S ummer city breaks are underrated. While it can be tempting to make a beeline for the beach when the hottest months hit, if you’re looking for a solo escape that offers a great food scene, curious and beautiful neighbourhoods, and a heady dose of culture, Europe ’s metropolises deliver. Out of the 120-plus cities I’ve spent time in over the course of the past 21 years while travelling the world, over half have been on solo trips. My favourite places for journeying alone often have similarities; typically, they’re on the smaller side for ease of getting around and are pretty walkable, as I enjoy immersing myself and taking photographs. Usually they’ll also have a good smattering of well-priced, well-designed places to stay, as accommodation can get pricey when you aren’t splitting the cost. I prefer cities that are connected to nature, whether filled with green spaces or in proximity to great hikes, beaches or forests.…