Europe solo travel ideas: 10 destinations I love

Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Ioana

Europe can be the perfect place for a first solo trip. European destinations have a rich history, good food, friendly people, and plenty of attractions that make you think you stepped in a fairy tale. In this blog post I will share 10 European cities I loved so you can get some Europe solo travel ideas for your next adventure. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

1. Paris, France

Paris is always a good idea. It was my first solo trip destination, so it will always be a special place for me. I had the best time here and as soon as I got home, I started booking more solo trips. It’s where this solo travel journey started for me.

Paris is a beautiful city, no wonder why it’s such a popular destination. The architecture is so aesthetically pleasing, the Seine cutting through the city is so breathtaking, and the famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower are even more impressive in real life.

And don’t even get me started on the food! Everything I ate in Paris was so delicious. Croissants, crepes, pate, cheese, and all local dishes are to die for. French cuisine is one of my favorites.

Paris is probably one of the most popular cities in the world. There are so many things to explore in the French capital city. You will need a few days to barely scratch the surface.

If you like cities and all they have to offer, then Paris is one of the best destinations out there.

Safety

On an absolute basis, Paris is pretty safe. Compared to all other cities I visited in Europe, I felt the least safe in Paris. There are a lot of pickpockets and scammers in the popular touristic spots.

They usually work in pairs or in groups. They either ask you to sign up to donate something, take a picture of them, or try to show you something.

You need to know what the common scams are so you can avoid them. Don’t engage, continue walking and you’ll be fine. 

Cost

Paris is one of the most expensive European cities, along with London. A meal costs about 20 euros. Croissants and any other boulangerie item tend to be more affordable (a few euros) and they make for a great breakfast.

A mid budget hotel room in Paris can cost upwards of $250 per night. Based on my experience, Paris and London have the most expensive accommodation options. 

Things to do in Paris

• See iconic landmarks – Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Basilica.
• Take a Seine River cruise – A relaxing way to view many of Paris’ landmarks and historic buildings.
• Visit world-class museums – The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Palais de Tokyo, and more.
• Explore Montmartre neighborhood – Walk cobblestone streets, see Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Wall of Love, and Moulin Rouge.
• Enjoy famous streets and viewpoints – Stroll Champs Élysée, cross Pont Alexandre III, and get panoramic views from Galeries Lafayette rooftop.
• Experience cultural highlights – Visit The Garnier Opera and discover other unique Parisian gems.

2. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of my favorite cities in the world. I fell in love with it from day one. It was the first time I visited a place that I really connected with and I even started to think if I should move there.

I have so many reasons why I love Madrid! First, it’s such a beautiful city. The architecture is stunning. I am huge on urban aesthetics. If a city is not pretty I will probably not like it. I don’t know about you, but I need beauty in my life to thrive.

The friendly locals were so warm and welcoming and I loved how they live their lives to the max. I spoke to so many locals who told me that their focus is living their life: “no ganamos mucho, pero vivimos de p*ta madre en España”. I love that outlook on life.

Maybe another factor that contributed to falling in love with Madrid was that I was speaking Spanish. I learned Spanish when I was a kid living in Romania by watching Latin American soap operas, called telenovelas.

I always dreamed of visiting Spain and the Spanish-speaking countries in LatAm. So being finally in Spain and talking to natives in Spanish made my inner child so happy.

Plus, everything else – the food, drinks, weather – was 10/10 in Madrid. I could go on and on about why I love Madrid so much, but I’ll stop here so you don’t fall asleep reading this.

Safety

Madrid is pretty safe, but you do have to be aware of your surroundings. There were 2 instances when I didn’t feel safe, both of them due to pickpockets:

1. A hotel concierge alerted a group of tourists walking across the street from the Prado museum that there were pickpockets trying to steal from them.
2. On my day trip to Segovia and Toledo the tour guide asked us to let two people pass by. It turns out that those two people were pickpockets who were trying to target our group.

As long as you’re on high alert, as you should be anytime you travel solo, you’ll be fine.

