Best Places in North America for Solo Female Travel

North America, housing three of the world's largest countries - Canada, United States, and Mexico, is a continent located entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. Known for its diversity, it displays an array of cultures, cuisines, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. From the glacial beauty of Alaska and rocky coastline of Maine in the United States to Canadian Niagara Falls and the old-world charm of Quebec City in Canada, it is truly a paradise for adventure and nature lovers. North America boasts significant landmarks like The Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Times Square and the Maya ruins in Mexico. One can explore bustling metropolises such as New York City, taste world-class wines in Napa Valley, immerse themselves in Mexico's vibrant culture and traditions, or experience the mesmerizing natural phenomena of the Northern Lights in the remote parts of Canada.
Mexico City

1, Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is located in the heart of the country's central highlands. This metropolis is one of the most populous city in the world and is brimming with a heady mix of tradition, modernity, culture, and history. Known for its fascinating blend of Aztec and Spanish colonial heritage, Mexico City shines through its prestigious historical sites such as the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán and the magnificent Templo Mayor. Its lively street life, rich food scene, traditional mariachi music, and iconic attractions like Palacio Nacional and Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) also draw millions of tourists each year. Moreover, it's a cultural hub and is renowned for a myriad of museums like Soumaya Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or culture vulture, the sweeping array of experiences in Mexico City ensures something for everyone's liking.

Antigua Guatemala

2, Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, often simply known as Antigua, is a charming city nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala, surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, cobbled streets and picturesque ruins of colonial churches. Antigua is also renowned for its vibrant local markets, art galleries, boutique hotels, aromatic coffee plantations, and a wide range of culinary delights. Visitors can explore vibrant colonial history, participate in traditional Mayan ceremonies, or embark on hiking trips to nearby volcanoes, offering a blend of cultural depth and natural beauty that is truly spellbinding.

Cancún

3, Cancún

Cancún, located on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, is a popular tropical destination renowned globally for its vibrant culture, leisure activities, and exquisite natural beauty. Enveloped by the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, this enchanting city is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, world-class scuba diving and snorkeling sites, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. On land, Cancún is rich in history and civilization; home to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, it provides an extensive exploration of heritage and architecture. The city's upmarket hotel zone, energetic nightlife with a myriad of restaurants and clubs, golf courses, and shopping malls, cater to a diverse range of interests. Cancún is indeed a travel destination for anyone seeking an adventurous, culture-rich or relaxing escape.

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New Orleans

4, New Orleans

New Orleans, located in the southeastern region of the United States in the state of Louisiana, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural history, diverse influences, and lively celebrations. It is particularly renowned for its annual Mardi Gras festival, during which the city’s streets come alive with parades, music, and extravagant costumes. Nestled within an intricate network of meandering waterways, the city's well-known Louisiana bayous offer enchanting boat tours and wildlife spotting opportunities. Its historic French Quarter, characterized by Creole townhouses and wrought-iron balconies, is famous for its energetic day-to-night jazz clubs, delicious Cajun and Creole restaurants, as well as popular Bourbon Street, a hub of nightlife and entertainment. From the unforgettable music to the charm of the French Market and the elegance of the Garden District, New Orleans truly offers a unique travel experience filled with adventure, history, and culture.

Tulum

5, Tulum

Located on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico's Yucipa Peninsula, Tulum is a breathtaking tropical paradise recognized for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. Nestled on lofty cliff-tops overlooking the sparkling turquoise sea, Tulum boasts stunning archaeological sites that date back to pre-Columbian times, including the Castillo, a formidable fortress, and the Temple of the Descending God. Visitors are also drawn towards its underwater caves and the dreamy Tulum beaches, particularly the Paradise Beach. Also, the culturally rich city, renowned for its bohemian-chic atmosphere, serves as an eco-travel hub with plenty of eco-resorts and yoga retreats. The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity, is another must-visit spot for nature lovers exploring Tulum.

New York

6, New York

New York, often referred to as "The Big Apple", is a bustling cosmopolitan city located on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Famously standing as the epitome of the American dream, it is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, most notably the iconic Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and remarkably dense Manhattan skyline. Cultural enthusiasts will revel in the endless offering of museums like the Metropolitan, world-class theatres of Broadway, and stunning art galleries. Renowned for its buzzing atmosphere, New York is also famed for its beautiful Central Park, Times Square, diverse cuisine, Wall Street's hustling financial district, and breathtaking views from the Rockefeller Center. A city that never sleeps, New York is a hive of activity, promising an unforgettable experience to every visitor.

