Traveling solo can be one of the most empowering and transformative experiences you’ll ever have. You make your own schedule, follow your own interests, and connect with people (and yourself) in a deeper way. But where you go matters — the best solo travel destinations are not just beautiful, but also safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate alone.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of top destinations around the world that are perfect for solo travelers, whether you’re new to solo adventures or already a seasoned explorer.
What Makes a Destination Great for Solo Travel?
Before jumping into the list, here are a few factors that make a destination ideal for solo adventurers:
- Safety: Low crime rates and friendly locals
- Ease of transportation: Good public transit or walkability
- Affordability: Easy on the budget for one person
- Community: Opportunities to meet other travelers
- Attractions: Things to do alone without feeling awkward
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers charm, safety, and sunshine. It’s walkable, affordable, and full of history.
Why solo travelers love it:
- Vibrant hostel scene and welcoming locals
- Stunning viewpoints (miradouros) for reflection or photography
- Easy day trips to Sintra or Cascais
- Delicious pastries and affordable meals
✅ Bonus: English is widely spoken, especially among younger people.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto combines peaceful temples, scenic gardens, and an atmosphere perfect for solo introspection.
Highlights:
- Safe, clean, and easy to navigate
- Quiet tea houses, cultural experiences, and nature walks
- Visit iconic sites like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Stay in a traditional ryokan for a unique solo experience
✅ Japan’s solo dining culture is perfect if you’re shy about eating alone.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
This buzzing capital has culture, color, and great food — and it’s surprisingly welcoming for solo travelers.
What to love:
- Tons of museums, art galleries, and parks
- Affordable Airbnb and hostel options
- Day trips to Teotihuacán pyramids
- Street food tours and cooking classes
✅ Tip: Stick to popular neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán for safety and fun.
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a solo traveler’s dream: edgy, open-minded, and loaded with history.
Why it works solo:
- Great public transport
- Loads of free walking tours and street art
- Lively cafés and beer gardens (easy to meet others)
- Excellent digital nomad and expat scene
✅ English is widely spoken — communication is rarely a problem.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Calm, spiritual, and budget-friendly, Chiang Mai is ideal for both beginner and experienced solo travelers.
Top experiences:
- Explore ancient temples and night markets
- Visit elephant sanctuaries and mountain villages
- Join yoga, cooking, or meditation retreats
- Stay in cute guesthouses or affordable hostels
✅ Super safe, and one of the best places to meet other travelers.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is full of life, color, and flavor — with tons to see whether you’re alone or with others.
Solo-friendly activities:
- Walk Las Ramblas and explore the Gothic Quarter
- Hit the beach or a rooftop bar with a good book
- Join a tapas tour or flamenco night
- Enjoy Gaudí’s wonders at your own pace
✅ Public transport is great and the city is walkable.
7. Reykjavík, Iceland
If you’re looking for peace, nature, and safety, Iceland is unbeatable.
Why it’s great:
- One of the safest countries in the world
- Incredible natural landscapes (waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers)
- Easy day trips from Reykjavík
- Northern Lights in winter, midnight sun in summer
✅ Rent a car and take yourself on the famous Golden Circle route.
8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
For something more energetic and full of flavor, HCMC is a solo travel hidden gem.
What to do:
- Try local street food and cafés
- Explore war history museums and colonial architecture
- Take a motorbike tour of the city
- Join Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels tours
✅ Vietnam is very budget-friendly and full of solo backpackers.
9. Vancouver, Canada
Mountains, city life, and nature — all in one solo-friendly destination.
Best for:
- Solo hikes and nature lovers
- Visiting Granville Island or Stanley Park by bike
- Casual, friendly vibe that makes meeting locals easy
- High safety standards and English-speaking environment
✅ Ideal for first-time solo travelers in North America.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines urban energy with breathtaking landscapes.
Why go solo:
- Hike or take a cable car up Table Mountain
- Visit vineyards, beaches, and historical sites
- Affordable food, hostels, and tours
- Lots of group activities like shark diving or safaris
✅ Stay in well-reviewed areas like Gardens or Sea Point for peace of mind.
Bonus Tips for Solo Travelers
- Stay connected: Share your itinerary with a friend or family member.
- Join group tours: Even if you’re traveling solo, you don’t have to do everything alone.
- Pack light: You’ll be moving around more — lighter = better.
- Be open: Some of your best moments might come from unexpected conversations or invitations.
Go Solo, Go Free
Solo travel isn’t about being alone — it’s about the freedom to follow your own rhythm, meet new people, and discover who you are when no one else is setting the agenda.
With the right destination, a little preparation, and an open mind, traveling solo becomes more than a trip — it becomes a life-shaping adventure.