Discover the Best Solo Travel Destinations

Want to travel by yourself but not sure where to go? Whether you’re planning to visit somewhere close to home or travel somewhere a little more exotic on a long-haul flight, we’ve picked out some of the best places to travel solo. 

Solo travel is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, so don’t let not having anyone else to go with put you off exploring the world. Visit new places, meet new people and learn about other cultures. 

If you’re driving to Birmingham Airport, pre-book online to save up to 70% and guarantee a space. Check out our useful travel tips to ensure a smooth solo journey.  

Barcelona, Spain

Busy Barcelona is one of the best places to travel solo. Its café littered streets are perfect for people watching, or duck into one of the bars serving beer and tapas. There are plenty of famous attractions to visit like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell and you don’t have to travel far to reach a beach or mountains.  

Getting around Barcelona is simple on public transport so stay close to one of the metro stations for easy transfers between different parts of the city. There is an abundance of hostels in the city which are a great way of meeting new people and tend to be popular with solo travellers. If you’re a beach lover, choose a hostel close to Barceloneta beach which also offers some of the best seafood restaurants in town. If you want to mix with the locals, refrain from dining out in the evening until after 9pm, as this is when the locals frequent the restaurants. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Chilled out Copenhagen is a solo traveller’s paradise. Denmark’s capital is compact and extremely easy to explore by foot or bike. There are cycle paths everywhere and you’ll find that locals travel everywhere on two wheels, whether that’s to work, school, or a night out on the town. There’s a great Scandi café culture, brilliant art museums and cool, low-key, nightlife.  

There are two big food markets in the city centre – not only do they offer a really great range of affordable food, but they also provide the opportunity for casual dining and a chance to meet people with similar tastes to yours. Nyhavn is one of the most photographed areas of the city. The old fishing port is the perfect place for a relaxed stroll at the end the day before you settle down in one of the colourful restaurants playing gentle jazz music. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

A sparkling jewel in the Adriatic Sea, this historic walled city has plenty to offer the solo traveller. Dubrovnik is a city drenched in history that flaunts mesmerising architecture and an impressive culinary scene. Walk the city walls, visit the nearby islands and go sea kayaking around the stunning bay. Come evening, soak up the buzzy atmosphere in one of the many cafés and restaurants. 

Visit outside the peak summer months to avoid the cruise season when the streets become busier. May and September are our recommended months as you can still bask in some Croatian sunshine, whilst enjoying the tourist stops without the crowds. Stradun, with its famous bell tower, provides the perfect setting for people watching; a relaxing way to pass the afternoon. Head out of the city to one of the local islands to explore botanical gardens and forests trails which lead down to beautiful beaches. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Full of culture, stunning architecture and inspiring scenery, and not too far away, Edinburgh is a great solo travel destination. Whether you want to hike, learn about local history or go shopping, you’ll find it all in Edinburgh. Highlights include walking up to Arthur’s Seat for unparalleled views over the city, wandering down the Royal Mile and partaking in a whisky tasting.  

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a good way of increasing your whisky knowledge, whilst the gin lovers out there might be more interested in the Edinburgh Gin distillery or Pickering’s Gin’s Summerhall Distillery. Visit during August to take in the sights and sounds of the Fringe Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in the world.  

Naples, Italy

Food lovers should look no further than Naples. Located in southern Italy with Mount Vesuvius looming broodingly behind, Naples is a true Italian masterpiece. One of Europe’s largest and oldest cities, Naples is a chaotic, surprising and stuffed with character. Surrounded by archaeological treasures, such as the nearby sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, you will get some culture as well as some carbs.  If you are interested in archaeology and pizza, it’s well worth the trip. 

Via Toledo is as central as it gets, with all the major tourist sites within walking distance of a street brimming with great authentic family-run restaurants and small boutiques shops.  

Bordeaux, France

Treat yourself to a bit of laid-back luxury in the centre of the world’s most famous wine region. Bordeaux’s peaceful city centre is a UNESCO world heritage site where you can get lost among 18th century architecture, including the Gothic Cathedral of St. Andrew and the grandiose Place de la Bourse plaza. Rent a bike to ride along the river for impressive views of the city and spend time wining and dining yourself at one of the many chic brasseries and informal wine bars lining the city’s cobbled streets. 

Bordeaux is a heaven for foodies. The region’s delicacies make it the perfect place to take a culinary food tour in the city. Being situated on the Gironde Estuary, Bordeaux has all the benefits of a coastal port so make sure you try the seafood including Éclade de Moules, normally served with a side of bread and butter!  

Solo Travel further afield 

Quito, Ecuador

A capital city high in the Andes, Quito is dramatically situated, squeezed between mountain peaks whose greenery is concealed by afternoon mist. The city's crown jewel is its 'Old Town,' a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial monuments and architectural treasures. The mountains mean it’s a great place for hiking and just a short drive away are the thermal baths of Baños, and the equator. 

A must is a visit to Mitad del Mundo where the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet, it’s right on the Equator. Try straddling the yellow line which puts them in two hemispheres at the same time. 

Lima, Peru

Capital city Lima is the perfect place to start your solo journey through Peru. A sophisticated city with civilisation that dates back millennia, there’s lots of history and culture to discover. Add a world-class food scene, colourful nightlife, colonial style architecture and surfing, and you’ll find a city that has something for everyone. Explore Miraflores for all of Lima’s modern delights and head to the Old Town to discover its past. 

Head to a local restaurant for Ceviche, Peru’s now world-famous dish was perfected in Lima. It’s made with fresh fish then marinated in peppers and limes, served with onions, corn, and sweet potatoes. Eat ceviche like a local with spice and never after lunch. 

Sydney, Australia

You can’t get much more adventurous than travelling to the other side of the world by yourself, and Sydney is one of the best solo traveller destinations. A vibrant city set bedside the ocean, Sydney has a bit of everything to offer its visitors. Beaches, coastal walks, and the Sydney Opera House, not to mention brunches, museums and a plethora of parks, Sydney really is out of this world. Chill out, get active, explore the nightlife – Sydney’s one hot holiday destination.