Traveling alone has become super popular in recent years, giving people freedom, self-discovery, and fun adventures. According to Google Trends data from 2022 that Kayak mentioned, searches for “traveling solo” and “partir seul(e)” went up 60% compared to before. Fast forward to now in 2025, and this trend is still going strong.
If your looking for the best solo trip in Europe, one city is better than all others: Edinburgh, Scotland. Kayak’s latest rankings put Edinburgh as number one solo travel spot in Europe, since it’s safe, not too expensive, full of culture, and has lots of free things to do – making it perfect for people exploring by themselves. We’ll tell you why Edinburgh is so great, what solo travelers can do there, and how to plan an awesome trip in 2025.
Traveling alone has become very popular in recent years, offering a unique blend of freedom, self-discovery, and adventure! Google Trends conducted an analysis in 2022 (cited by travel search engine Kayak), in which searches for terms like “travel alone” and “partir seul(e)” were up 60% compared to the previous year. As of 2025, this trend is showing no signs of stopping.
THOSE WHO WANT THE ULTIMATE SOLO EUROPEAN ADVENTURE, there’s one city that’s totally crushing it: Edinburgh, Scotland. It was named like the top solo destination in Europe by Kayak’s newest rankings because it combines safety with affordability with cultural stuff with tons of free activities that makes it unbeatable for people traveling alone?
Why Edinburgh is the Best City for Solo Travel in Europe
Edinburgh became the top city in solo travel, this is not an accident. Kayak judged the cities-safety, cheap food, good place to live, easy flight, and free fun-it checked everything. This city is the best among all, perfect for solo travelers, practical as well as magic. Let’s take a look
1. A Strong Sense of Safety
Safety is what solo travellers need most, and Edinburgh gives it good! With a safety number of 68.9% (from Numbeo data 2024, which is regularly updated), this city is one of the safest places in Europe. There are plenty of lights on the streets, public transport is never late, and local people are very friendly—they will often tell you a story or give you recommendations.
Whether you’re walking in an old medieval Old Town during the evening or exploring a new Georgian New Town, you will feel secure and welcomed everywhere.
2. Affordable Dining and Experiences
The average hotel rate in Edinburgh runs around €186 per night (about $200 USD at March 2025 exchange rates), but the city makes up for it with budget-friendly dining and entertainment. A filling meal — like traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties — costs an average of €29 at a local pub, with The Witchery or The Bow Bar being where it’s at.
Solo travelers can also enjoy street food markets at places like the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, where local vendors offer tasty treats for less than €10.
3. High-Quality Accommodations
Edinburgh hotels and hostels get high marks, with an average 7.9/10 rating on platforms like Booking.com. Solo travelers can choose from boutique stays like The Balmoral or budget-friendly hostels like Castle Rock Hostel, which is just steps from Edinburgh Castle.
These options offer solo adventurers private rooms or dorms designed for socializing, ensuring both comfort and community.
4. Accessible Flights
You can get to Edinburgh very easily, direct flights from major European cities are always flying in. Just yesterday I saw return tickets from Paris are just €92 in October and go down to €67 in November! These cheap rates are great if you are travelling alone without spending too much money.
The airport is located a little far from the city of EDI, just 8 miles away, you can take the Airlink bus (€5 one way) or you have to catch the tram, which costs just €7.50.
5. Abundance of Free Activities
There is so much free in Edinburgh that it ranks 15th in Europe for free activities! Some places you can see without spending money.
- Scottish National Gallery has got paintings of Titian and Turner that nobody charges you to look at (but they hope you will give donation).
- St. Giles’ Cathedral is a really old n gothic type building where entry doesn’t cost anything.
- Royal Botanic Garden is a 70 acres peaceful area in Edinburgh that is free but you will have to pay €8 to see the glasshouse.
- Museum of Childhood is a very nice place where memories come back and nobody asks for money to go in.
Your budget will not be exhausted even after seeing all these places, so you will have money left for a drink or two of whisky!
What Makes Edinburgh Ideal for Solo Travelers?
The magic of Edinburgh isn’t just in numbers, but in its atmosphere and accessibility—which makes it incredibly appealing to solo travellers.
A Compact, Walkable City
Edinburgh’s design is perfect for solo travellers. The main areas of the city – the old Old Town and the smart New Town – are small and pedestrian-friendly. Important places like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Arthur’s Seat bus are within a 2-mile radius, so you can explore on foot or use cheap public buses (€2 a ride).
This removes the tension of complicated transport networks which people hate understanding! You can roam the whole city as per your wish without any pressure – you decide when to go and where not some bus timetable.
