Solo Backpacking Europe – My Personal Experience And Top Tips!

March 6, 2025March 6, 2025

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Solo backpacking Europe might just be one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever have. Imagine immersing yourself in diverse cultures, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and meeting incredible people—all while navigating the challenges and joys of traveling solo. It’s a journey that pushes you out of your comfort zone, helps you discover new sides of yourself, and gives you the ultimate freedom to shape your trip exactly how you want. If it’s not obvious already, I’m a huge advocate for solo travel in general—but solo backpacking through Europe is on a whole other level. With its mix of vibrant cities, charming small towns, backpacker-friendly infrastructure, and relative safety, Europe is the perfect place for travelers of all kinds. Keep reading for my personal experiences and top tips to make your solo backpacking trip unforgettable!

My very first solo travel trip was a whirlwind adventure—1.5 months solo backpacking through Europe, 9 countries, and a whole lot of life lessons. I was just 18, fresh out of high school, and kicking off my gap year with the kind of wide-eyed excitement only a recent graduate can understand. I knew exactly what I wanted: to travel the world. There was just one problem—I didn’t have anyone to go with. Originally, I had planned the trip with a friend, but a few months into planning, she backed out. And all of a sudden I was left with a choice: Would I skip this dream out and start working straight away? Or would I venture out, even if it meant I had to do it on my own

You already know which option I chose. Solo backpacking through Europe became the most transformative and unforgettable experience of my life. Sure, I was absolutely terrified on day one, and I felt incredibly lonely at times. But as I pushed myself to explore, I realized that traveling solo didn’t mean being alone. I met amazing people, learned to love my own company, and discovered a newfound confidence in myself. But of course, not every moment was picture-perfect – I had to learn some tough lessons along the way. And if you’re considering your own solo backpacking adventure in Europe, there are definitely things I wish I had known before I started, that I would love to share with you. Curious? Keep reading for all the insights and tips!

Does Solo Backpacking Europe Feel Safe?
Things To Note Before Solo Backpacking Europe
How To Make Solo Backpacking Europe Affordable
How To Meet People While Solo Backpacking Europe
Best Destinations When Solo Backpacking Europe
Valuable Ressources For A Solo Backpacking Trip To Europe

Does Solo Backpacking Europe Feel Safe?

One of the biggest questions about solo backpacking Europe is safety. And I totally get it—traveling alone can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. But here’s the good news: after traveling solo through more than 11 European countries (and 15 worldwide), I can confidently say that Europe, in general, is a very safe place for solo travelers. That being said, with around 44 different countries, cultures, and customs, your experience will vary depending on where you are.

Personally, I noticed a big difference between traveling in northern and southern Europe—especially in how often I was approached while simply minding my own business. In many northern European countries, people tend to be more reserved, giving you plenty of space to explore on your own. In contrast, southern Europe—think Italy, Spain, and Portugal—is known for its warm hospitality and openness to strangers, which often leads to spontaneous interactions. Both are great in their own way, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re new to solo travel. Ultimately, as long as you take basic precautions, trust your instincts, and stay aware of your surroundings, solo backpacking in Europe is not only safe but also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

Things To Note Before Solo Backpacking Europe

Research The Best Areas To Stay In Before You Go

When it comes to booking accommodation when travelling solo, I always research the safest and best areas to stay in beforehand. Often, the more central locations will be the safest to stay. However, this can vary, and even central locations might be victims to higher crimerates. I personally had an unfortunate experience, when I first visited Marseille, where I felt incredibly unsafe and basically ended up staying in my AirBnB for the majority of my stay, which largely impacted the way I view the city as a destination. And had I researched the best area to stay in beforehand, I might have had a completely different experience! By doing your research before booking accommodation, you will be sure to stay in an area where you can both be and feel safe.

Always Download Your Tickets, Bookings, Directions And An Offline Map

One of the best ways to stay and feel safe when travelling on your own, is to be prepared for any challenges along the way, so you can handle them in a safe way. For example, you should always have an offline map downloaded on your phone, so you can use navigation even without service. Also, I personally like to have my tickets, accommodation bookings etc. downloaded on to my phone, so I can easily navigate to and proceed with my travels even with a missing phone connection.

Research Each Country’s Currency, Language And Culture Beforehand

Europe is a diverse continent, and each country comes with its own currency, language, and cultural norms—so a little research goes a long way! While many countries use the Euro, others, like Switzerland, Denmark, and Hungary, have their own currency, which can impact exchange rates and payment methods. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language can be a game-changer for connecting with locals. Additionally, cultural customs vary—tipping etiquette, dining habits, and even how people greet each other can differ from place to place. Taking the time to understand these small but important details will make your trip smoother and help you feel more confident as you explore!

How To Make Solo Backpacking Europe Affordable

As amazing as solo travel is, covering the cost of accommodation, food, activities, and more on your own can quickly add up. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to break the bank! Below, I’ve rounded up my best budget travel tips to help you make the most of your solo backpacking trip to Europe without overspending.

Use Budget-Friendly Transits Like Flixbus, Interrail Passes And More!

One of the best ways to make your solo backpacking trip through Europe budget-friendly is by keeping an eye on your transportation costs. One of the cheapest ways to travel around Europe is by taking a FlixBus. This company connects most major cities in Europe and is a highly convenient way to get around. FlixBuses typically depart and arrive in city centers and offer excellent communication services in case of any issues. Plus, I find it easier to navigate than local bus systems where drivers might not speak your language.

