The idea of exploring new places on your own might feel intimidating at first. What if you get lonely? What if you don’t feel safe? But here’s the thing: the world is full of places that welcome solo travelers with open arms.
When you are travelling alone, take the most of it: walk around the long way back to your place; have a chit chat with strangers; laugh at your own mistakes; and change plans on your own, if that’s what makes you happy.
10 Best Places for Solo Travelers
1. Tokyo, Japan
If you want to spend some time in Japan then you can easily explore Japan alone. Tokyo is one of the best Japanese cities that also has pop culture.
Best Places to Visit:
- Shinjuku & Shibuya
- Senso-ji Temple
- Akihabara
- Ueno Park
- Tokyo Skytree
- Ginza
- Meiji Shrine
- Odaiba
Things to Do:
- Try sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant.
- Visit teamLab Planets for a mind-blowing digital art experience.
- Explore themed cafés (cat cafés, robot cafés, etc.).
- Take a day trip to Mount Fuji.
Things to Consider:
- Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, even at night.
- The subway system is complex but incredibly efficient so get a prepaid IC card.
- English is not widely spoken, so learning basic Japanese phrases helps.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the safest cities you can visit as a solo female traveler. It is one of the peaceful and friendly countries. The locals are very welcoming and have a low crime rate.
Best Places to Visit:
- Belém Tower
- Alfama
- LX Factory
- Sintra
- Cascais
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina
- Praça do Comércio
- National Tile Museum
Things to Do:
- Ride Tram 28 for a scenic city tour.
- Enjoy a Fado music performance in a traditional restaurant.
- Try Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts.
- Watch the sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Things to Consider:
- Lisbon is very hilly so it is suggested to wear comfortable shoes.
- It’s budget-friendly compared to other European capitals.
- The city has a vibrant hostel scene, making it easy to meet people.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the great places for solo travellers. It is people’s favorite European destination. Amsterdam is the best place to enjoy your own peace.
Best Places to Visit:
- Rijksmuseum
- Anne Frank House
- Jordaan
- Vondelpark
- Van Gogh Museum
- Dam Square
- Bloemenmarkt
- A’DAM Lookout
Things to Do:
- Take a canal cruise to see the city from the water.
- Rent a bike and explore like a local.
- Visit the Heineken Experience for a fun brewery tour.
- Enjoy Dutch pancakes or stroopwafels.
Things to Consider:
- Biking is the best way to get around, but follow the traffic rules!
- Amsterdam is very touristy so book tickets for major attractions in advance.
- The city is welcoming to solo travelers, and locals speak English fluently.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Solo travel in Australia has a magical way of never feeling lonely. Melbourne CBD offers plenty for singles in terms of social clubs, cafes, restaurants, bars and university life.
Best Places to Visit:
- Federation Square
- St. Kilda Beach
- Queen Victoria Market
- Great Ocean Road
- Hosier Lane
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Eureka Skydeck
- Melbourne Museum
Things to Do:
- Explore the city’s famous street art in Hosier Lane.
- Enjoy Melbourne’s world-class coffee scene.
- Watch live music at one of the many bars and venues.
- Take a tram ride, it’s free within the city center.
Things to Consider:
- Melbourne’s weather is unpredictable so carry a jacket.
- The city has a vibrant solo traveler community.
- Public transport is great, buying a Myki card is needed for trams and trains.
5. New York City, USA
New York is generally a safe destination for both male and solo female travelers. During your solo travel, you can really live like you’re in the movies for a moment
Best Places to Visit:
- Times Square
- Central Park
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Empire State Building
- Grand Central Terminal
- 5th Avenue
- High Line Park
Things to Do:
- Watch a Broadway show.
- Explore different neighborhoods like SoHo and Greenwich Village.
- Visit rooftop bars for a drink with a view.
- Take the Staten Island Ferry for free views of the Statue of Liberty.
Things to Consider:
- The subway is the fastest way to get around, but it can be confusing.
- NYC is safe, but be aware of your surroundings.
- The city never sleeps as there’s always something happening!
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a great place for solo travel in Central and Latin America. There’s the best tourism infrastructure in place, types of adventurous activities and friendly locals who take treating travellers well to heart.
Best Places to Visit:
- Arenal Volcano
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Tamarindo
- Tortuguero National Park
- Rio Celeste
- Puerto Viejo
- San José
Things to Do:
- Go zip-lining through the rainforest.
- Take a yoga retreat by the beach.
- Spot sloths and exotic birds in the national parks.
- Enjoy fresh tropical fruit and Costa Rican coffee.
Things to Consider:
- The country is safe, but petty theft can happen sp keep your valuables secure.
- Public transport is available but slow, consider renting a car.
- Locals are friendly, and the vibe is very laid-back.
7. Iceland
Iceland is a brilliant country for solo travellers. It has been known as the most gender-equal country in the world, so the case of harassment is rare. It is also one of the safest countries in the world.
Best Places to Visit:
- Reykjavik
- Golden Circle
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Thingvellir National Park
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vatnajökull National Park
Things to Do:
- Chase the northern lights in winter.
- Hike to waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
- Relax in a geothermal hot spring.
- Take a road trip around the Ring Road.
Things to Consider:
- Iceland is expensive so plan your budget accordingly.
- Renting a car is the best way to explore.
- It’s one of the safest solo travel destinations in the world.
8. Bali, Indonesia
Solo travel in Bali is safe and fun.It can also be relatively low cost. You can try, see and do a lot of different things when you visit Bali.
Best Places to Visit:
- Ubud
- Canggu
- Nusa Penida
- Mount Batur
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Uluwatu Temple
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Seminyak
Things to Do:
- Take a yoga or meditation class.
- Try Balinese food like Nasi Goreng.
- Visit temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu.
- Learn to surf in Kuta or Canggu.
Things to Consider:
- Bali is very affordable for solo travelers.
- Renting a scooter is the easiest way to get around.
- It’s a hotspot for digital nomads, so meeting people is easy.
9. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a beautiful place to travel alone. Interacting with the local culture and people as a solo backpacker means you can take it all in at your own pace.
Best Places to Visit:
- La Sagrada Familia
- Park Güell
- La Rambla
- Barceloneta Beach
- Gothic Quarter
- Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
- Montjuïc Hill
- Camp Nou
Things to Do:
- Join a tapas tour and try local dishes.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter’s hidden alleys.
- Watch a flamenco show.
- Take a day trip to Montserrat.
Things to Consider:
- Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.
- Barcelona is easy to explore on foot or by metro.
- The nightlife is amazing, and locals are friendly.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
It’s the perfect destination for solo travelers. It has so many things to do alone in Prague with culture, history, and vibrant nightlife.
Best Places to Visit:
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- Petrin Hill
- John Lennon Wall
- Wenceslas Square
- Dancing House
- Strahov Monastery
- Vyšehrad
Things to Do:
- Take a river cruise on the Vltava River.
- Try traditional Czech food like goulash.
- Join a free walking tour.
- Experience the city’s lively beer culture.
Things to Consider:
- Prague is very walkable.
- It’s an affordable European destination.
- Locals are reserved but friendly.