Traveling abroad for the first time is both exciting and intimidating. Travel is an experience for the mind, the body, and the soul and when you embark on that journey by yourself for the first time, there are a lot of feelings, and that's ok. Like so many things in life, the hardest part of taking your first trip alone is leaving. Between the excitement and apprehension, a lot of thoughts infiltrate your mind…not all of them positive. The trick is to embrace them. Confront those fears and keep pushing forward because on the other side of that plane, train, or car will be the first of many unforgettable and meaningful experiences.

Deciding the destination to visit for your first trip alone is incredibly personal. It’s also circumstantial. There are a lot of factors to consider, including language, location, and money. Do you want to travel somewhere where English is a common language? Do you want to travel somewhere that is more urban or more rural? Do you have a specific reason for traveling? There are so many wonderful places across the globe that are perfect for a solo trip, and not just in Europe. But if you’re interested in this specific part of the world, here are eight cities worth considering for solo travel. Keep reading and visit us on Instagram to share your favorite solo travel stories.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

For anyone just getting their feet wet with traveling alone, one of the main concerns – especially for women – is safety. According to Economist Impact, Amsterdam ranked as the 6th safest city in the world in The Economist’s Safe Cities index. As with any urban city, common sense is always necessary. You should take precautions against pickpockets and petty crimes, but betting on Amsterdam to provide a memorable first-time solo travel experience is one we’re willing to take. Aside from ranking high for safety, Amsterdam is great for native English speakers, as almost everyone speaks the language. It’s also one of the smaller cities in Europe compared to the likes of Paris, Rome, and London, which is great for you to dip your toes in and adjust to experiencing new places, cultures, and people by yourself. You’ll also find it a friendly place to connect with locals.

Besides the important factors, there are a lot of things Amsterdam offers. For starters, it has an exceptionally well-preserved and rich history. You can find houses, buildings, and monuments that date back to the 16th century and are still functioning today. Amsterdam has citizens from many different countries, making its cultural representation uniquely diverse. This translates best to the food! You’ll find everything from pizza to pancakes and love every bite. And let’s not forget the Canal Belt, the beautiful canal that flows through the city and offers more photo opportunities than anyone would ever need.

Bruges, Belgium

If you’re looking for a smaller yet still somewhat urban experience, Bruges is an ideal city and small enough to navigate on foot. It’s known for having a medieval feeling to it especially since it’s the most well-preserved medieval city in Europe with the historic center a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Backpackers trek through Bruges to experience its rich history, making it a fantastic city in which to connect with fellow travelers. Let’s not also forget that Bruges is in Belgium, meaning an abundance of Belgian Beer and Chocolate right from the source. Bruges even has a chocolate walk! It’s certainly a city for both foodies and history buffs. In case you’re worried about communication, English is one of the three main languages spoken in this city.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Citing the Economist’s Safe Cities Index again, it doesn’t get better than Copenhagen because this Danish city ranks first. If that’s not good enough, it was also named the second most liveable city in the world. The home of literature icon Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen is an ideal city to experience Denmark’s culture. Once again, everyone speaks English, and they have an entire road system for bicycles. Denmark is also home to hygge, so if you’re planning winter travel, this is the spot to go. The people of Copenhagen are supposedly some of the friendliest, which is also a great element to look for when traveling alone. There are gorgeous palaces to get lost in, much of the city has inspired fairy tales (*ahem* Andersen), and the culinary scene is notably spectacular with many Michelin-starred restaurants. What more do you need?

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is one of those cities that is ideal not only for first-time solo travelers but also for women in general. Everything is friendly for solo travelers, from the famous pub scene to day trips outside the city. From breathtaking landscapes to satisfying comfort food, Ireland has so much to offer travelers of all kinds, and with a city that’s so walkable and welcoming like Dublin, there’s really no reason not to give it a try. Dive into the music scene the city is known for, learn about the country’s history, and give Guinness a go – if you’re brave enough and like a good, stout beer! Depending on how much time you have, get on a road trip to explore the stunning coastline or simply soak up every moment in the bustle of Dublin.

