The 7 Best Cities For Solo Travel And The 7 Most Overrated

Traveling solo sounds freeing—and it is—but the destination you pick makes or breaks the experience. You want to visit a city that welcomes you, not just a place with a few photo opportunities and overpriced coffee. It has to be an ideal solo travel destination. This list splits the two, first with cities that work well when you’re alone. On the other hand, those that somehow made the solo travel hot list but maybe shouldn’t have. If you’re planning your next trip and want fewer travel regrets, this piece helps you skip the noise and land somewhere that actually delivers for the solo crowd.

Choose Tokyo for peaceful independence that doesn’t feel lonely. Why? Street crime is virtually nonexistent in Tokyo—seriously, it’s that low. Capsule hotels provide a smooth check-in and solid rest for one. Subway systems are easy to master, even without Japanese fluency. Locals also respect space, which keeps things comfortable.

Friendliness runs deep in Lisbon and not just on travel blogs. You’ll find smiles behind café counters and warm hellos in hostels. Prices stay kind to your wallet, and locals often switch to English mid-convo. Walk it, take the tram, or sip coffee curbside. Lisbon won’t feel like a solo trip for long.

Ever wandered through a street that felt like an open-air gallery? Melbourne’s laneways offer just that. Go for the espresso; stay for the easygoing buzz. Trams take you from markets to music scenes without needing a map, and the café culture doesn’t skip solo guests, either.

Northern Lights and near-zero crime don’t often show up in the same place, but Reykjavik makes it happen. Locals are always willing to offer help before you even ask. Tap water? Better than bottled. Nature is minutes away, so a solo day can include waterfalls and hot springs. Breathe deep and let the silence recharge you.

Craving kimchi at midnight? Seoul has a 24-hour answer for that. Fly solo and still feel connected. Every bite and block feels made for one, such that you’ll find solo seats at eateries. Technology is also extremely helpful, as it simplifies logistics, from transit cards to translation apps.

Cars take a backseat in Ljubljana, literally because the city’s center is reserved for walkers and cyclists, so exploring alone feels easy and safe. Street art, riverside cafés, and medieval sights all sit close together, meaning short commutes. For a mellow escape with minimal hassle, Ljubljana quietly beats the big names.

Think you need a group to explore Mexico City? Nope, going solo will do. Starting off, Roma and Polanco are safer than most U.S. downtown areas. Secondly, women-only tours and the metro mean peace of mind. Thirdly, the museums and artisan markets keep solo travelers busy and fed. Give it a shot.

Luxury hotels and five-star brunches dominate the skyline. Solo travelers, though, may find it hard to break into the scene. Social life often centers on exclusivity, leaving newcomers out of the loop. While the metro is modern and clean, it doesn’t reach all neighborhoods. For women, cultural norms can limit freedom in public spaces.

Venice overflows with couples, and that’s not just figurative. Restaurants charge solo diners more in tourist zones, and gondola rides feel awkward when you’re the odd one out. Navigation is tricky, and digital maps don’t help much if you have no help. You won’t find much solo magic here; it’s better for duos with matching hats.

Ever tried crossing a Bangkok intersection alone? It’s a sport. The fast pace, relentless vendors, and spotty English signage wear down even seasoned travelers. Additionally, scams pop up, especially if you’re clearly solo. Think twice before booking because Bangkok may be better with backup.

Sprawling streets and gridlocked highways define L.A., and getting around without a car eats up hours. Public transport is patchy and slow, and spontaneous connections are very rare. The city’s energy can feel isolating, even in crowded spots. So, save this one for a road trip, not a solo leap.

Barcelona buzzes with life, but solo travelers don’t always feel welcome. Petty theft ranks high, especially in busy metro stations and markets. Locals, worn down by constant tourism, often keep their distance, so asking for directions might earn you snarls. Accommodations here cost more and are often overbooked.

Bali’s scooter-packed roads and flooded cafés tell a different story from the brochures. Dining alone? You’ll probably get the worst seat. Canggu and Ubud are overrun with group yoga sessions and influencers with the latest tripods. If you must go, just know that the island works better for crews or couples.

The lights dazzle, and the streets buzz, but NYC doesn’t pause for solo travelers. Hotels cost a fortune when booked for one, and locals stay in their lane—literally and socially. Subways are unpredictable, and late-night rides can feel sketchy. When you plan your NYC solo trip, come ready.