Best European Cities For Solo Female Travelers On A Budget

What Makes a Destination Great for Solo Female Travelers on a Budget

Budget isn’t the only factor I consider when booking a trip; a few things must match my criteria. 

1. Safety and ease of navigation. If I don’t feel abundantly safe in a destination, I don’t go. I also won’t go anywhere that is difficult to navigate without a car. I don’t care if I am offered a free hotel; I don’t want to visit somewhere that is isolated or difficult to manage. 
2. Lots of Things to do. Honestly…traveling alone can get a little lonely and boring if there isn’t a whole lot to do in the city. So if a destination isn’t full of places and spaces to explore, i skip it. 
3. Friendly locals. I am not interested in visiting European cities where I don’t feel welcome. So, if a city is known for being rude or unwelcoming to tourists, I don’t put it on my list. 
4. Affordability. Duh. There is a reason I have very little experience solo traveling in Switzerland, even though it has some of the safest destinations for solo travelers. It is crazy expensive to visit, so I would rather wait till I can visit with friends. Budgeting for travel expenses in affordable cities, please!

Faro, Portugal 

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Why It’s Great:

Faro is an amazing and affordable destination in Portugal, especially for solo female travelers. As the capital of the Algarve, it’s got a little bit of everything—beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and a relaxed vibe. 

I’ve been to Faro many times and know it like the back of my hand. Safety isn’t something you need to stress about here; even walking around at night, I’ve always felt completely at ease. 

There is also an international airport in Faro, which makes it easy to reach!

Top Activities In Faro:

There’s no shortage of things to do in Faro, plus plenty of amazing day trips nearby! Start by exploring the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning network of lagoons. There are a few different tours you can take depending on your budget. Tickets range from around €39 and go up from there.

Don’t miss the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)—it’s eerie but fascinating and only costs a few euros to visit.

Wander through the Cidade Velha (Old City) with its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and historic vibes. The best part about this activity is that it is free!

Make a day trip to the nearby town of Tavira! The local train gets you there in around 40 minutes.

And, of course, indulge in the incredible fresh seafood! My personal favorite? Arroz de Marisco—a seafood rice dish that’s like a Portuguese version of risotto. It’s a must-try at Á do Pinto!

What You Can Expect to Pay in Faro:

In Faro, you can expect prices to be reasonable. I wouldn’t categorize Faro as “dirt cheap,” but you can definitely find good deals, especially in the off-season between September and June. 

A nice hotel or holiday apartment will run you between €85-€125 per night if you want to stay in the city center. I stayed at this cute, clean, quiet little hotel with only a few rooms. I paid €90 a night, which I thought was very reasonable. 

There is also a great opportunity to save money in Faro when eating out. Many of the local restaurants have very reasonable prices for a lot of delicious food. Some of my absolute favorite places are:

• A Venda (Cash Only)
• A do Pinto
• 2 Irmãos
• Se7e Pedras Wine Bar

Budget Tips for Faro: 

• Take the 20-minute bus ride from the airport to the city center, which will only cost €2.70. 
• Use the ferry boat to reach the beach instead of a taxi; this will cost only €3.90 for a round trip.
• Taking public transport to nearby towns such as Tavira tickets only costs 3.50 euros and takes around 45 minutes. 
• Visit in the months of September or May less, crowds and better hotel prices.

📍 Grab My Google Map of Faro with all the best locations saved!

Seville, Spain

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Why It’s Great:

Seville is an incredible and budget-friendly city in Spain, perfect for solo female travelers. It’s got so much going for it—stunning architecture, lively neighborhoods, and that amazing Spanish energy. 

As the capital of Andalusia, it’s packed with culture, from flamenco to tapas to the buzzing streets of the old town. I’ve been to Seville solo a couple of times, and it’s one of those places that feels welcoming and easy to navigate. 

Plus, I never felt unsafe, unlike other cities in Spain, even at night while walking back to my hotel. It’s also well-connected with buses, trains, and even a nearby airport, so getting there is a breeze.

Top Activities In Seville:

Seville is packed with amazing things to see and do, and it’s impossible to get bored here. Start with the must-see Alcázar, a stunning palace with intricate details and beautiful gardens.

