The rise of women traveling solo has transformed how many of us see the world—and ourselves. Whether you’re catching a sunset over the terracotta roofs of Lisbon, experiencing the natural wine scene in Buenos Aires, tackling North Africa‘s three highest peaks, or enjoying the quiet ceremony of Kyoto’s teahouses, the best solo adventures can offer both a newfound sense of confidence and community.
Knowing where to begin as a solo traveler isn’t always easy, though, especially when considering personal comfort levels, factors like transportation and walkability, the experiences to prioritize, finding community, and, of course, how to get there. To help you start planning, we’ve rounded up some of the best solo travel destinations around the world for women. From the bike lanes of Amsterdam to the rooftops of Oaxaca, they are all places where safety, culture, and connection intersect—and all suggested by well-traveled women within our network.
And if you’re looking for a solo travel destination closer to home, head to our tried-and-true list of places to visit across the US afterwards.
Our top picks:
Kyoto, Japan
In Kyoto, centuries-old temples and modern design live side by side in harmony. With a rich culture of solo dining (there’s even a Japanese term for it: ohitorisama), this is a city that celebrates solitude. Experience a dose of it at traditional teahouses like Toka, Fumie Okumura’s intimate six seat counter-style tearoom located in a 100-year-old Kyoto town house. Although there are just a few across the city, you can also seek out woman-owned accommodations such as the elegant Maana Homes. Travelers will find deep respect for privacy and personal space, making solo exploration feel not just accepted but embraced. And with Japan’s reputation for safety and impeccable transit, Kyoto is an ideal gateway into Asia for women exploring on their own.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“It is easy to fall in love with Buenos Aires,” says travel consultant Paige Nichols. It doesn’t matter the barrio, the day of the week, or the time of day—few cities are as vibrant and accessible as this one.” With sidewalk DJ sets, bilingual book clubs, and pop-up dinners, Argentina’s capital pulses with creativity. The city is full of entrepreneurial women driving its cultural revival, making it a great place to plug in solo: Nichols suggests following Mich di Bastiano for her suggested daily agendas with a curated mix of art, music, food, and other events, with a few parties thrown in for good measure. “Locals are friendly and hospitable, eager to bring visitors into the fold with a warm welcome,” says Nichols. Plus, it’s walkable, full of charm, and filled with welcoming wine bars like Pain et Vin, which hosts regular tastings where you can connect with likeminded oenophiles, and social clubs like Las Argies, which hosts art tours around the city.