10 Best European Cities For Solo Travel

May 1, 2017

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Some people put off travelling to Europe simply because they fear travelling alone. Although travelling with others has its benefits, don’t be so quick to discount the advantages of travelling solo.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Solo travellers get to go where they want whenever they want without anyone to criticize them. Also, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper flying solo. Thousands of backpackers travel alone in some of Europe’s finest cities every year with no problems.

The park at Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

If you are considering travelling to Europe in the future, have a look at this list of the top 10 European cities for solo travellers. All of the cities on this list are safe, affordable, and offer great photo ops for solo travellers. You can also read our article on the most visited cities in Europe.

Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic

10. Florence, Italy

Finally, we close our list with one of Italy’s finest cities: Florence. This birthplace of the Renaissance contains some of the West’s most iconic works of art.

Florence in Italy

Whether you go to the Galleria degli Uffizi, take in Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, or spend a few hours admiring the city’s iconic Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, you’re sure to find yourself in aesthetic heaven in this historic city. Indeed, the only thing your need to be worried about in this city is “Stendhal Syndrome.”

Florence, city in Italy

Believe it or not, French author Stendhal was so overwhelmed by the art in Florence that he actually experienced numerous fainting spells.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy

Sometimes called hyperkulturemia, medical doctors take this disease seriously and recommend all visitors to Florence take long breaks in-between sessions of aesthetic enjoyment.

9. Helsinki, Finland

Sticking to the theme of beautiful Baltic cities, Helsinki has become very popular with solo tourists in recent years. The capital of Finland is certainly one of the safest capitals in all of Europe, and the Finns will go out of their way to help you around this rather tranquil capital.

Helsinki, Finland

In case you didn’t know, this entire city is surrounded by vast archipelago. If you’re into adventure, definitely explore these archipelago in the summertime. While you’ll sense a cosmopolitan vibe in this major city, you’ll also feel extremely safe and well connected with nature here.

Helsinki in Finland

8. Gdańsk, Poland

Although not as popular as Warsaw, Gdańsk is a favourite Polish travel destination for those in the know. This glorious European city along the Baltic Sea is considered by many one of the most beautiful cities in Poland.

Gdańsk, Poland

In the main city you’ll discover two of the most highly acclaimed streets in all of Europe: Ulica Długa and Długi Targ. Be sure to take your time walking around this city and, if you feel like splurging a bit, take in a lovely concert at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic.

Gdańsk in Poland

7. Bern, Switzerland

House of Parliament, Bern, Switzerland

The rather small city of Bern is considered by many tourists to be the best-preserved Swiss city. Located along the river Aare, Bern the capital city of Switzerland is home to the famous Museum of Fine Arts as well as the Federal Palace of Switzerland.

Bern, Switzerland

As you walk down Bern’s 4 miles of arcaded walkways you’ll soon understand why UNESCO listed this entire city as a World Heritage Site.

Bern, Switzerland at night

6. Lyon, France

Sure, Paris is pretty, but not everything great in France is in the capital city. That’s why we’ve chosen Lyon for our list. Not only is Lyon safer than Paris, it also less cosmopolitan and more quintessentially French.

Lyon, France

It’s an absolute delight to stroll the cobblestone streets of the old city and marvel at buildings like the Gothic St. Jean Cathedral. Lyon is the undisputed gastronomic capital of France, so be sure to spend some money for a few fancy meals here.

Lyon in France

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Are there any Game of Thrones fans out there? Well, if so, then you should schedule a trip to Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik. Beloved for its distinctive coloured housing, Reykjavik is any nature lover’s dream with its gorgeous parks and open areas.

Reykjavik in Iceland

There are also numerous important museums in this capital city telling the long story of Iceland’s almost mythic past. A trip to Iceland will certainly fill you with the spirit of the mighty ancient pagans.

Reykjavik, capital of Iceland

4. Prague, Czech Republic

If you’ve ever heard Má Vlast by Bedrich Smetana, then you know there’s something special about the city of Prague. Located right along the seductive Vltava River, this capital of the Czech Republic boasts cultural gems like Prague Castle and Veletržní Palace.

Prague, Czech Republic

Although not as famous as Vienna, Prague is also well known for its live classical music. Anyone interested in art, music, or great beer will definitely enjoy a solo trip around Prague.

Guard Tower on Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scottish people take has great pride in their capital city of Edinburgh. And, honestly, why shouldn’t they?The old town section of this “Athens of the North” is full of architectural treasures like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Edinburgh, Scotland

But don’t think Edinburgh is only for history buffs. Indeed, this city has a thriving nightlife scene and tons of fancy restaurants serving up far more than just haggis and neeps. Once you arrive here, you’ll find it extremely easy to navigate all of the major sites in Auld Reekie on foot.

Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Oslo, Norway

Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway

Oslo is the capital city of Norway and one of the largest cities in all of Scandinavia. People who enjoy the great outdoors will just love Oslo’s location next to some of Norway’s finest fjords and ski slopes.

Oslo, capital of Norway

Art lovers can see the original Scream portrait in Oslo’s National Gallery, while literature buffs can tour the home playwright Henrik Ibsen stayed in for 11 years of his life. Staying in Oslo is also a great way to orient yourselves to Norway before exploring the rest of the northern nation.

Royal Palace, Oslo

1. Vienna, Austria

Aerial view of Vienna

If we had to sum up Vienna, the Austrian capital in one word, it would probably be “elegance.” After all, this is the land that gave the world the Viennese waltz.

Vienna, Austria

Once you arrive here, order a coffee at the Freud’s Café Landtmann, visit the Habsburgs’ dazzling Schönbrunn Palace, and end your visit with a symphony at the Musikverein. No matter where you go in this capital you’ll find refinement, art, and a high culture.