Which are the best places to travel alone in Europe?

Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos

Choosing a travel destination in Europe for your solo journey might be more challenging than you think. There are several things to consider, and the whole process can be somewhat intimidating. The first time I decided to travel alone in Europe, I became very stressed: I thought it was not a good idea, I was concerned about safety issues, and I thought I’d run out of money and die from hunger somewhere in Berlin.

Of course, nothing happened, and I had the time of my life.

Although I’ve been traveling independently for over 20 years, some questions remain unanswered. Will I get bored during my journey? How should I budget? Where to stay as a solo traveler? How could I meet people? The list, especially on a complicated mind, can go on forever. On the other hand, embarking on a solo adventure in Europe can be a really rewarding experience. You get to know yourself better, learn how to survive, and upon returning home, you’re filled with beautiful memories and experiences.

Some of my readers emailed me, asking which, in my opinion, are the best places to travel alone in Europe. This is actually a rather tricky question to reply to: it depends mainly on the traveler. For example, an introverted solo traveler has a different traveling style compared to an extroverted one. An art lover will also spend their time differently than someone traveling for clubbing.

While there is no easy answer here, I decided to write an extensive article about solo traveling in Europe.

*Some links within the text are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How I created the list of the best places to travel alone in Europe

Before listing the places to travel alone in Europe, I thought it would be helpful to add a few notes on how I actually selected each travel destination.

First of all, I understand that most solo travelers have certain things in mind before embarking on a trip. From what people usually tell me, one of their first concerns is safety. And it makes sense. Traveling alone to a foreign land can be stressful. People sometimes think that if they are in need, no one will help them. Although this is probably not true -there is always someone to offer a helping hand-I can fully understand this sort of insecurity.

Hence, one of the first things that I had in mind while composing this solo traveling guide for Europe was, of course, safety. I will provide a brief safety comment for each travel destination below, but I want to assure you that all the places mentioned in this article are generally safe to visit.

The next point deals with boredom. Many potential solo travelers think that they might get bored if they travel alone. While no one can guarantee you that you won’t feel bored, the truth is that if you pick wisely, the destination, you’ll have a great time.

What means wisely? Well, to choose a destination that it’s compatible with the things you love. Are you a museum lover? Choose a city that has lots of art. Are you fond of swimming? Then choose a place by the sea. But being, let’s say, an art lover with not much appreciation for hiking and choosing a hut in a mountain for two weeks, well, this sounds like a nightmare, right?

Of course, the third point that I kept in mind is the budget. While Europe is a relatively small continent (only Australia is smaller), the truth is that it’s very diverse for its size. That said, you can expect some significant differences in prices even between neighboring countries. You also have regions that share some (often cliché) characteristics.

For example, Eastern Europe is generally poorer and, therefore, less expensive than the more prosperous Western Europe. Southern Europe is also generally considered more affordable than Northern Europe. However, all these factors must be proven and are not always valid.

Lastly, my fourth point concerns the openness of the locals. Sometimes, you arrive at a destination and feel welcome straight away. At other times, though, even after spending seven or ten days, you feel unable to adapt. While this can be a problem for us, the truth is that some places feel more welcoming than others. That said, I also tried to consider the way I felt in each of the places I suggest below.

It goes without saying that you won’t feel exactly what I felt: every person is different. But I thought of adding it to give you a better impression of each destination.

So, in brief, I wrote this article having in mind safety, exciting things to do in Europe, budget, and how it feels to be in each destination. All these elements combined should give you ideas for purposeful journeys.

Every place listed below is, in my opinion, a good option for every solo traveler, regardless of gender. At the end of this post, I will include some honorable mentions for travel destinations that could have been part of the best places to travel alone in Europe, but ultimately didn’t make the cut, and why.

So, let’s start.

