Popular with many solo female travelers in Europe, these eight cities enjoy top rankings for solo female travel in Europe. I’ve stayed in all eight of them because each one meets my travel lifestyle preferences and they are affordable.
The eight picture-postcard cities are very walkable, near water, filled with attractions, offer interesting cuisine, and have good local transportation. And, all of them are ideally located as a home base for day trip adventures into the surrounding areas.
For solo female travel in Europe tips, see here.
See below to find out why and how these eight beautiful European cities perfectly fit my personal travel lifestyle as a solo female traveler in Europe. Since you have your own travel preferences, it’s a good idea to self-profile when planning a solo travel adventure to Europe and beyond. To help you get started, take a look at our Self-Profile List.
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Why Florence for Solo Female Travel in Europe
In Florence, I always felt like I was living in a Renaissance Disneyland and that time had literally stood still. And, in some ways it does when you’re there. For example, no matter which path you follow in the medieval city or which side of the Arno River you explore, you can’t help but get ‘up close and personal’ with the likes of Renaissance Masters Giotto, Michelangelo, and Botticelli whose masterpieces are scattered throughout the city.
And, beyond the wealth of museums brimming with world renowned art and architecture, you can walk in the footsteps of Michelangelo, stumble upon a church where famous art-work is displayed, or reflect in an ancient garden sculpted by a Renaissance artist. Just follow the winding cobblestone streets and even let yourself ‘get lost’ sometimes because it’s certain that your experiences will become fond memories.
For the Florence City Guide, see here.
Frankly, it’s almost impossible to get bored in Florence. With abundant beauty and rich history waiting around every corner, there’s plenty of eye-candy to gaze upon such as centuries-old palaces and decorative churches. Also, with colorful cafes lining the piazza’s and the Arno River, you can engage in some serious people-watching while sipping a beverage (my favorite Florence past-time).
As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is the ideal spot for day trips into the enchanting region. It’s easy to take the train to famous Tuscan towns like Cortona (of Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun fame), Siena, Pisa and beyond to breathtaking places like Cinque Terre.
How Florence Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water –With the Arno River half a block to my right, I always had the option to walk into town along the river bank. With cafes lining both sides of the river, and with seven bridges to choose from to cross over to Oltrarno, it was perfect for my daily discovery excursions.
Interesting food choices – Since people-watching is a hobby, I spent hours at outdoor cafes enjoying either a beautiful river view or the company of a Renaissance statue, as I tucked in for a meal or beverage. Another food favorite was Happy Hour in Florence which includes a complimentary smorgasbord of appetizers with your beverage. And, since I was living in Florence for three months, I shopped at the small local grocery store and bakery just around the corner for some delicious stay at home meals.
Note: Italians are crazy about their gelato … and I found out why. It’s delicious! So, like the locals, I joined in on the fun almost every afternoon around 4 PM and treated myself to a refreshing gelato at one of my favorite gelaterias.
For info on my favorite gelato shops, see here.
Affordable Accommodations – My one-bedroom apartment was in the Antiques District, on a cobblestone street just a 15 minute walk to the Duomo (Cathedral). If I turned right I met the river and going left took me to the Duomo in the historic center. Whether I went out my door, left or right, either direction promised to be an adventure.
For info on Florence neighborhoods, see here.
Social opportunities – I find that Italians are very friendly. Whether at a café or visiting a museum, they were gracious and helpful. Since I was staying for months in Florence, I also joined an expat community Internations.org which arranges meet-ups for happy hour, meals, and tours. I’m still in contact with some friends that I made there.
Getting around – Walking is the best way to experience Florence’s historic center as Florence is a small city. If you want to day trip on your own, you can easily go by train, bus, or rent a car.
Why Paris for Solo Female Travel in Europe
I’m a frequent solo female traveler who returns often to Paris for business and pleasure. Like so many other solo travelers, when Paris “calls”, I return and confidently pick up where I left off to continue exploring this most alluring city. Paris has a seemingly endless number of unique travel opportunities both in the city and beyond her borders. Indeed, Paris probably has the most day trips to the most amazing attractions, more than any other French city.
For Paris experiences, see here.
If staying for weeks or months in Paris, you may want to rent a typical Paris apartment in a neighborhood convenient to the city-center. It’s a great way to get to know the city and the locals. For convenience, each Paris neighborhood is compactly self-contained with a grouping of essential shops such as a grocery store, bakery, wine shop, cheese store, pharmacy and bank.
