Are you ready to explore Europe? Whether your perfect European vacation is a city break or off-the-beaten-path escape, Europe is definitely worth experiencing. When you’re ready to pack your bags and jet to Europe, our guest author offers up these top European destinations for solo travelers.
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Top European Destinations for Solo Travelers
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Discover dozens of adventures waiting for you in Europe. From the beauty of Iceland to the vibrant culture of Spain, read on for our guest author’s top European destinations for solo travelers.
Want more European destinations? Read our picks on where to vacation in Northern Europe.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is about as far north in Europe as you can go. It doesn’t matter whether you are a city lover or whether you are passionate about nature because Iceland offers so many reasons for you to fall in love with this country. The country is very accessible with many flights from Europe and North America.
Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is the country’s capital and largest city, and home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. The striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome offer sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills.
The island’s volcanic activity is the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik. The capital city is just as easy for you to navigate. The local music industry and the nightlife scene are booming, offering many opportunities to get to know the local Icelanders.
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why travelers choose Iceland is a chance to view the Northern Lights.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Laidback and liberal, Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands and known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Cycling is key to the city’s character, with numerous bike paths. Rent a bike to take in some of the local scenery.
Love the arts? Amsterdam’s Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk.
Nearly everyone there speaks English and Dutch too, so getting around should be easy if you get lost.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Looking to visit Scotland’s breathtaking capital? Edinburgh offers plenty of exciting things to do from its stunning architecture, endless winding streets and the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched on a dormant volcano.
Start by sightseeing in the historic Old Town, where some of the best Edinburgh attractions can be found, including the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
The New Town boasts an array of shops and some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with the best views of the whole city.
At night you can enjoy tours, musical and theatre performances, or find your favorite dram in a charming whisky pub.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Do you want to get the taste of Eastern Europe yet are unsure about the risks? Perhaps one of the top European destinations for solo travelers, Slovenia is incredibly safe and also relatively undiscovered. Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and largest city, yet it is also one of the smallest European capitals.
Known for its university population and green spaces, the curving Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes and divides the city’s old town from its commercial hub. Take a boat tour for views of Ljubljana’s bridges and the facades of many of the city’s famous buildings from a completely different angle.
Ljubljana has many museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historic exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.
Ready to be teased with what awaits you in Ljubljana — take this 360-degree virtual tour.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the ideal Spanish city and one of the top destinations in Europe for solo travelers. Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. City history museum MUHBA includes several Roman archaeological sites.
It really does offer something for everyone, with beautiful sunny skies and a vibrant culture that cannot be matched. Food lovers will find delight in a city with 20 Michelin star restaurants. Add to this clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife and so much great shopping you won’t know where to begin.
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