Cost

Madrid is one of the more affordable cities in Europe. I was so happy to see that a cafe con leche (coffee with milk, so basically a latte) cost under 2 euros.

You can get tapas for 3-4 euros per dish. And there are plenty of good Madrid hotel options around $100-150 per night. 

Things to do in Madrid

• Visit iconic landmarks – Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace are must-sees.
• Enjoy local cuisine – Indulge in churros con chocolate, tapas, and other Spanish delights.
• Relax and explore outdoors – Walk through El Retiro Park and shop along Gran Vía.
• Catch a flamenco show – Experience authentic Spanish dance and music.
• Discover hidden gems – Like buying cookies from cloistered nuns.
• Explore world-class museums – Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum (home to Picasso’s Guernica), and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I visited Amsterdam for the first time in February 2024 and it became one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s such a great place!

The Dutch people were so friendly, and they made me feel so welcome there. Everyone speaks English and they don’t expect you to speak any Dutch. This is so great for tourists!

The city is gorgeous! It has so many canals, and those traditional canal houses are so beautiful. I could have spent a month just strolling by the canals and I would have been happy.

The city also has so many attractions, museums, and activities, you will never get bored in Amsterdam.

The public transportation is top notch. Amsterdam is a walkable city (like all cities in Europe), but it also has great metro, tram, and bus systems. They are very easy to use even for tourists.

The food is very good and there are a lot of local delicacies to try like fries, poffertjes, stroopwaffels, and bitterballen.

Safety

I always felt safe in Amsterdam. Of course, as always when you travel solo, do your research ahead of your visit and be on high alert, especially if you visit during peak season.

But based on my experience, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities I’ve ever been to in Europe.

Cost

Amsterdam is an expensive city, up there with London and Paris. A meal at a restaurant costs about 20 euros on average, and it can get way more expensive if you pick fancier places.

However, you can find mid-budget hotels around $150-200 per night, so the price for accommodation is not as high as for other European capitals. If you want to stay at a hotel with canal views, that will be more expensive.

Things to do in Amsterdam

• Visit world-famous museums – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Moco Museum for modern and immersive art; Anne Frank House for history.
• Take a canal cruise – Enjoy charming canal houses, bridges, and modern architecture from the water; one-hour rides with open windows for photos.
• Experience panoramic views and thrills – A’DAM Lookout offers citywide views and Europe’s highest swings for adrenaline lovers.
• Explore key city spots – Dam Square with the Royal Palace and New Church, plus the famous Red Light District.
• Learn about local beer – Heineken Experience provides insight into the brewing process.
• Day trips from Amsterdam – Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft are excellent options for short excursions.

4. Athens, Greece

Athens is a great city. It is such a wonderful mix of history, street art, little streets, and modern neighborhoods. It’s a great choice for a solo adventure, especially if you want to learn more about the Greek ancient history.

And eat all the souvlaki! If you have more time than just a few days you can also visit some of the Greek Islands.

Make sure you learn a few Greek words ahead of your trip, the locals will love you for it (and give you free stuff!).

Safety

In my opinion it is a safe city, as I can’t recall a single situation that made me feel uneasy. I visited in December, which is shoulder season, so there are less tourists visiting.

Which means that there were less pick pockets running around (I didn’t see any when I was there). My advice for all solo trips is to always be on high alert, try to not walk alone on the street at night, and do as much research as you can ahead of your trip.

Cost

Athens is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. You can find a lot of food options under $5.

Depending on what type of accommodation you’re looking for, you can find very cheap options (like $50 per night) or you can splurge and get an amazing hotel room with Acropolis views for about $200 per night, which is much cheaper than other cities in Europe.

Things to do in Athens

• Visit the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Panathenaic Stadium – Iconic historic sites that are a must for any Athens trip.
• Explore different neighborhoods – Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, and Pangrati each offer unique vibes and local charm. They also offer plenty of Instagrammable spots.
• Climb Lycabettus Hill – Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city.
• Stop by Little Kook – A café known for its whimsical and out-of-this-world decorations.
• Check out Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center – Experience modern architecture and cultural events.
• Watch the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square – A free activity combining military tradition and artistic show.
• Optional: Visit the Greek Islands to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe – Perfect if you have extra time to explore beyond Athens.