The best places to travel alone in Europe: my top 5

So, here we go with the best places to travel alone in Europe. The list contains five places, which I selected after considering factors such as safety, budget, and interesting things to do in each destination.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Although Prague has surrendered to mass tourism during the last twenty years, it remains one of Europe’s highlights.

While the city center is bustling with people all year round, Prague boasts some beautiful neighborhoods outside the city center that are equally charming. I’ve been to Prague twice, and both times the city looked bigger than it really was. While this is not a metropolis like Paris or London, it has many things to do and see. If you were born between 1977 and 1983 and, therefore, a Xennial, you probably grew up listening to how wonderful Prague is.

So, here’s why Prague made it into the list:

Is Prague safe?

Prague is a very safe city. I walked around Prague day and night, and I didn’t feel any insecurity. Of course, you should use common sense (but that’s for every place in the world). You might see drunk people late at night, but as long as you don’t provoke them, I can’t think how you will end up having trouble. I came across a scammer in Prague, trying to exchange old Hungarian forints for euros. So, nothing really serious or alarming.

Is Prague interesting?

Prague is fascinating, offering a wealth of sights and activities to explore. I will add some resources for you at the end of the Prague section to give you a better idea of what the city has to offer. I didn’t have a moment of boredom in Prague -and I bet you won’t have either.

Is Prague expensive?

In the 90s, Prague was among the cheapest cities in Europe. Although Prague remains an inexpensive city, I didn’t find it particularly cheap. Presenting Prague as a very affordable destination is more a plan of the city’s marketing campaign and less of a reality.

The prices in Prague are moderate but not cheap. The days of ridiculously cheap beer or food in Prague are gone.

Tell me more about Prague

I felt good in Prague, but I can’t say I was thunderstruck by the local vibe. The city seems tired from more than two decades of mass tourism, and that’s where Prague falls short, not ranking me higher than number 5. However, it is a beautiful city, and I think that the first-time solo traveler will love it.

My Prague travel resources

I have written several articles about Prague, which can help you plan your stay more effectively. Specifically:

My travelogue from Prague

A tour guide about Prague

A literary guide to Franz Kafka’s Prague

If you are searching for accommodation in Prague, look no further: book a room at the Seven Wishes. That’s a beautiful new hotel, close to the Old Town but not inside it. You will have the best of what Prague offers: proximity to the attractions and a quiet neighborhood to explore.

And, if you wish to take a local tour, you can check the best tours in Prague and beyond here.

4. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw impressed me from the very first moment. Everybody talks about Kraków and how beautiful that city is in Poland. However, I was much more impressed by Warsaw. The city is vibrant, with numerous exciting things to see, and the food is delicious. To be honest, Krakow was one of my biggest travel disappointments, and if I ever revisit Poland, I will spend all the days in Warsaw. The city has the character of a modern metropolis, but it’s still quiet and reminds me a bit of Berlin in the early 2000s. One could easily think of Warsaw as Europe’s quiet giant.

Is Warsaw safe?

Warsaw is totally safe. I didn’t run into any problems during my stay. Some drunk people here and there at night, but nothing to worry about. I didn’t have the time to visit the suburbs, though: supposedly, there might be one or two that don’t feel as secure. I can’t see how and why you will end up there.

Is Warsaw interesting?

Warsaw is a fascinating city, and it feels like a giant about to wake up. Apart from the sightseeing (see my guide below), Warsaw has a fantastic vibe and atmosphere. It’s one of the cities that I would revisit in a heartbeat.

Is Warsaw expensive?

Unlike Prague, Warsaw isn’t advertising itself as a cheap destination. But, the truth is that it’s cheaper than Prague or even Krakow. The prices in Warsaw are moderate, and you can have a great time without spending too much.

Tell me more about Warsaw

If Warsaw weren’t that cold during the winter, I would easily consider spending a year or two there. The city seems ready to take off after a long sleeping period. It remains a very introverted city, making it an ideal destination for introverted travelers. Definitely, a city to visit before everybody starts talking about it.

