Europe is, perhaps, one of the best places in the world to embark on a solo travel adventure. Full of friendly people, great food and oozing with culture, it’s certainly short of very little. Traveling around Europe is relatively inexpensive and the traveling distance isn’t too wide. Most of Europe is very safe for solo travelers, but some cities are more ideal than others when it comes to accommodation and prices.
Some destinations in and around Europe are easier to travel to when on your own thanks to the public transport links, political infrastructure and simply because the cost of living is lower in some countries. When it comes to looking for travel destination inspiration, there is often no one place which suits everyone. Whether you’re looking for parties and fun or easy transport links and beautiful surroundings, here are 5 destinations which everyone should add on to their bucket list.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is often thought of as a “party” location. With a surplus of bars and pubs and a huge selection of live music venues, Dublin is as well known for its “craic” as it is for its history. But, the Irish are well known for making their towns and cities easy to find and access, especially if you are on your own.
Whilst, Dublin does have a reputation of being a prime party and drinking destination, that isn’t necessarily how the Irish do it. It is a fairly easy city to access by foot, but public transport is also straightforward and reliable. There are many free walking tours across the city or visit one of the many tourist destinations dotted in and around the centre.
Seville, Spain
Seville is the perfect destination for solo travelers who are on the search for a sunnier destination which is also mixed with culture and activities. Seville is a city full of history, particularly surrounding the bullring and bullfighting, which was popular here from the 18th century. There is also Seville’s Gothic Cathedral, which was believed to have begun building work in 1407, and is one of the largest in the world.
After a day exploring the sights, be sure to head to a local restaurant for a few dishes of tapas and a glass or two of local wine and then head up to Las Setas, where you can watch the sunset fade over the city. Seville is a fascinating place and is perfect for solo travelers thanks to the friendly locals and ease of getting around.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a wonderfully stunning country and is the ultimate destination when it comes to solo travel. There are so many elements that make Iceland a popular destination, from natural hot springs, wild horses and waterfalls, but one thing which makes it hugely appealing to solo tourists is the ease of which you can travel around and take part in activities. Like any travel destination, it is the people who make the place and Icelandic people are more than happy to great you with a smile and give you directions or travel advice.
With a tight-knit community, solo-traveling here doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it does in a larger city. There are plenty of hostels and bars and restaurants in Reykjavik that are just within minutes of each other, making it easy for you to socialize and meet other travelers and is the perfect base location to go and explore the national parks or natural locations.
Manchester, England
Known for being one of the friendliest cities in the UK, if you’re a solo traveler then you’re sure to love a visit to Manchester. Everyone knows the humor that comes with English weather, and Manchester can be particularly rainy due to its location in the middle of the Peak District, but there is plenty to see and do which doesn’t involve getting caught in the rain.
With plenty of free museums, libraries, walking tours and transport, Manchester is a budget-friendly location for those watching the pennies, yet still provides travelers with great memories and the opportunity to meet other like-minded explorers. Whilst a table for one isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, there are plenty of places to eat in Manchester which are more than happy to cater to traveling diners. Be sure to check out the Northern Quarter or Oxford Road for affordable eats and bustling restaurants.
Budapest, Hungary
Eastern Europe is relatively cheaper to travel to and around than Western Europe and is full of exciting new destinations. If you are traveling on a shoestring budget, then Budapest is sure to be a great location for you to visit.
Many of Budapest’s landmarks are easy to get to by foot and aren’t located far from one another. Whilst there are guide buses and tour guides, it is also fun to just pick up a map and head out on your own. You’re much more likely to run into other solo travelers or find quirky and fun places to eat or grab a drink as you make your way between the landmarks. Whether you’re into the party scene (which is huge in Budapest, but only if you know where to go), or prefer making your way from landmark to landmark, there is plenty in Budapest to keep you occupied.
If any of these destinations have sparked an interest, then be sure to check out our travel deals on all of the locations mentioned above. Whether you want to do a single trip, or head to a few countries at once, we’re sure to have something to suit your travel needs.
The article has been contributed by our guest writer, Natalie.
