The Best Cities for Solo Travelers in Europe
Some cities just get it when it comes to solo travel—easy to explore, safe to walk at night, and full of things to do on your own or with others. Here are four of the best cities in Europe for solo travel that check every box:
Lisbon, Portugal
Charming, hilly, and full of soul. Lisbon’s the kind of place where you’ll ride a vintage tram one minute and sip espresso in a sunny plaza the next. It’s affordable, super walkable, and one of the best places in Europe for solo travel—especially if you're into laid-back days and breezy vibes.
Top places to visit for solo travelers:
- Alfama District: Wander the narrow, hilly streets and listen to Fado music spilling from restaurants.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of Lisbon’s best viewpoints—perfect for a solo sunset.
- Time Out Market: Try local dishes from dozens of stalls without needing to book a table.
- LX Factory: A creative hub full of cafés, street art, bookstores, and co-working spots. Great for digital nomads.
- Belem Tower & Jerónimos Monastery: Explore the city’s maritime history solo at your own pace.
Berlin, Germany
Artsy, edgy, and endlessly interesting. Berlin is great for solo travelers because it welcomes everyone. You’ll find creative spaces, historic spots, and a thriving hostel scene where it’s easy to make friends. No one bats an eye if you’re exploring solo here.
Top places to visit for solo travelers:
- East Side Gallery: Walk along the Berlin Wall, covered in iconic street art.
- Museum Island: A solo traveler’s dream—five museums on one island.
- Tempelhofer Feld: A giant park on an old airport runway—bike it, picnic, or people-watch.
- Mauerpark Flea Market (Sundays): Great place to browse, eat, and catch live music.
- Clärchens Ballhaus: Go solo to this legendary dance hall—no one judges if you're dancing on your own.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Underrated and ridiculously pretty. Ljubljana is peaceful, clean, and safe—perfect for a slower solo experience. It’s also one of the safest European cities for solo female travelers, and Slovenia overall is often ranked among the safest countries in Europe for solo travel.
Top places to visit for solo travelers:
- Ljubljana Castle: Hike or take the funicular up for great views and history.
- Tivoli Park: A peaceful green space for a solo walk or picnic.
- Central Market: Try fresh local produce, chat with vendors, or grab street food.
- Metelkova Art Center: An alternative artsy spot—go early to check out the graffiti and sculptures.
- Lake Bled (day trip): Take a bus or train—row to the island, hike to the castle, and eat cream cake.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canals, bikes, tulips, museums—it’s got the postcard views and the laid-back culture to match. Amsterdam has an active solo travel scene and loads of hostels designed for meeting people. Plus, everyone speaks English.
Top places to visit for solo travelers:
- Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum: Iconic art, and audio guides make it solo-friendly.
- Vondelpark: A great place for a picnic, bike ride, or some solo journaling time.
- Canal Cruise: A relaxing way to see the city from the water—plenty of solo travelers on board.
- Albert Cuyp Market: Cheap eats and browsing local goods at your own pace.
- A’DAM Lookout: Panoramic city views and even a rooftop swing—perfect for solo adventure vibes.
Budget Hostels That Feel Like Home
Hostels aren’t just a place to crash—they’re where solo travelers connect. The vibe, the people, the little moments over free breakfast... that’s where the magic happens.
Here are a few budget hostels in Europe for solo travelers that people keep raving about:
- Wombat’s City Hostel (Vienna): Clean, central, and super social.
- The People Hostel (Paris): Comfy beds, cool rooftop, and great for meeting people.
- The Flying Pig (Amsterdam): Legendary among backpackers.
- Selina (Lisbon): Perfect if you’re working remotely or like your hostel with a side of co-working.
Each of these places is more than a bunk bed—they’re hubs for community. Show up solo, leave with a few new friends.
Staying Safe Without Killing the Vibe
Europe is generally a safe place to travel solo—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay aware. Here are a few safety tips for solo travelers that actually matter:
- Keep it low-key. Leave the flashy jewelry at home.
- Watch your stuff in busy areas like metros or major landmarks.
- Use official taxis or apps like Uber or Bolt, especially at night.
- Share your plans with someone back home if you’re heading off-grid.
If you’re traveling as a solo female, stick to some of the safest European cities for solo female travelers—Vienna, Copenhagen, and Helsinki are all solid choices that let you explore worry-free.
Tips That Make a Real Difference
Forget the generic advice. Here are tips for solo travel in Europe that people who actually travel solo swear by:
- Pack half of what you think you need. Seriously.
- Book the first night or two in advance. You’ll thank yourself after a long travel day.
- Learn a few local words. Even just “hello” and “thank you” go a long way.
- Say yes to group tours or hostel events. That’s where connections happen naturally.
Also, if safety is top of mind, look into the safest countries in Europe for solo travel—Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia top the list.
Apps for solo travelers in Europe
Traveling solo doesn’t mean doing it all alone. These best apps for solo travelers in Europe can make your trip smoother, safer, and way more fun:
- Rome2Rio: Tells you every way to get from point A to B.
- Hostelworld: Your go-to for solo-friendly places to stay.
- Google Translate: For those "uhh... what does that mean?" moments.
- Meetup or Couchsurfing Hangouts: Find local events or meet new people fast.
- Trail Wallet or Splitwise: Stay on top of your spending without stress.
These aren’t just convenience apps—they’re your travel toolkit. The best apps for solo travelers in Europe help you stay connected, organized, and ready for anything.
Thinking About a Longer Trip?
If a quick trip isn’t enough, maybe it’s time for a full-on solo backpacking Europe journey. One month. Maybe more. Maybe no return ticket just yet.
Go at your own pace. Explore big cities and small towns. Let yourself get a little lost (the good kind). Trust your gut and build your own adventure, step by step.
There’s something powerful about getting on a plane with just a backpack and your own plans. Solo travel through Europe opens you up—to new people, new places, and a side of yourself you might not have met yet.
From the best places in Europe for solo travel to the best budget hostels in Europe for solo travelers, you’ve got everything you need to start. Throw in a few smart tips for solo travel in Europe and a good playlist, and you’re ready to roll.
