Solo Trip to Europe: How to Plan an Unforgettable Adventure

You’re taking the leap and planning a solo trip to Europe—nice one! Whether it’s your first time traveling alone or you’re already hooked on the freedom of solo adventures, one thing’s for sure: this journey is going to be unforgettable.

Whether you want to explore cities or wander through villages and lush landscapes, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to planning a trip to Europe solo.

I’ve been on dozens of solo trips in Europe, with the longest lasting a month as I backpacked around parts of the southern continent and even into Morocco.

So, I’m excited to share my insider tips and recommendations so you can set off in confidence. Let’s get into it!

Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!

Why Travel Solo in Europe?

I might be biased, but European countries are the best for solo travel. From convenient public transportation to social hostels and flexible travel experiences, there are a lot of pros to traveling Europe solo.

Public transport is a breeze throughout most of Europe, making it easy to safely get to your destination, travel to another country or city, and get back to your accommodation at night. And besides, European cities are known to be very walkable, so you can get just about anywhere in the cities on foot.

And if you choose to stay in hostels or take advantage of meetups, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet other like minded travelers. I like to say that traveling solo and traveling alone are not the same things. Your solo trip to Europe doesn’t have to be alone, unless that’s truly what you’re looking for.

If you are hoping to connect with other backpackers, solo travelers, or locals, staying at hostels or attending meetups (which I’ll discuss more below), Europe is perfect for all of that.

Finally, solo travel offers the freedom of choice and flexibility. You can spend an entire day at an art museum, take a long nap in a calm park, or trek through a wondrous forest outside of the city. No one is with you to say “Let’s go, I’m bored.” You’ve got the world to yourself, and that’s an amazing feeling.

Since you’ve probably already decided you want to travel solo, I won’t go too much more in-depth on the benefits of solo travel here. However, you can read all about why I love solo travel for a deeper look.

Best Destinations in Europe for Solo Travelers

There aren’t many wrong choices, if any, when it comes to where to travel solo in Europe, but there are a few standouts I’d like to mention.

Here are some of the best cities for solo travel in Europe:

Amsterdam: Very walkable & cycle-friendly with loads of cool hostels, museums, parks, and plenty of entertainment for the solo traveler. Besides, the Netherlands is one of Europe’s safest countries and you can easily get to Germany, Belgium, France, and even the United Kingdom from Amsterdam.

Prague: A safe city with one of Europe’s most beautiful historic centres, offering plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers, indulge in European culture, and it’s continuously named one of the best cities for solo travelers.

Lisbon: Beautiful, bright city on the water with so much to explore. The city has a low crime rate and a lot of things to experience in and outside of the city so you’ll never get bored traveling solo here.

Edinburgh: A smaller city with an enchanting atmosphere, great safety scores, and so much to discover for the solo traveler. Museums, castles, easy day trips, cool pubs, you name it.

Rome: I had an amazing time traveling solo through Italy when I was 20. There is so much to do in Rome and Italy as a whole that you’ll never get bored whether you’re traveling solo or not. It’s la dolce vita all the way!

When it comes to choosing where to travel, all I suggest is looking into how you’d like to spend your days, what attracts you to a certain city, and what are the safety factors at play. Take a look at this guide explaining if Barcelona is for solo female travel to get a better sense of what I mean.

Planning Your Solo Trip to Europe

To help you plan a solo trip to Europe, here’s a breakdown of every step you need to take before you take flight.

Choose a Destination

If you are backpacking in Europe and plan to travel for a month or more, you might not have a complete itinerary planned. However, you will want to have your first couple of destinations chosen. 

When choosing a destination to fly into, consider factors like budget, safety, and intent. If your budget is important to you, I recommend flying into an international hub like London, Lisbon, or Dublin. These are generally cheaper to fly into.

From there, you can explore your chosen country (beyond the city you fly into) and/or travel into other countries as well. 

If you fly into Dublin, for example, it will be easy to explore the small country and take a flight/boat to Scotland, Wales, and England. See my solo travel safety guide to Dublin.

Set a Budget

Unless you’re rich and money isn’t a problem for you (shout out to you), you will want to set a reasonable budget for yourself. Whatever you do, don’t put your entire trip on a credit card thinking you’ll pay it down in the future.

