Scotland, Ireland, and Italy, among many others, are some of my top solo travel destinations in Europe. I started traveling solo over ten years ago, and ever since then I’ve been hooked! Embarking on a solo travel adventure is an exhilarating experience that allows you to discover the world on your own terms, be your own captain.
Europe has such a rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, and it offers a plethora of solo travel destinations worth exploring.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top solo travel destinations in Europe, highlighting their unique attractions, safety measures, and solo-friendly activities. Whether you seek vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, or cultural immersion, these destinations will ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with unforgettable memories.
1. Scotland: Majestic Landscapes and Historic Charm
I can’t start the list with anywhere but Scotland. The people, culture, landscapes, etc. Scotland is an absolute GEM and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone embarking on a solo trip. It is a perfect destination for solo travelers.
Here are my top two recommendations — whether it’s your first trip to Scotland or your fortieth, I find myself constantly going back to these two areas:
– Edinburgh:
Edinburgh is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities I’ve ever been to. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, this gem of a destination is a dream come true for history buffs and fun enthusiasts alike. From ancient castles perched upon rocky hills, cobblestone streets echoing with tales of old, and a vibrant atmosphere that’ll whisk you away from the moment you arrive.
Things to do:
- Explore the historic streets of the capital city, visiting iconic landmarks such as:
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile.
- Palace of holyroodhouse
- National Galleries of Scotland
- Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh
- Enjoy the breathtaking views from Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city.
- Visit Whistle Binkies — right off of the Royal Mile — they have live music most nights and it felt like a lot of locals ended up there. It’s one of my favorite little spots in Edinburgh.
- Visit Dean’s Village — a beautiful little village right by the Water of Leith. 10/10 – highly recommend walking around that area
- Meander through some of Edinburgh’s beautiful parks
- Princes Street Gardens
- The Meadows (a favorite of mine)
- Blackford Hill & Pond
- Victoria Park
- and so many more!
– Scottish Highlands:
I don’t know how to describe the Scottish Highlands other than majestic. Beautiful. Stunning. Overwhelming. There’s something so special about the Scottish Highlands that I even found myself moving there for a couple of months after grad school — I just couldn’t get enough. The people, culture, way of life. It’s stunning.
I truly cannot recommend it enough if you are a solo traveler. It was even named one of National Geogrpahic’s “Best of the World” destinations for 2023. Well deserved. Stunning.
Things to Do:
- Journey through the stunning Highlands, marveling at the rugged landscapes, shimmering lochs, and ancient castles.
- Loch Ness (famous Loch Ness Monster story)
- Glencoe is a MUST SEE
- Pass through Cairngorms National Park
- Iconic castles on the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, and more
- Hike the highest peak in Britain – Ben Nevis
- Ferry over to several isles
- Hike the famous West Highland Way
- Afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle
- Experience the Highland Games
- and so much more!
Safety Tips:
- Scotland is generally considered safe for solo travelers, but exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Edinburgh is known to have some gang related activity, so just exercise caution while there or walking at night, etc. However, I never felt unsafe while I was there and would recommend it to anyone who was looking for a safe, solo travel destination.
Find cheap flights to Scotland with Skyscanner — my favorite cheap flight finding tool!
Other articles to read on Scotland:
- 10 Day Ireland, Scotland & England Itinerary
- Afternoon Tea in Scotland
- 4 Day Trips from Fort William, Scotland
- 3 Things to do in Glenfinnan, Scotland
2. England: Historic Sites and Cosmopolitan Vibes
Oh England — I moved to London for grad school and was there for. about a year and a half. I genuinely love England and recommend it to anyone who’s looking to solo travel for the first time. The transportation system is exemplary and you have an unlimited amount of places you can see and things you can do.
While there are SO many places. you can visit in England, I’ve narrowed it down to two that are my favorite: London (obviously) and Cambridge.
– London:
London is the capital and the largest city of England and the United Kingdom. It has a general population of just under 9 million and falls along the River Thames. London is full of history, culture, and endless options for things to do.
Whether you’ve traveled to London before or not, there’s always something new to see and experience. It’s always one of the easiest cities to get around, from train, bus, and taxi — you have so many options AND it’s a super walkable city as well.
Things to Do:
- Roam the bustling streets of the capital, visiting world-renowned attractions such as:
- Buckingham Palace
- The Tower of London
- Big Ben + Westminster Abbey + London Eye
- Trafalgar Square
- ALL Museums are FREE — go to them!!
- Stroll along the picturesque South Bank, enjoying the vibrant street performances and stunning views of the River Thames.
- Go to Borough Market — trust me
- Visit some of the more eclectic neighborhoods like Camden Town + Camden Town Market and Shoreditch (both a favorite of mine)
- Stroll through the stunning Notting Hill
- Shop along Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby, and Covent Garden
- Visit book stores, cafes, etc.
- Have an afternoon in some of the famous parks like:
- Regent’s Park
- Hyde Park
- St. James’s Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Victoria Park
- Richmond Park
- and more!
– Cambridge:
Cambridge, England is about an hour north of London by train and was one of my favorite train rides. Going through. the country to get there was stunning. I highly recommend taking. a trip up to Cambridge if you’re looking for.a quaint, English town full of history, beautiful scenery, and things to do.
Things to Do:
- Visit Cambridge University + Botanic Garden
- King’s College Chapel
- Mathematical Bridge
- The Backs
- The Corpus Clock
- Cambridge Gin Laboratory
- Shop in 1 of 3 shopping centers:
- The Grafton
- Lion Yard
- Grand Arcade
- Shopping Streets:
- Sidney Street
- Petty Curry
- St. Andrew’s Street
- Market Street
- Eat & enjoy a break at one of their great coffee shops / cafes
- and so much more!
