FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL IN EUROPE - WHERE TO VISIT AND SAFETY TIPS
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This post is about travelling solo in Europe including the best places to visit in Europe and European travel tips
Are you planning a solo trip to Europe and it all feels a little overwhemling? Don’t worry - I’ll guide you through the best places to visit in Europe as a solo traveller.
Europe is one of the best places to travel as a solo female traveller. With its mix of cultures, amazing history and stunning scenery, you’ll find plenty of spots that are perfect for solo female travellers. Whether you're craving the buzz of city life, relaxing on beautiful beaches or exploring charming old towns, Europe has got everything.
In this article, I'll take you through some of the best places in Europe for solo female travellers, giving you the lowdown on what makes each destination a great place to visit. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips to make sure your trip is safe, fun and unforgettable.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD SOLO TRAVEL DESTINATION?
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There are many things that go towards making a destination a good place to visit as a solo traveller including safety, accessibility, cost, engaging activities and a welcoming atmosphere.
Safety is paramount, although it’s not the only factor. I see many recommendations for solo travel destinations focusing only on safety when if you look at the bigger picture there’s many other factors to consider. That’s not to say you should ignore the general safety of an area but bad things can happen anywhere so please don’t only consider places with very low crime stats.
If you are on a low budget it’s no use trying to visit places like the Swiss Alps which scores high on the safety aspect but it’s crazy expensive. The Swiss Alps are magnificent btw and I do encourage you to visit at some point but not when you’re on a low or tight budget.
Affordability is one of the most important aspects of where you choose to visit. Eastern Europe tends to be much cheaper than Western Europe. Many of these destinations offer budget-friendly accommodation and food.
A place where there are lots of social opportunities may be important to you so you can mix with other travellers or locals.
Europe is obviously a huge continent with 50 countries. Interestly, only 44 of them have their capital cities in Europe though. There are many places that make great solo travel destinations in Europe and I’m going to cover the ones I think are the best.
READ NEXT : How to plan a solo trip
HOW TO GET AROUND EUROPE AS A SOLO TRAVELLER
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Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Europe although they are slower than trains and probably the better option if you are travelling in Europe over an extended period of time and the time on the bus doesn’t really matter.
Buses in Europe are pretty comfortable and easy to use. One thing to note is that overnight buses in Europe don’t generally offer a bed so you may not get a wonderful sleep.
Flixbus offers affordable rates on bus routes to most major cities or you can book tickets at local bus stations for the cheapest rates.
You can use Bookaway which connects you to different bus companies and is a great way to book your bus tickets in advance.
In Eastern Europe and the Balkans, there tends to be less options for prebooking buses with companies such as Fixbus or BlaBlaBus but there are plenty of local buses that will get you around.
Train
Trains are a fast, efficient way to get across much of Europe as the services are generally reliable and easy to navigate, particularly in Western Europe. Book train tickets in advance on Trainline for cheaper rates on long journeys or cross-country routes. Look out for non-peak routes that will be cheaper than peak journeys. I’ve found that booking at least 4 weeks in advance is ideal for grabbing the best deals. If you’re travelling the route less travelled you can just grab a ticket from the local train station.
If you plan on visiting multiple places during solo travel in Europe, look into the Interrail Pass, which covers train travel in 33 European countries. They offer passes such as 7 days in a month which is their most popular. The Interrail pass does require taking quite a few journeys to justify the cost, so before you buy it’s worth doing quite a bit of research to see if it’s the best/cheapest option for the trip you’re taking. The Interrail Pass is often only worthwhile if you plan on visiting many European cities in one trip.
Flights
There are many budget airlines such as Wizz Air, Easy Jet and Ryan Air that offer really affordable fights between many European cities. If you’re short on time flying between places might be the best option especially if they are far apart.
France has famously banned all domestic short haul flights that can be completed via train in less than 2 hours so flights.
I always use Skyscanner to compare prices and book my flights.
