Solo travel is something I really recommend. I know it can feel scary at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t have to go away for weeks either, which is why a city trip is the perfect way to start. Since my solo adventures have mostly been around Europe, I’m sharing some European cities that are especially well-suited for solo travelers. Whether you’re drawn to culture, food, history, or simply great atmosphere, these five cities are ideal for exploring on your own.

Lisbon, Portugal


Lisbon was actually the first solo trip I ever did in Europe, and it’s still one of my favorite cities for solo travel. I truly think it’s one of the best destinations in Europe if you’re traveling alone. The city is affordable, welcoming, and full of character, which makes it an easy and enjoyable place to explore on your own. Lisbon is very walkable, and even though there are quite a few hills, you’ll constantly come across cafés, viewpoints, and small squares where you can slow down and enjoy the moment.

Lisbon is also popular with digital nomads, so if working remotely is part of your plan, you’re in the right place. English is widely spoken, so there’s no need to worry about language barriers. The city has plenty of hostels, as well as social cafés and bars, making it easy to meet other travelers if you’re up for it. Add the amazing food, beautiful sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere, and you have a city that feels safe, social, and perfect for a first solo trip.

Lisbon, Portugal

Barcelona, Spain


Barcelona

Barcelona is actually the city where I am right now, and I can honestly say it’s another great destination for solo travel. It’s perfect if you want to combine culture, good food, and the beach in one trip. The city has a lot of energy, but it’s also easy to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for solo travelers.

You can spend your mornings wandering through neighborhoods like El Born or Gràcia, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy tapas or nightlife in the evening. Barcelona has a very social vibe, so meeting other travelers is easy, especially in hostels, walking tours, or group activities. Public transport is very convenient, and if you’re staying for a few days, I’d recommend getting a T casual card to save money.

If you’re planning to work remotely, Barcelona is also a great choice. The city has plenty of laptop-friendly cafés and coworking spots, making it easy to mix work with exploring and enjoying the city.

Seville, Spain


Seville is a city I haven’t visited as a solo traveler yet, but it’s high on my list. It’s a more traditional Spanish city that feels very welcoming and relaxed, which makes it a great option if you’re traveling alone. Seville is perfect if you love culture, history, and good food. You can spend your days wandering through the old town, visiting historic landmarks, watching a flamenco show, or simply sitting on a sunny plaza with a drink and some tapas.

The city is very walkable, especially in the historic center, and public transport is easy to use if you want to explore a bit further. Seville has a slower pace compared to cities like Barcelona or Madrid, which makes solo travel feel comfortable and stress-free. While it’s not as well known for remote work as some bigger cities, there are still cafés where you can work for a few hours if needed. Overall, Seville feels like a place where you can slow down, enjoy authentic Spanish culture, and feel at home even when traveling on your own.

Seville, Spain

Florence, Italy


Florence, Italy

Florence is an amazing city for solo travelers, especially if you love art, history, and good food. The city feels compact and calm, which makes it very easy to explore on your own. Most of the main sights are located close to each other, so you can walk almost everywhere without needing public transport. Walking through Florence feels like being in an open air museum, and it’s a city where doing things alone feels completely safe and normal.

You can spend your days visiting museums and churches, wandering through historic streets, enjoying long lunches, or watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Eating alone in Florence is very normal, whether it’s a quick pizza or a relaxed dinner with a glass of wine. Public transport is available if you need it, but you likely won’t use it much. Florence also works well for remote work for shorter stays, with cafés and coworking spaces where you can work for a few hours. Overall, Florence is a beautiful, walkable city that’s perfect for slow solo travel and taking everything in at your own pace.

London, UK


London is one of the easiest cities in Europe to visit as a solo traveler. It’s busy, diverse, and very international, which means you never feel out of place when you’re on your own. There’s always something happening, and the city is full of activities that are perfect to do solo, like visiting museums, walking through different neighborhoods, or spending time in one of the many parks.

Public transport in London is excellent and makes it easy to get around, even if the city feels big at first. You can easily explore areas like Soho, Shoreditch, Notting Hill, or Camden without any hassle. London is also great if you plan to work remotely, with plenty of laptop-friendly cafés and coworking spaces across the city. While it’s more expensive than some other European cities, London offers endless options, great solo-travel vibes, and a sense of freedom that make it a great destination for solo travel.

London, UK

If you’re feeling inspired to go solo travelling and visit one of these cities, plan your trip with the StaffTraveler app!

And want to stay connected in Portugal, Spain, Italy or the UK?  Get the StaffTraveler eSIM for travelers, which is made for you and other frequent travelers and is supported in 160 countries. Try it for free with the coupon code ST100MB.

StaffTraveler for web
A motion photo of London's tube departing a station

London’s Tube Etiquette

Mastery of London's Tube is imperative for anyone trying to make any trip…


london

London coffee spots: 7 places you need to visit

Discover 7 must-visit coffee spots in London perfect for locals and…


Ponte de 25 Avril in Lisbon

What to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, blends history, culture, and charm. Enjoy…


Privacy Preference Center