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I travel solo quite often, and whenever I mention it, people are usually either impressed or slightly concerned. Most people are curious about where I go, how I choose my destinations, and whether I feel safe.

I don’t always travel alone, but I’ve visited every place on this list and would feel completely comfortable returning to any of them solo. I’m also very mindful that not every destination is ideal for solo travelers, so I always do thorough research before booking a trip.

Out of all the places I’ve visited so far, these are my favorite destinations that felt welcoming, easy to navigate, and enjoyable to explore on my own.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Of course, my homeland is at the top of this list. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and Tokyo is no exception.

The transportation system is incredibly efficient, and most signs are translated into English. The culture is respectful and polite, which makes navigating the city feel very comfortable.

Some must-see spots include Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro.

Colorful buildings of Shibuya, Japan — Shibuya, Japan

2. London, England

London is one of my favorite cities in the world. I usually travel there with my sister Candy, but I’ve ventured out on my own before, including going to a concert solo. Even taking the trains back at night, I felt completely safe.

I love British history and the royal family, so visiting places like Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court Palace is always a highlight.

London offers endless things to do, excellent public transportation, and a very comfortable environment for solo travelers.

Borough Market London England — **Borough Market**

London Bridge Aerial View — London Bridge

3. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva completely surprised me. I had a 10-hour layover and decided to leave the airport to explore, and it turned out to be one of the easiest spontaneous solo outings I’ve had.

The airport has lockers near the train station, and it’s only about a 10-minute ride into the city. Everything felt clean, organized, and calm.

I spent the day walking along the lake, exploring Old Town, and enjoying cheese fondue at Restaurant Les Armures.

Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) Switzerland — Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is smaller than many European capitals, which makes it very walkable, even though the hills will definitely give you a workout.

I joined a free walking tour when I arrived, which I always recommend for solo travelers. It’s a great way to get familiar with the city and meet other travelers. I ended up exploring more of Lisbon with someone I met on the tour, which is one of the things I love about solo travel.

Lisbon’s architecture is stunning, with colorful buildings, patterned tile exteriors, wrought-iron balconies, and charming details throughout the city.

One of my favorite neighborhoods was Alfama. The narrow streets and scenic viewpoints overlooking the red rooftops and the river are absolutely beautiful.

Panoramic views from Castelo de S. Jorge

5. Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Prague feels like stepping into a fairytale.

It’s also where I met my friend Kathy from Darling Traveler. She was traveling solo at the time, and we instantly connected. Since then, we have been on many memorable trips together including Turkey, Bosnia, and Serbia.

The city is very walkable, and there’s so much to see, including Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, and the Astronomical Clock Show, which is the oldest working clock in the world since 1410.

Astronomical Clock Prague — Astronomical Clock

6. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a great mix of culture, food, and outdoor experiences.

Some highlights include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Vancouver Police Museum, where I even got to dress up as a police officer and learn about how crimes are solved.

With scenic surroundings and a great food scene, Vancouver feels relaxed and very approachable for solo travelers.

7. Bratislava, Slovakia

I absolutely love exploring Eastern Europe, and one of my favorite destinations to visit is Bratislava.

During my time there, I learned so many fascinating and intriguing facts about this city and the country as a whole, thanks to the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who were genuinely proud and passionate about their homeland.

I highly recommend the Post Communist Tour of Bratislava with Authentic Slovakia . It was one of the most informative tours I’ve ever taken, and it gave me a deeper understanding of the region’s history.

Because the city is small and compact, it’s easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.

Old Town Bratislava Slovakia — Old Town Bratislava

View of Bratislava from the Bratislava castle

8. Budapest, Hungary

Another interesting and safe Eastern European city to visit is Budapest. It’s an easy 2.5-hour train ride from Bratislava, so you can even hit up two countries in one day which many tourists do.

Walking across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a must, offering beautiful views of the Danube.

I also enjoyed visiting Memento Park, an open-air museum featuring statues from Hungary’s communist era. And of course, Budapest is known for its ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, which are creative spaces built inside abandoned buildings.

9. Ubud, Bali

Ubud is perfect if you’re looking to slow down and reset. I joined a yoga retreat, which made solo travel feel less isolating and allowed me to meet new people.

