Cheap Places for Solo Female Travel
1, Shanghai
Shanghai, an energetic international metropolis, located on the eastern coast of China at the mouth of the Yangtze River, is known globally for its fast-paced life, modernity, and audacious architecture. It serves as a jewel of Asian culture, bringing together the traditional and the futuristic, offering a stellar mix of culinary experiences from street-food vendors to glamorous rooftop bars. Key attractions include the iconic skyline of Pudong, with the 2,073-foot-tall Shanghai Tower standing out, the traditional architecture of Yu Garden in the old town, and the high-energy shopping Mecca of Nanjing Road. Renowned for its Lujiazui skyline, museums, and historic buildings, Shanghai beautifully marries the East's old-world charm with the West's modern vibrance.
2, Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, nestled in the northeastern part of Greece, is a captivating city known for its illustrious history, remarkable culture, and rich gastronomy. As the second-largest city in Greece, it is situated on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea and provides visitors with a stunning blend of the old and new. The city is renowned for its Byzantine walls, White Tower, and the Rotunda, a round building that has served as a mausoleum, church, mosque, and museum. Thessaloniki's bustling night life, delectable cuisine, and plentiful shopping opportunities, along with numerous festivals like the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, make it a vibrant destination for travelers around the globe.
3, Naxos
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades archipelago, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, ancient Greek remains, and vibrant culture. Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it's an idyllic paradise where whitewashed villages blend seamlessly with striking, sun-kissed beaches and verdant landscapes abound. It is best known for its iconic Portara - the doorway of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo, the mesmerizing marble villages in the mountains, and its distinctive locally produced Kitron liqueur. The island is also famous for its rich agricultural produce, particularly its potatoes, olives, and wines, adding another alluring layer to its gastronomic appeal. Its warm and welcoming locals are the ties that bind this fascinating tapestry of history, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, making Naxos an unmissable gem in the Aegean.
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4, Hawaii
Hawaii, located in the central Pacific Ocean, is the only U.S. state composed entirely of islands. It's an idyllic archipelago that's well-known for its lush tropical landscapes, majestic volcanoes, stunning beaches with unique colors ranging from black to green, and a rich compilation of Polynesian culture. Hawaii's surf-ready waves have earned it recognition as a global surfing Mecca, while its underwater landscape teems with aquatic wildlife, making it an exquisite spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Add in incredible landmarks like the historic Pearl Harbor, verdant rainforests, the iconic Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, and the spectacular Na Pali coastline in Kauai, and it's no wonder Hawaii is considered a year-round paradise.
5, Timisoara
Known as the "Little Vienna" of Eastern Europe, Timisoara is a stunning city located in western Romania that immerses you in an atmosphere filled with historical, cultural and architectural splendor. Situated on the banks of the Bega River, it is the birthplace of the Romanian Revolution and serves as an industrial and commercial hub in the region. The city is renowned for its colorful, baroque architecture, beautiful public squares such as Unirii and Victory Square, and a vibrant cultural scene including numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The Union Park, with its enchanting roses and beguiling statue, and the Metropolitan Park, housing the impressive Orthodox Cathedral, add further charm to this Romanian delight, making Timisoara a must-visit spot sure to enrapture the hearts of tourists.
6, Paphos
Paphos, situated on the southwest coast of Cyprus, is a beautiful city known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Crammed with a mix of history and myths, this city is famous for being the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Paphos captivates its visitors with wonderful attractions like its medieval fort, picturesque harbor, Tombs of the Kings, and the incredible Paphos Archaeological Park, featuring exquisite Roman mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage city also offers idyllic beaches, traditional tavernas, and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect Mediterranean holiday destination.
7, Skiathos
Located in the azure Aegean Sea as a part of the enchanting Sporades archipelago of Greece, Skiathos is a paradise for sun and sea lovers. It is most famous for its stunning, clean beaches, over 60 in number, with the distinctive Koukounaries beach reputed as one of the best in the Mediterranean. Graced with lush pine forests that extend to the shoreline, Skiathos offers breathtaking natural beauty and panoramic views. Apart from its natural attractions, Skiathos is steeped in history, housing notable sightseeing spots like the medieval castle, monasteries, and the house of renowned Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis. An abundance of lively tavernas, chic bars, and seafront cafes ensure a bustling nightlife, making Skiathos an irresistible blend of natural serenity and vibrant Greek culture.