Instead, make sure you have money saved up for your trip before you go and have a travel credit card for emergencies. On average, solo travelers spend anywhere from between $1,000 and $2,500 on a 1-week solo trip to Europe.

If you’re flying from the US, your round-trip flight will likely be around $800+ depending on the season and airports. Accommodation can vary greatly depending on if you choose to stay in hostels, Airbnbs, or hotels. For example, hostels in Dublin usually range from €20 to €50 per night, whereas hotels will be closer to €100+ per night.

After you work out flight and accommodation costs, look into the entry prices for experiences you want to do during your trip. I use GetYourGuide when booking most of my experiences because of the free cancellation and unique offerings.

Of course, food varies greatly depending on your tastes, so it’s worth looking up some dining options in the cities you want to visit and comparing prices.

Booking Flights

Once you know how much you can spend on your trip, it’s time to book a plane ticket. I recommend at least a week-long trip to really make the most of your overseas flight. 

When booking flights, you should check multiple websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and STA Travel to compare deals, dates, and airports.

On Google Flights, you can put in multiple destinations at once to compare fares. Also, if you do not put in a destination (using the ‘Explore’ search tool), Google Flights will show you a map of the world with fares from your selected airport(s), so you can see where in the world you could fly for cheap.

If you can be flexible with airports and travel dates, you can save hundreds on your flight to Europe.

Travel Insurance

One must-have before you go traveling solo is travel insurance and a copy of it in your wallet or on your phone. You need a safety net in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings, and that’s why travel insurance covers.

I personally use SafetyWing for its flexible, budget-friendly plans that work for both short trips and long-term adventures. It gives me peace of mind so I can focus on exploring, not worrying about what ifs.

Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler

Deciding on the type of accommodation you want to use for your solo trip to Europe largely depends on your personal travel style.

For example, when I was in my late teens and early 20s, I preferred staying in hostels because they are more affordable and offer a more social experience than a hotel or Airbnb.

However, now that I’m in my late 20s with a little more money than I had before and less interest in meeting other travelers, I tend to stay in small hotels and rental properties like Airbnb.

You can see my breakdown of hostels vs Airbnb to aid in your decision-making.

But, overall, hostels are ideal if you don’t mind sharing the lack of privacy and want to socialize and save money. Hotels are better if you want privacy and have a bigger budget. Finally, Airbnb can often offer a more authentic experience if you stay in a local’s home, and can be more affordable if you’re not booking the entire space.

All options can be safe for solo travelers, depending on the locations and safety standards. So, you will need to research specific neighborhoods and read reviews before booking.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Europe

Once you’re there, you’re likely going to hop around to a few different destinations, whether that’s day trips or full-on backpacking vibes. 

One of the best things about traveling in Europe is how easy it is to get from one place to another. But which option is best? Let’s break it down.

Trains vs. Budget Flights vs. Buses: When to Use Each

Trains: If you want comfort, scenic views, and city-center arrivals, trains are your best bet. They’re often the most stress-free way to travel—no long security lines, no baggage fees (within reason), and no getting stuck at an airport an hour outside the city. 

High-speed trains like France’s TGV or Spain’s AVE can get you between major cities in just a few hours. However, trains can be pricey if you don’t book in advance.

Budget Flights: Sometimes, a flight is just the faster (and cheaper) option. Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet offer incredibly low fares, but be wary of hidden fees—seat selection, baggage, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport can cost extra.

Also, these flights often depart from secondary airports (like Paris Beauvais or London Stansted), so factor in the extra travel time and costs to get there.

Buses: For budget travelers, buses can be a lifesaver. Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer routes all over Europe at often extremely low prices. The downside? Longer travel times and less comfort than trains. But if you’re flexible and don’t mind the extra hours, buses can be a great way to save money!

Eurail Pass vs. Point-to-Point Tickets: Which One is Worth It?

If you’re planning to travel extensively by train, you might have heard about a Eurail Pass. Let’s discuss the benefits of these passes versus point-to-point tickets, and which is best for your trip.

