Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Highly rated destinations for independent solo travellers
Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making every decision on your own. By day three most of that fades and what replaces it is a kind of freedom that's hard to explain until you've had it. You go where you want, stay as long as you feel like and change plans without a discussion.
The destinations on this list were chosen because they work well for people travelling on their own. That means places where it's easy to meet other travellers if you want to, where the infrastructure doesn't punish single occupancy and where safety and navigation aren't constant sources of stress. Some are social backpacker hubs. Others are quieter places that suit people who actually want to be alone for a while.
We've kept the descriptions honest about what solo travel looks like in each place – whether it's easy to connect with people, how safe it feels at night and whether the destination works better when you have someone to share it with or when you don't. Solo travel isn't for everyone and not every destination suits it. But the ones that do tend to stay with you longer than the trips where you had company.
Lists by region
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Kyoto's Gion district keeps traditional wooden machiya houses along a walkable network of lanes. Solo travellers can join guided evening walks through the district hoping to spot a geisha. Visitors can also rent a kimono nearby for photos among the historic streets. The grid layout and extensive bus network make it easy to navigate alone.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Tokyo's train and subway network posts extensive English signage, making it simple to navigate alone. Shinjuku and Shibuya cluster hostels within walking distance of major stations. Visitors can explore one district by day before riding the train to another for dinner. The city's low crime rate has made it a popular solo stop in Asia.
City in Spain
Barcelona
Vibrant City of Art and Beaches
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Eixample district hold a dense concentration of hostels for solo travellers. Wide, well-lit avenues make the city easy to navigate on foot after dark. Visitors can join hostel-organised tapas crawls to meet other guests. The city's compact size keeps most major sights within walking distance of each other.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Taipei's night markets stay busy and well-lit late into the evening, making solo exploration easy. Raohe Street Night Market runs along a single walkable strip lined with food stalls. Visitors can sample dishes from multiple vendors without needing a table or a group. The MRT system makes it simple to reach different markets across town.
Country
Rwanda
Land of a thousand hills
Rwanda's capital, Kigali, ranks among Africa's cleanest and safest cities in frequent traveller surveys. Plastic bags are banned nationwide, part of a push towards tidy public spaces. Visitors can walk the city's streets at night more comfortably than in many regional capitals. Gorilla trekking permits are commonly arranged through offices based in the capital.
City in Iceland
Reykjavík
Vibrant city amidst stunning nature
Reykjavik's compact downtown keeps most restaurants and bars within a short walk of the harbour. Day tours to the Golden Circle depart each morning from pickup points near most hostels. Visitors can join a tour without hiring a car. Iceland's low crime rate has made the capital a popular first stop for solo travellers.
City in Israel
Tel Aviv
Vibrant Beaches and Nonstop Energy
Tel Aviv's beachfront promenade runs for miles, connecting neighbourhoods along a flat, walkable route. Hostels near the beach cluster within walking distance of bars and cafes. Visitors can follow the promenade south towards the old port city of Jaffa on foot. The city's compact grid makes it easy to explore without a car.
City in Croatia
Split
Roman Ruins, Adriatic Vibes, Beaches
Split's Diocletian's Palace forms the walkable core of the old town, its walls still lived in today. Hostels tucked inside the walls put travellers steps from the harbour. Visitors can wander the palace's narrow passages before catching a ferry to nearby islands. The compact old town makes it easy to feel oriented within a day.
Town in Ecuador
Baños
Vibrant riverside town amid lush volcanoes
Banos draws a steady stream of solo backpackers heading through Ecuador's adventure travel circuit. Hostels cluster along the town's central street near waterfalls and zip-line courses. Visitors can join group day trips organised directly through their hostel front desk. The town's small size makes it easy to meet the same travellers again throughout a stay.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
Vienna's U-Bahn subway connects most major sights, making the city easy to navigate alone. Coffeehouses throughout the centre welcome guests to sit for hours over one order. Visitors can settle into a cafe to people-watch or read between sightseeing stops. The low crime rate has made it a popular solo stop in Central Europe.
Island in Thailand
Ko Lanta
Laid-Back Vibes and Pristine Beaches
Ko Lanta keeps a slower pace than Thailand's crowded islands, drawing travellers seeking quiet beaches. Long Beach stretches for kilometres with bungalow guesthouses spaced well apart. Visitors can hire a scooter to explore the island's beaches at their own pace. Dive shops near the pier organise day trips to nearby reefs that welcome solo bookings.
