What makes a place good for solo travel
Most lists of European destinations for solo travelers lean on the same handful of criteria, and they are a good way to judge any place:
- Walkability and public transport. You can get around without renting a car or relying on taxis.
- Safety. Comfortable to walk around in the areas visitors use, including in the evening.
- A social scene. Hostels, walking tours, classes and communal tables make meeting people easy, and eating alone feels normal.
- Cost. Accommodation is the big expense when you cannot split a room, so moderate prices go a long way.
- Day trips. Easy excursions by train or tour let you see more without changing hotels.
Remember that experiences vary. A city that suits one traveler can feel overwhelming or quiet to another, so use this list to build a shortlist.
Best cities for solo travel in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Often recommended for its welcoming feel, social hostels and relaxed pace. It is hilly but walkable, solo diners are common, and Sintra is a popular day trip. Porto is a smaller alternative; see our Lisbon tips and guide to the top places to visit in Porto.
Seville, Spain
A compact, atmospheric city with a strong food culture, often seen as more affordable than many Western European cities. Tapas bars are ideal for eating alone since you can order a few small plates. Our south of Spain travel guide covers Andalusia routes.
Barcelona, Spain
Walkable, with lots to see and a tapas culture that suits solo diners. It is popular and can be busy, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, as pickpocketing is a commonly reported issue in busy tourist cities.
Edinburgh, Scotland
English-speaking, compact and full of history, with easy access to hills and countryside. A good pick for a first solo trip abroad for English speakers.
Budapest, Hungary
Thermal baths are easy to enjoy alone, cafes are plentiful and prices have traditionally been friendlier than in many Western capitals, though costs have been rising. The nightlife is lively, so choose your venues thoughtfully. Our guide to the top things to do in Budapest covers baths and ruin bars.
Prague, Czech Republic
A compact historic center that is easy to explore on foot, with good transit. It is busy in peak season, so shoulder seasons can feel more relaxed.
Berlin, Germany
Known for independent culture, plenty of hostels and group tours, and a social atmosphere that suits those who like variety. It is spread out, so you will use public transport.
Florence, Italy
Compact, rich in art and well suited to museum days, long lunches and Tuscany day trips. Popular with tourists, so book key sights ahead.
Bruges, Belgium
Small, calm and pretty, which suits nervous first-timers. It is easy to see in a couple of days, and larger cities are a short train ride away.
Others worth a look
Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Vienna, Copenhagen and Stockholm also appear regularly on solo lists. Writers generally praise them for safety and transit, though some are expensive.
Coasts and nature for solo travelers
Not every solo trip needs to be an urban one.
- Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Sorrento is a common base, with ferries and buses to nearby towns. The coastal roads can be busy and summer is crowded. Our Amalfi travel tips cover getting around.
- Iceland. Frequently called a very comfortable first solo destination thanks to safety, English and organized tours. Costs are high, and if you drive, winter conditions need care. Many solo travelers base themselves in Reykjavik and book day tours; our guide to travelling Iceland without a car explains how.
- The Croatian coast. Towns such as Split and Dubrovnik are popular, with ferries between islands. Peak summer can be crowded and pricey. See our Croatia itinerary for routes.
- Scottish Highlands and Irish coast. Scenic, with good small-group tour options if you prefer not to drive alone.
If you are tempted by remote landscapes, think about transport. Many scenic regions are easier with a car, and driving alone in unfamiliar conditions is not for everyone. Tours can fill the gap.
Which European country is best for solo travel?
There is no single winner. Portugal, Spain, Ireland, the UK, Germany and the Nordic countries are often named for being easy to navigate and welcoming. If you want low stress, pick a place with good rail or bus links, accommodation in walkable areas and widely spoken English. If you want a social scene, aim for cities with a strong hostel and walking tour culture.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
It depends on where you go, the season and how you travel. In general, Western and Northern Europe cost noticeably more than parts of Southern and Eastern Europe, and large cities in peak summer cost more than smaller towns in spring or autumn. A daily budget that works comfortably in one country can be tight in another. Traveling alone raises accommodation cost per person, since a single room often costs nearly as much as a double.
Ways to stretch a budget:
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses, or private rooms in cheaper cities
- Travel in shoulder seasons
- Use regional trains and buses
- Eat a main meal at midday
- Look for free walking tours and free museum days
Check current prices for your dates, since costs change, and compare accommodation first, as it usually drives the total. For more on how costs compare, see our overview of the pros and cons of solo travel.
Choosing by trip style
| If you want | Consider |
|---|---|
| A gentle first trip | Bruges, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Dublin |
| Food and wine | Seville, Barcelona, Florence |
| Social scene and nightlife | Berlin, Budapest, Lisbon |
| Art and history | Florence, Prague, Vienna |
| Scenery with tours | Iceland, Amalfi coast, Scottish Highlands |
| A tighter budget | Seville, Budapest, Lisbon (check current prices) |
Tips for a first solo trip in Europe
- Keep the first trip short and base yourself in one or two places.
- Stay centrally. It cuts late-night travel and makes it easier to pop back to your room.
- Book accommodation with good recent reviews, ideally from other solo travelers.
- Learn a few local phrases and download offline maps and a translation app (see apps for international travel).
- Use day trips and tours for variety and company.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
- Check entry rules and travel advisories for each country before you go.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellations.
Women traveling alone may want to read our guide to the safest places for women to travel alone for a checklist on evaluating any destination.
Frequently asked questions
Which European country is best for solo travel?
It depends on your priorities. Portugal, Spain, Ireland, the UK and the Nordic countries are often recommended for ease and friendliness, while parts of Central and Eastern Europe are popular for lower costs.
What are some good solo trips to Europe?
Popular ideas include a city break in Lisbon or Edinburgh, a food-focused trip through Spain, a few days in Prague and Budapest by train, or a base in Reykjavik with day tours.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
In some places and seasons it can be workable with careful choices, and in others it will be tight. Accommodation is the main variable.
Is 27 too old to solo travel?
No. There is no age limit, and people start traveling alone at all stages of life. Our solo travel pros and cons guide covers this in more detail.