10 Great Destinations for UK Solo Travellers

New York City has more packed in a comparatively small space than you would think possible. It’s equally famous for its nightlife, restaurants, shopping and world-renowned attractions – whatever kind of holiday you like, New York is probably ranked among the top destinations in the world for it. Of course, that goes for solo travel, too.

With its extensive public transport and simple grid layout, New York is very easy to get around. While it has its rougher areas, just as any major city does, you’ll certainly be safe visiting the main hubs and attractions as a solo traveller, including Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The city’s population is as diverse as any you’ll find in the US, so almost anyone can feel welcome and at home in the Big Apple and you’ll easily find restaurants to suit your tastes. Read more…

Barcelona combines the buzz of metropolitan Spain with the seaside fun of a coastal town in a surprisingly effective way. You get the best of both worlds, forming a city that is bursting with culture, but fun-loving with it. It has a distinctive atmosphere that you can enjoy just as easily on your own as you can with a group.

For the solo traveller visiting Barcelona, highlights include exploring the iconic places designed by Gaudi that give the city the feel of being a gigantic open-air art gallery. You should certainly take the opportunity to hit one of its many beaches, though the ones around the outskirts might be better options as they are generally more relaxed and popular with locals. Checking out the dining scene – especially the little restaurants in side alleys – is a must, too. Read more…

The industrial city of Milan combines several different elements into one compact place, making it an excellent destination for solo travellers. You want history? Check out the Duomo, Milan Cathedral and Leonardo’s The Last Supper. You want adventure? The city makes a great hub for visits to Lake Como, Turin and Verona. You want food? Be sure to try the famous risotto alla Milanese (risotto with parmesan and saffron).

Of course, what Milan is most famous for is its shopping scene. And travelling on your own adds the advantage of giving you all the time you want to window shop and try on items. Being less famous as a tourist destination than the likes of Rome or Venice also makes it safer for the solo traveller as there are fewer touts and scammers around to hassle you. Read more…

Madrid is as impressive a cultural hub as any of Europe’s ancient capitals. The Royal Palace, Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor are among the most famous attractions, though they’re barely the tip of the iceberg. And, of course, all are great for those travelling alone.

With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents, Madrid is considered one of Europe’s safest cities. It’s pretty easy to get around, too. Of course, the city’s famous tapas culture is a little harder to enjoy as a solo traveller, so consider signing up for a food tour to get the most out of it. Read more…

Edinburgh is home to so many iconic sights and festivals that it has become one of the world's must-see destinations. That being the case, its tourism infrastructure has reached the level that it's just as easy to visit alone as with a group. Whether it's looking for somewhere to stay, something to do or ways of getting around, you'll find the Scottish capital is more than accommodating.

The most famous of the city's many attractions – Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace – can be visited by any number of people at any time. Visiting in August, when Edinburgh Festival is in full swing, brings its challenges, but it's easier to get tickets to the famous shows and events when you're only buying 1 seat. Read more…

Getting around Stockholm as a solo traveller is not just easy – it’s a delight! Many of the subway stations combine function with form in stunning designs, so getting from one station to the next is like walking between rooms in an art gallery. And the city’s actual art galleries are just as remarkable.

As the capital of one of Europe’s safest and most liberal countries, Stockholm is certainly safe to visit alone. Adding its fascinating culture, the beautiful architecture of the Old Town and the natural beauty of its waterways elevates the city from a safe destination to a bucket-list one for any discerning solo traveller. Read more…

Palma de Mallorca doesn’t immediately leap to mind as a solo travel destination, but you might be surprised. Certainly, the island is pretty well known as one of the Mediterranean’s many great party destinations, but the capital has a stunning cultural side that is often overlooked.

Be sure to check out the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca and the historical Old Town that surrounds it for boutique shopping and great local eats. Don’t forget to hit the beach, though transport to the sandy shores in other parts of the island can be tricky. Unless you want to rent a car, you might be limited to the 7 beaches near Palma, but they’re certainly great options. Read more…

Dublin is a legendarily friendly city, making it a fantastic destination for solo travellers. If your idea of a good trip is having random chats with locals, this is certainly the place for you. The city’s pub culture is a cornerstone of that, and enjoying a few pints of Guinness and a trad band is both a bit of a cliché and an absolute must. Of course, if you’re planning to make a night of it, you might be safer joining an organised pub crawl.

Beyond the booze, Dublin has plenty to offer the cultural traveller. The city is compact enough that it’s easy to walk around, and there’s plenty to see along the way, including Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery of Ireland. Read more…

London might not seem especially adventurous a destination for UK travellers, but those who live outside the capital will certainly find plenty worth seeing here. With its long and vibrant history, the list of iconic sites in the city is seemingly endless. You’ll find the country’s best museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, and much more among its historical streets.

Most of the top attractions are found around the City of London and the boroughs immediately around it, so it’s best for solo travellers to stick to this area. You’ll exhaust yourself trying to walk around it all, so make full use of the city’s many transport options for getting around. Read more…

Brussels is perhaps a little overlooked when it comes to picking your next travel destination among the major European cities. However, it has a lot to offer, especially for solo travellers. With a friendly atmosphere, smaller crowds than you’ll find in the more popular cities and, of course, first-rate beer, you certainly won’t struggle to make some new friends among the locals.

As for things to see and do, Brussels can certainly hold its own among the other European capitals. The Grand Palace and the famous Manneken Pis statue top the list, but you’ll even find plenty of joy just wandering the ancient and beautiful streets of the Old Town. For the most part, the city is compact enough to walk around. There’s an excellent public transport system if you want to give your feet a rest. Read more…