SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL: 4 Safe Cities and 1 Unsafe in Central and Eastern Europe
Chisinau, Moldova's largest city and capital, can be perceived as a risky area for solo female travelers.
The trend of solo traveling, as one of the adventure goals, is becoming increasingly popular around the globe, with 84% of solo travelers being women. This article will cover our top safe cities to travel to in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, so let’s get started!
Ljubljana: A Haven of Safety and Tranquility in Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the region. In 2022, it was ranked as one of the safest capital cities in the world, as reported by ljubljana.info. Additionally, according to the WPS index, Slovenia is ranked at the top, with 85% of women feeling safe, as mentioned in a BBC article. This makes Slovenia the 7th most peaceful country globally.
Throughout history, Ljubljana has been under the rule of the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg Empire, and Yugoslavia. The city has been a significant transportation and communication hub because of its strategic location on the trade route between the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. This has contributed to its rapid economic and social development, leading to modernization and industrialization. Since gaining independence in 1991, the city has become one of the CEE region's most prosperous and livable cities.
Ljubljana offers a wide range of accommodations for short-term stays, including apartments, hostels, and hotels. Websites like Sublet and Nestpick provide information on furnished apartments starting from 380€ per month. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for 500€.
The city of Ljubljana is brimming with attractions such as Ljubljana Castle, Plečnik’s Ljubljana, Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge), Central Market, and Prešernov Trg Square with the Franciscan Church. You can also find various museums and art galleries, such as the Ljubljana City Art Gallery and the Slovenian Museum of Natural History. Moreover, Ljubljana hosts over 1,000 cultural events annually, from theater and music to dance and art activities.
Wroclaw: A Safe and Welcoming Destination
Wroclaw, one of the greatest cities in Poland, is an attractive option for women traveling alone. It has a safety index of 73.36 and a crime index of 26.64, indicating that it is a safe choice for travelers. According to the Global Peace Index Map, Poland is ranked as the 25th most peaceful country in the world, and Wroclaw is considered the 11th safest city for female solo travelers.
Wroclaw began as a settlement on Ostrow Tumski island around the 10th century and has a challenging historical background. It was invaded by the Mongols in 1241 and later Germanized by the Nazis in the 20th century before finally being liberated in 1945. After the war, Wroclaw was rebuilt and restored, becoming one of Poland's most important economic and cultural cities.
Wroclaw attracts people from various nationalities for short-term stays thanks to its unique blend of history and cultural diversity, where it combines elements of the past with new cultures and trends. Interestingly, renting in Wroclaw has increased in recent years, with monthly rates ranging from 242-280 € for a single room, 418-528 € for a studio apartment, and 528-744 € for a 2-room flat.
Furthermore, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Wroclaw, including Old Town, Market Square, Salt Market Square, and the numerous dwarf statues scattered throughout the city.
Bratislava: A Top Destination for Safe and Peaceful Travelers
Bratislava is another excellent option, ranking as the 11th safest city for solo female travelers, known for its low crime rates and almost non-existent violent crime. Additionally, it is the 22nd most peaceful country in the world based on the Global Peace Index.
Situated on the Danube River, Bratislava boasts an impressive history dating back to the Stone Age. It was first mentioned in written records in the 9th century and has been ruled by the Great Moravian Empire, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bratislava became a significant center of Slovak nationalism in the 19th century, crucial in promoting Slovak culture and language, and transformed the city into a business, culture, and education hub.
Bratislava offers a relatively easy short-term stay experience with a good selection of fully furnished rentals, including a kitchen and Wi-Fi. Although living expenses in Bratislava are higher than in smaller cities in Slovakia, the average price for a three-room apartment, including a bedroom and kitchen, is approximately 920€ per month.
Bratislava provides various leisure activities suitable for all ages and interests, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore attractions such as Bratislava Castle, take leisurely walks or bike rides along the Danube River, visit the Old Town and UFO observation tower, explore the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, and indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife.
Sibiu: Transylvania's Peaceful and Inviting Gem
Sibiu, a city in central Romania in the Transylvania region, attracts female travelers worldwide. According to the Global Peace Index, it is ranked as the 27th most peaceful country in the world, with a low crime rate and almost nonexistent violence. At the same time, the safety index in Sibiu is 70.69, which is higher than the Romanian national average.
Sibiu has a long and rich history: Saxon settlers founded it in the 12th century, and it quickly became a major trading and cultural center in Transylvania. In the 14th century, Sibiu joined the Hanseatic League, which increased Sibiu's wealth and importance. During World War II, it was occupied by Nazi Germany, after which it became part of communist Romania. In 1989, Romania gained independence from the Soviet Union, and Sibiu experienced rapid economic and social growth. In 2007, Sibiu was named a European Capital of Culture.
The cost of living in Sibiu is relatively affordable, especially compared to other major European cities. For example, the monthly rent for a furnished accommodation of 85 m2 in an expensive area is 366,40€, and for a furnished studio of 45 m2 is 241€.
The city is home to several museums, galleries, and theaters that showcase the history and culture of the region. Some of the famous museums include the Brukenthal National Museum, the ASTRA National Museum Complex, and the Museum of Pharmacy. Throughout the year, Sibiu hosts many cultural events, including the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of Europe's most important performing arts festivals.
Chisinau: A City with Safety Concerns for Solo Female Travelers
Chisinau, Moldova's largest city and capital, can be perceived as a risky area for solo female travelers. Although it was ranked as the 27th most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index in 2022, there are still issues related to crime, including petty theft, vandalism, and bribery.
Chisinau has a rich history dating back to 1436 and has evolved into a significant cultural capital of Southeast Europe. In the 19th century, it became part of the Russian Empire and experienced rapid economic and cultural development as a thriving center of trade and commerce. Since gaining independence in 1991, the city has flourished and become a business, culture, and education hub.
The cost of living in Chisinau is relatively low, with the rent for a single person being 343€ and 628€ for a family of four. This makes Chisinau one of the world's top 28% least expensive cities.
You can visit Chisinau Cathedral, stroll along the Bac River, explore the National Museum of History, or enjoy Stephen the Great Park for leisure activities. The city also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the International Festival of Classical Music "Martisor" and the International Documentary Film Festival. And during the summer months, experiencing the thriving café culture in the city is a must-try.
Each city offers unique experiences for female travelers. History enthusiasts can explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites, while art and culture lovers can visit museums, galleries, and cultural events. These cities are safe for solo female travelers, with low crime rates. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, local cuisine, or the vibrant atmosphere, these cities offer every female traveler something.
I´ve traveled solo few times and I have to say that the best thing you can do is to know at least a little bit the local language, you´ll feel safer because you can alwayss ask for help if needed.
I’ve noticed that many European cities have little-to-no street lights. An effective, compact multi-purpose SAFETY tool worth carrying is not a taser, but a flashlight. For self defense and illumination.