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Thinking about hitting the road on your own this year? Solo trips can be the best kind of freedom: no schedules but yours, no compromises, and all the discovery you want.
If you’re wondering where should I even go?, here’s a list of 10 amazing places that are perfect for solo travelers in 2025. Safe, easy to get around, and packed with stuff to do—even if it’s just you and your backpack.
Why You Should Visit These Places
Each of the destinations on this list is perfectly suited for solo travelers. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- They’re safe and traveler-friendly, so you can focus on exploring without worry.
- They’re packed with things to see and do, from cultural sights to outdoor adventures.
- They’re easy to navigate solo, with great public transport or walkable centers.
- They’re welcoming and social, so even if you’re alone, you’ll feel connected.
- They offer unique local experiences you just can’t get anywhere else.
Whether you want buzzing cities, peaceful nature, incredible food, or a bit of everything, you’ll find something here that feels just right.
Ready to choose your next adventure?
Here are 10 amazing destinations to consider for your solo travels in 2025. Each one has its own vibe, its own must-sees, and its own reasons to make you fall in love with exploring on your own.
Kyoto, Japan
If you want quiet beauty and timeless vibes, Kyoto is your spot. Think narrow streets lined with old wooden townhouses, riverside paths shaded by willows, and serene gardens everywhere. It’s the kind of place you wander slowly, camera in hand, and just breathe.
It’s also ridiculously safe and super easy to get around—even if you don’t speak Japanese. Locals are kind, buses are tourist-friendly, and there’s always something to eat (hello, ramen shops).
Fun fact: Kyoto has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—so yeah, you won’t run out of things to see.
What to Do:
- Stroll the Philosopher’s Path in spring or autumn
- Wander Gion’s old lanes (maybe spot a maiko)
- Take the scenic train to Arashiyama
Where I’d Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station—right by the trains for easy day trips.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of those cities that immediately feels friendly. It’s sunny almost year-round, the buildings are covered in colorful tiles, and there’s always a viewpoint nearby with a jaw-dropping panorama over the river.
You’ll love just getting lost here: old trams rattling uphill, tucked-away courtyards, and locals who’ll chat with you over coffee. Plus, it’s easy to do day trips to beaches or nearby towns if you want to explore more.
Fun fact: Lisbon is Western Europe’s sunniest capital, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine a year.
What to Do:
- Ride the famous Tram 28 through the city
- Watch the sunset from a hilltop miradouro
- Eat pastéis de nata fresh from the oven
Stay Here: Hotel da Baixa—boutique charm with comfy rooms right in the historic center, perfect for exploring on foot.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is the definition of epic. Picture clear blue lakes, rugged mountains, and skies so big you’ll want to just stare for hours. It’s a playground for outdoor lovers, with everything from chilled lakeside walks to adrenaline sports if you’re feeling brave.
And the town itself? Super friendly, easy to navigate, and packed with cozy cafés. Even if you’re solo, you won’t stay lonely long.
Fun fact: Lake Wakatipu is shaped like a lightning bolt, and local Māori legend says it “breathes” with the heartbeat of a giant.
What to Do:
- Hike up Queenstown Hill for killer views
- Chill with a coffee on the lakeside promenade
- Book a scenic cruise through Milford Sound to experience breathtaking fjords and waterfalls
Where to Stay: Kamana Lakehouse—those lake views from the hot tub? Unreal.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca is a feast for the senses—literally and figuratively. Bright colors everywhere, markets full of handwoven textiles, and some of the best food in Mexico (mole, tlayudas, hot chocolate).
It’s also super walkable and relaxed. Solo travel here means wandering at your own pace, chatting with vendors, and sipping café de olla while people-watching in leafy plazas.
Fun fact: Oaxaca’s entire historic center is UNESCO-listed for its incredible colonial architecture.
