The Best Countries for Black Travelers in 2025

Updated February 2025

Traveling to a new country can feel daunting. Whenever I consider a new destination, I always think about how I will be perceived and treated. As a Black woman, blending in isn’t always an option, especially in countries with little diversity in tourism. While no one can guarantee how they’ll be treated based on their physical features, certain patterns emerge that travelers can take into account. 

Having traveled to over 17 countries, I prioritize safety. Below are 4 countries where I felt safe as a Black woman — the last one may surprise you!

1. Lisbon, Portugal

In a previous blog, I mentioned how Lisbon felt similar to home (NYC) in terms of ethnic diversity. As soon as I landed, I could see dozens of Black travelers and locals. Prior to arriving, I did research on a Black nomad who moved from London to Lisbon and found a thriving Black community there. Because of its history, Black or African people have long been part of Lisbon’s cultural fabric. 

A great example of the presence of Black communities in Lisbon is Damaia. During my stay, I visited Damaia, a predominantly Black neighborhood, to get my hair braided. Every employee and customer in the saloon was Black and spoke mainly Portuguese. Similarly, there was another instance where I went out to eat and the receptionist was speaking to me in Portuguese. It was only when I didn’t respond he realized I couldn’t understand and apologized for assuming I was Portuguese. Needless to say, I recommend Lisbon for Black travelers who want to explore while also feeling welcomed and respected.

I cannot accurately review how the Black Portuguese are treated systematically or economically, but as a tourist, I felt safe. On my next trip, I plan to explore more Black or African neighborhoods, their cuisine, and their music scene! 

Black Communities in Lisbon:

• HERE are a list of restaurants with African cuisines.
• Follow Black In Portugal for updates on community events in Lisbon.

2. Bali, Indonesia

This one might not surprise you. I felt completely safe while solo traveling in Bali for over a week. The Balinese people are generally kind and accepting of respectful foreigners. I never encountered a situation where I felt unsafe or unwelcome. 

However, while the Balinese people are kind, some of the other tourists may not be as much. Bali has become a global tourism hotspot, and  unfortunately, some visitors bring their prejudices with them. Still, I never had any issues. 

Pro Tip: skip the overly Instagrammed spots and support the locally owned businesses for the best service and experience. Want to know if a business is truly local? Observe the menu items, staff, clientele – though not foolproof, these are good indicators. Looking back at my experiences, the small family-run restaurants had the best food and service during my stay.

3. Aruba

Ranked as one of the most revisited Caribbean islands, Aruba was a pleasant surprise. Before traveling there, I hadn’t given Aruba much thought. Located off the North East coast of South America, Aruba is a tiny but mighty island that offers a cultural and ethnic mix. 

The locals were incredibly welcoming to my friends and me. I’d love to explore more of Aruba beyond resorts and visit the neighborhoods where locals live. From my experience, Aruba is a safe and friendly destination for Black travelers.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen? A Scandinavian country? Yes, you read that correctly. I felt safe as a Black woman during my five-month stay in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since I studied abroad there, I have a sweet spot for the city, but I stand by my experience. While exploring parts of Denmark, including Aarhus, I never experienced overt racism or prejudice from Danes. Every shop I entered greeted me warmly, and I always felt respected. There isn’t a place in Copenhagen that I’ve traveled to where I didn’t feel safe or respected because of my identity, and I had my fair share of exploring the city.

That said, I have heard a few unfortunate stories of Black and other people of color facing questionable scenarios. However, in many cases, the individuals responsible weren’t Danish but tourists from other countries. That doesn’t mean every Dane is open-minded, but overall, the culture leans towards acceptance and respect. As with any place, respect is a two-way street. If you follow the rules and local customs you shouldn’t have any trouble while exploring Denmark.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

This might surprise you, but I felt very comfortable as Black Woman in Iceland. I solo traveled to Reykjavik for three days and loved every moment. I spent most of my time on guided excursions but also dined alone in the city center. 

The Icelandic people reminded me of other Scandinavians—they mind their business. As long as you’re respectful, you shouldn’t encounter issues based on your identity as a Black traveler. I enjoyed my trip to Iceland so much that I plan to visit at least twice more in the future.

Overall, these countries provided some of the best travel experiences as a Black Woman. The locals were warm, welcoming, and generally indifferent to my race. I never dealt with unwanted attention, picking or prodding, eerie stares, or refusal of service for service at these destinations. In some cases, I even blended in and was mistaken for a local. 

While I’m an advocate for traveling where you feel celebrated or accepted, don’t be afraid of venturing out to explore a destination. Prioritize safety, but recognize that healthy curiosity cannot be contained. Create your own narrative!