Most people in their early 20s want to experience travelling before ‘settling down’, however, they may not be quite ready to travel the likes of Australia, with it being so far away from home in the UK. This is why travelling around Europe is a great place to start as a solo traveller, to give you the confidence to eventually see what else is out there in the world.
There are many benefits to choosing Europe, such as the difference in cultures within a couple of hours’ train journey or flight between countries. You can have so many different experiences without having to travel far.
Some of the best places to go in Europe will be discussed throughout this article, including some top tips for solo travellers in particular.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most popular spots for solo travellers as there is so much more to offer than just sightseeing. That being said, there are still so many beautiful things to see, such as La Sagrada Familia. A top tip if you don’t want to spend too much time seeing the main attractions is to take the hop on and hop off bus.
Another positive of Barcelona, unlike most cities, is that it has a beach, meaning you get a balance of both a city trip and a beach holiday. There are lots of areas in Barcelona home to many other travellers like El Born, making it easier to meet other people in local cafes and bars. Barcelona is also famous for its nightlife but even more famous for its football venue, Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona.
Lisbon, Portugal
For those looking to travel on a budget, Lisbon might be just the place for you. It offers more affordable accommodation options, and the food prices are a lot more reasonable too. Lisbon is known for its growing digital nomad community, meaning there are lots of people in a similar situation, being new to the area. There is a lot to do in Lisbon.
A popular choice is exploring Alfama, known for its colourful streets and scenic viewpoints. It is a gorgeous spot to visit. Another thing Lisbon is famous for is its yellow trams that go through the city. You can hop on the tram and cover lots of the main attractions.
If you’re looking for somewhere more lively, Bairro Alto is filled with bars and places with live music. In addition to the lively city, you are close enough to other beautiful places where you can do a day trip, such as Sintra.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Many first-time solo travellers have voted Amsterdam as one of the best cities to visit on their own, mainly because of how safe it makes them feel. You don’t have to do much in Amsterdam to fit in; just a simple cycle down the canal makes you feel at home. Cycling is a great way to explore the city and visit famous attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum.
Amsterdam is famous for its relaxed attitude towards smoking weed. Coffeeshops are particularly popular for this reason. However, for travellers who are not keen to try, nicotine pouches are also popular. Strong pouches such as Pablo Ice Cold create a similar buzz. Another benefit is that there are so many social hostels that you won’t have an issue finding somewhere to stay or meeting other solo travellers.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the perfect balance between things to see, culture and nightlife. It is actually known for its nightlife, with the streets filled with various bars, beer gardens and nightclubs, where the average cost of a beer is the equivalent of not even £3 in the centre. On the other hand, there are so many stunning things to see in Prague, like the colourful Old Town—people say it feels like a living postcard picture.
Solo Travel Tips for Europe
Travelling on your own can be scary; however, bearing in mind these few tips will help you throw yourself into the experience and enjoy every second. Some of the easiest ways to meet other solo travellers are by staying in social hostels and taking part in group activities. This could be something as simple as a group walking tour.
Another top tip is making sure you have downloaded an offline map of your local area in case you’re in an unfamiliar area where you don’t have signal whilst exploring; this will help you remain calm in these situations and make your journey back a lot easier.
Something that might sound obvious, yet is critical since things still get stolen, is making sure you keep all your valuables secure, especially when you’re in crowded tourist areas. Finally, keeping your plans flexible, allowing room for spontaneous adventures, tends to lead to the best experiences. And most importantly, have fun!
Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around countries in Europe and Asia. She is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others to broaden their horizons. Darcy has a big ambition to establish herself in the world of home travel blogging.