For Paris neighborhood info, see here.
With Paris as your home base, you are in the center of a day trip bonanza. You can easily day trip to world-renown places like Versailles, Mont Saint Michele, Giverney, the Loire Valley and Normandy – just to name a few.
How Paris Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – With the romantic Seine winding through Paris, there’s ample opportunity to take a stroll on the riverbank or sit on a park bench watching the bateaux mouches (touring boats) pass by or have a baguette lunch.
Interesting food choices – Eating in Paris is never boring and is always a rewarding experience whether dining at an haute cuisine restaurant or an outdoor café serving the popular steak-frites. Otherwise, there are outdoor food markets scheduled each week and there’s always a grocery store just around the corner in the suburbs.
For Eat Like a Local in Paris info, see here.
Affordable Accommodations – Other than hotels, Paris also offers a large variety of apartments for rent, including chain Apartment-Hotels that offer studio’s to three bedroom units with hotel servicing.
Social Opportunities – There are always opportunities to chat with others at a local cafe or other gathering spot. You can also join Paris’ large expat group Internations.org which arranges outings to restaurants, for happy hour, etc.
Getting around – With the Paris Metro, it’s easy to get around. The train service is likewise very good with connections to all major cities and airports. Local buses are, of course, another option but sometimes are bogged down in city traffic like most other large cities.
Why Nice for Solo Female Travel in Europe
To experience a charming, idyllic coastal village and beach resort on the Riviera, I chose provincial Nice. The lovely town is especially welcoming to solo female travelers in shoulder and off-seasons, when the Nicoise locals reclaim their town from the throngs of tourists. Like in most Riviera towns, Nice welcomes an increasing number of solo travelers and gladly offers advice on where to go, what to see, and where to eat.
For further info on Solo Travel to Nice, see here.
You’ll find that, as the Riviera’s capital, Nice reigns as one of the best Cote d’Azur home bases for easily exploring the Riviera such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, Menton, Antibes, Cannes, and St. Tropez.
A small town, you can easily walk around on the narrow cobbled streets exploring food markets, decorative parks, mouth-watering patisseries, the impressive marina, and other attractions. My favorite daily past-time was strolling the café-lined Promenade des Anglais which stretches miles along the Mediterranean Sea attracting tourists and locals alike, bicyclists, and skate-boarders.
Another advantage is that Nice and the Riviera can claim one of the best climates in France, gifting between 150 to 200 sunny days a year.
For further Nice info, see here.
How Nice Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – Just a 10 minute walk from my historic center apartment, was the azure Mediterranean Sea, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and pebbled beaches.
Interesting food choices – Each morning, just below my apartment was Nice’s Fish Market which opened at 5 AM. This is where local restaurants buy their ‘fresh catch’ of the day which may end up on your plate for lunch. Food choices in Nice range from traditional quiche and salade nicoise to exotic seafood and paella delicacies. Living in the historic center, I could grocery shop, pastry shop, wine shop, and pick up take-out all within a 5 to 10 minute walk from my apartment.
For Nice food choices, see here.
Affordable Accommodations – My apartment overlooked a lively plaza rimmed by eclectic restaurants, small outdoor cafes, a wine shop and food shops. Although I had a sizeable apartment with a full kitchen, I didn’t cook very often since I could go to the butcher two doors down for a roasted chicken, or to a restaurant for take-away quiche and pizza.
Social opportunities – Living three months in Nice in shoulder season meant that there were less tourists and more locals and it was easier to connect with them. I also joined the Nice chapter of Internations.org, an expat group, which arranges group activities like brunch and happy hours.
Getting around – Small and well organized, Nice is very easy to navigate. You can walk to most attractions or take a local bus or tram. For day trips, either the train or bus works great for exploring the Cote d’Azur.
Why the Algarve for Solo Female Travel in Europe
In the past, Portugal’s southern Algarve region was known as a coastal destination for luxury golf resorts. On a recent six week trip to Portugal, however, I witnessed the Algarve’s evolution as an exciting European destination for solo female travelers and others, seeking adventure beyond the famous golf resorts.
Today, Portugal attracts everyone, due in large part to its 3,300 hours of sunshine throughout the year. Solo women travelers, work abroad digital nomads, and adventure travelers all seek the sun-soaked picturesque beaches, cove kayaking, mountain hiking, cliff biking and other outdoor activities. And, the icing on the cake is Portugal’s affordability – it’s now ranked as Europe’s most affordable country.
