How to Travel Europe Solo Without Feeling Lonely
(Updated 2025)
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Do you want to travel but don't have anyone to go with?
Are you hesitant about going alone?
I was in your shoes.
My first big 'solo trip adventure' out of the country, I decided to plan a month-long trip backpacking across Europe. It sounded like so much fun! I had gone on a weekend trip here and there to cities in the United States and I felt I was ready for this next step. There were a lot of things that went really well! But I was surprised by bouts of loneliness. I thought I would be fine being alone, but it turns out a month in a foreign land can be a little isolating. Learning from this experience, I thought I would share;
Thinking of Traveling to Europe Alone? How to Avoid Feeling Lonely
If you are wondering if solo travel is worth it or if you'll just end up feeling lonely, you've come to the right place. I'm here to give you some tips so you can figure out if solo traveling is the right fit for you.
At 26, I was a high school teacher with a dream of seeing the world and no one to go with. I booked the trip anyway.
A month alone in Europe.
Even though I was lonely at times, what I didn't expect was how much I’d end up loving solo travel.
When I told people I was going to be in Europe for a month by myself... I got a few different reactions. Some people seemed to feel sorry for me. They might have assumed I was only going alone because I didn't have anybody to go with. And while that might have started out as the reason, I came to realize I LOVE traveling alone. It is empowering.
Is Solo Traveling lonely?
I won't lie to you friend, (we're interacting on the internet so we're friends, right?) solo traveling can be lonely. You really have to know yourself and what your goals are for the trip. If you're going alone but you are intentional with how you are spending your time, for example, if you know you need 'me' time and you build a trip to accomplish that? I think you'll love it. If you go and feel sad that you're not there with someone, ya you'll feel lonely. But there is a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. So, how do you avoid loneliness when traveling alone?
Europe Is Perfect for Solo Travel
Europe is a great place for people who are solo trip beginners and just getting their feet wet. There are a lot of similarities to American culture, many people speak english, and it is easy to get around with their fantastic
train system.
Countries are easy to get to and there is also so much to see! You might plan a few days in Rome and learn that Paris is just a quick train trip away, it seems like a waste to not go see it!
If you're looking for the best cities in Europe for solo travelers it depends on your vibe.
If you want a party- Barcelona or Amsterdam.
If you want to experience classic culture (and maybe a lot of other tourists) Paris or Rome.
A one of a kind breathtaking experience? Gindelwald or Florence.
If you're traveling solo and it's your first time, the capital cities are the best places to go. But any place can be great for solo travel if you
do your research. More on that later.
Knowledge is power so if you need help overcoming your fear of solo travel, here are some things I have learned to make a solo trip to Europe a fantastic trip, 7 of the best solo travel tips for Europe 2025:
1. Talk to People.
Get to know the locals, strike up a conversation. If that terrifies you, I might suggest you do it anyway. You will get the best stories and recommendations of where to visit by talking to people around you. And it will help you feel more connected and part of the community. I should acknowledge that as I'm giving first-time solo female traveler advice, it's important that you be smart about what information you're giving them as a solo traveler, but most people are kind and willing to be friendly and helpful.
How to meet people when traveling alone:
-Give a compliment 'I like your necklace' or 'I like your tattoo'.
-I know it's cliche, but make a comment about the weather, I've said it before- it's one of the few things that every human has in common when they're in a place.
Not everyone wants to talk, but you will get a response more often than not.
2. Stay Somewhere That Encourages Connection
Hostels are a top pick for solo travelers, not just because they’re budget-friendly, but because they naturally spark connection. I stayed in several during my trip and met people over free breakfasts and late-night hangouts. It's a great option if you are into the 'budget solo travel' around Europe and are okay sharing spaces.
Check out Hostel World for a list of hostels in Europe or
these recommendations by Nomadic Matt.
If you want to book an AirBnB hosted by a local, or a Bed and Breakfast, often they will be willing to show you around, or tell you the places you should see. This can be a really great way to learn the best things to do in a city.
These are great ways you can travel solo without feeling lonely. But you might not like the idea of staying in a place with a lot of people, or in someone else's home...
If you aren't into that, there are also plenty of hotels so if you're about having your own space, you can still pick a location in the city that is near other people. A cafe. A park. A bar.
There are also apps for meeting up with people, I've never tried them personally, but if you're interested:
Meetup,
Bumble BFF,
Travello,
Going Solo, or
Couchsurfing.
No matter where you stay, don't just pick the first option, look at reviews, pictures, the location -how close it is to local transportation, and the cost. When you're considering location there are neighborhoods and areas that might not be considered safe places for solo travelers in Europe, the best way to find safe places? Read reviews. If a place doesn't have reviews, consider one that does.
3. Visit Cafes or Bars with Communal Seating
In Ireland (especially in Galway) the local music scene is fantastic, find a pub or a bar with a local artist performing. It's more comfortable to be alone if you have something to do, like eat or listen to music. You might find other people who also came alone and are looking for people to meet and talk with. You will have to put yourself out there if that's not something you're used to, but trust me, you'll learn so much.
