Best European Cities for Solo Female Travellers on a Mid-Range Budget
I’m not exaggerating when I say travelling solo as a woman has literally rewired my brain. Doing it for the first time was somewhat nerve-wracking, but it’s also one of the most empowering and liberating things I’ve ever done.
And I know that many women out there want to try doing the same!
They just might not know how or if they have enough money or which cities are best for them. So today, I’m sharing what I think are the best European cities for solo female travel on mid-range budgets. These cities strike the perfect balance between charm, safety, and affordability.
Let’s go!
Lisbon, Portugal
First, I’m putting Lisbon. My very first solo trip was here, and they were right, you’ll never forget your first love.
I was actually so anxious and indecisive the moment I stepped out of the plane that I spent my first night holed up in my hotel room with Netflix. The show was geo-blocked, so I just used a UK server VPN to bypass the restrictions, ha! Ah, good times.
But the city’s beauty and warmth—both in temperature and spirit—drew me out of my shell soon enough. The locals are friendly, English is widely spoken, and its beautiful cobbled streets are a joy to walk on. And it’s pretty affordable (meals around €10-15, hostels for as low as €50). Perfect if it’s your first time as a solo traveller.
Kraków, Poland
Visiting Kraków feels like stepping into a fairytale (minus the fairytale prices, thankfully). If you’re highly concerned about your safety, Kraków is one of the safest cities in all of Europe as well.
I was able to snag a spotless hostel for less than €30 and ate well for under €10. I also felt completely at ease wandering around Old Town at night.
It’s particularly great for history buffs, too. From Wawel Castle to a sobering tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s one of the places that leave you changed after you leave.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tiny, green, and oh-so-cosy, Ljubljana is one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
I love that its city centre is car-free, which means you can really take your time strolling around and taking everything in. I spend hours upon hours just casually walking around.
It’s also why it’s one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly cities, as Ljubljana was named the European Green Capital in 2016. Everything was clean and organised, creating a fresh and light atmosphere for everyone outside. Lake Bled in particular looked unreal.
The best part is that the COL is also lower than typical Western European cities, making it a fantastic choice if you’re particularly budget-conscious.
Valencia, Spain
For my beach girlies, Valencia is a must-visit.
It’s usually overshadowed by Madrid and Barcelona, but the city itself is anything but overshadowed. There’s an abundance of sunshine, paella, and seaside views—all without being too touristy and expensive.
Biking through the massive Turia Gardens was a highlight for me. It was a former riverbed transformed into a luscious park that snakes through the city centre.
The locals, like the city, are laid-back. The food, though? An explosion of flavour in your mouth.
Budapest, Hungary
Eclectic and quirky in the best ways possible, Budapest is one of those places that feels way more luxurious than what you actually spend. I was able to stay in a chic boutique hotel for €45 a night, soaked in their famous thermal baths, and was still on budget.
The city has everything. Dramatic architecture, great nightlife (the ruin bars were great), and a calm river to chill at. There are a lot of little weird oddities that really stand out, too.
But you definitely need to go on a night cruise along the Danube. The Parliament Building lit up at night is a sight to behold, for sure.
Final Thoughts
The 5 cities above are my personal favourites, but there are tons of cities in Europe that don’t compromise on safety, experience, and budget friendliness. Of course, anything can happen anywhere, but as long as you stay aware, you’ll be perfectly safe in these cities.
Travelling solo is really one of those things that seems quite terrifying if you haven’t done it yet, but won’t regret a bit once you do.
