Planning a solo trip in 2026? From London and New York to Bali and Hanoi, discover the world’s 10 best destinations for solo travellers, ranked for safety, culture, food and unforgettable experiences.

Travelling with friends or family is wonderful—until you spend half your holiday debating dinner plans, museum tickets, or whether today is a beach day or a hiking day. That’s where solo travel truly shines. When you travel alone, every decision is yours. You wake up when you want, wander where curiosity leads you, and change plans without consulting anyone but yourself.

While you can technically travel anywhere solo, some destinations are far more welcoming, safe, and rewarding for independent explorers. To identify these standout spots, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 analysed millions of global reviews, ranking destinations based on the quality and quantity of traveller feedback. Factors like public transport, food, walkability, attractions, and overall experience played a key role.

Thinking of setting off on your own this year? These are the 10 best places in the world for solo travellers in 2026, perfect for exploring at your own pace.

1. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s friendly charm makes solo travellers feel welcome almost instantly. Yes, the Guinness really does taste better fresh from the source, but there’s much more to this lively city than pubs. Wander through Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, stroll around St Stephen’s Green, or dive into Ireland’s literary legacy by following in the footsteps of Yeats, Joyce, and Wilde. Compact, walkable, and buzzing with culture, Dublin is ideal for first-time solo travellers.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city where history and modern creativity collide. Explore powerful landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate, then switch gears with contemporary art galleries, flea markets, and underground clubs. Solo travellers love Berlin for its efficient public transport, affordable food scene, and open-minded vibe. Whether you’re into history, nightlife, or design, the city encourages you to explore independently and deeply.

3. London, England

Few cities offer as much variety as London. One moment you’re wandering royal palaces and historic streets, the next you’re browsing vintage shops in Shoreditch or enjoying live music in Camden. Solo travellers can blend in effortlessly here—exploring museums, dining alone in cosy pubs, or getting lost in colourful neighbourhoods like Notting Hill. With endless attractions and excellent transport, London lets you craft a different adventure every single day.

4. Santiago, Chile

Santiago rewards curious solo travellers who enjoy peeling back layers. Set against the Andes, the city blends colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Spend your days exploring art museums in Forest Park, sipping coffee in Bellavista, or shopping alongside locals at bustling markets. Santiago’s food scene is another highlight, offering hearty Chilean dishes that make dining alone feel like a pleasure, not a compromise.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh feels like a city built for wandering. Its cobbled streets, medieval Old Town, and elegant Georgian New Town are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Solo travellers can easily spend hours exploring castles, museums, and hidden closes before settling into a cosy restaurant serving fresh Scottish produce. Visit during summer for world-famous festivals or winter for magical light shows and cultural celebrations—the city never feels lonely.

6. New York City, USA

New York is one of the best cities in the world to explore alone. On your first visit, tick off icons like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. On your second, dive deeper—pick a neighbourhood and explore its cafés, bookstores, delis, and bars. The city’s anonymity is its biggest strength for solo travellers, offering freedom, diversity, and constant discovery.

7. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi balances old-world charm with modern energy. Its Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with street food stalls, temples, and colonial buildings. History lovers can explore Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison, while nature seekers will appreciate the city’s lakes and shady boulevards. Affordable, safe, and rich in culture, Hanoi is perfect for solo travellers who enjoy slow exploration and authentic local experiences.

8. Madrid, Spain

Madrid thrives on energy—day and night. As Spain’s cultural and financial capital, it offers everything from historic plazas and royal palaces to buzzing nightlife and world-class football. Art lovers can spend days at the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, while foodies will love hopping between tapas bars. Madrid’s walkability and late-night culture make solo travel feel effortless and exciting.

9. Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been a favourite for solo travellers seeking balance. You can spend mornings surfing or diving, afternoons exploring temples or rice terraces, and evenings unwinding at beach cafés. Ubud, the island’s cultural heart, is especially popular for yoga, meditation, and creative workshops. Whether you’re after adventure, wellness, or reflection, Bali offers space to reconnect with yourself.

10. Cape Town Central, South Africa

Cape Town is as visually stunning as it is emotionally powerful. From the iconic views at Table Mountain and Blaauwberg Beach to the natural beauty of Kirstenbosch Gardens, the city constantly impresses. Solo travellers can hike, explore coastal drives, or take a moving trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. With rich history and dramatic landscapes, Cape Town is unforgettable when explored independently.

