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20 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

By Jessie Festa. This guide to solo travel destinations in Europe contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe ?

Then this post can help!

As an avid solo traveler, I’m always researching fun, interesting, and safe places to confidently travel on my own.

Since I know many people in my community do too, I reached out to some of my favorite bloggers to see where they think the best destinations for solo travel in Europe are — and this post shares their responses!

Below, you’ll find 20 incredible places for a Europe solo trip, including a mix of popular cities and lesser-known spots. For each, you’ll also snag local travel tips and recommendations to plan the perfect solo vacation.

So if you’re trying to decide where to travel solo in Europe, keep reading to discover the best European cities to visit solo!

Disclaimer: Please always check current travel advisories for a particular country before booking a trip.

💡 Quick Tip: When traveling solo in Europe, it’s smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🚆 Getting Around: Omio is one of the best tools for planning and booking public transportation in Europe. Save big while comparing fares for train, bus, and flight routes. 🏥  Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing offers straightforward and comprehensive plans to ensure you’re covered in an emergency. 📞  Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM is my go-to eSIM provider for staying connected abroad.

Table of Contents

Enjoy Solo Travel In Europe With Confidence [Free Course]

Now, before we dive into our  solo Europe trip guide I invite you to grab a seat in the  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The six-day ecourse is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to travel by yourself and take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve grabbed your seat, keep reading to learn about traveling to Europe alone.

Not sure where to travel on your own when visiting Europe ? Consider adding the following places to your ultimate solo travel Europe itinerary !

1. Riga, Latvia

Is traveling alone fun ? It can be, especially if you visit this unforgettable city.

When it comes to solo European travel , I am absolutely obsessed with Riga, Latvia, which is also one of my favorite solo female travel destinations of all time.

Not only is it safe with relatively low crime rates, but it’s walkable, affordable, easy to get around, and easy to use as a base for visiting other places in the country by public transportation.

Riga is also a green city that blends lovely parks with architectural beauty and opportunities to explore fascinating (and sometimes dark) history, from the Riga Free Walking Tour to the KGB Museum to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.

If you like history, Riga has numerous museums dedicated to exploring its past as a USSR country as well as its place in WWII when it was occupied by Nazi Germany. That being said, you’ll find plenty of cultural institutions focused on other topics like the Riga Art Nouveau Museum and the Art Museum RIGA BOURSE.

Beyond museums, there are endless things to do when traveling Riga solo . Treat yourself to a massage and soak at ESPA (the facilities are included with a treatment!), do a sunrise paddleboard at Cenas Tīrelis Preserve with SUP Adventures, wander Old Town and take in a view from the top of St. Peter’s Church, and have a local beer at Labietis Brewery on the hip Aristida Briāna (Street).

There is also the Old Town Hall Square, a cobbled 13th-century market square that was destroyed during WWII and now features reconstructions.

Beyond the city walls, a few fun day trips for solo travelers include the medieval town of Cēsis, the seaside destination of Jūrmala, and the beautiful Kemeri National Park.

Overall, Riga is one of the best cities to travel alone in Europe. I’m sure you will love it as much as I do!

-Jessie Festa from Jessie on a Journey

Riga Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Riga tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Riga hotels .

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for solo travel!

The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is among the best places to solo travel in Europe . This city has everything — culture, beaches, food, and nightlife — to enjoy on a short or a longer trip. 

When traveling solo in Lisbon , one must explore the Old Town (city center) area and go on a walking tour to learn about the unique Pombal architecture, which was built throughout the city after the massive earthquake of 1775. 

Be sure to also visit the stunning neighborhoods of Chiado, Baixa, and Alfama. Spend half a day in the historic Alfama and soak in those city views from the various miradouros or viewpoints. My personal favorite is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

Other must-explore attractions in historic Lisbon are the Castelo de são Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and the Commerce Square. Take a moment to ride the Tram 28 as well as the Santa Justa Lift to admire the city from above. Lisbon is known as the “City Of Seven Hills,” so don’t miss a chance to explore.

From the historic city center, make your way to the neighborhood of Belem and check off the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, and of course the iconic Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. These two attractions are very popular so ensure you set aside a full day and book tickets in advance to explore the neighborhood.

As a solo traveler in Portugal , you can easily take a train to Sintra on a quick day trip and explore the beautiful Pena Palace. It is completely safe to stay out at night. The local public transportation system is safe and affordable, as well. 

-By Mayuri from 2 Day Itinerary

Lisbon Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Lisbon tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Lisbon hotels .

3. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany is one of the best places to travel solo in Europe . This quaint university city has a vibrant young population which means there are plenty of modern amenities and trendy cafes — a cool and unexpected contrast to the beautiful historic streets.

There is a great deal to do in Freiburg. Thankfully for solo travelers, much of it is within walking distance from the city center and free or cheap.

Within the old town, enjoy medieval architecture such as Martinstor and Shwabentor, the two remaining medieval gates, and the 13th-century church. The church, named Freiburger Munster, has a striking gothic structure and Romanesque architecture.

It’s also worth visiting the market on the Munsterplatz Square below the church. This is the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or enjoy a traditional “bratwurst” hot dog. They even have vegan ones!

Other traditional food worth trying is Flammkuchen, a sort of French pizza; Raclette, a Swiss dish; and fried potatoes. 

The traditional food is characterized by a mix of specialties from Germany, Switzerland, and France since Freiburg lies near the border of all three. Wash it down with a wine from one of Freiburg’s local vineyards, too.

One of the best things to do here is walking just over a kilometer up Schlossberg (Castle Hill) to see the amazing views over Freiburg and beyond.

And for real nature-lovers, you won’t want to miss hiking in the nearby Black Forest. You can easily take a day trip to nearby Shausinland, a mountain just outside the city, for some great panoramic views over the forest, too.

-By Cass from Cassie The Hag

Freiburg im Breisgau Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Freiburg im Breisgau tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Freiburg im Breisgau hotels .

4. Seville, Spain

As Europe’s hottest city, Seville blazes away in southern Spain as both the home of flamenco and the setting for the passionate opera Carmen. It’s also one of the best places in Europe to solo travel.

Christopher Colombus received both permission and funds for his history-changing voyage here in the delicate walls of the Real Alcazar. He recruited his sailors from the district of Triana and routed the wealth from the Americas back along the Guadalquivir to Seville, making it one of the most important cities in the world at the time. 

As a result, it’s bursting with architectural charisma from the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) to the white walls of the Santa Cruz quarter to La Giralda, the distinctive tower attached to the largest cathedral in Seville.

The city center is very compact and so it’s great for solo travelers. As well as amazing architecture and tapas, the local vibe involves chatting to anyone and whiling away the hours in cafes and bars so it’s a very non-threatening place to meet people or to sit on your own with a book. 

Make sure to cool off from the heat in the ice baths at the Baños Arabes, try salmorejo rather than gazpacho in one of the tapas bars (it’s the local favorite), and catch an evening performance of Carmen in one of the gardens near the Plaza España.

In conclusion, Seville is one of the best European cities to visit alone. There are plenty of things to do and see!

-By Abigail from Inside The Travel Lab

Seville Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Seville tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Seville hotels .

5. Prague, Czech Republic

When it comes to the best destinations in Europe for solo travel, it’s hard to beat Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague is nicknamed “the heart of Europe” and it’s not only gorgeous, but it’s one of the safest cities in Europe.

It’s also a smaller city and incredibly easy to navigate on foot, making it simple to wander around and take in the main sites like the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Lennon Wall. 

Many of the locals speak several languages, including English, making it quite easy to meet people and get directions when necessary.

Pro tip: If you’re interested in meeting other travelers, try dining in one of the many outdoor restaurants in Old Town. 

The clustered outdoor café tables are the perfect place to enjoy some casual dining and a pilsner while taking in the stunning architecture of the “City of a Hundred Spires” and chatting with other travelers. In winter, it’s also a great spot to sip some delicious hot grog, a Prague specialty that is similar to a hot toddy.

Traveling solo in Prague is also relatively inexpensive, especially by European standards. You can book a night at the 5-star Kings Court Hotel , just steps from Old Town Square and Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock, starting at $112/ night. 

Visitors looking to explore more of the Czech Republic should check out some memorable day trips from Prague, too, like Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora (aka The Bone Church), Terezin Concentration Camp (heavy but important), and Karlovy Vary , a world-famous spa town.  

-By Jenn from Sick Girl Travels

Prague Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Prague tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Prague hotels .

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Ah, Copenhagen. Home of hands-off cyclers, long canals, the longest pedestrian street in the world, hipster spots packed with perfectly groomed beards, and very tall humans. To top it all up, the Danish capital is a godsend for solo travelers. One might even say it’s the best place to solo travel in Europe – especially for first-time solo travelers.

It’s as safe as a city gets! Even if you take a stroll into one of the “rough” hoods, you’ll still feel safe. People respect traffic lights to a T. You can go at it on your own, even at nighttime, and you’ll be just fine — though, of course, always keep your eyes open and assess your surroundings. 

Also, Copenhagen hosts people from all over the world, and 86% of Danes speak English fluently, and many also speak a third language like Spanish or German.

Moreover, you can bike everywhere. Biking is the way to tour the city, especially as bike lanes are typically separate from traffic. Copenhagen pioneered the art of city cycling, and visitors can truly see how ingrained in the culture this is.

Over spring and summer, you can enjoy the longest days of city touring . As a proper Scandinavian country, daylight changes drastically between seasons. During this time, days are super long. Plus, it never gets extremely hot. So, if you enjoy long days of solo touring, you can keep going for as long as you want — which is sometimes hard if you are with a travel companion! 

Danes might not seem too social, but they are super curious. When you are on your own, striking conversation can be somewhat challenging. Danes are very respectful of someone’s personal space; however, if you start a conversation, you’ll find they are very curious. 

When traveling alone in Copenhagen , do visit the Freetown of Christiania to understand some of the values many Danes hold up “high”.

Also spend a day at the Tivoli Gardens , one of the first amusement parks in the world. The park changes its theme and decorations every season, and it’s a stunning wonder in the middle of the city. It’s not open year-long, so check the dates beforehand.

And of course, tour the city streets like crazy! Exploring Copenhagen is an absolute joy. It’s packed with cool neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Christianshavn, huge parks, posh streets, palaces, canals, and museums.

The best part? As soon as the weather gets a tad good, everyone goes outside for a beer and a catch-up with friends — which makes Copenhagen very lively and fun! 

If you’re travelling alone in Europe, make sure to add Copenhagen to your list. You won’t regret it!

-By Martina from The Global Curious

Copenhagen Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Copenhagen tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Copenhagen hotels .

7. Athens, Greece

What comes to your mind when you think of Greece? Like most people, I bet you see it as just a romantic destination, but what you probably don’t know is that it has some of the best places in Europe to travel solo.

The capital of Greece, Athens, has loads of interesting history to explore during the day — as well as great nightlife, so you can socialize and have fun with travelers and locals alike.

Apart from seeing the Acropolis, which is usually at the top of most people’s Athens itineraries, you can also hike up Mount Lycabettus for beautiful views, visit some of the city’s delicious tavernas, and check out some interesting museums like the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Museum of the City of Athens.

And if you wish to explore a bit more of Greece, then consider visiting some of the nearby islands — such as Aegina and Hydra –- and take some trips from Athens to Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae, and Cape Sounion.

What about what to eat while in Athens?

Well, there are many fantastic cuisines you can try while in the city. I’d suggest you have a taste of the traditional Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki. It’s made with tomato, green pepper, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese.

If you’re the type that likes to explore different dishes, then you can also check out saganaki, Greek bouyourdi, dolmades, and souvlaki.

In terms of where to eat, visit Tzitzikas kai Mermigas, which is a downtown restaurant that is centrally located near Syntagma Square. It’s a very popular restaurant for both locals and tourists.

Finally, you can lodge at Athens Gate Hotel , which is one of the best hotels in the city with Acropolis views. But if you want to stay close to the Acropolis to enjoy easy access to the city’s main sites, then you should consider the Plaka neighborhood.

-By Theodore from Foodies Family

Athens Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Athens tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Athens hotels .

8. Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a much smaller and lesser-known gem of Austria but it’s definitely a place I would add to your solo travel Europe itinerary. I visited it during a solo trip to Austria and it became my favorite city, beating even Vienna and Salzburg. I’d even go as far to say that it’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe.

Located in the Alps, this is also a popular destination for winter sports. Its small narrow streets, beautiful Old Town, colorful buildings, and gorgeous mountain backdrop will melt your heart. It also features some wonderful modern and imperial architecture and even just wandering through its streets is totally worth it. 

Being a university town, you will find a lot of young people in the city to chat and meet up with.

Austria is also a safe country to visit, with a very low crime rate. It’s one of the safest places to solo travel in Europe . On top of that, cities in Austria are very easy to navigate, finding convenient accommodation and transportation is never an issue, and communicating in English is very easy. 

Plus, it doesn’t have to be an expensive place to visit. Things like using public transport, eating local food, and getting an Innsbruck City Card will for sure help you achieve that.

In terms of things to do in Innsbruck, make sure to hop on Nordkette Cable Car to get to Hafelekar Peak, visit the Golden Roof, get to the top of the Town Tower, and visit Swarovski Crystal World. 

-By Diana from Travelling With Diana

Innsbruck Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Innsbruck tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Innsbruck hotels .

9. Barcelona, Spain

I honestly feel safer traveling solo in Barcelona than in Paris. Don’t get me wrong, Paris is great; but between these two cities that I constantly travel to, Barcelona always wins! It’s one of the best European solo trips.

I first traveled to Barcelona in 2012 and fell in love right away. From that trip, I decided to visit every year and spend at least one month there. When you’re traveling by yourself, Barcelona just gives you that warm welcome — like you don’t need to worry about anything.

What I love about traveling solo in Barcelona is how easily you can meet people, especially if you stay in hostels. I literally made friends in the first hour of checking into my hostel in Barcelona as everyone was so sociable in my dorm room and I know very well that it’s because of the vibe of the city. It just makes people naturally happy and friendly.

Barcelona is also a young city and many young professionals and digital nomads from the European Union choose to live here. It won’t be difficult to meet people!

I am also fluent in Spanish so it was easy for me to go around Barcelona by myself. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be challenging if you don’t speak the language but I always tell people that Spain is the best country to learn Spanish, which, by the way, is different from learning in Latin America. I must warn you that not everyone speaks English well but you’ll get around!

If you are also traveling solo on a budget , Barcelona is cheaper than most western European countries. When I stay here for a month, I pay less than €1,000 EUR for a studio in the city. Beer is around €3 EUR and I can get my daily coffee for less €2 EUR. 

When it comes to things to do, Barcelona never runs out. What I love the most about this city is that you can easily go to the beach — which is unlike many other European cities in the west! If you’re looking for a solo beach trip , it’s definitely a top pick.

Don’t skip Barcelona when you’re planning your solo Euro trip. I promise it’ll be worth it!

-By Trisha from PS Im On My Way

Barcelona Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Barcelona tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Barcelona hotels .

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Still wondering where to solo travel in Europe?

Well, Stockholm, Sweden is a must-see destination for solo travelers with its reliable public transit and affordable hostels.

Whether you’re traveling by foot or vehicle, places in the city are simple to get to. Plus with English being spoken by 90% of the city’s population, you can easily communicate with locals. 

So, why embark on a Stockholm solo travel adventure?

The synergy of historic and modern architecture is what draws most travelers. Plus, I felt safe and comfortable traveling solo around the city.

Apart from exploring the city on foot, there are five things you must do in Stockholm:

First, check out a preserved 17th-century Swedish warship inside the Vasa Museum.

Then, tour the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family.

Next, travel back to the mid-1700s in Gamla Stan with its medieval architecture, streets, and alleyways. 

Then, learn how the locals live through a free walking tour in Söder, one of Sweden’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Finally, walk through the Brunkeberg Tunnel, an 1886 tunnel that stretches out to 231 meters (758 feet). 

If you haven’t fallen in love with Stockholm yet, here’s another reason:

Stockholm is considered one of Europe’s most sustainable cities and a global role model for its efforts to combat climate change. 

In fact, the Arlanda Express train that connects Stockholm Arlanda International Airport to Stockholm Central Station runs on 100% renewable energy and most of Sweden’s buses run on biogas.

-By Rasika from Bae Area And Beyond

Stockholm Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Stockholm tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Stockholm hotels .

11. Krakow, Poland

Ever since my trip to Krakow last summer, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen that they quite simply have to visit. Although I completely fell in love with Poland as a whole, Krakow in particular stood out as a fantastic solo travel destination. 

Boasting one of Europe’s largest central squares — which was largely undamaged during the war — Krakow really is one of the most stunning cities I’ve ever visited. It’s a great addition to any solo trip in Europe!

Not only that, Poland is still one of Europe’s truly affordable destinations, where you can get a fantastic meal for PLN 30-40 (~US $8-$10). I recommend trying restaurants like Smakolyki and Szalone Widelce for delicious homemade food.

Although Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city, its main center is surprisingly compact. Personally, I love walking around a new city to get my bearings, and Krakow always felt like an easy and safe place to do so. It has a relaxed and friendly vibe with so much to see and do!

The main market square in Krakow’s Old Town is a fantastic place to start your solo trip. Head up the tower at St. Mary’s Cathedral for a bird’s-eye view of the square, which is dominated by the old Cloth Hall where you can pick up a variety of souvenirs. 

A little outside the Old Town, stunning Wawel Castle is a truly impressive sight. Strolling around the beautiful grounds is completely free and you can pick and choose which parts of the castle you want to pay to enter. If you’re looking to hang out with the locals, head to the hillside underneath the castle facing the Vistula River at sunset.

Also, take an afternoon to soak up the atmosphere in Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter. You’ll find lots of lovely artisan shops and numerous cafes and restaurants in the area. And, if history is your thing, a visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum is well worth your time. 

There are a few good day trips within easy reach of Krakow, too. Of course, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an obvious choice, and a very poignant experience if you decide this is something you’d like to do. You’ll likely join a tour for this, so it’s a great activity as a solo traveler.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is another unique day trip option, and can easily be visited independently by bus from Krakow and then joining a guided tour there.

-By Joannda from A Zest For Travel

Krakow Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Krakow tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Krakow hotels .

12. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a lovely medieval city in the West Flanders Provience of northwest Belgium. The cobbled streets, tranquil canals, and beautiful medieval buildings bring you straight into a fairytale place that’s perfect for exploring solo.

Known as one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, you can’t leave your camera home when visiting Bruges. The reflection of the buildings in the canals can be perfectly captured on a sunny day or at night when the lights reflect in the water. 

The city is also small enough that you can walk everywhere. That is a huge benefit when traveling alone so you don’t have to figure out public transport or negotiate for a taxi.

Another great way to see the city is to cruise the waterways by boat. 

The canals of Bruges make their way through the historic city center and stretch off into the city beyond. Boats depart from several jetties in the city throughout the day and evening and captains provide information and anecdotes about Bruges.

Another one of the top things to do in Bruges for solo travelers is visiting the Belfry Tower and making the 366-step climb up. From the tower, you’ll have a superb view of the Bruges skyline.

Looking for something beautiful? The Lake of Love is a serene spot in the middle of Minnewater Park. The beautiful Lover’s Bridge makes it a perfect photo spot as well.

For the market lovers, on Wednesdays in Bruges there is a local market. During the winter months, this square transforms into a winter wonderland with a yearly Christmas market. 

When exploring a historic European city, you can’t miss visiting a church. Bruges has the Basilica of the Holy Blood which is a beautiful Renaissance building. It is best known for a small vial that is kept there which contains a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ on it.

For the best season to visit Bruges you can either go for springtime when the Loppem Castle gardens are in bloom or winter if you’re a Christmas market lover.

Weekdays are also better than weekends if you want to avoid the crowds.

Note that the official language of Bruges is Flemish (similar to Dutch), but English is spoken almost everywhere. 

-By Ilse from Digital Travel Couple

Bruges Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Bruges tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Bruges hotels .

13. Lyon, France

The third-largest city in France has a population of over 700,000. Lyon is known for gastronomy and silk, as well as for being where the Lumiere brothers invented photographic equipment that created the first projector cinema. 

One of the main reasons Lyon is a great place to visit for solo travelers is it’s an easily walkable city that is safe and has plenty of sights to see. The city is a beautiful place for solo travel in France as it has lovely cobbled streets and historic buildings. 

Lyon is home to some of the most famous landmarks in France, too, such as the World Heritage Lyon Cathedral, Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière (for the best view across Lyon), and Musée des Beaux-Arts. The latter has exhibits of famous European artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Matisse and is built over a former Benedictine convent.

Additionally, Lyon is one of the best places for solo travel because it’s close enough to Paris and easy to get to. Solo travel in Paris is also worthwhile.

But, that’s not all.

You can get around on foot alone without being hassled in Lyon, and many of the attractions are free to visit. English is also widely spoken, and it’s a fantastic city to see if you’re on a budget.

It’s not just about sightseeing, though, as Lyon has so much going on after hours, whether you want to go clubbing, have fun dancing until dawn, or relax by the pool.

Love to eat?

