10 Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe (Easy, Safe, and Fun)

My first solo trip to Europe taught me something simple, solo travel works best in cities that feel easy from the moment you arrive. Clear public transport, walkable neighborhoods, safe places to stay, and lots of low‑pressure things to do on your own. This guide brings together my favorite best solo travel destinations in Europe, the ones I would happily return to alone, with details I always wish I had on day one.

You will find quick picks if you are deciding fast, deeper city mini‑guides if you want to plan properly, plus sample itineraries and cost snapshots so budgeting does not feel like guesswork. I wrote this the way I travel, first person, honest, and focused on what actually helps when you are exploring on your own.

Quick‑Pick Solo Cities (at a glance)

City	Best For	Safety	Budget	Social Ease	Highlights
Amsterdam	Art, canals, cycling	★★★★☆	$$$	★★★★☆	Canal cruise, Van Gogh, Jordaan
Paris	Museums, cafés, long walks	★★★☆☆	$$$$	★★★☆☆	Louvre, Seine at sunset, Montmartre
Madrid	Food, nightlife, sunny plazas	★★★★☆	$$$	★★★★★	Tapas crawl, Prado, Retiro
Dublin	Friendly pubs, live music	★★★★★	$$$	★★★★★	Temple Bar music, Howth cliff walk
London	Theater, museums, markets	★★★★☆	$$$$	★★★★☆	West End, South Bank, free museums
Milan	Design, fashion, aperitivo	★★★★☆	$$$$	★★★☆☆	Duomo, Brera, day trip to Como
Florence	Renaissance art, compact center	★★★★☆	$$$	★★★☆☆	Uffizi, Duomo, Mercato Centrale
Venice	Slow wanders, island day trips	★★★★☆	$$$$	★★☆☆☆	Rialto, vaporetto rides, Burano
Athens	Ancient sites, Mediterranean vibe	★★★☆☆	$$	★★★★☆	Acropolis, Plaka, coastal tram
Oradea	Beautiful architecture on a budget	★★★★★	$	★★★☆☆	Art Nouveau core, thermal baths

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The first time I visited Amsterdam solo, I quickly realized how effortlessly this city fits a solo traveler’s rhythm. The canals wind through the heart of the city like calm, watery streets, lined with narrow houses whose gabled rooftops look like something from a storybook. You can spend an entire day here walking from one neighborhood to another, stopping for coffee, browsing local shops, or sitting on a bench just watching boats glide past.

Amsterdam is compact, safe, and beautifully walkable, but its real secret is how easy it makes it for you to feel at home. The tram and metro system is clear and reliable, but honestly, you’ll probably end up walking or cycling most places it’s part of the city’s charm.

Safety
I’ve always felt comfortable here, even after dark in central areas like Jordaan or De Pijp. The biggest hazard isn’t crime, but bikes cyclists have priority, and they move fast, so always check both directions before stepping off the curb. In crowded tourist spots like Dam Square, pickpocketing can happen, so keep your bag zipped and close.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €30–€45 (social hostels like ClinkNOORD or Stayokay Vondelpark are great for meeting people)
• Mid-range hotel: €120–€180 (look for canal-view boutique hotels for a memorable stay)
• Museum ticket: €12–€20 (some offer combination passes)
• Coffee: €3–€4 (go local at small cafés instead of chains)

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Jordaan: Quiet canals, art galleries, and cozy restaurants; perfect if you love slow morning walks.
• De Pijp: Trendy and multicultural, with Albert Cuyp Market and plenty of affordable eateries.
• Canal Ring (Grachtengordel): Classic postcard views and easy walking access to the big sights.

Things to Do

• Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum: See world-class art book ahead to skip lines.
• Canal Cruise at Sunset: The bridges light up, and the reflections make for unforgettable photos.
• Vondelpark: Pack a picnic, rent a bike, and join locals relaxing on the lawns.
• Noordermarkt on Saturdays: A mix of vintage stalls, organic produce, and street food.
• Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord: It’s free, quick, and takes you to creative spots like NDSM Wharf.

