Embarking on a solo adventure for backpackers can be incredibly rewarding and life-changing. The freedom to explore new cultures, meet fascinating people, and create unforgettable memories is a dream for many. Solo travelling is all about exploring the city and meeting people from different cultures.
These are the top 10 cities to travel solo in Europe. They have been chosen for providing plenty to discover, are all safe to explore on your own and most importantly provide an opportunity to connect with locals and their culture.
Where to travel solo in Europe
10. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is one of my favourite cities in the world. Having worked in Ghent, I used to make it an occasional travel destination every time I wanted to experience culture, beauty or good food. Located by the sea in northwest Belgium, Bruges has an old-worldly appeal that is truly magical. The architecture, freshly baked fries near the canal and the loud, yet enjoyable FC Bruges games are all reasons to fall in love with Bruges.
Spending 2 days in Bruges should be good enough. You will get a chance to really get to know the place. Besides, the best of Bruges is when it glitters in the evening! If you’re more of a city-hopper, you can indeed visit Bruges on a day trip from Brussels, Ghent or event Antwerp (connecting trains in Brussels).
Bruges also boasts of one of the best food scenes in Belgium. Their frites and waffles are amongst some of the best I have ever had. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this beautiful city and enjoy the beautiful cafes by the canal with the smell of fresh baked goods soothing your smell buds.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city is known for its picturesque canal system, beautiful architecture, and vibrant art scene.
Amsterdam is also famous for its liberal and progressive attitude, making it an inclusive and welcoming city for all types of travellers – especially digital nomads. Additionally, the city is home to numerous museums and landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, providing visitors with opportunities to immerse themselves in art, history, and culture.
The Jordaan neighborhood is a charming area with picturesque canals, art galleries, and trendy shops. The Vondelpark is a sprawling green oasis perfect for picnics, cycling, or simply enjoying the outdoors. For a glimpse into Amsterdam's history, the Museumplein is a hub of cultural institutions, including the afore mentioned Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. The vibrant and bustling Dam Square is another must-see, where visitors can explore historical sites like the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Finally, the city's iconic canal cruises offer a unique way to experience Amsterdam's charm from the water.
One of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam is to rent a bike for my stay and explore the city like a local. Learn from my mistake: just remember where you parked your bike! There are quite literally tens of thousands of bikes in this city.
8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s has modern architecture, old taverns and coffee houses as well as tons of galleries and museums make the city look like a timeless city. Inspired by a lot of different immigrant communities over centuries, Vienna boasts of amazing Italian, Viennese, German and Mediterranean food. Museums Quartier Wien is where you’ll find most of the museums from classical to modern. It’s a great place to chill and meet others with international students frequenting here.
As a sculptor, I was immersed in the art scene of Vienna. If you’re looking for a multi-country itinerary that will fulfil you culturally, historically and aesthetically, then I don’t think you can beat the central European trifecta of visiting Prague, Vienna and Budapest. These are three of the best cities to explore solo and each are so unique that you’ll pinch yourself to believe they’re only hours apart by train.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
The world’s most northerly capital combining colourful buildings, eye-catching designs, wild nightlife and friendliest locals. Not only can you go on hikes across the glaciers in Reykjavik, but also explore the art and culture in the city. The local ingredients and food scene in Reykjavik is excellent.
Explore the Vatnajokull National Park and witness the Northern lights, learning about the ancient sagas of West Iceland. Many monuments, new and old, are also worth a peek, including the newly built oceanfront music and conference centre, Harpa. To explore this beautiful city, I’d recommend doing so by bike.
This country is incredibly safe and easy to navigate, making it one of the best choices for a solo road trip.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of my favourite destinations and is a city that I’ve returned to over and over – there’s just so much to discover. Barcelona, the Catalan capital and one of the most popular cities in Spain. It is known for its stunning beaches, museums, sporting events and its strong artistic tradition.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and famous for Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture, Barcelona is one of Europe’s trendiest cities. It’s a hub of new trends in the world of culture, fashion and cuisine. It combines the creativity of its artists and designers with respect and care for local traditions.
La Sagrada Familia church and Park Guell are some of the best attractions in Barcelona. You can even explore handicrafts around La Rambla and eat some of the best paella and sangria around the city. To truly experience the social nature of the city, I suggest living in social hostels and exploring the nightlife that Barcelona has to offer.
Some of my most memorable solo trips have been through Spain, especially Barcelona and Malaga.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
One of the most social cities in Europe. Prague is a great entry way into Europe for first time solo travellers. With its gothic intrigue, Prague has become one of Europe’s most sought-after cities to visit. Being reasonably well priced, it is a great city for budget travellers.
It is also one of the best cities in Europe to discover on your own, especially for those who prefer to walk around a city and discover hidden gems off the main tourist streets. Home to the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín hill and Vyšehrad, Prague is a cultural haven for travellers looking to explore culture and art.
4. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the best cities to visit in Poland! There are so many amazing things to do and lots of great sights to see. Krakow is best known for its wide variety of cultural attractions. The city has a rich history stretching back to the Middle Ages when it served as Poland’s historical capital. This strong sense of tradition and culture is evident in the city’s spectacular medieval architecture, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978.
Krakow is also famous for its many galleries and museums, providing fantastic insight into the city’s history. The city also boasts many public parks, making it an ideal spot for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Krakow boasts the best nightlife in Eastern Europe with clubs that have tens of rooms playing different music, providing a holistic cultural and social vibe during your travels.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has been one of the most unique experiences for me. It is a truly unforgettable place. Capital of a small country, Estonia, Tallin is known for its stunning medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant culture.
The old town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its stunning buildings and narrow alleyways. The city is also known for its many museums and galleries, such as the Kumu Art Museum and the Estonian National Museum. Tallinn also hosts many churches, including the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Finally, the city also has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the best of Europe. With its rich history and culture, Tallinn is the perfect destination for solo travellers, wanting to exploring something different and unique.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is personally one of my favourite cities in the world. Being one of the safest cities for solo travellers; filled with charm and personality, Lisbon manages to hold on tightly to its colourful Portuguese roots. It has a combination of modern and old-world influences that define its unique architecture.
As a classic European destination, Lisbon has plenty to offer. From exploring its old school architecture, its wild nightlife and delicious food scene, travellers can wander through the cobblestone streets and take in the buzz of the city or take nearby day trips to catch the mystical hills or the sandy beaches.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a “must visit” city for any solo traveller. Budapest is 2 regions – Buda and Pest, divided by the river Danube. Its architectural marvels quirky ruin bars and gorgeous bathhouses replenished by mineral-rich hot thermal baths are what set Budapest apart from most cities in Europe.
Budapest is a big city, with stunning vies, so do not forget to catch the sunset at Pontoon, by the river, enjoying some cheap and tasty beer. Hungary also offers a variety of cultural events, including music festivals, art exhibitions and traditional folk performances.
Overall, Budapest presents an exceptional choice for those in search of an unparalleled journey. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture, Budapest offers something for everyone.
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