Last updated July 26, 2026 · Editorial policy
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Travelling solo is easier and cheaper than ever in these welcoming cities, where hostels, street food and walkable centres make it simple to meet people without blowing the budget. Below are 10, each with what makes it special.
Travelling solo is easier and cheaper than ever in these welcoming cities, where hostels, street food and walkable centres make it simple to meet people without blowing the budget.
10 of the Best Budget Solo-Travel Destinations
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Best months: Jun–Aug · 18–28°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Lisbon is safe, sunny and sociable, with cheap eats, lively hostels and easy day trips — a top pick for first-time solo travellers.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Prague pairs fairy-tale looks with famously cheap beer and a big backpacker scene, all in a compact, walkable centre.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Best months: Aug–Oct · 13–23°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Budapest’s ruin bars, thermal baths and low prices make it one of Europe’s most fun and affordable solo cities.
4. Krakow, Poland
Krakow offers Europe’s largest market square, moving history and some of the lowest prices of any major city.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Best months: Jul–Sep · 23–33°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Bali is a backpacker classic — cheap, warm and welcoming, with co-working hubs and an easy solo-travel community.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Best months: Dec–Feb · 22–32°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Bangkok’s street food, cheap hostels and gateway status to the rest of Southeast Asia make it a solo-travel hub.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is among the cheapest capitals in the EU, with free walking tours, Roman ruins and a relaxed pace.
8. Porto, Portugal
Best months: Jun–Aug · 18–28°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Porto is affordable and friendly, with cheap port tastings, a walkable riverfront and a growing solo-travel scene.
9. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade offers legendary nightlife, low prices and a buzzing cafe culture that makes solo evenings easy.
10. Athens, Greece
Best months: Sep–Nov · 15–24°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Athens combines cheap souvlaki, ancient history and ferry links to the islands, ideal for a longer solo trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.
Working out the money? Check whether your destination is a cash or card country, how much to bring, and how to dodge ATM fees and the DCC trap.