Playa del Carmen

7, Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, located in Mexico's sun-drenched Riviera Maya, is recognized globally for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural offerings. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dazzling white sand beaches, and the famous Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian walkway filled with exciting shops, authentic Mexican restaurants, lively bars, and local artisans showcasing their crafts. A haven for water enthusiasts, it offers scuba diving experiences among the awe-inspiring coral reefs, while those interested in the rich history can explore the nearby Mayan ruins. Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, rich history, or the vibrant nightlife, Playa del Carmen is an idyllic tropical paradise that caters to all.

Toronto

8, Toronto

Toronto, situated along Lake Ontario's northwestern shore in the southern part of Canada, is the vibrant, cosmopolitan heart of the country. Known for its soaring skyscrapers, including the iconic CN Tower which dominates the city's skyline, Toronto is a bustling metropolis teeming with culture, fine food, and an electric nightlife. The city boasts cultural hotspots like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Toronto Zoo. It's also home to a myriad of enchanting neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive personality, such as the bohemian Kensington Market and the stylish Distillery District. Multicultural to its core, Toronto's diversity shines through in its vast array of international cuisines and cultural events, including the renowned Toronto International Film Festival.

Sedona

9, Sedona

Sedona, located in the northern Verde Valley region of the state of Arizona, USA, is an enchanting destination renowned globally for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant culture, and rich history. Often referred to as "Red Rock Country," it boasts mystic spiraled towers, mesas, cliffs, and canyons that are bathed in the warm, coppery glow of the desert sun. Sedona is popular for energizing vortexes, spiritual retreats, spa resorts, and local art galleries. Adventurous spirits are met with myriad outdoor pursuits, including world-class mountain biking, captivating hiking trails, and adrenaline-filled jeep tours. Whether chasing the thrill of outdoor adventure, embracing holistic wellness experiences, or exploring the spiritual mystiques, Sedona paints an unforgettable canvas of experiences and invites everyone to discover its unique charm.

Montreal

10, Montreal

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, Canada, is a vibrant fusion of traditional European charm and dynamic cosmopolitan energy nestled on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Montreal is world-renowned for its myriad of attractions, including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica, the bustling Atwater Market, and the biodome that houses replicas of four ecosystems. The city is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation, evident in the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal brimming with centuries-old architecture alongside cutting-edge institutions like the Montreal Science Centre. This multicultural hub is also famed for its dynamic arts scene, top-tier restaurants, and one of the largest French-speaking populations in the world, earning it a reputation as "Canada's Cultural Capital".

Las Vegas

11, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, located in the state of Nevada in the Western United States, is renowned globally as a dazzling playground and an unparalleled hub of entertainment. It's acclaimed as the 'Entertainment Capital of the World’, offering a high-energy nightlife, 24-hour casinos, and other various entertainment options. The streetscape, dominated by an elaborate display of neon lights, features replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower. Beyond the strip, Vegas is home to exemplary museums, such as the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum, sophisticated restaurants, and the spectacular Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area. This buzzing city in the Mojave Desert also hosts major league sporting events and must-see live shows and concerts, presenting a vibrant mix of leisure, excitement, and adventure.

San Juan

12, San Juan

San Juan, the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico, is located on the northeast coast of the island and is well-known for its enchanting waterfronts, historical landmarks, and pulsating nightlife. It boasts a rich Spanish colonial history, evident in its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and mighty fortresses like El Morro and La Fortaleza. The city is a mecca for culture, with plentiful museums, galleries, and theaters that highlight its indigenous Taino roots, Spanish influences, and African heritage. Its diverse and flavorful cuisine, unique mix of modernity and tradition, as well as the warm, welcoming spirit of its locals make San Juan a must-visit gem of the Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres

13, Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, located a swift 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun in the sublime waters of the Caribbean Sea, Mexico, is a mesmerizing haven for the weary travellers. Known for its spectacular beaches, abundant marine life, notable snorkeling and scuba diving spots such as the acclaimed MUSA Underwater Museum, and wildlife-friendly destinations like the Turtle Farm, it captures the fascinating blend of Mexican cultural appeal and natural beauty. With Playa Norte being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a remarkable Mayan heritage showcased by the remnants of a Mayan temple at Punta Sur, and a vibrant local shopping scene, Isla Mujeres offers an immersive and unforgettable vacation experience.

