A new study has just upended everything travelers thought they knew about the safest, most affordable cities for women heading out alone. The results are in, and one European capital is dominating the global rankings.
Every solo female traveler runs through the same mental checklist before booking a trip. Is it safe to walk around at night? Will the budget stretch far enough? Is it easy to get around without a car or a travel companion to navigate with?
A new study from travel gear brand Eminent set out to answer all of those questions at once, analyzing 50 of the world’s most popular cities across factors including safety perception, walkability, English proficiency, and average daily costs for hotels, meals, and public transportation.
The winner, by a significant margin, is Prague.
Why Prague Took the Top Spot
The Czech capital earned high marks across nearly every category Eminent examined. Its general safety score ranked among the best on the list, and the city’s walkability made it easy to explore without relying on taxis or rideshare apps.
For budget-conscious travelers, the numbers are even more compelling.
A one-night hotel stay in Prague averages around $103, which the study noted is lower than most other Western European capitals. A single public transportation ride costs an average of $2.35, placing it third lowest among all 50 cities studied. A sit-down meal averages just $29.
Prague is also one of Europe’s most visually spectacular cities, with fairytale architecture, centuries-old castles, and more than 4,900 documented tourist attractions.
A recent poll to readers voted it one of Europe’s top cities as recently as 2025, and the Eminent findings suggest it has a lot more going for it than just good looks.
What to Pack as a Solo Female Traveler
A travel consultant from Eminent shared some practical advice alongside the study’s findings.
Wear a fanny pack positioned at the front of the body at all times so it stays within sight. It is one of the simplest ways to protect valuables in busy tourist areas.
Bring a portable charger because a phone is doing double duty as a map, a translation tool, and an emergency contact device throughout the day.
Pack a backup phone if possible. Losing a primary device in an unfamiliar city is more disruptive than most travelers anticipate, and having a second option can make a significant difference in an emergency.
The Rest of the Top Eight
Prague may have taken first place, but the rest of the list is worth paying attention to.
Quebec City came in second, earning one of the highest safety ratings in the entire study.
The city is almost entirely walkable, and while French is the dominant language in the province, residents are widely known for their strong English skills. One-night hotel stays there average $150.
Singapore, Tokyo, and Lisbon rounded out the top five. Amsterdam, Madrid, and Seville claimed spots six through eight respectively.
The full top eight, according to Eminent:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Quebec City, Canada
- Singapore
- Tokyo, Japan
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Madrid, Spain
- Seville, Spain
For solo female travelers still weighing their options, the data makes a strong case for heading to Central Europe first.