For most of my twenties, I was in a relationship with solo travel. Throughout my twenties I visited Europe as a solo traveler more times than I can count. From walking along the River Seine solo as the sun sets in Paris to blissfully riding my bike home in Amsterdam, being solo in Europe as a traveler has been a favourite pass time of my most formative years.
As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to set your own itinerary, try new foods, and meet new people. You may find yourself making unexpected connections with locals or other travelers, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of solo exploration whilst walking through the Louvre.
While traveling alone can be daunting, it’s also a chance to challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and create unforgettable memories. With so many great destinations to choose from, solo travel in Europe is a wonderful way to explore the continent and discover new things about yourself along the way. These are the best cities to travel solo in Europe and more importantly, why you should visit them.
The best cities to travel solo in Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Known for its beautiful canals, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is the ideal city to start your solo adventure. Despite being a large city, much of the Amsterdam we have all come to know and love (the canals district) is small enough to be explored on foot.
Amsterdam is also full of many great museums to explore, which are a great place to seek refuge in the colder months like December and January. Once you’re tired of walking the city, if you’re feeling brave enough, rent a bike for a day to explore the city like a local.
Read more: Solo in Amsterdam: The Best Things to do in Amsterdam Solo
Berlin, Germany
As the capital of Germany, Berlin is a fascinating city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. There are plenty of museums, galleries, and restaurants to explore, and the city’s public transportation system makes it easy to get around. While a handful of the main attractions around Alexanderplatz can be viewed on foot, you will need to rely on public transport if you wish to see all this city has to offer (as it is sprawling to say the least!)
Once you’ve seen the highlights in Mitte (the centre of town), be sure to venture out and explore the neighbourhoods of Berlin. Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, and Neukölln are all known for their artsy and vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of great cafes, bars and food markets to explore.
Barcelona, Spain
With its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and sunny beaches, Barcelona is a great destination for solo travelers. There’s always something to do in the city, whether you’re interested in art, history, or just soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Some of the best attractions not to be missed are La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, La Rambla, a busy shopping street, and Park Güell, a breathtaking park overlooking the city.
Read more: The 15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Prague, Czech Republic
This beautiful city is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and charming cobblestone streets. It’s a great destination for solo travelers who want to immerse themselves in European culture in a city that is big enough to explore, but small enough to do so on foot.
Once you have explored the Old Town and visited the Prague Castle, be sure to step off the beaten path and experience some of the more local attractions. One of my favourite finds in Prague was a little vegetarian restaurant named Lehka Hlava, which remains one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the world in my humble opinion!
Read more: The 10 Best Things to do in Prague
Copenhagen, Denmark
As one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen is a great place for solo travelers who want to experience the Danish way of life. The city is full of cozy cafes, beautiful parks, and stylish shops, and it’s easy to get around by bike in the warmer months.
While the city is best enjoyed in the warmer months, that doesn’t mean you should completely write off a winter visit. In fact, both of my visits to Copenhagen have been solo during winter, which gives you a great excuse to stay indoors and enjoy the hygge lifestyle.
Read more: The 15 Best Things to do in Copenhagen
Lisbon, Portugal
With its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and sunny beaches, Lisbon is a great destination for solo travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere, and there are plenty of museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore. Some iconic experiences include exploring the now famous Alfama district on foot, taking a tram through the city, and taking a short trip out to Belém for a famous Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese tart).
Read more: The Ultimate Lisbon Bucket List!
Budapest, Hungary
With its beautiful architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife, Budapest is a great destination for solo travelers. The city is divided by the Danube River, and there are plenty of beautiful bridges and parks to explore.
Home to the famous public bath houses, Széchenyi Bath and Gellért Bath are two of the most famous to experience. Of course take a long walk along the Danube River to get a feeling for the scope and size of this city, then be sure to take in the views from Buda Castle.
Over to you – which are your favourite cities to travel solo in Europe? Let us know in the comments or follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
