Solo Female Travel in Western Europe

It took me 28 years to work up to traveling on my own. I chose to visit Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam to kick things off! Solo female travel in Western Europe is a safe and easy option for first timers. I spent a total of 9 days between those 3 cities before heading off to the UK for the rest of my month-long solo trip. It was the absolute best time and I’ll always cherish the memories I made on this adventure, not to mention all the lessons I learned traveling alone.

Should you travel solo in Western Europe?

If you are on the verge of deciding to travel solo, I highly recommend it! Cities in Western Europe are very easy to navigate and are generally safe. If you’re an English speaker and you’ve never traveled before, try and get some experience with a group of friends or family before attempting a solo trip. Or start with a city like London. I even think Brussels and Amsterdam would be easy for those with little to no experience. Solo travel in Paris is definitely possible for novice travelers, but there is more of a language barrier and a higher rate of petty crime.

In this post, I am going to share the highlights and photos from my time in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. This will help you get a feel for what planning a solo trip might look like. Before I get to that I want to touch on the benefits of getting out of your comfort zone and traveling by yourself!

Solo Female Travel Benefits

I was quite nervous leading up to my solo female travel in Western Europe. All my insecurities were racing to the front of my mind as I realized I’d be completely alone and would have no one to rely on. I wondered if I’d be able to make friends or be able to find my way around foreign cities I’d never been to. Before my flight to India the month prior I had had a mini panic attack. I was worried about how I’d feel boarding a flight to Europe with no one meeting me there.

Turns out I had nothing to be nervous about. I felt calm and excited when I boarded my flight and made my way to Paris. There was a confidence within me that I wasn’t expecting (where did it come from?), but it stayed with me the whole trip. I instantly made friends most places I went, and the times I didn’t meet anyone, I savored the solitude.

1-on-1 Time with Yourself

The benefits of solo travel seem endless, but I’d say the main one is getting to know yourself better. I learned that I am capable of handling any situation that comes along–from having to find my way from the train to my hostel without data because it stopped working (couldn’t find wifi either) to almost missing a flight and simultaneously dealing with a shattered phone screen (no time for tears!) to having the courage to be spontaneous and say yes. I learned to trust my instincts, and the confidence I gained has been so beneficial to every other aspect of my life.

You’ll Connect with so Many People

Another thing you’ll learn while traveling solo: you won’t actually be alone that often! It’s so easy to meet people and spend the day together, even for introverts like me. Talking to strangers is slightly out of my comfort zone, but it was pretty easy in hindsight. You’ll most likely being staying in social hostels if you are a solo traveler, and there will be tons of opportunities to meet other solo travelers and start up conversations. I actually had to carve out time to be on my own when I was feeling a bit burnt out from all the socializing.

Joy and Empowerment

All in all, the thing that comes to my mind when I think about my first time traveling solo is the joy I felt when I checked something off my bucket list. There’s nothing like it–the feeling of having a dream come true and knowing you are solely responsible for making it happen.

Solo Female Travel in Western Europe: Paris, France

Oh Paris, I think I will love you forever. The city of romance lives up to its name even if you travel there alone and don’t meet a lover haha. There’s just something in the air, and the beautiful architecture and rich history add to the ambiance. Walking around for just 10 minutes had me instantly considering if I should drop all my future plans, move to Paris, become fashionable, and learn French.

What to do in Paris as a solo female traveler:

• Montmartre Walking Tour: I wanted to get a good feel for this area because I was staying here. A walking tour was the perfect way to orient myself and learn more about the neighborhood. The history of art in Montmartre is fascinating–think Picasso, Hemingway, Moulin Rouge. I wrote a little bit about it here.
• Sacre-Coeur: The hostel had a view of this gorgeous basilica, but definitely walk around the area and check out the view of Paris from the top of the steps.
• The Louvre: I walked around the grounds, but because of time constraints, I didn’t buy a ticket and explore inside. This world-famous museum houses the Mona Lisa, so it’s on most travelers’ bucket lists. Be prepared for long lines.
• Musee d’Orsay: This was the one museum I did visit while in Paris. The interior is unique because it’s a converted railway station, and the famous art includes pieces from Monet and Van Gogh.
• Eiffel Tower: No visit to Paris is complete without admiring the Eiffel Tower. I walked around and took photos one day, another day I came back and drank wine at an outdoor cafe nearby, and yet another day I watched its sparkling lights under the Paris stars. Every evening from sundown to 1 a.m. there is a light show at the start of the hour which you shouldn’t miss. I was there during winter, otherwise I would have picnicked under the tower with a baguette and wine. I decided against climbing to the top because I was on a budget and you can’t see the Eiffel Tower if you’re in it! LOL. There are so many incredible places to photograph the Eiffel Tower, so do some research and definitely make it a point to catch the light show at night at least once.
• Arc de Triomph: This massive monument is worth checking out, although I opted against paying to go inside and learn more. It’s located near Champs-Elysees so you can head there before or after.
• Champs-Elysees: This street is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. I strolled along, took in the sights, and stopped in for macarons at Laduree.
• Moulin Rouge: Seeing a show here was a bucket list dream come true and did not disappoint. The costumes were beyond incredible, and the dancing and acrobatics were amazing. It just doesn’t get better than a night in Paris at the Moulin Rouge with endless champagne! Book in advance to guarantee the lowest possible price, but know that this comes with a hefty price tag regardless. I thought it was totally worth the cost.
• Walk along the Seine: Self-explanatory and super dreamy.
• Eat all of the carbs: Macarons, croissants, baguettes, chocolate, crepes–on rotation all day every day.
• Notre Dame: As a result of the fire in early 2019, Notre Dame is closed for renovations and repairs. I still decided to walk by and see it though.
• I was planning a day trip to Versailles that I didn’t get a chance to do because I was in Paris during a transport strike. There wasn’t an easy way to get there, but if you have the time it looks beautiful to explore for half a day or so!
• Practice your French: French people have the reputation of being snobby and rude, but I never experienced that whilst in Paris. I have zero French skills, but I tried to learn a couple of basics. I always made the effort of saying Bonjour to shopkeepers any time I entered a store or restaurant (as well as lots of Merci’s and smiles).

