Solo travel in Europe is a fulfilling way to see the continent’s most beautiful destinations — here’s all you need to know before you go.
I’ve long been an advocate for solo travel. It’s a fulfilling experience that allows you to plan your perfect trip without having to answer to any other person but yourself. And a willingness to travel solo comes in handy when you’re dreaming of an adventure but can’t convince your friends or family to join you!
Europe is home to about 45 countries, each with its own culture and language, meaning there are a million ways to visit Europe (and a million unique things to know). But one thing’s for sure, Europe is a safe place to travel solo, even for solo female travelers.
How do I know? I’ve lived in Europe for a collective of 3+ years and have been known to bop around solo from time to time.
So, if you’re planning to travel to Europe alone, this guide shares Europe’s best solo destinations, general tips, and more.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
General Europe Visa Tips
U.S. citizens can travel to 26 E.U. member/Schengen Area countries for 90 days without a visa. However, when you land and enter the E.U., immigration officials may ask you to show an exit plane ticket, an address for where you’ll be staying, and sometimes even proof of financial means for the duration of your stay.
It all depends on the country, and it is best to look it up before arriving. It’s also important to remember—not every European country is part of the E.U. or Schengen area, namely the U.K. post-Brexit.
And beginning November 2023, U.S. citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS, an electronic visa waiver that allows you to enter the European Union.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time
How to Get Around Europe
Unlike the states, getting around Europe is relatively easy thanks to the well-connected network of trains, buses, and budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet.
Europe by train
Getting around by train is a classic way to see Europe, and it can be super convenient. If planning on traveling extensively, consider the Eurail pass, a transportation card that allows you to travel by train around 33 covered countries in Europe.
When you buy a Eurail pass, you select a set period of time and the number of countries you’d like to travel through. The Eurail pass is only worth the price if you plan to do a lot of train travel, so be sure to plan out your routes and compare the price of the pass to what individual rides would cost you if only planning a handful of journeys.
You can check out the different Eurail pass options here.
Your other option is to book individual tickets from local train companies. It’s important to note that not every national/international train is covered by the Eurail pass and each country has its own train company (Deutsche Bahn (D.B.) is the train company in Germany, SNCF in France, Renfe in Spain, etc.).
Europe by bus
Europe is conveniently well connected by bus, and in some countries, it’s better and easier to travel by bus (better routes, more frequency, more reliable, etc.). Bus travel also tends to be the most affordable option.
Where to find bus travel information across Europe:
- FlixBus is an international bus company that offers affordable and extensive bus routes around Europe’s major cities. But it’s only available in some places.
- Eurolines is another major bus company in Europe, much like FlixBus.
- Omio is a helpful resource that allows you to search for train and bus availability between destinations. The site tells you the bus company, route options, etc. You can also book with Omio, but I recommend using the site for info and booking directly with the train or bus company.
- Getbybus.com is another bus booking website.
Europe by car
Seeing Europe by car can be a pricey travel expense, especially for solo travelers. However, if you have the budget, it does afford you ultimate freedom regarding where you can go and going there on your own time.
If you decide to go by car, here are some quick tips for driving around Europe:
- Non-E.U. citizens will need to come with an IDP from AAA and confirm legal driving requirements to make sure your license from home allows you to drive where you’re going legally.
- Some countries have toll roads and require vignette stickers and emissio ns (clean air) enrollment.
- The U.K., Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus are the only European countries that drive on the left side.
- Gas is expensive and dispensed by the liter (3.78 liters to a gallon), and be careful to avoid putting diesel in your car (check the translation for gasoline to avoid confusion).
- Automatics are in short supply in Europe and are often more expensive. Book in advance if you can’t drive stick.
- Get official and up-to-date traffic restrictions info from Urban Access Regulations in Europe.
Read More: 11 Best Front Loading Backpacks for Travelers
Europe by Organized Tour
There are also many ways you can explore Europe via organized tour. These tour packages can be a little pricer, but they do come with a lot of perks! With an organized tour, you usually don’t need to worry about any planning, enjoy the comfort of private transfers, have a guide to take you around, and more!
There are organized tour packages that cater to the needs of every solo traveler, from tours for female backpackers to gay travel groups, this could be the way to go for your if it’s your first time traveling or would like to meet fellow adventurers!
Some of the best organized tours in Europe include: Intrepid Tours, Contiki, Detours Gay Adventure Travel, G Adventures, and more!
