Solo Traveler’s Christmas: Best Cities in Europe to Visit (and Ones to Avoid)

Are you planning to travel solo this holiday season? If, like me, you’ve been daydreaming about a European getaway inspired by the movie The Holiday, spending Christmas in a foreign destination might just be the perfect adventure!

But let me tell you, some European destinations can leave you feeling lonelier than expected, making you wish you had stayed home, while others are truly a joy to explore!

In this post, I want to highlight some of the best and worst places in Europe to visit solo at Christmas! 

What Makes These European Destinations The Best & The Worst

In my experience, a destination worthy of being called “best” is one where the solo traveler won’t feel overly isolated, and the “worst” is a place where you are met with many closures. 

Ultimately, a European destination that will enhance your holiday will largely depend on what type of experience you’re looking for.

If you’re someone who is very comfortable being alone and doesn’t mind the quiet that comes with deserted streets and closed shops, then a more chill spot might be your thing. You’ll get to soak in the local charm without the crowds.

On the other hand, if you’re the type who thrives on energy and excitement, you’ll probably want to head to a bigger city where the holiday buzz is still alive. 

Think twinkling lights, bustling Christmas markets, and plenty of places to grab a festive bite. These spots offer more chances to meet fellow travelers and join in on the local festivities, making your solo Christmas feel a little less solo.

In the end, it’s all about what makes you feel most at home, even when you’re far from it.

READ MORE: Worst Places to Visit in Europe, and (Where to Go Instead)

Best: Lisbon, Portugal

Why is Lisbon such a great place to visit alone at Christmas? Well, let’s start with the weather! Chances are you are looking at a sunny and mild Christmas day. 

I was in Lisbon on December 25th, and let me tell you, I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans. It was glorious. 

But let’s remember, predicting the weather isn’t my full-time job, so don’t quote me on it! Statistically speaking, the weather should be pretty decent! 

Another reason to consider Lisbon at Christmas is that it is the capital city and never fully shuts down.

There will be things to do in the city on December 25th. By things, I mean some restaurants will be open, and transit will be operating (on a limited schedule).  

Last year, on December 24th, I took a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais and spent the day at the beach!

You might also be surprised to find out that Lisbon has many Christmas markets to visit—not only in Lisbon but also in other small villages!

Overall, Lisbon is a great place to come if you want some sunshine and spirit this holiday season! 

Things to do:

• Go to Cascais or Sintra for either the beach or some hiking.
• Watch a sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte with a homemade picnic.
• Join a walking tour in Lisbon.

Where to stay

• Yes! Lisbon Hostel (has a communal kitchen)
• Independente Bica (has on-site restaurant)

Worst: York, England

It might come as a tiny surprise, but York is not the ideal place to visit alone at Christmas. In the lead-up to Christmas, yes, but on the 24th and 25th of December, you might not be so happy. 

The main reason York might be a destination to skip is because most places will be closed, and public transport will not be available. 

This includes buses and trains, as most services do not operate on December 25th. If you need to travel on Christmas Day, you may need to rely on taxis or other private transportation options.

It’s advisable to plan ahead and arrange any necessary transport in advance and be prepared to pay up, it wont be cheap. 

You will also have virtually no restaurants to eat at, so if you decide to visit, stay at a hotel with a restaurant on-site and confirm that it will be open! 

In the UK, be prepared for the following closures: 

• Christmas Eve (December 24th): Some shops, restaurants, and attractions may close early, typically in the late afternoon. Many businesses remain open during the day but may close earlier than usual.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): Almost everything is closed, including most shops, restaurants, and attractions.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): Some shops and restaurants reopen, often with sales, but many smaller businesses and attractions may remain closed or have limited hours. Public transport usually operates on a very reduced schedule.

The weather in December could also be very grim. There will most likely be rain and cold temperatures, which could lead to a bit of a blues, especially if you are solo.

Best: Berlin, Germany

Having lived in Berlin, Germany, for many years, I know exactly what you can expect on Christmas if you visit alone. 

Berlin is a good choice because it is the capital city and there will be more available even on Christmas day here than in other small German towns. 

So, if you have dreamed of sipping gluhwein at Christmas in Germany, this is the place to do it! Unlike other cities, you will have the option to visit a Christmas market on December 25th. 