Lyon is a city for foodies, with a high concentration of Michelin-star restaurants and lots of great spots to party at night. Head to the Vieux Lyon area for pubs and to mingle with an English-speaking crowd. Along the Rhone, some riverboats serve as nightclubs, lounges, and wine bars. 

There are also several festivals in Lyon, including the Fête des Lumieres or the Festival of Lights, which turns the city into a magical fairyland of twinkling lights.

For those who love shopping, Lyon offers everything from designer boutiques to street markets selling local produce. If you’re looking for a unique item, head to one of the many antique shops or flea markets around town.

In short, solo travelers will feel right at home in this cosmopolitan French metropolis. It’s truly one of the best places to travel solo in France . Whether you have time for a  weekend in Lyon  or a longer trip, make sure to visit this incredible city!

-By Christina from Travel2next.com

Lyon Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Lyon tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Lyon hotels .

14. Istanbul, Turkey

With its vibrant food scene, incredible history, and picturesque sights, budget-friendly Istanbul in Turkey is easily one of the best cities in Europe for solo travelers. 

Formerly the capital of the Byzantine Roman Empire, Istanbul has a plethora of historical sites that are easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Make sure not to miss the Hagia Sophia , Blue Mosque , and Suleymaniye Mosque in the Sultanahmet area, as these architectural wonders are so beautiful they’ll take your breath away. 

Once you’ve had your fill of history, jump on a bus to Balat, a quaint neighborhood with colorful houses, cobbled streets, and a lively cafe scene. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the city! 

Alternatively, head to the Grand Bazaar — one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world — to get your shopping fix. Just remember to haggle when you buy something; this is a Turkish tradition after all!

Istanbul has some fantastic farmer’s markets, too. If you happen to be in the city on a Wednesday, don’t miss the sprawling market in the Fatih District which sells spices, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. 

In the evenings, take a leisurely stroll around the Galata Tower area, which is packed with lively cafes, bars, and bakeries, all of which are great places to strike up a conversation or while away the time with a drink or a book. 

Those traveling Istanbul solo should also make sure to indulge in at least one Turkish breakfast — an extravagant meal with a minimum of 10 different dishes, though sometimes more than 30. It’s an introduction to Turkish food and culture that is like no other. 

By the way, Istanbul has a great variety of accommodation options, from fancy hotels to apartments to simple BnBs, meaning that solo travelers have plenty of choices on where to stay. In my opinion, the Cihangir, Beyoglu, and Sisli areas are some of the best neighborhoods. 

One of the main reasons that this city is so brilliant for solo travel is the super friendly local people who are always more than happy to recommend places to visit and food to try. Sitting down with an Istanbulite over a cup of Turkish çay (tea) is one of the best ways to get to know the city and if you’re lucky, they’ll tell you about some under-the-radar places to visit, too!

– By Sasha from Mog And Dog Travels

Istanbul Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Istanbul tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Istanbul hotels .

15. Valencia, Spain

Want to experience life as a local in Spain? Like exploring on foot? Love great food? Then consider Valencia, Spain!

A little less visited than some other cities, Valencia is a great solo destination if you are looking for a more authentic Spanish experience.

Plus, Valencia really does have it all when it comes to things to see and do.

The city center in Valencia is historic with tiny streets, cobbles, landmarks, and historic buildings to explore.

Hungry? The food market is an absolute must for delicious treats and there are plenty of squares and courtyards with cafes to enjoy. The food is fabulous, with the best orange juice in Spain from Valencian oranges.

The historic center is hugged on two sides by the old river which is now a public park. Complete with sports areas, gardens, and water features, this is a fantastic place to walk and see local life happening around you. The park leads from the historic center to the City of Arts and Sciences complex with its futuristic buildings in a stunning park setting.

In March, there is the crazy Fallas Festival where teams compete to see who can make the loudest noise with the same amount of gunpowder as each other. There are daily heats in the main square and the festival builds up to an incredible finale where the huge figures made by local groups are set on fire, signifying the end of winter and the start of spring.

The Fallas Museum offers fascinating insight into the history of this event and the hidden meanings behind the figures, which often make strong political statements. Each year one figure is chosen by locals to be saved for the museum.

Valencia is very friendly, with a large town rather than a big city feel. Its smaller size makes it easy to get around on public transport and on foot.

Finally, I would recommend seeing Flamenco in Valencia. The smaller venues mean the emotion of the dance is even more powerful.

Personally, I think that Valencia is the best place for solo travel in Europe.

– By Melanie from The Professional Traveller

Valencia Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Valencia tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Valencia hotels .

16. Bologna, Italy

If you’re a solo traveler looking for one of the best places to travel to in Europe, look no further than Bologna, Italy. 

Although Bologna is a very old city, dating back to the 9 th century BC, it’s a remarkably young city demographically because of the historic University of Bologna, which happens to be the oldest university in the Western World. The students of the university, founded in 1088, infuse a vibrant buzz and energy into this beautiful city.

Need a change of scenery for a day? Or maybe some world-class wine for a weekend? Bologna is just a quick 45-minute train ride to the more popular and touristy Florence and the Tuscan countryside. 

The other large cities of Rome (2 hours 15 minutes) and Venice (1 hour 45 minutes) can be reached pretty easily and quickly by train, making Bologna a great hub for traveling all over Italy’s main attractions.

Stroll through the miles and miles of porticoes — which is just a fancy word for “covered walkways” — in and around Bologna (almost 30 miles in city proper) and visit some of the major landmarks like the iconic dual-leaning towers. These are very matter-of-factly nicknamed “Due Torri” and are protected from anything Mother Nature can think of.  

If you’re up for a quintessential Bologna experience involving some good exercise, walk the longest uninterrupted portico in the world!

A total of about 2.3 miles of covered walkway leads you from the historic city center all the way up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, which overlooks Bologna from atop its perch. Along the way, you’ll pass under 666 arches — the meaning of this devilish number has been speculated for years — many of which contain paintings, sculptures, or chapels.

In addition to the rich historical sites, many believe that Bologna is one of the premier “foodie” cities in Italy — if that can even be a thing. And no, we aren’t talking about bologna sandwiches!

But in all seriousness, the food in Bologna is some of the best in Italy! Think Parmesan, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, tortellini, and tagliatelle al ragù — which you may know better as spaghetti Bolognese. Yum! They all call this region home so you can only imagine the options that await.

With more affordable prices than some of the other major cities, you can enjoy a variety of mouthwatering food at a food hall near the city center.

Don’t forget about the local craft beer movement, either! There is a budding craft beer scene where travelers can make small talk with the Bolognese over some cold local beers. 

– By Samantha and Chris from Boozing Abroad

Bologna Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Bologna tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Bologna hotels .

17. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira — which is one of my favorite solo travel destinations in Europe — is a relatively remote island in Portugal. Closer to the African continent than to Europe, it is an autonomous region and a well-developed archipelago comprising four islands.

The island is a true hidden gem, and they call it the “Hawaii of Europe”.

And for this reason, the destination is known for its cliffs and dense rain forests that offer unique landscapes. It is a true heaven for photographers and hikers. Madeira is known for its endless trails — which are some of the best hikes in the world — waterfalls, and scenic mountain peaks.

Lately, Madeira has become a hub for solo travelers and digital nomads. The government has been going to great lengths to make it such a destination, and they succeeded.

Funchal, the main city of Madeira, offers a unique charm for independent entrepreneurs. Being financially very affordable and safe, the city has attracted thousands of nomads, especially after the pandemic.

Madeira has lately even opened a digital nomad village. It offers unique opportunities for independent entrepreneurs in terms of stay, networking, and great internet. Launched in mid 2021, the villages witnessed more than 5000 registrations from 90 countries.

-By Achraf from Walk Beside Me Blog

Madeira Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Madeira tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Madeira hotels .

18. Cinque Terre, Italy  

The Cinque Terre in Italy is a picturesque, compact, and activity-packed destination for solo travelers to consider.

The five villages of this UNESCO World Heritage site are built around coves and beaches with the jewel-box-colored houses seeming to cling to the cliffs. Below is the Ligurian Sea and rising behind the towns are olive groves, orchards, and ancient defensive fortifications.

The Cinque Terre is not accessible by car, and trains, buses, and walking between the towns make for an interesting and hassle-free holiday. The infrastructure is good, trains run very frequently, and English is spoken fluently in many hotels, hostels, restaurants, and by tour companies.

The crowded coastline doesn’t lend itself to large hotels or resorts — the largest ones are up in the hills rather than in the towns themselves — and it is likely as a solo traveler that you’ll meet fellow travelers in the small and charming hotels in the five towns.

Solo women travelers find it safe and it’s common to see women hiking and dining alone in and between the five towns. This also makes it one of the best places in Europe to travel alone as a woman .

Hiking and walking is the reason most people love the Cinque Terre National Park. Trails wind between the five towns, linking them together. These paths all have their own names.

Even seasoned travelers to Italy will fall in love with the country again when they walk through olive groves, fragrant orchards, and past wildflowers with the sparkling sea down below.

Swimming and boating trips are also wildly popular, but so too is visiting the towers, castles, and churches that can be found along the Cinque Terre coastline.

-By Monique from Trip Anthropologist

Cinque Terre Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Cinque Terre tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Cinque Terre hotels .

19. Paros Island, Greece

Paros Island is one of the Cyclades’ gems and the perfect paradise for solo traveling. Traveling to Paros Island is relatively inexpensive with round trip flights from Dublin , Ireland at around $470 — which is great, because Dublin solo travel is also a great experience.

But, back to Paros.

On the island, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options to fit all budgets and socializing preferences, from camping to luxury hotels.

Paros is often described by locals as a more authentic Santorini — and that is exactly what it is. It’s just as beautiful, too.

You can experience this authenticity while roaming the towns of Parikia and Naoussa. Parikia is a typical town with traditional white houses and small touristy streets. You can also watch a beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea from the windmill at the beginning of the Promenade.

Naoussa is another town you should visit. With its port and restaurants right by the water, it is the perfect place to have dinner and enjoy some time by yourself. Recommendation: Order a gyro while you’re there!

While on Paros Island, it’s also recommended to visit the many beautiful beaches. Some of the beaches you should check out are Santa Maria Beach and Golden Beach. Paros is also the perfect place to snorkel or have a drink on the beach.

As for transportation, you have a couple of options on Paros. You could rent a car — although when traveling solo, it can feel like it’s too high of an expense for just one person.

Alternatively, you can take the bus. Paros’ bus system is well organized and inexpensive and take you around to the most famous beaches and towns.

If you want to explore more of the island, you can rent an ATV. ATVs are very common on the island, are easy to drive, and you just need a regular driver’s license to rent one. They are also rather inexpensive and can be rented for one or several days.

Finally, Paros is extremely safe for solo travelers. The locals are very friendly, helpful, and often love giving visitors recommendations.

-By Mary from Be Right Back

Paros Island Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Paros Island tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Paros Island hotels .

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you’re wondering what the best places to travel alone in Europe are, I highly recommend getting Ljubljana in Slovenia on your radar.

Not only is the city beautiful, clean, and one of the safest places in Europe for solo female travelers , but the Center District is car-free, which leads to a peaceful atmosphere for exploring the local restaurants, bars, cafes, and markets.

Ljubljana is known for its architecturally-interesting bridges, many museums and cultural institutions, and lovely Ljubljanica River running through the Center District, which adds to this city’s charm — especially when you sit outside with an inexpensive glass of wine or beer. TOZD Bar is a nice place to do this at.

A few other must-have Ljubljana experiences for solo travelers include taking a tour with Watermelon Ljubljana Bike Tours, exploring local eateries with Ljubljananjam Foodwalks, wandering the nature trails around Rožnik Hill, and viewing the experimental art at Metelkova City.

In terms of day trips, getting out into nature is a must! Visit the beautiful Lake Bled in the Julian Alps and hike in the nearby Triglav National Park, do a homestay in the Slovenian countryside , and enjoy one of the many hiking trails in Slovenia .

Ljubljana Travel Resources

Click here for a list of top-rated Ljubljana tours .

Click here for a list of top-rated Ljubljana hotels .

Solo Travel Europe Tips

To help you make the most of your time traveling solo in Europe, here are a few helpful tips.

– Know how to meet people. One of the biggest fears people have when planning for solo travel in Europe is how to overcome loneliness .

The truth is, there are many ways to meet locals while traveling as well as other travelers, such as taking group tours and free walking tours, booking experiences that take you into local homes, attending local meetups through sites like Couchsurfing.org, and going to places frequented by other travelers like bars and cafes.

Fun fact: While traveling solo in Prague I actually made a friend at a local money exchange!

-Consider places with excellent public transportation. Traveling solo means you won’t have anyone to split cab and car rental costs with. Being able to get around by bus and train makes for a more budget-friendly solo trip.

You should also look into a Eurail Pass, which can help you save money if you’ll be traveling around Europe solo by train.

-Pick a travel destination that can also be a great homebase. This may be a personal preference, but for a place to be one of the best places in Europe for solo travel this is a requirement. I like being able to have more time in a place to meet people and get to know the destination.

That being said, I also appreciate places from where I can do day and weekend trips without having to move all of my things constantly. For instance, if traveling solo in Ireland , Dublin is a great homebase.

-Ask your hotel/hostel for an annotated map. In terms of solo travel safety , I recommend always asking your hotel to mark up a map to show you where it’s safe to walk alone and where it’s not. Or, at the very least, ask them to tell you and just note it in your phone so you’re aware.

-Pack important travel safety items. When it comes to travel safety gear , I’m never without a personal alarm . Moreover, knowing how to avoid pickpockets with things like Clever Travel Companion pickpocket-proof garments and hidden-pocket scarves is wise.

Tours In Europe For Solo Travelers

One great way to meet other people while traveling solo in Europe is to book group tours. A few highly-rated Europe tours include:

• Amsterdam Alternative Culture Walking Tour with Local Food Sampling
• Best of Prague: City Walking Tour, Boat Cruise, and Typical Czech Lunch
• 3-Hour Berlin Street Art Tour
• Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour
• Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside from Florence

Click here for a full list of tours in Europe .

Renting A Car In Europe

For many destinations in Europe, it can make sense to rent a car, especially if you’ll be exploring remote areas or beautiful countryside places.

Recommendation: Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Public Transportation In Europe

Traveling Europe alone isn’t a problem for those who don’t drive. Public transportation in Europe is fantastic!

Getting around Europe by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Hotels In Europe

Looking to pre-book hotels for your Europe solo trip?

Click here for a full list of European hotels !

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals !

You can also use the map below to search for local stays. It’s set to Paris, though you can easily change it based on where you’ll be traveling solo in Europe:

Europe Travel Insurance

When visiting Europe solo — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Best Places In Europe To Travel Alone As A Woman [Bonus Guides]

The following guides can help you plan an incredible Europe solo travel itinerary!

Solo Travel In Paris: A Romantic Guide For One

Here’s What Happens When You Travel Latvia Solo

Slovenia Travel: Local Ljubljana Experiences For Solo Travelers

Solo Travel In Prague: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Solo Trip To Amsterdam: How To Have An Amazing Time On Your Own

Rome Solo Travel: How To Have An Amazing Time Traveling Rome Alone

50 Fun Things To Do In London Alone

Best Solo Travel Destinations Europe FAQs

Still trying to decide where to travel alone in Europe? These questions may help you decide!

Q) What are the best places for solo travel in Europe?

Some of the best solo trips in Europe include Riga in Latvia, Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany, and Innsbruck in Austria. But that’s just a few options – much of Europe is ideal for solo travel.

Q) What are the best European cities for solo travelers?

When it comes to solo travel to Europe, some of the best major cities include Prague, Copenhagen, Athens, Istanbul, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

Q) What are the best European countries for solo travel?

Some of the countries you’ll want to consider for your solo trip to Europe include Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Q) Is it a good idea to travel Europe alone?

Absolutely – it’s a great idea! Solo trips to Europe are incredibly rewarding – and fun! Most European countries are ideal for solo travel with endless things to do and great public transportation for getting around.

Q) Can you travel to Europe alone as a woman?

Yes! Solo traveling to Europe as a woman is both easy and safe, especially to the destinations listed above. Just keep your wits about you and use common sense and you’ll have a great time.

What do you think are the best places to travel alone in Europe?

Enjoyed this guide to the best places in Europe for solo travel? Pin this solo female travel Europe guide for later!

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This guide is incredibly helpful for europe traveller’s. Thank you for this great resource.

I guess all of these places are worth visiting as what I read in your blog. Thanks for sharing these beautiful European places. This is very helpful and informative for every traveler and tourist who wants to visit and travel to Europe 🙂

We were just in San Sebastian, Spain last year with our oldest daughter who was playing soccer in the Donosti Cup. We started off in Barcelona, went to Madrid, and then made our way over to Hondarribia. It was an incredible trip!

You have so many great places on your list, but Slovenia and Portugal are up there for me! Cheers to great travels!

For solo travelers, Prague stands out in Europe. It’s safe, affordable, and rich in culture and history. The city’s walkable layout and friendly locals make it ideal for those exploring alone. Plus, Prague’s stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife offer a perfect blend of exploration and entertainment.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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How to travel solo in europe | your guide to solo travel planning.

Tips and advice for traveling alone in Europe. How to have a successful solo backpacking journey through Europe.

Helpful Travel Tips & Articles

Many people are intimated by the thought of solo travel but plenty of people travel alone in Europe. In fact, my first backpacking Europe trip was a solo adventure and I’ve now done 10+ solo trips to Europe. And while I was a little worried at first, I now find traveling alone to be a super rewarding experience. 

And while traveling alone does have some downsides, I still wholeheartedly endorse solo travel to anyone.

In this guide, I’ll teach you how to travel solo in Europe—including the positives and negatives, how to meet people, how to stay safe, how to fight loneliness, and plenty of other practical advice for making the most of your solo travels. 

Note: Looking for female-specific advice — check out our Guide To Solo Travel For Women in Europe . 

The Best Things About Solo Travel In Europe

Solo travel has always been a niche style of travel (check out the r/SoloTravel subreddit) but it truly started booming alongside the surge of post-pandemic travel ( Kayak’s Travel Trend Report states that single-person ticket sales are up by 36% compared to 2022). Many major news publications have also recently written about the benefits of traveling alone— The Solo Trip-Explore at Your Own Pace – NY Times , How (and Why) to Travel Alone – Vox , and Solo Travel: Why More People Are Doing It – BBC .

Let’s jump straight into some of the best things about traveling alone (don’t worry, I’ll cover the downsides in the next section).

Easier To Simply Get Started

I’ve met countless people who have put off travel for 5 or 10 years because they couldn’t find someone to travel with.

Taking a trip to Europe is a big commitment. It takes a lot of time and money. Trying to coordinate schedules and budgets of multiple people is often enough to delay (or even prevent) the start of a trip. 

And every group seems to have one person who can’t commit or cancels last minute—which can throw a wrench into the entire trip before it even begins.

But with solo travel, all you have to do is buy that ticket and you’re on your way.

Complete Control Of Your Day

Traveling alone allows you to be in total control so you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You can eat whenever, see whatever, and go wherever you want. 

Feel like sleeping in? You got it.

Want to just walk for hours? Go for it. 

You can’t fully appreciate this freedom until you travel with other people.

Food Freedom

From my experience, choosing where to eat is one of the most stressful aspects of traveling with other people—especially when you’re traveling with a larger group of people. 

When you travel alone you can choose exactly where to eat and you don’t have to worry about splitting bills and making sure you get paid back. 

Dining alone can also help you get seated faster if the restaurant has seats at the bar.

Choose Your Itinerary

Trying to get an entire group of people to agree to an itinerary can cause a lot of fiction. 

Some people love the beach. Others love city adventures. Some people want to travel cheaply and others want to drop a lot of cash. Some want to stop at every souvenir shop and others want to spend their days in museums. Inevitably, these misaligned travel styles things cause stress and conflict.

Solo travel allows you to do things you want to do. You don’t need to answer to anyone else. In a group, everyone has their own ideas of what to see and this can cause a lot of conflicts.

No Arguments

Travel is stressful. And you usually take out that stress on your travel partners. This can cause riffs between you and your travel partner or riffs within a larger group. 

I find myself getting much less stressed when I am traveling alone… because I’m not going to argue with myself. 

Total Focus

There is no one to “distract” you when you’re traveling solo. You’re totally focused on whatever it is you’re experiencing.

An Opportunity To Reinvent Yourself

You can be whoever you want to be when you travel alone. Solo travel gives you a chance to shake off the “old you” and try being someone else for a while.

Meet New People

Groups tend to unknowingly put up a “wall” between themselves and other travelers—which often prevents them from making friends with other people.

I’ve also found that solo travelers tend to meet other solo travelers—especially if you’re staying in a hostel. 

No Large Group Issues 

Traveling in a large group poses other issues that a small group won’t experience. 

One of the biggest issues is finding a table at restaurants because reservations for more than four people can be a hassle. In fact, even a reservation for 4 people will be much harder than a group of two. 

Even finding two and three-bedroom rental properties can be difficult.

Large groups also stand out so you’re much more likely to be pegged for tourists.

