A carved raised palms

Self Love: Are You Your Own Valentine? 5 European Cities Best For Solo Trips

By:
Mabel Fatokun

In matters of self and love, it’s simple to concentrate solely on our present relationship situation, particularly in today’s world. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that every type of love in our lives (platonic affection, family love, and certainly, self-love) belongs on Valentine’s Day. That’s why I want to motivate you to prioritize yourself and make time for self-care, beginning today!

The saying “You spend the majority of your life within your mind.” “Transform it into a pleasant environment,” occurs to me when reflecting on the significance of valuing our relationship with ourselves. Spending time alone with self to concentrate on happiness and well-being can transform your life. If you’re uncertain about how to begin, or simply seeking fresh ideas, here are my suggestions for cultivating self-love.

Self love

Note it down: The most effective way to prioritize self-care or personal time is to schedule it in daily routines. For certain individuals, self-love can be extremely difficult. The positive aspect is that you don’t need to fully love yourself to show yourself kindness.

Most people believe Valentines are for couples or heartthrobs alone. They leave no space for self.

This is one of the lies humans have come to believe as truth. As much as lovers seem to own this period so also Self love and pamper should be given some consideration. One of the things one can do for self at this period is to embark of solo love trips.

Some of this refers to the emergence of transformational travel. This is a time to do some self reflection and appreciate the world of nature.

In search of deeper experiences, numerous travelers are leaving their social circles to venture into the unfamiliar by themselves. Alone for their “selves”.

Conversely, others favor solo travel as it is less expensive and allows for greater flexibility—particularly for brief journeys.

A female on a boat with camera on a solo trip

In other terms, although traveling alone is often more engaging and thrilling, it can also prove to be tiring, daunting, and potentially dangerous.

The key aspect of organizing a solo journey is choosing the correct location. The bigger the city, the simpler it is to discover appropriate accommodations, utilize public transport, and access a wider range of activities, from bar-hopping to guided tours of museums.

But where should you head if you’re fairly new to traveling alone?

I have recommendations drawn from my own surprisingly amazing experiences, as well as ideas from my well-traveled digital nomad friends. These cities facilitate your movement (to and from the closest airport), allowing you to explore on foot or using public transport and interact with both locals and fellow travelers.

European locations ideal for Solo Travelers and Self Lovers

Excellent for indulgence: Dublin, Ireland

Ideal for budgeting: Krakow, Poland

Steer clear of the crowds: Hamburg, Germany

Dine like nobility: Valencia, Spain

Explore the uncharted: Helsinki, Finland

Admire the vistas: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Boasting a seemingly endless array of cities to explore, Europe ranks among the top destinations for solo travelers hailing from the United States.

Best European Cities for Self Lovers

Perfect for indulgence: Dublin, Ireland

However, they reached me, which is the reason I recommend Dublin for those travelers willing to spend a little more.

Dublin is a prime destination for tourists, featuring a relatively compact downtown and a convenient tram network. Certain residents are also eager to converse at the numerous pubs in the city, which significantly helps in familiarizing you with the true essence of this place.

Ideal for saving: Krakow, Poland

Krakow in Poland

Krakow ought to be the initial destination you explore in Poland. Sadly, a significant portion of the nation’s historic areas was demolished during World War II, essentially obliterating hundreds of years of architecture and heritage.

That’s not true in Krakow, which avoided a lot of the devastation.

Krakow’s historic district resembles a fairytale. The architecture is unique, and the small squares and plazas are brimming with charm. Lone adventurers can discover joy after joy. It’s a welcoming city that is very walkable, allowing you to acclimate without much hassle.

Steer clear of the crowds: Hamburg, Germany

Looking to explore German identity thoroughly without encountering the reckless youth of Berlin’s nightlife and the stricter conventions of Munich? Go to Hamburg.

Although Berlin is often regarded as the premier destination for solo travelers (and rightly so), you will find a more personal cultural experience in Hamburg.

The city is home to numerous family-owned businesses, as well as an industrial past evident in its architecture and winding waterways. With abundant public transit and a vibrant underground culture that mirrors Berlin’s vibe, you can easily wander—just not among a throng of visitors.

Dine like a Noble: Valencia, Spain

A family dinner in Valencia

You can dine like nobility in both Spain and Portugal—it’s quite difficult not to, really. However, in Valencia, you’ll experience some of the finest cuisine the peninsula has to offer.

This is the birthplace of paella—but you can also discover seafood specialties, traditional Spanish cuisine, and many local favorites.

In addition to dining like nobility, you also enjoy the same fundamental assortment of amenities that draw people to Barcelona. I’m referring to beautiful historical locations and neighborhoods, numerous art galleries, as well as breathtaking urban parks and shorelines. (Seriously—bypass Barcelona and head to Valencia.)

Explore the unexplored: Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is famous for its narrow streets and distinctive architectural style. It’s ideal for solo adventurers seeking to explore the lesser-known spots of Europe (like Krakow and Ljubljana, mentioned below), providing an unforgettable experience year-round.

During summer, you will benefit from extended daylight hours to relish the midnight sun as you discover the museums and restaurants of Helsinki.

In winter, on the other hand, you’ll experience the finest northern lights along with the cozy, early-dark charm. It’s also the global sauna capital if you prefer warmth and radiant skin.

Admire the scenery: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana Castle in Slovenia

I have intense emotions about Ljubljana—so much so that I hesitate to suggest it here for fear it might become overcrowded with visitors.

It has quietly emerged as a leading option for solo travelers due to its affordability, safety, and scenery. It also hosts around 50,000 students, positioning it as a prime option for younger travelers.

However, those perspectives are the main emphasis. Slovenia is covered with breathtaking forests and mountains that encircle Ljubljana. Although this capital city is small (which makes navigation simpler for solo travelers), it’s also incredibly beautiful.

A river flows through the city, reminiscent of Venice, and its historic buildings give the impression that you are strolling through a Game of Thrones backdrop.

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