A countdown of the 15 best places for solo travel in Europe

I’ve done my fair share of solo traveling through Europe over the years — 40+ European locations and counting!

Europe has some of the most diverse landscapes, cultures, and food you’ll ever sample — and often huge differences are a stone’s throw away from each other. It’s an incredible continent to explore, and your exploration starts right here.

I’ve ranked and rated my solo travels in Europe based on the following factors:  

• Safety
• Beauty
• Diversity
• Things to do
• Friendliness
• Food and drink 
• Value for money
• Nightlife and entertainment

What you need to know: 

• The highest score a destination can get is 40. 
• This list is counted down in order of lowest-scoring to highest-scoring.
• I’ll let you know if the locations are good for remote working, too! 
• I’m including countries in the continent of Europe as well as the European Union.

Some places you may know, some you may not; all of them are worth a place on your European bucket list! Without further ado, here are the top 15 best places to solo travel in Europe.

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15. Skopje, North Macedonia (29/40 points)

Coming in at number 15, but certainly not to be overlooked, is Skopje. Nestled between the mountains of North Macedonia, this bustling city is shaking off its reputation for earthquakes and rebranding itself as a must-go for unique wines, craft beer bars, and alternative architecture.

The city is perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new people, spot one of its 100+ statues, or indulge in the glorious grub the city offers.

🧭 Top tips: 

• Almost every larger local restaurant has live music on the weekends. Be sure to check with the restaurant you’re considering, as this can truly heighten your night.
• While the main language of the country is Macedonian, there’s a heavy influence from its neighbors. Albanian is a co-official language, and you’ll get a lot of Greek, Turkish, Romani, and Serbian speakers too. English is not widely spoken.
• Some of my favorite things to do in the city were to roam the Old Bazaar, grab a coconut coffee at Mola Cafe, dine with live music on Gjorgi Peshkov, and brunch at Кафетерија Teeny Tajni. 

14. Positano, Italy (30/40 points)

If there were ever the perfect place for a postcard, Positano is it. Hugging the Amalfi coast, Positano packs beauty you’ll want to capture from every angle, but your Instagram stories will never do it justice. 

The city is perfect for solo travelers looking to either hike and soak up the views, or sit and soak up the best of Italian wine.

The hotels and Airbnbs will leave you in awe of how man-made beauty can carve its way so delightfully into nature. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Avoid going there in high season (European summer) if you want to skip the crowds! I also recommend you get a car if you’re planning to move along the coast, as the buses are notoriously MIA. Or, take it to the sea and beach hop on ferry boats! You can book tickets online — just make sure you’re not going to run up charges with your provider for using your cell phone in Europe. 
• Italian is the language you’ll need here. As it’s a popular tourist destination, most hospitality establishments will have an English speaker. 
• If you’re a keen hiker, I recommend you jump on the Path of the Gods. I also recommend Simone’s Sandwiches for some of the best breaded combos you’ll ever try (closed during the offseason) and Music on the Rocks for a great night out — if a little cheesy!

13. Budapest, Hungary (31/40 points)

Budapest! Go for the grub, stay for the outdoor public baths, markets, and surprising nightlife. This city has it all.

You’ll be joining walking tours by day — unpicking the city’s complicated past — and by night you’ll be dining at some of the most unique eateries or dancing the night away at the city’s Ruin Bars. 

Budapest is one of the best European cities for solo travel. People are friendly, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied on your own.

🧭 Top tips: 

• Accommodation can get a little pricey. However, I found a cheaper alternative and slept on a boat! It’s a beautiful (more affordable) alternative if you’re good with being on water and smaller spaces.
• Time your trip right and go during the Christmas markets. There’s something very special about the city at this time of year, and of course, the mulled wine-tinted glasses help!

• The main language is Hungarian, which can be tough to even try and learn for those with English as their first language. However, I didn’t have any trouble getting by on English and Google Translate from time to time — just make sure you’ve got mobile internet in Europe if you plan on this! 
• Take a dip at one of the nine medicinal baths or 100+ natural hot springs. My favorite was Szechenyi Baths (hosting 15 indoor baths of different temperatures, 3 outdoor pools, and a handful of saunas and steam rooms). Treat yourself to a massage at Gellért Thermal Bath House. Or, tag on to a free walking tour with GuruWalk. Not necessarily in that order. 

12. Zadar, Croatia (31/40 points)

Zadar’s a city that’ll charm your sandals off. With good flight connections to much of Europe, it’s the perfect landing pad for a Croatian coastal peruse.

