Best cities for solo travel: Top US and Europe picks

Solo travel can provide the freedom to set your own schedule, pace and itinerary. It’s a chance for self-discovery, allowing you to build confidence and independence as you navigate a new place on your own. And when you’re not with a group, you may be able to more fully engage with local cultures and experiences. 

Plus, you can spend based on your budget—without extra pressure from others. Go abroad and dine at five-star restaurants. Or keep it closer to home and hit local dives.

What you’ll learn

• Solo travel is a growing trend that can fulfill desire for personal exploration and flexibility.

• The best solo travel destinations might offer a combination of safety, accessibility and entertainment.

• U.S. cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Boston offer walkable layouts, public transportation and cultural scenes that could be great for solo travelers.

• European cities such as Amsterdam, Lisbon and Prague might be ideal for a solo trip thanks to affordable public transportation and historical sites.

Solo travel is no longer a niche activity—it’s a global trend. Opportunities for personal reflection and self-discovery can be enticing. And the growth in the number of digital nomads and prevalence of flexible lifestyles has made it easier for people to travel and work from anywhere.

With options for solo tours and affordable public transportation, feeling safe and having the flexibility to spend your free time as you wish has become more accessible.

Finding the best places to travel alone ultimately comes down to the person doing the traveling. There are a few broad considerations that might help you determine the best destination for a solo trip.

1. Transportation and safety: Consider how you’ll get around without a travel buddy. Maybe ride-hailing services are in your budget. But you could also check whether your destination has quality public transportation. Is it walkable and accessible?

2. Culture: Whether it’s exploring museums, joining local food tours or relaxing in a park, places where you can connect with the city at your own pace can make for special solo experiences.

Here are a few destinations that might fit the bill.

The U.S. is a fantastic choice for solo travel, offering diverse destinations from coast to coast. Whether you’re interested in a food-filled road trip or a historical deep dive, you’ll find that these are some of the best places to travel alone in America.

San Francisco is extremely walkable. And when you need to cover more ground, there are cable cars, buses and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system that serve the area.

You don’t need a group to enjoy the city’s classic tourist destinations. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, a classic experience that offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay. Spend a day exploring Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf or the Ferry Building Marketplace. There are also well-traveled areas like Union Square and the Embarcadero. 

You might consider dressing in layers, as the city’s microclimates mean the temperature can change quickly.

Portland is an ideal solo trip destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and appreciates an independent spirit. The city is known for being very walkable, and its efficient public transit system, including the MAX Light Rail and streetcars, makes getting around a breeze. It’s also famous for its abundant green spaces and welcoming community.

One of the best solo activities in Portland is exploring the serene Portland Japanese Garden, a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Consider staying in neighborhoods like the Pearl District or Hawthorne, and use the city’s public transportation to avoid traffic.

Chicago is a standout among U.S. cities for solo travel because of its rich cultural scene and easy-to-navigate layout. The city’s grid-based design, combined with its widespread CTA transit system of L trains and buses, makes getting around simple and efficient. 

For a solo-friendly activity, take a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk to admire the architecture, public art and riverside cafes. To stay safe, stick to well-traveled areas like Lincoln Park, Lakeview or Streeterville, and plan your transit routes in advance. Exploring neighborhoods like Pilsen, Wicker Park and Hyde Park is a great way to experience the city’s full breadth on your own.

Austin is a welcoming and vibrant city, earning it a spot on any list of best solo travel destinations. Billed as the Live Music Capital of the World, its friendly vibe and abundant outdoor spaces like Lady Bird Lake (named to honor the former first lady) make it a great choice for independent travelers.

A fantastic solo activity is walking, jogging or biking along the scenic Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The trail’s boardwalk offers great views and highlights local art. Stay in the mix in well-traveled areas like South Congress and Downtown, and use CapMetro or ride-hailing services to get around.

