Solo traveling was the most liberating and memorable experience of my stint living in Europe. Interacting directly with different cultures without the familiarity of fellow American friends or the comfort of speaking the same language bolstered my confidence and broadened my global perspective. I credit these experiences with my success in securing international work opportunities with organizations involved in Paris Fashion Week, as well as my global network of professional contacts.
During my time living in the United Kingdom, I had the privilege of exploring 14 gorgeous and diverse countries across Europe and Africa. Each location offered something unique, and I gained firsthand experience with different cultural customs and expectations. If you ever have the opportunity to travel, I highly encourage you to take it and approach it with an open mind. Traveling can lead to unforgettable experiences and connect you with people who permanently alter your outlook on life. With that in mind, this guide highlights the destinations I would recommend to women new to solo travel, focusing on the cities that felt the safest, most special and most accommodating to me as a young woman.Â
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was my introduction to solo travel and remains one of my favorite cities. The locals were incredibly friendly, the Scandinavian reputation for safety felt authentic and the architecture and natural scenery were breathtaking. With no shortage of activities suited to solo travelers, Stockholm was the perfect place to begin.
A core reason I recommend Stockholm is the sense of security I felt throughout my stay. As a 19-year-old woman, feeling comfortable walking alone can be rare. I visited in late December, when the sun set in the afternoon. Despite this, I felt safe taking public transportation to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic center, and was comfortable going for walks after dark.
The locals were incredibly friendly, ranking among the kindest people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. At one restaurant, the chef noticed I was dining alone and offered to prepare an off-menu meal and cocktail that he thought I might enjoy more than my original order. He served me an authentic rendition of Swedish meatballs made with reindeer and topped with lingonberries, accompanied by an orange and lingonberry spritz in place of a traditional Aperol spritz. The meal was absolutely exceptional, and Sweden’s reputation as a foodie’s paradise extends beyond its restaurants through its cultural practice of fika. Fika is a Swedish tradition of taking a break to enjoy a coffee and a pastry, often kanelbullar, which are similar to American cinnamon rolls. This typically occurs around 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., lasting a comfortable 30 minutes and contributing to a tangible sense of presence. This appreciation for life’s simple pleasures feels fitting for a country ranked fifth happiest in the world by the Happier Lives Institute.Â
Sweden has a rich cultural history that appeals to nature, music and history lovers. Stockholm is home to the iconic ABBA Museum, a multi-story interactive experience detailing the members’ childhoods, the group’s formation and the height of its success. For those more interested in animals, the Skansen open-air museum and zoo is across the road, featuring reindeer, bison, voles and more. Situated inside an expansive park, Skansen is the perfect place for a scenic walk overlooking the water. Finally, for anyone interested in Sweden’s naval history, the Vasa Museum houses an authentic 17th-century warship salvaged from the sea, in addition to four floors of exhibits exploring the nation’s maritime history. If you prefer a slower day, head to Stockholm’s Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guard, a ceremony that offers a glimpse into Sweden’s modern monarchy and is completely free to attend.Â
Vienna, AustriaÂ
Vienna, Austria, is the ultimate destination for women who adore museums, with its dedicated MuseumsQuartier. The city is a cultural hub perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of science, the arts and natural history. The architecture reflects a striking blend of Gothic and Baroque influences. For solo travelers, Vienna offers many viable opportunities to tailor your itinerary to a party of one. According to the World Population Review, Austria is also among the safest countries in the world; I felt comfortable walking along lamplit streets at night and utilizing public transportation on my own. Additionally, walking around the gorgeous, tourist-dense old town did not prompt concern about pickpocketing and the locals were incredibly accommodating despite my limited knowledge of the German language.
For science connoisseurs, Vienna’s Natural History Museum is a must-see. It offers discounted admission for students and covers topics including paleontology, geology, evolution, astronomy and more. If art is more your style, Vienna’s modern art museums host rotating exhibitions featuring works from a variety of artists. During my trip, I explored an exhibition featuring Marina Abramović, a Serbian performance artist known for pushing the ethical boundaries of creativity by subjecting her body to physical extremes in the name of art and exploring the human condition. The Hofburg Palace is home to a wondrous butterfly house that stays open year-round. With its lush displays of flora and fauna, it offers a welcome escape from the cold if you visit during the harsh winter months. Finally, for “Beauty and the Beast” fans, the Admont Abbey Library, located a few hours outside Vienna, feels straight out of a fantasy. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are bracketed by jaw-dropping Baroque ceiling frescoes and intricate wooden sculptures, creating a space that feels almost too magical to be real.
No trip to Vienna is complete without trying Sachertorte, a rich chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam and finished with a chocolate glaze. For another indulgent treat, try affogato, a decadent scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso. While affogato is traditionally an Italian dessert, there is a distinct Viennese rendition that serves the dish closer to a drink, often adding custard and creating a creamier texture that distinguishes it from its Italian counterpart. I was particularly fond of the Sachertorte from the luxurious Café Demel, located in the heart of the city. Be prepared for a line, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Venice, ItalyÂ
Italy became one of my most explored countries during my time in Europe. I visited six different cities and towns, but Venice was by far my favorite, with its extraordinary canals and rich displays of Italian heritage through its restaurants, cultural sites and cathedrals. While the locals were very sweet, it’s worth noting that Venice largely caters to tourists. If you’re seeking an experience more deeply rooted in authentic Italian traditions rather than tourist attractions, I recommend Rome or one of the picturesque towns within Cinque Terre.Â
Venice’s walkability was another key reason it made my list. Navigating the streets on foot was easy, and even a wrong turn often led to something new and impressive to see. The waterfronts offered plenty of opportunities for a quick photo op, and the water was a remarkable hue of blue. Cars aren’t permitted in Venice’s historic center, but water transportation provided another convenient way to get around. With private gondola rides costing around $100 or more, the public water buses, known as vaporetti, offer a more accessible way to experience the canals for a fraction of the cost.Â
Venice lives up to its culinary reputation. I enjoyed a variety of wonderful seafood pasta dishes and finished my meals with bites of fresh cannoli and tiramisu. Many restaurants overlook the water, and I found it surprisingly easy to secure a reservation near the famed Rialto Bridge. Despite traveling alone, Venice was where I made the most connections with other people. I made new friends nearly every night at dinner simply by striking up a conversation about the food or drinks. While Venice is undeniably tourist-heavy, it’s a wonderful place for women traveling solo to meet people and enjoy a little company along the way.
Solo travel has brought me some of the best experiences of my life. It has introduced me to new foods, languages and people who have taught me new ways of looking at and interacting with the world around me. Stepping beyond my Western upbringing has shaped me into a more inquisitive, ambitious and spontaneous person, opening doors to career and educational opportunities I might never have pursued otherwise. Traveling alone, especially as a woman, has also strengthened my confidence and resilience in times of uncertainty. If I can figure out how to navigate a foreign country with an unfamiliar language, customs and cultural expectations, I can face daily challenges with ease.Â
I will always celebrate the positives of solo travel and encourage others to experience it for themselves. There is so much hidden beauty waiting to be discovered. Stockholm, Vienna and Venice are phenomenal starting points for women venturing into solo travel, thanks to their relative safety, cleanliness, accessible public transportation and welcoming attitudes towards international visitors. Happy exploring!Â