An Opportunity For Self-Growth

Most solo travelers find that self-growth is the greatest long-term benefit of traveling to Europe alone. You learn that you can rely on yourself. You learn that you can figure stuff out while on the road. You develop self-confidence after figuring out a difficult problem. 

In the end, you become a stronger person.

Disadvantages of Solo Travel

I’d be lying if I said that solo travel was always amazing—because it’s not. And sometimes it kind of sucks. 

But I’ve also found the difficulties of solo travel end up being the most rewarding experiences.

Eating Alone

Many people feel really uncomfortable eating alone—especially in restaurants. It isn’t bad for breakfast and lunch but dinners do get a little lonely.

In actuality, eating alone isn’t nearly as awkward as we think it will be… but, given the choice, I’d still rather eat with someone than eat alone.

Unwanted Isolation

Solo travel can be isolating. And every solo traveler will experience bouts where they wish they had someone to hang out with. 

I remember my very first night of solo traveling. I was in Dublin and the hostel was overrun by a large group of Spanish students.  didn’t meet any English speakers that first night so it was pretty lonely. I was also a new traveler so I was pretty timid. Luckily, occasions like this were pretty rare.

But, I still find going to bars alone to be intimidating.

No “Buddy System” 

Having someone to share your memories with can be nice—especially if everyone travels well with each other. 

Traveling with a friend also helps with other practicalities like having someone watch your bags, watch your drinks, save your seat, help you solve a problem, etc.

Too Many Selfies

Most of my travel photos are selfies. Minor issue but all your photos start looking the same after a while. Of course, you can ask strangers to take your photo but that also gets old (and people take really bad photos).  

General Safety

Europe is a very safe place for solo travelers but there is always safety in numbers no matter where you go. 

On the other hand, traveling with a large group makes you stand out as a bunch of tourists—which brings another host of issues. I’ve written more about safety as a solo traveler further down in this article.

No “Single’s Tax”

Solo travel can be more expensive (on a per-person basis) than traveling with a group because you’re not able to split some travel costs—notably hotel rooms/rental apartments and food. For example, splitting the cost of a hotel room between two people is a huge money saver. 

Tips On How To Travel Alone Successfully

Now that we’ve covered the positives and negatives of solo travel, let’s take a look at some tips to help you successfully travel alone. 

Consider Staying In Hostels

Hostel life isn’t for everyone but it’s an excellent way to be instantly connected with other travelers (especially other solo travelers).

Hostels have changed a lot in the past 5-10 years. Europe now has a number of higher-end hostels so many feel more like boutique hotels than the stereotypical budget backpacker flops of yesteryear. 

Additionally, just about every nicer hostel has private rooms and many hostels cater to every age so you won’t feel out of place if you’re not the typical twentysomething traveler. 

Many hostels often plan group meals, bar crawls, and walking tours to help create a communal vibe so do a little research to find a hostel that fits your travel style.

More Tips On How To Meet People In Hostels

Hostels are naturally social but there are a few things you can do to increase the chance of meeting other people.

• Don’t Break The Unspoken Hostel Rules: Check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide to hostel etiquette .
• I didn’t do a very good job being outgoing my first few nights and I had a hard time meeting people. But after the third night, I forced myself to be a little more outgoing and it opened up so many doors.
• Buy People Beer: Buy some cheap beer and offer it to people. You’ll meet TONS of people this way. People will often do the same for you. Trust me, this will be the best €10 you can spend.
• Cook Meals In The Hostel: You’ll meet so many people if you hang out in the kitchen around dinner time. Or, if nothing else, hang around the kitchen at dinner time and you’ll probably be invited to eat with other guests.

Check out my Guide To Hostels in Europe to get a more in-depth look at the world of modern hostels and visit my Accommodations Page to see my list of the best hostels in Europe.

Stay In A Fun/Popular Neighborhood

I always try to book accommodation that’s located in a fun neighborhood because I love being able to walk out the door and instantly have coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife within walking distance.

Fun neighborhoods also tend to be the safest since they’re the most popular so there are always people out and about.

The best neighborhoods are typically the most expensive in terms of accommodation so you’ll pay a bit of a premium, but I think it’s worth the extra costs.

Take A Food Tour, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, Etc. 

Participating in a group event is an excellent way to meet other people.

I love taking food tours when traveling solo since eating is naturally a communal event—especially when there is alcohol involved. Many food tours take place at night so it’s a great way to fill your evening after you’ve spent the day exploring the city. I’ve personally taken Devour Food Tours in Rome, Seville, and Madrid—all were excellent (check out my Devour Rome Food Tour review to learn more).

Cooking classes are also a great way to meet people since you’re all in a kitchen preparing a meal together and then you all gather to eat everything you just made. For example, I’ve taken cooking classes in Paris at Cook’n With Class and a cooking class in Florence. These classes generally last 3-5 hours so you still have plenty of time to do other things that day.

Take A Walking Tour

Walking tours tend to be a little less social than food tours and cooking classes since you’re mostly listening to the guide talk but it’s still an excellent way to be around others.

But you’ll naturally start up conversations when the guide isn’t talking and you might end up making a new travel buddy along the way.

Most cities have free walking tours (the guides work off tips) so it’s an affordable activity as well. You can also find more specialty paid walking tours and those tend to attract like-minded travelers.

Couchsurfing, Reddit, and Other Meetup Groups

Most big cities across the world have active Couchsurfing and Reddit meetup groups that attract people eager to meet and chat. These groups typically meet at a local bar to help the conversations flow. 

The best way to find these groups is to Google “CITYNAME Couchsurfing Meetup” or “CITYNAME Reddit Meetup.” Meetup.com can also be a good resource for finding people who are also looking for things to do.

Rent A Room On Airbnb

While not guaranteed, renting a room in an Airbnb can be a good way to interact with your hosts. Plenty of hosts will invite you to dinner or be open to hanging out. 

For example, my Airbnb hosts in Naples invited me to have a homemade dinner with them one evening out on their beautiful rooftop patio.

Use Dating Apps

Using dating apps can be a good way for single travelers to meet locals and other tourists. Plus, meeting a local is a good way to find cooler places that you might not find on your own. 

Hit The Bar

The bar has always been a natural place to meet other people.

If you feel weird about drinking alone, I recommend bringing a book and sitting at the bar as you look much more approachable than if you’re just scrolling through your phone.

Safety Tips For Solo Travelers

While Europe is a very safe place to visit, common sense safety measures are still something that all solo travelers should consider.

Act Like You Belong

One of the best things you can do while traveling alone is to simply act like you belong. Walk with confidence. Pretend like you’ve been there a million times before. People who look lost and bewildered instantly stand out.

Stay In A Safe Neighborhood

Always do some research before booking your accommodation to ensure it’s in a safe neighborhood—especially at night.

TIP: The areas around train stations in Europe are often a little sketchy (since there is a large transient population) but this is also where much of the cheap accommodation is found. So keep this in mind when booking a place to stay.

Listen To Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right then you shouldn’t do it. It’s a pretty simple concept but sometimes it’s easier said than done.

Know Where You’re Going

Pulling your phone out every two seconds to see where you’re going will naturally draw attention to yourself and it’s a signal that you’re lost. So spend a little time studying your route so you only need to check periodically.

Keep Connected With Reliable Mobile Data

Having reliable mobile data for your phone can be a huge help when traveling—you need it for Google Maps, rideshare apps, digital train tickets… and just about anything else so don’t rely on hard-to-find free wifi to keep you connected.

I recommend buying a cheap prepaid European data plan—check out my guide to How to Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones in Europe and my guide to the best eSIM data plans for Europe .

Get Familiar With Common Travel Scams

As G.I. Joe says, “Knowing Is Half The Battle” so it’s smart to familiarize yourself with the most common travel scams so you can avoid them.

I’ve written extensively about How to Avoid Pickpockets and Outsmart Thieves in Europe and How to Avoid Common Travel Scams In Europe but here are a few safety tips to consider while traveling alone.

You can also Google “scams in CITY” to get a better idea about the specifics of common scams in individual cities—for example, the “deaf/mute petition scam” is popular in Paris and Bus #64 in Rome is a hotspot for pickpockets.

Pack Light and Blend In

Lugging around a huge, heavy suitcase or massive backpack makes you an instant (and slow-moving) target. This is even more true in chaotic, crowded, and pickpocket-heavy locations like train stations, subways, and city buses.

Furthermore, knowing how to dress so you don’t instantly stand out as a tourist can also give you another level of safety.

I’ve written multiple packing-related articles you might want to check out:

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Travel Europe Packing List for Women
• Europe Packing List  (for any travel style)
• Hostel Packing List
• How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in Europe

Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is smart for all travelers because it can save your butt financially. I use and recommend  World Nomads  for most travelers but there are a handful of other travel insurance companies.

• Recent Posts
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

No Funny Business

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My First Solo Trip Review: Backpacking Europe

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: February 12, 2024

Categories Europe , Solo Travel , Travel Stories

Home » Europe » My First Solo Trip Review: Backpacking Europe

In the Summer of 2011 at 18 years old, I set out on my first solo trip. For three months I backpacked around Europe through 20 countries. I traveled by train, bus, and boat. In this article, I review my first solo trip. I’ll talk about planning, packing, budgeting, my route, experiences, and more. I’ll discuss the mistakes I made and the things I did right. Hopefully, you can learn from my experience to help make your first solo trip a bit smoother and less stressful.

Why I Decided to Take this Trip

I knew I wanted to travel after high school but I didn’t know where to go or how to go about it. While studying Spain in Spanish class, my teacher taught us about Europe’s extensive rail network. She shared her experience traveling around the continent with a Eurail Pass. After some more research, I concluded that Europe sounded like an easy destination for a first-time solo traveler like myself.

Research and Preparation for My First Solo Trip

Because this was my first trip, I wanted to be as prepared as possible so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed when I arrived in Europe. I researched every aspect of the trip extensively and planned for every possible scenario. I didn’t want any unexpected surprises. Topics of research included visas, transportation, safety, pricing, accommodation, and more.

At the same time, I wanted to keep my plans as open as possible so I didn’t pre-book much. I didn’t know how fast or far I’d want to travel because everything was new to me. I also wanted to be a bit spontaneous. This turned out to be a good idea as travel in Europe was much faster and easier than I expected.

Building my Itinerary

I started off by studying the world map that I had hanging in my room to familiarize myself with the geography of Europe. I created several potential itineraries that I thought were possible with the time I had. My plan was to fly in and out of the same airport so I created a loop itinerary.

Next, I researched each country in the region. I read travel blogs, articles, travel forums, and borrowed a Western Europe travel book from a family friend. While researching, I made a list of potential activities, museums, monuments, and points of interest that I may want to see.

A few top destinations included Stonehenge, the Louvre, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the canals of Amsterdam. I’m also pretty interested in WWII history so I wanted to see Anne Frank’s house, Oskar Schindler’s factory, Anne Frank House, and Auschwitz, and a few more sites.

Transportation

The next step was researching transportation. I started by shopping for the cheapest flight from Los Angels to Europe. London seemed to be the cheapest city to fly into at the time.

I also researched the Eurail Pass extensively. I looked up the time tables for each leg of my itinerary to check whether or not the Eurail pass covered it and what time I would leave and arrive in each city. When it didn’t, I looked at bus tickets. I found that Europe is so well connected that almost every route is possible.

Before the trip, I applied for my first passport. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I researched visas. I learned that my US passport allowed me to travel pretty much anywhere I wanted without arranging any visas in advance. The only one I would need was for Turkey, which was available at the border on arrival.

Accommodation

I planned to stay in hostels most nights and camp once in a while. I looked for hostels on Hostelworld and Booking.com in each city that I planned to visit. While researching, I checked prices, the location in the city, whether or not they included breakfast, and how to get there from the train station.

I only booked my first three nights in London but I wrote down the names and prices of some hostels that I might stay in along the way. Because summer is so busy, I knew that I would need to book in advance most of the time so it helped to be prepared.

Next, I started thinking about what kind of clothing and gear I would need for the trip. I needed to buy a new backpack to carry my clothing and gear. I already had most of the clothing I needed. The only other gear I needed to buy was outlet converters, a money belt, and a few small items.

Finally, I needed to make a budget. As I researched, I wrote down the price of everything I could think of including my flight, Eurail pass, reservations, bus tickets, hostels, food, drinks, entry tickets, and more. I then added it up. I’ll talk more in-depth about budgeting later on.

Telling My Family About my Solo Travel Plans

One issue I ran into while planning my first solo trip that I didn’t consider beforehand was how difficult it was going to be to tell my friends and family about my plans. I got some pushback and questioning. Particularly from my grandparents. Some people just don’t get solo travel. My dad got it. My mom was unsure but accepting.

Common questions, comments, and concerns I heard include: ‘Why are you doing that?’ ‘Why don’t you go with a friend?’, ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’ , ‘Why don’t you travel in your own country instead?’, ‘Why don’t you wait until you’re older?’, ‘How are you going to pay for that?’ ‘Why do you want to go there?’, ‘Why don’t you get a job instead?’, ‘you don’t want to do that’, ‘you’ll never make it’, etc.

At times, I began to doubt myself. I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew. If I was capable and competent enough to complete the trip. Luckily, I was strong enough to push through the criticism and go through with my plans. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have second thoughts though.

I’m not the only solo traveler who has run into this issue. Telling friends and family about solo travel plans is a common concern. It comes up frequently on the subreddit r/solotravel. I’ve read some horror stories there about people’s families forbidding them to travel or even threatening to disown them if they go through with their travel plans. Luckily my family wasn’t that extreme.

If you face this problem when planning your trip, my best advice is to answer their valid questions about safety, transportation, budgeting, accommodation, etc. to put their mind at ease. Try to avoid talking about the trip as much as possible. If you let them dwell on it and bash your plans, you’ll just start to doubt yourself. No good can come of it. You may even feel tempted to cancel your trip.

For some more tips, check out this great guide to dealing with unsupportive friends and family.

Money and Budgeting for My First Solo Trip

My first major obstacle in planning my trip was making sure I had enough money. I saved up around $5000 for the trip from working at McDonald’s, 18 years worth of birthday money, and some painting work I did for my friend’s parents. This had to cover all of my expenses including airfare, the Eurail Pass, other transportation, accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment, activities, souvenirs, travel gear, etc. My goal was to make it last 3 months.

I made a rough budget to find out what this whole thing would cost me. I spent a significant amount of time researching the pricing of everything I could think of and adding it all up. To make my budget, I priced out the following:

• Travel gear- I needed to purchase a backpack, outlet converters, a tent, some clothes, new shoes, travel-sized toiletries, and a few more small items.
• Plane ticket- I shopped around to find which city was the cheapest to fly into from Los Angeles. It turned out to be London.
• Eurail pass- I considered which pass I would require based on the duration of my trip and the number of trains I planned to take. I found that the Eurail pass was economical for my particular trip. I went with the 3 month global pass.
• Hostels- I went on Hostelworld and Booking.com and researched the price of dorm beds in most of the cities that I planned to visit in order to get a rough idea of the price of hostels. I found an average price for each city, multiplied it by the number of nights I planned to stay, then added up all of the hostel costs to get a rough accommodation budget idea.
• Entry fees, tours, and activities- I looked into the prices for various things that I wanted to do while traveling including entry to museums, parks, tours, etc. I’m not really into organized activities so this cost was pretty low.
• Food- I considered the cost of restaurant meals and cooking my own food in hostel kitchens. This one is difficult to estimate. I planned to cook for myself most of the time.
• Alcohol- This one was tough to price as well. I couldn’t legally drink in my home country at the time but I knew I’d be drinking on my trip.
• Miscellaneous- I budgeted a bit extra for various unexpected expenses just to be on the safe side. I think I ended up buying a couple of new shirts and a new pair of shorts when mine wore out.
• Souvenirs- I don’t buy souvenirs but if you plan to, you’ll want to budget for them.
• Travel Insurance- I did not have travel insurance on this trip but I probably should have.

After adding everything up, my total costs came out above my $5000 budget for my three-month trip. To cut costs, I made some changes to my itinerary. I cut out a few expensive Western European cities and added a few more affordable Eastern European cities. I also eliminated a couple of destinations that my Eurail Pass wouldn’t cover. Eventually, I was able to get my budget to around $5000.

First Solo Travel Tip: Make sure you have some emergency money in case a problem arises. You don’t want to spend every penny you have on your trip. You need some backup in case an emergency arises. That way, you’re covered if your phone gets stolen or if you need to buy a ticket home in an emergency. You also need some money to re-establish yourself when you return home. For example, maybe you need to rent an apartment.

Exactly how much you need depends on your age, budget, financial situation, etc. I like to carry at least $300 in cash plus have a couple thousand extra in my checking account. I didn’t have any emergencies on this trip but it brought me peace of mind knowing I had some extra cash just in case.

For more info on travel budgeting, check out my guides:

• How to Make an Accurate Budget for Long Term Travel.
• Guide to Ultra Low Budget Travel on $10 Per Day.

Tickets and Reservations I Booked in Advance

About a month and a half before my trip, I bought the following tickets and made the following reservations:

• Plane ticket- I bought a round trip ticket between Los Angeles and London with Air Canada. It cost around $1200.
• Eurail Pass- I bought the 3 month global unlimited pass. It cost around $700.
• Hostel- I booked 2 nights in a hostel in London. I wasn’t sure how many days I’d want to stay or where exactly I’d go next so I just booked the first two nights.
• Tour- I booked myself on a tour from London to Stonehenge for the day after I arrived.

First Solo Travel Tip: Book your first few days of accommodation in advance. Having a hotel or hostel bed already reserved brings peace of mind because you know where you’re going when you arrive. It also helps when passing through immigration.

To make things even easier, consider booking your airport transportation in advance as well. Many hotels and hostels offer a shuttle service. If you plan to take public transport from the airport to your accommodation, make sure you know which bus or train lines you need to take. Also, have the hotel’s phone number and address handy in case you need to ask for directions or tell your driver where you need to go.

Gear and Packing for My First Solo Trip

Travel doesn’t really require much specialty gear. Before I left, I bought a few items including:

•  Travel Backpack- I needed something lightweight and voluminous enough to accommodate all of my clothes and gear. I wanted a backpack that was small enough to carry on an airplane and large enough to accommodate 3 months worth of gear. I bought the Osprey Talon 44. This is a great bag. After 10 years of rough use on 6 continents, it’s still in excellent condition. Read my full review of the backpack here.
• Outlet converters- For charging my camera. I didn’t pack a laptop or cell phone on this trip.
• First aid kit- I bought a small first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea medicine, etc.
• Tent- I bought a cheap one person non-freestanding tent. I wasn’t sure whether or not to travel with a tent. I figured I could at least save some money by camping.
• Sleeping bag- I bought a lightweight synthetic travel sleeping bag. This turned out to be pretty useful. These days, I always travel with some type of blanket, quilt, or sleeping bag. It comes in handy surprisingly often.
• Money belt- Instead of using a wallet, I used a money belt to carry my passport, cash, and cards. This helps to protect valuables from muggers and pickpockets. I bought the Eagle Creek Silk Undercover money belt on Amazon. I’m really happy with it. I actually still use the same one to this day. It’s one of the only pieces of original travel gear that I still use. Read my full review of the money belt here.

Pretty much everything else I needed I already had. I packed:

•  1 pair of shoes
• 1 pair of sandals
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of swim shorts
• Glasses, contacts, and sunglasses
• A toiletries kit

The following two sections cover the first week or so of my trip. Things started out a bit rough. There is definitely a learning curve to solo travel. In this section, I’ll outline a couple of mistakes I made and the lessons I learned. I’ll also describe a few unexpected hiccups I experienced along the way. Hopefully, my stories can help you avoid experiencing similar problems.

My First Day of Solo Travel

My dad drove me to LAX and dropped me off. I don’t remember being particularly nervous which is surprising because I’m generally a pretty anxious guy. I felt confident and prepared.

The flight itself went smooth. I checked in and checked my backpack then boarded my flight without any issues. I had a brief stopover in Toronto before catching my first intercontinental flight to London.

After landing in Heathrow, the first problem immediately arose. While standing around the baggage claim, the crowd slowly thinned out until I was the last guy standing next to the belt. My bag didn’t arrive. Air Canada lost my backpack full of all my travel gear that I had so carefully packed. Stupidly, I packed everything in my backpack, including my contact lenses and camera.

I walked over to the baggage counter and told the agent that my bag didn’t show up. The guy was incredibly unsympathetic. He just handed me a form. All I could do was fill it out and hope that Air Canada found my backpack. I was offered no compensation.

Luckily, I did have my debit cards so getting cash wasn’t a problem. After clearing customs and immigration, I navigated the tube into central London.

I had a bit of trouble finding my hostel. I ended up wandering around Borough High Street for around an hour before I managed to find the entrance. Once I found the place, I checked in and went to sleep. This was my first day of solo travel. So far I hated it.

Over the next couple of days, I walked down to the nearest payphone to call Air Canada a couple of times per day. I tried my best to get some type of compensation out of them but they offered nothing. They just expected me to wait in the city for my bag to arrive.

