I’ve been travelling solo for years now and coming from Europe, I have covered some ground on the continent. So which places can I recommend for the best solo travel destinations in Europe? Here are 16 for starters.
Bamberg, Germany
Wondering where to travel in Europe for the ultimate medieval city charm? Consider Bamberg, my favourite city in Germany. It’s got everything you want in typical German city and is stupidly enchanting.
Old half-timbered houses with the beams in all different autumn colours, medieval churches and cathedrals, cobblestones and narrow side lands and a river to hang out on hot and lazy days.
There are so many great places to eat out and have a drink or just enjoy a picturesque walk with a huge amount of photo opportunities.
If you didn’t know, most of the recent film “The Three Musketeers“ was shot here. No wonder with that unique town hall sitting on two bridges over the river.
Read more: Altes Land – Germany Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
York, England
It is not massive, but this town sure knows how to impress with its well preserved medieval and Roman heritage. Walk on top of the city walls, get crammed in the shambles and just feel your heart melting there at the chocolate and crepe shop.
History lovers will need to put York on their list for must see places to go in Europe.
I have never seen a place with so many adorable quirky shops, selling unique gifts and nerdy merchandise. It was a pure geek heaven. Also with its many churches, it did have a couple of lovely British cemeteries on offer.
In the middle of the city. The best part, however, is the Castle Hill covered in daffodils in spring and watching the sunset from up here is just serene.
Read more: How to Have a Perfect Shakespeare Trip in England
Edinburgh, Scotland
My favourite European city, the capital of Scotland is a medieval fairy tale setting. I came here on the first day of the year and the silence that hung over the city like the frosty ice that filled the air added to its mystery.
Walking along the streets that are just lined with old and iconic buildings, you can’t help but feel Edinburgh’s majestic vibe when you are surrounded by two mountains that are placed directly in the city.
One of them has the castle on top and if you walk up even further, the old temple has the best view on an early morning and at dusk. Watching the smoke rise from the chimneys while everything is drowning in misty twilight. I just love Edinburgh.
Still to this day, I find it one of the best European cities to visit. Even on a rainy day in Edinburgh, the city is just magical.
Wicklow Mountains, Ireland
The Wicklow Mountains in Ireland left such a lasting impression on me, my love for them is legit. If you loved the film P.S. I Love You or Braveheart then you will be in bliss to discover some scenes were shot here.
In fact, many scenes that are supposedly set in the Scottish Highlands were filmed here for tax reasons. But even if you can’t be bothered with nerdy film insights, this area is just how you pictured Ireland to be from all the Kerry Gold ads and green island clichés.
It’s insanely green, at times it looks barren and like a moon landscape (and has actually been used for filming that as well). Rolling hills, bubbling streams and chippy birds overhead, come on, this is just the stuff that dreams are made on.
Read more: So What Is the St Patricks Parade?
Stockholm, Sweden
There are so many cute places all over Sweden so that it was hard to choose but Stockholm combines everything I love about Sweden. It definitelyi ranks among the top cities to visit in Europe in summer.
It actually has these blue eyed blonde Scandinavian hotties, the cute, colourful and little wooden houses, the stony and pine tree dotted coastlines and the royal family that is so down to earth they might as well be super elegant, wealthy and poised commoners.
Or maybe not. But the point is this place merges it all and offers an ideal city break in Europe. Great parks to chill, precious houses for feeling fancy, a harbour for a day cruise and hip places.
It is stylish as can be but feels inclusive. You might not want to leave (but let it be said here that to get a place to live in Stockholm, you have to be on a waiting list for 3 years!).
Read more: How to spend 3 days in Copenhagen and Malmö
Saariselkä, Finland
This is a super touristy place in Europe. But Saariselkä in Finland is just too pretty and has this rusty, wooden cabin feel that you crave in the snowed in winters you will find in Samí-Land (generally known as the colonial term Lapland). It’s certainly a more unusual European city break but ideal for powdery winter getaways.
Walking among the cabins with the thick snow and lots of silly ideas in my head, it is a huge playground – and you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it. Also, here you can find a lot of fun things to do, like actual playground, museums, snow mobiling and – my favourite – husky sledging.
No trip to Samí-Land is complete without having run with the huskies and played with the puppies.
Plus, Saariselkä is close to Rovaniemi, which is one of THE top places to be in Europe for Christmas. It has the village of Santa Claus and his reindeer!
Read more: Reasons to love Samí-Land
Burgønes, Norway
Again, to be honest this was the only place I have ever been to in Norway. But it was great so that I have to boast about it as a majorly cool (pun intended) destination on Europe.
Such a pretty snowed in village with quaint houses, the Arctic Ocean at your feet and known for its fishing industry.
If you’re into fish and the largest crabs, then it’s a must see for you. Or if you like snow. Or finding a flower that only grows here on this cemetery and in Siberia. This place is that unique.
Prague, Czech Republic
How amazing is this European capital? The architecture stuns with its massive medieval bridges, delicate lamp posts, huge castle and the impressive museums.
