The Best Cities in the World for Women Who Travel Solo
Solo travel has been having a serious moment, and women are leading the charge. A recent study found that a remarkable 84 percent of all solo travelers are women, and interest in going it alone has surged by 116 percent year over year. Despite the excitement, choosing the right destination remains one of the biggest challenges for women hitting the road by themselves. To help narrow things down, researchers analyzed key factors like crime and safety indexes, average public transportation wait times, and internet speeds to rank the top cities worldwide for solo female travelers in 2026.
Singapore claimed the number one spot on the list, and it is easy to see why. The city-state earned an impressive safety index score of 77.5 out of 100, boasts blazing Wi-Fi speeds of 407 Mbps, and keeps commuters moving with an average public transit wait of just six minutes. Beyond the numbers, Singapore offers a genuinely welcoming tropical environment, with lush parks, pristine beaches, and a vibrant food scene that makes exploring on your own feel like an absolute joy rather than a challenge.
Coming in at second place was New York City, which proved that a major metropolis can still feel manageable and safe for a woman traveling alone. The city recorded a relatively low crime rate of 21.1 per 100 people, paired with solid internet connectivity at 295 Mbps and a transit wait averaging eight minutes. With so many neighborhoods walkable and iconic landmarks within easy reach, getting around independently feels natural rather than daunting.
Dubai rounded out the top three with an outstanding safety index of 83.9 out of 100 and some of the lowest crime rates of any destination on the list. Already known as a world-class destination for luxury and spectacle, the city also delivers on practical needs with a reliably connected and well-organized urban environment. For women who want the thrill of experiencing something truly different without compromising on security, Dubai consistently delivers on both fronts.
Rounding out the top ten were Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok, making it a genuinely global lineup of excellent options. London also made the cut, landing in ninth place, with roughly 21,000 monthly searches for solo travel to the city confirming just how popular it is among independent adventurers. The British capital’s fast and extensive transit network keeps the average taxi wait to around eight minutes, making it easy to move between its rich cultural and historical neighborhoods with confidence.
Of course, no city ranking can fully replace smart preparation before you go. Experts recommend sharing your itinerary with someone you trust, researching the safety landscape of your destination in advance, and planning activities that genuinely support your wellbeing throughout the trip. Small steps like these can make a significant difference in how comfortable and confident you feel from day one.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of the travel company Flash Pack, offered a reminder that solo travel does not have to mean lonely travel. He pointed out that the secret is staying open and curious, saying yes to invitations even when nerves kick in. Thompson also highlighted volunteering as a powerful way to connect with locals and fellow travelers, noting that something like teaching English can create meaningful bonds especially in larger cities where it might otherwise be easy to feel like just another face in the crowd.
Whether you are drawn to the efficiency of Singapore, the energy of New York, or the dazzling ambition of Dubai, the world has no shortage of destinations where women can travel alone with confidence, curiosity, and a whole lot of style. If you have traveled solo as a woman or are dreaming of your first trip, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
