Would you go on a European city break alone?

[SunshineOverStress]

Posting here for traffic sorry!

Would you go on a European city break alone? If so, where would you go?

Would you go to a bar etc in the evening on your own?

I feel like I would love to do this but I'm worried about being bored or feeling lonely etc and would be out my comfort zone!

[HoldMyLobster]

I would - I'm planning one to Bruges this year.

I also go on US city breaks alone, and I do occasionally sit in a hotel bar. The worst bit is often the groups of shouting swearing drunk Brits. The last two trips I've been on I've ended up leaving venues just to get away from the noise of them.

[mantarays]

Yes and have done. What a pleasure.

[littlemissrose]

Haven't done it since the children were born but once went to New York on my own to stay with a friend but she was working during the day. I loved it, felt brilliant being anonymous in a large city and when travelling. This thread is giving me idea! I'd just pick somewhere you've never been that's easy and reasonably priced to get to

[EBearhug]

Yes, I have been to loads of places by myself, not just Europe. If I waited for other people, I'd never have been anywhere. I have travelled with people a couple of times, but far more alone, to the point I find it weird getting a flight with other people.

[Cloudmonkey]

Have done many city breaks alone, some in Europe, some in the States. It’s brilliant, bars are fine if just having a fee drinks. People watch, chat to people... relax! Spanish cities are particularly great for drinking some nice wine and enjoying tapas in the evening, it’s fun and not a big deal if you’re alone. Enjoy!

[GoldenMarigolds]

Bet a man would not worry about this. AT ALL. Go figure.

[DoubleFunMum]

I have done and would again. Probably not at the moment though. I'd avoid unnecessary air travel and crowded cities tbh until this Corona virus thing blows over.

[SabineUndine]

Yes! I have done, many times: Paris, Nice, Avignon, Florence, Rome, Venice . . . I love travelling alone. You do exactly what YOU want and don't have to worry about whether or not other people are enjoying themselves/what they want to eat/do they want a rest, etc etc. Do it.

[Alsohuman]

I’d go to Paris or Florence on my own, I love both. One of my friends regularly goes to Rejavik on her own.

[Poetryinaction]

Man I would LOVE to.

[stormsurfer]

Yes! It's wonderful!
Have done:
Reykjavik
Oslo
Copenhagen
Bergen
Gothenburg
Copenhagen
Prague
Budapest
Dubrovnik
Bratislava
Stockholm
Istanbul

The only one I didn't enjoy so much on my own was Istanbul as I was followed by men a lot. But it is a fabulous city.

[ThunderGarlic]

Yes, have done many times since I was a teenager and will do again when DC a bit older. I enjoy my own company and being able to do as I please.

I have no problem eating alone in restaurants although as a single traveller I often try to eat earlier in the evening in order to get a good table and better service. IME waiters sometimes stick singletons at the last rickety table near the toilets so the good tables can go to couples and groups, or try to rush you so they can get two people into your place ASAP.

"Bars" can mean something very different in one country or city to the next. If they serve food, don't have loud music, and other women of my age or families are there, then yes. If not, no, because it wouldn't be comfortable or fun for me. Yes to tours, museums, solo sports and activities.

[Doyoumind]

Yes, I would.

[ThunderGarlic]

Cities where I've enjoyed time by myself include Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Heidelberg, Cologne, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Florence, Rome, Milan, Geneva, Prague, Warsaw, Istanbul.

[Ginkypig]

Yes I would definitely! I haven't actually gone abroad to other European countries but that's more a timetable thing. I do go away on my own a couple of times a year in the uk and I love it!

Iv just been away for 4 nights in Scotland and even with the snow it was lovely to be in my own company!

[BobbyBlueCat]

I don't understand why people DON'T do this stuff, if I'm honest. And I just go to the sane places that I do if travelling with spouse or friends.

But then I equally roll my eyes at the ones (and yes, there are a few on here) that make MASSIVE big deals out if it if they do go. Like they're all brave and doing something out of the ordinary.

[Lobbilob]

Yes! I did it and really enjoyed it. I did Amsterdam, for 2 nights.

It was a bit odd sitting in a restaurant on my own at night at times, but I just took my time with everything, did what I want, took in my surroundings. I took my camera and just relaxed.

If you want to do it, go for it.

[Ginkypig]

In terms of going out etc though I just take the same precautions as I would at home.

I wouldn't get pissed, I'd be aware of my surroundings. I'd not go into a dodgy looking pub etc or put myself in unnecessary dangerous situations or seek out the "bad" parts of town

I probably would also be carful of saying I was on holiday on my own and I'd make sure I knew how to get back to where I'm staying too just so I'm not wandering about looking lost.

[Galacrossthepond]

Yes, go! I had five days in Madrid on my own when my son was doing a football camp one summer and loved it. I stayed in the center and Madrid is a very walkable historic city and I felt very safe. There’s lots of cultural stuff to do, shopping and one day I took an organized coach tour out of Madrid to nearby Avila and Segovia.
My hotel was great because they laid on quite substantial free snacks in the evening, which a couple of nights I made do for my dinner rather than going out on my own.
Did not go to a bar on my own.

[StrongTeaDropOfMilkNoSugar]

Yes, definitely.

I travel for work, and when a trip to a new city means I can squeeze in some weekend sightseeing, then I do turn it into a solo minibreak. I’ve had a great time! I’ve also done similar in Asia and the states.

Finding an evening walking tour (sometimes they are foodie themed so include dinner) can be a great way to experience the city nightlife if you’d prefer not to do it on your own.

[speakout]

No.

But then I don't like city breaks.
I have been to many cities alone for business- Chicago, San Francisco, Paris,, but I wouldn't chose a city break for pleasure.

A yoga retreat in Greece however....

[morningtoncrescent62]

Gosh, yes. Like other posters, I've had some brilliant times in European cities on my own. Hanging out in cafes, getting to grips with local public transport, and mooching about generally soaking up the atmosphere can easily be done on your own. In larger cities it's often worth getting a day ticket for local bus tours to get a sense of the layout on your first day, or walking tours for small cities. In fact, walking tours of any kind are great if you've had enough of your own company for a while and want to be with others. Some of my favourite destinations as a solo traveller:

Vienna
Salzburg
Thessaloniki
Ghent
Hamburg (surprisingly interesting!)
Sarajevo
Mostar
Lisbon
Avignon

[KatherineJaneway]

Yes!

[OnceUponACat]

Def. except for the the bar as I am not much of a drinker anyway

[Unmentionablesandfluff]

I often do it. My DH doesn’t get as much leave as I do, my friends mostly have young families, and I have an irrational fear that time will run away and I’ll miss out. I’m not a clubber but am happy to take myself out to dinner or drink at night. Waiting staff don’t care, they’re only worried that you’ll skip out on the bill and/or not leave a tip.
My suggestion is join a free walking tour at the beginning Of the trip (but tip at the end!) I’ve often met someone on these, even just for dinner one night - usually other women but sometimes platonic (gay?) men.
Look into the Facebook group Girls Love Travel and their sub-groups Girls Love Travel 35+ and Girls Love Travel Overnight. The second one is for connecting with other women in your destination for accommodation or just a coffee. I’ve met some great people!