Boston is a natural place for solo travel thanks to its historic charm and compact layout. The city is navigable on foot or via its public transportation system, the T. With a wealth of historical and cultural attractions and a diverse food scene, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy on your solo trip.

For the quintessential Boston solo experience, walk the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile path takes you to 16 of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Boston Common and Paul Revere’s House. Well-traveled neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the North End offer options for your home away from home.

Denver is a strong choice for solo travelers who love the outdoors and a vibrant arts scene. The city is bike friendly, and its welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best places to travel alone. It’s also close to the Rocky Mountains, making it a great base for outdoor day trips.

The River North Art District, RiNo for short, offers a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s creative culture. Downtown or Capitol Hill are central places to stay. Lower Downtown (LoDo) offers even more places to explore and a vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife scene.

Savannah is a magical solo travel destination with its walkable historic district, cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks. The city’s warm sense of community and thriving arts scene, thanks in part to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), make it especially welcoming for independent explorers.

The Victorian District is just north of the Historic District. “Savannah’s original suburb” offers a quieter residential feel characterized by its beautiful Victorian homes and Forsyth Park. For those seeking a vibrant and artistic atmosphere, the Starland District offers a mix of vintage shops, art galleries and trendy eateries.

If you have romantic ideals about a solo backpacking trip through Europe, here’s a look at some of the cities to consider.

Amsterdam is extremely solo friendly, with English widely spoken and a welcoming culture. The city’s compact center is easily walkable and bikeable. The excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses and the metro, makes it simple to explore beyond the city center.

For a local solo experience, take a scenic canal boat tour to see the city from the water. You can also explore world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum on your own. For a peaceful escape, relax in Vondelpark or take a day trip to see the iconic Dutch windmills up close.

For travel planning solo on a budget, Lisbon is often cited as one of the most affordable capitals in Western Europe. And solo travelers will appreciate its walkable center. Public transportation, including trams and funiculars, connects the city’s hilly neighborhoods outside the city’s center.

For a unique solo experience, take a scenic ride on the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon’s historic quarters. You can also sample local flavors at the Time Out Market or enjoy fado music at a cozy venue. Miradouros are scattered throughout the city, offering panoramic viewpoints.

Florence is relatively small and intimate compared to other large Italian cities. It has world-renowned museums, such as the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery, to explore at your own pace. You can also browse artisan shops in the Oltrarno District or enjoy a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. 

There’s plenty more to do in Florence—it just won’t all fit here.

Like other cities on the list, Prague has a compact center that’s easy to explore on foot. And Prague’s public transportation is world class. 

You can explore Prague Castle and stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge. Letna Park’s beer garden offers scenic city views. A river cruise on the Vltava, the Czech Republic’s longest river, might offer a relaxing way to take in the sights of the city and beyond.

English is widely spoken in Berlin, and the city’s arts and culture scene attracts creative people from all over the world. Berlin is also an affordable option, with reasonably priced accommodations and an extensive network of U-Bahn and S-Bahn rail systems, buses and trams.

History abounds as well. Take a walking tour of Berlin Wall landmarks. You can also spend a Sunday at the lively Mauerpark flea market or explore alternative street art tours in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

English is the primary language in Dublin if you’re concerned about language barriers. While it can be more expensive than some continental European cities, the compact city center is easy to explore on foot.

For a solo trip, you can explore Trinity College (Ireland’s oldest university), view the Book of Kells or listen to traditional music sessions in a pub in Temple Bar. Day trips to coastal towns like Howth also offer scenic cliffs and a peaceful escape from the city.

Eligible cardholders can use Capital One Travel to book their next solo trip. It offers a smarter way to travel, whether you’re booking flights, hotels, vacation rentals or rental cars.

Who needs a travel buddy? Solo travel is more accessible than ever, with cities across the U.S. and Europe offering a variety of experiences for every type of traveler. From the walkable streets of Florence to the vibrant music scene in Austin, there’s a destination waiting for you. And the right Capital One travel rewards card can make all the difference when booking a solo trip.