Eurail Pass: Best for those taking multiple train rides over a short period. This pass gives you flexibility, allowing you to hop on many trains without pre-booking. It’s great for travelers who love spontaneity and want to see a lot in a short amount of time. However, some high-speed trains still require seat reservations (which cost extra), so it’s not always as simple as “just hop on.”

Point-to-Point Tickets: If you only plan on taking a few train rides, booking individual tickets in advance is usually cheaper than a Eurail Pass. Websites like Trainline or the official rail sites (SNCF for France, DB for Germany, etc.) often have early-bird discounts. If you can plan your itinerary in advance, this is likely the most cost-effective option.

Local Transport Tips

And, of course, you’ll also need to know the best ways to get around the places you’re visiting. Luckily, European cities often have excellent public transportation and are highly walkable. 

Metro & Trams: Most major European cities have metro and tram systems. Grab a multi-day transport pass if you’ll be using public transit frequently—these often save you money over single tickets. For example, Barcelona has a T10 card that covers 10 trips for a little over 10 euros. Apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or Moovit can help you navigate routes easily.

Buses: While metros are the go-to in big cities, buses might better for reaching places outside the city center. And many cities, like Paris and Barcelona, let you use metro tickets on buses. They are the same type of ticket.

Bike Rentals: Many European cities are super bike-friendly! Cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Berlin have bike rental stations everywhere, making it an easy and affordable way to explore. Just be sure to follow local cycling rules. (I once got pulled over by men on horses for running a red light on my bicycle in Amsterdam).

Walking: Honestly, walking is my favorite way to experience a city. Not only is it free, but it lets you stumble upon hidden gems you’d never see otherwise. I’d rather do a 25-minute walk than a 15-minute metro any day!

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Europe

The most important thing is your safety! Here is my best advice and safety tips after more than a decade traveling solo in Europe.

Safety for Solo Female Travelers

• Be vigilant. Have fun and be spontaneous, but use common sense.
• Don’t make eye contact with weirdos on the street (especially after dark).
• Try not to walk home alone on dark streets.
• Never tell an initial stranger you’re traveling alone.
• Let your family or friends know your location; share your location digitally.
• Avoid going home with strangers. Trust your gut.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended in clubs, bars, etc.
• Don’t post your exact current location on social media. Rather, keep your content a day or two behind for safety.

Avoiding Common Scams & Pickpockets

• Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket or sticking out of your front pocket. Pickpockets will see them and they will snatch them up.
• Beggars come up with all sorts of tricks. Don’t sign petitions or give money to trickster beggars. In Paris, a beggar pushed his change jar out in front of me, causing me to kick it (this was his plan). Then he acted like I ruined his life, hoping I’d give him money to make up for “my mistake.” I didn’t fall for it.
• Keep your belongings secure and tucked away in crowded areas and metros. I like to use an anti-theft crossbody to help mitigate any issues.
• Don’t high-five strangers. It’s often a theft tactic used to distract you so someone else can steal your phone or other belongings. 

I go more in-depth in my tips on avoiding pickpockets in Europe guide.

Stay Connected

While traveling is often a time for disconnecting from life back home, for safety, I do suggest getting a European eSIM for your trip. You can get a regional eSIM from Sim Local that will cover all European countries, including the United Kingdom.

It’s good to have an eSIM so that you can check maps when needed, find your way if you get lost, or need to make a call or connect with someone. 

I wouldn’t travel solo without having data on my phone, and you shouldn’t either.

And to save data, always connect to WiFi once you’re back at your accommodation, eating at a restaurant, or taking a break at a cafe. Some cities, like Barcelona, even have free WiFi in the city centre, but it’s not always reliable and disconnects easily.

Packing Tips For a Solo Trip to Europe

Hear me out–pack light. You’ll be traveling solo, so it’s up to you to lug around your suitcases and other items. Some accommodations might require you scaling a series of staircases because the building is old and doesn’t have an elevator.

Heading up to the fourth floor on foot is already a lot–then add a checked suitcase and a carry-on? No thanks!

That’s why traveling carry-on only is your best bet for a comfortable travel experience.

If you are a super minimalist, I recommend traveling only with this backpack, which can fit under the seat in front of you. This will help you travel light AND save on budget airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizz Air), which charge fees for overhead carry-on luggage.

