Best Towns for Solo Travelers Who Love Secondhand Shopping
If you love wandering quiet streets with a tote bag in one hand and a croissant in the other—just in case you spot a hidden vintage shop or outdoor flea market—this post is for you. Solo travel doesn’t always have to be about dramatic hikes or packed itineraries. Sometimes, it’s about soft mornings, browsing old books, and finding the perfect worn-in jacket that somehow feels like it was waiting just for you.
These towns aren’t giant shopping hubs. That’s the point. They’re peaceful, walkable, and full of secondhand corners worth digging through. You’ll find a mix of brocantes, vintage boutiques, charity shops, and occasional weekend markets—all in towns that feel good to wander alone.
Here are some of the best towns in Europe for solo travelers who love secondhand shopping, and want to do it somewhere cozy, calm, and a little bit off the usual path.
Ghent, Belgium – Canals, Cafés, and Vintage Galore
Ghent is one of those places that feels both lively and low-key at the same time. It’s got the charm of Bruges without the tourist overload, and the creative energy of a university town. It’s super walkable, full of canals, and has one of the best mixes of secondhand spots in Europe.
Start at Think Twice, a small chain of vintage shops across Belgium with affordable basics and a few hidden gems. From there, make your way to Kapow Vintage, a more curated spot with 70s and 90s pieces that don’t feel overly picked over. There’s also Rewind Store, which mixes retro fashion with modern sustainable picks.
Take a break at Barboek—a café, art exhibition & bookshop in one, where you can settle in with a coffee and something to read before heading back out. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to revisit twice in one day.
There’s usually a weekend flea market happening somewhere—check Vrijdagmarkt or Sint-Jacobs for stalls selling old linen, ceramics, and quirky local finds. Some vendors accept card, but many are cash-only. Don’t rush it—half the fun is digging through crates and having conversations with the stallholders. It’s a great place to find vintage scarves, hand-painted mugs, or old art prints.
In the evenings, Ghent is calm but never dull. Head to Kaffee De Planck, a floating barge café, for a casual solo drink. Or explore the canals as they light up at dusk—it’s surprisingly peaceful.
Where to stay: Try Shelter 7, a stylish, minimalist guesthouse with a small rooftop. It’s tucked in a quiet street but still close to everything. Or opt for 1898 The Post, if you want something historic with warm interiors and cozy corners perfect for reading or journaling.
How to get there: Direct trains from Brussels take about 40 minutes.
Bath, England – Georgian Streets and Timeless Finds
Bath is an easy solo destination if you like a bit of history with your shopping. The honey-colored buildings, Georgian architecture, and old stone arcades give the whole town a romantic feel—even if you’re just here for secondhand treasure hunts and solo café moments.
Start at The Yellow Shop, a laid-back vintage shop that’s perfect for flicking through rails without pressure. From there, head to Vintage to Vogue, a smaller but carefully curated spot for timeless British pieces—tailored coats, silk scarves, old brooches. If you love browsing for something cozy to read, Mr B’s Emporium is a must. The staff are full of great recommendations, and the space itself feels more like a storybook lounge than a shop.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, swing by the Bath Vintage & Antiques Market at Green Park Station. You’ll find old leather bags, antique postcards, ceramics, and even small bits of home décor that fit in your suitcase. There’s food here too—warm pasties, local cakes, and coffee that doesn’t taste rushed.
In between shopping stops, treat yourself to a soak at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can take in rooftop views of the city while floating in warm water. It’s surprisingly peaceful during weekdays, especially outside of peak travel seasons.
Where to stay: Check out No.15 by GuestHouse, a boutique hotel full of vintage charm and eclectic touches—like record players and antique mirrors. It’s right on Great Pulteney Street, which makes it perfect for walking to shops and the river.
How to get there: Bath Spa is about 90 minutes by train from London Paddington.
Leipzig, Germany – Art Spaces and Flea Market Energy
Leipzig has a cool, unpretentious vibe that’s perfect for solo travelers who love a bit of edge with their secondhand hunt. It’s got a creative pulse—lots of art studios, converted warehouses, and underground cafés—but still feels easy to navigate and welcoming.