Plus, the food is great (for non-vegetarians), the people are friendly and there is so much to see, a day won’t really cut it. Walking through the old city with so many of its historic buildings intact feels like a fairy tale. No wonder it’s one of the most beautiful European destinations.
Read more: What is Czech Food Like?
Zgorzelec, Poland
This is one of the most special places to visit in Europe and is only half of the original city it used to be. The other half can be seen on the other side of the bridge, in Germany. The contrast is immediate.
While the German part obviously has been provided with the necessary funds to look after and restore its trademark carved doors and medieval cityscape (there is a mystery millionaire donating every year), the Polish part looks a bit forlorn.
But seeing both together actually brings out the charm and it should be visited not only for cheap cigarettes and beer – as so many Germans do – but just to get this contrast as well.
Salzburg, Austria
Pure beauty. And one of the mst best European Christmas destinations ! There’s nothing else I can see. Wandering through the palace gardens with the view of the castle overhead, climbing said castle, passing the cemetery at the mountain’s foot
(I am crazy about cemeteries, in case you hadn’t noticed) and being humbled by the cathedral, walking in the famous Mozart’s feet along the old streets is an experience like no other.
Don’t forget to get your own chocolate praline, pretzels and herbal beer treats. It is not just pleasing to the eyes and ears but to your taste buds as well.
Read more: Ever thought about Vorarlberg for Your Austrian Alp Holiday?
Lebkuchen at Christkindlmarkt Salzburg
Paris, France
La vie est belle en la belle cite! So true. Art, macaroons, fashionable window displays and the stunning architecture connected by peaceful avenues. Food and fashion – what a nice femme’s life.
The best part in Paris for me was, however, outside in Versailles. I cannot ever stop highlighting the immense artistry that this place combines with its landscaping, sculptures and fountains and decorating style.
Extravagant and opulent definitely, decadent and wasteful most certainly but impressive and haunting just as much.
Read more: Why Paris in Spring is a Stupid Idea
Bruges, Belgium
Forget about Antwerp and especially Brussels if you only have a short time in Belgium. The little town Bruges and its sights will steal your heart and return it all molten chocolatey and you will love it. Best chocolate drink ever!
A great canal system, lovely old houses, amazing architecture and a bustling life. It has a lot more to offer than it appears at first glance. It isn’t called the Venice of the North for no reason. Certainly one of the coolest best places to travel in Europe.
Barcelona, Spain
Where the artsy meets the crazy, Barcelona is the perfect place for soaking up artsy and historic vibes. Tranquil backyards with bubbling fountains, iron wrought balconies and fun street art, tapas galore and shopping at every corner, being in Barcelona is a lifestyle of its own. A worthy pick among the top European destinations for sure!
The best place without a doubt is Montjüic. As if the view from up there at the art museum overlooking the classic statues and fountain system along the slopes and with the grand court buildings at its feet were not enough, the music and light show at dusk is just phenomenal.
Best viewed from Montjüic or the round shopping centre.
Read more: A Quick Travel Guide to Barcelona
Taormina, Sicily
All you’ve ever pictured Italy to be meets is refined epitome in Taormina, the secret capital of Sicily. While Palermo is huge and loud, Taormina is narrow and retrieved, but has the same amount of Italian energy I love.
The passion for good food will definitely bring that out in everyone and having three course meals every day with a nice glass of wine or the special ice cream graniti, you will find yourself in a foodie heaven.
Did I forget to mention the terrace that gives the best view of the ocean with its islands and beaches and the rising mountains in the back with the occasional white marble church. Just close your eyes and listen to the ocean hum.
Read more: Traditional Food in Sicily You Need on Your Plate
Ómodos, Cyprus
Ever fancied to have a lace umbrella? This is where you can get the finest quality, handmade lace everything. The people of Ómodos sure know their handiwork.
Even though their village is nestled in the mountains, far up and away from everything, when you walk these sleepy lanes you can well imagine why do. It is just so pretty and laid back, neighbours know and greet one another, love chats with the occasional tourist group and supply one another with bread, wine and olive oil.
One more thing: if you love cats then this is your dream island. There are more cats than human inhabitants to be found here.
Read more: Why You Cannot Ignore Cypriot Cuisine
Florence, Italy
The capital of the Renaissance art, you will be hard pressed not to find your new favourite statue, your new favourite brand of gelato or your new favourite spot to just enjoy life.
Watch the stylish Italians flit by, chatting loudly and smiling ferociously to pretty women. Walk the Ponte Vecchio and make your way up to the David statue that gives you a great overview of the city.
Let me share a little secret with you. The best view can be had from the top of the Boboli gardens you can access through the old Palace.
More travel tips about Europe
- What to see in Germany
- The best travel trips for England
- Fancy a trip to Italy? Here are some tips
- Where to go in Scandinavia
Becks says
This summer I went to Paris, Dublin, and Stockholm on my own. All three cities are amazing when you are traveling solo!