5. Oradea, Romania

Oradea is a small city in Romania and it’s an Eastern Europe hidden gem. It also happens to be my hometown. Romania has been part of the European Union since 2007 and it has been developing pretty fast in recent years, we’re now the second Eastern European economy after Poland.

It is a very beautiful country that offers so much for tourism: the Carpathian Mountains, medieval castles, the Danube Delta, the Black Sea, and so much more.

It is an underrated destination and most people choose to not visit because of the stereotypes they hear about Romania.

While these stereotypes were true right after the 1989 revolution that ended Romania’s communist era, most of them are no longer true. I think it’s only a matter of time until people realize this and tourism will boom. 

Oradea is the Art Nouveau capital of Romania and it is a gorgeous small town. Definitely worth visiting!

I know I’m a little biased, but I truly think it’s one of the best solo travel destinations. You have direct flights from London, Munich, Rome, Warsaw, Milan, Dortmund, and Bucharest.

Safety

Unpopular opinion, but Eastern Europe is safer than Western Europe. People are very friendly and welcoming towards foreigners. You have to experience the Romanian hospitality at least once in your lifetime!

And if you visit Romania, please venture outside of Bucharest. Bucharest is my least favorite place in Romania and people tend to be ruder over there. But if you visit other places I guarantee you will fall in love with Romania.

You can walk by yourself at night in Oradea and you will be safe. There aren’t any large crowds of tourists, so there won’t be any scams or pickpockets like the ones you find in Western European cities like Paris or Madrid.

Most people speak English, especially the younger generations. And everyone speaks a little Spanish because literally everyone in Romania used to watch Latin American soap operas or telenovelas 15-20 years ago. Since Romanian and Spanish are both romance languages, it was very easy for Romanians to pick up some Spanish. 

Cost

Oradea is a budget friendly destination. You can stay in a hotel or apart-hotel in the city center for $50-100 per night. A coffee is around $2, a pizza is around $8, a croissant or pretzel is about $1.

It’s a very affordable destination. You can pay with cards almost everywhere, but I still encourage you to have some cash on you. The Romanian currency is Leu (RON). We’re part of the EU, but not in the Eurozone.

Things to do in Oradea

• Stroll along Republicii Avenue (Calea Republicii) – Oradea’s main street, lined with colorful Art Nouveau buildings, shops, and cafes; a favorite hangout for locals and tourists alike.
• Visit Union Square (Piața Unirii) – The city’s largest central square featuring City Hall, the Black Eagle Palace (a stunning secession-style building), and the Moon Church with its unique lunar mechanism.
• Climb City Hall Tower or Ciuperca Hill – Get panoramic views of Oradea from above.
• Walk along the Crișul Repede River – Enjoy scenic views and the relaxing riverside atmosphere.
• Admire Baroque architecture – Stop by the Baroque Palace, a sister palace to Vienna’s Belvedere.
• Explore Oradea Fortress and Țării Crișurilor Museum – Learn about the city’s history and heritage.
• Relax at Băile Felix – A nearby thermal water resort with a beautiful waterlily lake.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is probably one of the cutest and dreamiest cities I’ve ever visited. When you’re walking through the Old Town, it feels like you’re in a fairy tale.

The cobblestone streets, colorful historic buildings, and ancient city walls create such a magical atmosphere! You have to experience it at least once.

Safety

I felt very safe in Tallinn. I personally didn’t see any scammers or pick pockets even in crowded areas in the Old Town. As always, be on high alert. But I had a great experience in Tallinn.

Cost

Tallinn is cheaper than Helsinki. There are plenty of Finns who take a day trip to Tallinn by ferry using their cars and come back loaded with alcohol and food since it’s cheaper over there.