Best Time to Visit Europe
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Europe due to warm weather and less likelihood of rain. Most seasonal attractions are also open this time of year, especially at beachy destinations. However, summer in Europe means big crowds and higher prices (accommodation and flights can be $$$).
It’s also worth mentioning that not everywhere is warm in Europe during the summer, and it’s surprisingly not the best place for a beach destination compared to more tropical places! But don’t let that deter you. There are many cold places to visit in Europe in summer that are worthwhile.
Traveling in the shoulder seasons, like early spring and late fall, can still mean decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. And depending on where you want to go, winter is pretty too. Plus, winter in Europe means charming Christmas markets and snowy ski slopes!
12 Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
In all honesty, everywhere in Europe can be solo travel friendly if you’re up for it or feel comfortable enough (but of course depends on you and your circumstances). But considering that solo travelers typically have a smaller budget (no one to split costs with), here are some of the best places to travel solo in Europe.
These spots have a fantastic social scene, plenty of nice hostels, and are generally easy to get to via public transportation.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has long been known as a backpacker and solo travel-friendly destination, thanks to its large expat community and affordability. This fairy tale city is marked for its beautiful Bohemian culture and is historically one of the best-preserved places in Europe that largely survived mass bombings during WWII.
Some of the best things to do in Prague include seeing the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock Tower, enjoying a beer spa, snapping a pic in front of the Lennon Wall, and enjoying the excellent party scene that’s amongst the best nightlife in Europe (amongst many, many other excellent attractions).
Best Prague hostel for solo travelers: Prague Dream Hostel
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is nestled in central Europe and is known as the “Spa Capital of the World.” It was historically the site of two cities, Buda and Pest, divided by the passing of the Danube River before eventually merging into the capital city backpackers know and love today. Budapest’s central location to both Western and Eastern countries, as well as its friendly locals, make it an excellent place for solo travel in Europe.
When in Budapest, grabbing a drink at the Ruin Bars, visiting a famous bathhouse like Gellért Baths, and witnessing the beauty of the famous Parliament building is a must.
Best Budapest hostel for solo travelers: Wombats City Hostel Budapest
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
For those who appreciate a good party, Amsterdam is the place to go. Although it’s not one of the most affordable European capital cities, it is a popular choice for young people and solo travelers for many reasons.
Namely, it’s super safe, has excellent biking infrastructure, and public transportation makes getting around a breeze, and of course, it’s 420-friendly.
Bucket list-worthy attractions in Amsterdam include the historic Anne Frank house, cruising the scenic canals, and visiting the Heineken Experience, which is hyper-commercialized but cool for beer lovers. Travelers can easily spend a few days here, but three days in Amsterdam is usually the sweet spot.
Best Amsterdam hostel for solo travelers: The Flying Pig Downtown (famous hostel downtown) or ClinkNOORD Hostel (stylish and popular outside city center)
4. Anywhere in Italy
As one of Europe’s most visited countries, Italy’s tourist infrastructure is a well-oiled machine. This means it’s relatively easy for backpackers to travel between popular places via bus, train, and organized tour. Outside of tourist hot spots, Italy is also relatively affordable compared to countries in the north. And don’t get me started on the delicious food!
When in Italy, classics like Rome, Venice, and Florence are exceptional places to get a taste of Italy. But if you have time, smaller places like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and the Dolomites are also worth the time and effort.
Best hostels in Italy for solo travelers:
- Best Rome hostel: YellowSquare Rome
- Best Venice hostel: Anda Venice
- Best Florence hostel: YellowSquare Florence
5. Berlin + Munich, Germany
As Germany’s largest city, Berlin is a gritty city best for those more interested in WWII history or indulging in the culinary scene/nightlife. It’s not the most beautiful place, but there are many interesting things to do in Berlin and it has a lot to offer as city breaks go. It’s also home to a thriving expat community.
For something more scenic and pretty, Munich is Bavaria’s largest city and is the gateway to the German Alps. It’s also the venue for Germany’s famous Oktoberfest and is an excellent place to be in the fall when the party is in full swing. I personally think Munich is prettier than Berlin, but solo travelers will find plenty to do in both!
Many of Germany’s other big cities are also easy to navigate to for solo travelers like Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, etc.
