By Soren Rivero
Want to embrace the diversity and excitement of Europe without getting bogged down by flakey travel partners? Sounds like you need a solo vacation! Luckily for you, there’s plenty of excellent options for solo travel in Europe.
Whether you want to feel the hospitality of Dublin, have a solo spa day in Budapest, or visit the iconic attractions in Venice, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best destinations for solo travel in Europe. Keep reading for more info, tips, and tricks!
Get ahead of your solo adventure by checking out our solo vacation packages to Europe – or view all Europe vacation packages!
Dublin, Ireland
Solo, group, or business travel… Ireland provides an excellent destination for everyone! While there are tons of places in Ireland that are beautiful and exciting, Dublin has a charm for solo-travelers that can’t be missed. As one of (if not the) friendliest city in the world, Dublin has an atmosphere only relatable to a warm hug. The locals cherish their city deeply, heritage and history run deep in the streets, and the abundance of fun things to do in Dublin make it an exciting destination for solo travel in Europe!
A city steeped in history, solo travelers can explore Dublin's past by visiting attractions like Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, and the National Museum of Ireland. Spend a morning exploring the historic grounds of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, then people-watch in the expansive Phoenix Park. Finish off your day walking around Grafton Street, then exploring Dublin's nightlife scene, especially near Temple Bar District.
Berlin, Germany
Friendly people, some of the best food in the world, and a legendary nightlife scene? That sounds like Berlin, Germany! Frequently regarded as one of the best places for solo travel in Europe, Berlin should definitely be at the top of your list. This city’s vibrant atmosphere is palpable at nearly every corner, not to mention the people alone make it a warm environment that really can’t be compared to anywhere else. Some solo travelers would also be happy to hear that Berlin is a great city for introverts!
If you’re planning a solo trip to Berlin, you’ll definitely want to get the Berlin Museum Pass. This will unlock the best museums in Berlin for you at a discounted price, as opposed to purchasing entry at every museum. Otherwise, there are a variety of free walking tours in Berlin that’ll not only teach you about the history of the city, but help you meet some locals too.
Last but not least… the legendary nightlife of Berlin is something you can’t miss. As a solo traveler, look towards visiting Sisyphus and Renate as they’re both safe establishments, with Renate specifically advocating for personal autonomy and mutual respect. Another great option you have as a solo traveler in Berlin is to use ResidentAdvisor, an app designed to show nearby clubs with events, DJs, concerts, raves, and more.
Lisbon, Portugal
Starting off this list of the best places for solo travel in Europe is none other than Lisbon, Portugal. Known for its winding cobblestone streets, proximity to multiple beaches, incredible views, and spectacular food, Lisbon is a popular destination for travelers of all types. Visitors will almost instantly feel the welcoming allure of Lisbon upon arrival, thanks to the city’s comfortable climate and friendly people. On top of being a hospitable city, it’s also easy to walk through, largely in part to how compact and accessible Lisbon is structurally.
Booking a few solo tours in Lisbon will really help you to explore the best parts and hidden gems of the city. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto with the help of a personal guide, book a ticket to wander through the Tower of Belem, or marvel at the panoramic views of São Jorge Castle. When it comes time to mingle, step into a local tavern to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s hauntingly-beautiful Fado music while conversing with locals and other tourists.
Seville, Spain
Seville is one of Spain’s many fascinating cities that often gets overlooked by those who want to visit Spain’s more popular cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona. However, this gem of a city offers an enchanting blend of culture, intimate charm, and local history that gives it a special spot on our list of the best places in Europe for solo travel. What sets Seville apart from other cities (aside from it being the same name as the region it belongs to), is its importance in Spain’s exploration of the new world, as well as the epicenter of Spain’s Muslim population.
Much like Lisbon, Seville is a walkable city, with the longest distance you’ll walk being around 20-30 minutes. One thing you’ll want to do in Seville is to carry around earbuds/headphones with you, as most of the solo tours in the city offer audio translations! Some noteworthy places to visit in Seville include Giralda Tower, Seville Cathedral, Real Alcázar de Sevilla, and Plaza de Espana.
Seville is also great for solo female travelers and LGBTQ+ identifying travelers, thanks to Spain’s largely progressive views! If you want more information on traveling safely as a solo female or LGBTQ+ person, we’ve got you covered– just click on the respective links highlighted.
Venice, Italy
Overall, Venice's combination of safety, beauty, cultural richness, and accessibility makes it an ideal destination for solo travelers – making it ones of the best places in Italy for solo travel. he city's stunning architecture and canals provide endless photo opportunities, while its vibrant local life and efficient public transportation make exploring easy.
