As solo travel continues to surge worldwide, women are leading the trend, accounting for approximately 75% of all solo travelers, according to the Solo Female Travel Trends Survey. While iconic European capitals like Paris, Rome and Barcelona remain popular, many women are increasingly seeking destinations that offer safety, walkability and authentic local experiences away from crowded tourist hotspots.
One city gaining attention is Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, which is positioning itself as an appealing destination for independent travelers looking for both peace of mind and cultural discovery.
Safety remains one of the most important considerations for women traveling alone. According to the survey, 70% of female travelers rank safety as a top factor when selecting a destination. Lithuania and its Baltic neighbors have become increasingly attractive in that regard, with all three Baltic states ranking among the top 20 countries in the Women, Peace and Security Index, which evaluates inclusion, justice and security across 181 nations.
“Vilnius has been ranked as one of the safest cities in Europe for a while,” said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at Go Vilnius. “It offers solo female travelers the chance to explore more freely, whether that’s wandering through our UNESCO-listed Old Town, discovering neighborhood cafés or spending time in the city’s extensive green spaces and cultural venues.”
Beyond safety, many solo travelers are looking for opportunities to connect with local communities rather than simply checking off tourist attractions. The Solo Female Travel Trends Survey found that 66% of travelers actively seek interactions with local residents during their trips.
To meet that demand, Vilnius offers its Meet a Local program, which pairs visitors with volunteer residents who introduce travelers to lesser-known neighborhoods, local history and everyday life in the Lithuanian capital. More than 300 visitors have already participated in the initiative.
For one American traveler, the experience became a highlight of the trip.
“Our local guide showed us parts of the city we never would have found on our own and shared both the city’s history and her personal experiences,” participant Christine said. “It’s an incredible concept.”
Vilnius also appeals to travelers looking for a slower pace. The city combines a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with abundant parks and green spaces, earning recognition as one of the world’s greenest cities. Visitors can also enjoy a growing culinary scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants alongside independent cafés that have gained international recognition.
Its location also makes Vilnius an ideal gateway for exploring the broader Baltic region, with convenient rail and ferry connections to neighboring countries and Scandinavia.
As solo female travel continues to reshape tourism, destinations like Vilnius are demonstrating that memorable travel experiences aren’t limited to Europe’s busiest capitals. With its blend of safety, culture, green spaces and meaningful opportunities to connect with locals, the Lithuanian capital offers independent travelers an inviting alternative for exploring Europe at a more relaxed pace.