Traveling alone can be one of the most freeing experiences, especially for women who want to explore the world on their own terms.
But sometimes, that independence comes with unexpected challenges—especially when safety becomes a concern.
A recent conversation on Reddit opened the floor for solo female travelers to share cities that made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and the responses were eye-opening.
Brussels Leaves Many Women Feeling Uneasy
One experienced traveler, who mentioned she had explored over 30 countries solo, admitted she was caught off guard by how unsafe she felt in Belgium’s capital, Brussels.
She described her experience: dimly lit streets, groups of loitering men, and a constant stream of catcalls.
“I was the only woman out after 8 p.m. on some streets,” she wrote.
“It felt like anything could happen and no one would know.”
She wasn’t alone.
Another user chimed in, saying Brussels was the most unsettling place she’d ever traveled.
“I got there and within five minutes, someone tried to rob me,” she said.
“The catcalling was disgusting, unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere.”
One woman even ended up cutting her sightseeing short after checking out the famous Manneken Pis statue and the main square.
“Brussels just felt dirty and dangerous,” she explained.
“I went back to my hotel and stayed there.”
Palermo, Sicily Also Raised Red Flags
Brussels wasn’t the only city that came up in the discussion.
One traveler recalled her visit to Palermo, Sicily.
She unknowingly booked a place in what she later found out was a rough neighborhood.
“During the day it seemed fine,” she said.
“But once the sun set, I was honestly scared to walk back alone. It felt completely different at night.”
Santorini in Winter: Not as Idyllic as It Looks
While most people imagine Santorini as a dreamy escape, one woman warned that visiting during winter might not be ideal—especially for solo female travelers.
“The white towns were pretty much deserted except for male construction workers,” she shared.
“They didn’t do anything outright, but the constant staring made me feel on edge. I wouldn’t call it a peaceful solo getaway.”
Advice from Other Female Travelers
The conversation also sparked discussions beyond Reddit.
On TikTok, one solo traveler listed three popular places she wouldn’t suggest for first-timers—not because they were bad, but because they were more challenging than expected.
And in a separate interview, a single mother who travels with her toddler daughter opened up about countries she’s found to be the most welcoming.
She highlighted two destinations where locals were especially kind and helpful, proving that not all solo travel stories are discouraging.
What’s the Takeaway?
Solo travel is an incredible experience, but it’s important to be realistic about safety—especially as a woman.
These shared experiences don’t mean you should avoid certain places altogether, but they do emphasize the importance of research, preparation, and listening to your gut.
After all, travel is about discovery—but staying safe while doing it should always come first.
