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Hayley on Holiday

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

October 26, 2020 in Europe, Solo Female Travel
Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here.

Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe.

So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe.Ā 

I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals.Ā 

Table of Contents Show
Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe.
Best places to travel alone in Europe
1. Dublin
2. Amsterdam
3. London
4. Copenhagen
5. Belfast
6. Brussels
7. Bruges
8. Edinburgh
9. Ljubljana
10. Paris
11. Wrocław
12. Vilnius
13. Prague
14. Budapest
15. Zagreb
16. Athens
17. Stockholm
18. Riga
19. Berlin
20. York
21. Salzburg
Well, that’s a wrap on my personal recommendations for the best places to travel alone in Europe.

Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips.Ā 

Best places to travel alone in Europe

1. Dublin

I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion.Ā 

Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom.

Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers.

Colourful flags between buildings in Dublin (one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Colourful Dublin

2. Amsterdam

I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller.

Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre.Ā 

Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately.

Houses bordering an Amsterdam canal (one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Houses lining one of Amsterdam’s many canals

3. London

Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone.

Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats.

Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas.

The Churchill Arms pub decorated with Christmas trees in London, England

The Churchill Arms pub at Christmas

4. Copenhagen

Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation.Ā 

Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions.

Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmƶ day trip, check out this post.

The colourful waterfront buildings of Nyhavn in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen’s colourful Nyhavn Harbour

5. Belfast

Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history.Ā 

Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK.

Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very welcoming and cosy hostel located just outside the city centre.

Related Belfast posts: A weekend in Belfast (check it out for a detailed description of the walking tour) and once again, my Ireland and North Ireland solo travel itinerary.

Belfast City Hall (Belfast is one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Belfast City Hall starting to glow

6. Brussels

Brussels and I are basically BFFs now, having visited three times in roughly two years. It’s definitely one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel. There’s plenty to see and do, delicious food to eat and beer to drink, and the day trip opportunities are worth the visit alone. Solo travellers can easily hop on a train to places like Liege, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. I prefer Bruges and Ghent to Antwerp, but I also haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Liege yet.Ā 

Where to stay in Brussels: I’ve stayed at both Captaincy Guesthouse and Generation Europe Youth Hostel and the guesthouse is one of the best places I’ve stayed across Europe.

Related Brussel post: All the things to do in Brussels.

Things to do in Brussels, Belgium - visit Grand Place

Exploring Brussels, fueled by chocolate and waffles.

7. Bruges

Speaking of Belgium, I’ve also spent the weekend in Bruges and it’s another one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. A small and walkable city, you only need a day or two to see Bruge’s main sights. But it’s one of the prettiest places to visit in Europe, so I had to add it to my list.

Where to stay in Bruges: Lybeer Hostel. This hostel is in a great location with clean rooms and cosy common areas.

Related Bruges post: The best places to visit in Bruges to take the prettiest photos.

Four colourful Dutch houses with green awnings, backdropped by a bright blue sky in Bruges, Belgium

Picking a favourite Bruges photo is very difficult…

8. Edinburgh

Hello, my name is Hayley and I love Edinburgh. Thankfully, it also happens to be one of Europe’s top solo travel destinations. It’s easy to walk between the Old and New Towns, but public transport is easy to navigate if needed. There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh too. Some of my favourite Edinburgh attractions include Dean Village, Calton Hill and the National Museum of Scotland. If you have time, I also highly recommend doing a day trip with Rabbie Tours. I’ve done their West Highlands and Loch Ness day tours.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: I’ve stayed at Kick Ass Greyfriars twice and would definitely recommend staying there if on a budget. It’s affordable, clean and located in the heart of the Old Town.

Related Edinburgh post: 10 reasons to add Edinburgh to your bucket list.

Edinburgh Castle glowing at sunrise from Edinburgh's Grassmarket neighbourhood. (Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel).

