8 Best European Destinations for Solo Travelers (With Schengen Visa Tips)
Best Destinations for Solo Travelers in Europe
Traveling solo might sound daunting at first, but ask anyone who's done it - Europe is one of the easiest and most rewarding continents to explore alone. It’s safe, well-connected, full of variety, and surprisingly structured for solo visitors. Whether you're heading out for a break between jobs, a mental reset, or to tick off a few places on your life list, the cities below are popular for a reason. Here's a closer look - not just where to go, but why it works especially well if you're going solo.
1. Portugal (Lisbon & Porto)
Portugal is an ideal place in case you go alone and want to have a decent cultural experience, walkability, and smooth conversation. The city of Lisbon exudes a relaxed vibe: Old streetcars, tiled facades and maritime airs. To the north a couple of hours away, is the very tranquil city of Porto which has loads of history yet to unfold.
Why it works for solo travel:
- English is widely spoken
- The metro system is simple
- Cafés and bakeries are everywhere - you’ll never feel out of place eating alone
- Safety rating is high, especially for female travelers
Visa note: UAE residents can visit Portugal on a tourism purpose by applying for a Schengen visa applicable in 29 countries. The ezee Visa assists with the gathering of documents required, booking of slots, and the reviewing of financial statements prior to the submission of the documents.
2. Germany (Berlin & Munich)
Germany is good for travelers who like things well-run and straightforward. Berlin gives you a raw mix - history, edgy nightlife, and a creative scene that feels alive. It’s a good pick if you want more than postcard views. Munich’s a different story: spotless streets, everything running on time, plus castles and hiking just a short trip away.
Ideal for:
- History lovers
- People who like walking cities
- Anyone interested in art, music, or World War II sites
Solo perks:
- Hostel culture is strong - easy to meet people
- Long-distance trains are safe and well-maintained
- Locals are reserved but helpful
Visa tip: Make sure your travel insurance policy (a Schengen requirement) includes €30,000 in emergency coverage - something we at ezee Visa verify for every application before submission.
3. Czech Republic (Prague)
Prague looks straight out of a fairytale, but that’s not all it’s good for. It’s walkable, pretty affordable, and honestly, a breeze to get around - even if you are traveling solo.
Best for:
- First-time solo travelers
- Budget travelers
- Architecture and literature buffs
Travel bonus:
- English menus are common
- Public transit is intuitive and inexpensive
- Most sights are concentrated in the city center
Visa reminder: Schengen Visas cover only 90 days of travel within 180 days. In case you have a plan to stay solo for a longer period or to visit several countries then you should inform ezee Visa of your complete itinerary so that your application can be updated and match your entire travel plan.
4. Netherlands (Amsterdam & Utrecht)
Amsterdam feels built for people, not cars. You can walk the canals, bike around, and hit some of Europe’s best museums - all at your own pace. And if the crowds get too much, Utrecht’s just a short ride away with the same canal vibe but way more chill.
Perfect for:
- People who prefer relaxed urban travel
- Art enthusiasts
- Weekend trips or short solo breaks
Safety and structure:
- Everyone speaks English
- Bike lanes are separated and respected
- Most accommodations cater to solo and digital nomads
Visa pointer: If you’ve already been granted a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can re-enter for future solo trips. At ezee Visa, we help travelers request long-validity visas when they’re eligible - not all consulates offer them by default.
5. Hungary (Budapest)
Budapest is the best choice for travelers going solo who want something a bit different but still within the area of the popular tourist destinations. Here you not only have magnificent cityscapes and affordable cost of living, but also you can find thermal baths and ruin pubs.
Why solo travelers love it?
- Eastern Europe feel with Western infrastructure
- Free walking tours daily
- Locals are friendly and curious
Expert tip:
Buy a 72-hour transit pass when you arrive- it covers buses, metros, and trams, which all work seamlessly.
Visa help: Hungary is part of the Schengen zone. As a Dubai resident, you’ll need proof of funds, accommodation, and confirmed return flights. ezee Visa ensures your file is prepared to meet embassy expectations - so you won’t face delays or rejections.
6. Spain (Barcelona & Seville)
Spain is a single person’s ultimate destination when a person wishes to experience the history of that country in addition to the energy. Barcelona will present the symphonies of the great architect Gaudi, tasty street food and sunsets on the beach.
Ideal for:
- Foodies
- Urban explorers
- Art and design lovers
What makes it solo-friendly:
- Tapas culture makes it normal to dine alone
- Plenty of day trips (Montserrat, Girona, Córdoba)
- Walkable historic districts
Visa insight: Applying to a Spanish consulate from Dubai requires thorough documentation. At ezee Visa, we guide you through your cover letter, hotel bookings, and travel route planning for a smooth process.
7. Iceland (Reykjavik + Road Trips)
In case you are not afraid of being alone in the wilderness, then Iceland might just be the destination you will keep on remembering as the most memorable time alone. Reykjavik may be considered a small capital city with its charm but the true magic lies in wild nature, and waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches, and volcanic trails.
Good to know:
- Iceland is ranked among the safest countries in the world
- Locals are respectful and rarely invasive
- You can travel without needing to speak Icelandic
Visa details: Iceland also falls under Schengen. Make sure your daily expense estimate and hotel bookings match up - small errors can delay your application. ezee Visa will spot inconsistencies before your file reaches the embassy.
8. Austria (Vienna & Salzburg)
Want somewhere calm and a little fancy? Austria’s got that covered. Vienna’s perfect for wandering solo - museums, coffee, and live music everywhere. Salzburg’s the kind of place you can see in a couple of days, and it’s just plain pretty.
Great for:
- Introverts
- Music and history lovers
- Train travel fans
Why go solo here:
- No need for a car
- Cafés encourage long, peaceful visits
- Train network is easy to use and scenic
Visa advice: Austria takes visa appointment timelines seriously. ezee Visa can help schedule your biometric appointment in time and prepare all documents for submission in one go - no back and forth.
Should You Go Solo?
Yes. If you've been putting off solo travel, Europe is one of the best places to try it. The infrastructure is solid, people are used to tourists, and there’s no shortage of stories waiting to happen. Just make sure your paperwork is in order - that’s the part you don’t want to wing.
Need Help With Your Schengen Visa?
Whether you're visiting one country or planning a longer solo itinerary across Europe, ezee Visa can help you apply with confidence. We assist Dubai residents with end-to-end Schengen visa services - from document prep and flight itinerary support to embassy appointment booking and insurance.
Reach out today to get your Europe trip started the right way. Safe, legal, and stress-free.
