There’s nothing quite like the sense of freedom, discovery and independence that comes with solo travel. Free from other people’s expectations and plans, it’s the only way to truly explore the world just as you’ve always wanted; be it sunning yourself on the sandy shores of San Sebastián, strolling through the idyllic streets of Amsterdam or setting up shop in the quaint cafés of Florence.
 
Don’t just take it from us, take it from our community. “Just do it. Just start. Take the first step,” was the advice one intrepid traveller gave in our Instagram poll. “Solo travel means total independence”, “joy of discovery” and “time spent getting to know yourself.” It’s an unforgettable, horizon broadening adventure that will change your life forever, opening doors to fresh perspectives and lifelong friendships.

Thankfully, solo travel is now more accessible than ever. Today, there are more inclusive hotel options for LGBTQIA+ and minority travellers – helping make safety a top priority across Europe – while an increase in digital nomads has meant solo travel is fast becoming a viable lifestyle choice for many.

Whatever your solo travel expectations, we’re here to help. After speaking with our community and local teams, we’ve curated some top travel tips, favourite solo-friendly cities and all-important dos and don’ts for travelling alone in Europe.

Top tips for planning your solo trip  

Our community suggested starting your solo trip “with a maximum of five days,” but if you’re jumping into the great unknown for longer, we’ve got a few snappy suggestions to help you plan ahead and stay organised.

Find solo-friendly destinations

So much to see, so little time! As a new solo traveller, it’s worth prioritising locations that have decent infrastructure, an established tourism industry and an international mindset.

This might include countries with a good public transport system, plenty of hotel options and where English is widely spoken as a second language. These spots are usually where you’re most likely to meet fellow solo travellers, too.

Plan a route  

Once you’ve found a few places you really like, it’s time to start planning your route. Whether you’re travelling by plane, train or automobile, compare prices and travel options ahead of time to get the best deal.

If you decide to stay in one country, figure out how you’ll split your time between locations. Remember, give yourself some breathing room if you want to stay somewhere longer. Looking to travel sustainably? Find out how to do it on our Earth Day blog.

Think about the practical stuff

It’s not all pools and patisseries! Get prepared before you go by researching relevant visas, passport requirements and comprehensive travel insurance. It’s worth sorting this out in advance to avoid complications later.

Make sure you have a debit and/or credit card that allows you to access your funds while in Europe and always travel with a reliable smartphone. It's a good idea to purchase a local SIM card when you can – unless you can survive on free café Wi-Fi, that is.

Consider the language barrier

If you’re learning a new language or – even better – already speak more than one, it may be worth considering destinations where you can put your linguistic skills to good use. If English is your only option, never fear.
 
In an increasingly international world, there are plenty of destinations that pride themselves on speaking great English, like the Netherlands and Nordics. Of course, it’s always worth impressing the locals with a few hard-learned phrases in their native tongue.

Meet interesting new people

Whether you’re a budget-friendly backpacker or a long-term digital nomad, the joy of solo travel is often in the people you meet along the way. Don’t be scared to strike up a conversation on tours, while sightseeing or at coworking spaces.

This can be daunting at first, but there’s always the option to use meet up apps or join social media travel groups. Nowadays, you can also stay at hotels specifically designed to build community and encourage interaction – a bit like The Social Hub (wink wink).

Stay safe 

It goes without saying, but safety comes first. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid undesirable situations. This can often be tackled by brushing up on local customs and researching areas before you go.
Try to avoid leaving personal belongings unsupervised, double-check your pockets every now and again, and don’t put your phone on the table while eating. If you rent a bike, make sure it’s properly locked when you leave it.

It’s also a good idea to wear your backpack on your front and to avoid parks and train stations late at night. Of course, despite your best efforts, some things are out of your control. That’s why proper travel insurance is a must-have.

OK, enough pre-trip planning! Now it’s time to talk about some of the amazing adventures you’re going to have.  

Where to visit in Europe as a solo traveller

To help you figure out where to visit on your next solo adventure, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite European cities, complete with curated recommendations from our expert local teams – just in time for your Eurotrip bucket list!

Amsterdam

Famous for its criss-crossing canals, iconic houseboats and abundant bikes, Amsterdam is a go-to destination for any solo trip through Europe. Clean, accessible and well connected, you’ll have little trouble navigating the compact capital, and if you do need directions – most locals speak excellent English.

If you’re visiting in summer, check out the sun-soaked terrace at Piet de Gruyter or grab an outdoor table at Ladybird Fried Chicken for great cocktails and fresh food in Oud Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s nicest neighbourhoods. Want to escape the city? Visit the idyllic village of Ransdorp for some peace and quiet.

Check out our full guide to Amsterdam  here.  

Amsterdam City Guide

Barcelona

With its warm climate, fantastic food and sweeping shores, the Catalonian capital offers everything you could ever want from a European city. Whether sampling tasty tapas or enjoying breath-taking buildings, a leisurely stroll through Barcelona’s tree-lined streets is the best way to uncover its hidden gems.

Make the most of the city’s incredible museums, like MACBA Museum of Contemporary Art, Museu Picasso and Moco Museum, before taking to the walkways of Park Güell to wonder at Gaudí’s architectural prowess. For some beach time, avoid Barceloneta and try Bogatell. It’s slightly further north, but infinitely less crowded.

