Planning a solo trip to Europe? It can be tough to choose where to start, especially when you’re travelling alone. That’s where this guide comes in. Using our extensive travel knowledge, we’ve picked 10 of the best places in Europe to travel solo.
We’ll focus on cities that are easy to explore, full of things to do, and ideal for setting your own pace.
Every city has its own character, and there’s so much to enjoy. Get ready to try new foods, meet new people, and discover a side of Europe that’s all yours!
At a Glance: Best Cities in Europe for Solo Travellers
It can be hard to pick where to start. We’ve broken down our top recommendations based on what solo travellers usually look for:
- Best for First-Time Solo Travelers: Lisbon, Portugal
- Easiest to Get Around: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Most Budget-Friendly: Tirana, Albania
- Best for Art and Culture: Florence, Italy
- Most Scenic City: Kotor, Montenegro
Planning your next solo adventure? Moonsand has you covered. With great flight deals and flexible booking options, you can focus on what matters (like which city to visit first!).
1. Lisbon, Portugal
(Find available hotels in Lisbon)
Lisbon is the kind of city that instantly puts you at ease. It’s safe, friendly, and perfect if you love exploring on foot. The locals are welcoming, the streets are colourful, and there’s always a cosy café or scenic viewpoint to discover. Plus, with the iconic yellow trams running everywhere, getting around is part of the fun!
One thing we love about Lisbon is how lively yet laid-back it feels. Spend your mornings wandering through the historic Alfama district, camera in hand, or ride Tram 28 to get a glimpse of the best sights.
When you’re ready to unwind, head to a miradouro (viewpoint) like Santa Catarina. The views here are some of the best in the city.
For somewhere social, we recommend Yes! Lisbon Hostel in Baixa. They’ve got nightly dinners and a welcoming vibe that’s great for meeting other travellers.
In all, Lisbon’s easily one of the best cities to solo travel in Europe!
Pro tip: Grab a navegante occasional card as soon as you arrive. It works on all public transport and will save you from tackling those steep hills on foot.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Find available hotels in Ljubljana)
If you're checking out the best cities to solo travel in Europe, we can't recommend Ljubljana enough. Slovenia's capital is like stepping into a fairytale, complete with a hilltop castle and dragons guarding its bridges (don't worry, they're just statues!).
The old town is compact and car-free, so you can wander through the streets stress-free, checking out spots like Prešeren Square and the Central Market.
For a bit of nature, take a walk through Tivoli Park or head up to Ljubljana Castle for some great views of the city.
For something a bit different, we always tell people to check out Metelkova. It’s an incredible artsy district that’s basically an outdoor gallery of street art, sculptures, and quirky buildings.
For a unique stay, we recommend Celica Hostel. It's a converted prison where each room is different. Trust us, it sounds weird but it's actually super cool! Plus, their garden BBQs are the best place to meet other travellers. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in Europe!
3. Kotor, Montenegro
(Find available hotels in Kotor)
Want to feel like you've stumbled into Europe's best-kept secret? Kotor might be smaller than your typical European solo travel destinations, but that's exactly what makes it special.
Situated between dramatic mountains and a stunning bay, this medieval town is perfect for those days when you want to get lost in your own thoughts (and some seriously incredible views). It’s incredibly safe, too, making it one of the best places to solo travel as a woman in Europe.
The morning light here is pure magic. Grab your camera and head up the city walls early. You'll have the place almost to yourself, and the climb is worth every step.
When you're ready for some adventure, hop on one of the boat trips to Our Lady of the Rocks.
The tiny island in the bay has the best stories, and the boat captains are always up for a chat.
As night falls, the waterfront comes alive with music drifting from konobas (local restaurants). Head to Bastion 1, tucked away in the old town walls. The seafood risotto is fantastic, and solo diners get the best seats with views of the bay.
Note: In order to get to Kotor, the most local airport is Tivat (TIV), just 2.84 miles away. From here you can take a short bus ride into Kotor. You can read more information here: how to get to Kotor?
4. Florence, Italy
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Florence in the off-season is like having one of the best places in Europe to solo travel all to yourself. Sure, summer's got its charm, but we recommend visiting between November and March. The tourist crowds thin out, prices drop, and you can hear the sound of your own footsteps echoing off Renaissance buildings.
Skip the obvious stuff and head straight to Sant'Ambrogio. This neighbourhood is where real Florentines live, and the morning market is fantastic. You can spend hours wandering around, sampling cheese and chatting with vendors who don't mind if you're just browsing.
When you need a break from churches and museums, the Bardini Gardens are a hidden gem. They're quieter than the famous Boboli, and the view of the city is just as stunning.
The best thing about travelling to Florence solo? Nobody looks twice when you spend three hours in a wine bar discussing art with the owner, or when you have gelato for dinner. Sometimes that's exactly what travel should be about.
5. Barcelona, Spain
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Solo travel in Europe doesn't get much better than Barcelona. This city practically invented dining alone at the bar! Just pull up a seat at any tapas spot and watch the chefs work their magic.
We recommend an evening strolling down La Rambla, getting swept up in the crowd while somehow never feeling out of place, even on your own. Forget about having a plan here. Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter is part of the experience. You might follow the sound of a guitar to find a hidden plaza where locals soak up the sun over long lunches.