Solo Travel Tips
If cycling here feels intimidating, start with a small-group bike tour to learn the flow of traffic and local rules. Many solo travelers also join day trips to nearby towns like Haarlem or Zaanse Schans, they’re short rides away and add variety to your stay.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Amsterdam never feels like it’s rushing you. You can fill your days with museums and markets, or do nothing more than sit by a canal with a book. Whether you want to meet people at your hostel or spend the day quietly exploring, the city accommodates both perfectly.

Paris, France

Paris solo is like having a giant art gallery, café, and park to yourself you decide the pace, the direction, and when to pause for a second espresso. It’s a city where being alone feels natural. You can spend the morning at a museum, the afternoon walking along the Seine, and the evening enjoying a glass of wine in a small bistro without anyone wondering why you’re dining alone.

What makes Paris special for solo travelers is how well it supports both active sightseeing and slow, unstructured days. The metro is extensive and efficient, so you can hop from Montmartre’s cobbled streets to the leafy Luxembourg Gardens in under 30 minutes. And if you’re on foot, the city rewards you with endless architectural details, market smells, and snippets of music drifting from street performers.

Safety
Most central neighborhoods feel safe during the day, but I stick to busy, well-lit streets at night, especially if walking alone. Like in any large city, pickpocketing is the main risk, especially on the metro, around major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, and in crowded areas like Châtelet or Gare du Nord. I carry my bag in front in these spots and avoid keeping my phone out in my hand for long.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €35–€50 (MIJE or St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord are good central picks)
• Mid-range hotel: €130–€200 (look for small boutique hotels in Le Marais or Saint-Germain)
• Museum ticket: €12–€17 (many are free on the first Sunday of the month)
• Croissant & coffee: €4–€6 (standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting)

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Le Marais: Stylish, central, packed with cafés, and within walking distance of the Seine.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic Left Bank charm, full of bookshops, wine bars, and easy metro links.
• Canal Saint-Martin: Artsy, youthful, and less tourist-heavy; perfect for evening picnics by the water.

Things to Do

• Musée d’Orsay: My favorite museum for both the art and the building  I like starting upstairs with the Impressionists.
• Louvre Museum: Even if you skip the whole thing, choose one or two wings to focus on to avoid burnout.
• Seine Walk at Sunset: Grab a baguette, cheese, and fruit for a riverside dinner with locals.
• Montmartre: Wander up to Sacré-Cœur, then take the small stairways down through quiet residential streets.
• Shakespeare & Company: Browse books, then read on a bench in Square René Viviani next door.
• Marché Bastille (Thurs/Sun): A huge open-air market perfect for a morning stroll.

Solo Travel Tips
If you want to meet people, try a French cooking class or a market-to-table food tour they’re sociable, structured, and delicious. For a quieter experience, buy a museum pass and spend an afternoon in lesser-known spots like the Musée de l’Orangerie or Rodin Museum, which feel more intimate.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Paris is endlessly inspiring for a solo wanderer. There’s always somewhere to linger a park bench, a sunny café terrace, a viewpoint over the rooftops and you never feel out of place being on your own. Every arrondissement has its own mood, so even a short trip can feel layered and varied.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid solo is pure energy wrapped in sunshine. This is a city that starts slow in the morning, comes alive in the afternoon, and really hits its stride after dark. I love how easy it is to slip into the daily rhythm here: mornings in a museum, late lunches that roll into evening tapas, and plazas that buzz until well past midnight.

The city’s wide boulevards and leafy parks make walking a pleasure, while the metro gets you anywhere you want to go for just a few euros. If you’re a night owl, Madrid is heaven its social scene is built around eating and drinking together, so it’s easy to meet people just by standing at a tapas bar.