Check out our full guide to Barcelona  here.  

Barcelona City Guide

Bologna

Perhaps best known as the world’s oldest university city, Bologna is not only the birthplace of Bolognese cuisine – looking at you, Tagliatelle al Ragù – but also houses some of Italy’s most stunning historic hotspots, medieval squares and Renaissance relics. Best explored on foot, comfortable shoes are a must.
 
Beyond Bologna’s top-tier coffee shops, we recommend grabbing an authentic bite at Bella Vita or Osteria dell’Orsa – two of our favourite eateries. When exploring, take a stroll under the famous porticoes to reach the Sanctuary of San Luca before visiting Archiginnasio, the oldest university building in the world.   

Florence

Once the capital of Italy, Florence’s historic heritage is plain to see. Wander its cobbled streets and you’ll discover a wonder around every corner, from the towering Duomo Cathedral to Ponte Vecchio. Located just an hour from Bologna by train, it’s also a great launch point for cities like Pisa and Milan.

And then there’s the food. We suggest getting a taste of Tuscany at local favourites Trattoria 13 Gobbi and Trattoria Mario, before savouring a scoop of artisanal gelato at Gelateria della Passera. For something different, relax in the city’s gardens at Giardino di Boboli or visit the world’s oldest pharmacy, Santa Maria Novella.

Glasgow

There’s nothing quite like straight-talking Scottish hospitality. Warm, friendly and funny, the people of Glasgow make the city unique, while its Scotch Whisky heritage, beautiful historic buildings and proximity to nature are sure to keep things interesting. You’ll even find plenty of nice warm pubs to escape those rainy days.

To get your culture fix, check out Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery, then venture into the tropical glass domes of Glasgow Botanic Gardens. For the best boutiques and coffee shops, explore the upmarket West End and get lost among vintage shops, quirky exhibition spaces and cobbled laneways.

Check out our full guide to Glasgow here.

Glasgow City Guide

San Sebastian

Nestled on the beautiful Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is a resort city characterised by incredible beaches, pristine promenades and fantastic food. Perfect for sun-seeking solo travellers, the climate is balmy year-round, while the city’s Parte Vieja old town offers up plenty of cultural attractions and historic hotspots.
 
For the best coffee in the city with a great vibe, check out Somos Bakery, Old Town Coffee or Simona. Then get fanatic about food by sampling some Spanish Omelette at Antonio Bar and the famous Basque cheesecake at La Viña. Feeling active? Sign up for a surf lesson at La Zurriola or take a long walk down La Concha Beach until you reach the El Peine de los Vientos sculpture.

Check out our full guide to San Sebastián here.

San San Sebastián City Guide

Madrid

No solo trip through Europe is complete without a stop in the beautiful, bustling Spanish capital. A vibrant and lively city packed with cultural experiences, Madrid is as famous for its museums and galleries as it is its gastronomic delights (like Bocadillo de Calamares, Cocido Madrileño and Churros con Chocolate).

If you’re eager to explore, we recommend strolling through Puerta del Sol towards the majestic Royal Palace. Don’t miss the iconic Plaza Mayor before unwinding amidst the sculpted greenery of Retiro Park. For film lovers, catch a movie at the modernist-style Cine Doré then grab dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín.

Eindhoven

Perhaps a less obvious list topper when it comes to European travel destinations, Eindhoven has a unique charm and innovative spirit that makes it well worth a visit. As the Dutch design capital, the industrial city has a vibrant cultural scene, rugged aesthetic and plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities to enjoy.

If you’re a craft beer drinker, visit Stratumseind. This is Eindhoven’s best-known pub street and the longest of its kind in the Benelux. Just around the corner you’ll also find one of our favourite restaurants, De Burger. For coffee, check out the small and colourful Otis, then shop till you drop at Vintage Vetements.

Dos and don'ts

Now that you’ve got a better idea of where your trip might take you, here’s a quick recap on some of the most important rules for solo travel.

Dos

• Get travel insurance
• Keep friends and family updated
• Check-in on your mental health
• Secure your valuables
• Make an emergency plan
  
  

Dont's

• Advertise that you’re travelling alone
• Wander around late at night
• Isolate yourself
• Ignore your gut feeling
• Be afraid to ask for help

Where to stay when travelling solo

Finding the right place to stay when travelling alone can be a challenge. Where you choose really depends on your budget, interests and desire for creature comforts. If you’re travelling on a shoestring, then hostels are probably the way to go. Especially if you don’t mind sharing a bunk bed. Brave the basic amenities and you may just be rewarded with some great new friends, too.

For travellers that crave a little more privacy and comfort, there are more options than ever for fully furnished and serviced hotels and apartments – designed to suit both short- and long-term needs. What many of these lack, however, is a sense of community. Luckily, at The Social Hub, that’s what we’re all about. We bring like-minded people together through open-plan communal spaces, play areas and coworking facilities, creating a sense of togetherness at all of our European hubs.

However you choose to live your solo adventure, make sure you stay spontaneous, embrace the journey and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime… happy travels!