What to Do:
- Browse Mercado Benito Juárez for crafts and snacks
- Check out local art galleries and street murals
- Listen to live music in the main square at night
Try This: Relax in one of the leafy plazas with a good book or just watch the world go by—perfect solo travel downtime.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of those cities that feels haunted in the best way. The Old Town is all medieval alleys and dark stone buildings, while the New Town is elegant and Georgian. It’s perfect for solo wandering, with hidden closes to explore and stories on every corner.
Locals are welcoming and have that dry Scottish humor that makes even a stranger feel like a friend.
Fun fact: Edinburgh was the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
What to Do:
- Climb Arthur’s Seat for 360° city views
- Tour the (very spooky) underground vaults
- Explore the National Museum of Scotland
Stay Here: The Terrace Hotel—comfortable and budget-friendly, located close to Edinburgh’s historic center.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is energy on overdrive. One minute you’re walking neon-lit streets with K-pop blasting from stores, the next you’re in a quiet traditional hanok village. It’s clean, safe, and super solo-friendly thanks to excellent transport and tons of late-night food options.
Plus, there’s always something happening—markets, festivals, pop-up art exhibits.
Fun fact: Seoul’s subway has over 300 stations and signs in English everywhere.
What to Do:
- Sample street food at Gwangjang Market
- Wander along Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Explore Bukchon Hanok Village’s traditional houses
Where to Stay: GLAD Mapo Hotel—modern rooms with great city views, close to public transport and vibrant neighborhoods.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is the best of both worlds: city buzz and insane nature. One minute you’re in a hip coffee shop downtown, the next you’re walking through giant old-growth trees in Stanley Park or watching mountains glow at sunset.
It’s also super diverse, with food from every culture you can think of and a laid-back West Coast vibe that’s great for solo travelers.
Fun fact: Vancouver consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 most livable cities.
What to Do:
- Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall
- Grab local eats at Granville Island Public Market
- Take a thrilling zipline adventure near Whistler for unbeatable mountain views and an adrenaline rush you won’t forget.
Stay Here: The Burrard—retro-cool style with free bikes for exploring.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is effortless charm. Gaudí’s wild architecture, Mediterranean beaches right in the city, and a tapas culture that encourages long, relaxed meals. It’s social, easy to navigate, and endlessly walkable.
Even solo, you’ll feel part of the buzz—hanging out in plazas, watching street performers, and soaking up the seaside vibe.
Fun fact: Barcelona has over 4.5 kilometers of urban beaches.
What to Do:
- Wander the Gothic Quarter’s narrow lanes
- Relax on Barceloneta Beach
- Marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Família
Where to Stay: Praktik Bakery—unique boutique hotel with a cozy bakery downstairs, located in the vibrant Eixample neighborhood.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is pure magic at night. The old town glows with lantern light reflecting off the river, and traffic slows to bicycles and pedestrians. Days here are for leisurely exploring tailor shops, riverside cafés, and colorful markets.
It’s incredibly safe and feels welcoming, even if you’re solo.
Fun fact: Hoi An was a major trading port for centuries, which explains its mix of architectural styles.
What to Do:
- Browse night markets for handmade lanterns
- Take a bike ride through rice paddies
- Book a cooking class to master local dishes
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is small but so pretty. The river cuts through town with leafy banks lined with cafés, and the whole old center is pedestrian-only, making it a dream to explore solo.
It’s also got a super chill vibe—students, artists, and locals just enjoying life. You’ll feel right at home here.
Fun fact: Ljubljana was named Europe’s Green Capital thanks to its eco-friendly design and green spaces.
What to Do:
- Walk along the river and cross the famous Dragon Bridge
- Chill at riverside cafés with a book
- Take a day trip tour to Lake Bled for fairytale scenery
Where to Stay: Hotel Cubo—modern design, central location, and walking distance to all the main attractions.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel is about giving yourself space to wander, discover, and just be. These destinations make it easy, safe, and super rewarding—even if it’s your first time going solo.
So start planning, pick your favorite (or favorites), and make 2025 the year you finally go on that solo adventure you’ve been dreaming about.
Ready? Let’s go.
