Everyone should travel solo at least once in their lives. Probably more than once. If you’re looking for a dream Eurotrip, these are the best solo travel destinations Europe can offer to everyone all year round.
It’s frightening to put one foot forward, and then the next, and then your whole self, out there in the world, alone. The big bad world ready to shake you down. But in reality, the word outside the borders of your own country are not as bad as you might think.
And solo travel will give you a sense of joy and a deeper confidence. If you’re going to take a trip alone, a great place to start is Europe. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s packed with other travelers, and friendly people reside there. Not to mention food is delicious, everywhere you go.
So, if you’re up for a solo trip, here are nine—going from west to east—of the best cities and towns in Europe for a solo traveler.
Best spots in Europe for solo travelers
Dublin
Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin oozes with fun. This city of over half a million people has about 800 pubs within its borders. And it’s at the pubs when the city really comes alive.
If you’re a solo traveler, this is your best bet. The Irish are among the most welcoming and friendly in Europe, and the craic will be 90—that means “barrels of fun,” in the local parlance. If you want to double down on this idea, consider taking a walking tour where you’ll meet fellow travelers.
Madrid
The capital of Spain, the second biggest city in the European Union (after Berlin), Madrid is a bustling metropolis smack in the center of the country. Hemingway famously called Madrid “the most Spanish of all cities,” because people from every corner of Spain have settled here.
If you’re a solo traveler, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied, such as spending a day at the Prado Museum gawking at priceless art or standing in front of “Guernica,” Pablo Picasso’s most famous painting, at the Reina Sofia Museum. But one thing above all others is great to do in Madrid: just stroll. Indeed, walk aimlessly.
Photos are not allowed at the Prado – something rare in these days of speed and technology. This provides an oasis to observe, contemplate, and connect directly with the painting – leaving technology behind on a journey through time, space, art, and history.
– Alfonso M, Madrid Guide
And if you’re in the mood to walk, you might consider taking a guided tour. You’ll get a deeper sense of the city and you may even meet some new travel companions along the way. If food is more your thing, we’ve got you covered there too with a few great food-themed walking tours in Madrid.
San Sebastian
Quite possibly Europe’s best city for eating, San Sebastian is a seaside resort town in Spain’s Basque Country. Some people come here to lay on the beach and enjoy the handsome architecture, but the real reason to visit this town of about 190,000 denizens is to eat.
Yes, there are a handful of expensive Michelin-starred restaurants here, but for solo travelers the best thing to do is hit the bars. In the city’s Old Town, or Parte Vieja, the streets are flanked by diminutive bars serving effervescent wine (called Txakoli) and small plates (called pintxos).
And it’s here, snuggled up to the bar, sipping wine and grazing on great food, where you’ll likely meet some locals and/or fellow travelers. It’s also an ideal city for taking a food walking tour.
Amsterdam
This glorious city of canals is a wonderful place to get lost in. Especially when you’re traveling solo, at your own pace.
Spend a few hours of each day wandering around the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and any of the many small, quirky museums here, and then enjoy some nightlife.
Amsterdam’s social scene is huge. It’s almost been designed to meet locals and other travelers at the various cafes, bars, and restaurants in the Dutch capital. Or even just relaxing by one of the canals. Not to mention, taking a walking tour is a great opportunity to really dive into the local culture and have great conversation subjects with everyone in the city.
Berlin
The German capital is a bustling Teutonic metropolis filled with people from all over the world. The city has a handful of world-class museums, great dining options, miles and miles of protected bike lanes, and many historic sites.
But what makes this city of 3.6 million inhabitants so special—particularly if you’re traveling on your own—is its nightlife scene. In addition to the young expats who have settled here, travelers come to Berlin to visit the city’s great pubs and to get wild in some of its exuberant clubs.
Prague
Arguably the most beautiful city in Europe, Prague is a multi-dimensional Czech metropolis. It has scores of intriguing museums and historical sites. It has a great dining scene. Also, and especially, enough narrow winding cobblestone lanes that will allow you to wander aimlessly for hours upon hours.
What makes Prague a great place for solo travelers is that it’s very easy to meet people here. Plop down at a long wooden table in a centrally located pub. A group of fun locals or travelers are bound to join you. Table sharing is common here. You never know who you’re going to be clinking mugs of frothy pilsner with in the near future.
Hvar
The main town on the island of Hvar, Hvar Town is the first place you encounter when you hop off the ferry from Split.
This historic Croatian town is easy on the eyes. It also happens to attract a young, lively set of travelers, some of whom are also solo. Which is what makes Hvar an ideal spot for traveling alone.
You’ll meet plenty of people here in between getting sun on the beach and indulging in just-caught calamari and other seafood delights.
Belgrade
The Serbian capital is a thriving Slavic metropolis. What it might lack in aesthetics—though there’s an imposing fortress overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers—it makes up for in its general vibe.
Serbs are among the most welcoming people in Europe. No, that’s not a typo. It’s indeed very easy to meet people here, particularly locals.
Moreover, The city has one of the best cocktail scenes on the continent. You can certainly spend your evenings snuggling up to a bar, sipping a drink, and chatting with the bartender and the patrons.
Tbilisi
In Georgian lore, there’s a phrase: “A guest is a gift from god.” And the people of the Republic of Georgia do not disappoint. Georgians are very friendly and hospitable.
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is a lovely city with wide boulevards, fabulous wine bars, and even better restaurants serving up hearty Georgian dishes, such as khachapuri—baked cheese bread.
