7 Affordable Solo Travel Destinations in Europe

With international travel back on the cards, I thought I share 7 affordable solo travel destinations in Europe that I have visited before and absolutely recommend. I have been solo travelling for over 7 years and I absolutely love it and recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a try. I have spoken about this before but I also don’t think that solo travelling is for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, I am an advocate for solo travelling but its not always an easy walk in the park and it can be absolutely daunting but it has way too many charms which I think everyone should experience at least once.

Over the last 3+ years, I have been travelling solo once a month abroad exploring as much of Europe as I possibly can. It is my dream to visit all the capital cities in Europe and other lesser known cities within Europe that tickle my fancy. My last international solo travel was to Venice, Italy last year and I had the best time ever wondering around the city of bridges. I miss the excitement of arriving at my destination solo, managing my own itinerary (or lack thereof) and taking everything at my own pace and not needing to please anyone. Whilst I do not mind travelling in a group, I still prefer solo travel.

Speaking of solo travel, below I compiled a list of 7 affordable solo travel destinations in Europe that I highly recommend.

7 Affordable Solo Travel Destinations in Europe

When I started solo travelling, it was one of the most terrifying thing I had ever done and as scared as I was, I felt absolutely exhilarated once I returned. My first solo destination was to my home country Zambia, Southern Africa and then within Europe I went to Brussels, Belgium. Travelling to Zambia wasn’t as scary as I initially thought, I was going home but I had never been on the plane alone nor navigated international travel on my own. The first solo trip in Europe in Belgium was much scary because I did not want leave my hotel and even when I took tour buses I did not want to get off. Everything was unfamiliar too me and at first was scary but I started to appreciate and embrace the differences and I was able to enjoy the rest of my trip.

If you never considered solo travelling before especially internationally, let me recommend that you do a solo trip within your own country. It could be going to a city 5+ hours away from home and if you have to fly even better, try familiar locations first and then when you are comfortable, try unfamiliar locations. I still remember that trip to Brussels and how scared I was but soon after that trip, I flew to South Korea all by myself, I talked to everyone on the plane and even though I felt nervous the all time, when I arrived in Seoul, I was too excited to be scared of navigating the city but it helped that bestie lives there. For those who are considering solo travel, I have compiled 7 affordable solo travel destinations in Europe.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest and richest countries in Europe, you can drive from one end to another in 2-hours. The country is small small, you can see it all within a few days but to experience the fullness of the country you will need more than a few days. What I loved about Luxembourg is the people were so friendly, it was so easy to navigate, impressive public transport and I loved their food. For a budget solo traveller when I was starting out, I found the country to be quite pricey especially when it comes to accommodation but there is an impressive hostel where everyone stays. My visit to Luxembourg was during the winter months but I still had an amazing time plus the museum Mudam definitely spoke my language.

Gdansk, Poland

Poland is one of my favourite Eastern European countries, I seem to have a weak spot for it (and its men) but that’s a story for another day. Gdansk is a historical city that suffered the worst fate during WWII when it was completely destroyed. The city is absolutely incredible and perfect for solo travellers, I stayed in the heart of the city and pretty much walked everywhere. Everything I wanted and needed to see was within walking distance plus the Amber museum and the WWII museum was the highlight of my trip. I visited Gdansk during winter time, I found everything affordable and because it was so cold all the hotels were pretty cheap.

Aalborg, Denmark

Aalborg is the fourth largest city and the second highly populated city in Denmark after Copenhagen. It is often neglected for Copenhagen which is a major touristic destination in Denmark. I must commend Ryanair for always recommending destinations that we often neglect for more shiner cities. For the first time since I started solo travelling, Aalborg was the first city I visited where I felt, you know what – I could actually live here and I meant it. Everything about this city was so relaxed, the pace of life is much slower than most places I have visited, people are nice and its perfect for solo travellers and I met a tonne there.

Malta

Malta is a small archipelago Island in the Mediterranean sea sitting between Sicily and North Africa but do not let it’s size fool you. Malta is Europe’s best-kept secret, even though its small, there is no shortage of things to do and we curated the ultimate Malta travel guide to highlight all the things you can do on this small Maltese island. Once we are able to travel again, I am taking my parents to Malta because it is gorgeous and absolutely incredible, I travelled there solo, met a boyfriend for a day and just had an incredible trip and absolutely loved the food and the cocktails.

Verona, Italy

Verona, I know I say this about every Italian city I visit but Verona still holds a candle for me, I love Milan, Rome, Pisa and the like but Verona my darling you are it. I travelled solo to Verona, the public system was pretty good and so easy to navigate. I stayed near the main train station and was able to do a couple of day trips from Verona. Its a big city, it can be daunting for first time solo travellers but its vibrant and easy going making it the perfect destination for solo travellers. The city of Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Metropolitan city located in the north of Italy. Verona is considered a romantic city thanks to Shakespeare’s Rome and Juliet where the story is set. 

Stockholm, Sweden

I have been to Stockholm a number of times and 90% of those trips were solo adventures. Every single time I return with a new story about the city that I did not know about previously, I love exploring this part of the world and I can not wait to go back. I have taken almost every tour that is readily offered in the Swedish capital but I still love learning about it, its so fascinating. As a solo traveller, I have stayed in all types of accommodation in Stockholm from hostels to fancy hotels all of which I have loved and recommend depending on your budget.

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva {Genève} is a French speaking city situated under the Alps along Lake Geneva and one of the most gorgeous cities in Switzerland. The city of Geneva is home to some of the most famous chocolate boutiques as well as Fondues. One thing I do remember about Geneva though it just how expensive it was, I know that the entire Swiss country is expensive but sometimes you forget as a solo traveller but I made it work and it is possible to travel there on a budget. I stayed in a hostel which is nicely located and only a short walk from Lake Geneva and some of the best city attractions. I won’t like, Geneva doesn’t scream affordable to many a traveler but you can actually travel there on a budget.

I am excited to get back to travelling and right now I am exploring which of the aforementioned countries I want to visit first when we are allowed to! Have you ever travelled solo or ever been to any of these destinations.