Historically, the following markets have been open: 

• WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt: This is one of Berlin’s most famous Christmas markets and often remains open on Christmas Day. However, it’s a good idea to check the specific hours closer to the date.
• Christmas Market at Breitscheidplatz (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church): This market usually stays open on Christmas Day and offers a festive atmosphere with food, drinks, and some stalls still operating.
• Spandau Christmas Market: While the main market may close on December 24th, some activities and stalls remain open in the days following Christmas, including December 25th.

READ MORE: Best & Worst Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany

TRAVEL TIP: Always verify the exact opening hours before planning your visit, as they can vary slightly from year to year.

Berlin’s public transport operates on Christmas Day (December 25th). This is with reduced service. Buses, trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn lines typically follow a holiday or Sunday schedule, meaning that trains and buses run less frequently than on a regular weekday. 

However, essential services continue to operate, so you should still be able to get around the city, albeit with potentially longer waiting times between connections.

Berlin is also a city of nomads, so if you join some Facebook group communities ahead of time, you might find some people to meet up with in the town on the actual day. 

The weather will likely be cold and unlikely to snow, but you could get lucky! 

Things to Do

• Christmas Market hop around the city
• Explore Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest park
• Visit the East Side Gallery of the remains of the Berlin Wall
• Wander around the exterior of Museum island
• Join a secret food tour

Subscribe to my newsletter and get a Google Map of all the Berlin Christmas Markets!

Where to Stay

• Hotel AMANO Grand Central (on-site restaurant)
• martas Gästehäuser Hauptbahnhof Berlin (community areas)

Worst: Small German Villages

What I said about York applies to these little idyllic towns in Germany. The days leading up to the holiday will be magical, but then, on the actual holiday, everything will be closed! 

You could visit one of these small towns for a day, like Bremen, but plan to be in a major city like Hamburg or Berlin on Christmas day. 

Holiday closures in Germany: 

• Christmas Eve (December 24th): Shops close early, usually by mid-afternoon. Some restaurants and cafes may stay open but with limited hours. Most tourist attractions have reduced hours or are closed.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): Almost everything is closed, including shops, supermarkets, and many attractions. Some restaurants, especially in hotels, may be open with reservations. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule.
• Second Christmas Day (December 26th): A public holiday with most shops closed. Some restaurants and attractions reopen, but with limited hours. Public transport remains on a holiday schedule.
• General Sunday Closures: Most shops are closed, including supermarkets. Exceptions include some bakeries (open in the morning), and shops in train stations or tourist areas. Restaurants, cafes, and cultural institutions usually remain open, with public transport running on a reduced schedule.

Best: Athens, Greece

If you are a history lover, Athens is one of the best places to spend Christmas alone! Because of its mild temperatures, visiting Athens in December is one of the best times to visit the city in general. 

As someone who lived in Athens, believe me when I say August is a nightmare. The temperatures are simply unbearable. 

But at Christmas it is so pleasant! Though December is considered part of the rainy season, I didn’t experience it consistently. 

Athens does get festive and decorates the streets and squares with lights and decorations. However, I didn’t find any actual Christmas markets. 

What is incredible about Athens is that many attractions are outside and can be experienced simply by walking by. 

Even if you can’t visit the Acropolis on Christmas Day, you can visit the parks around it and enjoy the view. 

Things to Do

• Wander through the streets of Plaka
• Visit the National Gardens and bring a book
• Admire the Acropolis from Philopappos Hill or the Areopagus
• Wander through the Anafiotika neighborhood, a hidden gem beneath the Acropolis

Where to Stay

• Perianth Hotel (on-site restaurant)
• Athens Backpackers (communal areas + rooftop)

Worst: Greek Islands

Before moving to Athens, I had somewhat just assumed that visiting many of the Greek islands alone in the winter would be a great idea. 

Come to find out that most of these Greek islands are actually closed. There are some exceptions, like Crete and Rhodes for example where they operate all year round, but it is not the same. 

Many shops and restaurants are not open from mid-October until Mid May. 

So, if you were thinking of spending Christmas alone on the Greek islands, I would highly advise against it. 

Holiday Closures in Greece:

• December 24th (Christmas Eve): Shops open, some close early, reduced hours for some attractions.
• December 25th (Christmas Day): Major public holiday, most shops and attractions closed, limited restaurant openings.
• December 26th (Second day of Christmas): Public holiday, most shops closed, limited openings for restaurants and attractions.
• Sundays: Most shops closed, but restaurants and cultural sites typically open, with public transport running on a reduced schedule.

