Top 10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

By Taeko Fukuda

A Japanese perspective on the world's safest cities for women traveling alone in 2025

Solo female travel safety guide for Tokyo, Japan - Street view of popular tourist area

1 ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Tokyo, Japan

Safety Score 9.7/10
Cost of Living

71.4% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.8/10

Safety Features

  • Reliable lost-and-found systems (95% return rate)
  • Koban (police boxes) every few stations
  • Women-only train cars (ๅฅณๆ€งๅฐ‚็”จ่ปŠไธก)
  • Cultural respect for personal space
  • Safe solo dining culture

Living in Tokyo, Japan

Living in Tokyo has set my safety standards incredibly high. Our capital city's legendary safety is built on a foundation of cultural respect and modern technology. Police boxes (koban) are located at nearly every major intersection, and the extensive camera network provides constant surveillance of public spaces. The transportation system is a model of efficiency and safety, with women-only cars during peak hours and emergency call buttons in all stations. Well-lit streets and residential areas create safe environments even late at night, while the prevalence of convenience stores provides safe havens 24/7.
Solo female travel safety guide for Singapore - Street view of popular tourist area

2 ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore

Safety Score 9.6/10
Cost of Living

67.8% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.5/10

Safety Features

  • Stringent law enforcement
  • Immaculate public spaces
  • Advanced public transportation
  • Clear signage in multiple languages
  • Safe street food culture like Japan

Living in Singapore

The similarities to Japanese safety standards are striking here. The city-state's comprehensive security measures include extensive CCTV coverage and rapid police response times. For solo female travelers, this creates an environment where late-night walks are commonplace and safe. The public transportation system is world-class, with well-lit stations and frequent service even during late hours. The street food scene, centered around regulated hawker centers, offers safe and authentic dining experiences for solo travelers.
Solo female travel safety guide for Copenhagen, Denmark - Street view of popular tourist area

3 ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Copenhagen, Denmark

Safety Score 9.5/10
Cost of Living

65.2% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.4/10

Safety Features

  • Organized bicycle culture
  • Well-maintained public spaces
  • Reliable emergency response systems
  • Cultural emphasis on community safety
  • Strong gender equality

Living in Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital's security measures rival Japanese standards. The extensive bicycle infrastructure and well-lit pathways allow for safe navigation at any hour. The culture of gender equality is evident in every aspect of daily life, from workplace dynamics to social interactions. The public transportation system runs 24/7 in central areas, with security personnel and emergency phones readily available. The city's compact nature means most amenities are within walking distance, enhanced by excellent street lighting and active neighborhood communities.
Solo female travel safety guide for Reykjavik, Iceland - Street view of popular tourist area

4 ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ Reykjavik, Iceland

Safety Score 9.8/10
Cost of Living

75.1% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.3/10

Safety Features

  • Almost zero violent crime
  • Strong gender equality
  • 24/7 convenience similar to Japanese konbini culture
  • Well-organized tourist infrastructure
  • Excellent emergency response

Living in Reykjavik, Iceland

As someone from a country with minimal crime rates, Iceland's statistics impressed me. The city's small population and strong community bonds create natural security through social connection and mutual trust. The healthcare system is excellent and easily accessible, with most medical professionals speaking English. Despite dark winter months, the city maintains well-lit streets and paths, while the midnight sun in summer creates naturally safe conditions for extended hours.
Solo female travel safety guide for Vancouver, Canada - Street view of popular tourist area

5 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vancouver, Canada

Safety Score 9.0/10
Cost of Living

63.9% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.2/10

Safety Features

  • Clean, organized public spaces
  • Efficient public transportation
  • Strong Asian community presence
  • Cultural respect for personal boundaries
  • Safe neighborhood design

Living in Vancouver, Canada

The city's efficient public transportation system, well-maintained streets, and active community policing create a secure environment for solo female residents. The strong Asian influence makes it particularly comfortable for those used to Eastern safety standards. The city's layout promotes safety through mixed-use developments and active street life, while extensive CCTV coverage adds an extra layer of security. The presence of large Asian communities means many neighborhoods have a familiar feel, with late-night food options and convenience stores similar to those in Japan.
Solo female travel safety guide for Melbourne, Australia - Street view of popular tourist area