For info about being a digital nomad in the Algarve, see here.
From my home base in Lagos, I was able to day trip along the entire coast by train and bus. I chose Lagos for that reason but also for its breathtaking cliff-lined beaches, small village vibe, and great central location for touring villages along the Atlantic Coast and in the mountain villages.
For info about length of stay and where to go in Algarve, see here.
Beyond some of the glitz and glam, sits a lesser known side which clings to deep-seated traditions and offers spontaneous hidden gem discoveries. Up and down the 149 mile winding coastline and in the storybook mountainous interior, you can find dramatic and diverse Algarve experiences.
For info on things to see & do in Algarve, see here.
Indeed, as you explore the vast beauty of the Algarve, you can travel miles of curving coastlines bursting with soaring cliffs, charming fishing villages, and small cove beaches. When you go inland among the surrounding mountains, you’ll discover lesser known peaceful mountain towns with their own storied history.
How the Algarve Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – Most days in Lagos, I walked downtown from my condo on the hillside and ended up strolling the wide pedestrianized areas along miles of Lagos’ crescent coast. I could always catch a glimpse of sea-faring tourist boats, cliff exploring kayaks, and small motor boats heading out to explore the caves, grottos, and cove beaches.
Interesting food choices – With so many beach-view cafes and restaurants, I usually ate lunch gazing at the cliff-lined beaches from a hillside outdoor café. Evenings were usually for eating in town as it was fun to pick from the ‘fresh catch’ menus and explore happy hour opportunities. Since I was staying in an apartment, I often grabbed some groceries before I took a cab back up to my condo and dined solo while enjoying the scenic beach view from my balcony.
Affordable Accommodations – Stepping out onto my apartment’s balcony, 1st coffee of the day in hand, the blue ocean and popular surfing beach were on display in front of me. The beach and two sanded cafes were only a short 10 minute stroll down the hill. Although my neighborhood was considered ‘upscale’, the price was moderate (thanks to booking two weeks in shoulder season, when rates are dramatically lower).
Social opportunities – Since post WWII, the Algarve has been an expat haven, especially for the Brits who were looking for sunshine, relaxation, and golf resorts. There are still a lot of Brits happily living here and they welcome a good conversation, particularly at the outdoor cafes. In Portugal, the schools teach American English so you really don’t need to learn Portuguese, making it easy to chat with the locals. Since the Algarve is a happy, friendly place, you end up meeting quite a number of locals and fellow travelers since everyone’s out touring, walking, and eating in outdoor cafes.
Getting around – It’s easy to get to the Algarve via air, train, or bus. They have good local train and bus service up and down the coast. I usually opted for the train since their schedules & connections were better than the local buses. Another option is to sign up for bus day trips through a local travel agent. If you rent a car, you will of course have more flexibility as to when and where you explore.
Why Lisbon for Solo Female Travel in Europe
Lively Lisbon attracts many solo female travelers who are seeking an affordable and central home base for exploring the small, amazingly gorgeous country. With modern-day amenities and almost endless breathtaking attractions to experience, Lisbon ranks at the top of the list with many solo women travelers.
Like myself, many also choose Portugal’s capital because they work as solo digital nomads. In Lisbon, they can easily work from their apartment or hotel, café, or opt to use a shared office-space company like Regus.
For more info on working as a digital nomad in Lisbon, see here.
Driving Lisbon’s global popularity is not only due to its magical natural beauty and diverse attractions, but also because Portugal is currently recognized as the most affordable European destination. Lisbon shines as a European preferred destination due to its Old Europe charm, ancient history, embedded traditions, and distinct cuisine – representing an eclectic melting pot of ancient civilizations that evolved over the centuries.
For info on trip planning/itineraries in Portugal, see here.
Whether downtown or in a hillside neighborhood, you will see lots of cafes, coffee bars, and fancy pastry shops just about anywhere you look – guaranteeing a fun-filled atmosphere, tasty eclectic food and the opportunity to do some serious people-watching.
For more info on Lisbon experiences, see here.
How Lisbon Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – Lisbon’s port is hemmed in along the Tagus River lining the historic center. The city also offers beautiful beaches just minutes away. You’ll find lively beach cafes, water activities, and charming villages like famous Cascais which is just a 25 minute train ride along the coast.
For info about choosing a home base like Lisbon or Cascais, see here.
