The 20 Best Cities to Travel Solo in Europe

So you want to travel solo in Europe on a budget? After years of doing exactly that, both blogging my way through the continent and on my very first solo trip at 20, these are the cities I keep coming back to for solo travellers who want their money to stretch further without giving up culture, nightlife, or a decent meal.

The beauty of Europe is that you can fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, crossing borders and cultures in a matter of hours. With so much ground to cover, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, so here are 20 of my favourites, each with a sense of what to expect cost-wise.

Post updated July 2026.

Where to travel solo in Europe on a budget

1. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has built a serious reputation over the last decade as a must-visit European capital, but it remains one of the more affordable capital cities on the continent, making it a great pick for solo travellers watching their budget. It’s also full of attractions, monuments, and distinct neighbourhoods, so you won’t run short of things to do.

Best for: lively nightlife, expats, history, low cost Cost tier: budget

2. Vienna, Austria

The first time I travelled to Vienna solo, five years into my own journey, I had no idea just how sprawling this city would turn out to be. Imperial and imposing, it’s full of history, art, café culture, and museums, and you genuinely won’t run out of things to do here.

Best for: history and art culture Cost tier: moderate to higher-end

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has grown rapidly in both visitor numbers and cost over the years, but it’s still one of the quintessential cities to visit on a solo trip through Europe. With plenty of other travellers passing through, you won’t find any shortage of new friends, making it a great city to explore day into night.

Best for: lively nightlife, history Cost tier: moderate

4. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of the most underrated capital cities in Europe, and it also makes a great base for exploring Slovenia more broadly. As a country full of natural beauty, Slovenia and its capital are a strong choice for the more active solo traveller.

Best for: off the beaten path Cost tier: budget to moderate

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam was one of the first cities I visited solo, and it’s held a special place for me ever since, particularly in winter, without the summer crowds. It’s a major hotspot for young travellers, so you’re bound to meet plenty of fellow solo travellers here while still enjoying the city’s historic sites.

Best for: lively nightlife, charm, friendly locals Cost tier: moderate to higher-end

6. London, United Kingdom

Not a budget destination by any stretch, but London remains one of the best cities to travel solo thanks to the sheer amount on offer. Once you’ve worked through Central London (Big Ben, Westminster, St Paul’s), branch out to neighbourhoods with more grungy, alternative appeal — Shoreditch is a great starting point.

Best for: activities, sightseeing, nightlife Cost tier: higher-end

7. Berlin, Germany

No list like this is complete without my old stomping ground, Berlin. The city is brimming with nightlife, cheap eats, and expats from every corner of the globe.

Best for: expats, central location Cost tier: budget to moderate

8. Paris, France

Almost any “best cities in Europe” list is incomplete without Paris. It’s an expensive city for accommodation, but genuinely affordable once you know where to look — the Latin Quarter is great for cheap eats, and the best way to see this city is still free: on foot.

Best for: culture, sightseeing, charm Cost tier: higher-end

Read more: Solo in Paris: The Best Things to Do in Paris on your Own

9. Barcelona, Spain

Mention Spain and most people think Barcelona first, and for solo travellers, it’s easy to see why. Expect genuine warmth and hospitality from locals, and a city that’s difficult not to fall for.

Best for: lively nightlife, expats, food Cost tier: moderate

10. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is far more discovered today than it was five or six years ago, but it still holds onto plenty of hidden charm. Its low cost and colour make it an easy, cheerful city to explore solo.

Best for: charm, low cost Cost tier: budget

11. Florence, Italy

One of the prettiest cities in Italy, and steeped in history and art, Florence is hard for any solo traveller not to fall in love with. A large population of expat students also means you won’t have trouble meeting people, and exploring with someone who knows the city well is half the fun.

Best for: history, art, culture Cost tier: moderate

12. Rome, Italy

The eternal city, and a genuine bucket-list stop for every traveller at least once. If you’re the type of solo traveller who needs to stay busy, Rome will not disappoint, so give yourself a decent amount of time to actually take it in.

Best for: history, and plenty of it Cost tier: moderate to higher-end

13. Naples, Italy

Another Italian city worth your time, if only for the pizza; this is genuinely where it began. Naples also happens to be the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, one of my favourite regions to explore in Italy.

Best for: gateway to the Amalfi Coast, pizza Cost tier: budget to moderate

14. Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium isn’t always the first country that comes to mind for a European trip, but I can promise it won’t disappoint. Antwerp in particular surprised me most: fashion-forward, full of young people, a great coffee scene, and an easy downtown to explore solo.

Best for: nightlife, coffee scene, city exploration Cost tier: moderate

15. Ghent, Belgium

Another city I adored travelling through solo, just a short train ride from the better-known Bruges (which is, of course, gorgeous too). Ghent’s large student population makes it a fun city to go out in at night and meet the local crowd.

Best for: student nightlife, charm Cost tier: moderate

16. Warsaw, Poland

I overlooked Warsaw on my first trip to Poland, and I’m glad I corrected that on my second. It’s a city of contrasts at every turn, with architectural styles carrying you through different points in its history.

Best for: modern world history, low cost Cost tier: budget

17. Krakow, Poland

Another Polish city I thoroughly enjoyed, located in the south of the country and rich with history. If you’re drawn to modern world history, this one’s likely already on your list, and a large student population gives it a lively nightlife and plenty of friendly locals to meet.

Best for: modern world history, student nightlife, charm Cost tier: budget

18. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia, and Dubrovnik in particular, has surged in popularity with solo travellers over recent years. This coastal town is anything but sleepy, drawing young travellers from across the globe, and it’s a great jumping-off point for a coastal trip north towards Split.

Best for: scenery, charm, coastal setting Cost tier: moderate to higher-end

19. Riga, Latvia

Talked about far less than it deserves, Riga is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals: full of charm and without the crowds of its better-known counterparts, it’s a genuine gem for a couple of days. Venture further out and Latvia has plenty more to offer beyond the capital.

Best for: meeting locals, charm Cost tier: budget

20. Tallinn, Estonia

Last but certainly not least, Tallinn. This gorgeous small capital won me over in a single day, as it does for many visitors who arrive on a ferry day trip from nearby Helsinki. Old-world charm, friendly locals, and al fresco dining in summer make it an easy city to love.

Best for: meeting locals, charm Cost tier: budget

FAQ

What’s the cheapest European city for solo travel? Budapest, Warsaw, Krakow, Riga, and Tallinn are consistently the most budget-friendly picks on this list, with lower accommodation and food costs than Western Europe.

Is this list different from your other “best cities to travel solo in Europe” post? Yes; this one focuses specifically on cost and value for budget-conscious solo travellers across 20 cities. For a shorter, more personal list of favourites without the cost lens, see The Best Cities to Travel Solo in Europe.

Which of these cities is best for meeting other solo travellers? Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin, and Ghent all have strong hostel and backpacker scenes, so they’re the easiest places on this list to meet people quickly.

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Looking for a safety-specific take instead? See the 20 best places for solo female travel.

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