Best hostels in Germany for solo travelers:
- Best Berlin hostel: Circus Hostel
- Best Munich hostel: Wombat’s City Hostel Munich
6. Anywhere in Spain
Spain, much like Italy, is another European country that offers a lot for solo travelers. The cost of living in Spain is lower, and there are many beautiful places worth seeing, like Madrid, Barcelona, and much of Andalucia (Sevilla and Granada especially!) that are all very well connected via public transportation.
And public transportation is very affordable in Spain, especially when compared to a place like Germany, where a cross-country train ride between Frankfurt and Berlin costs $150-$200+, whereas Madrid to Barcelona is as low as $15.
↠ Read More: Helpful Travel Tips for Spain for Budget Backpackers
Best Spain Hostels for solo travelers
- Best Madrid hostel: The Hat Madrid
- Best Barcelona hostel: St. Christopher’s Barcelona
- Best Seville hostel: Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Sevilla
7. Paris, France
Paris is by no means affordable (in fact, quite the opposite), but it’s worth the expense if you have the budget. It’s such a large and beloved city with enough to keep a single traveler happily exploring for an entire lifetime!
Which makes slow solo travel a fun and enjoyable way to glimpse life in Paris, cruising on the metro, waking up to croissants and espresso, and seeing the Eiffel tower on the horizon.
Outside of the Paris classics like the Louvre and the Notre Dame, be sure to make time for more offbeat places like going to the free rooftop on the Galeries Lafayette, the Montmartre vineyards, and just getting lost in general. Dark tourism in Paris is also an interesting way to experience the city, with the Catacombs (underground tunnels lined with bones) topping the charts.
Best Paris hostel for solo travelers: Les Piaules
8. Porto + Lisbon, Portugal
I instantly fell in love with Portugal. This sunny nation on the coast is warm, inviting, and filled with many unique things to do and see. And who doesn’t love a wine destination?
The best places to visit in Portugal include Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Algarve, and the Azores Islands, which are known as the “Hawaii of Europe.” Smaller destinations in Portugal like Sesimbra and Aveiro also have incredible things to do and see.
My impressions of Portugal were that the locals were very friendly, many people spoke English well, and it’s another affordable destination perfect for solos. Portugal also rocks an exciting expat scene thanks to its freelance visa attracting many to the Iberian Peninsula.
Best hostels in Portugal for solo travelers
- Best Lisbon hostel: Yes! Lisbon Hostel (once voted the best hostel in the world!)
- Best Porto hostel: Selina Porto (downtown) and The House of Sandeman (popular, but across the river from Porto)
9. Dalmatia Coast, Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful destination along the Adriatic Sea and is home to lovely summer weather, medieval towns, and of course, filming locations for Game of Thrones. While I haven’t visited here solo, throughout the 7 days we spent in Croatia, it was obvious it was a hub for solo travelers!
We even befriended a solo backpacker on one of our tours and spent the evening enjoying drinks together. Although main tourist spots like Dubrovnik were a bit pricey, the rest of the country was fairly affordable.
The best places to visit in Croatia include Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Zagreb, which are easily accessible via FlixBus or budget airlines like EasyJet and RyanAir.
10. Anywhere in Belgium
Belgium is an insanely underrated destination and boasts, dare I say it, a better beer scene than Germany! The cities are also quite unique and beautiful, and all seem to have exceptional food and bar scenes. The vibrant yet historical metropolis of Brussels, medieval Ghent, and the glamorous port city of Antwerp are all worth visiting.
And if you’re up for small-town adventuring, Dinant is beyond picturesque. For solo travelers in Europe, Belgium is small and fairly easy to get around via train, the locals are friendly, and the food is amazing.
Best hostels in Brussels for solo travelers:
- Best Brussels hostel: Sleep Well Youth Hostel
- Best Antwerp hostel: YUST Hostel
- Best Ghent hostel: Hostel Uppelink
11. Copenhagen, Denmark
I lived and studied abroad in Copenhagen when I was getting my Bachelor’s degree and have spent many hours exploring the city’s streets solo. Denmark’s capital is beyond safe, locals speak exceptional English, and there are so many fun and unique events and things to do.
The city is also not all that big, which means it’s easy to navigate and get around by foot or bike.
It’s also easy to pop over to Sweden or fly via budget airlines to surrounding Scandinavian countries. While its cloudy weather is less than ideal (and the high cost of living), Copenhagen offers a lovely intro to Scandinavia.
Top things to do in Copenhagen include visiting the colorful Nyhavn harbor (and taking a canal tour), climbing the spire of The Church of Our Savior for a bird’s eye view, and visiting Rosenborg Castle.
