Unearth The Voyage
Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever have. Europe offers incredible cities where you can explore safely, meet new friends, and discover amazing sights at your own pace. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets, sipping coffee in a cozy cafe, or hiking up a castle hill, these thirteen cities combine safety with beauty to create the perfect solo journey.
1. Lisbon, Portugal – Hills, Viewpoints & Ocean Breezes
A 2025 study by TUI Musement placed Lisbon second worldwide for solo trips, thanks to its outstanding safety, culture, and transport. Portugal ranks high on the Global Peace Index, making this coastal capital a calm and welcoming base for adventurers.
Meeting fellow travelers is easy in hostels or on walking and food tours. Historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto invite you to wander on foot, while day trips to Sintra or Cascais are just a quick train ride away. Keep your belongings secure on crowded trams and viewpoints, as petty theft can happen in any major city.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark – Bike-Friendly & Ultra Livable
The Economist’s 2025 Global Liveability Index crowned Copenhagen the most liveable city in the world, praising its infrastructure and stability. Solo-travel guides describe it as friendly, well-organized, and ideal for first-timers.
Copenhagen’s legendary cycling network includes a green wave of synchronized lights that help cyclists hit greens at 20 km/h. Safe, walkable central districts feature waterfront promenades and public swimming areas. The strong café culture makes eating alone feel completely normal, so you can relax with a pastry and watch the world go by.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia – A Safe, Storybook Capital
In 2025, Ljubljana was ranked the third safest city in Europe, praised for low crime and secure public transport. Local and solo-travel guides call it one of Europe’s most welcoming and stress-free capitals.
The compact, mostly car-free old town hugs the Ljubljanica River, making strolls delightful and easy. Walk up to Ljubljana Castle or through green spaces like Tivoli Park without needing a map. Ljubljana also serves as a great base for day trips to Lake Bled or the famous caves at Postojna and Škocjan.
4. Reykjavík, Iceland – Safest City, Big Landscapes
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has repeatedly named Reykjavík the safest city in the world for travelers. Its low crime, strong social systems, and high trust culture make it a top choice for solo explorers.
Joining group tours to the Golden Circle, South Coast, whale watching, or Northern Lights is simple and social. The walkable city core offers museums, street art, and geothermal pools. The Blue Lagoon and other hot-spring experiences remain popular weekend highlights, though checking volcanic and spa updates before booking is wise.
5. Prague, Czechia – Fairytale Architecture on a Budget
Multiple recent solo-travel guides call Prague one of the best European cities to visit alone. It’s safe, walkable, and more affordable than many Western European capitals, making your money stretch further.
The compact historic center includes landmarks like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle, all within easy reach. Plenty of free or low-cost activities await, from viewpoints to river walks and parks. The big hostel scene and social tours make finding company simple whenever you crave conversation or a shared adventure.
6. Vienna, Austria – Culture, Coffee & Calm
Austria regularly ranks among the world’s safest countries, and Vienna is frequently cited as one of Europe’s safest capitals. Low levels of violent crime and a strong public-transport network provide peace of mind.
Grand imperial architecture, museums, and classical music venues let you explore at your own pace without pressure. Traditional coffeehouses welcome lingering alone for hours, making solo dining or reading feel perfectly natural. Efficient trams and metro lines mean getting around without a travel partner is smooth and stress-free.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland – Castles, Closes & Green Hills
Solo-travel guides repeatedly recommend Edinburgh as one of the easiest and safest cities for first-time solo trips. Friendly locals, a compact center, and well-lit streets add to the comfort.
A recent Time Out survey of Gen-Z travelers ranked Edinburgh the best UK city for young people, with very high scores for walkability and access to nature. You can walk between Old Town, New Town, the castle, and Calton Hill with ease. Hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views without leaving the city, and enjoy lively but manageable nightlife you can opt in or out of.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals & Culture With Solo-Friendly Vibes
Recent solo-travel and safety guides agree that Amsterdam is a safe destination for solo travelers, including solo women, as long as you take normal big-city precautions.
Iconic canals, gabled houses, and world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House await your discovery. Excellent public transport and bike infrastructure make getting around a breeze. Plenty of group activities exist, from canal cruises to bike tours and day trips to windmill villages or tulip fields in season, perfect for meeting fellow adventurers.
9. Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval Old Town Meets Digital Future
Tallinn has a reputation as both very safe and very affordable compared to many Western European capitals. Guides aimed at solo travelers praise its low crime rate, compact layout, and welcoming feel.
The beautiful UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town features cobbled streets and city-wall viewpoints that feel like stepping into a storybook. You can explore everything on foot in a weekend without feeling rushed. Strong café and co-working culture makes Tallinn especially appealing for digital nomads traveling alone who want to mix work with exploration.
10. Kraków, Poland – Relaxed, Historic & Budget-Friendly
Kraków is frequently highlighted as a top solo destination thanks to its compact layout, affordability, and relaxed atmosphere. Solo guides note it’s bite-sized yet full of culture, and Poland overall is one of Europe’s safer and cheaper countries.
A 2025 stress-free getaways index even named Kraków Europe’s best city for a stress-free break, praising walkability, easy airport access, and budget-friendly prices. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, Wawel Castle, and green belt of Planty Park invite leisurely exploration. Powerful day trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine await curious minds.
11. Porto, Portugal – Colorful Cliffs & Riverfront Charm
Like Lisbon, Porto scores well on European safety indices, with a high safety rating on Numbeo and Portugal’s strong showing in global peace rankings. Solo-travel guides describe it as a hilly but walkable city with a friendly, relaxed vibe.
Riverside strolls along the Douro, iconic bridges, and tiled churches create postcard moments at every turn. Joining group port-wine tastings and river cruises provides nice built-in social time when you want company. Porto also serves as a good base for day trips to the scenic Douro Valley or nearby historic towns.
12. Bruges, Belgium – Fairytale Canals & Quiet Streets
Bruges regularly appears in best solo cities in Europe blog posts for its picture-perfect medieval streets, canals, and very low crime levels. It feels like walking through a living museum.
Compact, flat, and easy to navigate entirely on foot, Bruges invites leisurely exploration without exhaustion. Canal walks, historic squares, and museums are perfect to enjoy at your own pace, with no pressure to rush. Calm evenings compared with bigger party cities make Bruges ideal if you prefer cozy nights to wild clubbing, offering a peaceful solo retreat.
13. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – A Quieter Adriatic Gem
The Bay of Kotor is gaining international attention as a scenic, more affordable alternative to big-name Mediterranean hotspots. Recent travel coverage calls it one of Europe’s emerging seaside gems, highlighting UNESCO-listed old towns, dramatic mountains, and calm bays.
Kotor Old Town’s alleyways and city walls are easy to explore on your own, offering mystery around every corner. Stunning hikes above the bay and along nearby ridges and national parks reward you with breathtaking views. Still relatively laid-back compared to busier Adriatic spots, Kotor suits solo travelers seeking scenery over crowds.