As is the case in Prague, though, the locals are a bit distant, and despite the fantastic vibe, something is missing to fully connect with the city.

My Warsaw resources

I wrote two long texts about the city of Chopin. These are:

My travelogue from Warsaw

What to see and do in Warsaw

If you are searching for accommodation in Warsaw, I recommend the SleepWell Apartments Nowy Swiat. Warm rooms for the cold winter nights, a good breakfast, and an excellent location in Warsaw’s city center.

And here, you can find the best tours in Warsaw and beyond.

3. Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the most legendary cities in ancient Greece. But Athens is so much more. After a decade deep into an awful financial crisis, Athens finds its balance again. It’s not everything about ancient Greece, though. Located in a prime spot in the Mediterranean Sea, Athens enjoys a year-long mild climate and offers short escapes to nearby islands.

While visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis should be at the top of your list, Athens also offers excellent nightlife and world-class hospitality.

Is Athens safe?

Downtown Athens has some areas that are not entirely safe, but overall, it is a perfectly safe city. While you might encounter protests against the government (or any government) and occasional riots against the police, the city is a joy to walk through. As an Athenian, I never felt uncomfortable walking in Athens, even very late at night in areas with no people around me. Use, as always, common sense, and you will be fine.

Is Athens interesting?

I bet that most of you already know enough things about ancient Greece. If you are up for some cultural sightseeing, Athens is the place to be. Temples, antiquity landmarks, and a couple of world-class museums make Athens a must-see destination. Apart from that, the city is diverse and hosts loads of subcultures.

Exactly like Warsaw, Athens feels like a city ready for take-off.

Is Athens expensive?

Certain things are expensive in Athens (the coffee is among the most expensive in Europe), while others are moderately priced. While Athens feels significantly more expensive than Warsaw or Prague, it can’t even compete with cities like Paris or London.

Tell me more about Athens

Greek hospitality is definitely one of the highlights of every visit to Greece. Athens is no exception, of course, and you will be more likely spoiled more than once during your stay. If it’s your first solo journey abroad, Athens is one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. January and February can be relatively cold, but you will have sunshine most of the time. Apart from the endless sightseeing, you can have short escapes to nearby islands like Hydra, Spetses, or Aegina.

My Athens resources

I plan to write even more things about Athens soon. For the time being, you can read the following:

My one-week guide to Greece: selected itineraries and a complete Athens guide

Did you know that there is an island-like neighborhood straight beneath the Acropolis?

The best walking tours in Athens

The best day trips from Athens

For your stay in Athens, consider one of the hotels located near Plaka, the Historic Heart of Athens. There is more info in the two guides above, but here are some hotels in Athens:

• Electra Hotel. A historic building transformed into a hotel in the heart of Athens. Book your Electra Hotel stay here.
• Ergon House. A new hotel that combines accommodation and food. Check the prices for your stay at Ergon House here.
• A for Athens. Located right at the vibrant Monastiraki Square, the A for Athens offers the most prime location for rooms with an Acropolis view. Book your room at A for Athens here.
• Phaedra Hotel. The Phaedra Hotel in downtown Athens is likely the most affordable option. Check the prices for Phaedra Hotel here.

For direct flights to Athens, consider the flag carrier of Greece, Aegean Airlines, an excellent Star Alliance airline offering high-quality services.

For ferries to the Greek islands, see here.

2. Glasgow, Scotland

Choosing Glasgow as one of the top places to travel alone in Europe might surprise some. Despite being a very dark city, Glasgow is one of the most exciting places I’ve visited in Europe. With a combination of Victorian and modern architecture, Glasgow is a city where music is everywhere. Honestly, you can attend live gigs every night if you are up to it.

The city has several famous museums, and the Kelvingrove is probably the best one. Apart from the cultural attractions and nightlife, Glasgow is conveniently located near the famous Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. What’s more to ask?

Is Glasgow safe?

