These are the best cities for solo travel, according to an expert
Travelling on your own can be one of life's most enriching experiences, which is why I love my job as editor of solo travel guide 101 Singles Holidays. Offering freedom, independence and the opportunity to live to the beat of your own drum, going solo is one the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry.
New to travelling alone? City breaks are a great way to begin your solo journey. Whether it's exploring the intoxicating Medina in Marrakech, the bohemian fado bars of Bairro Alto in Lisbon or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, stay in the heart of a city and you'll be within easy reach of the key attractions, landmarks, museums and nightlife.
Travelling solo doesn't have to mean spending all your time alone, however. The solo travel industry is booming right now and there are numerous singles tours and group holidays on offer that appeal to all interests and ages. It can be a great way to meet and explore with a bunch of like-minded folk.
So, whether you’re looking for some pure alone time or wanting to explore as part of a bigger group, here are the best cities for solo travel…
Vienna, Austria
Beautiful, safe and friendly, Vienna is one of Europe's best cities for solo travel. Activity-wise, relax in Mozart's favourite coffee house, feast on frisbee-sized schnitzels in a leafy beer garden or catch a classical music recital.
Stay at the Anantara Palais Hansen on the city’s famous Ringstraße boulevard, which gives you easy access to grand imperial palaces, a multitude of world-class museums and Vienna State Opera.
Good Housekeeping's four-day guided city break in Vienna includes a live show by Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in the opulent 19th-century Stadthalle.
Venice, Italy
Although considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Venice is perfect for exploring alone.
On your own time, you can sail down the many canals on vaporettos (water buses), wander between the different neighbourhoods, and enjoy aperitivo hour in a cicchetteria, the Venetian tapas bars dotted all around the city.
Steeped in Renaissance and Gothic architecture, be sure to visit the art galleries and vintage boutiques of Dorsoduro as well as the palazzos and piazzas of San Marco.
For a dreamy solo stay, book a room at Hotel Fenice et Des Artistes, a charming independent hotel near St Mark's Square, which has a clutch of single rooms, a private garden and a bar.
Alternatively, GH's eight-day Venice river cruise explores more of the Venetian lagoon, including the islands of Burano and Mazzorbo. Foodies will be excited to hear that the sailing also includes a live Q&A and gala dinner with acclaimed chef James Martin, too.
If you're a music lover, don't miss this Good Housekeeping island hopping river cruise around Veneto, which includes a rare and intimate performance by world-famous tenor Russell Watson at the grand Scuola Grande dei Carmini.
Istanbul, Turkey
In a list compiled by Wizz Air based on 2023 Tripadvisor reviews, Istanbul ranked third in the 'Top 20 European Cities for Solo Travellers,' thanks to an abundance of sights and welcoming restaurants.
In the city where East meets West, pick up a trinket in the maze-like Grand Bazaar, catch the hypnotic twirl of the Whirling Dervishes at a local folk show, or even cruise along the Bosphorus Strait over to Asia.
Stay at the Hagia Sofia Mansions, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is within easy reach of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque (pictured) and has a fabulous spa.
To really make the most of your time in Turkey, why not double up with a few days in historic Cappadocia, a semi-arid region famed for its fairy chimneys and rock formations. Friendship Travel, who are specialists in relaxed singles holidays, offer a six-day trip combining three nights in Istanbul and three nights in Cappadocia.
Athens, Greece
Friendly, accessible and packed with landmark sights, Athens is one of the best cities for solo travel in Europe.
You don’t need companions to climb up Acropolis hill and explore the ancient site of the Parthenon, hit the beaches of the Athenian Riviera, potter around Monastiraki’s flea market or scoff souvlaki from a street food vendor.
Promising one of the finest views of the Acropolis, book a stay in the NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens by Leonardo Hotels, which has a rooftop pool overlooking the Parthenon.
If you’re interested in exploring with like-minded solo travellers, this seven-night trip to Greece with Solo Holidays begins with two days in Athens before heading to the ancient towns of Epidaurus, Delphi and Olympia.
Lisbon, Portugal
Yellow trams, fado music and pastéis de Belém (the city’s famed custard tarts) are three good reasons to choose Lisbon for a solo city break.