Rental Car
Renting a car can be a great option if you want to explore more remote areas that are difficult (or in some cases, impossible) to reach via public transport.
The downside of renting a car, especially if you are travelling solo is it can be quite an expensive option. In the past, I’ve hired a car locally for a day with people I’ve met on a trip to go to something specific which could be an option for you. Depending on your confidence levels it could be quite intimidating and nervewracking to drive in a foreign country.
If you do choose to rent a car, make sure you have the correct licence and do your research on the local traffic laws as they may be different than you’re used to at home. You should make sure you have the correct insurance for driving.
A big consideration to factor in when deciding whether to rent a car is the cost of gas. It may be the taking a bus places is the more budget friendly option although you are then limited on where you can go.
Use Rentalcars to compare rental options and find the best deal for you.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL SOLO IN EUROPE?
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When you choose to visit Europe will really depend on what you want from your trip. Let’s take a look at different times of year and where I recommend you visit during these times.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a fantastic time for solo travel in Europe, with mild weather and fewer crowds.
Paris, France: Enjoy blooming gardens, outdoor cafes and iconic landmarks with fewer tourists.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Witness the famous and stunning tulip season and take scenic canal cruises.
Barcelona, Spain: Experience vibrant festivals, beautiful beaches and stunning architecture without the summer heat and crowds.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is peak travel season in Europe so be prepared for crowds. It is also the warmest time of year so if hot temperatures and beach days are something you want summer could be the right time for you to visit. There are also many lively festivals around Europe in the summer.
Santorini, Greece: Relax on stunning beaches, explore charming villages and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival and explore historic sites.
Stockholm, Sweden: Enjoy long daylight hours, outdoor activities and vibrant nightlife in this picturesque city.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings cooler weather, colourful landscapes and generally a more relaxed travel experience.
Munich, Germany: Attend Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival and explore Bavarian culture.
Tuscany, Italy: Savor the harvest season with wine tasting, culinary tours and stunning countryside views.
Prague, Czech Republic: Wander through historic streets, enjoy cultural events and take in the city's beautiful autumn scenery.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is perfect for festive holiday markets, winter sports and cozy city explorations.
Vienna, Austria: Experience enchanting Christmas markets, classical concerts and elegant architecture.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Chase the Northern Lights, soak in hot springs and explore snowy landscapes.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Embrace the hygge spirit with cozy cafes, festive lights and historic sites.
Each season offers unique experiences and destinations, which makes Europe an ideal year-round travel destination for you if you’re thinking of visiting during a solo travel adventure.
BEST PLACES TO SOLO TRAVEL FOR A EUROPEAN CITY BREAK
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Europe has many wonderful cities, with diverse cultures and rich histories. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with anywhere you pick to visit on your European adventure.
To create this list I’ve considered various aspects such as safety, affordability, how easy it is to meet people (if that’s what you want to do), the attractions the city has to offer and convenience of getting there and around the city once you’re there.
This is my list of the best solo travel city destinations in Europe.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Attractions: Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, canal tours.
Vibe: Laid-back and friendly, ideal for biking around and enjoying the picturesque canals. Great nightlife and a thriving party scene.
Safety: Generally safe with a strong tourism infrastructure.
Cost: Certainly not the cheapest of European cities. Take advantage of free attractions, cycle around the city and avoid touristy restaurants to save some cash.
Meeting people: pretty easy with hostels, free walking tours and other organised activities such as bar crawls.
Barcelona, Spain
I’ve spent alot of time in Barcelona over the years and it’s a city I love. There is incredible architecture (think Gaudi and Sagrada Familia), delicious Spanish tapas, lively nightlife and even a stunning city beach.
Attractions: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter.
Vibe: Vibrant and colourful, blending beach and city life with rich architecture.
Safety: Pickpocketing can be common in Barcelona, particularly in touristy areas like La Ramblas. I know of quite a few people who have been pickpocketed in Barcelona. Don’t let this put you off - just wear a secure bag on your front and keep my eye on it in crowded spaces and on public transport.