Finally, on the third day, my backpack made it to London. Someone dropped it off at the hostel reception. Now my trip could begin.

A few important lessons I learned on my first day of solo travel:

•  Only bring a carry-on bag- I overpacked. Probably because this was my first trip and I didn’t know exactly what I would need. Now I know that a carry-on-sized bag is sufficient to accommodate enough gear for almost any trip. These days, I never check a bag unless I’m packing camping gear. Check out my guide to checked vs carry-on luggage for more info.
• Never fly Air Canada- At this point, I have flown on dozens of airlines and Air Canada has the absolute worst customer service that I have ever experienced. I found this particularly shocking since Canadians are such nice people in general. I will never fly Air Canada again.
• Always have travel insurance- I probably could have gotten some type of compensation for the trip delay. Luckily my bag was found this time. If it wasn’t I would have been out several hundred dollars. Travel insurance would have come in handy.

My First Solo Trip Begins

From London, I decided to travel to Amsterdam. The Eurostar cost too much so I decided to take the bus then transfer to a train. I left London without knowing exactly how I was going to get to Amsterdam, where I would sleep, or when I would arrive. This turned out to be a mistake.

I caught an afternoon bus from London to Brussels. There, I activated my Eurail pass and caught my first European train. I ended up on an afternoon train to Antwerp then transferred onto a night train to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, I didn’t arrive until midnight.

This was my mistake. I arrived in an unfamiliar city in the middle of the night without any accommodation booked. I had no way of accessing the internet to look for a hostel because I didn’t have a phone and all of the internet cafes were closed. At this point, my only options were to spend the night in the train station or go out wandering around the city looking for a place to sleep.

I walked out of the train station, not knowing that I couldn’t re-enter until the following morning. Essentially, I ended up spending a long, cold night wandering the streets of Amsterdam with my backpack. I didn’t know where to go so I just walked.

Over the course of the night, I ended up meeting a series of strange and interesting characters including a drunken cyclist, a homeless Welshman, and an odd bald guy. The whole night was just bizarre, like a fever dream. I didn’t sleep at all. Luckily I didn’t get robbed. You can read about my night in Amsterdam here.

The following day, I started my search for a place to sleep for that night. After visiting half a dozen hostels, I realized that everything was fully booked or out of my price range. I never considered that Amsterdam would be fully booked out and I couldn’t afford to pay $50 per night for a dorm bed. This is peak summer season travel in Amsterdam.

Eventually, I found an internet cafe and went online to look at my options. I knew that worst case, I could catch a train to another city. Of course, I really wanted to experience Amsterdam.

Hostelworld had nothing in my price range. I found a campground just outside the city that was accessible by tram. I ended up camping there for the next few nights. This turned out to be cheaper and more pleasant than a hostel anyway. Luckily, I was traveling with a tent.

From this ordeal I learned to:

• Avoid arriving in an unfamiliar city late at night or early in the morning without confirmed accommodation and transport plans- Everything becomes more difficult at night. For example, public transportation often stops running, hotels and hotels lock their doors for security reasons, and restaurants are all closed. Arriving at night is also slightly more dangerous because most crime happens at night. You don’t want to be out wandering around a foreign city in some random neighborhood at 2 am looking for a hotel with a vacancy. Nothing good can come of it. If you plan to arrive in a new city in the middle of the night, book ahead and arrange your transport in advance. Also, make sure your hotel reception expects you. Better yet, arrive during the day.
• Book ahead in popular destinations or during peak season- Some touristy cities, like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris for example, fully book out during the busy season. Sometimes you need to book up to a couple of weeks in advance in order to get a bed in a decent hotel, hostel, or Airbnb.
• Carry a tent- You can almost always find a place to camp. Most campgrounds won’t turn you away, even if they’re packed. There is always a bit of space. If you have a tent, you can also wild camp. If you don’t want to carry a tent, consider packing a hammock. For more info on camping while traveling, check out my guide to traveling with a tent.

The Rest of the Trip

The trip started out pretty rough but I feel like I learned a few valuable travel lessons early on. From there on out, it was smooth sailing.

A few highlights from my first solo trip included:

• Stockholm- For whatever reason, I loved this city. I also met a great group of fellow travelers at the hostel.
• The hostels- I’m probably in the minority here, but I love staying in hostels. This trip gave me my first hostel experience. I’ve stayed in hundreds since.
• The train rides- On this trip, I learned that I’m a train guy. While traveling, I ride them whenever possible. This trip gave me my first taste of train travel.
• Prague- This is probably my favorite European city. It’s cheap, beautiful, and the beer is great. I love it.
• Wandering around on foot- Most European cities are compact and walkable. For the most part, you don’t have to worry about wandering into a dangerous neighborhood. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is walking around. Europe is perfect for this.
• Krakow- Another historic and beautiful European city. It’s affordable too.
• The ferry ride from Greece to Italy – I slept on the deck in my sleeping bag. The weather that night was perfect.
• Istanbul- As an inexperienced traveler at the time, this city felt really exotic.
• Camping- Many European cities have campgrounds within the city or just outside. They’re usually accessible by public transport. My favorite places I camped were Munich and Amsterdam.

My First Solo Trip Route

I put my Eurail pass to good use and ended up visiting about 20 countries during my first solo trip. On average, I stayed in each city for 3-4 nights. That gave me enough time to see the main sites and go out one night. If I was really enjoying a city, I’d stay 4-5 nights. Travel time between cities was always less than a day.

I visited the following cities during my first solo trip:

London – Amsterdam – Copenhagen – Stockholm – Berlin – Munich – Prague – Krakow – Bratislava, Slovakia – Vienna – Budapest – Bucharest – Sofia – Istanbul – Thessaloniki, Greece – Rome – Zurich – Interlaken, Switzerland – Barcelona – Madrid – Paris – Bruges

My personal favorites were Amsterdam, Stockholm, Prague, Krakow, Istanbul, and Barcelona.

The Eurail pass covered every trip except London-Brussels, Sofia-Istanbul, Istanbul-Thessaloniki, and Bruges-London. I bought these tickets separately at the bus or train station.

Accommodation: A Note about European Hostels

Europe is the birthplace of youth hostels. The first one opened in Germany in 1912. That means that travelers have been hosteling in Europe for over 100 years. My dad backpacked Europe in the 60s and probably had a similar experience to me.

At this point, I have stayed in hostels on 6 continents. In my opinion, Europe offers the best hostels in terms of facilities and cleanliness. There are also a lot of them. Hostels are absolutely everywhere on the continent.

Unfortunately, European hostels are expensive and prices keep increasing. During my first solo trip, the most expensive hostels cost around $30 per night in Stockholm and Amsterdam. Average prices were around $7-$15.

These days, hostel prices are significantly higher. In most Western European capital cities, expect to pay $25-$35 per night for a dorm bed in a centrally located hostel during busy season. In the most expensive cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Oslo, and Stockholm, you might pay $40-$50 during peak season. That’s getting a bit too pricey for most backpackers traveling long term.

Luckily, prices are still reasonable in Eastern Europe. For my next European trip, I plan to visit Ukraine, Moldova, the Balkans, and the Caucuses. Hostel prices still seem very reasonable in that part of the continent.

First Solo Trip Tip: Stay in Social Hostels

Solo travel gets lonely. Particularly at night. To help you meet people, stay in a social hostel. Hostels offer a common area, bar, walking tours, group meals, pub crawls, and a variety of other social events. These offer great opportunities to meet fellow travelers to go out with, sightsee with, and even travel with.

One thing to remember when booking is that hostel atmosphere varies greatly. Some are more oriented to partying while others are more chilled out. Some are designed to be social while others are geared pretty much only for sleeping. Be sure to check reviews before booking. Check out my guide to choosing a hostel for some helpful tips.

If you’re not comfortable sleeping in a dorm room with other people, most hostels offer private rooms. This way, you get to take advantage of the social aspects of hostels while still maintaining some privacy. Couchsurfing is another great social accommodation option.

Transportation: European Trains and the Eurail Pass, Budget Airlines, and Buses

Europe has maybe the best transportation infrastructure in the world. Between trains, buses, and budget airlines, you can travel pretty much anywhere on the continent quickly and usually affordably.

The European rail system, in particular, is world-class. Trains are reliable, comfortable, fast, and the system is extensive. You can travel almost anywhere by train. It’s impressive if you come from a place where train travel is less common.

I bought the 3 month global unlimited Eurail pass before my trip. At the time, the pass cost around $700. While writing this article, I checked the price on their website and found that the pass costs about the same now. Somehow the price hasn’t increased in 9 years. That’s actually pretty impressive.

I absolutely recommend traveling by train in Europe but I’m still not sure whether to recommend the Eurail pass. On one hand, I used my Eurail pass extensively and definitely feel that I got my money’s worth. The pass even included my fairy fare from Greece to Italy. On the other hand, I think it would be easier, and for some trips cheaper, to just buy tickets as you go.

One thing that annoys me about the Eurail pass is the fact that you have to pay a reservation fee for most longer routes. They generally charge 10-15 euro per trip. Shorter routes often don’t require a reservation. You just hop on. The reservation fees add up quickly. I probably spend a couple of hundred Euro to reserve seats.

If the train is too expensive, I recommend you check bus ticket prices. It’s almost always cheaper to travel by bus. A few budget European bus lines include Flixbus, Megabus, and Eurolines. Bus companies vary by region as well. If you shop around, you can score some great deals. For more info, check out my bus vs train travel guide.

When traveling between cities that are more that a day apart overland, consider flying instead. European budget airlines offer surprisingly low rates. In some cases, it’s cheaper to fly than take the bus. A few popular European budget airlines include Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, AirBaltic, and Eurowings.

First Solo Travel Tip: Travel by night. This benefits you in two ways. First, you’ll save money on a night of accommodation. Second, you’ll save valuable time. Rather than wasting a whole day sitting on the train or bus, you can sleep through the trip and wake up in a new city ready to explore. Of course, your sleep will suffer unless you book a bed in a sleeper car.

Accessing Money on My First Solo Trip

Before my trip, I got my first debit card from my local credit union. I was still 17 while planning the trip so I had to have one of my parents sign for the card. I kept most of my money in my checking account so I could access it through ATMs. At the time, I did not have a credit card. As I traveled, I withdrew cash from ATMs. I never had a problem finding one in Europe.

I also left home with about $500 USD in cash, which I stored in my money belt. This was as a backup just in case my debit card was lost, stolen, or shut off for some reason. Occasionally, I would exchange some cash for the local currency when I found a good exchange rate.

The cash came in handy on one occasion. For whatever reason, my debit card did not work in Romania. Even after calling my bank, they couldn’t figure it out.

I ended up spending a decent chunk of money on currency exchange fees and ATM fees. I learned my lesson after this experience.

These days, I use a travel credit card instead of a debit card or cash whenever possible. I do this for three reasons.

• There are no exchange fees- Travel credit cards eliminate most fees. This saves you 1-3% on every transaction. Most debit cards charge a fee. You also avoid the conversion fee of exchanging cash.
• Using a credit card adds security- Credit card companies can do chargebacks. They can refund you if your card gets overcharged or stolen and used by a criminal. This is possible because credit card companies usually don’t pay vendors until the following month. They still have the money so they can give it back to you if you fall victim to fraud or a scam.
• I can take advantage of the points to travel more- Rewards points add up fast. Most credit card companies offer bonus points when you open a new card as well. For example, I paid for my round trip airfare to Africa with credit card points. That saved me around $1200.

I also carry a debit card with no foreign transaction fees or ATM withdraw fees. This has saved me hundreds of dollars in fees over the years.

Things I Would Have Done Differently on My First Solo Trip

Even thought the trip was a success, it wasn’t perfect. If I were to take this same trip again, I would:

• Pack lighter- I didn’t want to buy everything new for the trip. I just didn’t have the budget. I ended up packing heavy clothing and gear that I already owned. As a result of this, my pack was pretty heavy. I’ve since upgraded to mostly ultralight gear. A lighter pack makes travel so much easier and less stressful. For help packing, check out my ultralight travel packing list.
• Pack better shoes- I packed one pair of Converse All-Stars. These are great looking shoes but just aren’t comfortable enough for long walks. Over the course of the trip, I walked several hundred miles in them anyway. My feet hurt. These days, I pack running shoes or trail runners. I can walk all day and experience zero foot pain.
• Spend more time in the outdoors- Europe offers some beautiful natural scenery. I spent most of my time in cities. On a future trip, I’d like to do some hiking in the Italian Dolomites, Norwegian Fjords, and Mont Blanc.
• Spend less time in Western Europe – The region is beautiful and historic but too developed and touristy. In fact, the central tourist zones are so clean and well kept that they feel like Disneyland. I found Eastern Europe to be much more interesting. Having said this, I’m glad to have visited the famous western European capitals.
• Spend more time in smaller towns- I mostly stuck to big capital cities like Berlin, Rome, Paris Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, etc. On a future trip, I would like to explore some second tier cities like Bergen, Norway, and Frankfurt, Germany. I would also like to visit some rural regions.
• Visit fewer destinations- I was packing up and traveling to a different city every 3-4 days. I ended up visiting about 20 countries in just 3 months. I wanted to see everything, which got exhausting. These days, I travel much slower. I like to take some time to get to know each city and relax a bit. I’m over my country counting phase.

Things I Should Have Left at Home

Most first time travelers end up overpacking. Myself included. Some of the things that I shouldn’t have packed include:

• DSLR camera- Too bulky and heavy. I don’t even travel with a camera anymore. I just use my phone. Of course, phone cameras were pretty bad at the time of this trip so that wasn’t really an option.
• Some of my clothes- I packed too many clothes. I could have left a couple a couple t shirts, underwear, and socks at home. These days, I just pack a couple of shirts and pants and buy more when my originals wear out.
• My heavy tent- The thing weighed like 4 pounds. I still carry a tent. Just an ultralight model. I have the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 and love it.
• Sleep sheet- While researching for the trip, I read online that it’s a good idea to sleep in your own sheet or sleeping bag liner in hostels for hygiene reasons. This is unnecessary. Hostels are clean enough.

Loneliness During My First Solo Trip

During this trip, I quickly learned that solo travel is a lonely experience. I spent hundreds of hours alone in transit. I cooked and ate many meals alone. Much of the time I went sightseeing alone. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just something to consider before taking a solo trip.

This wasn’t really a problem for me because I’m a bit of a loner naturally. Having said that spending so much time alone can take its toll. Sometimes I wished I had someone to talk to and enjoy the experience with. Sometimes I wished I had someone to suffer with during the low points.

Of course, most of the time I wasn’t alone. I met fellow travelers as well as locals everywhere I went. At most hostels I met people to sightsee with, eat with, and go out with. On a couple of occasions, I even met people to travel with for short stints.

Luckily, meeting people as a solo traveler is pretty easy. A few ways to meet people include:

• Stay in a social hostel- Choose a hostel with a large common area and a bar. These features make it easy to meet fellow travelers. If the hostel offers outings or group activities, even better.
• Go on a free walking tour- These are incredibly common in Europe. You’ll definitely meet fellow travelers.
• Try to keep a positive attitude and try to look approachable- If you appear friendly, you’ll make friends more easily. People don’t want to talk to you if you look like you don’t want to be bothered.
• Share food and drinks- Buy some beers or snacks and share them with other guests in the hostel. You’ll make friends quickly.
• Go to a bar- Hotel and hostel bars are great places to meet people.
• Stay with a local host or go couchsurfing- This way, you’ll automatically have a friend when you arrive.
• Chat people up while in transit- You might make a friend and the time passes faster.
• Take a class- Cooking, yoga, diving, and surfing classes are all great places to meet people. You’ll instantly become frineds with your classmates because you all share a common interest.
• Volunteer or work- You’ll become quick friends with your host and fellow volunteers while working together.

For more help, check out my guide to meeting people while traveling alone.

First Solo Travel Tip : If you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip, it’s important to recognize that you will be spending a great deal of time alone. Even if you’re a chatty people person, you won’t meet people everywhere you go. Some hostels aren’t that friendly. In some cities you simply don’t meet anyone you connect with. You will be eating alone, sightseeing alone, and sitting alone for hours on the bus or train. If you’re the kind of person who needs constant social interaction, you may not enjoy solo travel. It’s not for everyone, which is fine.

A Note About Technology on My First Solo Trip

When I took this trip in 2011, smartphones and Wifi were just becoming common. I didn’t bring any kind of internet-connected device. I didn’t even bring a regular cell phone. During the trip, I only saw a handful of travelers with laptops or phones.

Back then, pretty much every hostel offered computers in the common area. I used these to research and make bookings as I went and to keep in contact with family and friends through email and Facebook. Occasionally, I used payphones to call home. I feel like I got to experience the tail end of the pre-smartphone era of travel.

Travel has changed significantly since 2011. These days, I always bring my phone and laptop when I travel. Every hostel has Wifi. Common computers and payphones are a thing of the past. A few major advantages of technology include:

• Navigation- GPS makes it so much easier to find hostels, restaurants, points of interest, transit stations, etc. Even when I don’t have internet, I can download maps from Google Maps or Maps.me and use my phone’s GPS to find where I need to go. One of the most annoying parts of my first solo trip was finding the hostel when I arrived in a new city. Before leaving the previous hostel, I had to handwrite directions to my next hostel. I could usually get to the neighborhood pretty easily but actually finding the hostel was a challenge. In Budapest, I spent almost two hours wandering around until I finally found the hostel’s postage stamp sized sign on the side of a building. Now I could walk right there with my phone.
• keeping in touch- These days, I can call and text my friends and family back home and around the world whenever I want. There are dozens of free apps available including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, etc. Sometimes I buy a local SIM card so I can call local numbers and use mobile data. Calling home was incredibly expensive during my first solo trip.
• Communication with locals- With Google translate, I can communicate with pretty much anyone in their language. I usually download the offline version if I don’t have a local SIM card with mobile data.
• Currency conversion- Instead of trying to calculate the prices in my head, I can whip out my phone and quickly convert prices into dollars with the most up to date exchange rate. This helps greatly with budgeting and avoiding scams.

A Few Tips for Your First Solo Trip

• Choose your destination wisely- Some places are easier to solo travel than others. For your first solo trip, you probably don’t want to go to Nigeria or Afghanistan. Choose an easy destination with established tourist infrastructure. This makes it easy to get around and find decent accommodation. Choose a region that is popular among backpackers. You’ll have an easier time meeting people. Also, consider the language barrier. A few great destinations for first-time solo travelers include Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Central America. For some more ideas, check out my guide to the best solo travel destinations.
• Meet people- As mentioned above, traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. Put some effort into meeting fellow travelers and locals. Looking back, some of my best memories of the trip were created with the people I met along the way.
• Try to blend in- Tourists are a target for scammers, pickpockets, and muggers. By blending in, you reduce your risk of falling victim to a crime. To blend in, try to dress like a local rather than a tourist and avoid speaking too loudly. I blended in pretty well on my first solo trip. In the hostel in Stockholm, someone recommended I roll up my jeans at the bottom so I would blend in more. I guess that was in style in Northern Europe at the time. About 5 minutes after I walked out of the hostel some guy approached me speaking Swedish. After he learned that I didn’t speak the language, he told me that he thought I was a local because I was dressed like a Swede. It was a funny coincidence.
• Always have a backup plan- It’s important to have a plan B in case things turn south. Carry some extra cash in case you need to take a taxi back to your hotel. Upload copies of all of your important documents to the cloud in case your passport gets stolen. Make sure you always have the address of your hotel on your person in case you get lost. Try your best to be prepared for every situation.
• Pack light- Schlepping around a massive 90 liter backpack full of 50 lbs of gear grows old quickly. Try to pack everything you need into a carry-on-sized bag. 40-50 liters is ideal. Try to keep the total weight under 10 kg or 22 lbs if possible. If there is any question about whether or not you’ll need something, just leave it at home. Be sure to weigh your luggage before you leave to make sure it meets the airline weight limits. A light and compact bag allows you to avoid luggage fees. You can also easily walk with it across the city. You don’t need transportation everywhere you go.
• Don’t plan too much- It’s fine to make a basic itinerary but I recommend you avoid booking anything beyond the first few days. Try to leave some room for spontaneity. Your plans will probably change once you reach your destination anyway. For example, maybe you end up falling in love with a particular city and you decide that you want to extend your stay. Maybe you end up hating a country and want to get out of there. If you already planned everything and booked everything in advance, changing your plans becomes difficult. If you keep your plans open, you can play it by ear.
• Slow down- Many first-time solo travelers try to cram too many destinations and activities into their itinerary. I made this same mistake. Instead of trying to do everything, pick out a few things to do in each city. Instead of visiting 10 cities in a month, visit 3 or 4. Give yourself time to relax and explore. You’re on vacation after all.
• Do your own thing- The best part of solo travel is the absolute freedom of it. You can do whatever you want without having to take anyone else’s preferences into consideration. It’s all about you. If you feel like renting a bike and riding across the city, you can. If you feel like going to a water park, you can. You also get to avoid things you don’t like doing. If you hate museums, skip them. If you don’t care for the local cuisine, eat something else. It’s your vacation. There is no right or wrong way to solo travel.

