Solo travel in Europe is one of the best experiences ever. Trust me, I’ve done it a few times now both with friends and solo. However, there’s something to be said about going at it alone. You can go at your own pace, wander off the beaten path, and create you own unique experiences without needing to worry about anyone else. It truly is a unique way of traveling the world.
Best Cities in Europe For Solo Travelers
So, what are the best places in Europe for solo travel? Europe is super compact compared to the US, making it easy to country hop.
Best Cities to Travel Alone in Europe
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rome, Italy
- Budapest, Hungary
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Dublin, Ireland
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Paris, France
Despite some architectural similarities, each city offers a unique cultural experience, and it’s often surprisingly affordable—especially if you’re staying in hostels.
Based on my travels to every city on this list, here are my top 10 picks for solo travelers, considering factors like safety, things to do, culture, and transportation
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is truly an amazing city that’s perfect for first-time solo travelers, despite my initial nervousness. As an FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi fan, I worried I’d love the club but hate the city. Thankfully, I fell in love with both, charmed by the gothic architecture and walkability.
Did you know the Eiffel Tower was originally proposed for Barcelona? Gustave Eiffel’s plans were rejected for aesthetic reasons.
For first-timers, there’s so much to explore. The Gothic Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are filled with history, charming cafes, and local shops. Other must-see areas include El Raval, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta, and Tibidabo. The excellent public transit makes getting around a breeze.
Antoni Gaudí’s architectural marvels are standout attractions. La Sagrada Familia is awe-inspiring, while Park Güell showcases his unique landscape gardening experiments.
Barcelona’s food scene is incredible. I enjoyed hopping between tapas bars and exploring La Boqueria Market on La Rambla. For authentic Spanish paella, check out Bosque Palermo.
Safety-wise, I felt comfortable day and night. While Barcelona is known for pickpockets, common sense precautions should suffice. For more tips, see my guide for first-time solo travelers.
On my recent visit, I had a memorable Airbnb experience – a rooftop BBQ with travelers from around the world and even decided on catching a short flight to check out the Ibiza opening parties.
If art is your thing, be sure to check out the Picasso Museum in the trendy El Born neighborhood.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ok, I’m not going to lie—Amsterdam is known for its party scene. It’s become so popular among travelers that the residents are actually fed up with party tourists. Despite this, it remains a very friendly city for first-time solo travelers. I’d suggest avoiding peak travel seasons to steer clear of unwanted attention. The city’s fantastic transit system, pedestrian-friendly streets, and cycling culture make it easy to navigate.
One of Amsterdam’s highlights is its great transportation. The trams, bike paths, and walkability make getting around a breeze. Coming from a car-centric place like the United States, I found it refreshing to see how pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way.
There’s no shortage of places to stay, with many hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs available. I recommend staying at St Christopher’s Inn The Winston hostel. It’s centrally located and within walking distance of Centraal Station tram.
There’s something for everyone in Amsterdam. For a taste of local culture, you can stroll along the canals or explore the Red Light District. If you’re curious, you might even catch a peep show for a couple of Euros.
While cannabis wasn’t my thing, I did visit Café Mokum. The vibe was relaxed and the tree quite nice. In Amsterdam, cannabis cafes are called “Coffee Shops,” a nod to the city’s history of semi-secret drug trade in the early 1970s.
If you’re not into the party scene, you can visit the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum at your own pace. Alternatively, just hang out by the canal and enjoy people-watching.
The culinary scene is also quite nice. And if you’re wondering about Dutch hospitality, I’ve met two friends from the Netherlands while traveling abroad—one of whom even came to California, where we took him to Yosemite National Park.
So not only are the Dutch friendly, but Amsterdam is also a safe city, making it great for solo travelers of all kinds.
3. Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy is one of the best European cities for solo travelers. The Fiumicino Airport is a bit of a trek from the city center, but it’s worth it for a city so steeped in history.
The architecture here is second to none. Rome offers a stunning mix of ancient ruins, awe-inspiring buildings, and incredible cuisine. Walking around the city feels like stepping back in time.
Make sure to check out iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain to truly appreciate Roman architecture.
Don’t miss Vatican City, just a stroll across the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge. There you’ll find the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo painted The Creation of Adam.
To avoid long lines and ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast Track Ticket a week in advance. There are also some great Hop-On Hop-Off Rome Tours to explore the city at your own pace.
Surprisingly, the best pizza I’ve ever had was in Barcelona, Spain—ironic, since the chef was from Napoli, Italy! However, Rome still shines with its outstanding pasta, pizza, gelato, and more. The joy of dining outside, with locals and tourists strolling by, adds to the immersive Roman experience.
Public transportation in Rome is pretty efficient, like many European cities. To navigate the trams and get around easily, I recommend downloading the CityMapper app.
