BEST CITIES FOR SOLO TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Thinking about your first solo European solo adventure? Europe is full of places where you can do a lot in a few days, eat well without any fuss and feel right at home wandering on your own. You can visit a museum in the morning, people-watch over lunch and then catch a sunset view or a concert in the evening.

In our guide to the best cities for solo travel, we’ve picked six European favourites that are welcoming, easy to enjoy and full of character. For each, you’ll find the highlights and a quick note on seasons and why they work so well when travelling alone or on a Just You escorted tour.

Group Of Friends Walking Through City Together

OUR PICK OF THE BEST CITIES IN EUROPE FOR SOLO TRAVEL

Lisbon, Portugal

Best Cities for Solo Travel Lisbon

Lisbon is an excellent choice for solo travellers. Its compact, walkable centre, coupled with efficient public transport and a welcoming atmosphere, makes it ideal for first-time and solo visitors.

Despite its size, Lisbon doesn’t feel overwhelming. The historic centre is spread over a few steep hills by the Tagus River, so the places most visitors want to see sit close together. Your calves might notice the ups and downs more than the distances – but that’s part of the charm. You zigzag up narrow lanes, pause at a viewpoint for a breather, then trundle down again on a cheerful yellow tram. The city’s pleasures are simple: strong coffee at a counter, a flaky pastel de nata still warm and tiled façades that make you stop and stare.

This ancient city has plenty to see, from the magnificent St George Castle and Lisbon Cathedral to the Belem Tower and imposing St Jerome Monastery. In the evening, visit the neighbourhoods of Alfama and Alto for Fado music and cosy restaurants. For a change of pace, explore the LX Factory’s indie shops and street art or take an easy day trip to Sintra’s colourful palaces and the wild Atlantic at Cabo da Roca.

Visit in spring and autumn to enjoy mild days and sunshine. Summer is lively with festivals and long evenings; winter brings bright, cooler days.

Discover Lisbon on a Portugal holiday with our escorted Just You Picturesque Portugal tour – and learn more with our guide on the best reasons to visit Portugal.

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia Spain Facts

Barcelona blends beach life with big-name culture. You can start the day by walking along the sand at Barceloneta, then heading inland for Gaudí’s playful buildings and shady boulevards. Marvel at Sagrada Família (which you can also visit on our Timeless Costa Brava tour), then head through the Eixample to admire Casa Batlló and La Pedrera before ducking into the Gothic Quarter’s quiet squares to find a café where you can sit with a drink and watch the world go by. Take the cable car or funicular up Montjuïc for gardens and views, or hop on a short train to Sitges for a breezy afternoon by the water.

Food is a joy in Barcelona. Pick up a cone of jamón and olives at La Boqueria market, try a menú del día in a neighbourhood bar or simply graze on tapas at the counter. Give croquettes, grilled prawns, and pan con tomate a try!

Barcelona works in every season. Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Summer is hot but lively, with late-night tapas, festivals and long evenings outdoors. Winter is cooler and quieter, which means shorter queues at big sights and a calmer feel in popular areas.

Learn more about visiting Barcelona on a Costa Brava holiday.

Prague, Czech Republic

Best Cities for Solo Travel Prague

Prague is a brilliant choice for solo travellers. The ‘Golden City’ dazzles with grand architecture, rich history and café culture, yet its Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot at your own pace.

Walk across the 14th-century Charles Bridge and browse the many stalls set up by artists, watch the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town, and spend a few unhurried hours at Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral before wandering down through Malá Strana’s pastel lanes. Afterwards, admire the Art Nouveau style at Municipal House, and wander to Vinohrady or Letná for parks, café culture and classic beer gardens.

Spring is mild with blossom along the water; summer is busy but bright, so early starts help; autumn brings golden trees and crisp air; winter adds markets, twinkling lights and a bit of magic.

Explore a trio of Eastern European capitals in our Prague, Vienna & Budapest escorted tour.