Final Thoughts about My First Solo Trip

I realize this is a cliché, but this trip was life changing. Not in the sense that I ‘found myself’ or that I changed in any way. Rather, that I found what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to travel. By the time I arrived back home, I was already planning my next trip, Asia.

10 years have passed since I took my first solo trip. During that time, I designed my life around travel. So far, I have visited 60 countries on 6 continents with plenty more trips planned for the future. I also started this travel blog and become a digital nomad. In this sense, the trip changed the course of my life.

Are you a solo traveler? Share your story about your first solo trip in the comments below!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Solo Travel Vs Group Travel: Pros and Cons
• 35 Types of Tourism
• 22 Benefits of Traveling
• Backpack Vs Suitcase: Pros and Cons
• Am I Too Old for Hostels?

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Europe Solo Travel: Your Essential Guide to Traveling Alone

Europe solo travel might not be on everybody’s list, but it will soon be as more travellers start to choose solo travel over group travel .

We won’t discuss any reasons here, but instead, I’ll give you my best tips for solo European travel, as I am a European traveller myself and have been since 2014. 

Make sure to read till the end to get my best tips and recommendations about the best places to travel in Europe, tips for your solo European travel and everything else you need to know about travelling in Europe. 

Beware! This is not your typical solo Europe travel guide. However, I strongly believe that you might actually have a plan and a better understanding of what it takes to travel to Europe after reading and taking my advice. 

Solo Travel in Europe : Important tips

Let’s start off by addressing some of the most common concerns and misconceptions that you might think about or hear about when planning your first solo trip, with a focus on European solo travel.

Here are my key points when talking about solo European travels:

• Solo travel doesn’t mean travelling all alone. It only means you will be the one responsible for booking all your hotels, hostels, flights, trains or buses, but being alone will, in fact, open up a lot of new opportunities to talk to and meet new people. Some of those people might become your closest friends.
• You can set any budget you’d like, from budget to luxury, even if you’re travelling solo in Europe. Wherever you go, there will be options appropriate for all. But most people associate solo travellers in Europe with backpackers. However, that’s not always the case.
• The best places to travel solo in Europe can indeed be any place you prefer. There is no city in Europe that’s being crowned “The solo travellers’ destination of the year”. That’s more of a catchphrase of fancy magazines, but after travelling extensively all over Europe, almost all places are suitable for both solo travel and couple travel, family travel and group travel in Europe. I’ll post a list of my personal preferences at the end of this post, and you are welcome to disagree (but remember, I have been to all those places, so I know what I’m talking about).
• Solo females can travel safely in Europe. I’m a woman who has travelled to about half of the continent on her own. For the other half, I’ve travelled with my boyfriend, but I must admit I’m the one always making travel plans, driving long road trips and booking all hotels and activities in Europe. It’s safe to travel solo in Europe, whether you’re a man or a woman!
• If you’re planning for a cheap solo travel European itinerary , then steer off Western countries and think of Eastern Europe (the Baltic countries, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, the Balkans, and might I add Turkey to the mix, because a tiny part of it it’s in Europe)

Europe Solo Travel Budget: How much does it cost to travel in Europe?

First things first. 

How much does it cost to travel to Europe?

How do you calculate a budget to travel in Europe? Is it even possible to go travelling around Europe on a budget?

The answer is YES. You can travel on a budget in Europe.

As a European, I can assure you that you can travel cheap to Europe because I’ve done it already.

I live in Europe, and I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you when I wrote a post about how to plan a month of travelling through Europe on a budget . I explained my entire strategy (which I have never seen anywhere else) and laid out all the costs. 

Go and read that post before you set any expectations about budget travelling in Europe.

You can choose your European travel budget, and you can choose your destinations based on that travel budget. 

Not all countries and cities are equal when it comes to costs. What may cost you a meal in Dublin might be enough for more than one day in Romania. They’re both in Europe, and they are both part of the European Union.

That’s why I stress so much on this topic when it comes to solo travel in Europe. Travelling alone means that you won’t be able to slip any costs regarding accommodation or transport if you decide to rent a car or slip the grocery bill. 

Most travel blogs talk about a list of places to go or some tips to save money while travelling , but they never teach you how to actually conceive a plan to help you travel alone to Europe. 

I’m a practical girl and like to have control over all the details whenever I plan a trip. 

I believe that each one of us has a different style of travelling and that I can only tell you about my travelling days for you to use as an inspiration. 

So that’s why I will help you conceive a plan to travel solo to Europe. It’s not as hard as you think. I’ve travelled alone in Europe a lot and then also travelled solo to the US. You’ve got this!

Before you decide if you can afford to travel to Europe alone, do yourself a favour and answer these questions. Be honest!

• How much do you want to spend? 

How much time do you want to travel? 

• Are there any particular places you want to see? 

After you’ve done that, you have a starting point to build a realistic travel to Europe plan. 

How much do you want to spend while travelling solo in Europe? 

As with any plan, setting a budget and knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you further down the line to prioritize.

Choosing between a restaurant meal and a hostel stay might not be an easy choice, but having your travel budget in mind will help you take the right decision. 

Let’s talk about costs. 

On average, you should plan 150 EUR (~$164) for a day in Europe. 

But that’s an average, and it’s realistic if I consider most European countries. 

And then it comes the level of comfort you’re used to. 

As with anywhere else in this world, comfort comes with a price tag , and that can add some zeros to your total costs. 

Also, you can plan for a more frugal solo trip to Europe , as I did some years ago when I spent less than 1000 Eur for one month (do know that times have changed since then, so it would now be around 1,500 Eur).

It’s doable, and I am living proof, but the reality is that most people will say ‘no’ to some of the budget-saving tips I have for you.

And to be completely honest, I spent that little because that was all the money I had. 

As I look at my travelling style now, I realise how much I have evolved.

In 2022, I experienced Norway for a month and Sweden for two months . In 2023, I spend over a month in Iceland .

This is just an example to prove to you that it’s not shameful to start with as little as you’ve got now. and then improve, save more money and enjoy more expensive destinations in Europe later on.

At this point, I am proud of my humble solo travel experiences I lived many years ago.

And If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose to go wherever I could afford, instead of raising money for years just to go to one really expensive place.

Trust me, you’ll get there too if that’s what you want. And if you simply go now, if you will enjoy your solo Europe travel experience, you will find a way to get more money for your next one.

This is easy math. Once you decide on your travel budget to Europe, you can either spend less time travelling in Western and Northern Europe or head over to Eastern European countries and possibly double or even triple your stay. 

Most travellers choose a combo between these three parts of Europe, and that’s how their average daily budget gets to a reasonable amount. 

Just as an example, consider that a month’s rate for a room in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is around 500 Eur. A room in Paris can be about 1500 Eur. These are in the city centre. I live in Bucharest. It’s one of the safest cities I’ve been to. But that’s not something I can say about Paris.

Check out the cheapest countries in Europe to understand what I’m talking about. 

As you can see, if your priority is to spend more time travelling around Europe and you don’t have an unlimited travel budget to do so, then consider slow travelling and some stops in Eastern Europe. Just because it’s not all over social media, it doesn’t mean it’s not neat. 

Check out How to plan your Europe trip on a budget for some great budget tips.

Solo Europe traveller, are there any particular places you want to see? 

Of course, these must be some places you really want to see in Europe. That’s ok, and I completely understand. I’ve been to some of them, and most of the time, they live up to the expectation. 

In this case, you need to plan your European trip around those places. Remember that your biggest costs and struggles will be transport and accommodation in Europe. If money is not an issue, then plan away. Otherwise, take a look at the map of Europe and plan your Euro trip around those places you really want to see. 

Some of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe are:

• Paris, France
• London, United Kingdom
• Rome, Italy

All great but pricey. And crowded. However, that doesn’t mean you should not visit them. On the contrary, you should definitely visit those on your first trip to Europe. I included them in this 3-week Europe itinerary for first-timers.

The best place to travel solo in Europe

What are the best places to travel solo in Europe? 

Arriving in Europe

First off, think about travelling to Europe first. 

I recommend checking Kiwi for prices and even booking your ticket. I use it whenever I have to plan a multi-leg trip because it covers you in case you miss any connection because of one of the companies and it also sells tickets using more than one airline. 

Best Places for Solo Europe Travel 

To be completely honest, most online magazines and big travel blogs praise places for their cultural diversity, landscapes, the number of tourist attractions, cuisine and other stuff like that. 

But I ask you this: What do YOU want to do and see? Based on that answer, you will find the best place to travel solo in Europe for YOU!

I wouldn’t say I like this herd mentality, in which we all get to see the same places, eat the same, talk the same, and ultimately think the same. It’s called brainwashing, and that’s exactly what you want to avoid when you decide to go travelling. 

I can list some random places to visit in Europe based on my own set of values and beliefs, and then you can get there and realise it’s not worth it for you. 

We’re all different, and we have different needs. That’s why it’s so hard to pinpoint a life path to make all of us happy. We need different experiences to fulfil us, and different places will do that for us. 

Do you still want my list of the best places for solo Europe to travel? In random order, here you go.

• Riga, Latvia – Because you have a lot of history and you can easily make a day trip to Tallinn or Vilnius . And it’s right next to the Baltic Sea. 
• Kyiv, Ukraine – One of the most overlooked destinations in Europe. Affordable and so full of stories.
• Vienna, Austria – I might be biased on this one since I lived in Austria and have been to Vienna countless times. A lot of Eastern Europe’s culture was inspired by there. 
• Bucharest, Romania – My hometown. It’s affordable, and you will have many cultural shocks if you’re not from around. 
• Greek Islands – No need to explain this.  
• Slovenia – Cheaper than Italy and Croatia, but with the same level of beauty.
• North of Italy – Just don’t get ripped off by staying in the city centres. 
• Berlin, Germany – The most culturally diverse city I’ve been to in Europe. 
• Sankt Petersburg, Russia – A must-see to understand how rich some countries are. 
• Copenhagen , Denmark – A heaven for bike lovers.

Most of the time, I use Booking .com to find accommodation. And I’ve found that they have sweet last-minute deals if you book right before arriving there. 

There are probably more beautiful places I would add to the list if I spent more time thinking about it, but there are also big cities in Europe that I personally dislike and don’t recommend. 

You can always email me if you have any questions. However, if you do, please ask on-point questions about your plans. If you need help with creating a personalized Europe itinerary, I can offer that service at a cost. Here’s my email: [email protected].

Europe Solo Travel tips for your first adventure

Travelling will open a new world for you and will help you further develop your personality. You will acquire new soft skills and learn a lot about yourself, establish personal principles and develop wants and needs.

I have an entire blog post about travelling solo for the first time , so check it out if you want to know what it will feel like.

Most of the time, we don’t listen to what others have to say and rely on our intuition. That’s good. Do use your intuition, and don’t get yourself in trouble. 

But to give you some suggestions for your first solo Europe trip, here are some tips I wish I had known before going on some of my European adventures:

• Don’t overpack. The longer your trip is, the more you’ll have to repack and carry your stuff around, and it can cost you more. And if you really need something, you can always buy it.
• Be kind to strangers. You never know when you need someone to be kind to you, and these things have a way of coming back to you.
• Say ‘YES’ to spontaneous adventures. That’s when you’ll have the best time and get the best stories.
• Have a daily budget in mind. Try not to spend more than that.
• Book flights one month in advance. That’s when you get the best prices.
• Book trains one week in advance.
• Last-minute accommodation can get you better prices if you’re not picky. But not in overly touristic places.
• Try hostels and Couchsurfing to save money.
• Check out the free stuff first. All big cities have free walking tours. 
• Book touristic activities AFTER you’ve reached your destination.
• Be flexible in planning your schedule. 
• Get travel insurance.
• Always have some cash on you.
• Ask people who have a camera on them to take photos of you. They will probably take better pics anyway.

I’ve learnt some of these tips the hard way, and it makes no point to get into details. The fact that I survived being trapped on a mountain with no cash is proof that you can too travel solo to Europe and have a great time. 

Oh, I almost forgot! 

Please don’t stress yourself too much! There will be a lot you want to do during your trip to Europe, but there’s only so much you can do. Here’re 11 things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Europe. 

Safety measures for travellers in Europe

Safety should always be on your mind when planning a new trip, especially when you want to visit a new country or even a continent, like, let’s say, Europe. 

While Europe is pretty safe for the most part, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Even more, considering travelling to Europe after a worldwide pandemic shook the entire travel industry. 

Check out these travel precautions you need to take during a pandemic .

I also recommend using Colibra , where you can register your boarding pass before your flight, and you will get money in case your flight gets delayed or cancelled. 

In addition to all safety and health measures you know from back home, I would like to point out a few extra safety measures to keep in mind. 

• Always tell someone from back home where you are when you’re boarding a plane or train. Tell them where you’re staying. 
• Watch your stuff. While Europe is a rather safe place, the crowded and touristic spots are full of pickpockets. 
• Be wary of anyone offering something for free. It might be legit, but it can also be a scam. Use your better judgement. Scammers always target foreigners. 
• Use common sense when engaging with a stranger. If something seems off, it probably is. Tell them you’re waiting for your partner to get off the hook.
• Don’t stay in large crowds for longer than necessary. 
• Keep your money and passport safe at all times.
• Always do your research and try not to end up in a notoriously bad neighbourhood.

There are other specific situations we can talk about for hours when it comes to Europe solo travel, but I think this travel post covers the basics and will give you a good start to help you plan your Europe solo trip . 

If I missed anything, please leave a comment or send an email, and I’ll gladly reply and update my post. Till then, stay safe and go out there and see the world. You will not regret taking this solo Europe travel.

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Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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Home » Europe » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Europe | Destinations & Tips for 2024

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Europe | Destinations & Tips for 2024

I firmly believe that everyone needs to solo travel in Europe at least once in their life. Exploring different cultures in such a small amount of space is simply mind-blowing.

But trust me, I know just how nerve-racking taking that leap is. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate guide on European solo travel.

Travelling alone is more than just hopping from one hostel bed to another: it’s about finding out who you are and what the world has to offer. Travel is the best teacher life can give you – and the most fun.

From meeting people around the world to falling in love with your soulmate (more than once, oops…) and seeing some of the world’s best sights, solo travel will change your life.

And to be honest, Europe is the perfect place to start. Even though travelling through Europe is more expensive than Southeast Asia or Latin America, it also feels familiar for Westeners.

English is widely known, the public transport is immaculate, the food you recognize, and most places welcome solo travellers with open arms. So take a deep breath, and let’s plan the BEST freaking solo trip of your life!

7 Things to Do in Europe When Traveling Solo

5 best solo destinations in europe, the best travel apps for solo travel in europe, safety tips for solo travellers in europe, tips for solo travelling in europe, final words for your solo europe trip.

So obviously, Europe is a continent, and if we broke it down country by country, there are SO MANY things for solo travellers to do. But since that would take hours on end to read (and write), let’s focus on the top 7 things you absolutely cannot miss while solo travelling in Europe .

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1. Join a Walking Tour

I’ve yet to visit a good European city that didn’t have a walking tour to join, and usually, they’re free. (Big score for budget backpackers.)

Occasionally, they can be a drag, but I’ve found that if you book them through your hostel, the guides are usually enthusiastic while being equally informational. And best of all, you’ll be joined by other travelers making it one of the best ways to make friends .

You’ll spend the morning getting a feel for the city, and I love doing this on my first day in a new place because the guides can give you some local tips on all the best places to eat, drink, and party. You’ll see all the must-do’s and have a good idea of how to get around the place.

2. Check off Iconic Landmarks

Whether you’re checking off the world’s wonders or just want to drink some wine under the Eiffel Tower, Europe is the perfect destination for travellers who love sightseeing. The continent is full of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and will definitely keep you busy. (Get ready to be walking 20,000+ steps a day!)

Travelling solo allows you to go to the ones that are high on your list without having to worry about someone else’s schedule. Plus, you can take as many pictures and selfies as your heart desires without being judged!

3. Go on a Pub Crawl

If you’re staying at a hostel , more often than not, someone will be hosting a pub crawl. And let me tell you, Europeans do it differently. There is a high possibility you’ll be out all night long and an even higher possibility of having an epic adventure through the city.

Since they’re organised through the hostels, you’ll be around other travellers about your age, and it’s the perfect way to loosen up and meet other people. Entry into the clubs and bars is usually free, and you might get a shitty shot of absinthe or bottom-shelf liquor on the house.

(If you’re on a budget, drink up. If hangovers are the bain of your existence… well, buy something else. Ha!)

4. Take a Cooking Class

Some of the world’s best food comes out of Europe (and some of the worst, I’m looking at you, beans and toast). And while it might not be in your budget to eat out for every meal, taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to experience local culture and flavours.

Sometimes, you’ll get to go shopping at the local market or step into an old grandma’s home that smells like freshly baked bread. Not only will you learn how to make delicious dishes, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the daily life of locals. It’s one of my favourite ways to meet other travellers who are interested in the same things as me.

5. Eat at Local Spots

I can’t recommend eating at local spots enough. I know it can be difficult to break out of your comfort zone and dine alone, but after a few times, it’ll grow on you.

I’ve come to love heading out to a local spot and getting to interact with the staff and other guests, grabbing some food. Trust me, they can tell you’re a tourist. And for the most part, they will be super kind and help you if you’re confused about the menu or any other customs you aren’t familiar with.

Plus, eating at local spots is typically much cheaper than eating at tourist hotspots. You’ll also get to taste authentic dishes that are so freaking delicious you’ll be dreaming of them for ages.

6. Get Lost in the World’s Best Museums

Museums are the perfect way for solo travellers to spend their day. And the ones in Europe are the BEST.

I seriously don’t think it gets better than the Louvre , the British Museum , or the Rijksmuseum . Not only are they a treasure trove of historical and cultural artefacts, but you also get to explore at your own pace and take in all the beauty without feeling rushed.

7. Attend a Music Festival

If you love music, then you’ve come to the right place. Europe is home to some of the best festivals in the world . I don’t know what it is or why they’re so much better than the rest of the world but prepare for the best vibes and the best shows (and the best drugs, if you’re trying to turn up.)

I’ve definitely planned a solo trip to Europe solely around Tomorrowland, and it was one of my best travel experiences ever. Just make sure to research the festival beforehand and plan accordingly because some tickets sell out super fast.

And don’t be afraid of going alone. You’ll meet loads of other travellers and locals. Plus, it’s a music festival, so everyone is there to have a good time.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

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With 44 countries and hundreds of cities, how on earth are you supposed to choose where to go ? Even with all the money in the world, there is just no way to hit all of the European destinations.

I know. I find it tragic as well.

But there are a few places that are just better suited for solo travellers in Europe, and here they are! The top 5 solo destinations in Europe.

Prague is a backpacker haven, making it the perfect destination in Europe for solo travellers. If you go to Prague and don’t make any friends… well, maybe the problem is you.

Ha, just kidding. But seriously, the city has always been known for its amazing nightlife, cheap eats and drinks, and friendly locals.

The city is absolutely gorgeous, and whether you’re planning to stay in Prague in the summer or the winter, the city’s charm is breathtaking. You’ll find a little bit of everything while visiting the city, you can learn about the history on a walking tour (I recommend the ones in the old town.)

Getting lost in the cobblestone streets is like a medieval fairytale. The Museum of Communism is also a great activity for solo travellers, as you’ll get to learn about a really interesting part of history, and you can even join a tour if you want to meet people.

Fun fact: Prague is also one of the safest cities in Europe, making it the perfect destination for solo female travelers .

The Prague Dream Hostel is one of my favourite stays in the city. It’s super warm and cosy in the common areas, so meeting friends is a breeze. It’s also located about a 20-minute walk from the old town, which is perfect for exploring on your own.

History, culture, and nightlife collide in Berlin, making it a must-visit for solo travellers in Europe. Berlin was the first European city I ever visited, and I’m not sure that was the smartest idea, but it definitely prepared me for all the cities I would visit after it.

As someone who grew up quite sheltered, the nightlife in Berlin had its way with me. It was a hell of a time. And if you’re into the techno scene, my god, you’re about to have the time of your life.

But Berlin has so much more to offer than just its party scene. The city is filled with museums, galleries, and historic sites that are a must-see for any solo traveller interested in culture and history.

One of my favourite things to do in Berlin was biking around the city, admiring the street art and architecture. Joining some sort of tour, whether it be biking or walking, is a must. While walking alone is fine, hearing the stories and learning more about the city and the war really adds to the experience.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Berlin, I highly recommend checking out the Circus Hostel . It’s located in a great area with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, and they offer a variety of room options, including dorms and privates. Plus, they host events like pub crawls and walking tours making it easy to meet other travelers.

Everyone dreams of visiting Amsterdam on their European tour, and for good reason. The city is one of the coolest and most progressive destinations in Europe, making it perfect for solo travellers.

The best way to explore Amsterdam is by bike. There is some crazy statistic that there are more bikes than people, and after visiting—I believe it.

And one of my favourite things about visiting Amsterdam is literally everyone speaks English. So if you’re feeling a bit paranoid about being able to communicate, well, Amsterdam is the perfect choice for you.