6 ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Melbourne, Australia

Safety Score 9.1/10
Cost of Living

61.7% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.0/10

Safety Features

  • Orderly public transportation
  • Clear street signage like Japan
  • Safe late-night dining options
  • Respectful local culture
  • Active women's support networks

Living in Melbourne, Australia

As a Japanese traveler, I appreciate Melbourne's systematic approach to urban safety. The public transport system is reliable and safe, while well-lit streets and active community spaces create secure environments for solo travelers. The city's diverse neighborhoods each maintain high safety standards, with local police presence and community watch programs. The culture of respect for personal space and safety mirrors many aspects of Japanese society, making it comfortable for solo female travelers.
Solo female travel safety guide for Amsterdam, Netherlands - Street view of popular tourist area

7 ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Safety Score 9.2/10
Cost of Living

64.5% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.1/10

Safety Features

  • Systematic bike lanes reminiscent of Japanese order
  • Well-maintained public spaces
  • Reliable public transportation
  • Safe solo exploration opportunities
  • Strong emergency response system

Living in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Coming from Japan, I admire Amsterdam's methodical approach to urban safety. The comprehensive bicycle infrastructure and well-lit canal paths create safe transit options at all hours. The city's compact nature and active street life contribute to natural surveillance and security. The public transportation system is efficient and safe, with regular security patrols and emergency contact points throughout the network. The Dutch approach to social safety, while different from Japan's, creates equally secure environments for solo female travelers.
Solo female travel safety guide for Wellington, New Zealand - Street view of popular tourist area

8 ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Wellington, New Zealand

Safety Score 9.0/10
Cost of Living

58.9% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.0/10

Safety Features

  • Low crime rates comparable to Japan
  • Helpful local police presence
  • Clear emergency procedures
  • Strong community engagement
  • Safe public spaces

Living in Wellington, New Zealand

From my Japanese safety standards, Wellington impresses with its combination of urban security and natural beauty. The compact city center means most areas are well-trafficked and secure, while the strong community spirit creates natural surveillance. The city's emergency response system is highly efficient, with police and medical services quickly accessible. The progressive attitude towards women's rights and safety is reflected in its policies and social norms.
Solo female travel safety guide for Taipei, Taiwan - Street view of popular tourist area

9 ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taipei, Taiwan

Safety Score 9.3/10
Cost of Living

44.2% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.0/10

Safety Features

  • Night market safety similar to Japanese festivals
  • Efficient metro system
  • Helpful locals like in Japan
  • Clean public spaces
  • 24/7 convenience store culture

Living in Taipei, Taiwan

Night market safety is reminiscent of Japanese festivals, offering secure environments for solo exploration and dining. The metro system mirrors Japanese efficiency and cleanliness, with similar attention to passenger safety and comfort. The prevalence of convenience stores and well-lit streets creates a familiar sense of security for those accustomed to Japanese safety standards. The local culture of helpfulness and respect makes it particularly comfortable for solo female travelers.
Solo female travel safety guide for Vienna, Austria - Street view of popular tourist area

10 ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Vienna, Austria

Safety Score 9.4/10
Cost of Living

60.3% of NYC, US

Healthcare

9.3/10

Safety Features

  • Excellent public transportation system
  • Comprehensive security infrastructure
  • Safe cultural venues and cafes
  • Well-lit historic districts
  • Strong women's rights policies

Living in Vienna, Austria

Vienna's approach to urban safety reminds me of Tokyo's meticulous attention to detail. The city's public transportation system is notable for its safety and efficiency, with well-lit stations and frequent service even late at night. Emergency help points are strategically placed throughout the city, similar to our koban system. The city's cafe culture provides safe spaces for solo women to enjoy public life, while the prevalence of cultural activities offers many secure entertainment options. The combination of historical elegance and modern security measures creates an environment where women can confidently explore at any hour.

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