Cost: Barcelona can be pretty expensive if you’re not careful with your cash. You can find some affordable hostels and don’t eat in major touristy places to save money.
Meeting people: easy as you can stay in a hostel or join group tours.
Berlin, Germany
Attractions: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, East Side Gallery.
Vibe: Dynamic and eclectic, offering a mix of history, modern culture and nightlife.
Safety: 8/10 Generally safe with diverse neighbourhoods to explore. As with any major city pickpocketing can be a problem but just be aware of your belongings and keep your bag on your front.
Cost: As with most European cities Berlin is a pretty expensive place to visit.
Meeting people: If you stay in a hostel you can take part in their group activities There’s also great group walking tours you can take part in.
Lisbon, Portugal
Attractions: Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Alfama district, Tram 28.
Vibe: Charming and hilly with a mix of old-world charm and vibrant nightlife.
Safety: Pretty safe for a European city although you should be aware of the potential of pickpockets.
Cost: Reasonably priced for a European city.
Meeting people: Easy if you stay in a hostel - make friends with your room mates.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most popular places to visit in the world known for its history, food and sights like the iconic Eiffel Tower. It is known as a romantic city but don’t let that put you off - it’s a great place to travel to solo.
Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Montmartre.
Vibe: Romantic and artistic, perfect for café culture and iconic landmarks.
Safety: Safe but stay vigilant in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Cost: Very expensive, especially in touristy locations.
Prague, Czech Republic
Attractions: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock.
Vibe: Fairy-tale-like with stunning architecture and a lively music scene.
Safety: Very safe and affordable, with a well-preserved historic center. The Czech Republic as a whole is one of the safest countries in Europe to travel solo.
Cost: by European standards Prague is pretty affordable.
Meeting people: If you stay in a hostel and join in their activities you’ll find meeting people easy. If you don’t want to stay in a hostel you can always join a free walking tour or other group activity.
London, England
I’m a Brit and my sister has lived in London for two decades so I visited the city alot over the years. It’s a great city to visit with many free events and activities you can take part in.
Some of the best things to do in London include visiting museums like the British Museum, relaxing in the beautiful parks like Hyde Park and seeing iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. You can discover the perfect 2 day London itinerary and best tips and tricks for your first time to London.
Attractions: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, London Eye, British Museum, Natural History Museum, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, shop on Oxford Street, Covent Garden.
Vibe: Many unique neighbourhoods with their own atmosphere, from the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the posh boutiques of Chelsea. The city's multiculturalism is reflected in its food, festivals, and daily life.
Safety: Generally safe but stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. The city has a strong police presence and many well-lit, busy streets. Pickpocketing can be an issue in tourist hotspots, so keep your belongings secure. Public transportation is safe, and night buses and the Tube's Night Service on weekends make it easy to get around after dark.
Cost: London can be expensive, but there are ways to manage your budget. Take the tube to get around or walk. Many of London's top museums and galleries offer free entry, and there are plenty of free activities, such as exploring parks, street art, and markets. Food can be pricey, but there are numerous affordable options, including street food and ethnic eateries.
Meeting people: Us Brits aren’t known for being the most openly friendly group in the world. If you stay in social accommodations like hostels you can meet people there. Free walking tours are a great way to meet fellow travellers and learn about the city. London’s pubs are also excellent places to strike up conversations with locals and travellers alike. Consider joining meetups, classes, or social events that align with your interests to connect with like-minded people.
Vienna, Austria
Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Museums Quartier.
Vibe: Elegant and classical, with a rich musical and artistic heritage.
Safety: Very safe and easy to get around with excellent public transport.
Cost: Moderately priced compared to other major European capitals. Dining out can be affordable, especially if you enjoy meals at local cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries.