City in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport serves as Ethiopian Airlines' main hub across the continent. Many solo travellers pass through the city on layovers connecting flights across Africa. Visitors can extend a stopover to explore the National Museum, home to the Lucy fossil. The city's central Piazza district offers an easy, walkable introduction to Ethiopian culture.
City in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Where East meets West in the Balkans
Sarajevo's Bascarsija old bazaar keeps cafes and craft shops within a walkable core. Free walking tours cover the Ottoman old town and sites tied to the 1990s siege. Visitors can join a tour to understand the city's layered history in an afternoon. Coffee culture throughout the bazaar makes solo lingering easy at nearly any hour.
City in Slovenia
Ljubljana
A charming green city with soul
Ljubljana's compact riverside centre keeps most sights within a short walk along the Ljubljanica River. Pedestrian-only bridges and streets make the city easy to navigate without transit. Visitors can follow the river past outdoor cafes before climbing to the hilltop castle. The small size makes it a common calm stop between larger Balkan destinations.
City in Australia
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
Cairns serves as the main gateway for solo travellers heading to the Great Barrier Reef. Hostels around town organise reef day trips that welcome solo bookings. Visitors can join a boat of fellow travellers for snorkelling without needing a group of their own. The Esplanade lagoon nearby offers a free public swimming spot in town.
Town in India
Rishikesh
Yoga capital meets adventure haven
Rishikesh's ashrams along the Ganges welcome solo travellers into shared dormitories and group meal halls. Many ashrams offer daily yoga and meditation classes open to short-term guests. Visitors can join a class to meet other travellers before exploring the ghats together. The town's meat-free, alcohol-free rules keep its streets calm well into the evening.
City in Germany
Berlin
Wall history, Museum Island and all-night clubs
Berlin's Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg neighbourhoods hold a dense cluster of hostels popular with solo travellers. Late-night transit keeps the city easy to navigate well past midnight. Visitors can join free walking tours departing daily from central squares. The city's club scene welcomes solo visitors as readily as groups.
City in Mexico
Playa del Carmen
Beach bliss meets Riviera Maya buzz
Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue runs pedestrian-only through the centre, lined with shops and restaurants. The car-free street makes the town simple to navigate without renting a vehicle. Visitors can walk the avenue by day before catching a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Hostels near the avenue organise snorkelling trips that welcome solo bookings.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Singapore's compact size and efficient MRT make it simple for solo travellers to cover the city in days. Hawker centres offer communal seating that makes solo dining easy. Visitors can sample several stalls in one sitting without a group to share. The country's low crime rate has made it a common first stop in Asia.
Country
Cape Verde
Islands of eternal summer
Cape Verde's island of Sal draws solo travellers with direct charter flights from several European cities. Kitesurfing schools throughout the island welcome solo beginners into group lessons. Visitors can join a lesson to meet other travellers before exploring the island's volcanic landscape. The archipelago's small size makes island-hopping between stops relatively simple.
City in Hungary
Budapest
A stunning mix of history and nightlife
Budapest's ruin bars, built inside abandoned buildings, have become magnets for solo travellers. Szimpla Kert, the most famous, spreads across several floors of a former factory. Visitors can wander between rooms filled with mismatched furniture and easily strike up conversation. The city's thermal baths offer a calmer way to meet other travellers by day.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
Copenhagen's compact size and extensive bike lanes make it easy for solo travellers to explore quickly. Rental bikes are available at self-service stations throughout the city centre. Visitors can pedal between major sights in under an hour without public transport. The city's low crime rate has made it popular with first-time solo travellers.
Town in Peru
Máncora
Sun‑kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife
Mancora draws solo surfers along Peru's northern coast with consistent waves and a compact layout. Hostels line the main strip near the surf break. Visitors can rent a board and join group lessons run out of these hostels. The town's small size makes it easy to run into the same travellers throughout a stay.
City in Ireland
Dublin
Where History, Pubs and Culture Collide
Dublin's Temple Bar district clusters pubs that welcome solo travellers into conversation easily. Live music sessions run most nights, giving visitors a reason to talk with neighbours. Visitors can join one of these sessions before exploring the district on foot. The compact centre keeps most major sights within a short walk of each other.