Glasgow has undergone significant changes over the last 20-30 years. Nowadays, it’s a vibrant city that still hosts loads of subcultures. But, while its dark character remains intact, the town feels safe. Just avoid crossing the lanes at night, which are narrow streets that often seem to drive nowhere. At least that’s what the locals told me.

Overall, I felt perfectly safe in Glasgow, and walking at night was not a problem at all.

Is Glasgow interesting?

I was fascinated by Glasgow. It has some fantastic museums (like the Kelvingrove or the GoMA), and most of them are free. Apart from the music, what brought me pure joy was walking around Glasgow and taking candid photos of the locals.

For lonely street photographers, this is a must-see city. Last but not least, visiting one (or more) pub per night was a must during my stay: most of them are very original, and the locals are charming.

Is Glasgow expensive?

Glasgow is a city in the UK; therefore, you should expect the prices to be steep. However, this is not a very expensive city, and Glasgow compensates in other ways: most museums are free, and the subway (known as the Clockwork Orange) is relatively affordable. Also, eating in pubs will save you money, and if you aren’t a heavy drinker, I think you won’t spend that much.

Tell me more about Glasgow

You will read contradictory opinions on the Internet about the Glaswegians. Some people say they are impolite, while others think of them as the most friendly people in Europe. I belong to the second group: I found the people of Glasgow to be unique, polite, and funny. After a long week in Glasgow, I can even say that I have made some new friends there, which is not very common for a rather introverted solo traveler like me. In general, Glasgow impressed me, and I’d love to return there soon.

My Glasgow resources

I wrote three posts about Glasgow; one of them is a photo report.

My travelogue from Glasgow

What to do in Glasgow

The Glaswegians: a street-photography report

For your accommodation in Glasgow, I recommend Safestay Glasgow, a fine hotel housed in a Victorian-era building.

If you want to see more of the city, you can find the best tours in Glasgow and beyond.

1. Berlin, Germany

I’m biased when it comes to Berlin because I’ve been living in the city for more than years. Daily life in Berlin has changed significantly over the last few years, and finding a flat is a real challenge. But for a visitor, especially someone traveling alone in Europe, it is probably the place to be.

Packed with cultural activities and, at the same time, a melting pot of cultures, Berlin is one of the most charming places in the world. Tolerance, acceptance, and equality create an irresistible mixture. Add to that the world’s best electronic music scene and a vibrant nightlife, and you have the portrait of an ever-changing city.

Is Berlin safe?

Berlin is a very safe city. Pickpockets or drunk people are problems in every metropolis, but they still don’t happen that often. I never felt unsafe, even in the dodgiest areas late at night. You have to search for trouble if you want to be involved in some, but that’s not the case if you solo travel in Europe, right?

Is Berlin interesting?

There are so many things to see in Berlin that even a month is not enough. There are countless activities, and Berlin also offers a wealth of free things to do. Apart from its world-famous music scene, Berlin is home to numerous museums, and it’s one of the best places to see movies.

If you check out the annual calendar, you will find at least one good film festival every second week, sometimes even more often.

Is Berlin expensive?

I’d say that Berlin is priced at the same level as Glasgow. That said, it’s still significantly cheaper than London or Paris— and I hope that remains the case. While Berlin is a city in transition, its prices have not changed significantly. The only significant change pertains to the rents, but this won’t affect travelers significantly.

Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, there are numerous free activities to enjoy in Berlin every day.

Tell me more about Berlin

If there has to be only one tolerant, multi-cultural, and exciting city, then this is Berlin. After the fall of the Wall, Berlin became the hub for artists and all kinds of creative individuals. The haunting city’s past and tolerance have become a magnet that still draws new inhabitants to the city.

Even though Berlin is always in transition, the truth is that I could never think of a better place to travel alone in Europe. For me, Berlin was the city that changed my life: it was the first place that I traveled solo, and it was also the city where I chose to live entirely on my own. If you haven’t visited Berlin yet, you should plan a trip soon.

