Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Dreaming of your first solo trip? You don’t have to choose the world’s busiest cities to have an unforgettable time. In fact, some of the best places for solo travelers are the ones that fly a little under the radar: safe, welcoming, and filled with real charm.
Below you’ll find 10 fantastic cities perfect for first-time solo adventurers. Each one is easy to explore on your own, with enough going on to keep you busy—without feeling overwhelming.
Why These Cities?
These destinations are:
- Safe and solo-friendly
- Easy to navigate, even for first-timers
- Packed with authentic culture and history
- Less crowded than the usual tourist hotspots
1. Porto, Portugal
Porto is like Lisbon’s laid-back little sibling, with colorful houses stacked along the Douro River and stunning viewpoints at every turn. The locals are famously friendly, happy to help you find your way or share local tips.
Stroll through the Ribeira district’s cobbled streets, visit bustling markets, or hop on a scenic river cruise. Porto’s old-world charm makes it perfect for wandering without a plan—and it’s easy to get around on foot or by tram.
Things to Do in Porto
- Take a Douro River cruise for gorgeous city views
- Visit the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop
- Explore nearby towns like Guimarães on day trips
Booking a Douro Valley river cruise in advance ensures a seat on popular routes and lets you avoid last-minute hassle.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you want to ease into Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai is ideal. The city is known for its calm pace, friendly locals, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it’s a great base for countryside adventures and cultural experiences. It’s also incredibly safe, with lots of budget-friendly accommodation and group tours that make meeting other travelers easy.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Join a Thai cooking class and learn how to make local dishes
- Explore bustling local markets
- Book a day trip to waterfalls or scenic countryside
Chiang Mai Tip: Rent a scooter to explore nearby waterfalls and villages—just make sure you’re confident riding!
3. Budapest, Hungary
Historic architecture, river views, and a vibrant cultural scene make Budapest a brilliant solo destination. The city is divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, each with its own character, connected by stunning bridges.
It’s safe, affordable, and easy to navigate with trams and walking paths along the river. Budapest is also packed with cozy cafes and lively squares where you can people-watch for hours.
Things to Do in Budapest
- Cruise the Danube at sunset
- Explore Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill
- Relax in the city’s famous thermal baths
Budapest Tip: Use the city’s trams and metro—they’re cheap, scenic, and a great way to explore the city
4. Seville, Spain
Seville is classic Andalusian charm, with Moorish architecture, leafy plazas, and a warm, inviting vibe. It’s less crowded than Spain’s biggest cities but offers incredible sights and cultural depth.
The old town is a maze of orange-lined streets, historic buildings, and shaded courtyards. It’s easy to get around on foot and perfect for solo travelers wanting to slow down and soak it all in.
Things to Do in Seville
- Explore the stunning Real Alcázar
- Stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz’s winding lanes
- Visit Plaza de España for iconic views
Get skip-the-line tickets for the Real Alcázar to avoid long waits during peak hours.
5. Vancouver, Canada
For the perfect mix of city life and nature, Vancouver is unbeatable. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, it’s clean, safe, and full of things to do—even for solo visitors who want adventure without stress.
It’s super walkable and bike-friendly, with scenic routes that let you explore the city at your own pace. Vancouver also makes a great base for day trips to forests, mountains, and the rugged Pacific coast.
What to Do in Vancouver
- Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall
- Take a ferry to Granville Island’s markets
- Book a guided day trip to nearby mountains
Vancouver Tip: Pack a light rain jacket—weather can change fast, even in summer!
6. Kraków, Poland
Kraków combines fairy-tale architecture with a down-to-earth vibe that makes solo travel easy. The Old Town is all grand squares, cobbled streets, and historic buildings that tell centuries of stories.
It’s walkable, budget-friendly, and filled with cultural sites that are easy to enjoy on your own. Locals are used to visitors and always happy to help if you need directions or advice.
Things to Do in Kraków
- Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral grounds
- Wander through the Main Market Square
- Book day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or scenic villages
Pre-book the popular Wieliczka Salt Mine tour to ensure entry to this UNESCO site.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is dramatic, historic, and very easy to fall in love with—even on your own. The medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town are made for wandering, with hidden alleys and incredible views around every corner.
It’s a welcoming, safe city with loads of guided walks, cultural sites, and easy day trips into the Scottish Highlands. Even if you’re solo, you’ll never feel alone here.
Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Walk the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle
- Join a ghost or history tour for local stories
- Hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views
Edinburgh Tip: Wear comfy shoes—lots of hills and cobblestone streets, especially around Old Town!
8. Valencia, Spain
Valencia offers sunny beaches, a gorgeous old town, and futuristic architecture in a friendly, laid-back package. It’s much calmer than Barcelona but just as rich in culture and color.
Wide boulevards, green parks, and bike paths make exploring easy and safe. Whether you’re checking out markets or relaxing by the Mediterranean, it’s perfect for solo travelers wanting variety without chaos.
Things to Do in Valencia
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
- Relax on Malvarrosa Beach
- Explore the Turia Gardens by bike
Buy your City of Arts and Sciences tickets online to skip lines and plan your day easily.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a walled medieval city with stunning coastal views. It’s smaller and easier to manage than many capitals, making it a great introduction to solo travel in Europe.
Wander marble streets early in the morning before crowds arrive, take in incredible sea views from the walls, or hop on short boat trips to nearby islands for a taste of adventure.
Things to Do in Dubrovnik
- Walk the city walls
- Take a boat ride to Lokrum Island
- Explore Old Town’s winding lanes and historic sites
Secure your Dubrovnik city walls ticket early (opens july 20), especially in summer when they sell out fast.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Vibrant, massive, but incredibly friendly, Mexico City offers endless exploration opportunities for solo travelers. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe—from historic Centro to artsy Coyoacán.
It’s surprisingly easy to get around with modern metro lines and walkable streets. Solo visitors can join guided tours to learn the city’s deep history or simply wander local markets for an authentic taste of daily life.
Things to Do in Mexico City
- Visit the ancient ruins at Teotihuacan
- Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán
- Stroll Chapultepec Park and its museums
Book a Teotihuacan tour with transportation included to simplify your visit and avoid parking struggles.
Your Solo Adventure Awaits
Traveling solo can be an incredible way to see the world on your terms. These cities offer a perfect blend of culture, safety, and things to do, making them ideal for your first trip alone.