8, Lefkada
Lefkada is a breathtaking Greek island, excellently situated in the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea in the west coast of Greece. Renowned for its extraordinary beauty, natural charm, and impressive turquoise seas, Lefkada boasts some of Europe's most renowned and photogenic beaches, including Kathisma, Egremni, and Porto Katsiki. Its landscapes, alternating between green mountainous terrain and picturesque seaside vistas, home to diverse flora and fauna, are ripe for exploration. Visitors to the island will also relish the charming Greek hospitality in quaint villages, take pleasure in exploring the vibrant town of Lefkas with its Byzantine-era architecture and local cuisine, and partake in the region's world-famous kite-surfing opportunities.
9, Menorca
Menorca is an enchanting island situated in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the Balearic Islands group, located to the northeast of mainland Spain. Known for its astounding natural beauty, the picturesque island offers a tranquil holiday retreat away from the bustling tourism of its sister islands. Menorca astounds visitors with its stunning, crystal-clear, turquoise beaches, serene countryside, prehistoric monuments, and quaint fishing villages. It is famed for its unique cheese, "Queso de Mahon," its vibrant shoe industry, and the annual summer fiestas that fill the streets with folklore, stallions and celebration. The island also has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, underlining the unparalleled natural allure that Menorca brings to its guests.
10, Wanaka
Situated in the stunning Southern Lakes region of New Zealand’s South Island, Wanaka is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty as it overlooks the vibrant-blue Lake Wanaka. Just a scenic hour's drive from Queenstown, this tranquil town is embraced by the epic grandeur of the Southern Alps, presenting a myriad of possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Wanaka is celebrated globally for offering both winter and summer recreational activities such as skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone, hiking the numerous trails, exploring the breath-taking wilderness, and bungee jumping. The absence of the urban rush and its warm, welcoming community spirit make Wanaka a haven for those seeking relaxation or rejuvenation. As well as this, it’s also recognized as a paradise for food and wine lovers due to its wealth of farm-to-table restaurants, boutique breweries and locally produced wine.
11, Brighton
Brighton, often referred to as "London-by-the-Sea," is a vibrant coastal city in the South East region of England, famous for its diverse communities, rich history, and lively arts culture. Known for its gorgeous seafront lined with quintessentially English beach huts, the city is a charming blend of regency heritage and 21st-century sophistication. Brighton is home to the iconic Brighton Pier with its amusement arcade and funfair, the opulent Royal Pavilion with its Indian-inspired architecture, as well as a maze of shopping streets, commonly known as The Lanes, offering a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Brighton's thriving nightlife, broad range of restaurants, extensive shopping opportunities, and famous Brighton Palace Pier ensure the city is a perennial favourite with tourists.
12, Santander
Santander, located along the northern coast of Spain, is a thriving, picturesque city known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by gorgeous white sandy beaches, Santander will amaze every traveler with its combination of green mountain ranges and deep blue sea. The city is renowned for its elegant architecture, featuring jewels like the Magdalena Palace and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, and is also home to the famous Altamira Caves, showcasing prehistoric cave paintings. Renowned for its world-class seafood cuisine, stylish shopping, and vibrant nightlife, Santander offers an enriching experience that blends history, nature, and contemporary culture.
13, Coimbra
Situated in central Portugal, Coimbra sits alluringly along the banks of the Mondego River, offering a treasure trove of historical and cultural gems. Regally known for housing the University of Coimbra, one of the world's oldest academic institutions, the city melds modernity and tradition effortlessly. It is particularly renowned for its preserved medieval old town, relic-filled museums, charming café culture, and Fado music, a melancholic genre of music that speaks deeply of love, pain, and longing. Adding to the allure of Coimbra are the intricately designed gardens and beautiful parks, making it an exceptional mix of natural beauty and historical richness.