Best Copenhagen hostel for solo travelers: Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER
12. The United Kingdom + Ireland
Ireland and anywhere in the United Kingdom are great places to visit for first-time solo travelers, especially those from the states.
Why? Because aside from the fact that they’re exciting destinations with lots to offer, everyone speaks English! And while many people speak English in Europe, having native-English speakers to converse with as a solo traveler adds a level of comfort. But be warned, travel in London, Ireland, and the UK at large can be pricey.
Some of the classic London things to do include seeing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, enjoying afternoon tea with scones, and climbing Big Ben.
Those planning a trip to Ireland have exciting destinations to look forward including Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and other more off-the-beaten-path spots.
Best London hostel for solo travelers: Wombats City Hostel London
11 Bucket List Things to Do in Europe When Traveling Solo
One of the best ways to see Europe is to do so through bucket-list-worthy activities that are special to the region. Here are some of the best things to do in Europe for solo travelers.
1. See Europe’s most iconic landmarks
This one really goes without saying, but no trip to Europe is complete without crossing some of the continent’s most iconic landmarks off the ole bucket list! These spots need no introduction, but places like the Eiffel Tower, the Roman Colosseum, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, while crowded and touristy, are worth it.
2. Go on a pub crawl and make new friends
Europeans love a cold brew, and a pub crawl is a fantastic way to experience local beer culture while meeting fellow travelers. Some of the most notable pub crawls can be found in London, Prague, and Brussels.
While it’s possible to book pub crawls with tour operators like GetYourGuide, some of the big/popular hostels in Europe offer their own that’s worth checking out.
3. Take a cooking class and eat local dishes
I don’t know about you, but eating unique food and dishes is one of my favorite ways to experience a new place. And Europe is home to a fantastic culinary scene! Especially in places like Italy and France, taking a cooking class is a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture, dine on delicious food, and make new friends.
4. Treat yourself to a day at a traditional bathhouse
Many European countries have a bath culture with historic spas, bathhouses, and hot springs dating back centuries. It’s a nice way to indulge in a cultural experience while also relaxing and pampering yourself. Just be warned, nudity is common and even required in some indoor baths (and is totally acceptable/normal in Europe).
Some of Europe’s coolest thermal spas:
- Szechenyi Baths in Budapest, Hungary
- Blue lagoon, Iceland
- Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy
- Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, UK
- Baden-Baden Thermal Baths, Germany
5. Plan your visit around a unique European festival
Europe hosts some pretty cool events throughout the year, and planning when to visit around one of them can provide a unique experience! Going to a festival solo is another great way to meet others.
Some of the most unique festivals in Europe include:
- La Tomatina Festival (tomato throwing): Buñol Spain
- Tulip Season: Keukenhof, Netherlands
- Oktoberfest: Munich, Germany
- Tomorrowland: Boom, Belgium
- The Carnival of Venice: Venice, Italy
6. Make time to tour a castle or two (or three)
With such a vast medieval and royal history, there are countless beautiful and jaw-dropping castles in Europe to see and experience.
- Eltz Castle: Koblenz, Germany
- Neuschwanstein Castle: Bavaria, Germany
- Pena Palace: Sintra, Portugal
- Gravensteen: Ghent, Brussels
- Mont Saint-Michel, France
7. Learn more about the history of beer on a European brewery tour
Beer may have been invented in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), but the culture of modern beer was honed and perfected in Europe. This long-standing beer tradition is still revered in Europe today, and a brewery tour offers a fun way to learn more about it.
There are many big-name breweries you can visit in Europe, like the Guinness tour in Dublin and the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, which are cool but highly commercialized.
Some of the coolest breweries I’ve visited in Europe were smaller, like the original Budweiser Budvar tour in Ceske Budejovice in Czech Republic and the Cantillon Brewery in Brussels.
8. Go wine tasting on a local vineyard visit
Europe also has a long-standing wine tradition that dates back millennia, and wine lovers can wander idyllic vineyards, visit historic wine cellars, and sip locally grown varieties.
Some of the most famous wine regions in Europe include Bordeaux, France, the Mosel Valley, Germany, the Douro Valley, Portugal, and of course, places throughout Italy, Spain, Greece, and more.
9. Visit during Europe’s Christmas market season
If you ever get the chance, visiting Europe during the Christmas market season is truly incredible. The weather may be chilly, but Europe’s already fairytale cities turn even more magical with the twinkle of Christmas lights and decor.