Safety
Madrid feels very safe in the central districts, even late at night. That said, I watch my belongings closely in busy places like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and inside metro stations. Pickpocketing is opportunistic here, so a crossbody bag with zippers is worth it.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €20–€35 (Cats Hostel and Ok Hostel are both social, central options)
• Mid-range hotel: €90–€150 (look near Plaza Mayor or in quieter Lavapiés for good value)
• Museum ticket: €10–€15 (many are free on certain days/times)
• Coffee: €2–€3 (cheaper if you stand at the bar)

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Malasaña: Trendy cafés, vintage shops, and creative energy ideal if you like artsy neighborhoods.
• La Latina: Narrow streets lined with tapas bars, lively in the evenings but quieter in the mornings.
• Barrio de las Letras: Literary history, charming streets, and easy access to the Prado and Retiro Park.

Things to Do

• Prado Museum: Spain’s most important art collection  I focus on one section each visit so it’s not overwhelming.
• Retiro Park: Row a boat on the lake, visit the Crystal Palace, and walk shaded paths with an ice cream in hand.
• Tapas Crawl: Head to Cava Baja and Cava Alta in La Latina; order one small plate and a drink at each stop.
• Royal Palace: Go early to beat the crowds and see the changing of the guard if your timing matches.
• Flamenco Show: A small tablao like Casa Patas or Cardamomo makes for an intimate experience.

Solo Travel Tips
Join a free walking tour on your first day to get your bearings and meet fellow travelers you can easily turn those introductions into a tapas night later. If you prefer a quieter social experience, take a Spanish cooking class to learn how to make paella and tortilla española.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Madrid has a warmth that makes you feel part of the city even if you arrive knowing no one. You can blend in as easily as you can join the buzz, and it’s the kind of place where a casual “hola” to your neighbor at the bar can lead to hours of conversation.

Dublin, Ireland

Landing in Dublin solo feels a little like arriving at a friend’s place a friend who just happens to have a city full of live music, hearty food, and easy conversation. I’ve rarely been in a place where it’s this effortless to chat with strangers. Order a pint at a pub and you’ll likely have three locals asking where you’re from before you take the second sip.

Dublin’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, but its bus and tram network are reliable if you want to stretch into the suburbs. And because English is spoken everywhere, there’s no language barrier to slow you down.

Safety
Dublin feels very safe in the city center. I’ve walked alone at night around Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and along the River Liffey without worry. As always, I stay aware and avoid dark, quiet alleys late at night, especially after pubs close when the crowds thin.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €25–€40 (Generator Dublin is social and central; Abigail’s Hostel has great river views)
• Mid-range hotel: €120–€180 (look in Georgian Dublin for character and charm)
• Museum entry: Many, like the National Museum, are free
• Pint of beer: €6–€7

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Temple Bar: Lively, full of music, but noisy late perfect if you want nightlife on your doorstep.
• St Stephen’s Green: Quieter, with elegant Georgian streets and easy access to parks.
• Docklands: Modern, well-connected by public transport, with plenty of dining options.

Things to Do

• Live Music Pub Crawl: Try a mix of famous spots like The Temple Bar Pub and smaller venues on Camden Street.
• Trinity College & Book of Kells: The library alone is worth the visit. I could spend an hour just photographing the Long Room.
• Howth Day Trip: A short train ride to a fishing village with stunning cliff walks and great seafood.
• Kilmainham Gaol: A moving historical site that adds depth to Ireland’s story.
• National Gallery of Ireland: Free entry and a quiet place to enjoy world-class art.

Solo Travel Tips
If you’re shy about walking into a pub alone, start with a guided pub tour you’ll get local history alongside your pint, and end the night with people to keep exploring with. In summer, join a coastal hiking group for fresh air and company.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Dublin is one of those rare cities where it’s almost impossible to feel lonely. Even if you spend the day sightseeing solo, the evenings have a way of drawing you into a circle of new friends, whether that’s over music, storytelling, or a shared plate of fish and chips.

London, England

London solo can feel like an endless choose-your-own-adventure. One day might be all about art and history, wandering from the British Museum to the National Gallery, and the next could be food-focused, hopping between markets and tiny coffee shops. The city is huge, but once you understand the Tube map, it opens up like a well-organized treasure chest.