However, that’s not always doable. If that’s the case, you can pair that backpack with a carry-on size suitcase. I prefer American Tourister or Jansport.

Here is a deeper dive on packing for Europe in a carry-on.

Travel Packing Essentials

• Universal adapter plug
• Power bank
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Laundry detergent sheets (if traveling longer than a week)
• Clothes/layers appropriate for your destination(s)
• Travel tripod for photos of yourself while traveling solo
• Travel towel (if staying in hostels)
• Anti-theft crossbody bag

How to Meet People While Traveling Solo in Europe

As I say, traveling solo isn’t the same as traveling alone. If you don’t want to be alone on your solo trip, you don’t have to be! There are so many opportunities to connect, network, and immerse yourself in the culture of the places you visit.

Stay in social accommodations: This includes hostels (particularly those with co-living spaces) or Airbnbs that have several rooms available and are aimed at young tourists. 

Join walking tours or cooking classes: I’ve met plenty of fellow travelers by doing walking tours through platforms like GetYourGuide or GuruWalk. It’s an easy way to meet other travelers, particularly solo travelers.

Apps like Meetup.com or Couchsurfing: For example, Meetup.com is a platform for finding local events. Some cities have events aimed at tourists and others are more general, like meeting up for a hike, city walk, yoga class, etc. 

On the other hand, Couchsurfing is an app/website that offers travelers an opportunity to stay with locals free of charge. However, the app has a section dedicated to meet-ups. This is how I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Krakow once, and how I met some amazing people when traveling solo in Morocco.

Final Tips for an Amazing Solo Trip in Europe

You’re almost ready for your unforgettable getaway! Before you go, here are some final tips I want you to know.

Embrace Spontaneity, But Use Common Sense

One of the best parts of solo travel is the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. If you stumble upon a charming café, an unexpected festival, or a hidden viewpoint, say yes to the experience. Some of my best travel memories come from moments I didn’t plan.

That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Have offline maps downloaded (Google Maps or Maps.me), know the basics of local emergency numbers, and always have a backup plan for transportation (especially at night). It’s all about finding that balance between adventure and common sense.

Overcoming Loneliness & Solo Travel Anxiety

It’s totally normal to feel lonely or anxious when you’re traveling solo, especially on your first trip abroad. But don’t let that stop you from immersing yourself in the experience!

• Stay social: Join walking tours, take a local cooking class, or book a group day trip. Hostels, co-working cafés, and even meetup apps like Couchsurfing or Meetup.com can help you connect with other travelers or even locals.
• Be present:  Instead of scrolling your phone when you feel alone, try people-watching at a café, journaling, or going for a walk with your headphones in.
• Remind yourself why you came: Solo travel isn’t about being alone—it’s about experiencing the world on your own terms. Every challenge you overcome will boost your confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be planning your next solo trip. WIth even more confidence, too!

Encouragement for First-Time Solo Travelers

It’s completely normal to be nervous before your first solo trip. But remember–every experienced solo traveler started exactly where you are now—excited, a little scared, and wondering if they made the right choice. You got this!

Trust me, solo travel is one of the most empowering things you can do. You’ll learn to trust yourself, make decisions on the fly, and discover just how capable you really are. And the best part? You’ll come home with incredible stories, a fresh perspective, and a newfound confidence that spills into every part of your life. 

So book the flight, pack your bags, and take that first step toward an empowered YOU. Your Euro adventure awaits you!

Conclusion

Whether you’re coming from North America, South America, or some other part of the world, a solo trip to Europe offers a magical chance to get to know yourself and discover this travel-friendly continent at your own pace.

I have a boocoos of other content to help you make the most of your trip to Europe. I’ve shared most of them above, but I will include a highlights list down below for your convenience. 

Europe Travel Resources:

• Packing List For Backpacking Europe
• Best Travel Apps For Europe
• Hostel Packing List
• Hostels vs. Airbnb
• Is Barcelona Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
• Is Dublin Safe For Solo Female Travel?
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe
• Solo Travel: How to Take Photos of Yourself

Thanks for reading this guide to planning a solo trip to Europe. Leave any comments or questions down below and I will get back to you ASAP. Happy travels!

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