Why Travel Solo in Europe in 2026?
Key Advantages of Solo Travel
Solo travel empowers you to explore at your own pace. In 2026, 74% of solo travelers cite “seeing the world on their own terms” as their main motive. Flexibility, self-discovery, and personalized experiences are prime benefits. Top solo travelers value immersion over parties, with 69% prioritizing culture and 44% seeking affordability.
Trends for Solo Travelers in Europe This Year
The solo travel market in Europe is booming, valued at $180.3 million in 2024 and expected to reach $388.6 million by 2030 (CAGR 13.7%). Millennials (52%) and Gen Z lead this trend, mainly driven by leisure and cultural heritage trips. Safety and cost are top decision factors—77% and 76% respectively. Digital nomadism is on the rise, especially in Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia. TikTok’s #solotravel surpassed 9.3 billion views, reflecting the trend’s popularity.
How We Chose the Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
Safety and Walkability
Safety is crucial for solo travelers. Europe scores higher than global averages, with Spain (index 7.45) and Norway (7.41) leading for solo female safety. Walkable infrastructure is found in the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Austria.
Affordability and Daily Budget Considerations
Eastern Europe and select Western cities offer solo travel at $1,000–$2,000 for a 7–10 day trip. Price checks include mid-range lodging, local food, trains, and walking tours. Solo travelers tend to spend more per person as costs aren’t shared—but affordable hostels, Airbnbs, and free activities make it budget-friendly.
Social Opportunities and Community Vibes
62.7% seek immersive experiences lasting 8–14 days. Social travel is common—82% combine solo with group tours, meetups, and local events. Hostels, digital nomad hubs, and Couchsurfing are hubs for new friendships. Older women increasingly join solo group tours.
Cultural Immersion and Unique Experiences
Culture and food drive solo travel, with 69% preferring heritage sites, walking tours, and food experiences. Digital nomad-friendly cities offer language exchanges, cooking classes, and co-working events.
Top 15 Best Places to Travel Solo in Europe (2026 Edition)
Lisbon, Portugal — Digital Nomad Paradise
Lisbon leads for digital nomads with affordable living, vibrant coworking, and safe, walkable neighborhoods. Ranked top 5 for remote work. Try Time Out Market and food tours.
Ljubljana, Slovenia — Safe and Scenic Haven
Slovenia boasts a safety index of 6.74. Ljubljana charms with riverside paths, green spaces, and low crowds. Explore by foot or join group cycling trips.
Florence, Italy — Art, History, and Solo-Friendly Tours
Florence offers a dense concentration of art, history, and accessible solo tours. Free walking tours and Uffizi Gallery skip-the-line tickets are popular. High English proficiency enhances ease.
Reykjavik, Iceland — Safest City for Solo Travelers
Reykjavik sets the standard for solo safety (among highest indices globally). Friendly locals and Northern Lights tours make it ideal. Iceland’s nature is easy to explore on day trips.
Seville, Spain — Vibrant Culture on a Budget
Seville combines affordable costs with rich traditions, flamenco events, and walkability. Solo female-friendly, Spain scores 7.45 for safety. Enjoy tapas tours and open-air markets.
Prague, Czech Republic — Walkable Fairytale City
Prague is European solo travel made easy: budget hostels, scenic Old Town, and group beer tours. The city’s compact core is ideal for exploring solo on foot.
Ghent, Belgium — Under-the-Radar Charmer
Ghent is Belgium’s hidden gem, offering medieval charm, safe streets, and lower prices than Bruges. Join canal tours or monthly student events for community.
Budapest, Hungary — Wellness, Nightlife, and Affordability
Budapest attracts with spa culture, ruin bars, and low costs—$60–$100/day all-in. Frequent hostel gatherings and Danube river cruises foster connections.
Copenhagen, Denmark — Modern, Green, and Easy for Solo Visits
Copenhagen is renowned for its bike culture, sustainability, low crime, and thriving solo scene. Visit food halls and guided bike tours for community.
Nice, France — City and Sea Adventures
Nice balances Mediterranean beaches with cultural attractions. Safe, walkable, and with day trips to Monaco and Cannes. Cooking classes and art tours are accessible for solos.
Interlaken, Switzerland — Outdoor Escape for Adventurous Solos
Interlaken offers safety and adrenaline—hiking, paragliding, and group excursions to Jungfrau region. Well-suited for outdoorsy travelers seeking scenery and camaraderie.
Split, Croatia — Coastal Relaxation and Ancient History
Split blends ancient Roman sites with seaside relaxation. Budget-friendly and safe, with digital nomad hostels and day tours to islands.
Edinburgh, Scotland — Festivals and Friendly Pubs
Scotland’s capital is famed for solo-friendly festivals, lively pubs, castle tours, and storytelling events. Community tours for solo travelers are common year-round.