What makes London perfect for solo travel is how it blends iconic sights with local discoveries. You can follow the big-name attractions in the morning, then spend the afternoon in a quiet garden square or at a neighborhood pub. And because so many museums are free, it’s easy to dip in and out without feeling like you have to “get your money’s worth” in a single exhausting visit.

Safety
Central London feels safe both day and night. I’m more cautious in quieter areas late in the evening and keep my bag zipped on the Tube, especially during rush hour. Crowds are the main “hazard”  always stand to the right on escalators and be ready to move with the flow.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: £25–£40 (YHA St Pancras and Wombat’s are well-located and social)
• Mid-range hotel: £140–£220 (South Bank and Bloomsbury have great options)
• Most major museums: Free entry
• Coffee: £3–£4

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• South Bank/Waterloo: Walkable to Tate Modern, theaters, and riverside paths.
• Bloomsbury: Near the British Museum, bookshops, and easy Tube links.
• Shoreditch: Edgy, full of street art, food stalls, and late-night energy.

Things to Do

• West End Show: Buy same-day tickets from official TKTS booths for discounted seats.
• South Bank Walk: Start at Tower Bridge and follow the Thames Path to Westminster, stopping at Borough Market for lunch.
• Markets: Borough for food lovers, Spitalfields for design and crafts, and Portobello Road on Saturdays for antiques.
• Museums: V&A for design, Tate Modern for contemporary art, and the British Library for literary treasures.
• Parks: Hyde Park for boating, Regent’s Park for gardens, or Hampstead Heath for panoramic views.

Solo Travel Tips
Join a small-group food tour in Soho or East London to combine dinner with conversation. Many hostels and hotels also run evening walking tours that end in a pub a great way to meet people without committing to a full night out.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
London’s variety means you’ll never run out of things to do, even on a longer trip. It’s easy to plan your days around your mood busy and social one day, quiet and reflective the next, and the city’s mix of cultures and cuisines keeps every day fresh.

Milan, Italy

Milan is often seen as Italy’s business and fashion capital, but traveling here solo opened my eyes to its softer side quiet courtyards hidden behind grand façades, relaxed aperitivo hours by the canals, and day trips that take you from bustling piazzas to lakeside serenity in under an hour.

The city is easy to navigate thanks to its grid-like street layout and reliable metro system. It’s walkable in the center, but the trams are a charming and inexpensive way to cover longer distances. Milan has a polished, cosmopolitan feel, but it still rewards those slow, unplanned detours down side streets.

Safety
Central Milan feels safe, even in the evenings. I do keep my bag in front on crowded trams and watch for pickpockets in busy areas like the Duomo square. At night, I stick to well-lit main streets and use official taxis or rideshare when returning late.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €25–€40 (Ostello Bello is one of the best in Europe for atmosphere and activities)
• Mid-range hotel: €120–€200 (look in Brera or near the Duomo for central convenience)
• Duomo terrace ticket: €15–€25
• Espresso: €1–€2 if you drink standing at the bar

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Brera: Cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a calm evening vibe.
• Porta Garibaldi/Isola: Trendy, with cool cafés and creative spaces.
• Duomo Area: Right in the center, ideal if it’s your first visit and you want to walk to major sights.

Things to Do

• Duomo di Milano: Visit both the interior and the rooftop terraces for sweeping city views.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture is worth a slow wander.
• Brera District: Afternoon art browsing followed by a glass of wine in a sidewalk café.
• Navigli Canals: Go at sunset for aperitivo hour, you’ll find dozens of spots offering drinks and snacks for a set price.
• Day Trip to Lake Como: Just 40 minutes by train; spend the day in Varenna or Bellagio.

Solo Travel Tips
Book The Last Supper tickets well in advance, it’s one of Milan’s most popular sights and often sells out weeks ahead. For an easy social evening, join an aperitivo tour in Navigli it’s essentially a progressive dinner with drinks, perfect for meeting other travelers.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Milan offers a balanced solo experience, a big-city buzz with pockets of quiet charm. It’s a place where you can go from high fashion to hole-in-the-wall trattorias in the same afternoon, and every corner feels photogenic without being overly crowded.

