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Solo Female travellers in Europe: Guide

ByFlying Pig Beach

Solo female travellers can be both exciting and challenging, pushing you beyond your comfort zone in ways you never expected. Figuring out public transport in a foreign language, handling everything on your own, and facing unexpected situations all help you become more confident and independent along the way.

Europe, with its well-connected transport, welcoming hostels, and diverse cultures, is an incredible place to start. If you’re considering taking the leap into solo travel, this guide will help you plan your trip, stay safe, find the best female-friendly hostels, and make unforgettable connections along the way.

Choosing safe and exciting destination

Choosing a safe and exciting destination requires careful planning and research. While a destination might be considered safe, safety can be subjective – what feels safe to one person might not be safe for another. You can check out solo travelling female Facebook groups or Reddit posts where travellers share their experiences, tips and also recommendations on what to visit.

For a more detailed look at women’s safety around the world, check the WPS Index. According to the WPS Index 2023/2024, the top 10 European countries for women’s safety, security, and inclusion are led by Denmark, followed by Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, which all share the same high score. Close behind are Norway, Austria, Netherlands and Belgium.

Finding the right hostel

Finding the right hostel is an important part of ensuring a safe and comfortable solo trip. Women-only hostels in Europe provide a great option for solo female travellers, offering peace of mind with extra security, no snoring men, and amenities like hairdryers and full-length mirrors. These hostels often cater to specific needs of women, helping you feel at home during your stay.

Some women-only hostels across Europe include:

  • Hostelle – Amsterdam (Netherlands), London (UK), Barcelona (Spain),
  • Only for Women Hostel – Madrid (Spain),
  • PLUS Prague – Prague (Czech Republic),
  • Orsa Maggiore – Rome (Italy),
  • Papaya Female Hostel – Rome (Italy),
  • Oasis Female Backpacker Hostel – London (UK),
  • Allgirlz – Edinburgh (Scotland),
  • Anadin Female Hostel – Budapest (Hungary),
  • Home St. Pierre – Geneva (Switzerland).

Most hostels offer female-only dorms, so if you are uncomfortable in mixed rooms, you can choose one of these or option for a private room. At The Flying Pig Beach Hostel, we do our best to ensure you feel safe and secure. We offer female-only dorm room with shared bathrooms or private rooms with private bathroom. Plus, we also have a secret code, if someone is bothering you, just ask for Angela at the reception.

Make sure to read reviews of your accommodation, focusing on its location – avoid sketchy neighbourhoods and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s a good idea to share your hotel address with friends or family.

Safety gadgets for solo female travellers

While it’s not mandatory to carry all of these items, having a few special gadgets can help you feel safer while traveling solo. Personal safety alarms, a whistle, and a scream alarm (which mimics a high-pitched scream) are simple tools that can help you get attention in an emergency. A portable phone charger ensures you stay connected, and offline maps can help you navigate without relying on data. For extra security, consider carrying a doorstop alarm, portable door lock, and a padlock to keep your belongings safe. A drink cover can help prevent tampering, and if you’re concerned about unwanted attention, wearing a wedding ring might help, as some people may respect the idea of an “imaginary” partner. Gadgets like a Swiss Army knife or kitty keychain are practical for certain situations, but always check local laws before carrying them. These items are not essential, but they may offer some peace of mind and make you feel more prepared during your journey. Ultimately, your awareness and confidence are your best assets.

How to socialise and make friends at hostels?

Maybe everyone is wondering the same thing. Take the lead and initiate the conversation. Challenge yourself to talk to at least one person before you leave. Sit with people that are sitting alone, see if they seem interested and if not, go talk to someone else. The people you see today will be gone in a few days, so there’s no pressure. Take cards with you or ask if someone wants to play board games (we have a whole cupboard with them). If you see a group chatting, don’t assume they all know each other. Most likely, they all just met and become friends. Choose a hostel with a common room or kitchen (like The Flying Pig Hostel), where spontaneous conversations happen naturally. Sing up for activities like walking tours or hostel events. The Hostelworld app even lets you chat with people staying in the same hostel. Give compliments or you can ask questions like what brings you here, where are you from, you can ask for tips in the area, where are you headed next, where were you before. The conversations may feel repetitive, but they are excellent ice breakers.

Stay safe and have fun

Any type of travel can be risky, especially for solo female travellers. Avoid dangerous areas, but don’t let fear hold you back. Stay aware but stay safe, and don’t forget to have fun! Every trip comes with some risks, but don’t let fear stop you. Avoid dangerous areas, trust your instincts, and stay aware of your surroundings—but also embrace the adventure. Solo travel, particularly for solo female travellers, gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms, push your limits, and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy every moment, meet new people, and make the most of your journey!

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