The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. I have visited over 120 cities, and these are the six best in Europe for a solo summer break. Having explored many European cities alone, Lydia Swinscoe shares her top picks for culture, great food, and intriguing neighbourhoods in 2026.
Summer city breaks are often undervalued. While heading to the beach when temperatures rise is tempting, European metropolises offer solo travellers a rich food scene, charming neighbourhoods, and abundant culture. Out of the more than 120 cities I have visited over the past 21 years, over half were on solo trips. My favourite solo destinations share common traits: they are compact and walkable, allowing me to immerse myself and take photographs. They also feature reasonably priced, well-designed accommodation, as costs can add up when travelling alone. I prefer cities connected to nature, whether through parks or proximity to hikes, beaches, or forests. Although I love Asian and South American cities, hidden gems closer to home are perfect for solo travellers.
1. Lodz, Poland
Best for: Street art enthusiasts and film lovers
After nine days in Lodz, I can confidently call it one of my favourite cities worldwide. It brims with bold street art murals and repurposed textile mills turned cultural hubs, overflowing with creativity. For solo travellers, it ticks many boxes: walkable streets, stylish and affordable Airbnbs, restaurants like Len i Bawelna that welcome solo diners without reservations, and excellent museums such as Muzeum Sztuki and the Central Museum of Textiles. I discovered that the late filmmaker David Lynch admired Lodz, visiting often for its low clouds and industrial aesthetic. Cinema museums offer film buffs a chance to explore fictional worlds, while art lovers enjoy large-scale murals and neon signs.
Where to stay: A bright-white flat in the city centre, popular for its high ceilings, peaceful vibe, and friendly host. Hidden in a historic building, it lets you live like a local. From £47 per night.
2. Lyon, France
Best for: Foodies
Having lived with three food-loving Lyonnais women in my early 20s, I followed their top recommendations on my first visit to France's third-largest city and have returned many times. Less chaotic than Paris, more beautiful than Marseille, and often called France's true food capital, Lyon is ideal for a solo summer break. With over 4,000 restaurants, including 18 Michelin-starred establishments as of 2026, and excellent food markets, it caters to all tastes. My favourite solo spots include Le Kitchen, a modern bistro focusing on local seasonal produce; Halle de Lyon Paul Bocuse market for sampling various foods; and the one-starred Miraflores for contemporary Franco-Peruvian cuisine. Don't miss regional delights like tarte aux pralines, quenelle Lyonnaise, and Salade Lyonnaise.
Where to stay: OKKO hotels offer simple, affordable bedrooms ideal for solo breaks. Buffet breakfast is included, but I recommend heading to a typical Lyonnais cafe for proper coffee and pastries. Nearby Seline is a good option. From £82 per night.
3. Valencia, Spain
Best for: Nature lovers
I spent three weeks living solo in Valencia a few summers ago, enjoying €2 breakfasts at old-school cafes, shopping for oversized tomatoes and wrinkled lemons at Mercat de Russafa, and staying in an Airbnb with beautiful floor tiles. Compared to other Spanish cities, Valencia boasts ample green spaces, including a botanical garden with ferns, orchids, and palms. A green corridor runs from Parc de la Canaleta to the museum district, perfect for jogging, walking, or cycling. As a coastal city, it offers beaches, but solo travellers should avoid the main stretch due to theft and instead visit Parc Natural de L'Albufera, where pine-backed beaches provide a scenic and secure day out.
Where to stay: Palau de la Mar is a 19th-century manor house recently renovated into a boutique hotel. From £159 per night.
4. Athens, Greece
Best for: Ancient architecture admirers
Often overlooked for Greece's islands, Athens keeps drawing me back for fascinating solo trips. Stay in Plaka or Syntagma for easy access to sights. The Acropolis houses iconic structures like the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. First-time solo visitors should hike Mount Lycabettus for panoramic city views dotted with orange trees. Souvlaki, with grilled meat, tomatoes, parsley, yoghurt, and spices wrapped in warm pitta, is the perfect street food for solo travellers. Head to Kostas at Filellinon 7 in Syntagma for the best.
Where to stay: NEW Hotel Athens, steps from Plaka and the Acropolis, offers quirky design, a great location, and top-notch service. Some rooms have Acropolis views; specify when booking. From £200 per night.
5. Naples, Italy
Best for: Living out your Italian dream
Naples deserves more recognition. Often seen as gritty, it is overlooked for Florence and Rome, but for incredible food, fewer tourists, and stunning sculptures, it wins. Overlooked by Mount Vesuvius, near Pompeii and the island of Procida, Naples is perfectly situated. Base yourself in the peaceful Vomero district, take the funicular to town to see the Veiled Christ at Museo Cappella Sansevero, Banksy's Madonna with a pistol, and Diego Maradona street art. For home-cooked food, visit L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Pizzeria Di Matteo for marinara pizza, Buatta Di Angela Gargiulo for pasta, and Il Gelato Mennella for gelato.
Where to stay: An immaculate one-bed Airbnb by superhost Ombretta, creative and well-designed, with endless local knowledge. From £109 per night.
6. Sofia, Bulgaria
Best for: Budget travellers
With return flights from London from £41 and Airbnb listings from £35 per night, Sofia is a no-brainer for a budget solo summer trip. It remains uncrowded, allowing last-minute bookings and spontaneous dinners. Try vegetarian restaurant Sun Moon on September Street, no reservation needed. During my week, I learned about Bulgarian wine at an Airbnb Experience, enjoyed dinners at Hadjidraganovite Izbi, visited secret bars like Hambara, and explored Soviet-era architecture on a communist walking tour. Don't miss it.
Where to stay: DOT Sofia offers sleek lofts with Bulgarian artwork, an award-winning restaurant, a shop, and a gallery. From £118 per night.
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