Travel
These Are The Best Cities For Women Travelling Solo In 2026
There was a time when solo travel felt niche. Today, it is a movement. And in 2026, women are leading it.
A new global index has revealed the best cities for women travelling solo, ranking destinations based on safety, connectivity and overall convenience. The findings confirm what many travellers already know. Women are not waiting for the perfect travel companion. They are booking the ticket themselves.
According to the research, a striking 84 percent of solo travellers are women. In the United States alone, around 65 percent of women have taken a holiday without their partner. The numbers point to a cultural shift toward independence, personal growth and meaningful travel experiences.
What Women Are Looking For In 2026
The study analysed 50 international cities and scored them based on crime perception and safety ratings, broadband speeds, solo travel search trends and the efficiency of public transport systems.
The message is clear. Women travelling alone are prioritising places where they feel safe, can move around easily and stay connected.
Fast WiFi is no longer a luxury. Reliable public transport is non negotiable. Low crime rates matter more than ever.
The Top 20 Best Cities For Solo Travel In 2026
Here are the cities that made the cut:
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Singapore – 93
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New York City – 90.2
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Dubai – 89.2
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Tokyo – 82.5
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Seoul – 80.8
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Paris – 79.2
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Amsterdam – 78.9
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Abu Dhabi – 74.1
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London – 74.0
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Bangkok – 72.5
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Toronto – 70.3
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Budapest – 66.4
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Vancouver – 65.6
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Sydney – 64.1
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Prague – 62.9
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Madrid – 61.6
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Vienna – 61.5
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Barcelona – 61.3
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Nice – 60.9
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Ho Chi Minh City – 58
Why Singapore Took The Crown
Singapore ranked first overall, earning an impressive score of 93 out of 100. The Southeast Asian city state is widely recognised for its low crime levels, efficient public transport system and lightning fast broadband speeds.
For solo female travellers, that combination is powerful. You can explore at night without constant anxiety. You can navigate the city with ease. You can work remotely from a café without worrying about connectivity.
It offers structure without sacrificing culture.
Big Cities Still Hold Appeal
New York City claimed second place. Despite its size and pace, it performed strongly thanks to high solo travel search interest, solid transport networks and comparatively strong safety metrics among major global cities.
Dubai secured third place, scoring particularly well in safety and digital infrastructure. The city continues to position itself as a modern, connected hub with strong public transport and strict safety standards.
Asian cities dominate the top five, with Tokyo and Seoul also ranking highly. Europe follows closely behind, with Paris, Amsterdam and London maintaining their status as accessible and culturally rich solo travel favourites.
What This Means For South African Travellers
For South African women planning their next adventure, the rankings offer practical insight. Safety remains a top concern globally, and the destinations leading the index show what modern travellers value most.
Connectivity, reliable public transport and visible security matter. Cities that invest in infrastructure are becoming magnets for independent travellers.
While none of the listed cities are on the African continent, the trend itself speaks volumes. Solo female travel is no longer a bold statement. It is normal. It is growing. And it is shaping the way cities compete for tourism.
In 2026, the world is not just opening up. Women are stepping into it on their own terms.
{Source: The South African}
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