Find cheap flights to England with Skyscanner — my favorite cheap flight finding tool!
Safety Tips:
England is generally safe for solo travelers, but exercise caution in crowded areas, especially in major cities like London. Stay alert and be mindful of your belongings. I never had any issues while I was living there, except for the occasional drunk, but other than that I felt super safe in London as a female solo traveler.
3. Ireland: Emerald Landscapes and Gaelic Warmth
Oh Ireland. This country holds such a special place in my heart because it was my first true solo travel destination. I had moved to London, yes, but this was the first time I was navigating a new country without anyone’s help. The people were SO friendly and helpful. The landscapes are majestic. the pub culture is unmatched. There’s SO much about Ireland that I could say, but just visit it for yourself and find out. Trust me, it’s worth it.
– Dublin:
Dublin is the capital of the republic of Ireland and the largest city of Ireland. There’s so much to see and do in Dublin, you’ll likely be coming back for more!
Things to Do:
- Trinity College
- Phoenix Park
- St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Dublin Castle
- Ha’penny Bridge
- Temple Bar
- Take a bus ride over to the Cliffs of Moher
- Likely a day trip over there and then back to Dublin
- and so much more!
Connemara National Park + Kylemore Abbey
I’m not usually the type of person who likes bus tours or group tours, but I went with a friend one time and we. did a Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey bus tour and it was amazing. I genuinely had such a good time, despite being on the bus for quite a while. The landscapes are stunning in Ireland and Kylemore Abbey is a stunner — I highly recommend looking into it if you want to see outer parts of Ireland without renting a car.
Things to Do:
- Kylmore Abbey & Gardens
- Connemara National Park
Find cheap flights to Ireland with Skyscanner — my favorite cheap flight finding tool!
Safety Tips:
Ireland is generally safe for solo travelers, but exercise caution in crowded tourist areas, and be mindful of your belongings, especially in busy cities like Dublin. I never felt unsafe while traveling in Ireland and to be honest, they were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life. From long conversations on the local busses to interacting with them at different attractions, the Irish are as kind, humble and friendly as their reputation claims them to be.
4. Italy: Artistic Marvels and Culinary Delights
Oh Italy. When I was living in London, I went to Italy three times because it was so cheap to fly to from London. Italy’s unparalleled history, art, and gastronomy make it one of my favorite solo travel destinations, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and indulgence.
There’s so much to see in Italy, but if it’s your first solo trip, these are my recommendations:
– Rome:
Rome is so full of history, culture and life. It’s a big city and takes time to get through all of it, but it’s one of my favorite destinations. Also, if you’re going during a peak period, make sure to book things well in advance! A lot of places in Rome don’t do walk up tickets and you’ll obviously want to avoid scalpers.
Things to Do:
- Colosseum
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza Navona
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Spanish Steps
- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museums
- and so much more!
– Florence:
Florence is one part of Italy that I haven’t been to yet. I’m actually planning to go in either January. or February and I can’t wait. Florence is a city in Central Italy and is the capital city of the Tuscany region. Florence. is stunning and there’s so much to see and do. Here’s. a few things that are on my list…
Things to Do:
- Ponte Vecchio
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Uffizi Gallery
- Central Market
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- David of Michelangelo
- Rent a vespa to see the countryside
Find cheap flights to Italy with Skyscanner — my favorite cheap flight finding tool!
Safety Tips:
Italy is generally safe for solo travelers, but be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, Rome was actually one of the first places I experienced someone trying to pickpocket, so just be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, etc.
5. Belgium: Quaint Canals and Cultural Delights
The food, architecture, chocolate, people — Belgium was one of my favorite countries that I visited while living in London. We went in mid-October when the leaves were starting to change colors and it was absolutely stunning.
I decided to go to Brussels and stay there majority of the time and then I took the train to Brugge which is undeniably one of the quaintest, cutest, most charming towns I’ve ever seen (hint, it’s the pictures above).
– Brussels:
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and it’s a heavy populated city. There is so much to see and do in Brussels — I can’t recommend it enough.
Things to Do:
- Grand Place
- Atomium
- Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Parlamentarium
- Jeanneke-Pis
- Sonian Forest
- Eat chocolate — some of the BEST chocolate!
- Have mussells and frites — so yummy!
- so much more!
– Brugge
Brugge is about an hour train ride from Brussels and it’s WORTH the visit! It’s absolutely gorgeous. It has this medieval feel to it and there are cobblestones and horses everywhere. It’s so picturesque.
Things to Do:
- Market Square
- Minnewater Lake
- De Halve Maan Brewery
- Church of Our Lady
- The Old Chocolate House
- Take a canal cruise
- See Town Hall
- Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Explore the Hansa Quarter
- and so much more!
Find cheap flights to Belgium with Skyscanner — my favorite cheap flight finding tool!
Safety Tips:
In both Brussels and Brugge I felt safe. I will say you just need to pay attention to your belongings and passports, etc. if you’re in a crowded area or on a train, etc. But for the most part, it’s a safe place to visit for solo travelers. Just keep your wits about ya!
Additional Popular Solo Travel Destinations in Europe:
- Barcelona, Spain: Sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale-like charm, historic architecture, and a thriving arts scene.
- Berlin, Germany: A captivating blend of history, modernity, and vibrant nightlife.
- Stockholm, Sweden: A picturesque city with beautiful archipelagos, world-class museums, and trendy neighborhoods.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights.
Conclusion
Europe offers a wealth of solo travel destinations, each with its own unique charm and experiences. Whether you choose to explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, the vibrant city of Barcelona, or the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, remember to prioritize safety, embrace the local culture, and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders that each destination has to offer. So pack your bags, embark on a solo adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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