If you’re a solo traveler looking for the best place to travel solo in Europe, many fantastic cities offer exciting and unique travel experiences. From Prague’s historical landmarks to Barcelona’s vibrant culture, these destinations are perfect for solo travelers looking to explore new places and meet new people. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cities in Europe for solo travel and highlight the top things to do and see in each city.
Traveling solo can be an incredible opportunity to discover new things about yourself and the world around you. It allows you to explore at your own pace, meet new people, and immerse yourself in different cultures. Europe is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities, each with distinct character and charm. A European city is perfect for you whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or nightlife.
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In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, including Budapest, Ljubljana, Naples, Athens, Prague, Lisbon, and Krakow. Each city offers a unique travel experience, with plenty of things to see and do independently. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable solo adventure through Europe!
1. Budapest, Hungary
If you’re a solo traveler, Budapest in Hungary is a fantastic destination with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. You can explore the city at your own pace and take in its many attractions, such as the thermal baths, which are a great way to relax and unwind after sightseeing or partying with fellow travelers.
The city also boasts stunning architecture, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica, where you can spend hours exploring and taking in their beauty.
Walking along the Danube river is another great way to see the city. You can also take a boat tour or a sunset cruise along the river, a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Budapest also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of ruin bars, clubs, and live music venues, so you can enjoy a night out and meet new people in the city’s lively atmosphere.
As a solo traveler in Budapest, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions and explore the surrounding areas. For example, you can visit the charming town of Szentendre, the historic town of Esztergom, or Visegrád.
Another popular day trip destination is Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular summer destination for Hungarians.
Considering all activities, party scenes, and affordability, it’s one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel. Ideal for budget-conscious backpackers.
Read more: Long weekend in Budapest.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana in Slovenia is an excellent destination for solo travelers who enjoy nature and want to avoid crowds. The city is charming and walkable, with beautiful architecture and lively café culture. You can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Triple Bridge.
You can take a free walking tour, a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture, while meeting other solo travelers in Europe. You can also rent a bike and explore the city on your own. Ljubljana has an excellent bike-sharing program, called BicikeLJ, which makes it easy to get around and see the city’s many sights.
One of your trip’s highlights is boat tours along the Ljubljanica River. The river runs through the city center, and the boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
You can also take day trips from Ljubljana to nearby attractions such as Lake Bled and the Postojna Caves. Lake Bled is a picturesque lake with a beautiful island and a medieval castle. At the same time, the Postojna Caves are a series of underground caves and tunnels that are over 20 kilometers long.
For solo travelers in Ljubljana, there are many great places to eat, drink, and socialize. If you’re into parties, the city has some places to have a wild night out, like Metelkova Mesto. You can also enjoy the city’s many parks and green spaces, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
Overall, Ljubljana is an excellent destination for solo travelers like you, with its friendly atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and many attractions to see and explore.
Read more: One day in Ljubljana.
3. Naples, Italy
If you’re a solo traveler, Naples in Italy is a vibrant and exciting destination with plenty to see and do. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine.
One of the top things to do in Naples is to explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wander through the narrow streets, admire the colorful buildings, and visit the many churches and museums.
The city is also home to several beautiful castles, including the Castel dell’Ovo and the Castel Sant’Elmo, which offer stunning city views.
No trip to Naples would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. The city is known for its pizza, a must-try for any foodie. You can also sample other local dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole or the famous Neapolitan pastries such as sfogliatelle and babà.
Naples is also an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions. One popular day trip destination is the ancient city of Pompeii. If you want a more vibrant lifestyle, Sorrento and the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia are the places to be.
Another popular destination is the Amalfi Coast, known for its stunning scenery and picturesque towns such as Positano and Ravello, where you could also find one of the best hikes in Italy.
For solo travelers in Naples, there are many great places to stay and socialize. The city has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs. You can also join a cooking class or a food tour to meet other travelers and learn more about the local cuisine.
Overall, Naples is one of the best destinations in Europe for solo travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions. Whether exploring the city on your own or taking a day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, you will surely have an unforgettable experience in Naples.
Read more: Naples travel guide.
4. Athens, Greece
If you travel solo to Athens in Greece, then you will see a city with a rich history and many attractions to see and explore. Athens is known for its ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Solo travelers in a European city can spend hours wandering through the ancient ruins and learning about the history.
One of the best ways to see Athens is by taking a walking tour. Several free walking tours are available, a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture while meeting other travelers.
Athens is also an excellent destination for foodies. You can sample local dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita, or visit the central market to buy fresh produce and souvenirs. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs.
For solo travelers in Athens, there are many great places to stay and socialize. The city has a variety of hostels and budget-friendly accommodations, which are perfect for solo travelers on a budget.
