3 European Cities Perfect for Solo Adventures

Ready to explore the world solo? There’s almost no better place to start than Europe. Yes, the continent has charming cobblestone streets and elite pastries, but on a more practical level, there’s also efficient, reliable public transportation; an alphabet that usually looks familiar to English speakers, making it easier to parse everything from subway signs to restaurant menus; and, depending on the city, multilingual locals who are accustomed to doling out directions and recommendations.

Below, we’ve rounded up three of the best cities in Europe for your first solo trip, no matter what you’re hoping to get out of it, whether that’s delicious food, impressive architecture or the chance to mingle with locals. (Photo of Old Town of Prague.)

Chase Travel is the first stop for your next adventure. Earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points with your eligible Chase card when booking a trip through chasetravel.com. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book a hotel stay through The Edit by Chase Travel will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a property credit worth $100, plus early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade, when available.

Lisbon, Portugal

Pastéis de Belém

Best for: Wandering souls seeking sunny days, great food and live music.

Right on the Atlantic in one of the sunniest corners of western Europe, Lisbon is a layered destination that hits many vacation high notes: temperate weather; excellent, reasonably priced food and wine; and a rich cultural heritage reflected in traditional music, art and architecture. In other words, it’s just right for the traveler who wants to choose their own adventure. It’s also extremely walkable, so you’ll probably want to start with a city walking tour to get your bearings.

You’ll work up an appetite bouncing between cathedrals, flea markets and trendy neighborhoods. So it’s a good thing you can eat your weight in pastéis de nata—Portugal’s signature egg-custard tarts (which are great anywhere but especially at local favorite Pastéis de Belém)—followed by dinner at Gambrinus, an old-school staple that dates back to 1936. Start with a draft beer and croquettes at the bar and, once you get comfortable, advance to one of the wood-paneled dining rooms and order the roast beef, which you fortunately won’t have to share.

Cap the day with a little live music; the city is practically synonymous with fado, a genre characterized by emotional, deeply felt vocal performances, and there are a handful of so-called fado houses where you can catch one of them.

And while there’s plenty to do right in Lisbon, there are also several day-trip destinations just minutes outside the city. You might try a guided visit to the palaces of Sintra, or a trip to the countryside to learn more about winemaking and cork production.

Olissippo Lapa Palace

Where to Stay in Lisbon

An apartment-style hotel like Martinhal Chiado is perfect for solo travelers, since it offers plenty of space to stretch out, a kitchenette for home-cooked meals and a location in the center of town. We also love Olissippo Lapa Palace, a hotel in a 19th-century estate atop a hill overlooking the Tagus River. Most of the rooms have views of the hotel’s idyllic gardens and pool.

For a truly local experience, there’s the 1908 Lisboa Hotel, whose gorgeous, ornamental Art Nouveau exteriors give way to clean-lined guest rooms. The staff has created a special concierge app for guests that will help you unlock all the locals-endorsed restaurants, museums and shops that Lisbon has to offer.

Dublin, Ireland

Old Library at Trinity College Dublin

Best for: Social butterflies who like meeting locals.

If ever there was a city that felt like a hug, it would be Dublin. Sure, Ireland’s capital isn’t exactly sun-kissed or sandy-toed, but it is filled with warm, cozy pubs and locals who are more than happy to join you for a pint. It’s also pretty compact, making it easy to cover in just a few days.

A panoramic e-bike tour will give you the lay of the land and introduce you to all the major historic sites: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College Dublin, home to the Book of Kells. Of course, no visit to Dublin is complete without a tipple or two, so make sure to visit the Jameson Bow St. Distillery and Guinness Storehouse or, better yet, embark on a tailored pub crawl through the city’s best watering holes.

You’re going to need a good meal to soak up all that stout. Thanks to Dublin’s coastal position, seafood is a citywide staple; consider tag-teaming with a local guide for a tasting tour punctuated by rich chowders, mussels in cream and succulent raw oysters. Afterward, you can make your way down the street to Mulligan’s, a pub that’s been quenching Dubliners’ thirst for nearly 250 years. There—or anywhere in this city, really—you’ll be hard-pressed not to make a new friend. Or five.

The Westbury

Where to Stay in Dublin

For a stay that’s comfortable and stylish without being too fussy, check out The Alex. Set in the heart of Georgian Dublin, this modern boutique hotel is within walking distance of all the city’s major attractions—and the rooms offer a delightfully sleek take on Irish design.

The conveniently located Trinity Townhouse Hotel has a serene central courtyard and rooms so quiet you’d hardly know you’re in a capital city. And you’re likely to bump into Dubliners celebrating special occasions at The Westbury, which is a long-standing local favorite. The location couldn’t be better, with tram stops, train stations and countless shops and restaurants just outside the front door.

Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town of Prague

Best for: Travelers drawn to history, food, architecture—and maximizing their budget.

With some smart planning, your dollar can go a lot further in Prague than in many of western Europe’s major cities. Cost aside, though, there are plenty of reasons to pick Prague for your first solo trip: narrow, winding streets that are ripe for wandering; Gothic architecture worth marveling at and centuries of art to explore; and an old-world charm that seemingly hasn’t lost—or tried too hard to upgrade—its luster.

A great way to begin your Prague immersion? Through your stomach, with a small-group food tour that explores the best of the city’s cuisine, including steak tartare, creamy potato soup, goulash and more varieties of dumplings than you can shake a rolling pin at.

You’ll need a minute to digest all that hearty goodness, so consider following it with a Segway overview of the city. Or for something a little more off-kilter (and active), head an hour outside the city for a tour of the infamous Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the “Church of Bones,” which will yield some pretty fun pictures to show the folks back home.

Art Deco Imperial Hotel

Where to Stay in Prague

Tucked away on a quiet street between Old and New Town, Hotel BoHo Prague is a boutique property within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, like Old Town Square, the National Museum and Charles Bridge. Alternatively, Hotel Josef is a solid option if you’re a design lover. In contrast to the city, which can feel overwhelmingly Gothic and historic, its exterior is strikingly modern, and the guest rooms are contemporary and pared back. Breakfast is included in your stay, and there’s an in-house bakery that makes a variety of fresh baked goods every day.

To get a glimpse of Prague’s glamorous Jazz Age past, check in to the Art Deco Imperial Hotel, a sprawling palace hotel. There’s a spa that’s perfect for resting tired legs after walking all day—or dancing all night at the nearby nightclubs.

Booking With Chase Travel

Eligible Chase cardmembers can visit chasetravel.com for trip recommendations, editor-curated itineraries and access to top hotels, convenient flights, car rentals and must-do local experiences.

_{For Informational/Educational Purposes: The views expressed in this article may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other content. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions, and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results.}