Easily enjoy some of the best things to do in Venice like taking a senic gondola ride, partaking in one of the city's events like Venice Carnival, or take a quick day trip to nearby destinations like Murano and Burano. Then, feel free to move away from the hecticness of major Venice streets to explore the back alleyways adorned with smaller local shops and cafes. Feast on the exquisite flavors of Italian cuisine while admiring the gorgeous scenery, all without being bothered by heavy crowds!
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Perfectly compact and rich with fun things to do, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best cities for solo travel for many reasons. As mentioned, Amsterdam is a compact city that ultimately allows for easy navigation without the need of a personal vehicle. Amsterdam also frequently ranks as one of the friendliest cities in the world, further adding to its appeal as a great destination for solo travel.
Now what is there to do in Amsterdam? Plenty! Low maintenance travelers who prefer to enjoy time off in a new city can simply station themselves at a local cafe and people watch, or take a self-guided tour of Amsterdam’s best museums (Van Gogh, Amsterdam Museum, Rijksmuseum). Those who visit Amsterdam for the artsy-vibe will absolutely love the city’s knack for small films, local music, and pop-up exhibitions. Otherwise, enjoy a ride along the canals or browse the local markets!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, with its captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere, is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking adventure and connection. The Hungarian capital's diverse array of architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Building and the grandeur of Buda Castle, provides limitless opportunities to learn and explore. The first thing you’ll want to do when entering this phenomenal city, is to treat yourself to a spa day! Budapest has some of the best bathhouses in Europe, so take advantage of this cultural practice while you’re there to make the most of your solo vacation!
Wander through the charming city streets to stumble upon cozy cafes, bustling markets, and more. During your downtime, delve into Budapest's cultural scene by attending concerts, exhibitions, or performances, immersing yourself in the city's artistic pulse. Remember to book a boat ride along the Danube River before you leave!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known for its stunning coastline and picturesque old town encased by medieval walls, Dubrovnik is a bucket list destination for many travelers… and for good reasons! There’s dozens of fun things to do in Dubrovnik, ranging from exploring thr Old Town to lounging underneath the sun at Banje Beach.
One thing to note is that Old Town Dubrovnik is quite touristy and does tend to get packed during peak travel months. The secret to enjoying Dubrovnik as a solo traveler is to look beyond the Old Town (although you’ll still want to spend time exploring the ancient streets and buildings). Enjoy a cable car ride across Mount Srd to discover the dazzling Dalmatian Coastline, take a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island, and join a free walking tour to connect with Dubrovnik’s history.
Krakow, Poland
Located on the southern edge of the country, bordering the Czech Republic, is the former capital city of Poland: Krakow! This historic city features incredible architecture, an olden-feel, walkable streets, and a fascinating Old Town designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1974. Although Krakow is one of Poland’s biggest cities, it's also one of the best places for solo travelers! Much of this has to do with Krakow being quite lively, extremely beautiful, inexpensive, and hosting a thriving nightlife scene.
Start your solo vacation in Krakow by wandering through the charming streets of Krakow's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval architecture, bustling market squares, and historic churches. Don't miss the magnificent St. Mary's Basilica and the iconic Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square. Then, explore the Jewish Quarter known as Kazimierz, visit Wawel Castle, and take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Remember to check out Krakow’s dazzling nightlife scene before you leave!
Edinburgh, Scotland
There’s no doubt that Edinburgh is worthy of a spot on any travel bucket list, especially for solo travel. For starters, Edinburgh boasts a great reputation for hospitality and safety. You’ll easily be able to meet friendly locals along your vacation, thanks to English being the official language of Scotland. Edinburgh also proves to be safer than most other major cities in the UK, even more so than London!
Edinburgh’s got a diverse array of things to do, from visiting historical sites (Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat), to exploring modern entertainment options such as exploring the Edinburgh Dungeon, participating in the nightlife, and visiting food markets. Whether you’re looking to dive into the city’s history, spend some time in nature, or satiate your inner bookworm with literary adventures, there’s endless things to do in Edinburgh.
Be sure to also check out the abundance of festivals that the city offers throughout the year! Solo travelers specifically hold Edinburgh Fringe and the Jazz & Blues Festival in high regards.
So, what will it be? Enjoying a solo spa day at the Budapest Bathhouses, or wandering the ancient castles of Ireland at your own pace? Whichever you choose, there's a destination for solo travel in Europe that'll surely fit your needs.
Interested in booking a solo vacation to Europe? Click on the link below to browse our Europe vacation packages!
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