Interesting food choices – Strolling through Lisbon, you pass a seemingly endless amount of restaurants, particularly on the main pedestrian walkways. Every morning, restaurants set up their tables and chairs on the downtown pedestrianized streets and advertise their ‘fresh catch’ of the day. You’ll find the same ‘set-up’ on the stairs that bypass the steepest streets and from there you can enjoy great views of the city below and the port. No matter where the restaurants are, both seafood and meat dishes are gobbled up by tourists and locals alike. (Not a fish afficionada, I enjoyed meat dishes that the Portuguese are also known for and each meal was delicious.)
Affordable Accommodations – Particularly in the off-season and shoulder seasons, you can usually find affordable lodging. The city’s hillside neighborhoods are great for renting an apartment for weeks or months (sometimes for days). I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in a hillside Lisbon neighborhood Principe Royal.
For more info about Lisbon neighborhoods, see here.
Social opportunities – To meet locals and expats, you can join an expat organization (Internations.org) to meet for happy hour, brunch, events, etc. The city vibe is very friendly so it’s easy to chat with locals and other travelers (I find that outdoor cafes are always a great venue for meeting people).
Getting around – It’s easy (and very scenic) to navigate Lisbon and its hills, particularly in Alfama, the oldest district. You can get anywhere in the city either by metro, bus, tram or taxi (Unlike some cities, Lisbon provides numerous taxi stands strategically available in key tourist areas.) For day trips outside the city, bus or train works well.
Why Barcelona for Solo Female Travel in Europe
As Spain’s vibrant second city, Barcelona welcomes a slew of solo female travelers, digital nomads, and tourists from across the globe. The bustling city has risen in popularity to become one of the most, if not the most, attractive destinations in Europe thanks it’s popular beaches and the ability to have something for everyone to see and experience.
For more info on Barcelona, see here.
Because Barcelona is so spirited, I gleefully lived there as a solo female traveler for three months, never lacking for things to see & do. Some of my favorite activities were exploring the maze of winding cobblestone streets in the walled old town, enjoying day trip adventures along the Mediterranean coast, and participating in the city’s café culture serving up tapas and wine specialties night and day.
For things to see and do in Barcelona, see here.
Indeed, Barcelona can feel like two cities – one rooted in ancient history, witnessed by Roman ruin remnants spotted throughout the old historic areas, while the other part reflects modern-day bustling vitality, stunning artwork like that of Salvador Dali and Picasso, and unbelievable architectural masterpieces like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.
Bottom line, in Barcelona you can have it all. With an almost overwhelming treasure trove of choices – impressive iconic historic sites, national landmarks, a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline with miles of beaches and cafés, and out of this world architecture.
How Barcelona Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – I could see the Mediterranean from my apartment balcony, just about 600 feet from the pedestrian area lining the coast. Basically, I had everything I needed without heading into town – grocery stores, tapas bars, outdoor cafes, and a boardwalk filled with miles of outdoor activities on the beach, senior locals playing cards, and upscale restaurants.
Interesting food choices – Seafood was the champion of all meals for most folks – fresh catch, sea to table. As I’m not a fish fan (with some exceptions like paella), I chose mostly to indulge in tempting tapas (appetizers).
For info on where to eat like a local in Barcelona, see here.
Affordable Accommodations – My apartment could not have been more perfect thanks to the sea-view location and spectacular seaside surroundings. Living in Barceloneta (Barcelona’s beach area along the Mediterranean) for three months, I had a balcony view of the azure sea and bustling coastal promenade. Everything I needed was within a 5 to 10 minute walk.
For info on Barcelona neighborhoods, see here.
Social opportunities –Like most major European cities, Barcelona has an Internations.org chapter. I always join in advance of a trip abroad and end up enjoying various outings with the group of locals and expats.
Getting around – With good metro and bus service, it’s easy to get around the city. For day trips outside Barcelona, the train is a good choice.
Why Aix-en-Provence for Solo Female Travel in Europe
To explore Provence’s castle villages, perched atop hilltops dotted with tall cypress trees, charming Aix-en-Provence is the best place to be. Surrounded by flowing lavender fields and a myriad of poppies and sunflowers, it’s the perfect home base for solo female travel throughout Provence.
Aix-en-Provence, known as the city of a thousand fountains, is petite and picturesque with rows of outdoor cafes and shops lining the cobblestone streets. Due to it’s small size and cafes overflowing with happy customers and great weather, it’s easy to engage in chit-chat any time of the day.