Meeting people: Free walking tours are a great way to connect with fellow travellers while learning about the city. Vienna's vibrant cafe culture also offers opportunities to strike up conversations with locals and other travellers.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a great city to visit in Europe as it’s cheap, safe and has great nightlife and many hostels.
Attractions: Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Danube River.
Vibe: Affordable and beautiful with a vibrant nightlife and historic sites.
Safety: Pretty safe, but you should stay alert in crowded areas and during night.
Cost: Affordable European destination. Dining out is also reasonably priced, with a variety of street food, local eateries. Entrance fees for attractions are lower compared to Western European cities, and many activities, such as exploring markets, parks, and walking tours, are free.
Meeting people: Easy, especially if staying in a hostel. You can also take a cooking class, or participating in cultural workshops to connect with like-minded people.
BEST PLACES IN EUROPE FOR A SOLO HOLIDAY
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So we’ve looked at cities and the top places to go in Europe for a solo mini break, let’s move on to the best solo holiday destinations in Europe. There are many wonderful places in Europe where you can go on a longer trip however some places can be really expensive (great if you have the budget) or they can have quite a coupley/romantic vibe to them.
Thee places I’ve picked are the ones that I think you’ll be able to meet fellow travellers if you want (or if not, you can keep yourself to yourself), there is good infrastructure so getting there and around the place is easy enough for even a first time solo traveller.
Greek island hopping
Attractions: Greek island hopping is perfect for a solo trip with stunning islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Kos and Corfu. These are amongst the top European beach destinations. Other islands such as Mykonos and Santorini are also extremely popular but on the more expensive side.
Vibe: Picture-perfect coastline, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and iconic landmarks. Also a party vibe at alot of the well known islands.
Safety: Pretty safe, but you should stay alert in crowded areas and during night.
Cost: Pricey. Even dorm beds can be £50 in the height of the summer months and they tend to get booked out well in advance. Eating out is also pretty expensive.
Meeting people: Pretty easy on the well known islands. The islands tend to have a bit of a party vibe so if that’s not your thing you could try going on boat trips or other day excursions to try to meet like minded people.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Attractions: The Dalmatian Coast boasts stunning sites like Dubrovnik's historic Old Town, Split’s Diocletian's Palace and the pristine beaches of Hvar and Korčula. Natural wonders include Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks, perfect for solo adventurers.
Vibe: The region offers a mix of laid-back coastal charm and vibrant urban life. From relaxed beach days to lively nightlife and cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone.
Safety: Croatia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and friendly locals. You can feel secure exploring cities and rural areas alike, especially in well-travelled tourist spots.
Cost: While not the cheapest, the Dalmatian Coast offers good value for money. Budget accommodations, affordable local eateries, and reasonably priced activities make it accessible as a solo traveller.
Meeting People: The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to meet fellow travellers and locals. Hostels, guided tours, and social hotspots in cities like Split and Dubrovnik are ideal for making connections.
Italy
Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world with so many stunning destinations to visit. Read my Italy travel guide and my solo womans guide to travelling around Italy.
It’s pretty easy to get around Italy so you’ll be able to explore various areas in one trip such as Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Venice and Milan.
Attractions: Italy offers an incredible array of attractions from the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome to the canals of Venice, Florence’s art, and the Amalfi Coast’s stunning scenery. Each region has its own unique landmarks and cultural sites, perfect for solo exploration.
Vibe: The Italian vibe is a mix of passionate, laid-back and lively. Enjoy tranquil afternoons in Tuscan vineyards, bustling urban life in Milan and the romantic ambiance of cities like Verona and Venice.
Safety: Italy is generally safe for solo travellers, with low violent crime rates. Common sense precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas and staying in well-reviewed accommodations.
Cost: While major cities can be pricey, Italy offers a range of budget options. Affordable trattorias, budget-friendly hostels and off-the-beaten-path destinations can help you manage your budget.
Meeting People: Italians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. As a solo traveller you can easily meet people in piazzas, cafes, and through group tours or cooking classes. Hostels and social events in cities like Rome and Florence also provide many opportunities to connect.