City in Estonia
Tallinn
Medieval charm meets modern innovation
Tallinn's medieval Old Town sits compact enough to explore within a day on foot. Cobbled lanes wind between towers that once formed part of the city's defences. Visitors can climb one of these towers for a rooftop view over the old town. Hostels near the main square cluster within walking distance of most major sights.
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
New York's subway runs 24 hours a day, letting solo travellers move around anytime. Central Park offers a car-free green space to walk or run without a group. Visitors can spend a day in the park before catching a show nearby. Hostels in Chelsea and the Upper West Side cater specifically to solo guests.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
Melbourne's laneways hide cafes, bars and street art down alleys easy to explore alone. Trams run free within the downtown zone, letting visitors sightsee without a ticket. Visitors can hop on and off trams to explore different neighbourhoods through the day. Hostels cluster near Flinders Street Station within walking distance of the laneway district.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
Amsterdam's compact, walkable centre and widespread English fluency make it an easy city for first-time solo travellers. Canals and bike paths connect most major sights within a short walk. Visitors can hire a bike to cover more ground without needing public transport. Hostels throughout the city organise group activities aimed at solo guests.
City in Cuba
Trinidad
Cuba’s Colonial Gem by the Sea
Trinidad's colonial centre keeps cobbled streets and pastel buildings within a compact, walkable core. Casas particulares throughout town offer a personal alternative to hotels for solo visitors. Visitors can stay with a local family who often help arrange horseback trips nearby. The town's small size makes it easy to feel oriented within a single day.
City in Canada
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
Montreal's underground city links metro stations, shops and offices through tunnels spanning downtown. Solo travellers can cover large stretches of the city without stepping outside in winter. Visitors can also explore the above-ground Plateau neighbourhood, known for colourful staircases. The city's bike-share network makes it simple to cover more ground in warmer months.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Medellin's Comuna 13 neighbourhood runs guided tours led by locals explaining the area's transformation. Outdoor escalators built into the hillside carry visitors up through murals and street art. Visitors can join a walking tour led by someone who grew up there. The nearby Poblado district clusters hostels within walking distance of the metro.
Town in Laos
Vang Vieng
Karst peaks, blue lagoons, wild adventure
Vang Vieng draws travellers with tubing trips down the Nam Song River past limestone karsts. Hostels along the main street organise group transport to the river each day. Visitors can join fellow travellers for the float without arranging their own gear. The small size makes it easy to meet the same people again at dinner.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
Kathmandu's Thamel district clusters trekking agencies, gear shops and hostels within a few walkable blocks. Most solo trekkers arrange permits and porters for Annapurna or Everest right here. Visitors can join a scheduled group trek departing from one of these agencies. The neighbourhood's lanes stay busy with fellow travellers comparing routes and gear.
City in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Bintang district clusters hostels within walking distance of the Petronas Towers. The area's malls and street food stalls stay open late into the evening. Visitors can wander between air-conditioned malls and open-air hawker stalls without needing transit. The city's monorail connects most major tourist areas directly to this district.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
Lisbon's Bairro Alto and Alfama neighbourhoods hold a dense cluster of hostels within walking distance. The city's famous trams double as an easy way for solo travellers to sightsee. Visitors can hop on a tram line and get off wherever looks interesting. Miradouros, scenic viewpoints scattered across the hills, offer easy solo photo stops.
Country
Jordan
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
Jordan's ancient city of Petra draws travellers along a marked trail leading to the Treasury facade. Guides at the entrance offer optional tours for visitors wanting more context. Visitors can hike further into the site to reach the Monastery, a quieter climb. Amman's nearby airport makes Petra an easy add-on to a wider itinerary.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
London's extensive Underground network makes it simple for solo travellers to reach any part of the city. Free museums, including the British Museum, offer full days of activity without a ticket. Visitors can spend a day moving between museums without booking ahead. Hostels near King's Cross cluster within walking distance of several major train stations.
City in Malaysia
George Town – Penang
Street Art, Heritage and Food Heaven
George Town's compact heritage core mixes Chinese, Malay and Indian neighbourhoods within walking distance. Street art scattered through the old town gives solo wanderers an easy scavenger hunt. Visitors can follow a mapped mural trail past the city's colonial architecture. Hawker centres throughout the district offer communal seating that makes solo dining easy.
