Fancy seeing Europe, but have no one to travel with? Then why not go solo? It’s a wonderful way to see the world.
You get to plan out the trip in any way you like, meaning you can spend all your time only doing the things you really want to do. You don’t have to cater to anyone else – this is your vacation and you’re going to enjoy it!
But while there are some amazing benefits to solo travel, there’s also a few risks to account for as well. For one, you’re alone on your trip, so there’s no one else to turn to for help and support if something goes wrong.
That can be a major confidence killer for many would-be solo travelers out there. It’s probably what’s putting you off from finally booking that dream vacation.
However, if you’ve always wanted to visit Europe, the idea that you might have to wait on someone else to be ready to come with you is frustrating, boring, and a pure waste of time.
So let’s make solo travel more appealing; here are the 5 safest European cities for solo travelers in 2025. Use them to build your confidence, temper your expectations, and make your next solo trip a total breeze!
Copenhagen, Denmark
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is a pretty compact city that’s alive with so much color and culture. That makes it a good choice for your very first solo trip, if you’re really not that confident about going away on your own.
There are plenty of hotels and hostels either in or only a couple miles from the city center, so you won’t have to spend much time going back and forth – which is great news if you’re worried about walking alone during the later hours.
You’re likely to be the only one walking anyone, as cycling is the norm in Copenhagen. Just make sure you know where the walkway bicycle lanes are!
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland as a whole is a great country for solo travelers, and the Republic of Ireland’s capital city is no different. Plenty of people visit Dublin all year round, so you’ll be surrounded by other tourists and locals alike.
Similarly, there are many great travel activities you can try out, so you won’t be lacking in things to do (or be unable to find any tour groups you can join). Drop your stuff off at a luggage storage dublin locker and get exploring as soon as your plan touches down!
There’s plenty of different food to try, thanks to Dublin’s eclectic mix of different cuisines, so you’re sure to find something tasty and affordable. And if you want to get around, you don’t have to walk everywhere; buses and taxis are easy to find at all times.
Reykjavik, Iceland
If you’re a fan of the more extreme side of nature, Iceland is going to be a natural choice for a trip. Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, there are glaciers and active volcanoes in equal measure.
But once again, the capital city is an incredibly safe place to be as a solo traveler. Friendly people, places to go, and comfortable accommodation are in abundance.
If you’re able to, rent a car and take a short tour to surrounding towns and villages. This will let you see the island in more of its glory, where you can stop off at waterfalls and black sand beaches.
If you are going to visit Iceland, make sure you’re ready for the sub-freezing temperatures, as well as the icy, snow covered roads. In winter, average temperatures are 0° and lower, and even in the summer, the average hangs around 10°.
Venice, Italy
A haven of solo travelers in Europe, Venice is a place where you can meet lots of other people on a trip like yours. If you choose to stay in a hostel or any other kind of shared accommodation, you’re nearly 100% guaranteed to make some new friends.
Venice also has quite a few different tours you can go on, and quite a few of them are by boat. But if you’d prefer to do things on your own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city at your own pace too. Really, it’s the kind of destination that offers the perfect balance of solo and social!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a great place for those who love to explore, with so much history and culture packed into one space. As a solo traveler, you can lose yourself in these streets without much worry at all. You’ll always be able to spot the bright yellow Tram 28 though!
It’s also another city where making friends with other solo travelers is quite easy. Plus, the food scene is a little more low cost than other destinations on this list, so feel free to park yourself in a cafe or bar and try out as many local flavors as you like!
Traveling Alone? Book Your European Trip with Confidence
So, you want to see what Europe has to offer, but you’re not sure you can go on your own. It’s a conundrum for many people determined to work through their travel bucket list!
After all, being so far from home, with so many different languages to learn, can be incredibly intimidating. But Europe tends to be quite a welcoming and hospitable continent when you’re on a trip.
Many of the major cities are quite safe for solo travelers, with public services like healthcare usually low cost (and even free) to access. Some cities are more well known for their solo travel suitability, however, and you’re more than welcome to try one of the destinations above on your first solo trip.
Of course, keep in mind that a city’s reputation for safety doesn’t mean it’s safe no matter what. Always maintain a sense of awareness when you’re visiting a place you don’t know, and make sure your valuables are securely hidden away.
