Europe, the Old Continent, is among the most popular destinations people tend to choose, especially if it’s their first time traveling on their own.
But why is that? What differentiates European cities from other popular destinations, when it comes to solo travel?
If you are contemplating going for a solo trip in Europe and embarking on a life-changing adventure, but need just a little boost, then this guide is for you.
We have done our thorough research to unveil why you choose solo travel in Europe, which places to visit, and some essential tips to take into consideration.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
4 Reasons to Travel Solo in Europe
There are several compelling reasons why you should choose Europe for your next solo travel experience. After all, according to Statista, Europe was the most popular destination for solo travelers worldwide in 2023.
Traveling solo in Europe offers numerous benefits and unique experiences that make it an enticing choice for solo adventurers.
Let’s take a closer look at 4 of them.
Reason #1: Rich history and culture
Europe is steeped in history and boasts a diverse mix of cultures, languages, and traditions.
With nearly 50 countries to visit, solo travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in centuries of European heritage, unlock hidden gems, and travel back in time.
There is no shortage of amazing things to do in Europe and fill in every minute of your solo trip, from exploring ancient ruins and medieval towns to wandering around modern cities and trying culinary treasures.
Reason #2: Efficient transportation
Europe’s well-developed public transportation infrastructure, with well-connected trains, buses, and budget airlines makes it relatively easy to navigate and hop between cities and countries, saving you time and money.
Reason #3: Safety
While it’s always essential to remain vigilant and take precautions, Europe is generally considered a safe destination for solo travelers. That’s why some of the safest places to travel solo can be found in Europe, including Spain.
In addition, English is widely spoken, so communication will not be an obstacle to your plans.
Reason #4: Solo-friendly accommodations
Europe provides a range of accommodations suitable for solo travelers, including hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals.
Many hostels cater specifically to solo travelers, offering ample social activities and events to foster connections among guests from around the globe.
Up next, let’s take a look at some essential tips to take into account before your upcoming solo trip to Europe.
6 Essential Tips For Your Solo Trip to Europe
Solo travel in Europe is incredibly popular and offers a diverse range of experiences for solo adventurers.
Below, we have rounded up some handy tips specifically tailored for solo travelers exploring Europe.
Tip #1: Choose a safe European destination
While Europe is known to be generally safe for solo travelers, some cities and regions may have higher crime rates or safety concerns.
For instance, smaller European cities like Edinburgh tend to be safer with lower crime rates than larger metropolises like Paris or Rome.
And while no place around the globe is entirely risk-free, smaller cities often offer a more secure environment for people who travel alone, especially female solo travelers.
Tip #2: Use public transportation
As we mentioned earlier, Europe has an extensive and robust public transportation network, including buses, metros, and trains (you can consider a Eurail Pass for multiple countries).
Using public transportation options is not only cost-effective but also an effective way to get around European cities safely, especially if wandering around a new place at night.
Tip #3: Give walking tours a chance and be mesmerized
Many cities in Europe offer free or affordable walking tours that provide insightful glimpses into local history, and notable landmarks.
What better way to immerse yourself in European culture than joining free tours while meeting other travelers at the same time?
Tip #4: Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
It goes without saying that popular European tourist destinations are undoubtedly worth visiting, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give lesser-known towns and regions a chance.
Europe features ample hidden gems that often offer unique experiences and authentic interactions with locals. You just have to know where to look and search to unlock them.
Tip #5: Stay connected with Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is widely available in Europe, especially in cafes, restaurants, and accommodations.
Try to stay connected at all times with your loved ones back home and access maps, travel apps, and other useful resources to navigate your solo adventures.
Tip #6: Store your luggage somewhere safe
Before your upcoming solo trip to Europe, you should consider investing in a quality backpack or suitcase with security features to keep your belongings safe while traveling.
Apart from that, it is highly recommended to store your belongings somewhere safe.
You can secure the safety of your bags and precious things with the help of a luggage storage app.
Luggage storage apps connect you with trusted local businesses and partners ready to take care of your belongings.
There’s a plethora of luggage storage apps to try out there, each with its own pros and cons.
However, as objective as we can be, we take pride in ourselves that Stasher is your best bet.
Here at Stasher, we cover almost 4.000 locations in nearly 900 cities across the globe, including major ones such as New York, Paris, and London.
Several of our many advantages include:
- A wide range of locations across the world.
- Storage flexibility, which allows you to store your belongings for as long as you want, in various places from coffee shops and local points, to hotels and hostels near train stations and airports.
- Plus, in case you need to cancel your booking, regardless of the reason, we offer the option of free cancellation and a full refund!
Last but not least, we’ve designed Stasher to make the whole booking process easy through our user-friendly website and app.
If you are wondering how Stasher works in action, you can have a look at the demo we have created for you below.
Quite simple, right?
Following up, let’s move on to some of the best European cities to consider for your upcoming solo adventure.
6 Hidden Gems to Explore When Traveling Solo in Europe
Europe offers a plethora of majestic cities and hidden gems for solo travelers.
Below, we have compiled a list of 6 of the best places to consider for your next solo trip in Europe.
1. Copenhagen
Known for its design, sustainability, and high quality of life, Copenhagen is a hidden gem worth exploring.
With an efficient metro system, bike-friendly streets, and highlights such as Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid statue, it’s a paradise for solo travelers.
2. Reykjavik
Reykjavik, known for its wild landscapes, the Midnight Sun, and the majestic Northern Lights, is an excellent destination for solo travelers.
It has a low crime rate, friendly locals and due to its compact size is easier to explore on foot.
Plus, almost everyone in Reykjavik speaks English, which facilitates communication for travelers.
3. Florence
Although when thinking of Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is Rome, Florence is a treasure trove waiting for you to explore it.
Florence is generally safe for solo travelers, even at night, as it’s well-lit.
It’s a walkable and compact city and thus the perfect place for a slower-paced solo getaway.
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4. The Azores
The Azores, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem and an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and tranquility.
The islands boast stunning landscapes including volcanic craters and lush forests and are known for their low crime rate and friendly locals.
5. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are considered one of the most enchanting solo travel destinations in the UK.
And while London has our hearts, if you are seeking a less popular European destination to unwind on your next solo trip, give the Cotswolds a chance, and you will be mesmerized by the serenity of the English countryside.
6. Corfu
Corfu, a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea, is an amazing destination for solo travelers.
It is safe to wander alone, offers crystal clear beaches, historical sites, and a rich history influenced by various civilizations, including the Venetians, French, and British.
Regarding navigation, the island is relatively small, making it easy to explore independently by public transport, or rental car.
Also, if you are up for a solo backpacking adventure, then you can take its long-distance hiking trail that covers the length of the island, passing through picturesque villages.
Let’s wrap things up with some final words.
Now Over to You
Solo travel in Europe is an experience worth living at least once in your life.
Europe is rightfully one of the most popular solo travel destinations, with a wealth of historical sites, culinary delights, and hidden gems to unlock.
But before jumping on your new solo travel adventure, don’t forget to store your precious belongings somewhere safe!
Take a moment and go find a location to store your luggage with Stasher, and you’ll never have to stress about the safety of your luggage and other valuable items ever again.