Chicago

14, Chicago

Chicago, often referred to as the "Windy City," is a metropolitan hub located in the northern part of Illinois, in the United States. Nestled on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city is famed for its bold architecture, visible in landmarks like the Skydeck of Willis Tower, and the cloud-like curves of Cloud Gate in the Millennium Park. Chicago glimmers with cultural richness which is manifested in its vibrant arts scene, numerous museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, and distinctive culinary dishes like the deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. Not to forget its pulsating nightlife and iconic music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza, Chicago is a celebration that never ceases.

Vancouver

15, Vancouver

Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural diversity. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Coast Mountain range, Vancouver offers visitors a unique blend of natural wonders and urban sophistication. It is known for its thriving arts scene—including an internationally recognized film industry—as well as for its cutting-edge culinary landscape. The city's iconic landmarks include Stanley Park, a 1000-acre natural oasis with stunning views, and Granville Island, a shopping district filled with vibrant public markets. Whether it's the breathtaking outdoor adventures at Grouse Mountain or the remarkable marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver promises a plethora of activities that encapsulate the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Honolulu

16, Honolulu

A jewel nestled in the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu is the lively capital city of the tropical paradise, Hawaii, located on the southeastern coast of Oahu. Synonymous with pristine beaches, Honolulu is globally acknowledged for the world-famous Waikiki Beach that brings surfing lovers from around the globe. Also renowned as a hub of history and culture, the city is home to Pearl Harbor, the only royal palace in the U.S at Iolani Palace, and Bishop Museum, allowing a deep dive into the intriguing Polynesian past of the islands. Offering an impressive backdrop of mountain ranges, rich biodiversity at Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, native Hawaiian cuisine and a vibrant nightlife, Honolulu embodies the epitome of a tropical city escape.

San Francisco

17, San Francisco

San Francisco, located on the west coast of the United States in the state of California, is a city famed for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, exuberant cultural diversity, and timeless Victorian architecture. Nestled on a hilly landscape surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, it offers panoramic vistas, cool sea breezes, and a vibrant street life. The city is also renowned for its historic cable cars, colorful Fisherman's Wharf, bustling Chinatown, captivating Alcatraz Island, and the sprawling Golden Gate Park. With burgeoning technology, art, and culinary scenes, San Francisco proffers an eclectic mix that enchants every wanderlust.

Atlanta

18, Atlanta

Atlanta, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is the capital city of Georgia, known for its connection to historic events, culture, and modern advancement. This dynamic city is celebrated for its crucial role in the civil rights movement, home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes the leader's childhood home and church. Atlanta also showcases the thriving arts scene like the Fox Theatre and the High Museum of Art. One cannot explore Atlanta and not be amazed by the state-of-the-art Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest indoor aquarium, or the inspiring displays at the World of Coca-Cola, the headquarters of the global beverage giant. Rich in history, culture, and modern charm, Atlanta promises an engaging travel experience to its every visitor.

Willemstad

19, Willemstad

Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela, the vibrant city of Willemstad is the capital of Curacao. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Willemstad is renowned for its rich Dutch architecture, brilliantly colorful buildings and historical districts like Punda and Otrobanda. The city boasts a lively, multicultural ambiance, which can be seen in its cuisine, museums, and languages. Key attractions include Queen Emma Bridge, the 17th century protected fort, Fort Amsterdam, and the vivacious floating market. The city's alluring blend of European architecture and Caribbean flair make it a truly unique travel destination.

La Fortuna

20, La Fortuna

La Fortuna, a small town nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's northern lowlands, is a gem of natural beauty and thrilling adventure. Surrounded by lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a breathtakingly vibrant local culture, it is most well-known for its primary attraction - the impressive Arenal Volcano. This natural wonder is an active, cone-shaped giant that towers over the valley, often spewing ash and smoke into the bright blue sky. Visitors get the chance to indulge in therapeutic hot springs, explore a wide range of activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting, and hiking, making La Fortuna a must-visit destination for eco-tourists and adrenaline junkies alike. The spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, exotic butterfly gardens, and the mystical Venado Caves also contribute to this town's rich tourism industry.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places in North America for solo female travellers?

The best places in North America for solo female travellers are:

What is the ranking methodology?

The ranking is based on over 5000 reviews from verified female travelers. Five crucial rating factors are taken into account: overall experience, food, safety, affordability, and things to do.