Florence, Italy

Florence is one of those cities where solo travel feels completely effortless. The historic center is compact enough to explore entirely on foot, yet packed with world-class art, lively markets, and rooftop views that make you stop and just take it all in. On my first solo visit, I spent most days wandering without a strict plan one moment browsing leather goods at San Lorenzo Market, the next sipping espresso in a tiny piazza, listening to street musicians.

The beauty of Florence is that so many major sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other. It’s the perfect place to slow down, skip the taxi, and let your feet (and curiosity) guide you.

Safety
Florence feels safe, especially in the well-trafficked historic center. Like most popular tourist cities, the main thing to watch out for is pickpocketing in crowded spots like Ponte Vecchio or outside the Duomo. I also avoid carrying too much cash and keep valuables close when wandering through busy markets.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €20–€35 (Plus Florence is a good mix of social and comfortable)
• Mid-range hotel: €100–€170 (look in Santa Croce or Oltrarno for charm without the heavy crowds)
• Uffizi/Accademia ticket: €12–€25
• Gelato: €3–€5 (Gelateria dei Neri is a personal favorite)

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Santa Croce: Close to major sights but calmer at night, with plenty of trattorias.
• Oltrarno: Artisan workshops, sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo, and more of a local feel.
• San Lorenzo: Near the central market and train station convenient for day trips.

Things to Do

• Uffizi Gallery: Masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Book early morning slots to enjoy it before the crowds.
• Accademia Gallery: Home to Michelangelo’s David still breathtaking in person.
• Climb the Duomo: The views over the red-tiled rooftops are worth the effort.
• Mercato Centrale: A great place for an easy solo meal grab a plate of pasta or a fresh sandwich and sit at the communal tables.
• Oltrarno’s Artisan Studios: Watch local craftsmen at work, from bookbinders to goldsmiths.

Solo Travel Tips
Take a Tuscan cooking class or wine tasting they’re a fun way to spend an evening and you’ll leave with new skills (and friends). If you have extra time, use Florence as a base for day trips to Siena, Lucca, or the Chianti wine region.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Florence has the perfect mix of walkable charm, incredible food, and endless art. It’s small enough to feel approachable, but layered enough that every visit offers something new. If you want to dive deeper into planning, I’ve put together a full guide with my best things to do in Florence, including local tips and hidden corners worth your time.

Venice, Italy

Venice has a way of slowing you down not because you’re tired, but because every corner tempts you to stop and look. Traveling here solo gave me the freedom to wander without an agenda, choosing which sestiere (district) to explore each day. In the morning, I’d follow the quiet canals of Cannaregio, and by afternoon, I’d be on a vaporetto drifting down the Grand Canal, letting the city unfold in front of me.

The lack of cars changes the entire feel of Venice. You walk, you take boats, and you let your pace match the rhythm of the water. It’s also the kind of city where getting lost is part of the experience some of my favorite memories came from turning down an alley I didn’t recognize and stumbling onto a tiny campo (square) with just a few locals chatting outside a café.

Safety
Venice feels very safe for solo travelers, even after dark, especially in the busier areas near San Marco or Rialto. The main risk here isn’t crime but getting caught in a crowd on a narrow bridge keep your bag secure in busy areas and at ferry stops.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €25–€45 (Combo Venezia in Cannaregio is stylish and social)
• Mid-range hotel: €140–€220 (stay in Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for quieter nights)
• Vaporetto day pass: ~€25
• Espresso: €1–€2 if you stand at the bar

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Cannaregio: More local, with charming canals and affordable restaurants.
• Dorsoduro: Close to major museums but calmer in the evenings.
• San Polo: Central, near the markets and Rialto Bridge.

Things to Do

• Rialto Market: Go early to see the fishmongers at work and browse the produce stalls.
• Grand Canal by Vaporetto: Take Line 1 for a slow, scenic trip sit outside if you can.
• San Marco Basilica: Go for early entry to avoid the midday crush.
• Island Hopping: Spend a day visiting Murano (glass-making), Burano (colorful houses), and Torcello (peaceful and historic).
• Teatro La Fenice: Catch a concert or opera if you want an elegant evening out.

