A new report has listed the best places to travel solo. Pictured: A traveler on the … (+)
Solo travel is on the rise. According to a Recent report from Kayak and OpenTable which ranks the best places in the world to travel solo, 50% of Americans plan to take a solo trip in the next year.
Why solo travel? The freedom to explore at your own pace, immerse yourself in a local culture, and enjoy a meal without small talk are just a few of the reasons why adventurers hit the road solo. Another reason: Without the distraction of a companion, solo travel allows you to form deeper connections with the destinations you visit.
So where should you go on your next solo trip? Kayak and OpenTable analyzed a number of cities in the U.S. and around the world based on the highest share of solo travel searches on Kayak and the share of solo dining at OpenTable restaurants. They then crunched the numbers, leveraging data like safety (including a Numbeo Safety Index and FBI crime reports), accessibility (including hotel, flight and dining prices on Kayak and OpenTable), hotel satisfaction scores, and cultural richness (using OpenStreetMap (to see the number of tagged museums, theaters, and concert halls in a city). Finally, an online consumer survey was conducted to determine how welcoming cities are to solo travelers.
The result: a ranking of the 10 best destinations for solo travel in the world and the 10 best places for solo travel in the United States.
The Best Cities in the World for Solo Travel
Berlin tops the global list, and it’s easy to see why this German city was named the best city in the world for solo travel. Whether you’re exploring the remains of the Berlin Wall or dancing the night away at a techno club, Berlin offers solo travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a city that’s as vibrant as it is welcoming. With an average meal cost of $31 and hotel prices of $168 per night, it’s also a budget-friendly choice.
Admire the Vancouver skyline at sunset from Island Park Walk.
Vancouver, a Canadian city that combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, comes in second. Known for its safety and stunning scenery, Vancouver is ideal for those who enjoy both city life and the great outdoors.
Montreal, another Canadian city, comes in third place. A city of festivals, gastronomy and history, Montreal offers an exciting cultural experience with a European twist. Plus, it boasts a high level of safety and moderate costs, making it a great choice for solo travelers.
Crossing a bridge over the Lachine Canal in Montreal, one of the best places in the world to travel … (+)
Other cities on the list include Paris (which may be famous as the city of love but is also a solo traveler's dream), followed by Milan, Dublin, Toronto, Dubai, Mexico City and London.
The Best American Cities for Solo Travel
For those who prefer to stay stateside, Kayak and OpenTable also ranked the best U.S. cities for solo travel. Washington, D.C., tops the list nationally. The nation’s capital is perfect for history buffs and art lovers, with plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace. The city’s high hotel ratings and many free attractions also help make it a top choice for solo travelers.
Walking alone on Beacon Hill in Boston.
Boston is a close second. Rich in history and full of character, the Massachusetts capital offers solo travelers the chance to follow in the footsteps of America’s founders, enjoy world-class museums, and dine at some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. The city’s compact size and walkability make it an easy and enjoyable place to explore on your own.
Chicago, a city known for its architecture, art scene, and deep-dish pizza, comes in third. The Windy City offers a mix of cultural experiences, from the Art Institute to jazz clubs, making it a fantastic destination for solo travelers. The city’s affordability and variety of attractions ensure you’ll never run out of things to do.
Beyond the top three, other U.S. cities that shine as solo travel destinations include Atlanta (which offers a mix of Southern hospitality and rich culture); Salt Lake City (perfect for outdoor enthusiasts); Tampa, Florida; Philadelphia; Seattle; Los Angeles; and New York.
Crossing a street in the city of Berlin, which has been named the best place to travel alone.
Ranking: The 10 Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World
- Berlin, Germany
- Vancouver, Canada
- Montreal, Canada
- Paris, France
- Milan, Italy
- Dublin, Ireland
- Toronto, Canada
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Mexico City, Mexico
- London, United Kingdom
Solo exploration in Washington DC along the Tidal Basin.
Ranking: Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations in the United States
- Washington, DC
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tampa, Florida
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City