Just prepare for the bluntness. They don’t mean to be rude—they’re just honest.

Unfortunately, loads of expats have moved to the city, pushing out a lot of the Dutchies. And in the summer, it’s pretty much a melting pot of travellers. This is sad because you miss out on a lot of the local culture that made Amsterdam so unique to begin with.

But it’s still an epic destination in Europe, and make sure to stay at Flying Pig Downtown . The staff are amazing. And with all of the awesome common areas, you can hang out, drink a beer, smoke some green, and meet some other travellers.

For so long, Portugal was flying under the radar, and then, what seemed like out of nowhere, it became everyone’s go-to destination in Europe. And they weren’t wrong.

Travelling to Portugal is awesome just about any time of year, and Lisbon is one of the best cities for solo travellers. Unless you don’t like hills… because Lisbon is all hills.

The city has a chill vibe with lots of street art, great food, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers. Head to the famous Time Out Market for some food and drinks, or take a free walking tour to learn about the history and culture. You can also do some pretty sick day trips from Lisbon like visiting the beautiful beaches of Cascais or the gorgeous castles of Sintra.

If you’re looking for a party place, stay at Yes! Lisbon . This hostel is full of social butterflies, and they put on one heck of a bar crawl every few nights.

Barcelona is one of the most iconic cities in all of Europe, so obviously, it landed a spot on this list. You can visit the ever-unfinished Sagrada Familia or roam the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona is also known for its delicious food scene and buzzing nightlife. And if you’re into beaches, there are plenty of those too!

Although Barcelona isn’t exactly the cheapest place in Europe, there is lots of opportunity here to bring the costs down. You’ll find cheap flights here from many corners of the world and public transport is easy-peasy.

Barcelona is every solo traveller’s dream come true. I don’t know if it’s because of the weather or the blunt locals (well, most of them have moved to Barcelona, but we will still call them locals), but it’s just so easy to make friends here.

Every morning, you’ll find the cafes full of people enjoying breakfast and a chat, and every night, the streets are packed with young people grabbing dinner on their way out to explore the nightlife. And from what I experienced, just about every night you can party.

My favorite hostel was Onefam Paralelo . Every night, they have a family dinner, making it easy to meet other guests, and typically, everyone goes out together after.

Here are a handful of my favourite travel apps that helped me backpack through Europe immensely. Having these apps in your arsenal will give you superpowers. Trust me.

• Google Maps – Do I need to explain this one?
• Booking.com – Easily the best app for accommodation.
• Hostelworld – This app is perfect for finding the best hostels in Europe .
• Google Translate – Such an easy way to speak every language.
• Couchsurfing – Backpacking Europe isn’t always the cheapest, and downloading the couch surfing app will help you save some money and meet locals.
• Interrail Planner App – If you’re planning on travelling by train in Europe , this app will be your best friend. It helps you plan out your route, shows you the different train options and schedules, and even lets you book tickets.
• Flixbus – But if you plan to travel by bus to save some money, Flixbus is a great option. Their app makes it easy to book tickets and navigate different routes.
• Rick Stevens Audio Europe – This audio guide app offers guided walking tours in different European cities. You’ll get insider tips and historical background information while exploring independently.
• Holafly – An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card.

Facebook groups are also a great shout for solo backpackers, and so is the Hostelworld chat for your location. My best tip though? Get off yo’ phone and go chat to people!

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

So this is where it gets tricky lumping all of Europe together into safety tips. Each country definitely varies when it comes to levels of crime. So make sure to look up the countries you’re headed to before and do some research on their travel warnings. With that said, here are a few tips to help keep you safe while exploring solo in Europe.

Pickpockets are in just about every city, so just be smart about your belongings. Don’t wear fancy jewellery. Zip your bags and keep them in front of you, and maybe even get a necklace thing for your phone to make sure it doesn’t get snatched.

If you’re going out or bar hopping, don’t get hammered. I know it feels a bit like a theme park as you travel from city to city. But you aren’t untouchable, and creeps exist everywhere.

So don’t drink too much. If you are a female solo traveller, try to go with a group of friends and don’t wander off alone. Like anywhere, Europe is safe to travel alone but you must keep your wits about you.

If this is your first big solo trip, don’t worry, these tips will help you have a killer time in Europe and could also save your ass.

• Travel light , and pick a trusty backpack over a rolling suitcase.
• Book hostels . It’s the BEST way to travel solo. You’ll meet awesome people and they’re often nicer than hotels.
• If you’re travelling on a tight budget , you can get cheap transport tickets if you book in advance .
• Free walking tours are a must ! They’re a great way to meet people and explore the local areas and, well, they’re free!
• Leave your heels at home . Good travel shoes are essential.
• Always have some Euros on hand. Cash is still king.
• Don’t just visit cities … please. Countries are more than just their tourist hotspots and Instagram-famous locations.
• With that being said— do the touristy things . There is a reason everyone loves going to the Eiffel Tower or seeing the Colosseum. Don’t leave wanting more.
• Get European travel insurance . You never know what can happen, and we want you safe, not hundreds of dollars in debt and unable to get home safely.

My final tip would be to just go for it and also to go with the flow. Nothing ever unfolds exactly how you imagined it, but this is the beauty of travel. We love the mystery of surprises, don’t we?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

All that’s left to say is get ready for a trip of a lifetime. My first solo trip to Europe was more than I could have ever imagined, from getting kicked out of a club in Barcelona to jumping on the back of a Vespa to ride around Rome with a stranger. Travelling solo brings opportunities to your front door that you would never even think possible.

Not that getting kicked out of the club was fun, but it definitely makes for a great story to tell. And you’re about to have all of that and more. You’ll learn more about yourself and honestly see more churches than you ever need to in your whole life—but, hey, that’s Europe.

So regardless if you’re visiting one country or are on an epic solo backpacking journey through Europe, you’re about to eat, dance, and live your life to the fullest. So double-check your travel packing list , and get ready to say hola, merci, ciao, and cheers as you embark on your solo adventure in Europe.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Darren Griffiths

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These Are the 10+ Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 4th March 2023

Categories Europe , Solo Travel

Last Updated on 4th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Looking to venture around Europe by yourself but not sure where to start? Well, here’s some good news: if you’re looking to go travelling solo in Europe , then there are a myriad of destinations from which to choose. From seaside escapes to city breaks, and between cultural excursions and foodie experiences, hands down these are the 10+ best places to travel alone in Europe !

#1 Zurich, Switzerland

#2 lyon, france, #3 antwerp, belgium, #4 amsterdam, the netherlands, #5 edinburgh, scotland, #6 luxembourg city, luxembourg, #7 bath, england, #8 turin, italy, #9 mykonos, greece, #10 gothenburg, sweden, #11 burgos, spain, #12 leiden, the netherlands, #13 porto, portugal, #14 dublin, ireland, #15 barcelona, spain, #16 prague, czechia, #17 reykjavik, iceland, it is dangerous to travel alone in europe, what’s the best way to get around europe when on your own, how do i meet people when solo travelling in europe, enjoyed reading about the best cities in europe for solo travel pin it now, read it again later:, best solo destinations in europe.

Often mistaken to be the capital city of Switzerland (there is actually no capital city), Zurich is a stunning Swiss destination that should be on any Europe itinerary.

Beautiful to visit during any time of the year, visit Zurich in the winter and you can expect to see the snow, while the summer offers a tranquil lakeside experience.

Located in the North of this land-locked country, some of the best things to do in Zurich on your own include exploring the Altstadt (literally translated as ‘old town,’ this district features many cobbled lanes and plenty of traditional Swiss architecture) , and catching the best view of the city from the top of the 12th-century Grossmünster cathedral.

Though the city is beautiful to visit during any time of the year, it’s worth noting that while the summer months promise the best weather (and are therefore the best time to enjoy day excursions from the city) , the winter months coat the city in a stunning blanket of snow and the Christmas Markets of Zurich are easily among some of the best in Europe.

If it’s your first time visiting Europe on your own, then I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Paris as a solo traveller  (the city can be pretty overwhelming and is vast, not to mention there are lots of scams in Paris that can easily catch out even the most cautious of visitors)!

Instead, the smaller Eastern French city of Lyon is best-known for its world-famous foodie scene, impressive Roman ruins, and wealth of stunning architecture. Lyon also happens to have a fantastic international airport not far from the city centre!

Whether you enjoy wandering around historic museums, taking day trips to the nearby wine country, or simply enjoy soaking up the sights of an old town, Lyon is perfect for the first (or hundredth) time solo traveller in France.

Nearby, the town of Vienne has stunning Roman ruins, while Lyon itself acts as the gateway to wine country, i.e. Burgundy. Not yet convinced? Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Lyon.

Of all the places in Belgium to travel solo , there is perhaps nowhere quite as enticing, thrilling, or exciting as Antwerp. A cool and vibrant port city that’s often overlooked in favour of the Belgian capital city, Brussels, Anvers as it is so-called in French or Antwerpen as it is known in Flemish is filled with historical and beautiful things to do.

For example, if you love modern art, then you should certainly head to the MAS museum (which also happens to offer a free panoramic rooftop terrace) , while history buffs should certainly try to follow in the footsteps of Rubens , who hailed from the Northern Belgian city.

Elsewhere in Antwerp, there’s many a hidden gem to uncover, including several stunning and ever so Flemish churches. For even more inspiration, be sure to check our guide to the best things to do in Antwerp.

Picture this: you wandering along 17th-century canal houses, camera in one hand and curiosity in the other. There is perhaps no European capital city quite as suited to solo female travel as that of Amsterdam .

Filled with quirky museums , stunning vistas, and plenty of unusual things to do, you can’t go wrong by dedicating at least a long weekend to discovering the delights of this city.

While in the Dutch capital, must-see attractions include the Rijksmuseum (where you’ll spy the world-famous painting The Night Watch) and enjoying the many hidden gems of the city, such as the hidden courtyards that are the hofjes .

For one of the best Dutch experiences to be had in Amsterdam, I personally recommend visiting Café de Sluyswacht (address: Jodenbreestraat 1, 1011 NG Amsterdam).

Offering a wide selection of local beers, you can even order vegan bitterballen to accompany your tipple. For more information on visiting the city alone, check out my solo travel Amsterdam guide. 

As the capital city of Scotland, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Edinburgh . Between scouting out Harry Potter inspiration locations and drinking some of the best local beers that the city has to offer, there’s no shortage of things to do.

As such, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time wandering around this UNESCO world heritage literary city, especially if you’re travelling alone and are free to set your own schedule!

Of course, other highlights of the Scottish capital include visiting the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, enjoying the best viewpoint in Edinburgh by climbing up to the top of Arthur’s Seat, and enjoying the attractions of Scotland’s most famous street, i.e. The Royal Mile.

In a landlocked country in the very heart of Europe, you’ll find countless castles , endless hiking trails, and many a glittering lake. Welcome to Luxembourg, the last Grand Duchy in the world with a capital of the same name, Luxembourg City.

And thanks to its great transport links with the rest of Europe and beyond, you’ll soon discover that it’s the perfect stopover on any solo Europe trip.

Highlights of Luxembourg city include wandering around the cobbled streets of Luxembourg old town, exploring the centuries-old underground casemates which were first begun in the 17th-century, and enjoying the city’s excellent foodie scene (think pastries and tarts).

Even if you’re travelling on your own, you’ll soon discover that there are plenty of group tours in the city to join, and that the country’s wonderful transport links mean that taking day trips from Luxembourg couldn’t be easier!

Some of the best excursions from the city include the fairytale town of Vianden and the impossibly pretty town of Clervaux . For more inspiration, check out our suggestions for spending a long weekend in Luxembourg.

A small city of buttery stone architecture and Georgian façades, just a couple of hours from the UK capital city of London , Bath is so-called thanks to its wealth of Roman ruins, most notably in the form of the Roman Bath complex that’s easily one of the largest in Europe.

In the past few centuries, the town has become famous for its literary connections, most notably with great writers such as Jane Austen and Fanny Burney. Centuries before, it’s said that even Chaucer had found inspiration in these two millennia-old city.

Nowadays, the student vibe of the town, as well as its small and compact nature (meaning that getting around on foot is the easiest way to explore) , makes Bath one of the best places to travel alone in Europe.

You should also know that for those who are travelling Europe alone and who are seeking out the best of unusual things to do, Bath offers plenty of hidden gems and off the beaten path attractions!

As the capital of the Piedmont region of Italy, it should come as no surprise that there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Turin (known locally as Torino) .

Between spying the views from the Basilica di Superga that sits atop a nearby mountain to enjoying the city’s fantastic chocolate scene (it’s said that the chocolate bar was actually invented in Turin) , there’s something for everyone in this historic Northern Italian city .

Furthermore, Turin is a great place for solo travel in Europe thanks to its great transport links to both Italy and the wider region of Europe. The city even has its own international airport! And thanks to the wealth of tours and activities in the city means that meeting new people isn’t too difficult!

Of all the Greek islands (contrary to what many might believe, Athens is actually on the mainland!), Mykonos is probably one of the most famous, secondary only to the island of Santorini. After all Mykonos has only become more popular with the rise of social media, mainly thanks to its ‘Instagrammability’ factor.

Easy to reach on a quick flight from Athens, highlights of Mykonos include wandering around the old town (known locally as the Chora) and enjoying the bars and restaurants of Little Venice .

If you have a little more time while on the island, then you might consider taking a day trip to Delos. Alleged to be the mythical birthplace of Apollo, there’s an archaeological museum on the island, as well as plenty of millennia-old ruins.

Otherwise, Mykonos has plenty of beaches on which to relax and local taverns in which to enjoy some Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. For more tips, check out my one day guide for Mykonos .

Located on the West Coast of Sweden and often overlooked in favour of the hip, cool, and trendy capital city of Stockholm, missing out on a visit to Gothenburg would be your first mistake.

Easy to visit all year round thanks to international flights from airports such as Amsterdam and London, there are plenty of things to do in Gothenburg, even for the solo traveller.

Truth be told, the best time to visit this Swedish city is in the summer months when the daylight lasts for hours and everything in the central botanical gardens is actually in bloom.

Otherwise, highlights of Sweden include a fantastic foodie scene , plenty of museums, and the chance to explore further along the Bohuslan coastline. Check here for the best free and self-guided tour of Gothenburg !

Of all the solo female travel destinations in Europe, one of the very best is that of Burgos. Situated in Northern Spain , along the ancient Camino pilgrimage route, the city of Burgos boasts an impressively beautiful cathedral dedicated to Saint Mary (and which also happens to be the final resting place of El Cid) and Burgos Castle, a set of fortifications that sits atop of the town and has been in situ in some form or another since the 9th-century.

When it comes to visiting alone, Burgos makes for the perfect Spanish destination as this city is no stranger to visitors, travellers, and tourists; after all, Burgos is one of the best highlights of El Camino.

Otherwise, you should know that many people have a great level of English (though it’s always polite to learn a few words of the local language!) and that there’s plenty of accommodation available for every budget! For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Burgos.

Small, quaint, and compact, if you choose just one destination to visit as a solo traveller in Europe, make it the Netherlands. Easy (and fairly affordable) to get around via public transport, this beautiful country is characterised by its many cheese markets in the summer months.

The Netherlands also has stunning canal cities, and wealth of tulip fields in the spring . Furthermore, every time I travel to the Netherlands, even when alone, I feel very safe!

Leiden itself can be found somewhere between the cities of Amsterdam and The Hague, making this 17th-century timewarp a perfect base from which to explore the wider region of Holland.

Highlights of Leiden include many a stunning canal, lots of traditional Dutch bars , and even some association with the pilgrims. After all, it’s from here in the 17th-century that many Pilgrims sailed to what is now the USA.

Located to the North of the country, Porto is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Portugal. Set over many different levels (so bring your comfiest walking shoes) , fresh and authentic Portuguese fare can be found at very reasonable prices, while the city is incredibly welcoming to solo travellers traversing Europe.

Some of the top highlights of the city, setting aside the wealth of stunning tiling that the city is so well-known for, include stepping inside the Livraria Lello bookshop (which is often said to be Harry Potter inspiration) , the iconic Luis Bridge, and of course, going Porto tasting!

As the capital of the Emerland Isle (i.e. The Republic of Ireland) , Dublin is the perfect destination for a solo trip , even for those going it alone for the first time.

Home to a plethora of attractions, including plenty of indoor activities, Dublin boasts something to interest every traveller, as well as almost every budget.

Highlights of the city include scouting out the many bars of the Temple District area of the city, frequenting the Guinness Storehouse and learning all about how the famous Irish tipple is made (buy your tickets here), and even going vintage shopping.

Otherwise, be sure to enjoy the cherry blossom in the spring and the many galleries, museums, and cultural hubs available to both tourists and locals alike.

Finally, Dublin makes for a great base from which to explore much of the rest of Ireland, with plenty of wonderful day trip opportunities to destinations such as The Cliffs of Moher and Kilkenny Castle.

Stunning and home to a plethora of great tapas bars, historic streets, and, of course, plenty of Gaudi architecture, Barcelona is a solo traveller in Europe’s dream destination. After all, there is a myriad of hotels, hostels, and accommodation options, at plenty of different price points.

Wander through the city for any given length of time (or simply take this free walking tour of Barcelona ) and you’ll soon discover that the Gothic District is a maze of cobbled lanes and historic buildings, while Parc Güell offers unparalleled views over the city.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish, many people (especially those working in the tourism industry) speak English, meaning that Barcelona is the perfect destination for a solo travel visitor to Europe!

Situated in Eastern Europe, the capital city of the Czech Republic (which is also known as Czechia) , Prague is a stunning city with a complex history.

Set across both sides of the River Vltava, Prague boasts a fantastic vegan scene , lots of wonderful museums, and plenty of hidden gems that are well worth uncovering.

For those who love Panoramic views, a trip up the Old Town Hall tower is an absolute must. Just below, you’ll soon spy the Prague Astronomical Clock , which is one of the most beautiful timepieces in Europe.

Elsewhere in the city, you can admire the Prague Castle Complex, while the beer scene is second to none. All in all, Prague is easily one of the best places to travel alone in Europe!

The stunning capital of Iceland is a dream to visit any time of the year, but is particularly magical during winter when a blanket of snow covers the city and there’s even the chance to sport the Northern Lights.

The entirety of Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world (though, of course, you should still always take the classic safety precautions when travelling), making it the perfect spot for a solo getaway. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggestions for spending one day in Reykjavik .

Solo travel tips you need to know before visiting Europe on your own (Europe solo travel FAQs)

When it comes to solo travel in Europe, a chief concern of many visitors is whether or not it’s safe to travel alone. Typically, travelling around Europe is as safe as travelling around your hometown and you should take the same precautions as you would if you were back home. For example, limit yourself to a drink or two, keep key addresses written down, etc.

Firstly, Europe has some amazing transport links! This means that to visit most of the major cities, and even the larger towns, you won’t need a car. Instead, the easiest, most convenient, and cost-effective way to explore the continent is via public transportation in the form of planes, trains, and buses.

What’s more is that Europe has some of the most beautiful train routes in the world. Top highlights include the Bernina Express in Switzerland and the Jacobite Steam Train (i.e. the Harry Potter steam train) in Scotland.

When it comes to flying, there are plenty of budget airlines to choose from, with links all over the place. Ryanair, Easyjet, WizzAir, and Flybe are just a few of the low cost airlines operating in Europe.

Next, the easiest way to meet people during your travels is in hostels and group tours (i.e. guided walking tours of the city) . I personally use and love GetYourGuide to book the coolest experiences in each city I visit. When it comes to accommodation, I use Booking.com to compare the best hotel rates.

And if you’re wanting to go it alone but are worried about the experience of dining for one, here’s how to eat alone as a solo traveller . Finally, for further practical advice for planning your visit to Europe, check out my step by step guide for planning your first solo trip .

The long and short of it is that it’s normal to be nervous, but I’m sure you’re going to have a fantastic time! For more insider information on solo travel, check out these solo female travel hacks .

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

What I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Europe Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

Backpacking Europe alone after high school is one of the biggest clichés out there.

I’m proud to say that I avoided that cliché and travelled Europe alone for the first time right after University. 😉

Cliché or not, there is a reason why backpacking Europe alone is one of the most popular things for young people interested in travel to do.

Hell. I travel Europe alone as often and as frequently as I can even though it has been years since my first solo trip to Europe!

Europe is my favourite place on the planet, and the best part is it is super easy for solo travellers to explore Europe.

However, there are a few things I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone.

These things would have saved me a lot of anxiety, money, and a few tears along the way.

If you’re planning your first backpacking trip through Europe, this is the post for you!

Hopefully you’re a little bit more prepared than I was!

Tips for planning your first solo trip

Table of Contents

You Don’t Have to Stay in Hostels

When I was researching before my first solo trip to Europe, every blog I read said that solo travellers stay in hostels.

The fact that I had to stay in hostels, and there were no other affordable options was beat into my head.

There were other reasons, such as the social aspect, that people were recommending hostels. But those reasons didn’t resonate with me as an extreme introvert.

The biggest thing I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone is that I didn’t have to stay in hostels.

They’re a great, affordable option.

But they’re not the only option.