But you must plan ahead for your visit and get your tickets in advance. The lines are insane. I wrote in more detail on how to visit in my exclusive solo travel guide to Seville.  

Climb the Giralda Tower at the Seville Cathedral for some of the city’s best views. Stroll through a maze of narrow streets and hidden courtyards through the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Catch a flamenco show. Catch the sunset at the Metropol Parasol, also known as “the mushroom.” Get tickets 1 day early, more in peak season.

And eat your body weight in Spanish tapas.  The go-to spot is Casa Morales.

What You Can Expect to Pay in Seville:

Compared to other Spanish cities like Barcelona or Madrid, Seville is significantly less expensive. Where you will really see a difference is in the accommodation prices. 

And if you REALLY want to save money, you could visit in August, which is the low season. But warning: it is insanely hot, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

My advice is to find a hotel with a rooftop pool! I stayed at a five-star hotel in the center of Seville for a whooping €150 a night! At any other time of the year, this room would have cost €300 per night. 

Some local restaurants are closed in August, but there will still be plenty of other places to choose.

What I love about Seville is that some tapas restaurants serve a free tapa when you purchase a drink. It is a sneaky way to save money. Try my favorite spots: 

• Casa Morales
• Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas)
• La Bartloa

Budget Tips for Seville:

• Take the airport bus (EA Line) to the city center for just €4—it’s way cheaper than a taxi and super convenient.
• Skip the guided tours and explore landmarks like the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral on your own; entrance fees are reasonable, and free walking tours are widely available (just remember to tip!).
• Enjoy tapas the local way—hop between small bars and try their specialties instead of dining in larger, more touristy restaurants.

>> Grab my Google Map of Seville and all the best locations already saved!

Bari, Italy

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Why It’s Great:

Visiting Bari is better than visiting the famed Almafi Coast! Sure, the Almafi coast is stunning, but I’m sorry its wayyyyyy to expensive, and frankly it’s just too touristy now. You will love all that Bari has to offer for solo female travelers on a budget! 

Now, Bari itself isn’t AS beautiful as the nearby towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, but that is what day trips are for. Bari is affordable, safe, and filled with incredible cuisine. What more could a gal want, am I right!? 

There is an international airport in Bari where many of budget airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet fly into. I once flew to Bari from Berlin, Germany for €50 round trip. There seem to be many deals to be had, so get on Skyscanner and take a look. 

Top Activities in Bari:

Bari is all about a few things: coastal vibes, churches (Basilicas), and orecchiette pasta. It’s crazy; the locals make the pasta outside their houses!

There is also an old castle called Castello Svevo that can be explored. Tickets are cheap, and you don’t need a guide. 

Day trips from Bari are also easy to do on your own, saving you lots of money by using public transport. In my exclusive guide, I detail how to spend your time in Bari as a solo female. 

What You Expect to Pay In Bari:

Bari was one of the least expensive places I have visited in Italy, even down to the flight that took me there. There aren’t many chain-style hotels, so you are looking at getting an Airbnb-style place in the historic old town or staying in the downtown district, a more traditional hotel. 

I stayed a this co-working hotel that was a few minutes on the bus from the historic center for €80 euro a night!! Brand new and very friendly staff.

If you are staying long-term, you can take advantage of the community kitchen and save some money. 

Not that you need to as the street food in Bari is super cheap. You can get Focaccia barese and a little vino for under €5 in many places.

I also recommend trying the burnt pasta in the place that started it all, Al Sorso Preferito!

Budget Tips for Bari

• Focus on the local bakeries and street food and eat for next to nothing
• Utilize the train and bus as much as possible to get around Bari
• Take the airport train to and from the airport

Bravso, Romania

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Why It’s Great:

Romania still feels like a hidden gem to me when I visit! Places like Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Bucharest are all great destinations for solo female travelers. Especially when you are trying to keep the costs down. 

You can find some of the coolest accommodations for next to nothing. This country is a castle lovers paradise.

And for those of you who love spooky, you are in for an extra treat, as you can visit Bran Castle pretty easily from Bravso. 

And if you’re wondering about safety, Brasov ranks as one of the safest cities I’ve been to—it’s way up there compared to most other places I’ve visited.

Now, the only downside is that the public transit is not as amazing here in Romania as it is in Spain, Portugal, or Italy. But you can get around; it will just take longer.