4. Take a Group Tour for a Day
When you don't know if you want to commit to a group trip, but you're open to spending a day with a group of people- a group trip might be for you. In Dublin I didn't have my own transportation so I booked a day trip from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. I still remember I booked with Paddywagon Tours and I found them on Trip Advisor.
It was nice to not think about my surroundings as much, it was nice to take a short break from being the trip planner and let someone else curate my day. It was a great trip!
5. Join a Cooking or Art Class to Meet People & Learn Culture
It's also a great option to dive into the culture of a place. When you are visiting a country in Europe, you'll like the place the more you get to know the culture, their food, their art, and even their history. It will help you feel more emotionally connected to a place.
6. Research to Boost Your Confidence
(it's listed as #6 but really it's my #1 Solo Travel Tip)
Do. Your. Research.
I love wandering and discovering when you're in a country just as much as the next woman, but I also love to do my research before going on a trip. If you know where you'll be staying, what kind of restaurants, shops, experiences, are around- then when you're in the country you can explore but also be aware of what your options are.
Solo female travel anxiety is a real thing, but the more prepared you are, the more you know about the where you are and where you're going, the better off you will be.I think I avoided a lot of tricky situations because I look like I know where I'm going.
If you're looking for solo travel confidence tips or beginner advice, this is my #1 recommendation.
Do your research. I know I keep saying it over and over. Maybe it's the teacher in me knowing that repetition will make it stick better.
Learn about what there is to do in a place. Customs that are common and things that might be considered rude. It might be beneficial to learn a few phrases in the local language, especially in France. They will appreciate that you tried. You'll learn things like: you don't have to TIP in Europe and when you get the bill at a restaurant you won't feel like you don't know what to do, because you did your research and you can live in the moment and enjoy where you are because you know what to do. See what I mean? Am I convincing you?
The more you research the more confident you will feel exploring. Of course you want to balance freedom and social time, but you'll know more about what kind of balance you need when you're there- best to know the options so you can go with the flow. I recommend leaving 'serendipity blocks' for spontaneous connection and discovery.
7. Go to a Local Event or Festival
If you do your research, you will know what events or festivals are going on in the city or country where you're staying. Maybe you picked a time of year based on a festival or event. Maybe you don't know what countries you're going to yet, and you want to be a free spirit... I still think it's a good idea to know when and where the fun festivals are.
Wouldn't it be a shame to go to the Netherlands and not know the tulip festival is happening? I don't know if that's possible, but it might happen if you don't do any research.
What to NOT Do on a Solo Trip
After covering some 'dos' for your solo trip, I also want to make sure to cover what you shouldn't do on a solo vacation.
You definitely shouldn't over-schedule or over-isolate. A solo trip is a perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and explore exactly what you want to explore. On your own time.
Don't pack so much in that you are exhausted, and don't assume you'll be fine alone for 3 weeks without talking to anyone. Being alone at home is different than being alone abroad. And there are so many opportunities if you go and talk to people!
DON'T be on your phone the whole time. Be present. If you spend a lot of time on your phone, make a plan for what you're going to do when you want to scroll on your phone. Also, it is a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings for safety reasons. Another reason to not be on your phone. Pay attention to areas where you feel uneasy or unsafe and don't spend any time in those places.
FAQ Solo Travel in Europe (2025 Update)
Is Europe safe for solo female travelers?
Generally, yes, especially in Western and Central Europe. Cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, and Lisbon are known for being safe and easy to navigate.
Is solo travel in Europe awkward if you're an introvert?
Not at all. Many introverts thrive when traveling solo! Look for cities with cozy cafes, parks, and great museums where you can recharge alone. You don’t have to be outgoing to enjoy yourself. Connection can happen in quiet moments too.
What if I Get Sick or Something Goes Wrong on the Trip?
This is a big fear for many solo travelers. If you're really worried, consider buying travel insurance compare rates for different insurance companies here. You can look into World Nomads, they also provide travel insurance.* Always share your itinerary with someone back home. Most major European cities have excellent healthcare and pharmacists can often help with minor issues. If you do get sick, give yourself time to rest and take care of yourself. You don't need to force yourself to get out if you aren't feeling well.
Is Eating Alone in Europe Weird?
It is not. It’s actually very common. In cities like Paris, Florence, or Prague, solo diners are everywhere. Bring a book or journal if it makes you feel more comfortable, or choose restaurants with bar seating or outdoor patios.
Can I Join a Group for Just Part of the Trip?
Of course! Look into day tours through Viator or multi-day tours through companies like Intrepid or G Adventures. This gives you the best of both worlds: independence + built-in social time. If you are really hesitant to be alone at all, you can also book group tours that take care of everything, the itinerary and places to stay, all you have to worry about is the airport. I did that kind of trip when I went to Thailand.
What should I pack for a solo Europe trip?
I'm working on a Solo Europe Travel Packing List, stay tuned :)
Ready to plan your own solo Europe trip, but want a second set of eyes?
Whether you're choosing cities or want help balancing adventure and downtime, I’ve got you.
Click here to fill out my trip planning form and let’s get started.
*We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Tara- travel strategist, itinerary optimizer, and firm believer that every trip should feel effortless (and maybe a little luxurious). From Disney parks to Turkish rooftops, I help smart travelers plan unforgettable adventures without the overwhelm.
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