The European city perfect for solo travellers with beaches, trams | City breaks | Travel

Solo travel has emerged as one of the fastest-growing holiday trends for 2026, giving travellers the freedom to explore destinations at their own pace without having to compromise on plans. New research from online travel agent Opodo, based on a survey of 9,000 people worldwide including 2,000 in the UK, has revealed what is inspiring more people to set off on adventures alone.

For British holidaymakers, freedom is the biggest motivation behind booking a solo trip, with 32% saying they enjoy the independence that comes with travelling alone. A further 30% said they travel solo because friends or family are unavailable, while 21% want to meet new people and build connections.

From city breaks to long-haul adventures, solo travel gives holidaymakers the freedom to create their own itinerary and explore at their own pace. Careful planning can help keep costs down, with platforms such as Opodo making it easier to compare flights, hotels and package holidays, find solo-friendly deals and avoid costly single occupancy supplements.

According to the brands top solo travel destinations for 2026, European cities remain among the most popular choices for independent explorers. The Portugeuse city of Lisbon ranks among the best destinations for solo travellers, offering the perfect mix of historic sights, local culture and relaxed coastal escapes.

Visitors can spend their days riding the city’s famous yellow trams, sampling pastel de nata custard tarts that cost as little as £1 a pop, and exploring the grand riverside monuments of Belém. The city is also easy to navigate alone, with neighbourhoods such as Chiado, Baixa and Príncipe Real providing convenient bases for independent travellers.

These areas are packed with cafés, parks and attractions within walking distance, making it simple to explore the city at a leisurely pace. When it’s time to escape the busy streets, solo visitors can take a short train journey to the beaches of Cascais or head into the hills of Sintra to discover colourful palaces hidden among forests. With its combination of culture, cuisine and nearby coastal beauty, Lisbon offers everything needed for a memorable solo getaway.

With Opodo, independent adventurers don’t need to pay a premium to explore the city on their own. For travellers on a budget, the Campo Pequeno Suites offer smart apartments and studios with access to shared facilities in the heart of the city centre.

A great way for solo travellers to be as involved with the hotel community as they would like to be, prices start from £200 for a three-night break at the beginning of September, with flights from London included.

A guest who stayed at the Pequeno Suites gave it an impressive five-star rating for cleanliness, adding: “I really liked this place. Check in was easy, and my stay was pleasant. Although basic, it was a great value for the money, and I appreciated the decorative touches meant to accent the art deco building.”

Alternatively, situated a five-minute drive from Avenida da Liberdade, the four-star Czar Lisbon is a more upscale choice for short breaks with en-trend interiors and elegantly decorated rooms from £. Just a short walk from landmarks including Casa Milà, Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Batlló, this hotel makes it easy for solo travellers to explore many of the city’s top attractions on foot.

One guest called the Czar ‘perfect’ adding: “location is great, room is clean and comfortable and service was super nice.” Another said: ” I loved the hotel, I was very well received by Pedro.Good breakfast. I’ll be back”

Some visitors were less impressed however, with one noting: “The reason for giving a poor rating is for a 4 star hotel the surfaces wasn’t very clean, the window edges also very dirty, the air conditioning did work but the room struggled to get warm.”

For travellers looking for something a full-service hotel stay, the Hotel Real Palacio offers five-star granduer in a former mansion. Part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage the swanky establishment is also home to first-class dining, a health centre and a spa.

A luxury hotel suited to solo travellers looking for a real treat, prices start from £467 for a short stay, but guests have called it ‘an excellent hotel’ and ‘a magcial place to stay.’

Similarly, Trailfinders is another well-known operator offering backpacking and long-haul tours for individuals and groups alike. They offer city breaks, far flung adventures and more.

For sun-seekers looking to soak up some rays, On The Beach provides solo beach holidays throughout Europe and further afield, while Saga Holidays caters specifically to solo travellers aged over 50.

With an extensive range of deals and destinations on offer, Opodo has something to suit every kind of traveller. One customer wrote on TrustPilot: “As a solo traveller, using Opodo has helped me get great deals on flights and hotel bookings, so it’s an added plus that they take their customers seriously.”

Another commented: “Being a solo traveller in my 70s, I was concerned about arranging connecting flights and overnight accommodation. Thanks to Opodo, all went swimmingly.”

Those who upgraded to Opodo Prime have also shared their verdicts, with one remarking: “It saves me money and is easy to renew.”

Others were less enthusiastic about the Prime upgrade, branding it “a waste of time” and claiming the scheme is “impossible to complain about or cancel.”

Regarded as one of Europe’s foremost online travel agencies, Opodo assists millions of holidaymakers in searching, comparing and booking flights, hotels, package holidays and additional travel extras all in one place. The platform helps to simplify the process of planning trips across the globe, whether arranging a swift city break, a family holiday or a solo getaway.

To browse all available deals for solo travellers, groups, families and beyond, head over to the Opodo website.

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