City in Namibia
Windhoek
Vibrant capital blending tradition and modernity
Windhoek serves as the starting point for solo travellers renting cars to explore Namibia's deserts. Backpacker lodges throughout the city help arrange self-drive routes and park permits. Visitors can pick up a rental vehicle in the city before heading out to Sossusvlei's dunes. The grid layout makes it simple to navigate before setting off.
City in Colombia
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
Bogota's La Candelaria neighbourhood clusters hostels within walking distance of the city's main museums. Free walking tours depart daily from Plaza de Bolivar, the historic centre's main square. Visitors can join a tour to get oriented before exploring further on their own. The neighbourhood's colonial architecture makes it easy to navigate on foot.
City in Mexico
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions
Oaxaca's Zocalo square anchors a walkable colonial centre filled with cafes and craft markets. Free walking tours depart from the square most mornings, popular with solo arrivals. Visitors can join a tour before exploring the surrounding markets on their own. The mild climate and slow pace make it a popular stop for longer solo stays.
City in Portugal
Porto
Wine, Coast and Old-World Charm
Porto's Ribeira district keeps most major sights within a walkable stretch along the Douro River. Hostels overlooking the river organise port wine tastings that welcome solo bookings. Visitors can join one of these tastings before crossing the Dom Luis bridge on foot. The city's compact size makes it easy to see in a short stay.
City in Mexico
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
Tulum's beach road runs parallel to the coast, lined with hostels near the sand. Cenotes, freshwater sinkholes, dot the jungle outside town and welcome swimmers. Visitors can hire a bike to reach several cenotes without a car or tour group. The ruins overlooking the beach offer an easy morning stop before the heat sets in.
Town in Vietnam
Hoi An
Charming Lanterns and Timeless Streets
Hoi An's Ancient Town lights its streets with paper lanterns each evening, drawing travellers for a walk. Tailor shops in town can produce custom clothing within a day of a fitting. Visitors can wander the lantern-lit streets before a fitting of their own. The small size makes it easy to feel oriented within an afternoon.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
Cusco serves as the main staging point for solo travellers preparing to hike the Inca Trail. Trekking agencies in the city organise group hikes that welcome individual bookings. Visitors can join a group to trek alongside other solo travellers to Machu Picchu. The central plaza offers an easy walkable base while arranging permits and gear.
City in Poland
Kraków
Timeless Charm and Rich History
Krakow's Rynek Glowny, one of Europe's largest medieval squares, anchors a walkable old town. Hostels around the square organise pub crawls most nights of the week. Visitors can join a crawl to meet other travellers before exploring the underground market beneath the square. The flat, walkable layout makes it easy to navigate without public transport.
City in Myanmar
Yangon
Golden pagodas and colonial echoes
Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda draws travellers for sunset visits, its golden stupa visible citywide. Circular train rides loop the city for a few dollars, passing markets and neighbourhoods. Visitors can ride the full loop as an easy way to see daily life without a guide. The downtown grid keeps colonial-era buildings within a walkable core.
City in Senegal
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
Dakar's Plateau district keeps government buildings, markets and hotels within walking distance. Ferries from the harbour run out to Goree Island, a common day trip for solo visitors. Visitors can join other travellers on the ferry before touring the island's historic sites together. The city's coastal position makes it a common overland travel hub.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Bali's Canggu and Ubud neighbourhoods have become established hubs for solo travellers and digital nomads. Co-working spaces in both areas double as meeting spots for new arrivals. Visitors can join yoga classes or surf lessons that double as social icebreakers. The well-worn backpacker circuit makes it easy to meet other travellers on a similar route.
Town in Spain
Tarifa
Where Two Seas and Cultures Meet
Tarifa's consistent winds have made it Europe's kitesurfing capital, drawing travellers for lessons. Schools along the beach offer group classes that double as a way to meet people. Visitors can join a lesson before watching whales on a boat trip through the strait. The small size makes the town easy to navigate without a car.
City in Morocco
Chefchaouen
Blue Medina, Mountain Views, Calm Vibes
Chefchaouen's blue-painted medina has become a magnet for solo travellers photographing its lanes. The compact hill town makes it easy to wander without a plan. Visitors can get pleasantly lost among the blue walls before finding their way to the main square. The town's small size keeps it easy to feel oriented within a day.
City in Greece
Athens
Where ancient ruins meet urban energy
Athens runs free walking tours departing daily from Syntagma Square, popular with solo travellers. Guides lead groups past the Acropolis and through the Plaka neighbourhood below it. Visitors can join one of these tours to meet other travellers on their first day. Affordable hostels cluster near the ancient sites throughout the historic centre.