Hotels in Tallinn are also pretty affordable, but if you want to stay at a good hotel in the Old Town it will be expensive.

Things to do in Tallinn

• Stroll through Town Hall Square – The heart of the Old Town, surrounded by colorful buildings and lively cafés.
• Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – A stunning Russian Orthodox cathedral with intricate mosaics and impressive architecture.
• Explore Kiek in de Kök Museum & Bastion Tunnels – Dive into Tallinn’s history with a visit to this medieval tower and its underground tunnels.
• Enjoy panoramic views from Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform – One of the best spots to see the city’s skyline and the Baltic Sea.
• Walk through Viru Gate – An iconic entrance to the Old Town, offering a glimpse into Tallinn’s past.
• Climb St. Olaf’s Church Tower – For a breathtaking view of the city, climb to the top of this historic church.
• Discover Telliskivi Creative City – A vibrant area filled with street art, unique shops, and trendy cafés.
• Visit Fotografiska Museum – A contemporary photography museum showcasing international and local artists.
• Ascend the Tallinn TV Tower – For stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
• Indulge in local pastries – Don’t miss trying Estonian pastries at local bakeries and coffee shops. My favorite was ROST Bakery. Try their cardamom buns.

7. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a smaller European capital with fewer tourist attractions compared to cities like Madrid, Paris, or London. However, Finland’s capital is a truly charming place and I had a great time there.

Compared to a busy city like NYC or Athens, I found Helsinki to be calm and peaceful. People don’t speak loudly on the street, there are no car honks, and even little children seem to be more behaved in Scandinavia. Even the airport is quieter.

I came back more relaxed and centered. I like to call Helsinki the “zen city.” Everyone minds their business and lives their life in peace. No wonder Finland is the happiest country in the world.

Safety

I felt very safe in Helsinki. I traveled a lot in Western Europe and I have to say Helsinki feels much safer than Western Europe. There were no scammers or pick pockets even in crowded areas. 

People mind their business and tend to be friendly towards tourists. I think Helsinki could be a great destination for a first solo trip.

Cost

Helsinki is an expensive European capital. A meal can be 20+ euros. Even when you eat from street food markets, the prices are still around 15 euros.

However, you can find hotel options in Helsinki that are not that expensive. It depends which nighborhood you stay in and how luxurious you want your hotel to be.

Things to do in Helsinki

• Explore Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral – Iconic architecture and perfect for people-watching or photos.
• Visit Uspenski Cathedral – Explore this stunning Eastern Orthodox landmark with city views.
• Snack your way through Market Square & Old Market Hall – Try local treats like reindeer hotdogs and Finnish pastries
• Relax at Esplanadi Park – Grab a coffee, watch street performers, and enjoy the greenery.
• Ride the Helsinki SkyWheel – Take in panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
• Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress – Walk, explore history, and enjoy nature on this UNESCO site.
• Check out Helsinki Central Library Oodi – Modern design, exhibitions, and a rooftop terrace with city views.
• Experience a Finnish sauna – Essential for an authentic local experience. You can also do this at your hotel since hotels in Helsinki with sauna are very common.

8. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of my favorite places in Europe and it has a special place in my heart. That’s because my aunt used to live in Vienna when I was a kid and I spent a lot of Christmas and summer vacations in Vienna.

The city’s rich culture, historic architecture, and world-renowned coffee houses make it a top destination for solo travelers in my opinion.

Safety

I always felt safe in Vienna. I’ve been visiting Vienna since I was 6 years old. I remember I was navigating the subway like a pro when I was little.

Both as a kid and as an adult I felt very safe in Vienna. Of course, as always when you travel solo, do your research ahead of your visit and be on high alert, especially if you visit during peak season.

But based on my 10+ trips to Vienna, I can say that it’s a safe destination in Europe.

Cost

Vienna is less expensive than other European capitals like London or Paris, but it is more expensive then Budapest and Bratislava, its neighbors.