Planning a Europe trip on budget? Start with these cities

Europe is often perceived as one of the most expensive holiday destinations, especially for Asian travellers. A single trip to Europe for an Indian tourist can sometimes cost as much as two vacations in Southeast Asia. While cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam are stunning, they tend to be crowded and come with steep prices.

However, not all European destinations are as costly as you might think. Time Out has published a list of the budget-friendly European cities to visit in 2026, highlighting places where food, drinks, and accommodations are affordable, and the crowds are less overwhelming. If Europe is on your bucket list but your budget is tight, these cities might be the perfect opportunity for you to explore.

5 budget-friendly European cities to visit in 2026

1. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Average one-bed Airbnb: €40

Average pint: €2.30

Sarajevo, the capital and cultural heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, tops the Time Out list. Nestled amidst the stunning Dinaric Alps, Sarajevo is often referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’ due to the coexistence of cathedrals, churches, mosques, and synagogues. The city boasts a rich history shaped by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, along with its wartime past (the Latin Bridge, known for the assassination that triggered World War I, is located here). Time Out recommends visiting local food markets like Gradska tržnica Markale, trying traditional burek, and enjoying drinks that cost as little as €2. One of the highlights is the opportunity to join several free walking tours, during which a guide will show you all the must-see attractions.

2. Tirana, Albania

Average one-bed Airbnb: €52.50

Average pint: €1.65

Tirana, located in the heart of the Balkans, is one of Europe’s most underrated and affordable capitals. The city features numerous beautiful churches, colorful buildings showcasing Ottoman and Communist-era architecture, parks, street art, and lush greenery. According to Time Out, notable places to visit include Bunk’art 1, a Cold War bunker turned museum that offers insights into the past at low entry fees, and the Pyramid of Tirana, originally built as a museum and now serving as a cultural hub that houses cafes, restaurants, and offices.

3. Hull, United Kingdom

Average one-bed Airbnb: €80

Average pint: €5.60

While the UK is generally not known for being inexpensive, Hull, a port city in East Yorkshire, stands out as an exception. Although it may not be the cheapest destination, it offers lower prices compared to other UK cities like London or Manchester. With more than 800 years of seafaring history, Hull is home to a large aquarium featuring 3,000 species and an underwater viewing tunnel. Visitors can explore various museums and art galleries or admire the impressive architecture that surrounds the city. Time Out has praised Hull for its vibrant culture, LGBTQ+ scene, and well-preserved old town, which survived bombings during World War II. In 2024, the city ranked second in Time Out’s list of the best places to visit in the UK.

4. Miskolc, Hungary

Average one-bed Airbnb: €55

Average pint: €1.60

Miskolc is a tranquil Hungarian city best known for its heavy industry, but Time Out highlights its lively bar scene, flea markets, and easy access to nature. One of the city’s major attractions is the Cave Baths of Miskolctapolca, a thermal spa located inside a natural cave, offering an affordable and relaxing experience without being too crowded. Visitors can also explore national parks, such as Bukki National Park, or enjoy lakeside camping.

5. Zagreb, Croatia

Average one-bed Airbnb: €65

Average pint: €2.50

As the capital of Croatia, Zagreb serves as the primary transport hub of the country, where routes from Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe converge. This makes it a significant city for road, rail, and air travel. Zagreb offers a high quality of life, a strong economy, and plenty of activities to enjoy, including museums, festive markets, and numerous sports and entertainment events. The city is very walkable, allowing you to explore most attractions on foot and save on transportation costs. Additionally, both food and accommodation are reasonably priced.

Sri Lanka is known as the Queen of Islands due to its scenic beauty, biodiversity, rich culture and strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Keep reading in detail about Sri Lanka.

Queen of Islands: Sri Lanka is known as the Queen of Islands because of its scenic natural beauty, rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush forests, and cultural heritage. The island’s balanced combination of landscapes, wildlife, and history has earned it this elegant title.

Why Is Sri Lanka Called the Queen of Islands?

Sri Lanka is called the Queen of Islands because it offers an extraordinary variety of natural features within a relatively small land area. From golden beaches and tropical rainforests to tea plantations and wildlife reserves, the island displays exceptional geographical diversity.

Origin of the Title Queen of Islands

The title Queen of Islands originated from early travellers, geographers, and writers who admired Sri Lanka’s beauty and strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Its prosperity, fertile land, and cultural richness contributed to its regal reputation.