Edinburgh Castle glowing in the morning light

9. Ljubljana

If you’re looking for a solo vacation that combines city sightseeing with the most picture-perfect natural attraction imaginable, head to Ljubljana and do a day trip to Lake Bled. Ljubljana is a compact city, so you can comfortably see the main sights in a weekend. But don’t miss out on Lake Bled – it’s amazing!Ā 

Where to stay in Ljubljana: Vila VeselovaĀ is a small boutique hostel with friendly staff that’s walking distance from the bus stop and the city centre.

Related Ljubljana post: How to do a day trip from Lake Bled to Ljubljana.

Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

Lake Bled is the main reason to visit Ljubljana, seriously šŸ˜‚

10. Paris

Ah, Paris. One of the top destinations in Europe, period, it just so happens to be one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel too. There are so many things to do in Paris, you could easily spend a week or more wandering around the city.Ā 

Where to stay in Paris: I highly recommend staying at Le Village Hostel in Montmartre. It’s surrounded by cute cafes, bakeries and you know, Sacre Coeur.

Related Paris post: My solo travel guide to Paris.

Colourful houses in Paris (one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Colourful Parisian streets

11. Wrocław

Wrocław is probably one of the more unexpected cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. I headed there on a whim from Berlin and it was a very pleasant surprise. It’s incredibly cheap and there are enough things to do in Wrocław to keep you busy for a weekend. If there’s only one thing you do though, make sure you indulge in some oven-baked perogies from Pierogarnia Stary Młyn.

Where to stay in Wroclaw: TOGOTO is a relatively new hostel with modern and cheap private rooms.

Related Wroclaw post: Here’s my Wrocław city break post.

The orange exterior and a small garden maze at the Ossolineum Institute in Wroclaw, Poland. (Wroclaw is both one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe and one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

The Ossolineum Institute in Wroclaw

11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe

12. Vilnius

When travelling alone in Europe, I highly recommend heading to the Baltics. I found the region to be one of the safest places to travel alone in Europe. Vilnius is another walkable and cheap city with friendly locals and delicious food. While in Vilnius, definitely do one (or more) of the tours organised by Vilnius With Locals Tours. I did two (the main one and the alternative tour) and thoroughly enjoyed them both.

Where to stay in Vilnius: I loved my stay at Old Town Trio Hotel. I had a cheap private room for myself and there was a very clean bathroom across the hall. It’s also walking distance from the bus station and city centre.

Related Vilnius post: 9 things you can’t miss on a visit to Vilnius.

Don't miss the view from the Bell Tower of St John's Church in Vilnius, Lithuania, one of Europe's top solo travel destinations.

Vilnius views

13. Prague

I’ve visited Prague twice now as a solo traveller and there are still things for me to tick off my Prague bucket list. Make sure you spend time exploring Prague Castle, the New Town and the Old Town. Please also enjoy a chimney cake smothered in Nutella for me!

Where to stay in Prague: If you’re looking for a great hostel, check out Sophie’s Hostel. The dorms are basically apartments, with a large bedroom with five single beds, a private bathroom and a small kitchenette. It’s also close to public transport and walking distance to many of Prague’s top attractions.

Related Prague post: My Prague solo travel guide.

A solo travel guide to Prague

Prague street scenes

14. Budapest

Another one of the best places to travel alone in Europe is Budapest. There are plenty of things to do in Budapest, plus it’s cheap, pretty and has good food galore. Don’t be scared to visit in late autumn (basically winter) either. I visited Budapest in mid-November and the Christmas market was already in full swing, which meant more delicious food to enjoy.

Where to stay in Budapest: I stayed at the centrally-located Wombats Hostel (seriously, one of my favourite hostel chains in Europe).

Related Budapest post: A winter’s weekend in Budapest, featuring 15+ things to do.

City views in Budapest

Another day, another European city view.

15. Zagreb

I only spent one day in Zagreb, but the underrated destination is also one of the best places to travel solo in Europe. If you only have one day in Zagreb like me, I recommend doing a free walking tour, as it allows you to see and learn more about Zagreb’s most important landmarks.

Where to stay in Zagreb: Dots HostelĀ is a boutique family-owned hostel located close to the city with affordable private rooms.

Related Zagreb post: How to spend 24 hours in Zagreb.

City views in Zagreb (one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Welcome to Zagreb!