Tallinn, Estonia — Digital Nomad-Friendly and Affordable
Tallinn is growing as a digital nomad hub thanks to affordability and free coworking spaces. Explore medieval Old Town, join local meetups, or take a ferry to Finland.
Porto, Portugal — Laidback Vibes at Great Prices
Porto offers safe neighborhoods, stunning riverside views, and affordable wine tours. Perfect for solo travelers seeking community at local cafes or riverside walks.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
Why Consider These Off-the-Beaten-Path Places?
Hidden gems offer solitude, authenticity, and better value. Fewer crowds also mean lower theft risk and richer cultural immersion. 2026 data shows a growing preference (39%) for alternative destinations, especially among seasoned solos.
Best Picks for 2026
- Valldemossa, Spain — Quaint mountain village, near Mallorca
- Brasov, Romania — Gothic castles, affordable, welcoming
- Kotor, Montenegro — Bay views, historic charm, solo-friendly tours
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria — Roman ruins, lively street life, value deals
- Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina — Iconic bridges, authentic local feel
Seasonal Solo Travel Tips for Europe
Europe by Season: Where to Go When Traveling Alone
- Spring/Autumn: Ljubljana, Seville, and Nice—mild weather, fewer crowds
- Summer: Edinburgh festivals, Interlaken outdoors, coastal Croatia
- Winter: Prague, Tallinn, Vienna—Christmas markets and indoor events
Activities and Safety Tips by Season
- Spring/Fall: Join hiking and biking tours; spring blooms in Slovenia/Austria
- Summer: Attend festivals; book transport and lodging early
- Winter: Opt for guided tours, check daylight hours, use safe transport
Best Activities for Solo Travelers in Europe
Joining Food Tours, Cooking Classes, and Local Experiences
Cooking classes and food tours rank among the most rewarding activities for solo travelers. They offer built-in social opportunities and hands-on immersion. Book top-rated tours on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Outdoor Adventures and Group Excursions
Popular solo-friendly outdoor activities include hiking (Alps, Pyrenees), paragliding (Interlaken), and cycling (Netherlands, Denmark). Join group excursions through trusted operators for safety and connection.
Community Meetups and Digital Nomad Hubs
Find digital nomad and expat meetups in Lisbon, Tallinn, and Split. Use apps like Meetup or join events at coworking spaces to expand your social circle.
Essential Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Europe (2026)
General Safety Guidelines Across Europe
- Use official taxis or reputable ride-share apps
- Store valuables in lockers at hostels or hotels
- Stay in well-reviewed, central neighborhoods
- Have local emergency numbers saved
Solo Female Travel Advice
- Favor cities with high solo female safety scores (Spain, Norway, Netherlands)
- Avoid empty streets after dark, use group tours where possible
- Check local customs for dress and behavior to avoid attention
Navigating Language Barriers and Accessibility
- Major cities have high English proficiency; translation apps fill any gaps
- European transport networks are accessible—check local accessibility ratings
- Tourist info centers offer help in multiple languages
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does Solo Travel in Europe Cost in 2026?
Sample Daily Budgets for Different Destinations
| Destination | Daily Budget (USD) | Total (10 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon, Portugal | 80–110 | 800–1,100 |
| Prague, Czech Republic | 70–100 | 700–1,000 |
| Interlaken, Switzerland | 130–180 | 1,300–1,800 |
| Seville, Spain | 70–100 | 700–1,000 |
| Budapest, Hungary | 60–90 | 600–900 |
Money-Saving Hacks and Affordable Alternatives
- Travel via trains or buses using Eurail/Interrail passes
- Book hostels or shared accommodations on Hostelworld
- Eat at local markets and street food stalls
- Take advantage of free walking tours
- Travel in shoulder season (Spring/Autumn) for best rates
FAQ: Solo Travel in Europe for 2026
Is Europe Safe for Solo Travelers Right Now?
Yes, Europe is among the world’s safest regions for solo travel. Safety indices for top solo destinations often exceed 7.0 (out of 10). Always check updated local advisories before your trip.
Which Countries Are Best for Solo Female Travelers?
Studies highlight Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, and Portugal as best for solo female safety and comfort. These countries offer vibrant communities and reliable infrastructure.
How to Meet New People While Traveling Alone?
Join group tours, stay in hostels or attend organized meetups. Participate in local classes or community dinners found on Meetup or at coworking spaces. Social travel apps and guided group excursions are effective ways to find connections.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Solo European Adventure in 2026
The best places to travel solo in Europe for 2026 offer unmatched diversity, safety, and adventure. Whether you crave culture, nature, or digital nomad life, Europe’s walkable cities and vibrant communities await. Start planning now—research destinations, set budgets, and book experiences in advance to secure your spot.
Ready to begin your journey? Explore more with GetYourGuide and Viator for top-rated solo travel tours and experiences. Your perfect trip starts now!