My Berlin resources

Occasionally, I write articles about Berlin. I try to keep them more as local tips and less like proper travelogues. So far, I’ve written the following:

My Berlin guide

A story for the Bleibtreustrasse

The most thorough guide you’ll find online for the Berlinale

I covered the Festival of Lights

And, of course, I wrote about my favorite Christmas Markets

In case you like instant photography, here you can see some polaroids from Berlin

If you’re fond of traveling with great airlines, consider Lufthansa, one of Europe’s most prestigious carriers. I have also written an extensive review of Lufthansa’s Business Class here.

As for your accommodation in Berlin, I would recommend the following hotels:

• Motel One. I’m a big fan of Motel One hotels because they offer affordable stays in beautiful rooms. There are several Motel One hotels in Berlin. The ones that I like are the following: Motel One at Potsdamer Platz, Motel One at Ku’Damm, and the Motel One in Mitte. All three of them are in the heart of Berlin, and they have public transport stops straight at their doors.
• A&O. There are also a couple of A&O hotels in Berlin. They offer cheap accommodation, but they can’t compare to Motel One. However, if you are on a tight budget, that’s your best option. The A&O at Hauptbahnhof and the A&O in Mitte are probably the nicest ones.
• Art’Otel. An excellent option just two minutes away from Ku’Damm, the most famous avenue of former West Berlin. Book a room at Art’Otel here.

There are, of course, loads of organized tours in Berlin and beyond. Check what Berlin has to offer here.

The best places to travel alone in Europe: Honorable Mentions

One can never include every place in such lists, and if you do, there’s no reason to write a list at all. I’m adding some more of my favorite places to travel alone in Europe here that have fallen short in one or more of the points I considered.

These are equally beautiful places -and some of them may even be more beautiful than the ones above. However, they did fall short in one or more of my rating categories for one reason or another. So, these places are:

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is probably the most beautiful city I’ve seen in central Europe. The atmosphere is unique, and the city still offers diversity and cultural interest for its size. It feels safe to explore and walk around Zurich. However, this is one of the most expensive cities in the world (it’s in the top 5 of every index); therefore, it will be too expensive for a solo traveler.

If money is not an issue for you, you should consider it. You can read my impressions from Zurich here.

The Greek islands

I don’t believe a single person is reading this article who has never heard of the Greek islands. Most of us (I included) daydream of long, lazy vacations by the sea. The landscape is stunning, the food delicious, and the locals charming.

There were, however, two facts that prevented me from adding the Greek islands to the top 5. The first one is that staying in the Greek islands for a while can be costly. I’ve written a guide on how to visit the Greek islands for three weeks with less than 1,000 euros, but even then, this can be a significant expense, and it requires a certain mindset and quite a bit of pre-planning.

The second is that the islands can sometimes be boring for solo travelers. If you’re not into hiking and prefer short days at the beach, you might run out of things to do. Actually, these two are the main things to do in the Greek islands, especially for the smaller ones.

If you are traveling on your own and don’t visit one of the bigger islands like Crete or Kos, you might start feeling a bit bored. However, if you enjoy staying the whole day at the beach, you should definitely consider visiting them.

Syracuse, Sicily

Sicily is, for me, one of the gems of Europe. As for Syracuse, it’s probably the most beautiful city I’ve seen in southern Europe. I could stroll for days around Syracuse and especially in the area of Ortigia. It’s a relatively inexpensive place, and I felt safe there as well. However, it might be boring to some for an extended visit due to the lack of activities.

If you plan to visit Sicily, make sure to stop at Syracuse or even make it your base for exploring the surroundings of this stunning region in Italy. You can read more about Syracuse here.

Travel tips for your solo journey in Europe

Here are a few tips for your solo European trip.