14, Chiang Mai
Found in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. This city, a captivating mix of the contemporary and the ancient, is famous for its beautiful Lanna-style temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Engraved in history yet thriving with modern life, Chiang Mai has a captivating charm that offers travelers a unique experience. It’s well-known for the annual Yi Peng Festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical spectacle. Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar is also a highlight, offering a wealth of crafts, food, and clothing. Surrounded by mountains, the city also serves as a launching point for treks to hill tribes and outdoor adventures.
15, Cambridge
Cambridge, celebrated globally for its prestigious university and intellectual heritage, is a charming city located in the East Anglia region of the United Kingdom. Steeped in rich history and architectural grandeur, Cambridge's skyline is punctuated by ornate college buildings, quaint courtyards, and grandiose chapels, mainly belonging to the world-renowned University of Cambridge. The city thrives with a blend of academic prowess and an enchanting, age-old charm. Visitors often find delight in punting down the picturesque River Cam, exploring the sprawling university botanical gardens, visiting the inspiring Fitzwilliam Museum, or immersing themselves in local history at the Cambridge Museum. With its quiet cobblestone lanes, scholarly appeal, and numerous sightseeing opportunities, Cambridge is a place of knowledge, contemplation, and discovery.
16, Milos
Milos, an enchanting, picturesque island located in the southwestern part of the Cyclades island complex in Greece, is world-renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, quaint fishing villages, and a plethora of sun-kissed beaches. The island, characterized by its horseshoe shape, hides a rich portfolio of natural attractions such as its enchanting coastline, composed of stunning volcanic rock formations and sea caves, and its thermal springs. The unique lunar-like landscapes, emerald-tinted waters, and the iconic Sarakiniko beach make it a photographic paradise. Milos is also famous as the home of the Venus de Milo statue, now domiciled in the Louvre Museum in Paris. With its traditional Greek charm, delectable cuisine, and rich historical heritage, Milos offers an unforgettable travel experience.
17, Furano
Furano, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido in northern Japan, is a highly captivating destination renowned for its picturesque landscapes year-round. Exceptionally famous for its vibrant lavender fields that burst into full bloom in summer, Furano offers a tranquil experience filled with the alluring scent of flowers. The town is also a renowned winter haven, drawing ski enthusiasts from around the globe to its pristine snowy slopes. Visitors can further immerse themselves in the local culture by experiencing Furano's charming local wineries, cheese factories, and delightful arts and crafts workshops. This scenic countryside town truly offers a spectrum of experiences against a backdrop of natural beauty, making it an exquisite Japanese gem well worth a visit.
18, Nagoya
Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, is conveniently situated two hours away from Tokyo by bullet train on the Southeastern coast of Honshu. Known as the birthplace of Toyota, Nagoya is a modernized city with strong ties to the world of industry and commerce. But there's more than just factories in the city; the magnificent Nagoya Castle, filled with national treasures and important cultural properties, is a focal point of the city's rich historical heritage. Nagoya is also recognized for its unique local cuisine, featuring dishes such as Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), and it is home to Atsuta Shrine, one of Shinto's most important shrines. Despite its industrial image, Nagoya offers a blend of cultural history and modern innovation, making it an engaging destination for travelers.
19, Onomichi
Located along the Seto Inland Sea in western Honshu, Japan, Onomichi is a charming city known for its picturesque, old-world atmosphere. As a city with over a thousand years of history, Onomichi is teeming with historic temples and hillside lanes waiting to be explored. It's also widely recognized for the Temple Walk, a route that connects more than 25 beautifully preserved temples, providing a serene and spiritual experience for visitors. Along with its rich history and cultural importance, the city is also known as the starting point of the famous Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 60-kilometer bike route across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea making it a must-visit destination for cyclists as well.
20, Kochi
Kochi, located on the southern coast of Shikoku Island in Japan, is a vibrant city known for its cultural richness and historical significance. This city offers a captivating blend of traditional Japanese charm and remarkable scenery. Home to the iconic Kochi Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, this city elegantly reflects the ancient feudal era. Kochi is also famous for Yosakoi, a unique and highly energetic dance festival that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The city's thriving fish market, Hirome, and Godaisan Mountain's beautiful observatory and gardens illustrate its diverse appeal. Kochi is truly a treasure trove of historical, natural, and culinary delights that provides visitors with an unforgettable cultural experience.
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