16. Athens

I was actually worried before my solo vacation in Athens, as I didn’t know if it was a great destination for solo female travellers in Europe. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried as I loved my time in Athens and felt totally comfortable there while travelling alone in Europe. There are so many things to do in Athens, but my favourites included this free walking tour (I know, I know, I love a good walking tour), exploring Anafiotika and Plaka, and eating all the Greek food (another running theme). If you have time, I also did a Greek Islands cruise and it was such a great way to glimpse the islands with limited time in Greece.

Where to stay in Athens: You have to stay at Mosaikon Athens. Located close to Monastiraki Square, the staff here were so welcoming and friendly. My dorm room was also very modern, with privacy blinds on each bed and a large private bathroom.

Related Athens posts: A guide to Athens in November and a recap of my Greek Islands day cruise from Athens.

Acropolis views from Athens' Anafiotika neighbourhood (Athens is one of the more surprising places to travel alone in Europe).

One of my favourite photos from Athens

My top tips for solo travellers staying in hostels

Ā 17. Stockholm

Now, Stockholm is probably one of the more expensive solo travel destinations in Europe on this list. I ended up only spending one day in Stockholm before heading onto Gothenburg and Malmƶ. But I did still like my visit and I made sure I didn’t miss indulging in a cinnamon scroll or two and strolling through the Old Town.

Where to stay in Stockholm: I stayed at Generator Stockholm and while it was expensive, I find Generator to be a great hostel chain. They’re always clean with comfortable beds and good common areas.

Related Stockholm post: 8 things to do with one day in Stockholm.

Lunch is served at Brƶd & Salt in Stockholm

The delectable cabinet at Brƶd & Salt

18. Riga

Another destination in the Baltics, Riga is a great city for solo travel in Europe. I had a lovely time exploring Riga – doing a walking tour, visiting the market and exploring the Old Town. My favourite solo activity was seeing the sunset from the Skyline Bar, though. Don’t miss it!

Where to stay in Riga: I stayed in a very cheap private room I found at Appart-31 via Booking.com. However, another hostel option is the top-rated Tree House Hostel.

Related Riga post: 15 things to do during a weekend in Riga.

City views at dusk from the Skyline Bar in Riga, Latvia (Riga is one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe and one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

The amazing views waiting for you from Riga’s Skyline Bar

19. Berlin

Full disclosure: Berlin isn’t my favourite destination in Europe. However, it is one of the best places to visit alone in Europe. It’s another big city with plenty of solo traveller-friendly attractions to keep you busy. My top recommendations include visiting the East Side Gallery, enjoying lunch at Markthalle Neun and wandering around the city centre.

Where to stay in Berlin: I stayed at Singer109 and it was great! There were large common areas, an onsite bar and it was walking distance to Alexanderplatz.

Posing beside bright red art at the East Side Gallery in Berlin (one of the best places to travel alone in Europe).

Checking out Berlin’s East Side Gallery

20. York

A second English addition to this list of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, I really enjoyed my brief time in York. While I only had a day to explore, I saw most of the main York sights. My top recommendations include picking up lunch and snacks at the Shambles Market and waking up early to take photos of the pretty York streets without the crowds.

Where to stay in York: I stayed at Astor York and it had its pros and cons. While it was located on the city’s outskirts, it was walking distance to the train/bus station. The dorms were also cosy but with metal bunk beds (a.k.a the worst).Ā 

Related York post: I have two York blog posts, including a one day in York itinerary and the best free things to do in York.

Pretty historic buildings in York, England (York is one of the best places to travel alone in Europe and the UK).

Look how pretty York is šŸ˜

21. Salzburg

Now, Salzburg has pros and cons as a solo traveller destination, but I still had to include it on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. The main disadvantage for me was that while it’s a short two-hour bus ride from Munich, the bus drop-off spot is located on the city’s outskirts. However, there was a public bus stop across the road and I found it easy to get a bus into the city and my hostel. Thankfully, Salzburg makes up for that extra annoyance with its incredible scenery. I recommend seeing the view from Aussicht Kapuzinerberg, walking along the river, exploring the Old Town and doing a trip to Hallstatt, of course.