I’ve visited Rome twice, staying both in a hostel and an Airbnb. The hostel I loved is YellowSquare Rome. It’s split between two buildings, with Yellow Bar right across the street—or just below you. The bar has an amazing atmosphere, with live music and DJs, creating a vibrant scene.
Rome is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets and those “baby” scams where people give you something and then expect a tip. To avoid issues, don’t accept anything for free, especially in tourist areas.
With its rich history, excellent transportation, incredible art, delicious food, and lively nightlife, Rome is a fantastic destination for first-time European solo travelers. You’ll never find yourself bored in this city.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of my favorite European cities. The city is split into Buda and Pest, which were united in 1873. Walking through Budapest feels like stepping into a time machine, with its stunning architecture and historical vibe.
One of the highlights is the Hungarian Parliament from the Pest side at night. The Gothic Revival structure is absolutely mesmerizing, especially when it reflects off the Danube River.
You might usually associate Gothic architecture with Barcelona, but Budapest gave me a newfound appreciation for it.
A standout experience was the Széchenyi Baths. I thought I knew what a sauna was from my local gym, but these thermal baths were on a whole other level.
I stayed at the famous Retox party hostel, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore. For a more relaxed stay, check out Wombat’s City Hostel.
Getting around is a breeze with Budapest’s efficient public transportation. For a unique experience, hop on one of the party boats on the Danube.
Don’t miss the Royal Palace in the Buda Castle District—it offers amazing views of the city.
The nightlife is fantastic too. Morrison’s 2 Nightclub was one of the best I’ve been to: it’s like a maze with cheap drinks and different music rooms.
With charming cafes, vibrant nightlife, historical architecture, and delicious food, Budapest is perfect for solo travelers. Everything is easily accessible, and the Hungarian Forint makes it quite affordable if you’re spending in USD or Euros.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a favorite among digital nomads and solo travelers alike, thanks to its fantastic weather, friendly locals, delicious food, vibrant culture, and excellent co-working spaces. It’s also rich in history, making it a great spot for exploring.
One must-visit area is Praça do Comércio, where you’ll find the iconic Rua Augusta Arch. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Lisboa Story Centre to learn more about the 1755 earthquake that shaped the city.
Roaming around Lisbon is a breeze on foot, but I’d steer clear of those steep, vertical streets unless you’re up for a workout. Thankfully, the city’s retro-styled trams are perfect for taking you up the hills.
For the best views, check out Live Electric Tours and rent an electric car to drive up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint.
From there, you’ll get the most stunning panoramic view of Lisbon, including the 25 April Bridge, which was inspired by San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
For a scenic stroll, check out the Ribeira das Naus waterfront promenade. During my stays in Lisbon, I’ve usually booked Airbnbs since the city often falls between other destinations in my travels.
There’s no shortage of accommodations, so you’re sure to find a great spot at a reasonable price.
When it comes to nightlife, head over to the famous Pink Street (Calle Rosa de Lisboa). It’s the perfect place to enjoy live music, drinks, and dancing, and you’ll likely meet both locals and other solo travelers.
Getting from the airport to the city center is easy. You can catch the Aerobus, which runs every 20 minutes, grab a taxi, or use ridesharing apps like Uber and Cabify.
6. Dublin, Ireland
Do you enjoy Guinness? Jameson? Maybe even Ed Sheeran? If you answered yes to any of these, Dublin, Ireland might just be your perfect destination.
But seriously, Dublin is much more than just great drinks and music. The city is packed with charm and history, making it ideal for solo travelers. One of the top attractions is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is one of the most visited cathedrals in the world.
You can also visit Christ Church Cathedral just down the street or take a stroll to Trinity College Library to see the famous Book of Kells. There’s plenty to explore and enjoy in this vibrant city.
But let’s be honest, you’re probably itching to hit the infamous Temple Bar district and sing your heart out!
If you’re into that, you should definitely check out Bad Bob’s Temple Bar. The live music, great drinks, and lively atmosphere make it a fantastic spot. Plus, it stays open until 2:30 AM on weekends, so you’re in for a fun night.
Dublin is a top choice for many solo travelers. With its pubs, live music, rich history, and nature just a bus ride away, what more could you ask for?
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik was my first international trip across the pond, and even though it wasn’t solo, I quickly realized I could have totally handled it on my own.
The city’s friendly vibe, stunning natural wonders, and the chance to see the Northern Lights make it a must-visit. Since it’s located in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll experience days that are either incredibly long or short, depending on the season.
One thing you might notice is that the water smells a bit like rotten eggs—that’s due to the sulfur dioxide from the geothermal activity. Don’t worry, it’s still clean, but it’s definitely a bit of a culture shock at first.