For a place to stay, we always point solo travellers to St Christopher's Inn. Sure, it's a hostel, but hear us out. The beds are super comfy, and you can keep to yourself if you want. But the real magic happens during their tapas crawls. We've seen so many friendships start over a plate of Spanish omelette and a glass of sangria!
Pro tip: Get up early one morning and head to Park Güell before the crowds. Grab a coffee on the way and find a quiet spot in Gaudi's wonderland. As the sun comes up over the city, you'll get why Barcelona is always on our list of top places in Europe to travel solo.
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6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
(Find available hotels in Amsterdam)
Amsterdam isn't exactly a hidden gem, but there's a reason it's on every list of where to solo travel in Europe. The real magic, though? It's not in the guidebooks.
We recommend renting a bike. You might feel wobbly at first, but once you get the hang of it, Amsterdam opens up to you. Follow the canals at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye.
Everyone heads to Vondelpark (which, fair enough, it's gorgeous), but De Pijp is where it's at. It's a laid-back neighbourhood where you can spend hours people-watching from sidewalk cafes. Grab lunch at the Albert Cuyp market (try the stroopwafel, thank us later).
If you’re into art but want to skip the museum queues, check out the street art at NDSM. Just hop on the free ferry for an adventure of its own.
Don't overplan. Amsterdam's the kind of place where the best moments happen when you least expect them. Let the city surprise you - it's pretty good at that.
If you're looking for things to do in Amsterdam, you can check out this guide we put together.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
(Find available hotels in Prague)
Want to feel like you've stepped into a fairytale, but with better beer? Check out Prague. Hands down, this city is one of the best places in Europe for solo travellers. It's safe, the public transport is a breeze, and you'll never run out of coffee shops to read in when you need a break from sightseeing.
We recommend staying in Vinohrady. It's quieter than the city centre but still buzzing with local life. Sophie’s Hostel is a great pick. It has a welcoming vibe, stylish rooms, and they host fun events if you're looking to connect with fellow travellers.
For the best views, skip the crowded Old Town Square and head to Letná Beer Garden instead. You can watch the sunset over the city with a cheap beer and some of the best people-watching around.
When you get hungry, Lokál is a great choice. It’s welcoming for solo diners, and the staff will make sure you get to try some of the best Czech dishes around!
8. Budapest, Hungary
(Find available hotels in Budapest)
Budapest is perfect for solo travellers in Europe. It's safe, easy to navigate, and there's always something going on. For a home base, we recommend Maverick City Lodge in the Jewish Quarter. It's central, clean, and their staff knows all the local spots you won't find online.
Start your mornings at New York Café. Yes, it's a bit fancy, but treat yourself! Solo travellers often skip the grand cafés, and that's a shame. For dinner, head to Mazel Tov. The crowd is young, the Middle Eastern food is great, and you won't feel out of place at a table for one.
Don't miss the thermal baths. Széchenyi is the famous one, but Rudas has a rooftop pool with killer views of the city. Thursday nights are mixed-gender and the perfect time to go. Grab a drink after at one of the ruin bars, too. Szimpla Kert is touristy but fun, and easy to meet people if you're feeling social.
Pro tip: Looking for the best views in Budapest? The free walking tours that start at Vörösmarty Square know all the good spots!
9. Tirana, Albania
(Find available hotels in Tirana)
Think Europe's all been discovered? Think again! Tirana, Albania’s capital, is the city that'll make your friends say, "You went where?" It's cheap, it's colourful, and it's about to be the next big thing in travel - trust us on this one.
We recommend Trip'n'Hostel right in the city centre. The owners treat you like family and know exactly where to find the best byrek (local pie that's absolutely addictive).
Tirana's got this wild mix of Ottoman architecture, Italian streets, and Communist-era buildings now painted in rainbow colours. It’s safe, and you can easily explore the whole city on foot.
But here's the real secret - Tirana's just the beginning. Use it as your base to explore the rest of Albania, one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. We're talking pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and mountain towns where lunch costs less than a coffee back home. The local food scene is incredible too. Get ready for fresh seafood and some of the best olive oil you've ever tasted!
10. Porto, Portugal
(Find available hotels inPorto)
Porto is the city that'll make you forget you're travelling solo. It's a place where strangers become friends over a glass of port, and where getting lost is half the fun.
We love recommending Selina Porto for a stay. It's in a converted cinema and just oozes character. The bar downstairs is perfect when you want some social time. For the best lunch deal in town, follow the locals to Casa Guedes. Their pork sandwich is famous for a reason, and the owner always has time for a chat.
For a taste of local life, visit the Bolhão Market. It's a great place to try Portuguese cheeses, olives, and pastries. In the evening, join the locals at one of the many wine bars in the Gaia district to sample some port wine.
Porto's the kind of place where solo travel feels anything but lonely. It's vibrant, it's friendly, and it's waiting to show you why it's one of Europe's best solo travel destinations. Don’t miss out!
Final Thoughts on the Best Places in Europe to Travel Solo
There you have it - our top picks for the best places in Europe to travel solo! From Lisbon’s cosy cafes to Kotor’s stunning views, each of these cities offers something unique for solo travellers.
Remember, the best solo trips are about trusting yourself, staying open to new experiences, and enjoying the freedom of exploring on your own. No matter which city you choose, it’s all about making the trip yours.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience some of Europe’s best solo travel destinations. Which one will you check out first?
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