Solo travel for the first time may seem like a leap of faith — but the right destination can break the ice. Europe has a plethora of cities that are secure, well-linked, and easy to get around, so it is a favorite among first-time solo travelers. With so many destinations available, though, how do you choose where to begin?
The trick is to identify destinations where solid infrastructure, friendly environment, and activities that are easy to indulge in solo converge. If you want to visit historic landmarks, unwind in picturesque parks, or socialize with fellow travelers, the destinations here have been selected based on functional concerns such as safety, affordability, English ease of access, and sociability.
This is not about locating the most “Instagrammable” place or the hippest place to visit — it’s about making it easy for you to travel with confidence, even if it’s your very first time traveling alone. So if you’re ready to jump, Europe has plenty of locations that make solo travel feel natural, comfortable, and even empowering.
Here we will describe the Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe if your first time solo traveling — with realistic, fact-based information to make you plan smart and travel well.
Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe If It’s Your First Solo Trip
First-time solo travel can be thrilling and also scary. The destination is one determining factor for your experience. Europe is one of the best regions for solo travel thanks to its reliable public transport, safe cities, and wide use of English. But not all cities are equally suited for beginners.
If you’re planning your first solo trip, it’s best to start with destinations that are easy to navigate, offer good tourist infrastructure, and provide opportunities to explore without needing a group.
Here in this guide, we will discuss the best places to visit alone in Europe if it is your first time traveling alone — with practical, fact-based guidance to help you plan wisely and travel successfully.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is an excellent place to begin for single travelers. The city is compact and simple to get around. Most of the main attractions are situated in walkable neighborhoods such as Baixa, Alfama, and Bairro Alto. Public transportation is good and consists of buses, metro, and the yellow trams made famous by “The Amazing Race.” Ticket machines have English prompts and the Viva Viagem card makes it inexpensive and easy to use public transportation.
English is commonly used in tourist destinations, so communication is seldom a problem. Locals are welcoming but not too inquisitive, and this is perfect for single travelers. Living costs in Lisbon are less than in the rest of Western European capitals, thus perfect for low-budget tourists. You can find accommodation in dorm hostels, guesthouses, or cheap hotels with ease.
Lisbon has its share of solo-friendly things to do. You can ride a tram over the hills, spend time at a viewpoint (miradouro), or indulge in pastries at a bakery. The casual atmosphere eases new travelers into solo travel without feeling overwhelmed.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is well structured and suitable for solo travel for the first time. Amsterdam has great infrastructure. Trams, buses, and ferries are some of the public means of transport. It is simple to buy tickets in English. Bicycling is also a popular means of mobility, and bike hire is available anywhere.
English is nearly always spoken in Amsterdam, particularly by younger locals and in areas popular with tourists. People are accustomed to visitors, and single travelers are not uncommon. Safety tends to be high, particularly in city center areas. Petty theft is possible, but violent crime is extremely uncommon.
Amsterdam offers many solo activities, such as visiting museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, exploring the canals by boat, or simply walking through neighborhoods like Jordaan. Solo dining is easy, and many cafés are designed with individual seating. Accommodation options range from social hostels to clean, minimalist hotels. You can travel alone here without feeling isolated or uncomfortable.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a lively city that provides a blend of history, beach, and contemporary culture. It’s a solid option for single travelers who are looking for diversity on their agenda. The city is big but has an excellent metro system, so traveling is convenient. Tickets are cheap and come in English at every station.
English is widely used in tourist areas, though a few basic Spanish words are helpful. Locals are used to tourists, and single travelers can fit in without difficulty. Safety is reasonable, though pickpocketing in popular spots such as Las Ramblas is an ongoing problem. Preventing your possessions being stolen is sufficient to prevent most incidents.
The city is highly social, and there are ample solo activities. Sagrada Família is an option, wandering the Gothic Quarter, or spending time on Barceloneta Beach. Food culture lends itself well to solo travel; tapas-style eating promotes small informal meals, and eating alone is not unusual. Hostels and social lodgings are plentiful so that you can easily meet other travelers if desired.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a big, accessible city that has a relaxed vibe. You can easily settle in even if this is your first trip abroad on your own. Public transport is organized, and signs are in English and German. You can purchase one ticket to use on U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses, which makes it easy to get around.
English is widely used throughout Berlin, particularly in service sectors. Locals are generally friendly and helpful, and it is not difficult to fit in with the city’s cosmopolitan population. Berlin is one of the safest cities in Germany. The relaxed and friendly mood also discourages locals from staring or making judgments about single travelers.
Solo activities are numerous. You can go to the Berlin Wall Memorial, check out the numerous museums on Museum Island, or take advantage of the city’s extensive green areas. Food is cheap and global. Eating alone is normal in cafés and street food stalls. Hostels, particularly in neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg or Mitte, are friendly and social. Solo travel in Berlin is nothing out of the ordinary.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is small, secure, and highly structured, and it is ideal for a first-time solo traveler. The city has effective public transportation, and bikes can be rented across the city. The streets are clean and tidy, and one can easily walk or bike between prominent sights.