Where to stay in Salzburg: Yoho International Youth Hostel is a great place to stay in Salzburg, as it’s centrally located with an onsite bar and cosy dorm rooms. I also loved that they played The Sound of Music every night, as you could see the film locations on-screen before seeing them in real life the next day.

Related Salzburg post: My guide to a Hallstatt day trip from Salzburg.

Autumn leaves framing Salzburg's hilltop castle.

Autumn in Salzburg

Well, that’s a wrap on my personal recommendations for the best places to travel alone in Europe.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I’ve personally visited all of these solo travel destinations in Europe. So when I can eventually return, I’ll be sure to update this list. Remember, for more advice, check out my Europe itinerary, solo travel destinations around the worldĀ and my entire Europe archive.

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Comments

  1. Hayley Simpson says

    October 27, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    100% agree that bigger cities are better for solo travellers! I also wouldn’t mind returning to London – take me with you 😭.

    Reply
  2. Claire @ TallGirlBigWorld says

    October 26, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    Such a good list!! I’m bookmarking this for whenever travel opens up again. In my experience, it’s easier to travel solo in big cities since there’s no need to rent a car, etc. Brussels was the first place I ever visited by myself and I LOVED it. London was also a good solo destination and I’m desperate to go back.

    Reply

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Hi šŸ‘‹šŸ». I’m Hayley, an Australian who’s been solo travelling around the world for 10 years. 40+ countries and two working holidays in Canada later, Hayley on Holiday is my one-stop resource for solo and budget travel. I hope it inspires you to take the leap and explore this wonderful world we live in.

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Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? šŸ˜‚   Note:Ā Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation. The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers 1. Melbourne Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda, having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road. I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent. Where to stay in Melbourne: I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne. But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel, which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure. Read more: Where to eat in Melbourne, free things to do and general things to do, where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out. 2. Magnetic Island This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone. On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience šŸ˜‰. Where to stay on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay. Read more: Things to do on Magnetic Island, favourite photo locations and where to find koalas. 3. Sydney Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria. Where to stay in Sydney: Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me. Read more: Fun things to do in Sydney As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone. 4. Hobart I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca. Where to stay in Hobart: I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. They offer free day trips to MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD. Read more: A visit to Mount Wellington, top things to do and where to eat in Hobart. 5. Cairns So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island. You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds. Where to stay in Cairns: I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s […]

Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe. So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe.Ā  I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals.Ā  Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips.Ā  Best places to travel alone in Europe 1. Dublin I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion.Ā  Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom. Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers. 2. Amsterdam I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre.Ā  Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately. 3. London Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone. Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats. Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas. 4. Copenhagen Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation.Ā  Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmƶ day trip, check out this post. 5. Belfast Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history.Ā  Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK. Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very […]

Enjoying the view at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia

The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide – What You Need To Know Before You Visit Bali Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick šŸ™ŒšŸ»). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. With detailed information on the best places to visit, things to do in Bali alone and general travel tips, this is the only travel guide you’ll need to read before you solo travel in Bali. General solo travel in Bali tips Firstly, I want to direct you to this post, as it covers all of my top Bali travel tips. But here are some additional tips, specifically in regards to solo travel in Bali. Getting around Bali as a solo traveller Arriving at the airport You’ll undoubtedly be arriving in Bali via plane. The airport has gotten a lovely renovation in recent years (I still have fond memories of the previous airport). Nonetheless, once you step outside you will be overwhelmingly greeted by hundreds of locals holding signs that display different names. Most accommodation in Bali will offer to organise airport transport for you. I take them up on the offer as it’s the easiest option, especially when you’re arriving in a foreign country late at night. Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or ā€œforgetā€ to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option.Ā  Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas.Ā  What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink.Ā  I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends šŸ˜‚. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insuranceĀ before your solo trip to Bali.Ā  Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed […]

Tower Bridge in London, England

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local šŸ’ā€ā™€ļø. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with an ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also within walking distance of two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better.Ā  Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in LondonĀ  Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames.Ā  2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list šŸ˜‰ 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are […]

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