The 12 Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe in 2026

Whether you’re new to solo trips or you cannot get enough of the freedom that comes from travelling alone, Europe is made for independent adventures. Over 40 countries call this continent home; inside that, hundreds of potential city breaks and nature escapes. Where to begin?

From iconic capitals to hidden gems, weekend getaways to unmissable stops while interrailing, read on for all the inspiration you’ll need to start planning your solo adventures. Give it a few hours in any of these destinations, and soon you will be thinking to yourself, “Should I live here?” Wait no longer, because Europe is calling your name!

What Makes a Destination Great for Solo Travel?

Curious to know what qualifies a destination for our list? Here are the categories we’re considering to decide the best places to solo travel in Europe.

Activities

City person or nature lover? Hostels or resorts? The best solo travel destinations in Europe allow you to be flexible and customise your trip down to your exact preferences. Or maybe you’ll surprise yourself and have a blast trying an activity that’s totally outside your comfort zone - that’s one of the benefits of solo travel!

Safety

The most important priority while travelling is keeping safe and feeling comfortable in your surroundings. While group tours are generally the easiest way to alleviate this worry, as you will be with a group of like-minded people and a professional trip leader, the following destinations on our list also offer incredible independent travel experiences for those newer to solo travelling.

Ease of Travel

Ease of travel can be defined in a few different ways, and no destination is really built in the same way. For this list, we’re basing it on how easy it is to get around and explore each area, how well-equipped a destination is for tourism, and how likely it is to meet other solo travellers.

Best European Solo Travel Destinations

Copenhagen, Denmark

Best solo travel destination for: first-time backpackers

Planning your first-ever solo trip? Consider Copenhagen. This destination will instantly put even the most nervous solo traveller at ease, so much so that there is a name for the phenomenon: “Hygge”, translating to all things cosy and homely. English is also widely spoken across Denmark, making a weekend getaway here perfect for anyone looking to build up their confidence while exploring a new place alone.

No matter how many trips you have under your belt, Copenhagen leaves a lasting impression. Feel inspired by the glistening Tivoli Gardens, as Walt Disney did all those years ago when he created Disneyland. Stroll along the iconic Nyhavn waterfront, featuring houses painted in every shade of the rainbow, before diving into the Scandi chic backstreets for some vintage shopping, cafe-hopping or bar-crawling. Copenhagen is easily one of the Best Winter Destinations In Europe; and if you come in the summer, digging into the city under the glow of the Midnight Sun is a novelty experience.

Florence, Italy

Best solo travel destination for: culture

After gifting the world with Italy’s two greatest inventions, the Renaissance and gelato, Florence could have finished there... Yet to this day, Florence is bursting at the seams with awe-inspiring architecture, culinary hotspots and iconic galleries. Nicknamed the “Capital of the Artists”, Florence is filled with pinch-yourself moments like coming face-to-face with the ‘Birth of Venus’ painting inside the Uffizi gallery, spotting the Ponte Vecchio bridge, or taking that first bite of a crispy Schiacciata: a Tuscan-style sandwich.

When the sun sets over the amber rooftops (best witnessed from the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint), dive into Florence for a night of dancing and karaoke… that’s right, Florence can give Rome a run for its money as one of the Best Party Destinations in Europe. Offering travellers a little bit of everything, Florence can match whatever your dream trip looks like: museums, nightlife, or both!

Psst. Interested in exploring Florence as a solo traveller and making a new group of friends? Check out our Italy tours!

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Best solo travel destination for: day trips into nature

Only an hour away from Slovenia’s picturesque capital, Ljubljana, Lake Bled is one of those iconic European highlights that everyone needs to experience at least once. Set inside a forested valley backed by the majestic Julian Alps, nothing can really prepare you for just how much Lake Bled will take your breath away. Especially when you catch a glimpse of those cerulean waters reflecting the sunlight, either on walks around the lake or from above at the Ojstrica viewpoint.

This destination is magical all year round, under the deepest snow and the balmiest of days. In the warmer months, you can even sail to the centre island and immerse yourself in the local history. Legend goes that while ringing the church bell, dreams are destined to come true. What will you be wishing for?

Oslo, Norway

Best solo travel destination for: hikers

Norway’s capital is full of surprises. Oslo’s cityscape is distinctly modern, hosting a whole variety of activities like museums that cater to your every need, and trendy neighbourhoods such as Grünerlokka: famed for vintage shopping sprees and cafe-hopping. In the heart of city life, Oslo stays true to its cultural roots of “Friluftsliv”: finding peace and freedom in nature. From island-hopping (Oslo is actually set inside a fjord!) to beaches, parks, and vast woodland, Oslo is easily one of the best places to solo travel in Europe if you’re all about the outdoors.

While Oslo is worth exploring in its own right, it’s even better if you use it as a base to see more of Norway. There is an entire world filled with giant fjords, native forests, and natural wonders waiting, ready for you to discover it. You could hop onto the Bergen railway and experience the magic of one of the Best Trending Travel Destinations For 2025, or take a journey up north into the Arctic Circle. If seeing the northern lights is at the top of your bucket list, why not take this dream and transform it into a solo trip?