Another great way to travel in Europe is by train. While one-way tickets can be quite expensive, Interrail passes are both life- and money-savers! These passes allow you to take a certain number of train trips within a specified period, which is generally much cheaper than buying several one-way tickets. Read more about Interrail passes here.

Stay In Hostels!

If you’re solo backpacking Europe, staying in hostels is hands-down one of the best decisions you can make. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also provide an instant social scene—perfect for meeting fellow travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re up for a casual chat in the common room, joining a group for a city tour, or heading out for a fun night, hostels make it easy to connect with like-minded adventurers. And Europe is a great place for it! Many hostels in Europe offer perks like free breakfast, organized activities, and shared kitchens, helping you save money while making the most of your trip. If you’re worried about privacy, don’t be—many hostels now offer private rooms and female-only dorms, so you can choose what works best for you. In short, hostels aren’t just a place to sleep; they’re a gateway to new friendships, travel inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.

That being said, not all hostels are created equal, and choosing the right one can make or break your experience. Some hostels are buzzing social hubs with pub crawls and themed nights, while others are quiet, cozy, and perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. I always recommend checking reviews on Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Google Reviews to get a feel for the vibe before booking. Look for ones with secure lockers, good location, and friendly staff—these little details can make a big difference when you’re on the road. Also, don’t be afraid to try different types of hostels throughout your trip! Sometimes, you’ll want a lively, social atmosphere, and other times, a peaceful retreat to recharge. The key is finding what works best for you.

Cook Your Own Meals, Picnics And More!

One of the easiest ways to save money while solo backpacking Europe is by skipping expensive restaurant meals and opting for supermarket picnics or cooking your own food. Most hostels have communal kitchens, making it easy to whip up a budget-friendly meal while meeting other travelers. If you don’t feel like cooking, grab some fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market and enjoy a scenic picnic in a park—trust me, it’s both affordable and a great way to soak in the atmosphere of a new city. Plus, shopping where the locals dos give you a little taste of daily life in each country you visit!

How To Meet People While Solo Backpacking Europe

One of the biggest questions on my mind while planning my solo backpacking trip through Europe was: how was I supposed to meet new people and make friends along the way? During my research, I kept seeing people talk about how easy it was to connect with others while solo traveling… but how?! The idea of chatting up strangers in a hostel common area felt impossible to my introverted self, so I frantically started searching for travel buddies online. And I have to be honest with you: In the first couple of days of staying in a hostel, I was simply not comfortable enough with my new setting as a solo female traveller to connect to anyone. I would venture out on my own, and that was enough for me. But as my travels continued, I started craving connection. And thats when I started noticing all of the ways to find it!

The reality is, there are so many people solo backpacking Europe, and most of them are looking for like-minded travelers too. When a solo traveler walks into a hostel room, joins a walking tour, or grabs a coffee at a café, it’s almost like they have built-in radar for spotting other solo adventurers. Once you step out on your own, you’ll start noticing just how many people are doing exactly the same thing! As an introvert, I know how intimidating it can be to start conversations yourself, which is why I’ve put together my top tips for meeting people while solo traveling in this post!

Best Destinations When Solo Backpacking Europe

If I am being completely honest, it is a struggle trying to choose the best destinations for any trip in Europe. The countries are incredibly diverse and at the same time, they all offer incredible experiences depending on your needs. But if I were consult my old first-time-solo-travelling-self, these are the ones I would highlight:

The Most Social Award Goes To: Spain!

From my experience, hostels in Spain—and southern Europe in general—are some of the most fun, lively, and social in all of Europe! Cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona are packed with backpackers looking to have a great time, and many hostels fully embrace this by offering activities like food tours, pub crawls, walking tours, and even dance lessons. Thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and endless opportunities to connect with fellow travelers, Spain quickly became one of the best destinations on my solo backpacking trip. I’ll always look back fondly on tapas nights with new friends, endless glasses of sangria, and sun-soaked days exploring Spain’s rich culture and history.

The Most Budget-Friendly Award Goes To: Croatia!

Croatia is hands down one of the best destinations for solo backpacking in Europe. With its stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and budget-friendly travel options, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It honestly is the cheapest country I have ever visited in Europe, and you will find no struggles sticking to your budget! Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Dubrovnik, island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast, or chasing waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park, there’s always something breathtaking to explore. The hostel scene is also incredibly social, making it easy to meet fellow travelers through group excursions, pub crawls, and boat tours. And let’s not forget the delicious (and affordable) Mediterranean cuisine! Croatia stole my heart with its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the endless opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers. But there are definitely also more budget-friendly destinations to choose from! Check out this post for more details.

The Most Convenient To Get Around Might Just Be: Germany!

Germany is easily one of the best and most convenient countries for solo backpacking in Europe. With its world-class public transportation system, high-speed trains, and well-connected bus routes, getting from one city to another is an absolute breeze—even for first-time solo travelers. And trust me: any stressors you can remove from your solo backpacking trip will do wonders to your overall experience! In Germany, you can easily be exploring the buzzing streets of Berlin one day, wandering through the fairytale-like old town of Heidelberg another, and soaking up Bavarian culture in Munich the next!

Valuable Ressources For A Solo Backpacking Trip To Europe

Looking for more great tips and guides for you solo backpacking trip to Europe? Take a look at my ressources below!