Things to do in Vienna

• Visit Schönbrunn Palace – Explore the opulent summer residence of the Habsburgs and its beautiful gardens.
• Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Visit the stunning Gothic architecture in the heart of the city.
• Tour Belvedere Palace – Discover Austrian art, including Klimt’s “The Kiss,” in this baroque masterpiece. And also visit its sister palace in my hometown of Oradea.
• Explore Hofburg Palace – Visit the former imperial palace and current residence of the President of Austria.
• Stroll along the Danube River – Enjoy scenic views and peaceful walks by the water.
• Experience the Prater Amusement Park – Ride the historic Giant Ferris Wheel for panoramic city views.
• Visit the Vienna State Opera – Attend a world-class performance in one of the most famous opera houses.
• Indulge in Viennese coffee and pastries – Savor a traditional coffee at a local café and try a slice of Sachertorte.

9. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has a rich history, amazing architecture, and many fun things to see and do.

You’ll find old castles, relaxing thermal baths, tasty local food, and lively ruin bars. And it’s one of the more affordable destinations in Europe.

Safety

I felt 100% safe in Budapest. I went to both the Buda and Pest sides using public transportation, I was out after dark, and I had zero problems.

Be mindful of your surroundings, as always, but compared to other European cities like London or Paris, I felt much safer in Budapest.

Cost

Budapest is an affordable destination, when you compare it with other cities in Europe. For example, you can find hotels in Budapest that cost less than $100 per night.

Food prices are also affordable. You can eat a nice meal for $10-20.

Things to do in Budapest

• Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building – Marvel at the neo-Gothic architecture and go on a guided tour to learn about Hungary’s history.
• Visit the Shoes on the Danube Memorial – Pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at this riverside memorial.
• Photograph the Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Capture iconic views of the Danube River and the city’s skyline.
• Take a Danube River Cruise – Experience Budapest’s landmarks from the water.
• Visit Fisherman’s Bastion – Enjoy fairy-tale-like views of the city from this terrace and make sure to take planty of pictures for your Instagram feed.
• Tour Buda Castle – Explore the historic castle complex and its museums.
• Discover the Tunnels Under Castle Hill – Tour the hidden passages beneath Buda Castle for a unique adventure.
• Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths – Unwind in one of Europe’s largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes.
• Shop at Central Market Hall – Buy local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Enjoy Coffee at New York Café – Experience the opulence of one of the world’s most beautiful cafés.
• Dine at Getto Gulyás – Thy the best traditional Hungarian dishes in a cozy setting in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter.

10. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is such a great place for a solo city break. It has a gorgeous historic old town, a new town with skyscrapers, plenty of cobblestone streets, museums, and delicious Polish food.

Two days is enough time to see the main sights. If you have more time you can take day trips to Gdansk, Krakow, and Auschwitz.

Safety

I felt very safe in Warsaw. Eastern Europe is much safer than much of Western Europe these days in my opinion.

There aren’t pickpockets, people don’t try to scam you on the street, and you can walk alone at night with no issues. 

Cost

Warsaw is an affordable destination in Europe compared to other places. There are plenty of hotels in Warsaw, even in the Old Town area, that are very reasonably priced.

Food and drinks are also on the cheaper side. I would say prices are pretty similar to Romania.

Things to do in Warsaw

• Explore Warsaw’s Old Town – Wander through the UNESCO-listed area, marveling at the Royal Castle and the charming Market Square.
• Walk the Royal Route – Follow this historic path lined with palaces, churches, and monuments, leading from the Royal Castle to Wilanów Palace.
• Visit Łazienki Park – Relax in this expansive park, home to the iconic Chopin Monument and the beautiful Palace on the Isle.
• Tour the Warsaw Uprising Museum – Gain insight into the 1944 uprising through interactive exhibits and personal stories.
• Attend a Chopin Concert – Enjoy live piano performances in the Old Town, celebrating Poland’s musical heritage.
• Visit the Warsaw University Library – Explore the rooftop garden and enjoy panoramic views of the city.