Traveling solo is a nourishing experience for the soul. Feeding your passions, you will learn self discovery, independence and most of all a relaxation like no other. If you have travelled alone before you know what I am talking about. If not, this just might be your year to try it.
As a solo traveller you have the flexibility to create (or, not create) an ideal itinerary that suits your every need. Self discovery is the name of the game and when playing that game you want all the freedom possible to go with the flow and see where the wind blows you; this kind of freedom and flexibility is only possible when travelling on your own.
Europe is a great place to venture solo, with its profusion of cultural attractions, architectural marvels, high fashion clothing boutiques, decadent cuisine and one mustn’t forget the extensive wine lists; Europe yearns for solo travellers to bask in all of its glory.
Paris
The city of light may have a reputation for romance, but don’t let that discourage you from exploring its timeless boulevards on your own. From the Latin Quarter to Montmartre, Paris begs to be explored by those curious enough to take its alleys and byways, searching for those quiet hidden corners steeped in nostalgia.
Check off the essential sights first — Champs-Élysées, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower — before making like a local and seeking out its lesser-known highlights. Trace the footsteps of Hemingway and Stein in the Jardin de Luxembourg; enjoy authentic French cabaret at Au Lapin Agile; or drink in the vistas at the Meudon Observatoire. With iconic sights around every corner, you’ll be far too distracted to miss a travelling companion.
St. Petersburg
Sprawling and enigmatic, St Petersburg is certainly a city to lose yourself in. The second city of Russia, St Petersburg boasts broad canals and sweeping avenues, attributes which have led it to be dubbed one of the most beautiful cities of the continent.
Heritage and culture are easy to stumble upon in this mighty city, and we’d recommend a visit to the legendary Hermitage gallery, which boasts some of the world’s most iconic artistic works. No visit to St Petersburg would be complete without seeing a Russian ballet, and there’s no place better than the Mariinsky Theatre, which has played host to some of Petipa’s most famous works, including Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
Budapest
Spend but an hour in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, and you’ll soon see why the queen of the Danube is regularly lauded as Europe’s most beautiful city.
From the baroque grandeur of the former city of Pest, where you can marvel at such sights as the Hungarian State Opera, St Stephen’s Basilica and The Great Synagogue, to the colourful and winding streets of Buda — you’ll relish every minute spent exploring this iconic European capital. And should you grow tired of the sightseeing, there’s always the option of relaxing in one of the city’s delightful natural thermal baths — the perfect way to while away an afternoon.
Prague
Be swept away by the timeless beauty of Prague, arguably one of Europe’s most handsome cities. With its orange-roofed Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches, the Czech Republic’s historic capital boasts a distinct skyline, best observed from the summit of the Petřín funicular railway, which offers far-reaching views across the city.
On ground level, stroll the banks of the Vltava River to cross the Charles Bridge, before spending an hour or two within the spectacular walls of Prague Castle. Afterwards, the quaint Jewish Quarter beckons, and from here you can easily walk through to admire the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux promises a captivating visit for the discerning solo traveller, particularly if you plan to mix city sightseeing with a spot of indulgent wine tasting. Begin your visit at the Musée D’Aquitaine, which showcases the history of Bordeaux from the Romans to the present-day.
Next, soak up the architectural opulence of the Triangle d’Or, an arresting trio of elegant boulevards boasting bags of neo-classical charm. As you’d expect, the city is rich with wine bars serving up delicious examples from some of the surrounding vineyards, and we’d recommend Le Bois dit Vin and Verre o Vin.
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