I Travelled Solo Across France, Spain & Italy, And Here Are The Most Enchanting Places

My solo trip to Europe is nothing less than a movie for me! Some of the twisted turns of this roller coaster ride included a delay in getting my Schengen visa, getting stopped and questioned at the Delhi airport, booking a wrong train ticket in Rome, etc. Due to the visa delay, a total of 5 days were reduced from my originally planned duration. As a result, a lot of my money was also lost. But since I am a strong believer in ‘Whatever happens, happens for the best’, I was convinced that everything is happening in my favour. The best part is I could make sense of why I had to go through all that chaos and uncertainty in the first place. Long story cut short, the time spent in France, Spain, Italy, and the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, is permanently etched in my heart due to multiple reasons.

With absolutely no preparation, I left for Paris the same day my visa came. Due to the paucity of time, so many bookings were still pending and also, I didn’t know what exactly I want to see once I am there, except for Nancy (well, namesake!)– a riverfront city in France. Apart from this, I had no idea how I was going to spend my days in Europe. In moments like these, the best piece of advice that I give myself is “Que será, será”. I did exactly that and as a result, my days there were not about ‘visiting places’. Rather, the entire trip was about ‘experiencing moments’ that my mind can’t fathom even now!

Along with seeing the popular Eiffel Tower in France, La Sagrada Familia in Spain, Colosseum in Italy, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, I visited and experienced so much more. And even though a lot of time has passed since I am back to India, I still miss the girl I was in Europe! I miss how simply walking on the cobbled streets of Paris, feeling my feet on the soft sand at a beach in Barcelona, or sitting in complete peace at a church in Rome made me feel. That was all the ‘Love’ I needed in those split seconds. The ’Fulfilment’ I felt in those moments was so much more than a lot of emotions I have ever felt.

Europe is magic! It is beautiful and vibrant. Its cities will make you feel a lot of emotions, especially if you are travelling solo like me. Let me take you on my journey with the hope that its ‘magic’ will get rubbed on you as well.

My Solo Trip: France Highlights

1. Eiffel Tower

What’s the first thing comes to your mind when you think of Paris? Eiffel Tower, right? The city is full of iconic sites but this iron tower is the most popular of all. This world-renowned landmark was my first stop in France. There are a few things that you have to do just for the sake of it. Going to see this architectural marvel when you are in the city of love is surely one of them. Walking along the River Seine and sitting down in the grass by the Eiffel Tower are memories that will remain with me forever.

Nancy

I was a kid when I got to know that there is a city in France known as Nancy. At that time, if someone had told me that I would be going there years later and that too on my own, I would have just laughed it off. But ‘Nancy in Nancy’ happened! This riverfront city in the north-eastern French region of Grand Est will always remain close to my heart.

If you want to spend some time away from the crowd, then choose to come to this place, which is dedicated to art. It’s a cute little beautiful city where probably you would be the only tourist! A must-visit here is Place Stanislas.

My Solo Trip: Spain Highlights

1. La Sagrada Familia

My first thought when I saw this breathtaking site in Barcelona was, “Woah, this is huge!” Did you know that the construction of this architectural masterpiece is going on for over a century? It began over 150 years ago and is finally slated to be completed in 2026! Alongside Antoni Gaudí’s other masterpieces, this iconic attraction should be on top of your Spain itinerary. It’s the tallest religious building in Europe and the central tower will be 170 meters tall once construction is finished. The place receives 3 million visitors every year!

2. Barceloneta Beach and Sant Miquel Beach

These were the 2 beaches I visited in Barcelona. The capital city is known for its lovely beaches where you can spend your afternoons just basking in the sun. Barceloneta Beach is 422 meters long and is one of the oldest in this city. Just lie down on the soft sand and cherish the infinite ocean in front of you. Spending time here can be a mini vacation in the middle of your vacation!

