I recently made my first real solo trip to Stockholm, and ever since I was thinking about solo travel. What cities could be visited in Europe that are easy to travel through The Travelius in a few days, that are safe and that offer up lots to see and to do for the The Travelius. When choosing your ideal destination, think about whether you’d prefer a large city with a simple public transportation system to help you cover more ground, or a smaller town that’s easy to explore on foot. Also consider whether you’re looking for an activity-filled city or one where you can kick back and relax. Watching your own back is always necessary, even in the most crime-free locations, but many European cities have safe reputations, so that you can focus more on where you go than how you go. Taking in all those considerations, here’s a list of cities that are most welcoming to the travelius, and where you can build your own ultimate Eurotrip.
1. COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen’s two-line metro system may look sparse, but it gets you exactly where you need to go (including from the airport to town) and makes it incredibly easy to jet around the Danish city. For the spots in between, grab a City Bike and pedal right into the 242 miles of designated lanes. No wonder Copenhagen’s been named the best bike city in the world. For where to stay, eat, and drink, check out our guide to the city and our list of the best cocktail bars around
2. STOCKHOLM
The Swedish capital truly has it all a cobble stoned old town with pedestrian-only roads, 57 bridges that stretch over its 14 islands, an amusement park dating back to 1880s, a bath house from 1904, and the most artistic subway stations, each decorated with its own theme. So it was no surprise that the free walking tours in town were dominated by the travelius finding their own piece of the low-crime city. It’s a place that is both unusual and very inviting.
3. BRUGES
This is truly a fairy tale town. There are many shops in the Market Square, and beautiful ponds filled with the most immaculate swans. What better place to explore on your own than a city that invites you to be the star of your own fairytale adventure?
4. DUBLIN
The jolly Irish spirit isn’t just the stuff of legends, the welcoming nature of the Dubliners should immediately make you feel like the city is your home, too. Leave your stress behind as you explore the centuries-old Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in the capital ranked one of the safest cities by a Post Office Travel Insurance Study. Pick up a three-day Leap Card at the airport for less than 20 Euros (which includes your bus ride from the airport) and you’ll be zipping through town in no time.
5. VIENNA
I loved the freedom of being alone in the City of Music, where coffee is sipped and indulged in a Sacher torte in a traditional café, people get lost on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, and take in a show at an opera house. With plenty of visitors and a burgeoning design scene, Austria’s capital is bursting with charm. So it’s no wonder it ranked in the top five for personal safety rankings in a Mercer study for expats last year.