One of the best things about travelling solo is doing exactly what you want, whenever you want. No debating where to eat, waiting for someone to get ready, or squeezing in attractions you’re not really interested in.
Of course, heading off on your own can feel a little daunting at first, but that’s where a bit of preparation and a good starting point can make all the difference.
If you’re passing through London before exploring Europe, Soho is a brilliant place to find your feet.
Get Lost In Soho (Well, Not Literally)
While Carnaby Street’s famous shops are great, Soho has so much more to offer.
Head to Berwick Street Market for a bite from one of the food stalls, or pop into Lina Stores on Brewer Street for a taste of Italy before you’ve even left London. The paninis are something else.
If you’re a music lover, make time for Sister Ray, a legendary music shop on Berwick Street. Love art? The Photographers’ Gallery on Ramillies Street always has some excellent exhibitions.
You can even take some time to spot the Seven Noses of Soho, a collection of quirky sculptures hidden on walls around this West End area. It’s a fun excuse to explore a few streets you would’ve otherwise missed.
Table for One? Soho Makes It Easy
If you’ve ever felt awkward about asking for a table for one, you’ll love Soho, because there are plenty of places where solo dining is completely the norm.
Take Barrafina, for example. This Spanish tapas restaurant on Dean Street has counter seating overlooking the open kitchen, so you can tuck into a plate of patatas bravas or a tortilla while watching the chefs at work. It’s walk-in only, though, so be prepared for a possible wait.
For something more casual, Koya Soho on Frith Street serves delicious Japanese udon noodles, with counter seats that are perfect for a quick meal on your own.
And who knows? Once you’ve enjoyed a few solo meals in London, popping into a little trattoria in Rome or a tapas bar in Barcelona might just become second nature.
Make a Night of It
Soho doesn’t exactly wind down once the shops close. By early evening, the theatres are filling up, the pubs are getting busy, and there’s live music to be heard around almost every corner.
If you’ve always fancied seeing a West End musical, now’s your chance. Or, for something a little more intimate, book a seat at Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street, where some of the world’s best jazz musicians take to the stage. Just be sure to book ahead for any headline acts.
Prefer to see where the night takes you instead? Old Compton Street is a good place to start. It has some of the best LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants, so expect a whole lot of colour and fun.
Just keep your wits about you, as you would do in any busy city. Stick to well-lit streets, keep your phone and wallet secure, and work out how you’ll get back to your accommodation before heading out.
A Few Things to Sort Before Heading to Europe
Once you’ve had your fill of Soho, it’s time to think about the next leg of your trip.
London has some of the best connections to Europe, whether that means hopping on the Eurostar, catching a flight, or joining a European cruise. A cruise can actually be particularly handy if you’re a solo traveller because you’ll see several new places without navigating the logistics.
Before departure, double-check your passport, travel insurance, and any entry requirements for the countries you’ll visit. Check out the GOV.UK’s foreign travel checklist to be sure.
A few other things worth doing are to download offline maps, save copies of your bookings, and share your itinerary with someone back home. Smarter packing is also recommended; dragging a heavy suitcase through stations or airports isn’t much fun when there’s nobody to share the load.
A Single Start Makes All the Difference
Soho is one of those places that make a lot of sense for solo travellers.
There’s always something happening, and most things are easy to reach on foot. It’s also a chance to get comfortable navigating busy streets, making your own plans, and learning how to keep an eye on your surroundings before you head into Europe.
With a bit of planning and some common-sense safety precautions, exploring Europe on your own becomes far less daunting.