Athens is also an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions. One popular day trip destination is the ancient city of Delphi, the site of the famous Oracle of Apollo. Also, one of the best Greek islands for solo travel is Aegina, known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Athens is a great destination for solo travelers with its rich history, delicious cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions. Whether exploring the ancient ruins on your own or joining a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history, you will surely have an unforgettable experience in Athens.
Read more: Athens travel guide.
5. Barcelona, Spain
If you’re a solo traveler traveling to Europe alone for the first time or looking for a destination for a long weekend in Spain, Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit. It’s one of the best places to solo travel in Europe, with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine.
One of the top things to do in Barcelona is to visit the iconic landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudi, including the famous Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo. You can wander through the city’s streets and marvel at the intricate details of Gaudi’s architecture or join a walking tour to learn more about the history of the city.
Barcelona is also known for its delicious food, including tapas, paella, and churros. You can sample the local cuisine at one of the many bars and restaurants in the city, or visit the famous La Boqueria market for fresh produce and a taste of local culture.
For solo travelers, Barcelona has plenty of things to see and do. You can explore the city’s many museums, including the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miro Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. You can also stroll along the famous Las Ramblas, visit the Gothic Quarter, or relax on one of the city’s beautiful beaches.
Barcelona is also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can visit the stunning Costa Brava coastline, the medieval city of Girona, or the famous Montserrat Monastery.
Overall, Barcelona is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel females with its friendly atmosphere, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a great destination to consider if you plan solo travel in Europe. It’s one of the best European cities for solo travelers, with its stunning architecture, rich history, and lively culture. Prague offers a lot of things to see and do, making it an ideal choice for your next Europe trip.
One of the top things to do in Prague is to visit the iconic landmarks, including Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. You can also stroll along the Vltava River and admire the city’s beautiful bridges and architecture. Prague is also known for its delicious cuisine, including traditional Czech dishes such as goulash, dumplings, and world-renowned beer.
Prague is an excellent destination for solo travelers because it’s easy to get around, and there are plenty of things to see and do on your own. You can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and theaters or wander through the city’s streets and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.
If you’re looking to meet other travelers, Prague has many hostels and places to stay as a solo traveler. You can also join a walking tour or a pub crawl to meet other travelers and explore the city together.
Prague is also an excellent base for day trips to nearby destinations, such as the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, the stunning Karlstejn Castle, or the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary. These destinations are easily accessible from Prague and offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
Overall, Prague is a great destination for solo travelers in Europe. Its friendly atmosphere, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions make it an ideal choice for your next European trip.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a great destination to consider if you’re looking for one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel. The city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, making it a perfect choice for solo travelers seeking an exciting and unique travel experience.
One of the top things to do in Lisbon in two days is to explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Castle of Sao Jorge. You can also stroll through the city’s charming neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and admire the colorful buildings and beautiful street art.
Lisbon is also a great destination for foodies, with its delicious seafood dishes and famous pastries such as pastel de nata. You can sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the city or visit the famous Time Out Market to taste local flavors.
For solo travelers, Lisbon has plenty of things to see and do. You can explore the city’s museums and galleries, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also ride on the famous Tram 28 and admire the city’s stunning views from the top of the hills.
Lisbon is also an excellent base for day trips to nearby destinations, such as the historic town of Sintra, the seaside town of Cascais, and the stunning beaches of the Algarve. These destinations are easily accessible from Lisbon and offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and natural beauty.
If the city is mainly visited during the summer, visiting Lisbon in winter is also a good idea due to the mild climate.
8. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a fantastic European city for traveling alone, with its rich atmosphere, historic architecture, and some Eastern-Europe culture. As a solo traveler, you can easily spend days exploring this beautiful city and taking in its many attractions.
One of the top things to do in Krakow is to visit the historic landmarks, including the Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and the St. Mary’s Basilica. You can also stroll through the Kazimierz neighborhood, known for its charming streets and unique atmosphere.
With its delicious Polish cuisines, such as pierogies and kielbasa, Krakow is a great destination to spice up your taste buds. You can sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the city or visit the famous Milk Bars for an authentic taste of traditional Polish food.
For solo travelers, Krakow has plenty of things to see and do. You can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, such as the Schindler’s Factory Museum and the National Museum in Krakow. You can also tour the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
Krakow is also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations, such as the historic town of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Zakopane ski resort, and the Tatra Mountains.
In conclusion, Krakow is a wonderful Eastern European destination for solo travelers, offering a welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Read more about Solo Travel
- Solo Backpacking Trip To Europe: 12 Simple Tips For Beginners
- 12 Benefits Of Solo Travel That Change Your Life
- Backpacking Europe Alone: My First Solo Travel Experience
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