The best Christmas markets are typically found in northern Europe, like Cologne and Strasbourg, but Prague’s are also supposed to be amazing. My favorite must-try Christmas treats include mulled wine, potato pancakes, any variety of fried sweet dough, and sausages.
10. Explore the incredible scenery of Europe’s mountains
Whether via a summertime hiking trip or a winter ski/snowboarding adventure, the mountains are gorgeous in Europe. The main mountain ranges to see in Europe include the Alps (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc.), Carpathians (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, etc.), and the Scandinavian Mountains (Sweden and Norway).
Admittedly challenging and possibly expensive for solo travelers (because of costs to get there, the cost of ski slopes, location in expensive countries like Switzerland, etc.), there are ways to make it happen!
Aside from renting a car, taking advantage of organized tours or day trips is a great way to get a glimpse of hard-to-reach places in Europe. GetYourGuide and Viator are excellent booking sites for tours.
11. Make an effort to see Europe’s small towns
Living in Europe has allowed me the opportunity to visit smaller and more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe, which are honestly my favorite places to visit in Europe. Small towns can sometimes be more difficult to reach without a rental car, but the effort is worth it.
Some of my favorite European small towns are:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
- Dinant, Belgium
- Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Hallstatt, Austria
- Colmar, France
How to Meet People When Traveling Solo in Europe
Solo travel on the surface may sound lonely, but you’d be surprised! I’ve traveled to 14 countries solo, and although you’re technically there alone, you’re never really alone. That’s because when you’re a solo traveler, you’re a lot more approachable than if you were in a group. And you’d be surprised at the number of other solo travelers out in the world, and just generally friendly people interested in meeting others.
- Stay in hostels: Hostels are often a scary concept for first-timers, but they’re actually excellent ways to meet others, are affordable, and are fun! And European hostels are the best! Just be sure to pack earplugs.
- Do the walking tour: Every major tourist destination in Europe has a walking tour, and many capitals sometimes even offer free ones! A walking tour offers a great introduction to a new place and allows you to chat with fellow travelers.
- Go on an organized tour: Organized tours aren’t always lame and usually make it easy for solo travelers to visit far-flung destinations that aren’t easy to reach without a car. Spending a whole day on a bus with others is a surefire way to strike up a new friendship.
- Join Facebook groups: There are Facebook groups for EVERYTHING! Including solo travel, expat communities in local destinations, and more. People are always sharing travel plans or seeking others to meet up with abroad.
- Don’t be afraid to approach people: When traveling solo, it helps to approach others. As a shy person, I know this can be daunting for some, but in general, people do enjoy chatting with others.
- Use an app (safely) to meet others: There are also many apps that make it easy to connect with people around you!
↠ Read More: Hostel Etiquette: 15 Unspoken Hostel Rules Everyone Should Know
The Best Travel Apps for Europe
These apps make travel around Europe a wee bit more convenient. Here are some of my faves that I always have downloaded and ready to book future trips:
- Hostelworld and Booking.com have apps that are a must for keeping all your hotel/hostel bookings handy.
- GetYourGuide App: For booking tours.
- Google Translate + Google Maps: No explanation needed.
- Flixbus: Cheap bus rides across Europe.
- Cabify/FreeNow: Ride-sharing taxi companies (Uber isn’t available everywhere and every country uses a different company).
- Rick Steves Audio Europe: Free audio guides for places in Europe that can be downloaded for use without data.
- XE Currency Converter: Makes checking current exchange rates simply.
Is solo female travel safe in Europe? Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Europe
Yes, yes, yes! But as always, there are some ways to help you feel a scooch comfier while traveling solo as a woman. These, however, are just tips, and it’s always the fault of the offender and never the fault of the behavior of the victim.
Additionally, what may feel like a safe or comfortable place/situation for one solo female traveler may not be the same for another and it all varies on who you are, your background, your comfort level, etc.
Ok, PSA over here are some small ways to give yourself peace of mind when traveling solo.
- Try not to leave your drink unattended.
- Befriend fellow travelers at the hostel, on tours, and out and about.
- Trust your gut and only do what makes you comfortable.
- Let people from home know your plans.
- Get a SIM card to stay connected.
- Watch for pickpockets, especially in big cities.
- Do your research and learn more about the culture of where you’re going and how it relates to you (if you’re BIPOC, LGBTQ+, a certain religion, etc.).
- Have fun—Europe has lower crime than the U.S.