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Europe is one of the safest and easiest regions to explore as a solo female traveler.
So if you want to explore the world, you don’t have to wait for someone to come with you.
Just go do it alone!
I have visited dozens of cities solo, but this unexpected European capital captured my heart. Its rich history, affordable prices and excellent safety record all combine to make it a city I would love to visit again and again.
Here’s why this European capital is my favorite travel destination for solo women:
An underrated travel destination
Warsaw is such an underrated travel destination, and despite being the capital of Poland, many travelers prefer to visit Krakow. In fact, Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland.
Nevertheless, Warsaw is my favorite solo travel destination for women for so many reasons.
Warsaw is varied and beautiful and you will find history on every corner.
As an official history nerd, I found it a fascinating place to explore.
You can see the remains of the city’s ghetto wall or wander around Europe’s newest Old Town.
Much of Warsaw’s Old Town was destroyed during World War II, although it was almost completely reconstructed in the post-war period.
But the reconstruction is so faithful to the original that you almost forget that you are not exploring ancient history.
The best way to learn about the impact World War II had on the city is with a guided tour, especially if you’re flying solo.
I toured the Warsaw Ghetto and learned so much about the horrors that affected the history of the Jewish people, both in the city and in wider Europe.
Warsaw’s detractors often mention its ugly Soviet-era buildings, but even these are interesting in their own way.
The Palace of Culture and Science was Stalin’s last gift to the city before the Iron Curtain fell.
My hotel was next door, and if you are in the area I recommend paying the 20 PLN ($5) to visit the building’s 30e observation deck on the floor and enjoy the city view.
There is so much to see and do in the city and it is this abundance of activity that makes Warsaw one of my favorite travel destinations.
Safe
Warsaw is a destination with an impeccable safety record. I felt incredibly safe in the city as a solo female traveler, even at night while having a cocktail or two.
Warsaw isn’t known for Europe’s most vibrant nightlife, but there are plenty of places to let your hair down. I recommend The Roots Cocktail Bar, according to Tripadvisor and in my opinion the number 1 cocktail bar in the city!
The city is well lit, there is a police presence all over the city after hours and the locals are helpful and friendly (if not a little rude).
Although I felt safe walking back to my hotel in the evening, the city has a great public transportation system that allows you to get easy and safe transportation at any hour from almost anywhere in the city.
Don’t feel comfortable using public transportation as a solo female traveler?
I’ve never been to a city where traveling with Uber is so affordable! A 20-minute Uber ride only cost me 25 PLN ($6).
In addition, there are plenty of electric scooters on almost every street corner and you can easily download the relevant app and get on. There are several companies available, but I used Bolt because they offered 50% off your first 3 trips.
The US State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory to Poland, which is the lowest level available and a clear sign of how safe the country is.
While you should take the normal precautions, like keeping an eye on your bag in crowds, spending time in Warsaw is probably just as safe as spending time in your own city.
And feeling safe is so important when traveling alone.
Great for budget travelers
Warsaw is a great place for budget travelers.
I’ve already mentioned how cheap almost any form of transportation is, which means getting around will hardly make a dent in your budget.
Do you want to see as much of the city as possible without opening your wallet?
There is a huge choice of city tours offered by locals, completely free in English. Make sure you have some cash with you to tip your tour guide.
Other free activities worth doing in Warsaw include enjoying the laser show at the Fountain Park, visiting the city’s many parks and green spaces, and many of Warsaw’s museums are also free.
No matter the time of year, you’ll find live street performances in the Old Town and in the city’s parks.
Art lovers will be fascinated by Warsaw’s murals and street art, which are located in some of the city’s most prominent locations.
In every district of Warsaw you can see the work of world-famous street artists.
The accommodation options are affordable, and the price of food and drinks is also incredibly cheap.
I paid only 11 PLN ($2.70) for a cake and coffee break, 40 PLN ($10) for an artisanal pizza and 8 PLN ($2) for a pastry and a bottle of water from a local bakery.
Entrance to the Royal Palace cost 50 PLN ($12.60) and this was the most expensive activity I signed up for in the city.
Warsaw is a great place to travel if you don’t want to worry about breaking the bank or checking the price tags. And a great place for solo female travelers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