Top Activities in Brasov:

In Brasov, it’s all about exploring the Old Town and soaking up the vibes. Wander through Council Square (Piata Sfatului), where the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

Don’t miss the Black Church, which is way more impressive than it sounds (seriously, it’s huge and stunning inside).

Take a stroll down Strada Sforii—it’s one of the narrowest streets in Europe and perfect for that quirky photo-op.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the Tampa Mountain cable car (cost 30 lei) for insane views of the whole city. It’s worth it, trust me.

Brasov is also a great base for day trips—head to Bran Castle (yep, Dracula’s Castle) or Peles Castle, which is straight out of a fairytale. Whatever you do, just take your time and soak it all in. That’s the magic of Brasov.

What You Can Expect to Pay In Brasov:

Brasov is very cheap to stay and eat, and most activities are free. To give you an idea, I stayed at the nicest hotel in Brasov for only €105 per night. 

When it came to eating in restaurants, my average entree was always around €12-€14, which is very reasonable if you ask me.  Try Glod and Albert Social Bistro.

A day trip on a tour to Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and Rasnov Fortress from Bravso is around €60. It is cheaper if you visit from Bucharest, but it is still a good deal for a full-day trip. 

Budget Tips for Brasov

• Take the train from Bucharest to Bravso, even if the bus is cheaper, it’s longer. Or rent a car if you are comfortable. 
• Join a free walking tour to learn more about the history of Brasov. 
• The day tour to see three castles in one day will be way cheaper than trying to make this trip on your own. 

Catania, Italy

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Why It’s Great:

Ah, Sicily—one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited. And surprisingly, one of the cheapest! Catania is located right on the eastern coast, at the foot of Mount Etna. Filled with raw and authentic Sicilian charm, you cannot help but to fall in love. 

Catania is a great place to visit because you are surrounded by beautiful towns such as Taormina and Siracusa. And while Taormina is not really budget-friendly, it is close enough to Catiania that you can make a day trip out of it. 

But, is Cantaina safe? The short answer is yes, but you must follow common sense practices when exploring Catania alone as a woman.

I don’t recommend staying out late and wandering the streets full of wine and cannoli. In my exclusive guide, I go into detail about staying safe when visiting Catania.  

Top Activities in Catania:

You won’t want to miss Piazza del Duomo to see the famous Fontana dell’Elefante and Catania Cathedral—entry to the cathedral is just €5.

After that, head over to Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II that’s now home to the Civic Museum.

If museums and ancient theaters are your thing, make sure to visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Civic Museum inside Castello Ursino. 

Just leave yourself time to squeeze in a day in Taormina or a day trip to mt etna. 

What you can expect to pay in Catania:

I was surprised to find out that Catania was even cheaper than Bari! 

I drank Aperol spritz’s for €6 euros and ate arancini’s for less than that! Catania was a really affordable trip.

The hotel I was staying at was very centrally located, and because I opted for a room with a private external bathroom, I paid €70 a night! I would definitely recommend it if you are trying to save money. 

Dining was also really cheap in Catania, especially for local cuisine like the Pasta alla Norma, which I am now obsessed with. Typically, you will find this dish on menus for under €9!

One thing that is not cheap is taxis and Uber, so don’t rely on them. The bus from the airport to the city center was clean, safe, and easy to use. 

Once you are in the center, everything is walkable. 

Budget Tips for Catania, Italy

• Eat the local street food and save tons of money
• Take the bus to Taormina rather than the train, it’s cheaper and takes you up to the center of town. I used the Omio app to purchase my tickets.
• Join an organized tour to visit Mt Etna to save on costs of going on your own.

Other Cheap Destinations to Consider If You’re Solo: 

• Valencia, Spain
• Zagreb, Croatia
• Ljubljana, Slovenia 
• Wroclaw, Poland

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Budget-Friendly Destination

When traveling solo, sticking to a budget is super important—but don’t forget to plan for a few surprises along the way. 

Whether it’s an unexpected splurge on a local meal, a last-minute day trip, or just treating yourself, a little wiggle room can make all the difference. 

The best part about these budget-friendly destinations? They let you experience something amazing without breaking the bank. 

So pick the spot that matches your vibe, pack light, and prepare to create memories that’ll last a lifetime!