The endearing town beautifully represents the essence of the region’s quaint villages and is considered the ‘heart’ of Provence. Surrounded by hilltop-perched castles, outdoor markets, and rolling countryside, the region was the subject of many famous artist works – especially Aix-en-Provence’s native son, post-impressionist Paul Cezanne.
For places to visit in Provence, see here.
Throughout the region, you can visit traditional food markets brimming with provincial delicacies and artisan handicraft like lavendar candles. It’s easy to quickly adopt the laid back lifestyle of Provence – the land of stunning picture-perfect beauty and generous sunshine.
Few places in the world that I’ve traveled so far, come close to the experiences found in dreamy Provence. When there, drenched in its haunting beauty, it felt like a romantic spell had been cast over the surreal sun-blessed region.
For more Aix-en-Provence info, see here.
How Aix-en-Provence Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – Aix-en-Provence is nestled on a plain overlooking the scenic Arc river which runs through Aix-en-Provence. For Riviera beaches, Marseilles is less than a half hour jaunt from Aix-en-Provence.
Interesting food choices – There are many outdoor food markets bursting with a rainbow of colors in Aix-en-Provence and particularly in the countryside where they offer not only typical provincial food but also lavender products, exotic vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
Affordable Accommodations – Aix-en-Provence is a small picture-postcard village with charming narrow shopping streets in the historic center. You can find hotels and apartments that are just steps away from the heart of the city, the beautiful Cours Marabeau, Aix’s wide boulevard flanked by rows of Provence’s plane trees.
Social opportunities – With plentiful outdoor cafes, the towns small size, and happy people for the most part, it’s easy to have a chat with fellow travelers and locals. Internations.org, an expat community has a chapter here and organizes outings to restaurants and entertainment.
Getting around – For traveling the area you can rent a car, take a train or a bus. There are also plentiful private tour guides that offer small group excursions by van.
Why Marbella for Solo Female Travel in Europe
Tucked in on Spain’s southern Costa del Sol, the country’s Mediterranean paradise, Marbella shines as an upscale beach resort with village charm and jet-setter appeal. Thanks to its central coastal location, the pretty town is a perfect home base for solo female travelers looking to day trip along the Costa del Sol.
Marbella is a laid back Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) seaside resort town with colorful café-lined sanded beaches and cobblestone streets adorned with restaurants and tapas bars. Surprisingly, you’ll also find Salvador Dali outdoor sculptures in town.
For more info on the Costa del Sol, see here.
With at least 320 days of pure sunshine each year, Spain’s Costa del Sol definitely deserves its claim to fame, particularly towns like Marbella where you can home base and venture out along the Mediterranean coast on spectacular day trips. For example, Puerto Banus, a famous high-end tropical resort destination, is just 20 minutes away.
Much of the social activity in Marbella centers around the lively cafes which are lined up along the coast. From there, you have a front row seat to the drop-dead gorgeous beach just steps away.
There’s also off-beach, hinterland discovery opportunities in the nearby Sierra Blanca Mountains. With hilltop-perched Moorish white-washed towns (pueblos blancos) and other Andalusian mountain towns nearby, it’s fun to day trip beyond the beaches.
How Marbella Fits my Travel Lifestyle
Near water – Marbella is hands down one of the most charming coastal resorts in Spain with the Mediterranean at its doorstep. My favorite view is from one of the many tapas bars facing the sea from where you can do some serious people-watching.
Interesting food choices – Sitting right by the sea, you can enjoy sea to table delicacies. Whether tapas or ‘fresh catch’ at a restaurant, the food is diverse and delicious.
Central lodging – You can choose to stay in town and have a short walk to the beach. If you prefer more of a villa-style lodging, you may rely somewhat on taxi’s or you may want to rent a car.
Social opportunities – As a resort beach town, there always seems to be a happy hour vibe. With happy people enjoying the sun-saturated beach, shopping at Puerto Banus, eating delicious food choices, it’s a very friendly place to be.
Getting around – In town, you’re usually close enough to the beach to walk. For seeing the rest of the Costa del Sol and taking day trips, you may want to rent a car to tour the area.
Related Articles for Traveling Solo:
What the Live Like a Local Travel Lifestyle Means
Where to Solo Travel Like a Local
How to Travel as a Solo Digital Nomad in Lisbon