I spent months staying in hostels and hating it. They’re just not my jam.

If you’re like me and don’t love hostels, know that there are tons of affordable options out there!

I highly recommend you try to find guest houses to stay in or Airbnbs.

A lot of the time they are less expensive to stay in than a budget hotel and aren’t much more expensive than a hostel.

They’re a great option for people like me who don’t enjoy staying in hostels but also don’t want to spend a ton of money on lodging.

Of course, there are limits to how well this works.

If you’re in an expensive city like London, you’re going to be paying a pretty penny no matter where you stay.

Including hostels.

So, figure out what your budget is and research all your options before automatically searching and booking a hostel.

Don’t Take Internet Safety Lightly

Not enough people take internet safety seriously when they travel, and that is a mistake.

In fact, being internet safe is one of the most important travel safety tips I can give you!

As a traveller, you connect to public wifi networks on a daily basis, and this puts your devices at risk of being hacked.

And, yes, even hotel and café wifi networks that have a password are considered public wifi networks!

Anybody can access public wifi networks, and you’d be surprised at how easy it is for someone to steal your online data without you even knowing it.

I can’t imagine a worse scenario than backpacking Europe alone and having someone steal my banking information.

The hassle of canceling all your banking cards and then trying to figure out a way to fund the rest of your trip is not the type of thing you want to deal with when you’re on a solo trip.

The only way you can protect your devices when using a public wifi network is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts a forcefield around your devices and makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information.

It makes using a public wifi network just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

In my mind, installing a VPN on your devices is a non-negotiable.

It is the responsible thing to do, and there are no excuses for not protecting your online information and data when you travel.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used quite a few different VPNs over my years of travel, and, to be frank, most of them suck.

They slow your phone down to a snail’s pace. It is so frustrating to use most VPNs that you end up turning them off and exposing your online information.

Which totally defeats the purpose of having a VPN!

The only VPN I use and trust now is NordVPN .

I’ve been using them since 2018 and have no plans change provider.

They are the fastest VPN on the market, which is why I recommend them to my fellow travel lovers.

We need our internet to be quick, and if you’re like me, you don’t have the patience to deal with lagging internet.

That is never an issue with NordVPN .

You hardly notice a difference in the speed of your internet. You can use your devices and be safe without sacrificing any internet speed.

Plus a NordVPN subscription is super affordable.

It costs less than a latte per month, and you can install a VPN on up to six devices with on subscription.

There are no excuses not to protect your online information and data when backpacking Europe alone.

My motto is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information and date!

Get Off the Beaten Path

One of the biggest mistakes most people backpacking Europe alone make is not getting off the beaten path and visiting less popular tourist destinations.

This includes what cities you choose to visit and what you choose to see and do in those cities.

Even if you only visit the most popular cities in Europe, there are still less common things you can do to experience a different side of the city.

Now that I’m an experienced traveller, there is nothing I love more than finding lesser known cities and exploring them.

They give you a different taste of what life in that country is like without all the tourists swarming around.

There is nothing wrong with visiting the most popular tourist sights and cities.

They’re popular for a reason!

I just think you should also go out of your way to see a different part of the place you’re travelling.

Taking a day trip to a nearby town or village is one of the easiest ways to get off the beaten path and see more of a country.

I personally like to spend three or four days in three or four different cities when I visit a country, but I know not everybody has time for that.

All I’m asking is that you do at least one thing on your backpacking trip through Europe that can’t be found on the first page of every guide book ever written.

Overrated cities in Europe

Set a Realistic Budget

This is one of the biggest mistakes I made the first time I was backpacking Europe alone.

I read a ton of blogs that said you should only spend $50/day in Europe. That’s all you need.

It created this image in my mind that $50 is what I should spend a day, and if I spent more than $50, I wasn’t a very good traveller.

Now I know that is absolute rubbish, but I didn’t back in 2015 when I went on my first solo trip to Europe.

I also failed to take into consideration the exchange rate. The blogs were referring to $50 USD/day. I was budgeting $50 CAD/day, which came out to about $32 USD/day!

If there is only one tip for backpacking Europe alone on this list you listen to, let it be this one.

Do not blindly listen to anybody on the internet who tells you how much it costs to travel anywhere.

That is their experience. You can use it is a guide, but do not take it as a hard fact.

Instead, think about what your travel style is. How you imagine your backpacking trip to Europe looks and go from there.

You’re travelling alone, so if you underestimate how much money you need, you’re kind of screwed.

There is nobody travelling with you that you can potentially borrow money from, and you need to figure out how to make too little money stretch your entire trip.

It is not a fun place to be!

So, set a realistic budget and have a little extra money saved just in case some things are more expensive than you anticipate.

You don’t want to have to skip meals or stay in terrible accommodation just because you didn’t set a realistic budget!

Digital nomad jobs for beginners

Backpacking Europe Alone Isn’t Glamorous

Backpacking Europe alone is over glamorized in the media.

Images of meeting an Italian man and falling in love, finding your true self, and becoming an influencer are attached to the idea of travelling Europe aline.

While all those things are possible, I’m here to tell you that they are not the norm.

Backpacking Europe alone is amazing- don’t get me wrong- but it isn’t quite as romantic as you might think it is.

I guarantee that you’ll shed a few tears, your clothes will stink (and you’ll hate doing laundry), you’ll get lost more times than you can count, and I see a number of cheap grocery store meals in your future.

It’s all part of backpacking Europe alone, and it also might be some of the best parts of it!

If you’re going into Europe with your rose coloured glasses on, you’ll be disappointed.

One of the fun parts about backpacking Europe alone is figuring out how to solve the little problems that pop up along the way.

Because trust me no trip goes 100% to plan!

And, in my opinion, the best way to make sure your solo trip to Europe is amazing is to have realistic expectations and know that what you see in the media probably isn’t how your trip is going to go.

But it will undoubtably be an amazing trip though!

Undeniable benefits of travelling alone

Currency Can be a Pain in the Butt

A lot of people think of Europe and see it as one big economic zone where everything is the same.

While a lot of European countries use the Euro, there are many who don’t. And that makes currency a bit of a pain.

Not only do you have to figure out how to get the different currencies you need, you also need to keep the currency conversion straight in your head.

Again, it isn’t much of an issue if you only visit countries that use the Euro , but most people visit countries with different currencies.

When you’re backpacking Europe alone, you need to have a plan on how you’re going to handle all the different currencies you need.

My recommendation is to get convert some of your money into the currency of the first country you’re visiting before you leave.

You’ll have money to pay for whatever transportation you need to take when you land and buy food.

You do not want to deal with converting currency after a long flight when you’re tired and just want to get to your accommodation!

After that, I like to use ATMs to the currency I need for the rest of my trip.

Beware of ATMs in Europe

ATMs can cause a bit of confusion in Europe.

The most important thing you need to remember is to never select the option that does the currency conversion for you and removes money from your bank account in your local currency.

Always select the option to have the money withdrawn in the local currency and let your bank do the conversion.

ATMs in Europe are notorious for giving you a horrible exchange rate, and you’ll waste a lot of money if you remove money in your home currency rather than the local one.

No matter what option you choose, you will receive money in the local currency. I know that section may sound confusing, but it will make sense once you get to Europe.

Another major tip I can give you is don’t take too much money out at one time.

I’ve been in situations where I’ve overestimated how much money I’ll need and then have a bunch of left over currency that isn’t accepted in the next country I’m visiting.

It is a fine line to walk between getting enough money versus getting too much money.

Finally, be sure you have a currency conversion app on your phone. It helps you keep track of what the local currency is doing based on your home currency.

This is a huge help for staying on budget and understanding what you’re paying for things while backpacking Europe alone.

Transportation is a Breeze

I was a bit nervous about getting around Europe on my first backpacking trip. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and didn’t want to spend a ton of money and fly from place to place.

It didn’t take long before I learned that Europe isn’t like other parts of the world (like Asia) where it can be a challenge to get from city to city and country to country.

There are trains and buses that take you pretty much anywhere you need to go.

Even across international borders!

The last time I was in Europe for an extended period of time, I took a total of four flights in three months!

From London to Dublin and back. From London to Finland. And Prague to Paris more due to needing to be in Paris quickly for an event rather than there not being a way to overland between the two cities.

The only thing you need to be aware of is there are some countries where the price of train tickets steeply rise the closer you get to the day of departure.

The biggest culprits of this price hike are the UK and France .

If you’re travelling within or between these two countries, be sure you book your train ticket as early as possible.

Tickets go on sale three months in advance, and you want to buy your tickets as shortly after that as possible.

If you’re not a planner, the bus may be a better option than the train. Bus ticket’s don’t see a price increase the same way train tickets do.

But, transportation is not something that should hold you back from backpacking Europe alone.

It is super easy to use, and even a beginner traveller can breeze their way around Europe without too much sweat.

A solo traveller’s guide to London

A solo traveller’s guide to Paris

Don’t Ignore Eastern Europe

Okay. So, this is one thing I did know before backpacking Europe alone, but I feel like not enough people know it!

Eastern Europe is amazing and doesn’t get enough love!

I’m talking the Baltic States, the Balkans, Central Europe, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, everything outside Western Europe really.

Most of my favourite European countries are outside of Western Europe and along the road less travelled.

They are beautiful, full of history, and are home to some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

And as a bonus for people backpacking Europe alone, they are extremely affordable.

I once got a plate of pierogi, a salad, steamed vegetables, a drink, and a piece of cake for about $10 USD in Ukraine! Where else are you going to find such great value in Europe?!

I fully understand the desire to tour Western Europe. It is home to some of the most iconic sights in Europe.

But that doesn’t mean that Eastern Europe deserves to be ignored.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you arrange your itinerary so you spend at least a third of your trip in Eastern or Central Europe.

Not only will your wallet thank you, but I have a feeling it will also result in some of the best memories that come out of your trip.

A solo traveller’s guide to Prague

Take Your Time

I’m seeing a trend here, and it is following bloggers blindly.

Says the person who is now a travel blogger writing this post.

But the blogging content put out in 2014/2015 when I was planning my trip and backpacking alone in Europe is vastly different from what is online now.

Back then, I saw post after post after post saying you should never stay in a city more than 3 days.

Yes. That includes major cities like London and Paris!

The sentiment online at that time was you have to keep moving and see as much as possible as quickly as possible or you’re not travelling properly.

Thankfully the travel blog world has change a bit, and now there is more of a focus on slowing down and getting a more in-depth taste of a city or country.

I spent the first month and a half of my backpacking trip to Europe rushing around. I was exhausted from never settling in anywhere and never having a break to people watch in a café.

Don’t be like me!

Thankfully I figured out that it is worthwhile to slow down and spend more time in each city.

It is much more enjoyable, relaxing, and it gives you a better appreciation for the place you’re visiting.

I mean it is ridiculous to think that you can get a true taste of a major European city in three days or less. That’s nonsense.

I’m not going to tell you how much time to spend in each place.

That’s super personal and changes based on what city you’re visitng.

I am going to tell you to do your research and figure out a reasonable time to stay to see everything you want to do.

I also like to add on an extra day just in case the weather is bad, I’m tired one day, or I discover something else I want to do.

Plus, you can always take a day trip if you don’t need that extra day!

Backpacking Europe Alone is Safe but Know the Local Scams

Before I went on my first solo trip to Europe, I had people in my life telling me it wasn’t safe for solo female travellers.

Or that certain countries (like Ukraine) I planned to visit weren’t safe.

I didn’t listen to them and went on my trip anyways, but I would be lying if I wasn’t a bit nervous at the start of my trip.

Especially when I got to some of the lesser travelled countries in the Balkans.

Now I know that it wasn’t something I ever had to worry about, and you don’t have to either!

Europe is very safe.

Even in less financially rich countries you don’t have anything to worry about.

You can start backpacking alone in Europe and know that you’re safe and don’t have to stress over your personal safety.

The one thing you do need to worry about though is knowing local scams.

Every country and city in the world has local scams.

These can range from something as simple as pick pocketing to something much more elaborate like people not giving you the proper change or giving your counterfeit money.

You need to be aware of what the local scams are wherever you’re going.

This will help you know what to look out for.

As a solo traveller, you are solely responsible for your safety. You don’t have a friend to watch your back, so it is even more important you familiarize yourself with local scams.

But, aside from scams, Europe is super safe. Even for solo female travellers.

Overcome your fear of solo travel

Best European Countries for Solo Travellers

There you have it. You’re now in the know and are more prepared for your first solo trip to Europe than I was!

Europe is one of the best and easiest places for solo travellers. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can successfully backpack Europe alone.

If I can do it, you can do it. I was a horrible traveller when I first backpacked Europe alone.

It is so important to understand that not everything is going to be perfect and know that you’ll have to problem solve along the way.

Backpacking Europe alone is one of the best experiences you’ll have in your life.

The continent is so full of life, food, and beauty. And no two countries are the same!

So, book that ticket, strap your backpack on, and have the time of your life!

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Europe Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ europe tours for singles / solo travelers with 71,580 reviews.

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

First river cruise wont be our last! So relaxing with exquisite dining and accommodations on board. Definitely an older crowd, but you get to know almost everyone on board by the end of the tour and most are very pleasant and having as much fun as we did! So nice compared to big boat cruising; no pressure to see and do all the offerings. many included excursions were nice, with easy low effort walking offered. Transfers were perfect.

• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

European Delight

We enjoyed the tour with our close family and now we have beautiful memories to cherish with best holidays of our lifetime spent in Europe Our best tour guide from all of them was Albert. Maria was very helpful too. Other tour guides Jose, Christina and different local tour guides were knowledgeable too but was rushing too much. We had to rush a lot from morning thru evening with stop overs in between. Some more extra time at each stops would have been appreciated but understanding time restraints it was not possible. Couple of hotels were bit far away from city centre which was bit inconvenient so be prepared to grab stuff you need in your stopovers - guide would let you know in advance. Highly recommend this tour to people who want to visit more places in less time. Also ensure to book extra nights in Rome, Budapest and Paris as there is lots to do here Thank you

• In-depth Cultural

The Best of Eastern Europe

The entire experience was smooth starting from the initial selection and pre-travel preparation. Anytime I had a question, Tourradar was available to assist. I enjoyed my travels and would highly recommend Tourradar.

Best of Central Europe

This tour had everything I was looking for! Great Eastern European food, great local beer, and a variety of things to do for any type of interest. The hikes were fantastic, and the transportation between stops was well organized. This tour offers a good balance of free time and time with the group, which allows you to come together at the end of the day over dinner to discuss your day.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Amazing!!! No complaints, loved it!! Tour guide was extremely competent and the driver was very very good. So many memories made, highly recommended!

The Great Adventure

The tour was good, Gaabi was briliant the way she managed, however, not all tour guides were the same. Information wasn't shared properly, only people in the front could hear verbal instruction. Some instructions were given when people were sleeping in the bus. Meeting time and point wasn't communicated properly at times creating confusion.

• Photography
• Walking Adventure
• Sightseeing

European Discovery (Summer, Start Amsterdam, Classic, 12 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Jewel

Good route which covered the main attractions of Mid Europe. The trip is compact and efficient and the optional excursions add on the contents. Tour leader Matt is full of knowledge about various area’s history and events, he also looked after the team well and tried to accomodate customers’ needs, A really caring and professional tour leader. Pascal is not only a brilliant driver who tried to park the coach as close as possible for group’s access, he was also taking care of the team in many ways and his warm greetings and kind words won our hearts. If you haven’t or only seen a couple of European countries, this trip will be the one to open your eyes or the one to expend your European experiences. Additionally, the trip is good value for money.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Escape

Amazing experience, very fast paced . Sometimes you would arrive in locations during the night and leave early in the morning. Met amazing people and would do another trip there are some extra costs so best to factor this in as well. Would recommend.

European Discovery (Summer, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

The trip was fantastic, I had the best time ever, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Genuine Europe

It was a good experience, hectic, but the tour guide was very caring and nice. She waited for people even if they were late. Hotels were superb, everything was excellent.

Europe Taster

Excellent thanks tlto Kirstie and CC

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

Was great both Christian and our bus driver were amazing .had a great time with some great people . Thanks very much

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

We spent 2 weeks with Choose Balkans Team travelled all over the Balkans. There’s so much to see and do in every place, this trip is definitely worth. It was great to eat local cosine. For us Berat was highlight of the trip.

Croatia and the Balkans

A really interesting trip; beautiful countries with interesting histories. Sarajevo a highlight for most as so surprisingly attractive and enjoyable. Several good tours and activities included. Nice range of fellow travellers from 30-80 including couples and singles.

What people love about Europe Solo Tours

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

So honestly when we were assigned to this company through Tour Radar and looked at the reviews we were a little worried. I tried to hope for the best and assume that people who DO NOT have great experiences write more reviews. I was absolutely correct. We had AMAZING tour guides. Knowledgeable, kind, helpful. I think this company does an amazing job of moving people from one destination to another especially when it seems that itineraries overlap offering everyone the trip they desire. The hotels far outweighed our expectations. Of course there were small hiccups with time losses and changes in plans for the day but for the price and to get a brief view of Europe I would call it an outstanding tour.

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

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15 Best Trip Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Here are the top travel destinations around the world for solo women.

Solo travel can be intimidating. Whether you're heading to a city in your own country or across the globe, traveling alone can bring up a wealth of concerns — from the awkwardness of dining on your own to more serious issues of safety, especially for women. But despite any nervousness or uncertainty, traveling solo can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the community and stumble upon those moments of cross-cultural connection organically.

Choosing the right destination is key, so we've rounded up some of the best destinations around the world for women to travel solo.

Between exploring the charming streets of Reykjavik, chasing the northern lights , and driving the famous Ring Road, solo female travelers can have an unforgettable trip in Iceland and feel safe doing so. The country has consistently ranked first on both the Institute for Economics and Peace's Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, so visitors can rest assured that safety and gender equality are prized in this naturally stunning destination. Solo tourists can head out into the wilderness via well-traveled (often busy, even) hiking trails and make friends with locals and fellow foreigners alike.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an extremely walkable city, and you're unlikely to get lost as long as you have a map of some kind. You can window shop along Las Ramblas, stroll down the beach boardwalk, and wander through the Gaudi-designed Park Güell while taking in the gardens and claiming panoramic views of the city for yourself.

The dining options are conducive to solo travel, too. Instead of sitting by your lonesome in a dining room, you can take your paella al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants (people-watching is built-in entertainment) or opt for a counter seat at a tapas bar.

3. Seattle, Washington, United States

Thanks to the omnipresence of Seattle's coffee culture , a solo diner (or drinker) is not an uncommon sight. Plus, the city's proliferation of cafes means there's a rest stop around every corner to break up visits to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or the campy Museum of Pop Culture , aka "MoPOP." The compact downtown area makes it easy for visitors to zip between attractions, restaurants, and shops on foot — and anything that is slightly farther is accessible by the easy-to-use Link light rail.

4. Munich, Germany

The jolly German mentality shines through in this Bavarian city, where tourists and locals bond over brötchen in mom-and-pop bakeries and pints in the biergartens. Although Oktoberfest happens only in the fall (and does not lend itself to a solo experience, per se), the beer halls in Munich maintain that same kind of festive ambience throughout the year. Hofbräuhaus is, hands down, the most famous and guaranteed to contain an abundance of other tourists. Fellow travelers can also be found climbing the Olympiapark tower ( Olympiaturm ), the top of which provides views extending as far as the Alps.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The rise in Croatian tourism has improved the ease of travel, and the country's low crime rate heightens the appeal. Protected by 6,365 feet of pristine walls, the oceanfront medieval city of Dubrovnik gives you history, culture, and beautiful beaches all in one destination. Its cobblestone streets guide visitors to artisanal shops and local eateries, while a walk along the walls offers spectacular bird's-eye views of the Adriatic coastline. Just a few minutes from Old Town, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling via tours and rentals offered right on the beach.

6. Austin, Texas, United States

Austin's festival culture makes it easy to get pulled in multiple directions, but it's also a great way to meet new people. There's plenty to see and do, whether you're checking out live music or eating your way through Tex-Mex and BBQ restaurants and food trucks. When you need a little quiet time, head downtown for a walking tour, or find a spot to watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats soar.

Austin is often ranked as one of the safest big cities in the U.S. Note, though, that the ubiquity of booze here can be a blessing or a curse. While it keeps the streets populated (and therefore generally safe) at night, alcohol can lead to crime even within tourist circles, so exercise caution while participating in Austin's lively bar scene.

7. Salzburg, Austria

Overlooked by the Hohensalzburg Fortress and bisected by the Salzach River, Mozart's hometown has storybook allure. After reliving scenes from "The Sound of Music" at Mirabell Gardens and Nonnberg Abbey, relax with a coffee on the terrace of Cafe Tomaselli or a pint in the 1,400-seat outdoor area of Austria's biggest biergarten, Augustiner Bräu . Cyclists should take note: While the entire city is walkable, Salzburg is also one of the country's most bike-friendly cities. More than 100 miles of cycle paths mean you can pack way more into a day and get around more efficiently (and economically) as a solo traveler.