Solo Travel Tips
Join a cicchetti tour (Venetian tapas) in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. It’s a delicious way to discover local bars, try small bites, and connect with other travelers without the formality of a sit-down dinner. For a quieter moment, pack a book and sit on the Fondamenta delle Zattere in the late afternoon to watch boats glide by.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Venice rewards curiosity. Without the pressure of sticking to a schedule, you can take side streets, follow the sound of church bells, and spend hours by the water. It’s a place where the journey between sights is often just as memorable as the sights themselves.

Athens, Greece

Athens is where ancient history and modern city life blend seamlessly. Traveling here solo felt like stepping into two worlds at once mornings exploring ruins that have stood for thousands of years, afternoons in bustling markets, and evenings spent on rooftop terraces watching the Acropolis glow in the night sky.

The city center is walkable, but the metro system makes it easy to hop between neighborhoods and even out to the coast. One of my favorite solo days in Athens started with the Acropolis, moved through the maze of Plaka’s narrow streets, and ended with a tram ride to a quiet beach on the Athenian Riviera.

Safety
Athens is generally safe in tourist areas during the day. At night, I stick to lively, well-lit streets in neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Koukaki. Pickpocketing can happen on crowded metro lines and in busy squares, so I keep my phone and wallet secured and avoid flashing valuables.

Average Costs

• Hostel bed: €15–€30 (City Circus and Bedbox are great for meeting fellow travelers)
• Mid-range hotel: €80–€140 (look in Koukaki or Syntagma for easy access to sights)
• Acropolis combo ticket: ~€30
• Gyro: €3–€4

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Koukaki: Walkable to the Acropolis, full of cafés and small restaurants.
• Plaka: Picturesque streets, central location, and lots of charm.
• Pangrati: Residential feel, great local bakeries, and slightly lower prices.

Things to Do

• Acropolis & Parthenon: Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
• Acropolis Museum: A perfect follow-up to seeing the ruins in person  the glass floors alone are worth it.
• Anafiotika: A hidden cluster of whitewashed houses on the slopes of the Acropolis that feels like a Greek island village.
• Central Market (Varvakios): Stalls piled high with olives, spices, meats, and fresh produce.
• Coastal Tram Ride: Take the tram to Flisvos Marina or Edem Beach for a relaxed afternoon.

Solo Travel Tips
A street food tour is one of the easiest ways to get comfortable in Athens and sample dishes you might not try on your own. For a more active day, join a mythology walking tour that weaves Greek legends into the city’s landmarks  it’s a great way to connect with other travelers while exploring.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Athens offers so much variety in a single day  you can stand in the shadow of the Parthenon in the morning, haggle for spices at midday, and be by the sea before sunset. It’s a city that keeps you engaged while still leaving room for unplanned discoveries.

Oradea, Romania

Oradea was one of the most unexpected surprises on my solo travels through Europe. Tucked away near Romania’s border with Hungary, it’s calm, colorful, and incredibly affordable the kind of place where you can linger over a coffee without checking your budget and still enjoy a full day of sightseeing.

The city’s Art Nouveau architecture is stunning, especially in the pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Walking here feels like flipping through the pages of an illustrated book pastel façades, ornate balconies, and wide squares dotted with fountains. Because it’s less touristy than most European cities, you often get to enjoy these views in peace, making it ideal for solo travelers who prefer a slower pace.

Safety
Oradea feels very safe, even late in the evening. The locals are friendly and helpful, and the city’s relaxed atmosphere makes walking around alone feel comfortable. As always, I keep valuables secure, but I’ve never felt unsafe here.

Average Costs

• Hostel or budget hotel: €15–€30
• Mid-range hotel: €50–€90 (many include breakfast)
• Coffee: €2–€3
• Thermal bath entry: €8–€15

Best Areas to Stay (for solo travelers)

• Old Town (Union Square area): Close to restaurants, cafés, and the city’s most beautiful buildings.
• Near Aquapark Nymphaea: Great if you want to spend time in the thermal baths and water park.

