12 Must-Visit Destinations That Solo Travelers Can’t Miss
Are you thinking about going on a solo trip? A 2023 report from Solo Traveler World says about 25 percent of U.S. adults have done so in the past year.
Solo travel is empowering, adventurous, and rising. It’s not just a trend, not to mention the scope for adventure it can provide if you’re chasing adrenaline or getting a taste of a culture firsthand.
So, where should you go that’s safe, beneficial, and worthy of an Instagram post? Here is a list of 12 incredible travel destinations perfect for solo travelers.
Queenstown, New Zealand
If Adventure is your middle name, Queenstown should be on your list. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” it’s the home of bungee jumping—perfect for adrenaline junkies traveling solo.
There are more serene hiking trails and activities like skydiving and jet boating. The views from the Remarkables mountain range are stunning, and Lake Wakatipu is quiet.
According to the Global Peace Index, it is also one of the safest places in the world and was ranked the second-highest safest country in the world in 2022.
The Cultural Capital of the North, Chiang Mai, Thailand
It’s a hub of spirituality and culture, and it’s perfect for solo travelers. Spend your mornings at Wat Phra Singh or converse with monks at Wat Chedi Luang.
You’ll realize soon enough why they descend here in their hoards for day-long cooking classes or elephant sanctuaries (responsible ones, of course). Chiang Mai’s reasonable prices and local warmth make it easy for you to feel at home.
Land of the Midnight Sun, Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland calls itself the “Land of Fire and Ice,” but Reykjavik is especially magical for solo adventurers. Reykjavik is one of the calmest and quietest cities in the world, with nearly zero crime rates, so you can wander about without worry.
Alternatively, you can either join a group and chase the Northern Lights during winter or rent a car and take a trip to the Golden Circle. For a spot of relaxation, it’s the famous Blue Lagoon, and for a more cultural spot, the Hallgrímskirkja church, an iconic yet local monument of architecture. The welcoming locals and bustling cafes in Reykjavik mean you’re sure to connect to other backpackers easily.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon exudes a distinctively charming narrow cobblestone street, pastel façade, and stunning coastal views. Its affordability makes it an excellent city for solo travelers.
According to Numbeo, Portugal has one of the lowest living costs among Western European countries. Your dollar stretches further here in Portugal.
Travel by the Hop on Hop off Tram 28 through the city or relish a seafood meal by the Waterfront. Lisbon is a safe city with low crime rates and friendly locals, a nice little bonus for safety-conscious solo explorers.
Kyoto: Tradition’s peace
When you enter Kyoto, you almost feel like you’re returning in time. The city’s history is extensive; over 1,600 Buddhist temples and stunning Shinto shrines embellish it.
It is very safe, clean, and easy to get around, so solo travelers love it here. Walk solo through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as fast or slow as possible. Or, relax at a traditional tea ceremony or exotic Gion’s wooden teahouse-lined streets.
Ryokans (traditional inns) and gardens in Kyoto offer serenity that many first-time solo travelers rave about. Japan is among the top 10 safest countries (Global Peace Index 2023).
Cape Town, South Africa-Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Cape Town is not short of contrasting scenery – few destinations offer it. Catch panoramic views on a hike up Table Mountain, or join the locals on a stroll along the Waterfront and soak up the view of the sprawling coast.
If you want some cultural depth, guided tours of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, are excellent. Most people speak English, and plenty of hostels are designed for mingling. Cape Town ensures that your travels are both enriching and safe.
Netherlands/Amsterdam – Solo Cyclist’s Paradise
Take a bike past the city’s canals. Vibrant markets, countless museums (from the iconic Van Gogh Museum to Anne Frank’s House), and a relaxed vibe make the town a favorite of solo travelers.
Amsterdam boasts a progressive and inclusive culture and consistently rates as one of Europe’s friendliest cities. Opt for a canal boat tour; you’ll chat with locals and tourists so that you won’t feel disconnected.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellin has once again become a thriving city. Over the past decade, Medellín has undergone a fantastic transformation and is now one of Latin America’s trendiest cities. Its mild climate earns it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring,” and its MetroCable system offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
If you are a solo traveler, coffee tours or Comuna 13 (once a dangerous neighborhood full of street art and culture) are both things you can explore. Medellín has dramatically improved its safety, earning a reputation as a stop for international visitors.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is an excellent place to visit if you are excited by storytelling pubs or historical sites. The Book of Kells at Trinity College and The Guinness Storehouse are must-sees.
You’ll find the locals, or “Dubs,” incredibly friendly. You might even be invited to do an impromptu pub jam session. With Dublin’s laid-back feel, you can keep a pace of your liking – wandering or chatting over pints of Irish stout.
Vancouver, Canada – Outdoor Enthusiast’s Heaven
Do you love city life and need nature to recharge? Vancouver is your answer. You can go kayaking in False Creek or walk the legendary seawall of Stanley Park.
Vancouver is an English-speaking city regarded as one of the safest in North America and one of the best places for solo travelers.
Step into Ancient History, Petra, Jordan
Few destinations spur wonder, but Petra is one of them. Also known as ‘Rose City,’ Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you speechless.
You can also identify the famed Treasury, cut directly into rose-colored stone, and explore more ruins through the Siq, a narrow canyon. Despite the chaos of the Middle East, Jordan is considered relatively safe to visit—even for solo travel—with kind locals, making it a popular travel spot.
Mexico – A Colorful Retreat in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel’s cobblestone streets and colonial architecture look like they could be on a postcard. Walk past its artisan boutiques or sit in one of its numerous markets to sample local foods.
Voted the world’s “Best City” in Travel + Leisure’s 2021 reader survey, this gem is known for its vibrant culture and warm community—a solo traveler’s treasure trove.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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