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO EUROPE AS A SOLO TRAVELLER
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If you’re planning a solo trip to Europe here are my top safety tips and advice.
Research your destination: Before you travel, learn about your destination’s culture, local customs and any areas to avoid. Check travel advisories for up-to-date safety information.
Stay connected: Share your itinerary with family or friends and check in regularly. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, your embassy and accommodation details.
Make sure you have data: If your home SIM plan doesn’t allow for roaming, pick up a local SIM when you get there.
Secure your belongings: Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports, credit cards, and cash. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, especially in crowded areas.
Use reputable transportation: Opt for official taxis or ride-sharing services. When using public transport, be aware of your surroundings and avoid empty carriages.
Stay in safe accommodations: Choose well-reviewed accommodations in safe neighbourhoods. Consider hostels, hotels, or rentals with good security measures and central locations.
Blend in: Dress to match the local culture to avoid standing out as a tourist. Be discreet with maps and guidebooks.
Avoid overindulging: Be mindful of alcohol consumption to keep your judgment sharp. Never leave your drink unattended.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, leave the situation. Your intuition is a powerful tool for staying safe.
Keep copies of important documents: Have digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other essential documents.
Learn basic phrases: Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can be helpful in emergencies and shows respect for the local culture.
HOW MUCH DOES A SOLO TRIP TO EUROPE COST?
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The cost of a solo trip to Europe can vary widely depending on factors such as destination, duration, travel style, and the time of year. Here’s a rough breakdown to help estimate your budget in euros:
1. Accommodation:
Hostels: €18 - €45 per night.
Budget Hotels: €45 - €90 per night.
Airbnb: €35 - €90 per night.
2. Food:
Daily Budget: €18 - €45.
Cheap Eats/Street Food: €4 - €13 per meal.
Mid-Range Restaurant: €13 - €27 per meal.
3. Transportation:
Local Public Transport: €1.80 - €4.50 per ride.
Eurail Pass (1 month, multiple countries): €265 - €530.
Intercity Buses: €9 - €45 per trip.
Budget Flights: €18 - €90 per flight.
4. Attractions and Activities:
Museum/Attraction Entry Fees: €9 - €27 each.
Guided Tours: €18 - €63.
City Passes (offering multiple attractions): €35 - €90.
These estimates provide a rough guideline. Costs can vary significantly based on the countries you visit (Western Europe tends to be more expensive than Eastern Europe), the season and your personal spending habits. Planning and researching in advance can help you manage and reduce your expenses.
Two weeks in the UK, France, Spain, Italy can easily cost €3,000 whereas if you head to Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and other eastern European countries you could get by on €600 for two weeks.
VISAS AND SCHENGAN ZONE
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The Schengen Zone is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished border controls allowing for passport-free movement across most of Europe. This zone operates much like a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy.
Many nationalities can travel to the European Union without a visa. But, an important thing to note is that, if you don’t have an EU passport, you can only spend 90 days in the Schengen Zone (most of Western Europe and central Europe) in a 180-day period.
The Schengen Zone includes 23 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Non-Schengen EU countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania (though Croatia joined on January 1, 2023, border control integration is still in progress).
To get ‘out of the zone’, European countries not in the EU and Schengen Zone include the UK, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey. From 2024, travellers from outside the EU will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter the EU.
Make sure you do your research on the Schengen Zone and ensure you’re not overstaying your 90 days in 180 days as you can get into trouble for overstaying.
More Information About Solo Travel
If you still thinking about if you should travel solo check out these other solo travel guides and blog posts :
Destination Solo Travel Guides
Solo womans guide to Copenhagen, Denmark
Solo womans guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Solo travel tips and advice
How to research solo travel destinations
Best travel products for solo travel
Must have long haul flight essentials
Solo female travellers guide to safety
Read all of my articles about European travel in the Europe Travel Guide.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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