Think cobblestone streets, medieval villages, and at half the price of other destinations in Europe. Lesser-known to most, Slovakia is a charming country ideal for solo female travelers.
A land-locked country surrounded by 5 others, Slovakia is in a prime location in Central Europe for backpacking. Upon arriving in Bratislava, it was easy to see why so many solo wanderers stop through on their travels.
With a diverse landscape of charming villages and beautiful mountains, there’s a lot to do here while staying within a certain budget. From adventure sports to quiet strolls, as a solo traveler, you won’t run out of things to do!
Cheap Prices
Less visited than other countries in Europe, Slovakia has managed to stay slightly under the radar. For us travelers, this means affordable prices!
A cheap meal in Slovakia can range from 5-7 Euros, with a beer costing about 1 Euro. Hostels here are also extremely cheap, and you’re likely to get more bang for your buck. You can obviously splurge a little if you want, but I comfortably spent less than 40 Euros per day.
A Quaint Capital
Situated along the Danube River, Bratislava is the perfect starting point for solo travel adventures. A relatively small city, it’s extremely easy to walk around here without getting lost.
The cobblestone streets are pedestrian-only, meaning you can spend hours meandering through all the little stores, buzzing cafes, and authentic restaurants with ease. Most seating is outdoors in the streets, which creates a welcoming atmosphere to meet other travelers.
Friendly Locals
Something I always look for when I’m rating somewhere for solo travel is how friendly the locals are. If you’re alone, it’s important to visit somewhere you feel welcomed, and Slovakia is definitely a country for that! You’ll always find someone willing to lend a helping hand here.
Throughout my stay, the Slovaks were extremely helpful and willing to provide suggestions along the way. My favorite thing to do is always ask questions on tours and recommendations for the best meals (because you’ll get A LOT of suggestions).
Easily Accessible
Due to its location in Central Europe, it’s extremely easy to get to Slovakia. I opted to take a boat along the Danube River from Vienna, but there are so many other options!
Of course, it’s also accessible by plane, but if you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint, then I’d choose a train. With direct routes from Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, it’s super simple to reach Slovakia.
If you’re looking to backpack around Europe, it’s also a budget-saving tip to buy a multi-use train ticket or take the buses (I’ve always had great success with Flix Bus).
Safety First
The one thing we look for when deciding where to travel solo — safety!
In 2023, Slovakia ranked 26th on the Global Peace Index. Violence is low here, and it’s a very safe destination for every type of traveler (especially as a solo female).
It’s important to exercise normal precautions when traveling around, especially to main cities such as Bratislava. Like anywhere, petty crimes can increase during busier seasons, but overall the country is high-ranking when it comes to safety.