3. Nightlife

When in Spain, you have to experience its nightlife. The country is popular for the most happening parties all over the world. I chose Passeig del Born in Barcelona to see it for myself. It is a pretty little avenue with its medieval flavour and is home to the city’s most modern bars and restaurants. I visited No Sé and La Pizza Del Born and had an unforgettable time.

Also Read: Shreya Dhanwanthary Is A Pro Solo Traveller; Had A Heavenly Experience In Andaman

My Solo Trip: Italy Highlights

1. Colosseum

The most iconic structure of the country, it draws nearly 4 million visitors to Rome every year. Measuring 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters in height, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world. In its time, around 50,000 spectators could be seated here for a variety of events such as gladiator contests, animal hunts, and re-enactments of famous battles. They even flooded the Colosseum with water for mock sea battles.

Colosseum is huge! So, keep half a day to explore it properly. Walking inside it will make you feel something very unusual, especially if you know the history behind it. And a must-do is having dinner at a Colosseum-facing restaurant.

2. Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

The churches in Rome are extremely gorgeous! The ceilings, walls, floors, and everything else is simply magnificent. This church on Esquiline Hill is the largest of the 80 churches dedicated to Mary in the city. Also, it is one of the 7 pilgrim churches and 4 papal basilicas in Rome. Most scholars proclaim this as the second most beautiful church in Rome, after St. Peter’s Basilica. Moreover, there is also a museum where you can know more about the history of the church and view old masterpieces as well.

3. Piazza della Repubblica

One of the most important squares of Rome, it is an extremely striking place, especially at night. The soothing lights enhance its beauty manifolds. The piazza is made up of a large roundabout with a magnificent fountain. It is surrounded by a seemingly demolished temple on one side and imposing buildings on the other. The main point of interest in the city, it is a romantic place where you can take a walk to see the grandiose buildings and Fontana delle Naiadi.

4. Naples

One of the top places to visit along the stunning coastline of Italy is Naples. The home place of pizza, the third-largest city in the country (after Rome and Milan) has exceptional historic attractions as well–2 royal palaces, 3 castles, and countless ruins! Ranging from gothic, neoclassical, baroque, and more, there are more than 500 different churches within Naples. And if you are someone like me who is not so much concerned about the number of destinations visited while vacationing, then your best bet would be to indulge in a scrumptious pizza with a glass of wine and spend the afternoon by the waterfront.

My Solo Trip: Vatican City Highlights

1. St. Peter’s Basilica

A post shared by Nancy Johri (@strolling_shoes)

Did you know the largest church in the world is located in the smallest country of the world!! The most important of the 4 major basilicas in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important catholic church on our planet! Its dome is the tallest dome on Earth and even the Statue of Liberty could fit inside it! It is also one of Italy’s most recognizable buildings as it spans the reign of 20 popes and every famous Renaissance architect you can name.

2. Musei Vaticani

Located in the smallest country in the world, the Vatican Museum is the topmost attraction here. It contains the world’s largest art collection with pieces spread over 9 miles. The museum is a series of 1400 rooms, chapels, and galleries. Its total worth is estimated at around €15 billion! The spiral staircase is the highlight of the museum. It is one of the most photographed staircases in the world. In your limited time, I hope you will be able to explore at least half of what this place offers.

Also Read: Sobhita Dhulipala Solo Travels To Pondicherry & And You Can Too. Here’s What All You Should Do When Travelling Solo

Major Expenditure

Round trip flights: ₹65,000 for a total of 4 flights

Accommodation: I spent a total ₹20,000 at these hostels:

France- Auberge de Jeunesse HI Paris Le d’Artagnan
Spain- Sea Hostel Barcelona
Italy- Zidan Guest House

Schengen visa: ₹11,000

I hope my travel experience will help you in planning a wonderful escapade to Europe.

Happy travelling!

Cover Image Courtesy: Nancy Johri/ Instagram

I Travelled Solo Across France, Spain & Italy And Here Are The Most Enchanting Places I Explored!