Are you searching for great places to travel alone in Europe? You’re in luck! I’ve explored many European countries by myself over the past thirty years. To help you plan your next solo adventure, I’ve compiled a fantastic list of top destinations. I’ve also asked other travel writers for their input to make the list diverse. Keep reading to find out the best places to visit solo in Europe and get some tips on traveling safely and navigating your way around.
1. Anywhere in Italy
Italy is a fantastic place to travel alone, especially if it’s your first time going solo. I visited Italy on my own more than 30 years ago, and I’ve been back many times since then. There’s a popular path that many tourists follow, and in touristy areas, people often speak English, especially younger folks. Italy’s food and culture feel familiar, making it easy for new solo travelers to navigate.
Italy has been attracting travelers for centuries because of its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and delicious food (I love Italian coffee bars and gelato!). The picturesque hilltop towns in Tuscany are particularly popular. Plus, Italy is a dream for anyone interested in Renaissance art and architecture, with famous landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and ancient marble mines in Carrara. Whether you’re exploring Rome, Rimini, Urbino, or Cortona, there is something amazing to discover in Italy.
2. Anywhere in Spain
It has lots of natural beauty, like wide beaches, rocky coves, and mountains.
Spain has good infrastructure because it’s been a popular tourist spot for many years. You can find places to stay for all budgets, lots of restaurants, and many people speak English. There’s also a big network of trains.
Spain is known for its history. It has many UNESCO-listed sites, like the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral and Alcázar palace in Seville, Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona (especially La Sagrada Família), and Roman ruins in Tarragona.
The Canary Islands are worth visiting, too. They’re not just for beach vacations; you can hike in Tenerife’s Anaga Forest or explore César Manrique’s art in Lanzarote.
3. Anywhere in Portugal
Portugal is one of the cheapest places to travel alone in Western Europe.
Even though its travel infrastructure isn’t as advanced as Spain’s, Portugal still has a good rail network that connects major tourist spots. And because Portugal is small, getting around is easier, especially if you only have a few weeks to travel.
Like Spain, Portugal has a nice climate and lots of natural beauty. It has a long coastline with beaches, mountains in the north, and the Duoro River valley, which is famous for its wine.
Madeira, a sub-tropical island, is one of the best places I’ve visited alone recently.
Lastly, Portugal is the third safest country in the world, which is good news for solo female travelers.
4. Ghent, Belgium
If you’re traveling alone and want to visit a place in Belgium that’s less crowded than Bruges, consider going to Ghent.
Ghent may not be as famous as Bruges, but it’s just as beautiful. It has old buildings with red bricks and tall Gothic towers overlooking winding canals. It’s really charming.
You can explore Ghent on your own with a free walking tour. Visit the famous St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting and climb the Belfry Tower for a great view of the city. You can also take a boat ride along the canals and join a local for a beer tour in the evening.
There are lots of places to stay in Ghent, and they’re not too expensive. The Ghent City Card is also a good deal. Ghent is a safe and friendly city where locals, students, and tourists all enjoy the sights, bars, and restaurants.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a great place to visit alone, especially if you want to see Iceland’s amazing natural sights.
You can join a tour of the Golden Circle, a route that goes from Reykjavik into the middle of Iceland. You can see the rugged landscape there and even relax in the Blue Lagoon, a hot spring, while enjoying a cold Icelandic beer.
Iceland is very safe, with hardly any crime, and as a solo female traveler, you’re unlikely to face harassment. You can easily book tours online or at agencies in Reykjavik, and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.
While Iceland can be expensive, there are ways to save money when you visit.
6. London, England
I might be partial, but London, my hometown, has an amazing cultural scene. There are top-notch museums like Tate Britain and Tate Modern, plenty of theaters and music venues, great restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.
There’s never a dull moment in London for solo travelers. You can join walking tours to meet other travelers – I suggest a street art tour. Or you can explore London’s landmarks by walking along the Victoria Embankment or the South Bank.
For a different view of the city, hop on a boat and cruise along the Thames. It’s a great way to see London’s famous bridges up close.
On rainy days, you can visit museums or galleries, catch a matinee theater show, watch a movie, or relax with a book at a coffee shop.
And if you want to escape the city for a bit, you can take plenty of day trips from London, like visiting Bohemian Brighton, the sandy beaches of Camber Sands, the historic city of Oxford, or the beautiful town of Bath.
7. Rhine Valley, Germany
Are you traveling alone and want to experience a mix of legend, history, and beauty? Then consider planning a trip to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot on a cruise to enjoy this picturesque part of the Rhine. You can easily explore Germany’s Romantic Rhine Valley using public transportation.
Stay in Boppard and use local trains and buses to visit Burg Rheinfels, one of the largest castles along the river, as well as Bacharach and Oberwesel.
And after a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy the region’s delicious food and wine.
8. Highlands of Scotland
Dotted with deep lakes and tall mountains, the Scottish Highlands has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Even better, there are plenty of outdoor activities for solo travelers to enjoy and meet new people. If you like being alone, going hiking solo is safe as long as you stick to well-traveled paths.
And if you enjoy train travel, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re taking the Caledonian Sleeper from London or the scenic Harry Potter train from Fort William to Mallaig, there are plenty of amazing journeys to experience.
Stay in Fort William to ride the Jacobite steam train and explore the beautiful Glencoe. Then head to the charming city of Inverness to visit Loch Ness and the historic Culloden battlefield.
9. Provence, France
Exploring Provence by train is easy and rewarding. You’ll find fields of fragrant lavender, ancient Roman ruins, and charming medieval cities surrounded by walls. Plus, the region boasts some of the world’s finest food and wine, making it ideal for solo travelers.
During a week in Provence, you can visit the historic cities of Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence, known as the “three As.” History enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the amphitheater at Orange and the impressive Pont du Gard, the tallest aqueduct bridge built by the Romans.
Heading south, spend a day in the vibrant city of Marseille, where you can visit the MuCEM, a museum celebrating European and Mediterranean civilizations. Then, unwind in the picturesque port town of Cassis.
And don’t miss the stunning lavender and sunflower fields in full bloom during the summer months.
10. Kraków, Poland
If you want a cheap place to travel alone with a great bar scene, consider Kraków. It’s a city that hasn’t been taken over by tourism, so you can eat a meal for 15 PLN and have a craft beer for 5 PLN (about 4 GBP).
Join one of the free walking tours, like the one that explores Kraków’s Royal Road, to meet other travelers. The whole city has a friendly atmosphere.
Learn about Kraków’s history by visiting Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter, and the former Jewish ghetto in Podgorze. You can also visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Many people visit Kraków just to take a day trip to Auschwitz.
Check out the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for something different. It’s a huge network of tunnels beneath the earth’s surface, just a short trip from Kraków.