I did exactly that and bookended my trip to Croatia in this magical city — in between I traveled down the coast to Tisno (a lesser-known techno festival location). 

Zadar is one of the best solo travel destinations Europe has to offer because you’ll never be alone! There’s a solid back-packing / hostel culture there, and it should definitely go on your European backpacking list if that’s how you’re planning to explore.

🧭 Top tips: 

• You have to rent a car and take a day trip to explore some of Croatia’s great natural wonders: Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes, Roski Waterfall, Burgruine, and Paklenica.

• The locals here speak Croatian, but you’ll also see a lot of Italian influences (both in language and food) from their friends across the ‘pond.’
• Day trip your way to some of Croatia’s nearby natural wonders — travel by boat or car. Or, if you fancy staying put, sit through sunset and soak up the sound of the city’s Sea Organ.

11. Valletta, Malta (32/40 points)

Valletta is a truly magical place and definitely one of the best places for solo travelers in Europe. My biggest recommendation here is to get lost.

The city is just a short ferry ride from the more affordable Sliema, and a return ticket price varies but always costs under €5 (around $5.40 USD). 

The capital of Malta has everything a solo traveler would need: wander the endless markets, gorge in very affordable 3–5 course lunches, and ogle the city’s neck-cracking architecture. Malta is also a great spot for digital nomads! 

🧭 Top tips: 

• The Valletta Sliema ferry is a beautiful (short) trip. Be sure to get to the front of the queue for the ferry so you can nab an upstairs seat with a view. Also, the east side of Malta is a lot more touristic and peppered with large hotels, so stick to the West side of the island for a more authentic home base. 
• Malta’s languages are Maltese and English. You’ll also find some locals who speak Italian, French, and German.
• In Valletta, book a 5-course lunch at Legligin Restaurant (and opt for the wine menu to compliment if you’re so inclined). In Sliema, eat at Ta’ Kris and Maggie’s. Be sure to book a table well in advance — you’ve been warned!

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands (32/40 points)

Amsterdam takes pride of place in my top five places in Europe for solo travelers. The city is clean, organized, and stuffed like a bitterballen with things to do.

Forget the clogs and fries — there’s so much more to The Netherlands, and you’ll find a lot of it in Amsterdam. 

The city is perfect for solo travelers thanks to its open culture and year-round events; it’s definitely an entertainer of a city. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• If you’re a member of the LGBT+ community, like me, then Amsterdam Pride is a must. They run the parade along the canals; expect themed boats, water jet displays, and parties all day long. Another great time to visit is King’s Day, when the city dresses itself in orange, and you’ve got street parties around every corner. 
• The Netherlands’ native language is Dutch, but I guarantee you’ll find locals speaking better English than you or I! 
• Head to Renato’s Pizzeria in De Pijp for a slice or two of the good stuff. Catch a show at The Royal Carré Theatre, and hang around on that same street for drinks afterward. I also recommend you go to the Anne Frank House — just make sure you’re prepared to wait in line.

9. Berlin, Germany (32/40 points) 

Berlin is a party-goer’s dream, but there’s more to it than Berghain and KitKat. The city is a play-hard city because it works hard.

It’s extremely remote work friendly — coworking spaces pepper the city, and there’s a buzzing startup community. 

Berlin is one of the best places in Europe to solo travel because there’s so much to do! It also comes with its fair share of history and I highly recommend you educate yourself on a free walking tour or two and book enough time to explore some of its museums and memorials. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Rent an electric scooter or bike and explore the city on wheels. They’re a speedy way of commuting, but the journey is half the fun! 
• Berlin’s main language is German. However, like in most Northern European countries, many people speak incredible English there. 
• Berlin is artsy and eclectic, and its people and parks reflect that. Enjoy the flea markets, people watch in Mauerpark, have some of the best vegan Thai food at +84, and shop, drink, and eat in my favorite area: Prenzlauer Berg. It’s also home to one of the best German Christmas markets.

8. Oslo, Norway (33/40 points)

Oslo stole a piece of my heart many years ago and I’ve been returning ever since to try and find it. It’s a city I could see myself living in if it were a little warmer!

The city is clean, the people are friendly, and there’s so much to do! 

The city is perfect for solo travelers looking for an altogether different city break, and I highly recommend you rent a car and take the time to explore some of the rural towns around its borders. The city’s high safety score makes it a popular choice for solo female travelers. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Don’t worry about trying to sleep in the center of the city; the trams keep everything extremely well-connected, and there are some charming neighborhoods along the Akerselva River.

