In most of my 20s, I had something to do with solo travel. Throughout my 20s I have traveled to Europe as a solo traveler more time than I can count. From walking the Seine as the sun sets in Paris to riding a bike ride in Amsterdam, being solo in Europe as a traveler was my most formative year favorite pass time.
As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to set your own itinerary, try new foods, and meet new people. You may find yourself making unexpected connections with locals and other travelers, or simply enjoying the peace and serenity of solo exploration while walking through the Louvre.
Traveling alone can be daunting, but it is also a chance to challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone and create unforgettable memories. With so many great destinations to choose from, solo trips in Europe are a great way to explore the continent and discover new things about yourself along the way. These are the best cities to travel solo in Europe, and more importantly, why should you visit them.
The best cities to travel solo in Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Known for its beautiful canals, world-class museums and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is the ideal city to start a solo adventure. Despite being a big city, many of Amsterdam we know are small enough to explore on foot.
Amsterdam is a great place to evacuate during cold months like December or January. If you’re tired of walking around town and feel brave, rent a bike for a day to explore the city like you’re a local.
Read more: Amsterdam Solo: The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Solo
Berlin, Germany
As the capital of Germany, Berlin is a fascinating city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. There are plenty of museums, galleries and restaurants to explore, and the city’s public transport system makes it easy to get around. A handful of major attractions around Alexander Platz are visible on foot, but if you want to see what the city has to offer, you should rely on public transport (it’s widespread to say the least!)
Once you’ve seen the highlights in Mitte (the town centre), explore and explore the Berlin neighborhood. Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg and Neukölln are all known for their artistic and vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of great cafes, bars and food markets.
Barcelona, Spain
With beautiful architecture, delicious food and sunny beaches, Barcelona is an incredible destination for solo travelers. Whether you’re interested in art, history or just immersing the Mediterranean vibe, there’s always something to do in the city. Some of the best attractions you can’t miss are Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the busy shopping street La Rambla, and Park Guell’s La Sagrada Familia, a breathtaking park overlooking the city.
Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Prague, Czech Republic
This beautiful city is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks and charming cobblestone streets. For solo travelers who just want to immerse themselves in European culture in a city big enough to explore, it is a great destination.
Explore the old town and visit Prague Castle, then descend from the beaten path and experience some of the more local attractions. One of my favorite discoveries in Prague was a small vegetarian restaurant named Lehka Hlava.
Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Prague
Copenhagen, Denmark
As one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen is a great place for solo travelers looking to experience the Danish lifestyle. The city is home to cozy cafes, beautiful parks and stylish shops, and it’s easy to ride by bike in the warmer months.
The city enjoys its most in warmer months, but that doesn’t mean that winter visits need to be completely amortized. In fact, both of my visits to Copenhagen were solo throughout the winter.
Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Lisbon, Portugal
With beautiful architecture, delicious food and sunny beaches, Lisbon is an incredible destination for solo travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and relaxing atmosphere. And there are plenty of museums, galleries and historic places to explore. Some iconic experiences include exploring the now-famous Alfama district on foot, riding a tram around the city, and strolling into Belem for the famous Pastes Deverem (Portuguese tart).
Read more: The Ultimate Lisbon Bucket List!
Budapest, Hungary
With its beautiful architecture, thermal baths and lively nightlife, Budapest is an incredible destination for solo travelers. The city is divided into the Danube River, with plenty of beautiful bridges and parks to explore.
Home to the famous public bathhouses, Széchenyi and Gerreld Baths have two of the most famous experiences. Of course, you can take a long walk along the Danube and feel the range and size of the city before enjoying the views from Buda Castle.
To You – Which city is your favourite for solo travels in Europe? Let us know in the comments or follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.