A Welcoming Culture
Scottish people are famous for their hospitality, and this is evident in Edinburgh. Solo travelers will often mingle with locals in cozy pubs or join guided walking tours (many are free, such as Sandeman’s New Europe tours).
The city’s vibrant festival scene—like the Edinburgh Fringe in August or Hogmanay in December—naturally creates chances where you can make friends with other travelers and local people too.
Nobody never feels alone in this city because people are so friendly that they welcome you like their own! The atmosphere here is so warm that even solo travelers feel immediately comfortable, which make this place extra special for those who explore without companions.
Seasonal Appeal
Edinburgh is beautiful in every season, but autumn (September to November) is the best time to travel solo. The weather is a little mild in October (average 10°C/50°F), flights are also cheap and there are less crowds than in peak summer season! November brings even cheaper rates and a calm atmosphere that is perfect for solo travelers.
Thoughtful walks in the foggy streets or climbing on Arthur’s Seat and seeing the whole city – these experiences will not disappoint anyone. The best part about going during this time is that you won’t have to wait in lines everywhere like summer travelers do! This season gives you a chance to explore the city at your own pace because less tourists means more peace for your solo adventure.
Top Things to Do in Edinburgh as a Solo Traveler
Edinburgh has such a mix of history, nature, and culture for solo travelers that every type of traveler will find something to enjoy. Here is a list of some must-do experiences:
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress takes you through Scotland’s history and offers some great views! Solo travelers can join a guided tour (€20, entry included) or explore on their own with an audio guide. The Castle has a daily One O’Clock gun firing – don’t miss it because it’s such a special thing that everyone talks about.
Stroll the Royal Mile
This historical road leads from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s filled with shops, street performers and hidden closes – perfect for exploring alone! Be sure to visit The Real Mary King’s Close (€20) for an extremely interesting underground tour.
Hike Arthur’s Seat
For nature lovers, this extinct volcano is located in Holyrood Park where a moderate 2-hour hike can provide breathtaking views. Yeh trail is very safe n popular – perfect for those who want peace or make new friends with other hikers during climb.
Dive into Literary History
Edinburgh is UNESCO City of Literature, and Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Connected to writers like Rowling. Visit the Writers’ Museum (free) or then drink coffee in The Elephant House where Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books! U will feel inspired just sitting there where famous writer once worked.
Enjoy a Whiskey Tasting
Traveling alone doesn’t mean missing out on local traditions. Book the Scotch Whiskey Experience (€23) or join casual tasting pubs like The Malt Shovel. This is easy way to try Scotland’s national drink without feeling awkward and also chat with locals who always have interesting stories to share!
Practical Tips for Solo Travel in Edinburgh
Planning a solo trip to Edinburgh? No tension! Here are some tips for you:
- Hotels get booked very quickly. Check on Booking.com, but don’t wait too long! Everything will be over by the festival time.
- Get a local SIM card from the airport itself to keep your phone connected – Vodafone’s ten pound card is good enough for data needs.
- The weather in March is totally crazy unpredictable! Bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a small umbrella too.
- Are you feeling lonely? Join a free walking tour or ghost bus tour and get seventeen euros – it will be a lot of fun?
- If you are worried about money then download the bus app – day pass is 4.50 euros only! There are lots of free attractions as well, so you will save money.
How Edinburgh Stacks Up Against Other Top Solo Destinations
How does Edinburgh stack up when compared to other places? Kayak reveals the top five solo travel destinations in Europe – including Berlin, Naples, Barcelona, and Lisbon! The arts scene in Berlin is very dynamic but the safety level in Edinburgh is much better. You can get cheap pizza in Naples but the charm of Edinburgh works on a completely different level.
Barcelona and Lisbon are both vibrant cities but can be a little overwhelming for first-time solo travelers because they’re so big and busy! Edinburgh’s small size makes it easy to navigate and gives visitors an intimate feeling.
Edinburgh stands out when it comes to free activities. Its compact design makes it perfect for exploring on foot, which provides a very convenient benefit for those traveling alone!
Plan Your Solo Trip to Edinburgh in 2025
Are you ready to go on a solo adventure? Check out the deals of First Flights on Kayak or Skyscanner – sometimes you can get very cheap tickets! Don’t forget to check the VisitScotland website… If there is an official tourism board, you will get the right information for itinerary planning?
Whether you are looking for history, nature, or friendly people – you will find everything in Edinburgh! This city is totally awesome for solo travelers. Make Edinburgh your solo travel gateway in 2025. A city where you can roam freely. Connecting with others is super easy here and make memories that are only your own!
This city connects the souls of solo travelers very well. Just pack ur bags n book tickets – unforgettable experience guaranteed! Edinburgh waiting for you only.