• Read a travel guide before your journey and create a short itinerary, tailored to your interests. I’m always a big fan of Bradt guides -and when I don’t find one for the destination I’m interested in, I usually buy one from Lonely Planet.
• Always use public transport. Apart from the warm feeling of belonging to a crowd in a foreign land, you will also save money.
• Choose a hotel in the city center. This will save you some time, allowing you to enjoy the nightlife. No one wants to have a one-hour bus journey back to the hotel.
• European cities are packed with history and landmarks. This is fantastic, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. Before traveling, check the website of the local tourist office: most of them usually offer free walking tours in collaboration with a local tour guide. Joining a free walking tour (or even a paid one) is an excellent chance to meet people. I always book mine via GetYourGuide.
• Check Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for activities in the place(s) you visit. The local travel tips are usually spot on and can give you plenty of ideas. Don’t be afraid to connect with users: you meet new people, one of the nicest things when traveling alone.
• Don’t search for the perfect place. It doesn’t exist. Just use common sense and enjoy the time with yourself. After all, it’s the (inner) journey that matters, not the destination.
• If you are traveling to multiple destinations and are interested in cultural sights and landmarks, consider consulting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It can create a full itinerary and help you travel to Europe alone with a purpose.
• Female travelers should be extra cautious when traveling alone, especially if it’s their first trip abroad. While no one will be pushy, incidents do occur from time to time. Women traveling alone are often assumed as easy targets (yes, such idiots exist); therefore, trust your gut feeling and use common sense when you are about to meet others. And raise your voice, of course. In most European countries, you won’t have any safety issues.

Additional resources

I’m adding here a few resources for your solo journeys around Europe. While these resources will be more helpful to people who haven’t traveled alone in Europe before, I believe they might also be useful to more experienced solo travelers. So, here’s what I have for you:

1. The post you are currently reading is related to another article about traveling alone for the first time. Check it out also.
2. I have also written a short ebook for the most introverted travelers among us. It offers several tips on how to travel alone and make the most of the experience. You can check and buy the ebook about introverted solo travelers here.
3. Traveling solo around Europe can also bring some insecurities about your personal belongings. Since I always have expensive equipment with me, I try to find accommodation with good ratings and a 24-hour reception. In addition, I try to minimize the chances of having my belongings stolen, even though this might result in some extra expenses per night. For more than a decade, I have booked accommodation via Booking.
4. When it comes to tickets, I always check Kiwi. It is an excellent flight aggregator and has never let me down.
5. For intra-European flights, I try to fly with either Aegean Airlines or Lufthansa. They are both Star Alliance Members, which means that I can earn miles when I fly. Aegean has a very generous miles program, while Lufthansa is one of the safest and most prestigious airlines in Europe.
6. If you don’t mind spending a bit more and enjoy flying in comfort, consider flying Business Class. I have reviewed both Aegean’s and Lufthansa’s business classes. You can read my Aegean review here and my Lufthansa review here.
7. I usually don’t rent a car, and I prefer walking. However, whenever I need a car, I head over to Kayak, which I believe offers the best prices.
8. You can review my travel gear here (including my laptop and cameras) and find additional travel resources here (such as websites).
9. I shoot all my photos with the Ricoh GR ii. My Ricoh review is for months on the first page of Google, and you can read it here.
10. Last but not least, whenever I feel like booking a day trip when I’m traveling solo, I use GetYourGuide.

Travel alone in Europe: a rewarding experience

Despite being the second smallest continent, Europe is also full of things to do and see. Within the past 15 years, I have traveled to almost every country in Europe, and it has been a rewarding experience.

If it’s your first solo trip in Europe, all you need is common sense and enough budget to carry you through your journeys. Most places are safe, and there are only a few neighborhoods here and there that may make you feel uncomfortable. However, the chances are that you won’t even set foot in such areas. Local scammers trying to sell you silly things are hardly a problem, and they will be just another travel story.

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below, or just write your favorite places to travel alone in Europe.

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