A highlight of visiting Iceland is tackling the Golden Circle. It’s an epic route that lets you explore Iceland’s natural beauty, including sites like Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur geyser, and the Secret Lagoon.
One of the coolest adventures I had in Iceland was hiking the Vatnajökull Glacier. You get these crampons to dig into the ice, and then it’s a trek up the glacier. If conditions are right, you can even explore an ice cave—such an amazing experience!
Iceland is also a paradise for foodies. I had a lobster roll sandwich that I still dream about, and yes, I even tried a reindeer burger. Sorry, Rudolph!
While Iceland can be pricey, nature’s wonders are pretty much free. If you’re up for some pampering, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit—arguably one of the most Instagrammable spots around.
Reykjavik is a compact city, perfect for strolling around. If you need public transport, the Strætó bus system will get you where you need to go.
Beyond its natural beauty, Iceland has some stunning architecture, like the Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall.
Iceland’s safety is another big plus, especially for solo travelers. It’s one of the safest countries in Europe, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
Did you know Edinburgh played a big role in inspiring J.K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter books and movies? Pretty cool, right?
Even if you’re not into the Harry Potter universe, Edinburgh is a fantastic city for solo travelers. It’s easy to navigate, full of things to explore, and feels quite safe.
As you wander through the Old Town, you’ll come across narrow alleys and cobblestone streets, with historic signs outside buildings marking where notable figures once lived.
Consider taking a free walking tour to dive into Edinburgh’s medieval history or admire the medieval architecture of the Scott Monument. Renting a bike is another great way to get around. The city offers traffic-free routes, making cycling a fun and easy way to see everything.
If you’re looking to check out some local pubs, definitely swing by the St. Vincent Bar, also known as “The Vinnie.”
It’s got this awesome dog wall with pictures of locals who’ve brought in their furry friends over the years. The atmosphere is super laid-back, with a great selection of beers and whiskeys, making it a perfect spot for a chill evening.
The bar has a cool basement entryway and is right next to Ashton Hall Performing Arts Theater, which is a stunning building.
All in all, Edinburgh is a safe, easy-to-navigate city that’s perfect for solo travelers.
9. Paris, France
Even though Paris isn’t my top pick among European cities, I still think it’s worth a visit for solo travelers. The city has an undeniable charm, rich history, and plenty to keep you busy.
You’ve got iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Sacré-Cœur that are hard to ignore. My personal reservations about Paris are more about personal taste than anything wrong with the city itself.
Still, I’d definitely suggest exploring neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre. These areas offer a real taste of local life with their cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and historic streets once trodden by the likes of Hemingway, Monet, and Matisse.
Don’t miss out on a Seine River cruise. It’s a great way to see Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower from a different perspective and take in the city’s beauty at a relaxed pace.
For a more laid-back experience, check out some of Paris’s beautiful parks. Luxembourg Gardens and Parc Monceau are perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
When it comes to nightlife, Paris doesn’t disappoint. Spots like Le Duplex and Le Perchoir are great for soaking up the city’s vibrant energy and meeting new people. If you’re into football, catching a PSG match at Parc des Princes is a must.
Local markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges are fantastic solo adventures. You can taste fresh, local food and soak in the atmosphere.
Overall, Paris is pretty safe. Just stick to well-populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings for a smooth trip.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is definitely a standout city for solo travelers. The mix of history, culture, and a buzzing nightlife makes it a top choice. You’ll love wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture that’s stood the test of time.
One spot I’d recommend is the Charles Bridge. It’s always lively with statues, artists, and musicians, which just adds to the great atmosphere of the city. Don’t miss the Old Town Square nearby, where you can check out the Astronomical Clock.
For solo travelers, safety is key. Personally, I’ve felt comfortable exploring Prague at any hour. Just a heads-up: I did have an unfortunate encounter with the police once over a tram ticket issue. So, for a bit more peace of mind, I’d probably opt for an Uber next time.
I stayed at St. Christopher’s Inn, Prague Hostel, because it was a familiar choice from my Barcelona trips. However, if I were to visit again, I’d look for somewhere closer to Old Town Square since St. Christopher’s was a bit out of the way from the main attractions.
Whether you’re diving into Kafka’s legacy, sampling local beers, or just wandering through those charming streets, Prague is bound to offer a memorable solo adventure.
Traveling Alone in Europe for the First Time?
Now that you’ve got the scoop on the top 10 European cities for solo travelers, it’s time to decide where your next adventure will take you! Think about what interests you—whether it’s local events, the weather, or just fitting your budget.
To make your solo trip even smoother, I’ve put together a few extra resources:
Enjoy your solo adventure, be safe, and remember that the most important flight you catch is the one back home.
Cheers!
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