• Norway’s main language is Norwegian, but you’ll get by with English in Oslo. Even if you’re on a 300-day Duolingo streak for Norwegian, as soon as the locals see you waver, they’ll switch to word-perfect English. 
• Warm up in Badstuforening Saunas (a collection of saunas floating on Oslo’s fjord), stroll at the intersection of art and nature at Ekebergparken, or walk the Akerselva River on a warm day and make a pit stop at the charming Hønse-Lovisas house cafe. 

7. Krakow, Poland (33/40 points)

Clean, organized, and not a bad restaurant in sight. Krakow raised my eyebrows (in a good way!) on multiple occasions, and I’ll be returning in the near future.

I’d initially seen the city as a necessary stopping point for a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (something I think everyone should do once in their life), but the city offered me so much more than I’d been expecting. 

This city makes the list of best places for solo travel in Europe because it’s remote work friendly — making it a good long-term travel option.

Its eateries are affordable and great quality, and you’ll never really feel alone when you’re surrounded by so much beauty.  

🧭 Top tips: 

• Restaurants book up really fast, even out of peak season (European summer), so if you find a place you want to visit, make sure you book ahead of time! There’s also a big coffee culture here.
• The language of Krakow is Polish, and I didn’t meet too many people who were fluent in English (although that may be uniquely my experience!). Nonetheless, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some basic Polish to win some smiles from the locals. 
• Kraków, and this part of Europe in general, has a history many are familiar with and the city is the spot to educate yourself on it further. I highly recommend you organize a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

6. Rome, Italy (33/40 points)

If Rome were a city on the sea, I’d be living there. The charming city in Southern Europe will have you catching flies all year round as you gaze in awe at the spectacular history.

It’s like stepping into a fantasy book, and I’m not surprised it’s the backdrop of so many blockbusters: “Eat, Pray, Love,” “Gladiator,” “La Dolce Vita” — the list is long, but Rome will keep you longer. 

The city is one of the best places to solo travel in Europe if you’re looking to slow things down, and I am telling you now, a weekend is not enough. 

Take your time checking off the Rome must-sees, then treat yourself to some of Rome’s more authentic, charming spots. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Put comfortable walking shoes on your Italy packing list. The best way to see Rome is on foot. I very rarely used public transport there. Days are long, and your must-visit checklist will have a healthy amount of steps between each item.  
• Italian is the language you’ll need here. Although many do speak English, learning some Italian will definitely take you further! 
• My favorite thing to do in Rome is to drift from gelateria to cafe in the Trastevere neighborhood. If there were ever a place to eat, pray, and eat some more, this is it. 

5.  Barcelona, Spain (34/40 points)

Hola, Barcelona! This city is so good I settled here. If you’re touring Europe for the first time, Barcelona needs to be on your list.

Expect spectacular architecture adorned with charming gargoyles that come alive when it rains, adventurous tapas to argue over, and finish long days in the city with calming evenings on the beachfront. Barcelona has truly got it all. 

The city is perfect for solo travelers looking to understand Catalonia’s rich history, be spoiled for choice for speciality coffee spots, or for those solo travelers that suffer from severe FOMO of having to pick between a beach or city break — Barcelona ticks both boxes.

🧭 Top tips: 

• One thing I will warn you about is your pockets! Barcelona is Europe’s pickpocket central. As much as it pains me to say it — I really just want to give you a pair of rose-tinted glasses and send you on your way — I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t firmly warn you to keep your wits about you, especially on the metro (subway). 
• Catalan and Spanish are the main languages here, and you’ll win brownie points with the locals if you pick up a bit of both. Barcelona is a very metropolitan city though, there’s a huge remote work scene, and many people can speak proficient English.  
• As much as I want to keep my secret spots to myself, I also want these businesses to thrive. So: go get drinks at Collage, live your Spanish digital nomad dream at The Social Hub, get brunch at Gabby’s, do dinner at Casa Lolea, hang out in Eixample, walk around in Borne, and party at Gatsby’s. My favorite in-city beaches are San Sebastián and Mar Bella. Or, jump on a short train ride and explore the much larger beaches (and softer sands) of Castelldefells or Ocata. 

4. Cornwall, England (34/40 points)

One of the best places to travel solo in Europe has to be Cornwall. A coastal region in the South West of the UK and a hefty 7-hour train ride from London, you’ll find one of the most magical, jaw-droppingly stunning rural locations England has to offer. 