Paris Hostel Recommendation

Le Village Montmartre was wonderful for my 4 night stay. I booked a 4-bed female dorm and met the loveliest fellow solo female travelers. We explored Paris together by day and night. The room was super comfortable and had a nice ensuite bathroom. It had the most amazing view of Sacre-Coeur from the window and was within walking distance of all of Montmartre’s highlights. They didn’t have any social events while I was there, but I found meeting people to be easy because of the dorms. I paid a total of $197 USD for my stay in early January.

Paris Photo Diary

Solo Female Travel in Western Europe: Brussels, Belgium

I used Flixbus frequently during this trip to get from place to place cheaply. The bus from Paris to Brussels can take anywhere from 3-6 hours, and the average cost is $22. I didn’t have many plans for Brussels (it was more of a stopover on the way to Amsterdam), but I knew I wanted to eat lots of Belgian chocolate and drink lots of Belgian beer.

What to do in Brussels as a solo female traveler:

• Admire the Grand Place: This is the spot for photos in Brussels, so walk around and take in the architecture.
• Manneken Pis: This statue of a peeing boy is iconic, but I’d be lying if I said I understood why. LOL. It’s not a far walk from Grand Place, though, so might as well check out the hype for yourself.
• Take in the street art: Brussels is full of street art, and I wish I joined a tour to see and learn more.
• Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: This beautiful shopping arcade in the center of Brussels is perfect for those wishing to buy chocolates and more.
• Eat chocolate: I bought a bunch from a few shops in Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and ate them as I walked around the city. Belgian chocolate is heavenly!
• Drink beer: But be warned…Belgian craft beer is waaaaaay strong. I stopped into a place called Scott’s and ordered a flight. Delicious!
• Eat Belgian frites and Belgian waffles: Self-explanatory and must be done 🙂

Brussels Hostel Recommendation

I stayed at Sleep Well Youth Hostel for 2 nights in a 3-bed female dorm with ensuite. It set me back $73 USD. The location was ideal, but the hostel definitely had more of a sterile, hotel feel (which was totally fine after a social few days in Paris). I didn’t spend time with any other travelers whilst in Brussels, but I actually really loved my solo time. I sampled beers and chatted to bartenders, I read a great book over coffee at a cute cafe, I wandered around eating chocolate and frites and waffles. It was nice to “recharge” and spend time alone for 2 nights.

Brussels Photo Diary

Solo Female Travel in Western Europe: Amsterdam, Netherlands

After another short bus ride, I arrived in Amsterdam, a great place for solo female travel in Western Europe. Even in January, the city was gorgeous and I could tell it would be a fun time. Spoiler alert: I was right! Amsterdam is awesome because there’s a lot of sight seeing and cultural stuff to do as well as unique nightlife for those who want to party. In other words, there’s balance. Some nights you stay up partying til 5 a.m. and sleep most of the next day. Other nights you go to bed early and spend the next day learning about Anne Frank and Van Gogh. You can get by without knowing any Dutch and relying only on English, so it’s a perfect city for “beginners.”

