Best Cities for Solo Travellers
It took me a few dud trips to realise that some spots are just not made for us solo folk. Whether it be because the people are less welcoming, or there are fewer activities suited to individuals, it’s good to try plan your solo adventures around places where you will feel in your absolute element! And there are PLENTY of places, trust me. I’ve included some of the best hostels to stay in, and activities to book in too, as the hostels can really make and break it for a solo traveller.
Barcelona
Why?
I found Barcelona to be such a buzzing, social city. There were so many parties and activities going on for backpackers, I met some awesome people! There are so many outdoor/rooftop bars/restaurants/cafes too, so it is a gorgeous spot for a solo traveller to go and relax in the sunshine.
Accom: Urbana Hostel BCN GO!
This hostel was fantastic for socialising! They were so welcoming, from the moment you walked through the door. I came back from dinner one night and they were doing hostel drinks and then going out. Both guests and staff were so quick to encourage me to join them. As a solo traveller, especially when you‘re just starting your trip, having this enthusiasm and warmth from those around you really helps to get you out of your comfort zone.
Activities:
Basílica de la Sagrada Familia
Ciutadella Park
Casa Batlló
Gothic Quarter
Garcia Marquez Library
Port Cable Car
Safety: 3/5
Barcelona felt safe for majority of my time there, but I did feel a bit uneasy at night there alone. Worth taking an Uber home and such, rather than wandering back to your accomodation alone in the evenings.
Lisbon
Why?
There is SO much to do in Lisbon, you really can’t get bored. It’s a city full of eager travellers and warm chatty locals, ready to make you feel at home. With many group activities to participate in, you have many chances to meet new people, but there is also so much to do (and most of it walkable), that you won’t get bored by yourself either!
Accom: Sunset Destination Hostel
This hostel is one of the best I’ve come across in Europe! It has a rooftop bar and pool and is in a super central location. I was actually staying further out of town in a different hostel, but had a friend at Sunset, so I ended up spending most of my time there. The staff were fantastic, and there were heaps of great activities organised every day, so there was plenty of chances to make friends.
Activities:
Time Out Market
Belem Tower
LX Factory
Day Trip to Sintra
Safety: 4/5
I felt super safe in Lisbon. It felt like there was quite a strong police presence, and also just a lot of people out and about at all hours.
Edinburgh
Why?
A super chill spot for a solo traveller. You can definitely go out and party, but you can also do a bunch of wholesome activities. I found myself going on a hike, having picnics in parks, going on long walks, having coffee catch-ups with people I met in town. It is such a lovely city, and so beautiful everywhere you look - it felt like being on a film set.
Accom: High Street Hostel
The set up of this hostel is perfect for soloers wanting to meet fellow travellers. The downstairs lounge and kitchen area is always full of people ready for a chat and a game of cards or two. The staff are often hanging around too, and they actively ensure everyone is welcome and included in conversations and activities.
Activities:
Arthur’s Seat hike
Edinburgh Castle
National Museum of Scotland
Scotch Whisky Experience
Safety: 4.5/5
Not a moment of uneasiness was felt in Edinburgh. It is such a beautiful place, full of beautiful people. Sometimes as a solo traveller you stick out like a sore thumb, and it can make you feel like a bit of a target. But here I didn’t feel that at all - I really safe and comfortable everywhere I was in Edinburgh, no matter what time of day!
Amsterdam
Why?
Amsterdam is such an aesthetic city, with canals everywhere you look. Similar to London, it is a great place to walk aimlessly and just enjoy the scenery. Most of my days were filled with just walking to a different suburb, trying a new cafe and reading my book. For gallery and museum fans, there are SO many great ones to check out, so you have plenty of things to fill your day with.
Accom: Flying Pig Hostel
There’s a few Flying Pig’s in the Netherlands and they are fantastic! I’m currently volunteering at one in Noordwijk and having a wonderful time! It’s super social, and even has the locals coming in to relax and enjoy the bar and pool area every day.
Activities:
Unlimited Cheese & Wine Canal Cruise
Heineken Experience
Vondelpark
Rent a Bike and Explore
Flower Markets
Safety: 3.5/5
Amsterdam felt a little more on the unsafe side to me, mostly around the Red Light District and Centraal area.
London
Why?
I consider London to be one of my all time favourites as a solo traveller, not for the partying and social aspect so much, but for the abundance of things to do. Most museums and galleries are free so you have plenty to see, and it is such a big city that you will spend days just walking around and exploring different suburbs and parks.
Accom: Generator Hostel
No matter where you stay in London, it ain’t gonna be cheap! Generator is a great chain of hostels though, and has never let me down.
Activities:
Borough Market
Tower of London
Hyde Park
The British Museum
Camden Markets
Safety: 4.5/5
London is always so busy and full of people it is quite comforting.
Dublin
Why?
The people really make Dublin the place it is. I found it to be a super friendly city, with everyone being pretty open to having a chat and giving you tips on where to go and what to do. The city is stunning, with beautiful parks and beaches not far from the centre either!
Accom: Leevin Hostel Mountjoy
I had a great time at this hostel. It was a bit more of a spot to reset, with clean rooms and curtained beds that felt nice and private. The hostel is an old school which was super cool, and the school’s gymnasium was an open area to socialise and relax.
Activities:
Guinness Storehouse
Trinity College Dublin
The Book of Kells Experience
Temple Bar
Safety: 3.5/5
I was surprised by Dublin to be honest. There was some areas where I felt quite unsafe, and I think because of the Temple Bar area, there can be a lot of drunk and disorderly people around causing trouble.