Explore the charming cobbled streets of Falmouth town and the cliff-jumping highs of Porthcurno. Find your beach volleyball partner in Perranporth or a fellow history nut at St. Michael’s Mount (a UNESCO world heritage site).

The vibrant student community welcomes solo travelers with open arms, a surfboard, and a pint of Radler — if you dare!

Cornwall is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream, looks great in every weather, and its high safety score makes it a popular destination for many solo female travelers, too! 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Be warned if you’re traveling to the UK from another European country: the UK is no longer in the EU, so most European SIM card plans don’t cover the country anymore!
• English will get you by here, but if you want to impress the locals, then it’ll go a long way to pick up a few Cornish (Kernewek) expressions! 
• If you’re into theatre, make sure you book a show at the Minack Theatre, and if you ever wanted to travel to “the end of the earth” (or at least the end of Western Europe), then head to Land’s End — where only the birds will go further. One of my favorite easy strolls is the coastal walk from Gyllyngvase Beach to Swanpool. Once you’ve made it there, treat yourself to hot chocolate at the beach hut, or some fresh seafood at Hooked on the Rocks (only open through summer months).  

3. Prague, Czech Republic (35/40 points)

Top three! Here we are. Coming in at third place for the best place to solo travel in Europe is Prague in the Czech Republic.

Prague is like stepping into a fairytale. Home to the world’s third oldest clock (dating back to 1410) as well as some of Europe’s best breweries and spas, it’s got something for every type of solo traveler. 

Prague is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe because you’re never short of something to do, and everything can be done alone.

This city in Eastern Europe is affordable, well-connected, and has sights worth writing home about. If you’re looking to connect with fellow travelers, there are plenty of walking tours, pub crawls, or cooking classes to connect over.

🧭 Top tips:  

• Head there at Christmas time to make the most of the Christmas markets and the postcard backdrop the city provides when it snows. (Psst, find some more of the best Christmas markets in Europe here.) When you’re there, challenge yourself to always order whatever beer is on tap, and whatever special is on the menu for the day!
• The language of Czech Republic is Czech. English is spoken, but I wouldn’t say it’s as accessible as it is in Northern Europe. It would definitely do you good to learn some basic Czech! 
• Make sure you catch the Astronomical Clock show, rub shoulders in the Dancing House, and cross the Charles Bridge (psst. Watch the first Mission Impossible before you go). Once you’ve got those ticked off your list, grab drinks by the river at Kobka 6 (in the winter) or LAb (in the summer). Time your weekend right and head over to Výstaviště Praha Holešovice for a local craft fair.  

2. Granada, Spain (36/40 points)

Second place goes to grand old Granada in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. Spain is known for its rich culture, LGBT+ friendliness, and great food. And when you get to Granada, all of that is doubled.

The people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, and the tapas portions (if you can call them tapas, because they’re so huge — see photos below) are some of the best you’ll ever taste! 

The city is perfect for solo travelers looking to get an understanding of authentic Spanish culture, eat well, and dip their toes into a history that’s as equal parts brutal as it is beautiful. 

🧭 Top tips: 

• Tapear! It’s a new (unofficial) verb I learned in Granada, and it means to drink and eat the tapas that come with your drinks. Granada is my spirit city. The city is also home to my favorite perfume and cologne store in the world: Patio de los Perfumes, where you’ll only be able to buy certain fragrances in-store. My personal favorite is Habana. 
• It will be great if you can learn Spanish for your trip to Granada. Although many tourist hotspots will have English speakers. If you’re new to Spanish, don’t give yourself a hard time if you struggle to understand the accent — it can be tough to grasp at first. 
• You have to visit the Alhambra (and book well in advance). It’s big enough to do over two days if you want to explore the gardens at a leisurely pace, too. Relax in the Hammams and be sure to see a Flamenco show — I’ll say they’re the best in the world. Tapear at Taberna del Beso, eat at Carmen el Agua, and catch a sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás. 

1. Lisbon, Portugal (38/40 points) 

Drum roll, please! 🥁

The number one location for solo travelers in Europe ranked and rated out of 40+ European destinations, is… 

Lisbon! 

With its charming streets, welcoming people, great grub, rich history, and pastel de nata on tap, Lisbon is my absolute favorite place for solo travel in Europe — and possibly the world.