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Florence, Italy

When deciding where to visit Italy for the first time – especially as a solo traveler – the obvious choice is to avoid the, well, the obvious choice. Rome is one of the most traveled cities in the world and has been dealing with overtourism for a long time. With that in mind, Florence is a much better speed for a first-time solo trip. Before taking off for Italy, it’s good to do some homework and learn key conversational sentences regardless of where you go. It’s also a good idea to pack comfortable but still stylish. Italians are known for dressing well all day, every day. Athleisure is not something they believe in. So, to blend in rather than stand out as a tourist, adapt to this part of the culture and put a little thought into what you wear before leaving.

Florence is famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance. Thanks to the Medici Family, the charming Tuscan city became the heart of the Renaissance era in Italy, hosting artists and thought leaders aplenty. You can feel its influence everywhere. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art galleries in the world, and it features works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and more. Even though Florence is a city, it’s smaller in size, making it much less intimidating than other cities in Italy, such as Rome or Milan. The architecture is stunning, and because Florence has been so well preserved, it feels like stepping back in time.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is an excellent destination for beginner solo travelers because it’s much less concentrated than Barcelona. While Barcelona is an incredible city to visit, Madrid has a calmer, laid-back vibe. The Spanish city is known for great weather year-round, a strong culture, endless outdoor markets, an active nightlife scene, and tapas! The nightlife scene is a surprisingly positive feature because the streets will always be filled with people if you’re heading back to the hotel later than planned. Plus, who doesn’t love tapas? Whether you love to shop, enjoy great food, step back into history, or take in the arts, Madrid has it all with less tourism compared to Barcelona. While both cities offer great experiences, Madrid is an easier entry into Spanish culture and, some say, a more authentic one.

Paris, France

The City of Light is a dream destination for many, and we couldn’t agree more. Whether your interests lie in history, art, food, architecture, fashion, or anything else…Paris probably has it. While the French – notably Parisians – get a bad reputation for their manners and disdain for tourists, it’s actually a pretty friendly place and people if you’re willing to recognize a handful of customs and adhere to them. For example, saying “Bonjour” whenever you walk into an establishment. A little kindness goes a long way. While Paris is walkable, it is a rather large city, and the public transportation system is convenient, making it easy and affordable to get around. It’s also a surprisingly modern, urban environment despite having centuries' worth of history on display everywhere you look.

If it’s your first time visiting Paris, tackle the most prominent sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées. Prioritize what activities are most important to you and see as much as possible by navigating the list by location. Dedicate a day to Montmartre, a day to the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, and a day to Notre Dame and St. Germain. Keeping your exploration focused on a targeted location will help you cover more ground and avoid wasting time. Make time to leisurely stroll through the many different gardens, take a haunted walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery, and quietly marvel at the Water Lily paintings by Monet in the l'Orangerie. Enjoy a long lunch with a bottle of wine, take a dinner cruise down the Seine, and browse the cramped shelves of Shakespeare & Co. Paris has an endless number of things to experience. If done right, you won’t even notice that you’re traveling alone.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has a lot going for it. It’s the “City of a Thousand Spires” and the beer capital of the world. It has Europe’s best-preserved medieval architecture and is not only the largest castle complex in the world but the oldest still in use. From the food to the history and culture, it’s hard to find a reason not to visit Prague. In terms of being a top-tier destination for solo travel, English is a fairly common language that can be a comfort to native English speakers. It’s affordable, which is great for budgeting, and it’s tourist-friendly, which provides an extra layer of ease. Aside from these significant factors, Prague is also easy to navigate and entirely walkable, thanks to not being very large.

Prague is a gold mine for anyone interested in history. There is no shortage of old historical buildings and monuments to take in. Prague Castle is quite a masterpiece with spectacular views of the city. The Charles Bridge is a must-see site, as is the astronomical clock and Old Town Square. You’ll find many architectural marvels, particularly from the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance periods, including the Baroque Library - considered one of the most beautiful in the world. When you need a moment to reset, choose one of the many cafes throughout the city. Prague is known for its cafe culture, and you might be lucky enough to make friends with a local – if you’re open to it 😉

8 European Cities for Solo Travel

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