particularly in central districts. Austria ranks well on safety and social protections, and Vienna’s public services and late-night transport options make it straightforward to get around after dark. Tip 1: Use the U-Bahn and main tram lines for predictable, frequent service late into the evening. Tip 2: Avoid poorly lit park pathways late at night and stick to main boulevards and squares. Tip 3: Keep a copy of the local emergency number and your hotel address for quick access. Women-focused services: Vienna has established women’s shelters and clear tourist police points that offer help to visitors. (Sources: WPS/GPI context; local travel reports.)

9. Dublin, Ireland — improving safety and visitor-focused services

Dublin is a lively city with improving safety measures and expanding resources aimed at visitors. Ireland’s recent steps to modernize protections and the presence of tourist police in busy neighborhoods make Dublin a practical choice for solo visitors, though typical urban caution still applies. Tip 1: Stick to busy streets and licensed transport at night rather than quiet residential lanes. Tip 2: Use official taxi ranks or verified ride apps for late returns. Tip 3: Check event times and public transport schedules if attending late concerts or festivals. Women-focused services: Tourist offices and some local guides offer women-only tours and can share safety resources and helplines. (Sources: HowStuffWorks, BBC Travel reporting.)

10. Lisbon, Portugal — community policing and tourist-friendly districts

Lisbon’s mix of lively neighborhood hubs and increased tourist police presence in popular districts gives solo female travelers practical safety advantages. Portugal’s improving rankings on safety indices and a visible effort to support urban tourism help make Lisbon an approachable city for independent women travelers. Tip 1: Watch for uneven cobblestones and use well-lit main streets after dark to reduce trip hazards. Tip 2: Prefer daytime exploration of hilly or isolated viewpoints and take official transport back to your neighborhood. Tip 3: Use registered taxis or official ride apps at night instead of informal offers. Women-focused services: Guesthouses and local hostels often provide women-focused recommendations and women-only room options. (Sources: travel reporting; country indices.)

11. Tokyo, Japan — very low crime and cultural norms that support safety

Tokyo consistently appears in travel coverage for exceptionally low street crime and a cultural emphasis on public order, making it one of the safer megacities for solo female travelers. While city-specific crime numbers are lower than most global peers, the welcome note among visitors is consistent: streets and transit feel secure even late into the evening (BBC Travel, 2025). Tip 1: Use women-only cars on peak trains when available and keep valuables in a front-facing bag. Tip 2: Rely on well-lit major stations and station offices if you need assistance. Tip 3: Learn a few basic phrases and the number for the nearest police box (koban) — they are common and helpful for tourists. Women-focused services: Tokyo offers women-only capsule hotels, female-friendly guesthouses and clear station assistance points for travelers. (Sources: BBC Travel; HowStuffWorks commentary.)

12. Singapore — strict enforcement, strong rule of law, and visible transit safety

Singapore’s strict enforcement of laws, consistently high public order and well-lit MRT stations contribute to a sense of safety for solo female travelers. The city-state’s approach to public cleanliness and rule-following translates into transit and street environments that many visitors find reassuring (HowStuffWorks; travel reporting). Tip 1: Familiarize yourself with local laws and public transport hours so you avoid accidental violations. Tip 2: Use MRT stations and official taxi stands for late-night returns instead of unlicensed transport. Tip 3: Keep a digital copy of your passport and local emergency numbers on your phone for quick access. Women-focused services: Singapore offers female-only accommodations and clear visitor help desks at major transit hubs. (Sources: HowStuffWorks 2025; travel reporting.)

Final thoughts and safe-travel checklist

These 12 cities combine high national safety scores with city-level features that matter to solo female travelers: visible transit, good lighting, active public spaces and women-focused services. Use the country-level WPS and peace indices as a starting point, but translate that context into practical choices: pick central neighborhoods, keep a transit app and local emergency numbers handy, and book accommodations near major stations. Before you go, verify any time-sensitive safety data "As of 2025" and check local travel advisories for updates. A short checklist can make a big difference: share your itinerary with a trusted contact, have a charged phone and portable battery, save hotel and embassy contacts, and choose well-reviewed, centrally located lodging. When exploring at night, favor busy streets and official transport, and consider asking your hotel or local tourist desk for recommended safe routes. These steps won’t guarantee perfect conditions anywhere, but they stack the odds toward safer, more confident solo travel. Use this list as a planning tool — and always update details right before departure so you travel with the most current, verifiable information. (Sources cited inline: WPS Index, Global Peace Index, BBC Travel, HowStuffWorks, International Insurance.)