Start your search at Picknweight, a pay-by-the-kilo vintage shop with huge selections of denim, workwear, and retro pieces. For something a bit more curated, head to Kleiderordnung, where the selection leans stylish but still affordable. If you’re into records, comics, or oddities, Sinn & Wandel is a fun browse.
Leipzig’s Agra Antikmarkt—held monthly—is one of the largest flea markets in the region. You’ll find everything from DDR memorabilia to antique lamps and forgotten toys. It’s a proper treasure hunt, but manageable and chill.
Where to stay: Try Hotel Fregehaus, a boutique stay in a restored 18th-century building with parquet floors and a quiet courtyard. Or go for Meisterzimmer in Plagwitz—artist-designed lofts inside an old cotton mill complex, if you’re up for something a bit more creative and independent.
How to get there: Direct trains from Berlin take about 1.5 hours.
Haarlem, Netherlands – Quiet Streets and Slow Browsing
Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train, Haarlem feels like a deep exhale. It’s smaller, calmer, and full of charming side streets with tiny boutiques, vintage shops, and local cafés.
Start at Het Kaufhaus, a beautiful mix of curated secondhand clothing, ceramics, and small home goods—it's stylish without feeling pretentious. Across the street is Appel & Ei, another favorite for pre-loved fashion, especially coats and accessories that feel wearable and well-priced.
If books are more your style, head to De Vries Van Stockum—they’ve got a good secondhand selection tucked upstairs, and plenty of spots to sit and browse. Need a coffee break? Mica Coffee Bar is nearby, small but warm, with great pastries and even better people-watching.
On Saturdays, head to the Grote Markt for a mix of stalls—flowers, cheese, and a few secondhand vendors tucked among them. If you're lucky, you'll stumble across old postcards, vintage glassware, or antique cutlery. It’s casual and low-pressure, perfect for wandering solo.
Where to stay: Try Boutiquehotel Staats, a cozy spot just a short walk from the station with playful design and peaceful rooms. Or check out Hello I'm Local, a boutique hostel with private rooms and a relaxed vibe that works well for solo travelers.
How to get there: Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal take just 15–20 minutes.
Lecce, Italy – Baroque Details and Vintage Daydreams
Lecce often flies under the radar, which makes it even better for a slow-paced solo trip. Located in the heart of Puglia, the city blends ornate architecture with relaxed southern charm. Its old town is a maze of golden stone buildings, quiet alleys, and small shops where locals still stop for chats.
When it comes to secondhand finds, head toward Via Palmieri and Via Libertini. You’ll find Le Civette Vintage, a small boutique with a lovely collection of Italian pieces—linen trousers, silk scarves, and classic leather bags that feel timeless. There are also a few smaller shops nearby that function like flea markets, often run by older locals. Prices vary, but there’s room to stumble upon a deal.
Aside from fashion, Lecce is great for artisan crafts. Look out for tiny papier-mâché studios or ceramic shops tucked into old courtyards—they often sell direct from the artists. It’s worth asking locals for their favorite spots; they’re usually happy to point you to places most tourists miss.
Where to stay: Try Pollicastro Boutique Hotel, a converted palazzo that blends historic charm with modern design. The rooftop terrace is a peaceful spot for early breakfasts or reading in the evening light.
How to get there: Fly into Brindisi, then take the train or a car to Lecce—it’s about 40 minutes.
Where Vintage Meets Stillness
Secondhand shopping solo isn’t just about the stuff—it’s about the pace. Wandering with no set plan. Following your curiosity into backstreets. Picking up a linen dress, a used novel, or a chipped teacup and knowing you’ve found something with a bit of a story.
These towns are ideal for that kind of day. They’re calm, full of character, and easy to explore on your own terms. Whether you're craving the energy of a creative city like Leipzig or the warmth of southern stone towns like Lecce, each spot offers a slow rhythm and secondhand treasures worth the trip.
If this guide sparked a bit of inspiration, you might love our full collection of solo travel guides—especially the ones focused on local markets, small-town stays, and quiet getaways across Europe.
Browse all guides or check out the weekend itineraries—designed for thoughtful travelers who love the details that don’t show up on most travel lists.