A warm, welcoming city spread across seven hills, visit the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (one of the highest peaks in Lisbon) for panoramic views or simply potter around the bohemian neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Alfama.
If you time your trip right, you could also catch one of the local festivals – like Lisbon Sardine Festival – which pop up throughout the summer.
For easy access to all the main attractions, the riverside and the verdant Jardim de Estrela, stay at the charming boutique hotel Dear Lisbon Gallery House in Bairro Alto.
For a singles-friendly group holiday in Lisbon, this eight-day escorted tour by solo travel specialist Just You Holidays takes in Sintra, Cascais and Porto, as well as packing in plenty of time to enjoy the Portuguese capital.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Polished limestone streets, peaceful beaches and plenty of sunset bars in the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea make Dubrovnik utterly charming. The Croatian city is also one of the best spots for single travellers, too.
Walk the around the medieval walls of the Old City, dine out in the many friendly restaurants, or hop on a speed boat and sail out to the surrounding islands of Lokrum, Daksa and Lopud. Of course, Dubrovnik will always be King's Landing to Game of Thrones fans, for whom there are plenty of GOT-themed walking tours on offer.
Slightly away from the main hustle and bustle, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is located just outside the Old Town walls. The grand hotel has a swimming pool, spa and striking views over Fort Lovrijenac and the sea beyond.
Just You offer an eight-day tour of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast, which includes a cruise to the Elaphiti Islands and a trip to the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, just across the border.
Seville, Spain
One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Seville is a great choice for your first solo city break. With a compact centre and old town, Seville is one of the easiest Spanish cities to explore on foot.
Spend your days wandering around the jasmine-scented streets of Barrio Santa Cruz or climbing up La Giralda, Seville's landmark Gothic bell tower, while at night you can visit the hole-in-the-wall tapas bars in Alameda and Macarena for plates of succulent caracoles (snails coked in broth) and glasses of cava.
For a central stay, consider the beautiful Hotel Fernando III in the historic Santa Cruz district, which boasts a rooftop pool with a birds-eye view of La Giralda.
If you want to share the experience with a group, award-winning escorted tours company Newmarket Holidays offers an eight-day stay in the Andalusian city of Antequera, which includes guided day trips to Seville, Cordoba and Granada.
Dublin, Ireland
If you're looking for a good time, look no further than Dublin, easily one of the most sociable cities in the world.
One of the best ways to see Ireland’s capital is via a walking tour, like a literary-themed one that takes in Oscar Wilde's old haunts, or a boozy one that stops at Guinness Storehouse and some of the city’s most lively pubs.
For accommodation worth writing home about, book at room at The Clarence on Wellington Quay. Once owned by Bono and The Edge of U2, this boutique hotel is one of Dublin's most iconic places to stay and is only a two-minute walk from the lively Temple Bar district.
For an extended taste of the Emerald Isle, On The Go escorted holidays offers a brilliant three-day tour for solo travellers that takes in Dublin, winds past the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park, and spends a day in lovely Galway.
Valletta, Malta
The smallest capital city in Europe just so happens to be one of the most beautiful – and perfect for single explorer.
Malta was under British rule until the 1960s and the Maltese archipelago still has plenty of Anglo influence – English is widely spoken and there’s even a Marks & Spencer!
Pincered by two harbours, the tiny 16th-century walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its criss-crossed, sand-coloured streets are lined with boutique shops, coffee houses and an array of fine restaurants. Don't miss peeking into 16th-century St John's Co-Cathedral to spy Caravaggio's masterpiece, the Beheading of St John the Baptist.
For a solo traveller’s treat, book a stay at Rosselli AX Privilege in the heart of Valletta. This swanky five-star hotel is housed in a 19th-century baroque building, which was once owned by the Knights of Malta.
Alternatively, this eight-day guided trip to Malta by Saga Holidays includes a day’s tour of Valletta as well as a trip to the neighbouring island of Gozo to see the ancient Ġgantija temples.
More travel inspiration:
- The best solo travel destinations
- The best cruises for solo travellers
- The 2025 holidays worth booking in advance
- 17 European holidays worthy of your bucket list
- The best luxury train holidays
You Might Also Like