8. Taipei, Taiwan

xPACIFICA/Getty Images

The capital of Taiwan offers an ideal mix of history and modernity. You'll find temples and skyscrapers, contemporary malls and traditional night markets — perfect for making a meal out of snacks while shopping for accessories and souvenirs. Taipei has the bustle of a major Asian metropolis but with important urban comforts as well. Street signage and public transportation all have names in English — and even though crime is overall low in the country, the metro system has " Safe Waiting Zones " marked on the platforms, which are monitored closely by video feed to protect passengers at night.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

In the quirky Danish capital, you'll find plenty of centrally located hotels offering single rooms, each providing the perfect jumping-off point for Copenhagen adventures. Must-visit spots include Nyhavn, the iconic canal lined with multicolored houses (opt for a tour for a closer look at the city's waterways), and Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park. Stop for a quick solo bite at the TorvehallerneKBH food hall. With Danish culture valuing the importance of community dining, solo travelers should never feel alone.

10. Melbourne, Australia

This Australian metropolis is one of the most livable cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Throw in a free tourist tram that reaches the major sights — including the Queen Victoria Market, Carlton Gardens, and Federation Square — and Melbourne's got simplicity and safety all rolled up in one. Because Australia offers a Working Holiday visa allowing visitors between 18 and 35 to work in the country for a year, the city is especially popular with young expats.

11. Stockholm, Sweden

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Sweden's safe, accessible cities are ideal for solo-traveling women. The cobblestone streets of Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, are home to coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and even a castle, prompting hours of exploring on foot. The modern areas surrounding it are also easy to navigate through a string of metro stations, which double as art exhibits with their over-the-top murals, mosaics, and sculptures.

12. Okinawa, Japan

For a taste of Japan without the overwhelming hustle, head to Naha, the capital of the Okinawa islands. The monorail is super accessible, linking the airport to the city center as well as the popular Shuri Castle. And within walking distance of the city center are the Naminoue city beach, Tsuboya pottery district, and Makishi Public Market, where the pull-up-a-chair stands are primed for solo dining.

13. Norway’s Fjords

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

There's no better environment for self reflection than the soothing blue-and-green canvas of the Norwegian fjords. In Bergen, you can ride up the Fløibanen funicular or embark on a daylong journey on the Bergen Railway. Head to Gudvangen and take a cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Equally impressive as the waterfalls-at-every-glance boat ride is the Flåm Railway trip, with views outside the window changing from seascapes to snow-capped mountains. This trip is for the solo traveler seeking peace in nature rather than busy biergartens and the like.

14. Washington, D.C., United States

The manageable size and easy layout of the U.S. capital make it an ideal stomping ground for solo travelers. In addition to exploring the memorials along the National Mall, you can take in the exhibits at the many Smithsonian museums (plus the zoo), all walkable and offering free admission. If you want to explore further, it's easy to get on two wheels at one of the hundreds of Capital Bikeshare stations, which extend to Arlington, Alexandria, and Montgomery County. Alternatively, take advantage of the efficient D.C. Metro for day trips to nearby areas.

15. London, England

For European charm without the culture shock or language barrier, there's London. Visitors could spend days just roaming along the River Thames, snacking in Borough Market, and admiring the eclectic houseboats, or strolling through the Royal Parks and eyeing luxury items at Harrods. After dark, grab a seat alongside locals at a pub or catch a show in the West End, then enjoy a late-night bite in nearby Chinatown. The endless sights and entertainment are easily connected via the London Underground, better known as the Tube.

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Solo travel for women: the 18 best destinations (plus tips).

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For your next solo adventure, consider exploring waterfalls in Iceland, rice fields in Indonesia, beaches in Thailand and more.

Perhaps you have a bucket list of places you've always wanted to travel at the ready but you just keep waiting for the right person to go with you. But if your friends are busy, you just broke up with your partner and you're not feeling a family vacation, you don't have to wait to embark on a new adventure – just go solo .

Traveling by yourself, even as a woman, is not as challenging or scary as you might think. There are plenty of benefits: You don't have to adhere to anyone else's schedule, budget or food preferences, so you can truly prioritize yourself. Solo travel means doing whatever you want whenever you want, while seeing the places that you most want to visit. Adventuring alone as a woman can empower you to see the world on your terms.

Whether you're concerned about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the globe to consider for your next solo trip. U.S. News has compiled this list of top solo travel destinations (and helpful tips) with expertise from women who have traversed the globe by themselves and loved it.

Barcelona, Spain

With a visit to Barcelona , immerse yourself in the local culture at your leisure, whether you want to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or go cheer at a football (soccer) game. Writer Mona Gable says, "Barcelona is a place of wonder − medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches, and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí's celebrated architecture." She enjoyed exploring the Mediterranean port city, especially because of its walkability and easy-to-navigate transportation system with metro lines and buses. She also noted feeling safe on her own: "As a female traveler, I felt perfectly at ease wandering many neighborhoods alone, even at late hours, when Catalans famously dine out."

Travel tip: Gable says it's best to avoid touristy Las Ramblas – Barcelona's main thoroughfare – except to see La Boqueria, the city's legendary food market.

[See more of Barcelona:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Botswana is well known for African wildlife safaris , where travelers might encounter elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions and cheetahs while glamping in luxury tents and dining on gourmet food. "Wildlife travel offers an outstanding combination of camaraderie, safety and autonomy," says Darcie Smith, owner of Great Expeditions Travel . She recommends Botswana's green season (November to March) for solo female travelers; at this time of year the single supplement surcharge is waived at many safari camps, which offers an excellent value and means you're more likely to meet other solo travelers. It is also peak season for birding, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the lush landscape.

Many camps will send someone to meet guests upon arrival to help you navigate airports or transfers. In Smith's experience, camp guests are also escorted to their rooms at night, for an added wildlife safety element. "Solo female travelers can enjoy daily shared safari activities in intimate camps that encourage social gatherings with full independence to design the itinerary around what's best for you," she says.

Travel tip: Smith recommends making your social media accounts private when you travel so strangers can't track your location as well as learning about the customs of your destination. "This will help avoid accidentally coming across as forward or flirtatious based on local standards," she explains. "For example, while long eye contact may be considered a sign of self-confidence or being polite at home, it may come across as flirtatious in your new destination."

Picture yourself indulging in pizza and gelato, visiting world-famous museums, touring picturesque wineries, and shopping at designer boutiques – all of that is at your fingertips in Italy , writer Martha McCully's go-to travel destination. "Italians want to share their culture and it's part of their personality to welcome you," she says. "Plus, the food and wine are outrageously divine."

The idea that traveling solo means you will be alone is a misconception, according to McCully. "It's simply not true," she says. "Book a group tour at your destination, or DM a friend from your past on Instagram, which is what I did in Bologna." There are plenty of unique ways to meet fellow travelers in Italy; she recommends signing up for a cooking class in Bologna through Taste of Italy, a food tour by Curious Appetite or a painting class with Plein Air Tuscany. "The idea is you will be with like-minded travelers and someone else is doing all the organizing," McCully explains.

Travel tip: McCully suggests sticking to your wellness routine while on the road to keep healthy habits. "I like to take my rituals with me," she says. "When I ground myself with what I know makes me feel good physically and mentally, it's like I'm living in another country, not just visiting."

[Read: The Top Italy Tours .]

With glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs galore, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland make it a must-visit destination. The "Land of Fire and Ice" is also known for puffins, its Viking history and women's empowerment, with the country's reputation as a champion of gender equality.

"Iceland is a favorite destination for female solo travelers because it is easily one of the safest countries in the world," says Jenny Ly, professional travel blogger at Go Wanderly . Iceland has one of the world's lowest crime rates and no animal predators dangerous to humans – just prepare for challenging weather and exercise caution if you plan to do any driving. Ly's itinerary recommendations include whale watching, with nearly a dozen types of whales navigating Icelandic waters; visiting Vatnajökull Glacier's ice caves; and chasing the northern lights in the darker months (October to April).

Travel tip: Ly encourages solo female travelers to not let the lack of a travel companion prevent them from exploring the world. "It can be both empowering and rewarding for women to travel solo, at least once in their life," she says. "While traveling alone can be riskier than traveling with others, it can also be more fun and gratifying." Her tip is to always be aware of your surroundings.

[Read: The Top Iceland Tours .]

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

While some women may shy away from traveling to Mexico due to safety concerns, travel blogger Jeanine Romo of lewildexplorer.com , who has ventured solo to many countries, recommends visiting the charming town of San Miguel de Allende . "I decided to go on my own and had such a wonderful time," she says. "The people are friendly, the hospitality is amazing, and there are so many things to do if you love art, incredible food, and incredible architecture." San Miguel de Allende is a great option for women travelers because the city center is easily walkable and Uber is available, which Romo says made her feel safe because she could always call a ride.

Travel tip: For women traveling by themselves, Romo advises doing research on transportation options (such as local buses, metro lines and ride-sharing app availability) before you arrive. "I like to know how walkable the city I'm visiting is," says Romo. "This helps me feel so much more confident when navigating a new city."

[See more of San Miguel de Allende: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

New Zealand

From pristine beaches on the North Island to snowy mountains on the South Island – and all kinds of geological wonders in between – the diversity of New Zealand is a major draw for tourists. Travelers can learn about the indigenous Māori culture, visit a sheep farm or go sailing in Auckland , among an abundance of other incredible things to do in this island nation.

Travel blogger Nina Ragusa of whereintheworldisnina.com enjoys visiting because of the welcoming culture, outdoor adventure and feeling of safety. "Traveling New Zealand as a solo woman is quite easy, and if it's your first trip solo, this would be a good country to start in," she says. Ragusa spent a month camping in a van by herself and said she never had to worry about her safety, even in more remote areas. "I went on hikes solo, some of them deep into the mountains for miles and miles, and was either alone or passing other tourists or friendly kiwis to wave hello to," she says. Ragusa adds that New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but her personal recommendation for saving money on longer trips here is to rent – or buy and later sell – a van to live in.

Travel tip: Ragusa recommends steering clear of the outskirts of the bigger cities (particularly if you do travel by van). She warns that, as in most urban destinations around the world, those parts of New Zealand are where you're more likely to run into trouble.

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

For an outdoor adventure in South America, Argentine Patagonia offers pristine ice hiking, backpacking, kayaking, trekking and wildlife viewing. Nicol Gillum-Thomas, an African-American solo female traveler whose mission is to encourage women to live life as an adventure, enjoyed her time in the town of El Calafate. "El Calafate, Argentina, was the destination that seemed the most off-putting in my imagination, but became the trip with the most adventure, awe-inspiring beauty and ease," she says.

Travel tip: Gillum-Thomas recommends a stay at the América del Sur Hostel Calafate, saying she appreciated the clean accommodations and interesting guests.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you dream of a getaway that includes picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water, Croatia is the perfect spot to explore. In Dubrovnik , the ancient city walls and medieval architecture of Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set a particularly gorgeous scene when the sun goes down. Tamara Williams, owner of solo female travel-focused blog My Elated Odyssey , says the unmatched beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains is only one reason to plan a trip here.

"The locals are some of the nicest people I have ever met," Williams says. "They truly made it feel like a second home. They spoke English well, so no need to worry about a language barrier." She adds that this Balkan country is also considerably more affordable than destinations in Western Europe.

Travel tip: For solo female travelers, Williams suggests staying in the Lapad neighborhood or near Old Town. "Both are full of cafes, bars and shopping to keep you busy," she says.

[See more of Dubrovnik: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Svalbard, Norway

You can't go wrong in Norway , with breathtaking fjords, fascinating wildlife, scenic railways, outdoor adventure and the chance to glimpse the northern lights . Jurga Rubinovaite, founder of the travel blog Full Suitcase , says you won't want to miss Svalbard: a Norwegian archipelago located approximately 800 miles from the North Pole. "It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world," she says. "Despite being so far north in the Arctic, it's extremely easy to visit and is also a great and safe destination for solo female travelers."

The main town, Longyearbyen, is the focal point of activities in Svalbard, which range from hiking and boat tours in the summer to winter pursuits such as ice cave visits and snowmobiling. "Because of the presence of polar bears, everything you do in Svalbard requires booking a guided tour, so you are always in safe hands," Rubinovaite explains. "Longyearbyen town itself is very lively and safe, with lots of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a few museums, all within easy walking distance from each other."

Travel tip: For women traveling alone, Rubinovaite advises thorough research in advance of your trip to this Arctic locale; staying in hotels, rather than private accommodations; and booking guided tours or looking for a travel buddy when venturing out to very remote places.

Head to Ireland for a memorable solo getaway complete with rolling emerald-green hills, fairytale castles and Irish coffee. Experienced traveler Kelie Fiala of the Vacations Planned blog ranks this European country at the top of her list for solo travel spots. "Many attractions in Ireland are wonderful for solo travelers because they offer peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views, but also provide plenty of opportunities to meet friendly people at cafes and other points of interest," she says.

Fiala appreciates the nightlife and music scene of Ireland as much as the history and scenery. She suggests experiencing some of the country's pubs, even if you're a woman traveling alone, since you'll almost always find live music and friendly people. "Even if you start out by yourself, you'll easily find that you're having great conversations in no time," she says.

Travel tip: Fiala warns that for solo travelers, especially women, it's best to be careful how much you drink and leave the situation if you ever feel uncomfortable. But she also encourages women to not be afraid to have a chat. "You could hear some great stories, and make a new friend," she says.

Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, exotic animals and floating markets are just some of the incredible things that you can experience in Thailand . Loredana Gogoescu, head of content for Destguides.com , says she felt safe in Thailand as soon as she arrived. "Thai people are hospitable and kind," she says. "Moreover, as a solo traveler, I was surprisingly never alone. I had to book a private room for myself at one point just to get a breather, as I was constantly meeting new people!"

Travel tip: If you're apprehensive about exploring a new place on your own, especially if you've never traveled abroad before, Gogoescu recommends sorting out all the logistics like accommodations and transportation in advance so it's easier to acclimate once you get there. She adds, "If you're afraid of being alone, join different apps like Bumble and Facebook groups for the destination you're traveling to, to see if you can match up with other solo female travelers who will be in the area at the same time as you."

Netherlands

Nailah Hayward of TheresSoMuchToSee.com says the Netherlands is a superb option for first-time solo female travelers, based on ease of transportation, overall safety, the variety of things to do and other factors. "The Netherlands comes out high on all of these areas," she says. "And after multiple visits to the country, traveling through big cities and small towns, I always felt extremely safe." With the country's extensive train system, in addition to local trams and bike lanes, navigating the Netherlands by yourself doesn't pose too great a burden. Hayward also appreciates the ease of communicating with locals as an English speaker, since most people speak English in addition to Dutch.

"Whether you are into the arts scene, outdoor activities, luxury experiences, cultural exploration or culinary delights, the Netherlands has a huge variety of activities to dive into," Hayward says. "All of these elements make the Netherlands a place that I enthusiastically recommend for solo women travelers."

Travel tip: Don't carry cash. Hayward says most transactions can be done electronically, so there's no need for frequent trips to the ATM.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Luxury family travel influencer Irina Claire Bromberg suggests Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as a top spot for solo female travel, partially because of its high safety rating from the U.S. Department of State. There's also no shortage of activities in this Caribbean destination, with Bromberg calling Stingray City a must. "The stingrays are peaceful and gentle," she says. "They glide along the ocean floor and you're free to observe and even play with them in their natural habitat." She also recommends soaking up some sun at the renowned Seven Mile Beach .

Grand Cayman is also a foodie paradise, according to Bromberg. "The vibrant dishes are as tasty as they are exciting, representing the fascinating mix of cultures and traditions that make the island so unique," she says. Her suggestions for food to try include the classic Cayman-style lobster, coconut shrimp and Johnny cakes.

Travel tip: Bromberg recommends checking the U.S. Department of State safety rating and other solo travelers' experiences prior to booking a trip.

[See more of the Cayman Islands:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

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Chart your course for Istanbul , the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. This anomaly is one of many features making the Turkish city stand out as a unique destination; you'll get to experience its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman cuisine and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar on a trip here. Farihah Fuaad, a Muslim solo travel expert and founder of MuslimSoloTravel.com , says, "It offers the best of both worlds – East and West, Europe and Asia, modern and ancient – and lots of surprises." This lively, fast-paced metropolis is also rich in history and culture, with remnants of bygone eras visible in the skyline of Istanbul, according to Fuuad.

For solo travelers, there are endless opportunities for memorable experiences. "Wherever you go in Istanbul, multiple surprises await you at the corner of every street, its cobblestone alleys, or within the maze-like structure in Grand Bazaar," Fuaad says. The network of easy and convenient public transportation options also makes Istanbul a great choice for women traveling solo.

Travel tip: For first-time solo female travelers, Fuaad suggests taking time to adjust to being on your own: "Start small, by venturing to your next neighboring town or city first, or any city in your country first before you make the leap into solo traveling abroad." She adds, "Don't do things you're not comfortable with. Listen to your gut feelings – they're always right!"

[See more of Istanbul:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Bali, Indonesia

For a tropical island escape, Bali is undeniably magical. Its natural beauty spans volcanoes, waterfalls and stunning beaches, as well as sprawling rice fields, diverse nightlife and breathtaking temples. Katie Caf, travel blogger at KatieCafTravel.com , who has been traveling solo full time for the past year and a half, says Bali is by far her favorite place to visit. "The Balinese people are very respectful towards female travelers, there's no street harassment based on gender like you might find in other locations, and while no place is perfect, Bali just feels very safe as a woman," Caf says. She adds that, although Indonesia is a conservative country, she found that women traveling there aren't expected to cover up except in temples or other sacred religious sites.

Travel tip: Caf recommends that travelers always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Gojek and Grab rather than hailing cabs off the street, since the apps' tracking features make them much safer to use for solo female travelers in foreign countries. Some of these sites also allow you to share your route with chosen contacts for added safety.

[See more of Bali:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Paris is one of the most iconic destinations in Europe for any traveler. Antoinette Harris, founder and owner of travel blog Frolic & Courage , considers the "City of Love" a superb option for women traveling solo due to its cuisine, cultural attractions and hands-on activities of all sorts. "I consider Paris the city of self-love because it has everything solo women travelers need to care for themselves and their interests," Harris says.

With the flexibility of traveling on your own, you can plan the Paris trip of your dreams. Depending on what you're interested in, you may choose to learn about French cooking, immerse yourself in the Louvre , attend an opera at the historic Palais Garnier or browse local shops, as Harris has done. "Uninhibited by the demands or requests of others, I was able to really take the time to focus on who I am, what I wanted and what sparks joy and life in my spirit," she says. "Traveling to Paris taught me how to truly enjoy spending time solo."

Travel tip: One of Harris' top tips is to not bring more than you can carry, as you won't always find someone to help you with your luggage if an escalator breaks and you have to take the stairs. "By keeping only the essentials, you're able to move quickly to and from your destination without worrying too much about being a target for crime," Harris says. She also recommends downloading an offline map you can reference even without internet connection and sharing your itinerary with family members or friends who could help in a sticky situation.

[See more of Paris:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

New York City

It's hard to beat the allure of the twinkling lights of Times Square , award-winning Broadway shows and Lady Liberty . Melanie Musson, a travel expert with AutoInsurance.org , loves taking a solo trip to New York City , saying she doesn't even have the chance to feel lonely because the hustle and bustle of the big city keeps her sufficiently distracted.

Musson says that, while there are risks for visitors in any city, the odds of anything scary happening to you in New York are low as long as you take appropriate precautions. "New York City prioritizes tourist safety because they know they’d lose this valuable industry if visitors had frequent bad experiences," she explains, adding that you may be surprised how friendly the local residents are. "They're usually happy to help you identify the right subway line to take or bus to catch. They'll probably even give you tips on the best places to eat or things to see."

Travel tip: Musson's pre-trip tip is to check crime reports in the destination you're heading to and stay within the safe areas. "Trust your gut and get out of the area if you don't feel safe," she cautions.

[See more of New York City:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

The city of Singapore is known for being clean, green and safe for travelers – as well as expensive. Singapore boasts impressive architecture, the iconic Singapore sling cocktail, street food markets and luxury shopping malls. Daina Cohen, editor at WorldlyKnown.com , says, "Singapore is a fantastic destination for solo women travelers because of its vibrant, yet safe culture and exciting sights." On a solo trip to this Southeast Asian city, you can experience the unique blend of diverse cultures and cuisines, Cohen says, in addition to other benefits. "It's easy to navigate with plenty of public transportation options, plus an excellent healthcare system, which makes it a great choice for those who want to travel solo," Cohen notes. Tourists should research Singapore's laws – such as a ban on chewing gum – before traveling there to avoid fines.

Travel tip: Cohen advises staying in a hostel (which often have options for women-only dorms) or renting an Airbnb for more privacy. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the city's public transportation system prior to arrival.

[See more of Singapore: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to solo travel for women. Her first trip by herself was to New Zealand when she was 19. Since then, she has traveled solo all over the U.S. and to countries such as Fiji, Argentina, Chile and Italy. Her favorite destination to travel alone is still her native California, which offers a diverse landscape from the city to the sea and the mountains and the desert.

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