What to do in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler:

• Canal cruise: Amsterdam is known for its canals, so hop on a boat and see the city from the water. If you go during January like I did, you can check out the Festival of Lights. There were a ton of cool art installations lining the canals which made the cruise more exciting.
• Explore the Red Light District: I won’t tell you what to do or not do here, but it’s worth at least walking through! If you’re adventurous enough, check out a sex show at Casa Rosso.
• Eat a stroopwafel (or two): I personally loved Melly’s StroopWafels and Van Wonderen StroopWafels.
• Visit the Anne Frank House: Wow this was a surreal experience and something I would not miss while in Amsterdam. It was so powerful to be in the exact rooms she lived in and wrote her diary in. I obviously read her diary growing up in school, but after reading the snippets presented at the museum I realized I need to reread it as an adult. She was so thoughtful and smart despite being so young and being trapped in hiding.
• Van Gogh Museum: I really enjoyed spending a few hours here seeing all his paintings and the progression of his art.
• PARTY: You all know what Amsterdam is known for… visit a cafe with some friends and have a good time!

Amsterdam Hostel Recommendation

I stayed at the Flying Pig Downtown which I highly recommend for solo female travel in Western Europe. Four nights there cost me $113 USD for a bed in a 32 person coed dorm. I was worried about staying in a mixed dorm with so many people, but this hostel has its stuff together. It was organized and run very well, so I never even noticed being in a room with so many people. The bathroom situation was also very efficient. The location was great–I was able to walk literally everywhere.

This hostel makes the list of top 3 I’ve ever stayed in–it was so much fun. They organize a social event every night (karaoke was hilarious) and the common areas are perfect for meeting people (there’s a bar with drink specials and a smoking room).

Amsterdam Photo Diary

Solo Female Travel in Western Europe: My Tips

Embarking upon a solo adventure can be overwhelming. However, I want to assure you it’s totally doable and requires only a few more precautions than traveling with others does. The following advice is taken from my experiences in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam but can be applied to any solo trip.

• Unlocked phone and SIM card: While it’s usually possible to travel in a foreign country by only relying on wifi and offline maps, I spent a little extra money to buy data for each place I visited. It was just another layer of security that my phone would always be working should I need it. I bought a 30-day plan with Three UK which worked in all the countries I went to. So I never needed to switch different SIMS in and out.
• Tell people where you will be: I gave my mom a list of my hostel details and prospective itinerary before I left. You can also register with your embassy online so that they know roughly where you are in case something happens.
• Purchase travel insurance: I usually use Allianz or World Nomads. Do some research to see which company is best for you and your trip (and how much expensive gear you’re bringing). Having this peace of mind is more than worth the cost. You don’t want to be stressed about getting in an accident or something getting stolen while you are alone abroad.
• Keep money and passports secure but separate: I traveled with a travel credit card, a travel debit card, a back up debit card, and cash (which is probably a bit overkill). I would keep my credit card and small amounts of cash in my purse when I went out exploring. The other cards and stashes of cash would stay behind, locked up at the hostel. (BRING LOCKS.) I would separate them into different bags, though. Should one bag get stolen, at least I had reserves in another spot. This went for my passport and copy of my passport as well. I would keep those separated in different bags. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your passport in case you lose your actual passport!
• Be vigilant especially in crowds: This goes for Paris especially which is notorious for pickpocketing. I never had anything stolen from me in Europe, but I stayed very aware of my surroundings while in public. My money, phone, and valuables were always zipped up in my crossbody purse. I never got lazy and put anything into big coat pockets where they’re easy to snatch in a crowd. If you stay vigilant, there’s very little chance you will be robbed.
• Be confident and blend in: AKA don’t put a target on your back by looking like a tourist. Dress according to how a local would dress. Don’t look visibly confused if you can avoid it. I always made sure I knew where I was going before I left my hostel. If you’re walking with confidence, people won’t suspect you’re a tourist and will leave you alone. This goes for using public transport too. Try to memorize what you need to do, so you don’t stand out surrounded in a crowd of people who may try to pickpocket you.
• Moderate your alcohol consumption: It’s definitely ok to party when traveling solo (actually I encourage it), but be careful with how much you drink. You are there alone with no one to look out for you or have your best interests in mind. Even if you find a group, they’re still strangers at the end of the day, and you have to be able to take care of yourself. I never drank without food in my stomach, and I made sure to slow down by drinking water frequently. I never let myself get DRUNK, and if you’re traveling solo as a female, it’s probably best to just get tipsy and maintain that. This should be a given–don’t accept drinks from anyone except the bartender and keep an eye on your drink at all times.
• Stay in a female dorm: if it would make you feel more comfortable. I did this at the beginning of my trip as I was getting used to hostel life, but later I felt fine staying in mixed dorms (which are always cheaper). Female dorms are great–they usually smell better, there’s less snoring, and you can meet fun girls to explore with.
• Make it happen: If you are able to go on a solo adventure, I highly encourage it. You are bound to learn so much about yourself and the world and make memories you’ll cherish forever. You really won’t regret it!

Thank you so much for reading this super long post about solo female travel in Western Europe. I hope you found it helpful. Don’t forget to share/save this on Pinterest! And as always, let me know if you have any questions about my experience or planning a trip of your own 🙂