English is used fluently by practically everybody. This removes most of the linguistic barriers and ensures interactions are seamless. The city is peaceful and courteous, many independent travelers find. Levels of safety are among Europe’s highest, and the chances of scams or theft are extremely low.
Solo-friendly sites are Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and canal tours by boat. There are also several food halls and markets in Copenhagen where solo adventurers can sample a number of dishes without the expense of sit-down restaurants. Though it is not one of the lower-budget places to visit, the quality of services is excellent. Hostels tend to have group activities such as city tours or community dinners, so meeting others is simple if you desire.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is an excellent starting point for solo travelers due to its walkability, safety, and English-speaking culture. The city center is small and convenient to explore. Numerous major attractions, such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat, are within walking distance.
As the official language is English, communication is easy. Locals are usually hospitable and cooperative. Crime rates are low, and the city is safe even at night. There are ample quiet spots and parks where you can sit all by yourself without standing out.
Solo activities range from museum visits, walking to Arthur’s Seat, or joining walking tours. Scottish pubs usually have a warm atmosphere, and solo customers or drinkers are not unusual. There are diverse types of accommodation available, ranging from group tours in hostels to individual rooms in guesthouses. Edinburgh balances history, culture, and convenience, which suits beginner solo travelers to establish confidence.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is small, secure, and simple to get around — all great reasons to look at it as your first solo destination. The city center is predominantly pedestrianized, making an evening stroll relaxed. Public transport is easy to use, and day trips to surrounding areas such as Lake Bled are straightforward to organize.
Many people in the tourism industry speak English. The locals are friendly and courteous but not overwhelming for visitors. Slovenia is among the safest countries in Europe, and Ljubljana is renowned for being very safe, even in the evening.
There’s enough to do for single travelers. You can tour the Ljubljana Castle, stroll along the river, go to markets, or have a boat tour. It’s a quiet city with a leisurely pace. Prices are less than in Western Europe, so it’s popular with budget travelers. There are small hostels, boutique hotels, and cheap private rooms.
Kraków, Poland
Kraków is a great option for solo travelers looking for a mix of history and affordability. The old town is compact and walkable, and public transport (buses and trams) is reliable. Tickets can be purchased in English from machines or apps.
English is common in tourist zones and among younger Poles. Locals are cooperative and considerate to lone travelers. Safety is normally good, particularly in central zones. As always, being aware of your environment is important, but overall risk is low.
Kraków has a lot of solo things to do. You can go to Wawel Castle, stroll around Market Square, or go on a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Eating alone is prevalent, and food is extremely cheap. There’s also a lively hostel scene with communal areas and communal events. Kraków is perfect for solo travelers seeking cultural richness without the expense.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest offers architecture, budget-friendliness, and activities in which solo travelers can participate. The city is divided into Buda and Pest, which are linked by various bridges across the Danube. The city has a public transportation network using metro, trams, and buses. Tickets are cheap and readily available.
The majority of tourist destinations and hospitality staff speak English. Although they are not all fluent, communications can normally be managed. The city is safe overall, with a police presence clearly visible in popular areas. Like any city, there can be pickpocketing in busy places, so be vigilant.
You can soak in thermal baths, tour historical landmarks such as Fisherman’s Bastion, or tour ruin bars. Numerous hostels in Budapest have social functions, walking tours, and group meals. The affordability of the city makes it ideal for budget travelers who desire relaxation as well as nightlife.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is an easy option for the first-time solo traveler, particularly from English-speaking nations. Dublin is small enough for most sites to be within walking distance of the city center. The public transport is easy, particularly with the Leap Card, which is applied across buses, trams, and trains.
Everyone speaks English, and locals are famously friendly. It’s not uncommon to have casual conversations with strangers in cafés or pubs. Dublin is safe overall, though it’s wise to stay alert in busy nightlife areas.
Independent activities consist of a visit to Trinity College, a walk around the Guinness Storehouse, and a stroll through parks such as St Stephen’s Green. Pub culture is convivial, and most pubs have live music nightly. Housing varies from peaceful guesthouses to communal hostels. Dublin makes it simple to travel alone without experiencing loneliness.
Conclusion
Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe can be one of the most enriching experiences for visiting new destinations, particularly when you select destinations that enhance your travel with safety, ease, and a friendly ambiance. Europe is blessed with several such cities that each has its own mix of culture, history, and contemporary convenience favorable for first-time solo travelers.
Whether you’re drawn to the laid-back charm of Lisbon, the social energy of Barcelona, or the historical depth of Kraków, these cities make it easy to travel on your own without feeling out of place.
What makes these destinations stand out is not only how beautiful they are, but how practical. Well-defined public transportation systems, prevalent English usage, affordable options, and solo-accessible activities enable you to just relax and enjoy your holiday, rather than deal with stress.
These cities enable you to discover at your own comfort, meet new individuals if you prefer, or simply spend quality time with yourself.
If it is your first time traveling alone in Europe, begin with one of these destinations. They will have you feeling confident to go on further — and perhaps even make solo travel a lifelong habit.