City in United States
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
San Francisco's cable cars and compact grid make it simple for travellers to reach neighbourhoods on foot. Golden Gate Park offers miles of car-free paths for walking or biking. Visitors can spend a day in the park before catching a cable car back downtown. Hostels near Fisherman's Wharf cluster within walking distance of the bay.
City in United States
New Orleans
Jazz, Creole Flavors and Mardi Gras Vibes
New Orleans' French Quarter keeps most major sights within a compact, walkable grid. Live music spills out of open doorways along Frenchmen Street most nights. Visitors can wander between venues without needing a cover charge at most bars. The city's streetcar line offers an easy, affordable way to see neighbourhoods beyond the Quarter.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
Seoul's subway posts English signage throughout, making it simple for solo travellers to navigate alone. Myeongdong and Hongdae cluster hostels near shopping and nightlife. Visitors can explore either district on foot before riding the subway to sights citywide. The city's reputation for low crime has made it a popular solo stop in East Asia.
City in Sweden
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
Stockholm spreads across fourteen islands connected by bridges, making it easy to explore on foot. Gamla Stan, the old town, keeps most major sights within a walkable core. Visitors can wander between islands using the city's metro and ferry network. Sweden's low crime rate has made the capital a popular first stop for solo travellers.
City in New Zealand
Wellington
Creative capital by wild seas
Wellington's compact downtown keeps hostels within walking distance of the harbour and cable car. The waterfront path stays flat and easy to walk between museums and cafes. Visitors can ride the cable car up for a view before walking down through the garden. The small size makes it easy to feel oriented within a day.
City in Georgia
Tbilisi
A blend of old-world charm and energy
Tbilisi's Old Town mixes sulphur bathhouses, wine bars and balconied buildings within a walkable core. Free walking tours depart most mornings from Freedom Square, popular with arrivals. Visitors can join a tour before riding the cable car to the fortress. Georgia's visa-free entry for many nationalities has made it an easy stop on longer trips.
City in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
A chaotic blend of history and energy
Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 clusters hostels near the War Remnants Museum and central market. Backpacker Street, officially Pham Ngu Lao, stays busy with solo travellers into the night. Visitors can join a street food tour from the same street each evening. The area's dense grid makes it easy to navigate without a map.
City in Vietnam
Hanoi
Where tradition meets modern vibrancy
Hanoi's Old Quarter packs 36 short streets, each tied to a trade, into one walkable grid. Street food stalls in the quarter offer low stools that make solo dining easy. Visitors can wander the grid sampling stalls without needing a reservation or a group. Hostels throughout the district organise motorbike tours that welcome solo travellers.
City in Bolivia
Sucre
White City, Rooftops and Colonial Calm
Sucre's whitewashed colonial centre stays walkable, with most major sights within a few blocks. Spanish language schools throughout the city offer short-term classes aimed at solo travellers. Visitors can enrol for a week to meet other students while improving their Spanish. The mild climate makes it a comfortable base compared to Bolivia's higher-altitude cities.
Island in Indonesia
Gili Trawangan
Island Vibes and Crystal Waters
Gili Trawangan bans motorised vehicles, leaving only bicycles and horse carts on its sandy paths. The island's small size makes it nearly impossible to get lost for long. Visitors can circle the entire island on foot or bike within a couple of hours. Dive shops throughout the island organise group trips that welcome solo bookings.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Chiang Mai's old city has become a long-term base for solo travellers and digital nomads. Co-working cafes throughout the walled district double as spots to meet other travellers. Visitors can join a Thai cooking class or Muay Thai session as a social icebreaker. The low cost of living lets many solo travellers stay for weeks.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
Edinburgh's Royal Mile keeps most major historic sights within a single walkable stretch. Free walking tours depart daily near the castle, popular with solo arrivals. Visitors can join a tour to get oriented before exploring the surrounding closes on their own. The compact Old Town makes it easy to navigate without a car.