Location of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. Its position along historic maritime trade routes helped shape its cultural, economic, and ecological importance.

Natural Beauty of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known for its palm-fringed beaches, misty hill regions, waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries. These natural attractions make it one of the most visually diverse islands in the world.

Economic and Cultural Importance of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s economy benefits from agriculture, tourism, tea production, and maritime trade. Its culture reflects a blend of ancient traditions, religion, architecture and colonial influence.

Sri Lanka’s Global Recognition

Sri Lanka is internationally recognised for its biodiversity, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and sustainable tourism. Its unique charm continues to attract travellers from around the world.

Interesting Facts About Sri Lanka

Rich Biodiversity
Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the island. It contains rainforests, wetlands, grasslands and marine ecosystems within a compact area. The country is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot.

Ancient Civilisation
Sri Lanka has a recorded history of over 2,500 years with ancient kingdoms and cities. Historic sites such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa reflect advanced early civilisations. The island has preserved ancient traditions, scripts and religious practices.

Strategic Ocean Location
Sri Lanka lies close to major sea routes of the Indian Ocean. This location made it an important centre for trade between Asia, Africa and Europe. Its ports played a vital role in ancient and medieval maritime commerce.

World-Famous Tea Industry
Sri Lanka is globally known for producing high-quality Ceylon tea. Tea plantations dominate the hill regions and support millions of livelihoods. Ceylon tea is one of the country’s most valuable export products.

Blend of Nature and Culture
Sri Lanka uniquely combines scenic landscapes with strong cultural traditions. Temples, festivals and rituals are closely connected with natural surroundings. This harmony between nature and culture adds to the island’s royal image.

Sri Lanka is known as the Queen of Islands because of its exceptional natural beauty, biodiversity, strategic location and rich cultural heritage. These qualities together give the island its royal identity.

Japan is one of the most organised and visitor-friendly countries in the world, but daily life here runs on unspoken social rules that tourists are expected to follow. Clean streets, quiet public transport, and orderly public spaces are not accidental, they exist because people are careful about how their actions affect others. Visitors sometimes assume that common tourist habits, such as speaking loudly, eating while walking, or discarding garbage casually, are acceptable, but these behaviours can be seen as inconsiderate in Japan. With international tourism continuing to grow, local authorities and communities have repeatedly reminded travellers to be mindful of etiquette, especially in crowded cities and popular tourist areas.

Don’t litter or expect public dustbins everywhere

Japan is exceptionally clean, but public garbage bins are surprisingly rare. This does not mean littering is acceptable. Carry your trash with you until you find a designated disposal area, usually near convenience stores, vending machines, or inside stations. Japan also follows strict waste segregation rules, so throwing garbage randomly into the wrong bin is frowned upon. Tourists leaving food wrappers on streets, trains, or tourist spots is one of the fastest ways to attract negative attention.

Don’t talk loudly or take calls on public transport

Silence on trains and buses is a strong social expectation. Loud conversations, video calls, or phone calls on public transport are considered disruptive. Many trains display reminders asking passengers to keep phones on silent mode. If you need to speak, keep your voice low and brief. Tourists who treat trains like casual social spaces often stand out for the wrong reasons. And surely you wouldn’t want that kind of attention.

Don’t ignore queueing rules

Japan takes queues seriously. More often than not, you will encounter this while out and about. For instance, at a train station, people are often seen standing patiently in queue to board the train, queue before entering an elevator, or standing patiently for their turn while ordering food. The same behavior is expected of others as well. When out and about, don’t cut in line, stand in the wrong boarding area, or rush ahead; it is seen as disrespectful. Train platforms often have marked lines showing exactly where to stand, so when you see one, follow them.

Don’t eat while walking

While some of us would grab a snack and eat on the go, this is generally discouraged in Japan, especially in busy streets. It’s not illegal, but surely frowned-upon, and it’s considered messy and inconsiderate. Locals usually eat at designated spots, food stalls, or while standing near vending machines. If you buy street food, finish it where you purchased it instead of walking through public areas with it.

Don’t enter homes or certain spaces with shoes on

Shoes are removed not only in homes but also in traditional inns (ryokan), temples, some restaurants, and even certain fitting rooms. Slippers are often provided. Ignoring shoe-removal signs or stepping onto tatami mats with shoes is considered a serious breach of etiquette.