Budapest, Hungary

Best Cities for Solo Travel Budapest

Budapest straddles the Danube River, with Buda on the hilly west bank and Pest spread across the flatter east bank. Together, they line the river for miles, with bridges linking the two sides.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube,’ the city is a feast for the eyes, mixing Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings with iconic sites like the Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Other highlights include Heroes’ Square, St Matthias Church, the Jewish Quarter, Central Market Hall, and, of course, no trip is complete without a visit to a historic thermal bath. Széchenyi and Gellért are two of the best-known, but the city is home to nine. Enjoy a river cruise to see the city lit up in the evening, and sample paprika-rich dishes in one of the traditional Hungarian restaurants.

Spring and autumn are comfortable for sightseeing plus spa time; summer can be hot, but evenings by the river are lovely; winter is chilly yet perfect for warming baths and hearty food.

Our Cruising the Danube offers two days in Budapest.

Reykjavik, Iceland

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Reykjavik is small, colourful and easy to get around. Its bright houses, street art and fresh ocean air make it the perfect base for visiting Iceland’s big sights.

Reykjavik’s main sights include the fishing harbour, Parliament buildings and The Pearl – one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Climb the tower of Hallgrímskirkja for wide views of mountains and sea, and admire the glassy patterns of Harpa concert hall. Afterwards, browse Icelandic design shops and settle into a cosy café for cinnamon-scented pastries.

Day trips from the city are easily arranged – the classic Golden Circle delivers Thingvellir’s rift valley, the Geysir area and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall in one easy loop. Just outside the city, you can unwind at the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, where warm, mineral-rich water meets chilly air.

Summer brings long days for exploring; spring and autumn are quieter with a chance of northern lights; winter is snowy and atmospheric with short daylight but plenty of charm.

Discover Reykjavik’s charm on a Just You Iceland tour and read our guide to the best places to visit in Iceland.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s tiny, golden-stone capital. It feels historic yet relaxed, with baroque churches, narrow streets, wooden balconies and big views over the Grand Harbour. Step into St John’s Co-Cathedral to see a riot of baroque detail and marvel at Caravaggio’s dramatic paintings. Watch the Saluting Battery from the Upper Barrakka Gardens as you gaze over the blue water of the harbour, and wander to Fort St Elmo for Malta’s story at the National War Museum.

Cafés, museums and breezy ramparts make lingering easy, and there are plenty of small restaurants where solo dining feels natural. Buses and ferries make day trips simple – cross to the Three Cities, head to Mdina for an atmospheric evening walk or hop to Gozo for quiet beaches and village squares.

Spring and autumn are warm and ideal for walking the ramparts; summer is hot, but the sea and shaded museums keep things comfortable; winter is mild with fewer visitors.

Explore Valletta and the Hidden Gems of Malta on a Just You escorted tour.

WHY TRAVEL WITH JUST YOU?

Exploring on your own is rewarding, but a Just You escorted tour lets you relax and simply enjoy more.

There are no single-occupancy charges, hotels are well located and hand-picked, and you’ll share included meals with like-minded travellers. Our knowledgeable Holiday Directors and local guides handle timings, tickets and transport, so you see the highlights without the hassle. You’ll get a smart balance of guided sightseeing, free time for your own discoveries, and optional activities if you want to do more.

CHOOSING THE BEST CITY BREAK FOR YOU

Follow your interests!

  • Art and architecture – opt for Barcelona or Prague

  • Spa time and river views – head to Budapest

  • Scenery and design-led cafés – Reykjavik is a great choice

  • Maritime history and fortified beauty – consider Lisbon and Valletta.

Yet, all these cities deserve to be visited, combining culture, history and modern, friendly energy.

WANT TO EXPLORE FURTHER AFIELD?

If you’re ready for a more distant adventure, the landscapes of Australia and New Zealand await. Or why not discover more about Africa and North America? They offer some of the world’s most unforgettable adventures, from sweeping landscapes to vibrant cultures. Just You does the hard work for you so you can fully enjoy your holiday.