City in Mexico
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Colonial Charm Meets Indigenous Culture
San Cristobal's cobbled streets stay easily walkable within a compact highland town centre. Hostels near the main plaza organise day trips to nearby indigenous villages and waterfalls. Visitors can join one of these trips to explore the region alongside other solo travellers. The town's cool climate offers a break from Mexico's hotter coastal destinations.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
Hobart's compact waterfront keeps most hostels within walking distance of the city's museums. MONA, a contemporary art museum, runs a ferry directly from the downtown docks. Visitors can catch that ferry for a half-day trip without hiring a car. Tasmania's low crime rate has made it a popular solo stop on longer Australia trips.
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
Queenstown's compact town centre clusters hostels within walking distance of the lakefront and gondola. Adventure operators throughout town organise group activities like bungee jumping and jet boating. Visitors can join one of these group trips without needing to arrange their own transport. The lake and surrounding mountains stay visible from nearly every point in town.
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
Sydney's coastal walk connects Bondi to Coogee along clifftop paths dotted with ocean pools. Solo travellers can walk the route in a few hours, stopping at beaches along the way. Visitors can join a swimming group at one of the ocean pools most mornings. Hostels near Bondi cluster within walking distance of the trailhead.
Island in Indonesia
Lombok
Untamed Beaches and Majestic Mountains
Lombok's Kuta Beach area draws surfers and travellers looking for a quieter alternative to Bali. Surf schools along the beach welcome solo beginners into small group lessons. Visitors can join a lesson before exploring nearby waterfalls with travellers from the same hostel. The island's slower pace makes it a common next stop after Bali.
City in United States
Portland (Oregon)
Quirky, green and endlessly creative
Portland's compact downtown keeps most hostels within walking distance of the city's food cart pods. The MAX light rail connects downtown to the airport without a transfer. Visitors can hop on the free rail zone downtown to explore without paying a fare. Powell's Books nearby offers an easy solo stop spanning an entire city block.
City in Costa Rica
San José
Culture, Coffee and Mountain Views
San Jose serves as Costa Rica's transit hub, connecting travellers to buses for the coasts. Hostels near the centre help arrange onward travel to parks and beaches. Visitors can spend a day in the city before continuing to quieter destinations. The country's reputation for safety has made it a common first stop in Central America.
Island in Thailand
Ko Pha-ngan
Island of Parties and Pristine Beaches
Ko Pha Ngan hosts the Full Moon Party each month on Haad Rin beach. The event draws travellers from across Southeast Asia to its bars. Visitors can join the party crowd before finding quieter coves on the island the next day. Yoga retreats along the northern coast offer a calmer alternative most of the month.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
Vancouver's seawall runs unbroken for kilometres around Stanley Park, a favourite solo walking route. Bike hire near the park entrance make it easy to cover the loop in an afternoon. Visitors can pedal the seawall before continuing into the West End neighbourhood. The compact downtown keeps most major sights within walking distance of hostels.
City in Cuba
Havana
Vibrant Streets, Timeless Rhythms
Havana's Old Town keeps most major sights within walking distance along a few central plazas. Casas particulares, private guesthouses run from family homes, offer an alternative to hotels. Visitors can stay with a family who often helps arrange onward travel. Classic cars parked along the Malecon give solo travellers an easy photo stop.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna square anchors the medina with snake charmers and food stalls each evening. Riads offer a quiet alternative to hotels, often run by helpful hosts. Visitors can ask their host to arrange a guide for a first walk through the souks. The medina's walls keep the old city contained enough to learn quickly.
City in Laos
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
Luang Prabang's monks walk a daily alms-giving procession through the streets each dawn. Visitors can watch respectfully from the pavement without joining a formal tour. The night market fills the main street each evening with stalls easy to browse alone. Its small size and single main road make the town simple to navigate on foot.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Cape Town's Long Street holds a stretch of hostels, bars and backpacker travel agencies. The street stays busy with solo travellers well into the evening. Visitors can book day trips to nearby wine country through hostel front desks. Table Mountain looms at the end of the street, visible from most points along it.
City in Portugal
Lagos
Golden Cliffs, Surf and Old Town Charm
Lagos, in Portugal's Algarve, keeps its old town small enough to explore within a day. Hostels near the marina organise boat trips to the region's sea caves. Visitors can join a boat trip to explore the coastline alongside other solo travellers. The compact centre makes it easy to walk between beaches, bars and the marina.
City in Uruguay
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
Montevideo's Rambla stretches along the waterfront for miles, a favoured route for solo walks. The promenade connects several neighbourhoods, making the city easy to explore on foot. Visitors can follow it towards the old town's Mercado del Puerto for lunch. Uruguay's low crime rate has made the capital a common solo stop in South America.
