Are you ready to embark on a solo adventure in Europe? From historic cities to picturesque landscapes, Europe has something for every kind of traveler.
But before you pack your bags and head out the door, there are some things you need to know.
In this comprehensive guide to solo travel in Europe, we will cover everything from preparing for your trip and choosing the right time to travel, to budgeting and crafting the perfect itinerary.
So, whether it’s exploring Paris’ famous landmarks or indulging in Italy’s cuisine, get ready for an unforgettable experience as we take you on a journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
Last updated on: 02-01-2024
Is Europe safe for solo travel?
Solo travel in Europe is generally considered safe, with the continent being a popular destination for solo travelers. Europe is known for its compact size, easy transportation, and excellent infrastructure, making it convenient for solo exploration.
Europe is often perceived as safe as or even safer than many other parts of the world, with low crime rates and a strong hostel culture.
Which European countries make a good destination for solo travelers?
Most of the European countries are considered excellent destinations for solo travelers. Examples of safe destinations in Europe are:
What is the best time to visit Europe for solo travelers?
The best time to visit Europe for solo travelers is during the shoulder seasons, which include the spring and autumn months. Visiting during these times offers several advantages, such as fewer tourists, milder weather, and lower prices.
However, summer is also a popular time to visit Europe due to the warm weather and longer days.
It’s important to consider personal preferences, the specific activities planned, and the regions to be visited when determining the best time to travel to Europe alone.
What are some of the most important national holidays and festivals in Europe?
Some of the most important national holidays and festivals in Europe include:
- St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland: March 17
- King’s Day, Netherlands: April 27
- Vappu, Finland: April 30 to May 1
- St. John’s Day, Northern Europe: June 23
- Carnival of Venice, Italy: Dates vary
- Oktoberfest, Germany: Dates vary
- Cannes Film Festival, France: Dates vary
- Glastonbury Festival, United Kingdom: Dates vary
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland: Dates vary
- San Fermin, Spain: July 6 to July 14
These are just a few examples of the many festivals and national holidays celebrated across Europe.
How to meet other solo travelers in Europe
To meet fellow solo travelers from around the world, consider staying in hostels. These accommodations often have communal areas where you can mingle with other like-minded individuals.
Joining local walking tours or group activities is another great way to connect with others who are also exploring Europe on their own.
You can also attend social events or join events through a travel buddy app like Likeplan specifically designed for solo travelers. Utilize online travel forums and social media groups to connect with other solo travelers.
Additionally, taking advantage of organized group trips or adventure tours for solo travelers can be a fun and social way to explore Europe.
Is Europe expensive for solo travelers?
Solo travel in Europe can be both affordable and expensive, depending on various factors such as the choice of destinations, accommodation, and activities. The average daily cost for solo travel in Europe is estimated to be around 150 euros
Traveling in Europe has become quite expensive, particularly for solo travelers, due to inflation and the high cost of accommodation in certain popular cities.
For example, while accommodations in Poland, one of the cheapest European countries to visit, may cost about 30-40 euros per night on average, in cities like Amsterdam, the cost can be at least 125 euros per night.
What are the cheapest countries in Europe for solo travel?
Some of the cheapest countries in Europe for solo travel include:
- Poland: With a backpacker budget of less than $40 USD per day, Poland is considered one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.
- Portugal: Portugal is known for its affordability and can be a great destination for solo travelers on a budget.
- Turkey: Turkey has long been one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, offering affordable travel options for solo travelers.
What is the best and most feasible 3-week itinerary for Europe?
Here are some 3-week itinerary ideas for Europe:
Classic Northern Europe itinerary
- Day 1-4: Paris, France
- Day 5-6: Brussels, Belgium
- Day 7-9: Ghent + Bruges, Belgium
- Day 10-13: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Day 14-17: London, United Kingdom
- Day 18-21: Dublin, Ireland
All-in-one route itinerary
- Day 1-2: London, England
- Day 3-4: Paris, France
- Day 5-6: Brussels, Belgium (Optional: Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Day 7-8: Split, Croatia
- Day 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Day 10-11: Rome, Italy
- Day 12-13: Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Day 14-16: Barcelona, Spain
- Day 17-18: Seville, Spain
- Day 19-21: Lisbon, Portugal
These itineraries provide a mix of popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing for a diverse and memorable 3-week trip to Europe.
Pepijn is the founder of Likeplan. He mainly writes about solo traveling. With over 10 completed solo trips, he writes from his own experience with the mission to encourage other people to go out and explore by themselves.