Solo travelers will feel safe here. Life is affordable — there’s plenty to do that doesn’t cost a cent. And it’s by the water. As someone who often feels claustrophobic in cities, Lisbon manages to feel spacious despite being so small.

🧭 Top tips: 

• Lisbon is a fantastic place for digital nomads. Pack your laptop, pick from one of the copious amounts of coworking spaces, and enjoy making the most of your 5–9!

• Portuguese is the language to know in Lisbon. Although many speak English, I suggest you learn the basics of Portuguese to help you get by! 
• Stay in Alfama or Chiado, co-work at Second Home Lisbon, brunch at Dear Breakfast, and roam the streets of the sea-hugging neighborhoods. Oh, and don’t forget to explore Portugal to its fullest. Head to Porto for a few days, or book a day trip to Sintra and grab a pastel de nata (or three!) from Fabrica de Nata. 

How to choose the right solo travel destination in Europe

Ask yourself, what do you want from your trip? 

The things I look for from a destination when solo traveling are: 

• Safety
• Beauty
• Diversity
• Things to do
• Friendliness of its people
• Food and drink
• Value for money
• Nightlife and entertainment
• Coliving/coworking infrastructure 

Place the items on this list in order of priority for you, and then pick from my top 15 destinations according to what you value highest. 

For example, if you’re looking for a great place in Europe for remote work then consider Berlin, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

If you’re a foodie, then perhaps there’s a reservation with your name on it in Granada or Rome. However, if safety is a top priority for you, then Oslo, Cornwall, or Krakow may be your next destination.

🧭 One last tip from Ray: Don’t let the fear of not speaking the language hold you back. You’ll figure it out, and trying (and fumbling over) new languages is half of the fun! 

Bonus travel tips for solo travelers in Europe 🧭

Let’s wrap things up with some additional travel tips I’ve collected — and stuck with — like fridge magnets across my 40+ European destinations. 

• Invest in an unlimited data eSIM: For as much as you may be hoping to disconnect on your solo trip, you’ll need to stay connected to enjoy your travels fully. I highly recommend Holafly’s European Unlimited Data eSIM plan. Ranging from $6.90–$139.90 (USD) depending on your length of stay (1–90 days). You’ll never have to worry about buying a local SIM card or breaking a data cap from your home country’s provider. 

• Get CityMapper on your phone: Solo travelers and CityMapper go hand-in-hand. When Google Maps fails you, this app will save the day. It’s one of the best apps to have when traveling in Europe. And, sometimes, CityMapper offers more eco-friendly routes than Google Maps. 

• Don’t give Papaya: I learned this term in Colombia and have carried it with me ever since. No matter how safe you feel on your solo adventure, always keep your wits about you, your belongings safe, and, as the Colombians say: don’t give papaya! (don’t make it easy for someone to take advantage of you).  

• Just because you’re solo traveling, doesn’t mean you can’t connect: I’ve found some of my best friends via my solo travels. I highly recommend you jump on free walking tours, cultural classes or excursions and remain open to meeting new people as you go. 

• Travel by public transport whenever you can: There’s no better way to explore a European city than by their public transport system! Not only for convenience but just because of how interesting they are! Perhaps I’m a nerd for it, but I highly recommend traveling with the locals whenever you can and saving the Uber/Bolt rides as a last resort! 

• Create budget brackets: I try to create brackets rather than a fixed, singular amount when it comes to budgeting for a solo travel journey. Much like an all-you-can-eat buffet, I see it as a challenge, rather than guidance. I will try to eat all I can at the buffet; I will try to spend every cent of my budget. Lowball yourself with a bottom and top spending bracket — it helps to not view your budget as a target to reach! 

• Pack space: In every beautiful country, you will find even more beautiful mementos. When packing for your European adventure, think of space as an object. Leave room for the trinkets in your trunk that’ll complement the memories in your mind. 

• Live your main character moment: Build a playlist of the local music, fall in love with your chosen destination, and live your life like your name will be the first in the credits. Do it all shamelessly, enjoy, and stay grateful for the gift of travel! 

I hope you found this article useful, and you’ve now got your next European destination saved on your map.  And, most importantly, enjoy the journey!

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From London and now living in Barcelona Ray Slater Berry has been working in content and social media within the travel sector for 10+ years. He's worked with some big travel brands: Remote Year, TravelPerk, European Bartender School, to name a few. Ray has always been on the move with his work and believes that you're at your most productive and joyful when you're outside of your comfort zone.

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