Things to Do

• Art Nouveau Walking Route: Start at the Black Eagle Palace and follow the trail through Oradea’s prettiest streets.
• Union Square (Piața Unirii): The heart of the city, perfect for people-watching from a terrace café.
• Thermal Baths: Spend a slow afternoon soaking ideal after a day of walking.
• Oradea Fortress: Recently restored and often hosts cultural events.
• Day Trip to Apuseni Mountains: If you love nature, this area offers hiking and caving opportunities just a short drive away.

Solo Travel Tips
If you’re working remotely, Oradea is a great base cafés are laptop-friendly, Wi-Fi is reliable, and the pace is unhurried. I’ve found that simply asking a barista where they’d go for dinner often leads to the best local food recommendations.

Why I Love It for Solo Travel
Oradea has all the charm of a European city but without the tourist crowds or high prices. It’s a place where you can slow down, enjoy the details, and feel like you’ve discovered somewhere truly special all while traveling comfortably on your own.

Solo Itineraries

7 days, first‑timer, easy and classic

• Day 1–2: Amsterdam (canal cruise, museums, Jordaan)
• Day 3–4: Paris (Orsay, Seine, Montmartre)
• Day 5–7: London (South Bank, free museums, West End)

10 days, food and art

• Day 1–3: Madrid (Prado, Retiro, tapas nights)
• Day 4–6: Florence (Uffizi, Duomo, pasta class)
• Day 7–10: Milan with a Como day trip and Navigli aperitivo

10 days, sun and history

• Day 1–3: Athens (Acropolis, markets, coastal tram)
• Day 4–7: Venice (islands day trip, cicchetti crawl)
• Day 8–10: Oradea to slow down and save the budget

Costs at a Glance (typical solo, per day)

City	Shoestring	Mid‑range	Notes
Amsterdam	€60–€90	€140–€220	Museum passes help if you plan two or more
Paris	€70–€110	€150–€240	Set lunch menus are good value
Madrid	€50–€80	€120–€180	Tapas sharing keeps costs low
Dublin	€60–€100	€150–€220	Many museums are free
London	£60–£100	£170–£250	Transit caps with contactless
Milan	€60–€100	€140–€220	Espresso at the bar is cheapest
Florence	€50–€80	€120–€180	Combo tickets for big museums
Venice	€70–€120	€160–€240	Vaporetto pass saves money
Athens	€40–€70	€90–€140	Street food is excellent value
Oradea	€30–€50	€70–€110	Great mid‑range hotel prices

Shoestring assumes hostel, transit,and simple meals. Mid‑range assumes 3‑star hotel, paid sights, and one sit‑down meal.

When to Go

• March–May: cooler mornings, blooming parks, lighter crowds.
• June: long days, busy but still manageable if you book key sights.
• July–August: hot and crowded in Paris, Florence, Venice, Athens. Book early entries and plan indoor afternoons.
• September–October: best balance of weather and crowds in most cities.
• November–February: cheapest for Paris, London, Amsterdam, with cozy museum days. Venice feels quiet and moody, which I enjoy solo.

Safety & Common Scams to Know

• Pickpockets around big sights and on metros in Paris, Madrid, Milan. Keep bags zipped in front.
• Friendship bracelets/clipboard petitions near major Paris monuments. A firm “no, thank you” works.
• Taxi overcharges from airports. Use official stands or rideshare apps.
• ATM skimmers anywhere touristy. Prefer bank‑attached ATMs inside branches.
• Bike lanes in Amsterdam. Look both ways and do not pause on the lane for photos.

General rule I follow, keep one card separate, carry a phone power bank, share live location with a friend when heading out late, and trust your instincts.

Solo travel in Europe does not need to feel complicated. Pick a city that matches your pace, choose a central neighborhood, plan one anchor activity per day, and leave space for slow moments. The ten cities here have made me feel welcome on my own, and they are exactly where I would send a friend planning their first solo trip.

FAQs