Best: Paris

Some people either love Paris or hate it. After my solo trip to Paris, I fell in love with the city! And you could, too, if you visit alone at Christmas time. 

The city is full of Christmas lights and decorations, especially along the Champs-Élysées! Many neighborhoods, including Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, are also decorated with festive lights.

Paris is also full of Christmas Markets! Popular markets include those at La Défense, Tuileries Garden, and Montmartre.

If you are interested in outdoor activities like ice skating, you can enjoy the ice skating rinks that pop up around the city, including at the Eiffel Tower and in front of the Hôtel de Ville.

Even though there will be closures on Christmas day itself, as a major city, some restaurants and transportation will run. Overall, it’s manageable with a bit of planning. 

Things to Do

• Walk Along the Seine
• Christmas Market hop
• Explore Montmartre and take photos
• Visit the Luxembourg Gardens, it is beautiful even in winter
• Join as Seine river cruise

Where to Stay

• The People – Paris Marais (on-site restaurant)
• 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord (on-site restaurant)

Worst: Reykjavik, Iceland

Although an amazing place to visit, Reykjavik has extremely short daylight hours (as little as 4-5 hours of light in December), which can be challenging. 

Additionally, many businesses close for the holidays, and the remote location might make it feel isolating if you’re not accustomed to being in such a small, quiet environment during the festive season.

Reykjavik is also very expensive which can be tough for a solo traveler. As much as it would be an idyllic destination for Christmas, it might not be the best if you are alone.

Tips on Choosing Holiday Accommodations

If you’re concerned that you might feel a little lonely spending Christmas abroad by yourself, I highly recommend staying in a hostel or hotel.

These places often have common areas and activities where you can meet other travelers, making the holiday season feel a bit more social.

I would avoid staying at an Airbnb or short-term rental, as these can feel isolating since it’s just you in the space. While they’re great for some trips, during the holidays, the lack of interaction might leave you feeling more alone.

Remember that depending on where you’re going, planning your Christmas dinner ahead of time is essential. Make sure to get reservations so you aren’t left with no options on the big day.

READ MORE: Best tips for dining alone as a solo traveler

Quick Tips:

• Stay in a Social Environment: Choose a hostel or hotel with common areas to meet other travelers and maybe even join in on holiday events.
• Book Early: The holiday season is busy, so secure your accommodation well in advance to ensure you get a spot in your preferred location.
• Central Location: Opt for a central location to stay close to the action, making it easier to access open restaurants, attractions, and public transport.
• Check for On-Site Dining: If possible, choose a place with an on-site restaurant or dining options that will be open on Christmas Day.
• Join Group Activities: Look for accommodations that offer group tours or activities, which can be a great way to meet people and explore the city with others.

These Christmas Market Planning tips will help ensure that your holiday stay is comfortable, enjoyable, and a little less lonely!

Tips on Beating the Holiday Blues

The holiday season can sometimes feel a bit lonely, especially when you’re traveling solo. But with a few strategies, you can keep the holiday blues at bay and fully enjoy your adventure.

Staying Connected and Social:

Join local groups and online communities before your trip to find meetups or events happening in your destination.

Consider joining walking tours, festive activities, or even booking group classes, which are excellent ways to meet new people and make your solo holiday feel more connected.

Do Some Pre-Travel Mindset Work:

Before you embark on your journey, take some time to prepare for the holiday season mentally.

Remind yourself of the reasons you chose to travel, focus on the positives, and set an intention to embrace new experiences, even if they differ from your usual holiday traditions.

Podcasts I like for mindset work:

• Expanded
• Almost 30
• The School of Greatness

Final Thoughts: Planning Solo Travel at Christmas in Europe

Traveling solo during the holiday season can be magical, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Remember to keep in mind that many places—especially smaller towns—might shut down for Christmas, leaving you with fewer options for dining and activities.

On the flip side, bigger cities tend to stay lively with Christmas markets, festive lights, and holiday cheer.

Make sure to plan ahead! Book accommodations and any special holiday meals early, and double-check public transportation schedules.

Some cities may run on reduced hours, and you don’t want to be stranded! Also, consider your ideal vibe—whether it’s a bustling market or a peaceful winter stroll, pick the destination that matches your holiday mood.

Are You Ready To Travel Solo?

I hope this post is inspiring you to take that solo trip during the Christmas! If you are still feeling a little unsure about solo travel in general, I urge you to join my 7 day FREE solo travel course designed to guide you through the process of what to expect!