Finding the right place to meet new people has always been influenced by numbers. In the age of dating apps and social media, location filters aren’t just fun add-ons—they can significantly shape our chances of meeting compatible partners. If you’re looking to connect with single women—whether you’re a man, woman, or nonbinary—knowing where the numbers are in your favor can give you a head start.
Across Europe, many cities show noticeable gender imbalances, often with significantly more women than men. These imbalances can be due to historical migration trends, university populations, healthcare access, and other demographic factors. This curated list ranks 25 European cities based on their women-to-men ratio, helping you explore potential hotspots where the chances of meeting single women are statistically higher.
Let’s explore which cities top the list—and why.
How We Ranked These Cities
This ranking is based on official national statistics and Eurostat datasets, focusing on cities with over 100,000 residents. We used the female-to-male ratio (number of women per 100 men) as the core metric. In general, cities with universities, cultural centers, or healthcare hubs tend to have more women due to social and economic trends.
This data doesn’t confirm that all women are single, but a higher ratio naturally increases the likelihood of a larger single female population. We also factored in cultural environment, dating accessibility, lifestyle opportunities, and social openness—all of which can influence dating experiences.
Best European Cities to Meet Single Women This Year
1. Riga, Latvia (126%)
Riga, Latvia’s capital, ranks first with the highest percentage of women in any major European city. The city’s Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant café culture, and proximity to nature create a serene but lively environment for dating. Latvia’s gender imbalance has historical roots, but for today’s singles, it offers a significant advantage in meeting women.
2. Porto, Portugal (122.7%)
Portugal’s second-largest city is first in terms of charm—and nearly first in single women. Porto’s walkable layout, riverside beauty, and strong wine culture provide perfect settings for both casual meetups and serious relationships. It’s also highly livable, with many young professionals choosing to settle here.
3. Salamanca, Spain (120.6%)
Salamanca’s rich academic history makes it a center for intellectual exchange—and dating. With a whopping 120.6 women for every 100 men, it leads Spain in terms of gender imbalance. The small-city charm combined with youthful energy makes social interactions easy and enjoyable.
4. Thessaloniki, Greece (119.2%)
Thessaloniki may not be as globally known as Athens, but it’s often seen as Greece’s friendliest city. Its port location, university population, and beach access give it a romantic edge. It has one of Europe’s highest female-to-male ratios, and its nightlife is thriving. A hidden gem for singles.
5. Lisbon, Portugal (118.4%)
Lisbon is now a major European hub for remote workers and entrepreneurs—many of whom are women. With its relaxed charm, hilltop views, and welcoming social culture, the city ranks high in both lifestyle and female population. Whether in Alfama’s narrow streets or by the Tagus River, meeting new people feels effortless.
6. Warsaw, Poland (118%)
Warsaw’s strong economic and cultural revival has drawn in a predominantly female professional class. It’s home to major universities, multinational firms, and a vibrant art scene. Neighborhoods like Praga and Powiśle offer eclectic bars and riverside meetups, while the dating culture is open yet respectful.
7. Funchal, Portugal (117.5%)
Located on Madeira Island, Funchal combines tropical vibes with a higher number of women than men. The laid-back lifestyle, combined with scenic beauty and rich culinary heritage, makes it a slow-living paradise for dating. Local festivals and the famous Madeira wine culture create ideal social scenes.
8. Coimbra, Portugal (115.5%)
Coimbra thrives on youth and education. The university here is centuries old and still dominates the city’s culture. With a high ratio of women—many studying in health and humanities—it’s a welcoming, intellectual environment for romantic growth. The city also features riverfront walks and music events, adding to its charm.
9. Madrid, Spain (114.9%)
As Spain’s capital, Madrid pulses with life—and a strong female presence. The city is filled with cultural hotspots, parks, and nightlife venues, making it easy to meet people. Its diverse population includes artists, students, professionals, and expats. The local dating culture is warm and outgoing, perfect for making authentic connections.
10. Budapest, Hungary (114.9%)
Budapest’s appeal stretches beyond architecture and thermal baths. The city has a significantly higher number of women than men, especially in education and creative fields. Ruin bars, riverside walks, and thermal spas provide relaxed venues for socializing. English is widely spoken, making dating easier for expats too.
11. Bucharest, Romania (114%)
Bucharest surprises many with its vibrant urban scene and female-dominant population. Often dubbed “Little Paris,” it’s full of cafés, theaters, and hidden gardens. With a growing tech and design sector, more women are entering the professional workforce, contributing to the gender imbalance. Its affordability also makes it an attractive city for long-term dating or relocation.
12. Florence, Italy (112.9%)
Florence is not only Italy’s most female-dominated city but also one of its most romantic. Art, architecture, and academia converge in a setting ideal for lovers. Many women come here to study art history, design, or fashion—creating a cultured and curious dating pool. From gallery openings to sunset views at Piazzale Michelangelo, the city’s beauty extends to its social life.
13. Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain (112.7%)
Famous for beaches and Michelin-star dining, San Sebastián is also statistically favorable for singles. Its relaxed seaside pace is matched by a strong female presence in its population. Add in surf culture and summer festivals, and the city offers multiple ways to connect in scenic settings.
14. Bratislava, Slovakia (112.5%)
Bratislava may be Slovakia’s capital, but it’s still relatively undiscovered as a dating destination. The city has a strong imbalance in favor of women, particularly in academic and creative fields. The Danube riverside and the Old Town’s mix of cafes, bars, and cultural venues provide plenty of romantic spots to get acquainted.
15. Braga, Portugal (112.2%)
Nicknamed the “City of Baroque,” Braga blends tradition and modernity. With its high female-to-male ratio, it offers a lower-key but authentic dating experience. It’s a major university town with strong cultural and religious history. While smaller than Lisbon or Porto, Braga’s intimate scale makes connections more personal.
16. Bilbao, Spain (112.2%)
Bilbao stands out not just for its Guggenheim Museum or Basque cuisine but also for its dating dynamics. With a population that includes more women than men, it’s increasingly seen as a singles-friendly city. The urban renewal in recent years has also fostered more social venues—from galleries to bars—that appeal to younger and middle-aged women alike.
17. Bordeaux, France (111.9%)
Wine and romance are a natural pairing, and Bordeaux offers both. This French city known for its vineyards also has a female-majority demographic. Students, creatives, and professionals populate Bordeaux’s riverside neighborhoods, creating a mix of elegance and youth. Wine tastings and food markets offer low-pressure settings for meeting someone new.
18. Bologna, Italy (111.8%)
Bologna, home to Europe’s oldest university, is a vibrant mix of intellect and nightlife. Its large student population—predominantly female in many disciplines—drives its strong gender ratio. You’ll find date-worthy spots under its famed porticoes or inside cozy trattorias. With a progressive mindset and cultural richness, Bologna is ideal for meaningful interactions.
19. Genoa, Italy (111.7%)
A hidden gem on the Ligurian coast, Genoa combines old-world charm with modern vibrancy. It’s a port city with deep maritime history, but it also has a female-majority population. Locals often gather in the Old Town’s piazzas or along the waterfront promenades. Its lesser-known status compared to Rome or Milan makes social connections more authentic and less transactional.
20. Barcelona, Spain (111.5%)
Barcelona isn’t just Spain’s tourism capital—it’s a top-tier destination for singles. With 111.5 women per 100 men, and a youthful population of students, creatives, and expats, the city is a dating hub. From the Gothic Quarter to Gràcia’s indie bars, opportunities to meet people are everywhere. Add in a beachside lifestyle and rich cultural events, and Barcelona practically designs your first dates for you.
21. Marseille, France (110.9%)
Marseille is one of France’s most diverse and dynamic cities. With over 110.9 women per 100 men, its population skews female—particularly among younger and middle-aged groups. A Mediterranean climate and over 300 days of sunshine make it ideal for outdoor dating, from coastal walks to beachside cafés. The city’s strong sense of community and open culture make socializing easier, especially for newcomers.
22. Rome, Italy (110.8%)
Italy’s capital is a global magnet for romance, and the numbers add to its appeal. Rome has more women than men—particularly among educated professionals and students. With its endless supply of museums, ancient ruins, and outdoor cafes, the Eternal City invites casual meetups that can lead to deeper connections. From Trastevere to Testaccio, it’s full of spots where sparks can fly.
23. Seville, Spain (110.7%)
Seville offers more than flamenco and historical charm—it has one of the highest ratios of single women in southern Spain. Known for its friendliness and vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril, this Andalusian gem combines a youthful spirit with deep-rooted tradition. Locals often gather in plazas or tapas bars, providing laid-back opportunities for natural social interaction.
24. Athens, Greece (110.7%)
Athens blends ancient wonder with modern living. As the capital of Greece, it attracts students, professionals, and creatives, particularly women pursuing education and cultural careers. The city’s cafes, rooftop bars, and bustling neighborhoods like Exarchia or Kolonaki are excellent social hubs. With a high female-to-male ratio and an open Mediterranean lifestyle, Athens is a promising spot for anyone seeking connection.
25. Venice, Italy (Ratio: 110.6%)
Romantic by reputation, Venice is also a statistical sweet spot for singles. With over 110 women for every 100 men, the city offers a strong gender imbalance in favor of those seeking women. While tourists flock for gondola rides and historic palazzos, the resident population—smaller but female-leaning—offers real dating potential. Outside the tourist season, the quiet neighborhoods like Dorsoduro or Cannaregio become ideal for meeting locals.
Where Data Meets Destiny
While this list is based on numerical ratios, the heart of dating still lies in connection, shared values, and timing. These 25 European cities offer not only a higher chance of meeting single women but also incredible cultural and lifestyle experiences. Whether you’re planning a vacation, study abroad, or long-term relocation, knowing where the odds are in your favor is a smart place to start.