Prague, Czechia

Best solo travel destination for: budget trips

Also called the “City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague is deservedly praised as one of the most spellbinding capitals in Europe. Between the grand Gothic architecture, the cobblestone streets that lead into pastel alleyways, and the sunset-coloured cityscape, there’s no place quite like it. Wandering from the iconic Charles Bridge up to Prague Castle’s main gate is packed with hauntingly beautiful scenery; so while the journey technically takes less than 20 minutes, you’ll likely find yourself stopping lots to take it all in!

While Prague is gaining popularity, Czechia remains one of our picks for the Top 10 Cheap Countries To Visit in Europe. A pour of Pilsner beer is famously cheaper than water, and so one of the top activities here is taking a pub crawl from the top of the castle - and working your way down to the Old Town (hey, who said sightseeing had to be conventional? 😉). Yet Prague is a novelty experience for all travellers, with many of its top attractions being free of charge. And if you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of affordable, local café and restaurant options.

Need more convincing? Here’s what our Content Assistant, Amelia, has to say about Prague after doing one of our Europe tours:

Prague is so beautiful! One of my favourite memories here is taking a cruise along the Vltava River in the sunshine

Czech out Amelia’s Best of Europe Trip guidebook to find out more about her experience!

Barcelona, Spain

Best solo travel destination for: beaches

Solo travel in Barcelona is such a vibe because whether you’re into cultural sightseeing, leisurely beach days or nightlife, it’s the whole package. What gives Barcelona its signature touch is its truly one-of-a-kind style: fantasy-esque architecture that could only be designed by Antoni Gaudí, from the colourful Park Güell overlooking the city to the whimsical Casa Battló and the spires of La Sagrada Familia that touch the sky.

Dig a little deeper into Barcelona and you’ll discover tapas bars dotted all along the Gothic Quarter, atmospheric markets that act as a feast for the senses (you can also find Pintxos here, like tapas but from the Basque region), and galleries dedicated to some of the biggest names in art history. After the sun sets over Montjuïc Hill, an exhilarating evening awaits - whether you’re returning to the Gothic Quarter for drinks, or exploring the nightclubs of Las Ramblas.

When you’re not exploring the heart of the city, Barcelona’s beaches beckon. Our tip? Skip the crowds of Barceloneta Beach; Bogatell is just a short journey north, and it’s one of the local favourites. Wherever you go on our Spain trips, that Mediterranean coastline is pretty irresistible.

Stockholm, Sweden

Best solo travel destination for: exploring Scandinavia

In a continent filled with stunning cities, Stockholm still stands out from the crowd. After watching the sunset on the rocks of Skinnarviksberget, or exploring the colourful shades of Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s iconic Old Town), you will quickly discover why Sweden’s capital often ranks as one of the best places for solo travel in Europe - as well as one of the most beautiful. As if that is not enough to draw you in, Stockholm is an absolute treasure trove for culture: whether you’re into Viking history or know all the lyrics to ABBA’s greatest hits.

Nestled between Copenhagen and Oslo, Stockholm is the ideal connecting point for your Scandi travel plans. If you are looking for the perfect introduction to this enchanting corner of the world, and keen to tick off three destinations in eight unforgettable days, our Interrailing - Scandinavia trip is the one for you. With all your accommodation and train journeys pre-organised, all you have to do is pick the start date and go.

Interlaken, Switzerland

Best solo travel destination for: outdoor activities

Set between two turquoise lakes, Interlaken embodies everything to adore about the Swiss countryside. Home to sweeping jade forests, rugged rocky cliffs and alpine mountains dusted with snow, Interlaken offers some of the most breathtaking vistas imaginable. Interlaken is one of those places where you just want to sit back and enjoy the view, so it’s no surprise that its funicular railway (open from April to November) that glides you high into the valleys is so popular - or the fact that one of the world’s most gorgeous train journeys, the Jungfrau Railway, embarks from here.

If you live for adrenaline rushes, a solo trip to Switzerland’s adventure capital is just what you need. Bungee jumping over the famous bodies of water, paragliding through the mountains, white water rafting down the river… name it, and chances are, you can try it here! When the winter months arrive, Interlaken transforms into a snowy wonderland made for skiing, snowboarding, and après.

Berlin, Germany

Best solo travel destination for: history and nightlife

No matter what kind of experience you’re after on your solo trip, Berlin has something for you. For starters, it’s the world’s number one hotspot for all things nightlife. Beyond the giant beer gardens, the secret speakeasy bars, and the exclusive nightclubs, Berlin can be just as exhilarating to explore during the day.

