If you are planning to travel solo, there is one continent where one can discover more about themselves and the world around. It is none other than Europe where one can just venture out and embark on a solo vacation. Europe and its cities offer plenty of possibilities for solo travelers. European cities are the most beautiful and safe too. People are friendly, and the cities boast of a great tourist infrastructure.  One can enjoy their solo journey and come back with a great memorable experience.

It is a good idea to look for a cheap car hire that offers not just a variety of pick-up and drop-off options but great rates so as to make your travel easier and cheaper. Go for car hire discounts after comparing car hire rates and depending on your preference. Look for a car that is fully equipped with the latest safety features and amenities so that you can enjoy your solo trip.

Here are the leading European cities that can be easily navigated alone. Pick any of them as they are a great place to start.

1. Amsterdam
   Amsterdam is a great city to experience solo and enjoy a hassle free holiday. You can rent a car or a bicycle to enjoy the local scenery. Netherlands is bike friendly, and everyone speaks English. People are warm and helpful.
2. Copenhagen
   Copenhagen is a famous Danish city that is very bike friendly. One can stay, eat, and drink around the city and explore some of the best cocktail bars.
   
   There are lots of spots to explore in and around the city and plenty of free museums in Copenhagen to visit.
3. Berlin
   Berlin is just perfect for the solo travelers and is incredibly fun. Solo travelers like it as it is one of the cheaper capital cities that also offers a vibrant nightlife scene.

   

   One can enjoy good company and great food all the time!

4. London
   London is one of the easiest cities to explore. This is one city where you can just jump into solo vacations here, even if you are a female.

   

   It is very simple and easy to travel the city. One can get to know other locals and travelers or wander around to see plenty of museums and historical sights.

5. Paris
   Paris has always been a favorite city across the world.

   

   The captivating European city might be a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the language barrier. However, it is hard for the solo travelers to resist the captivating allure of the city that can’t be found elsewhere.

6. Stockholm
   The Swedish capital with pedestrian-only roads, countless bridges and numerous islands is found to be dominated by solo travelers. There is a lot to see and do here in the city with most artistic subway stations and so much to see on its pedestrian-only roads.
7. Dublin
   One can feel the jolly Irish spirit the minute they step in Dublin. This is one of the safest cities that make you feel like you are at home. No wonder it is a big hit with the solo travelers.
8. Barcelona
   Barcelona has every element that every holidaymaker is looking for. This is a perfect city for a solo travel, who love exploring its sunny skies, enjoy the vibrant culture, and get to taste the excellent food.
9. Helsinki
   When it comes to Finland, it is hard to find such an incredible country and destination. Helsinki and Lapland are like a winter wonderland for the solo travelers. Look forward to a great solo adventure while in Finland.
10. Vienna
    If you love traveling solo and enjoy the freedom of being alone, then head straight for Vienna, the City of Music.

    

    It is time to get lost on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace or book a show at an opera house.

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As I’m writing, I’m actually planning my own week end in my hometown Vienna, Austria. Travel preparations for myself and my family always include a mix of sights popular with first time visitors, and my very personal favourites, like this itinerary:

1. Saturday Morning – Naschmarkt

Provided you start your tour on a Saturday, head straight for Naschmarkt, Vienna’s historic food and flea market. The flea market is only open on Saturdays, and the whole of Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays.

The green cast iron food market stalls, where Austrian, Serbian, Bosnian, Croat, Turkish, and Polish sellers praise excellent meat, cheese, fruit & vegetables, spices, vinegar specialities, sweets and regional produce, are around 100 years old. As you head for the flea market, watch out for the Art Nouveau buildings of Otto Wagner at Linke Wienzeile, glazed with red poppies, gold leaf laurels and roof top statues of ethereal females.

Have lunch at Café Drechsler, a Viennese institution at Linke Wienzeile, opposite Naschmarkt, serving modern Viennese cuisine to the cool sounds of the café’s own CD compilations.

2. Saturday Afternoon – Historic City Centre

The old town is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the main hunting ground for Vienna Austria travel freaks and luxury shoppers. Set your sightseeing expectations high, especially when it comes to medieval and baroque architecture. Start by orbiting the city centre on Ringstrasse boulevard, taking a 30 minute ride on the Vienna Ringtram, a historic tramway adapted with audio guides for travelers. Highlights of the city centre are Kärntner Strasse leading to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and Kohlmarkt, leading to the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). Factor in some time to visit a Vienna coffeehouse – Café Hawelka, Café Griensteidl and Café Prückel are among my personal favourites. If the weather nice, have your coffee at Kleines Café on Franziskanerplatz, a hugely romantic square.

3. Saturday Evening – Musical Event

Whether you are into classical or contemporary music, opera or theatre, Vienna is a sweet spot. You may be lucky enough to bag rare tickets for a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra or you visit one of Vienna’s four opera houses, or attend a small jazz or e-music session at a local venue. My tip: Book the classical music events in advance so you don’t need to rely on tourist concert tickets sold in the street.Have a nice Viennese dinner at kitsch-free Plachutta or Oesterreicher im MAK.

4. Sunday Morning – Fine Arts For Brunch

Start Sunday morning with fine art at either the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museumsquartier opposite. The first hosts a wonderful collection of classical art, mainly Renaissance and baroque, where as Museumsquartier is best known for its Modernist and contemporary museums, such as the Leopold Museum and MUMOK. Brunch among art treasures at Gerstner’s, right under the Museum of Fine Art’s marble cupola upstairs.

Alternatively, enjoy a more contemporary setting at Hill’s MUMOK, or lunch surrounded by 1950ies chic at Café Leopold.

5. Sunday Afternoon – Schonbrunn Palace And Gardens

You can’t afford to miss out on Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, our number one tourist attraction. It is less than 15 minutes by underground from the centre and fits into even tight week end sightseeing schedules.

The baroque summer residence of the Habsburgs is another UNESCO World heritage site. Unless you are a palace fanatic, take the small tour through the lovely interiors. Then, stroll through the gardens, via the Palm House, up the hill to the Habsburgs’ authentic Tyrolean farmhouse/restaurant Tiroler Haus, and to Gloriette Café. If you go during Easter and just before Christmas, make sure you visit the seasonal markets in front of the palace.

About the Author: Barbara Grüll-Cação is a native Viennese. She runs Vienna Austria travel site Vienna Unwrapped . Having lived in and around Vienna for 30 years, she regularly visits the city from London, where she now lives and works. On Vienna Unwrapped, Barbara shares her knowledge as a native, a former local, and a frequent Vienna traveller with you.

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