Island in Portugal
Madeira
Dramatic Cliffs and Eternal Spring
Madeira's capital, Funchal, keeps hotels within walking distance of its old town and cable car. Levada trails, old irrigation channels turned hiking paths, cross the island with marked routes. Visitors can join a group levada hike organised through most hotels. The island's compact size makes it easy to base in one spot for a trip.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Nairobi's Karen neighbourhood offers a quieter, leafy base for solo travellers arranging onward safari trips. Several safari operators run booking offices out of this same district. Visitors can arrange a multi-day safari through one of these offices before heading out. The Nairobi National Park nearby lets visitors see wildlife without leaving the city.
City in Morocco
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
Essaouira's walled medina sits small enough to explore fully within a day or two. Fewer crowds than Marrakech make it a common decompression stop for solo travellers. Visitors can wander the ramparts overlooking the Atlantic before settling into a seafront cafe. The town's laid-back pace has made it popular for solo travellers needing a break.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Zanzibar's Stone Town keeps its maze of alleys small enough to explore in a couple of days. Guesthouses in the old town help arrange spice tours and boat trips nearby. Visitors can join a tour to meet other travellers before returning by evening. The east coast beaches make an easy add-on after a few days.
City in Chile
Valparaíso
Colorful Hills, Art and Ocean Views
Valparaiso's hillside neighbourhoods connect by funiculars, old cable cars still running from the 1880s. Street art covers staircases and walls throughout the hills, rewarding solo wandering. Visitors can ride a funicular up for a harbour view before wandering back through the murals. Hostels cluster near the port within walking distance of the funicular stations.
City in Latvia
Riga
Art Nouveau, Old Town, Baltic Soul
Riga's Old Town packs medieval architecture into a walkable core along the Daugava River. Hostels near the Central Market organise pub crawls drawing solo travellers. Visitors can join a crawl before exploring the market, one of Europe's largest, the next morning. The city's affordable prices have made it a popular Baltic stop for backpackers.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Buenos Aires' Palermo neighbourhood holds a dense cluster of hostels within walking distance of parks and cafes. Free tango lessons at milongas throughout the city welcome solo beginners most evenings. Visitors can join one of these lessons to meet locals and travellers alike. The neighbourhood's grid layout makes it simple to navigate without a map.
City in Serbia
Belgrade
Where history, nightlife and the Danube meet
Belgrade has grown into a budget-friendly stop on the Balkan backpacker circuit in recent years. Hostels near Republic Square organise pub crawls drawing a steady mix of solo travellers. Visitors can join a crawl to meet other guests before exploring the city's riverside clubs. Belgrade's affordable prices have made it a popular stretch-your-budget stop.
City in United States
Austin
Live music, lakes and local flavor
Austin's live music venues along Rainey Street and East 6th encourage strangers to strike up conversation. Many bars feature communal outdoor seating built around fire pits and games. Visitors can hop between venues solo and easily fall into conversation with locals. The city's reputation for friendliness has made it a popular stop on cross-country trips.
City in Morocco
Fez
Labyrinthine Medina, Living Moroccan Heritage
Fez's medina holds one of the world's largest car-free urban areas, navigated by foot or donkey. Guides at the main gates help newly arrived travellers find their way through the maze. Visitors can hire a guide for a first walk through the tanneries and souks. The chaos becomes easier to navigate after that guided pass.
City in United States
Denver
Sunshine, Culture and Rocky Peaks
Denver's 16th Street Mall runs through downtown lined with hostels, bars and outdoor gear shops. The pedestrian street stays busy with solo travellers gearing up for mountain trips. Visitors can book group hiking or ski shuttles through downtown hostels. Denver's easy access to the Rockies makes it a common jumping-off point for solo trips.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
Cartagena's walled Old City keeps most major sights within a compact, walkable area. Hostels cluster inside and just outside the walls, many organising free walking tours. Visitors can join a tour to get oriented on their first day. The old city's lit plazas stay lively and safe to explore well into the evening.
City in Ghana
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
Accra's Osu district clusters hostels and guesthouses that cater specifically to solo backpackers. The neighbourhood's main strip stays lit and walkable well into the evening. Visitors can meet other travellers at communal hostel bars before exploring nearby markets together. Ghana's widespread English fluency makes the city an easy entry point into West Africa.
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