One thing’s for sure: uncovering more of Berlin’s history is simply unmissable, and it’s woven into all the main sightseeing stops. You can physically trace the past, from the pillars of Brandenburg Gate to the vivid murals that flood the East Side Gallery: the final remnants of the Berlin Wall that divided the city for decades. Even if you’re not super into history, stops like Checkpoint Charlie (the Cold War’s most famous border crossing) will leave you speechless.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Best solo travel destination for: interrailing

Like a postcard come to life, Amsterdam draws your attention right away with its stacked-style architecture, cobbled alleyways, and winding canals. With such an undeniable charm, it comes as no surprise that Amsterdam attracts such a variety of solo travellers: whether it’s for short break getaways, or an unmissable stop while interrailing. 

Exploring the Jordaan neighbourhood, visiting the Van Gogh gallery, or taking a ride on the A’dam Lookout Swing are some of your Amsterdam essentials. Beyond that, some of the most exciting adventures to be had here are the spontaneous kind. You could spend the morning unwinding in Vondelpark, or losing yourself in the different laneways, before venturing into one of the brown cafés: similar to pubs, and perfect for grabbing a few snacks and drinks. And who could forget about Amsterdam’s legendary nightlife?

Paris, France

Best solo travel destination for: cafés and galleries

Is there any city on Earth more iconic than Paris? Say the word and you can just imagine yourself wandering along the Seine River, exploring the endless artwork inside the Louvre, or marvelling at the Eiffel Tower as it glistens under the night sky. Well, its incredible fame does all the talking, and it’s not the only reason that Paris counts as one of the best places for solo travel.

From all the little and lesser-known galleries you can explore here to quintessentially Parisian neighbourhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, there is so much excitement to be had inside this capital city. Solo travellers will fit in like a breeze inside Paris, as you can browse all the artisan markets and boulangerie bakeries. And if there’s a destination more perfect for people-watching over a coffee than this one, we’ve yet to find it!

Split, Croatia

Best solo travel destination for: a little bit of everything!

Maybe you feel torn between sightseeing and beaches for your solo trip in Europe… but in Split, you can have it all! In fact, you can even experience living history inside the city centre known as Diocletian’s Palace: a Roman ruin landmark with bars, shops, and restaurants woven into its ancient walls. 

Just as breathtaking has to be watching the sunset from either Bacvice Beach, right by Split’s Old Town, or taking a short hike up to Marjan Hill. Marvelling at this city while the sky fades into spectacular shades of oranges and pinks is really something! It’s unlikely you’ll ever feel tired of Split, but if you do, some incredible day trips are waiting for you just outside… the Klis Fortress (as seen in Game of Thrones!) and the waterfalls of Krka National Park, to name a few!

Here’s what our Marketing Assistant, Sarah, had to say about her experience in Split on one of our Croatia trips:

I adore this city! From delicious food to ancient history, and everything in between, you’ll fall in love with Split. I definitely did!

Split on whether to do a solo trip here? Sarah’s Top 10 Ultimate Croatia Highlights is all the convincing you’ll need to say yes.

Our tips for travelling solo

Stay at hostels

If you are new to solo travelling, hostels are your best bet. Aside from the amount you can save on accommodation (meaning more money to spend on activities or future trips 👀), the social environment you experience while staying in hostels is pretty unbeatable. The cool thing about staying at a hostel is you can be as involved in the social scene as you want to be. One night, you could head out with a small group and grab a few drinks. The next day, you can explore completely at your own pace.

You can find the best deals on budget-friendly accommodation across Europe at Hostel World: plus, the incredible opportunity to connect with other travellers even before you book a place to stay!

Embrace change

Even if you are the type of traveller who has a spreadsheet documenting every single activity on your itinerary at the go, things do not always go according to plan. From delayed journeys to torrential rain on the day that you specifically set aside for beach time, the more you travel, the easier it is to accept things existing outside of your control.

That cancelled beach day could be a blessing in disguise, opening you up to a world of spontaneity. From a kind interaction with a stranger to discovering a new side to a destination, moments like these could become your favourite memories of a trip. If nothing else, it makes for a funny story to share back home.

Learn a few phrases

It is impressive how far the basics can get you. Whether you have a language-learning app downloaded onto your phone or a trusted phrasebook in your back pocket, a little bit can go a long way. Even inside tourist-friendly destinations, that extra effort is still appreciated. And besides, doesn’t it feel pretty cool to master a few basic phrases?

Interested in interrailing?

If you have ever tried to plan your own interrailing trip, only to find yourself lost in the details, scouring for affordable details, or forgetting to book a place to stay for the night, you are not alone.

Meet our Rail Trips, here to make your independent travel experience a whole lot easier. All of your essentials, including centrally located hostel accommodation (or hotels if you would like to upgrade) and train journeys, come organised for you and are readily available on your phone. These trips are purely free time, without any group or guide included, so you can tailor your solo travel experience down to your exact preferences.

When you travel independently with us, you can hit the rails with nothing but a ticket and a dream. Because all of the work is handled behind the scenes, this means you can focus on the most exciting aspects of solo travelling: the activities, the food… The choices are all in your hands.

So, where first? Or if you are after some international inspiration, where next? You could always carry on reading and check out our guidebook covering the Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World. Now get out of here, you’ve got a solo trip to start planning!