With travel back on the cards for many after years of being confined to exploring no further than our own backyards, many are opting to head out on a journey of self-discovery.
Eager travellers are setting out on their own ‘eat pray love’ holiday, and for a lot of people, heading abroad solo is the best way to discover a new place.
However, for some, travelling alone can be a daunting prospect, especially for those less travelled and for women, who are unfortunately, often the target of unwanted attention.
Luckily, travel experts at Kipling have released their first ever Solo Female Traveller Index, which considers female safety, the global gender gap, attractions, group activities, and other travel factors to rank Europe’s best solo travel destinations.
This list was topped by two thriving destinations in Germany, with the city of Hamburg taking out the top spot.
For travellers seeking a solo trip which promises vibrant cultural experiences, a thriving food scene and iconic architecture, look no further than this waterborne gem.
Second to Hamburg in Kipling’s index came Munich, another Bavarian gem, which is frequently rated one of the safest countries in the world.
Famed for its annual Oktoberfest, Munich is a world-leading city for beer gardens, street food stalls, green spaces, and excellent public transport system, making it easy to visit the city’s iconic spots, including Munich’s iconic Nymphenburg Palace or New Town Hall.
The rest of Kipling’s list features capital cities that appear on many people’s travel bucket lists, alongside lesser travelled picturesque places. Check out the top ten list below.
Hamburg, Germany
Munich, Germany
Edinburgh, Scotland
Faro, Portugal
Dublin, Ireland
Prague, Czech Republic
Heraklion, Crete (Greece)
Helsinki, Finland
Kraków, Poland
Zurich, Switzerland
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on Over60.