I was going through a particularly tough time mentally at that moment in my life, and it turned out to be the perfect sanctuary to begin my healing journey, all while being surrounded by the beautiful and rich local culture, along with the kind-hearted and welcoming people of Ubud.

Some highlights include hiking Mount Batur for sunrise and visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can see monkeys up close in a natural setting.

Hiring a private car is also very affordable and makes it easy to explore places like waterfalls and rice terraces of Bali.

Yoga retreat at Soulshine Bali — Yoga retreat at **Soulshine Bali**

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

There’s no other country quite like Iceland. The incredible landscapes feel like another planet.

If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll also be fortunate enough to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dancing in the night sky. Typically, I do not drive in other countries, but I felt entirely comfortable driving around Iceland since the roads are straightforward and easy to navigate.

Even if you decide not to rent a car, you can still explore plenty of attractions and activities around Iceland with convenient shuttle buses and organized tours.

Reykjavik, being a small town, makes it very easy to get around, as everything is conveniently within walking distance. From Reykjavik, you can enjoy an array of day tours including the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle tours which I highly recommend.

Pingviller National Park on the Golden Circle Tour

Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland — Reykjavik, Iceland

11. Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a perfect mix of island relaxation and history.

Old Town Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a compact area where every attraction is within a 10-minute walk. Getting lost in the enchanting streets of Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings and lush greenery, was my most favorite thing to do during my visit to Corfu.

From Corfu, you can also explore the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Paxos boasts charming landscapes, while Antipaxos features stunning beaches with soft sands and clear waters.

I felt very safe throughout my time on these beautiful islands, and the locals were all incredibly friendly and helpful. This welcoming atmosphere is always a nice feeling, particularly when you are traveling solo and exploring new places.

Sitting in front of a historical building in Paxos, Greece — Paxos, Greece

12. Vienna, Austria

If you love shopping and eating, Vienna is a lovely destination worth exploring. Kaerntnerstrasse stands out as one of Vienna’s most popular shopping streets and is widely packed with a variety of shops, charming cafes, and inviting restaurants.

The historical buildings themselves, within which these shops and restaurants are housed, are definitely a sight to behold, showcasing the city's rich architectural heritage.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of the classic film The Sound of Music, like I am, you simply must visit Salzburg, which is about a 3-hour drive from Vienna. I did the full-day Salzburg tour that picked us up directly in Vienna and took us on a scenic journey to Salzburg, making several interesting stops along the way.

The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna

13. Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you’re a fan of the show, Game of Thrones, then you absolutely must make a visit to Dubrovnik. A significant amount of the show was filmed in this stunning location, and as you stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways and admire the ancient buildings, you truly feel as though you’ve been transported into the medieval fantasy world of Game of Thrones.

To fully immerse yourself in the experience, I highly recommend taking one of the guided tours, as they provide you with a wealth of fascinating behind-the-scenes information.

Dubrovnik offers more than just its Game of Thrones fame. This picturesque town captivates visitors with stunning views from every angle along the Adriatic Sea. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters invite refreshing swims, with Banje Beach as a popular spot. For the adventurous, cliff jumping off the rocky coastline provides an exhilarating experience.

14. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is an absolutely charming and enchanting town. Being a small town, it’s incredibly easy to explore and check out all the popular attractions. With its picturesque canals and beautifully preserved medieval architecture, this quaint destination provides a perfect backdrop for wandering and discovering hidden gems.

One of the best things about Belgium, in my opinion, are their famous Liege waffles, which are significantly better than your typical breakfast waffle. The dough of this Belgian waffle is much thicker, resulting in a treat that is crispy on the outside and warm, soft, and dreamy on the inside. It’s also a little sweeter because they use pearl sugar.

Charming Bruges, Belgium — Charming Bruges

15. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another compact and vibrant city that is just a short train ride away from the charming streets of Bruges is Amsterdam. This city is notoriously known for the Red Light District, but there is so much more to explore and appreciate in this beautiful city.

Not only are there charming and picturesque canals winding through the streets, but there are also numerous fascinating and diverse museums that one can check out, such as the renowned Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the contemporary Moco Museum, and the deeply moving and powerful Anne Frank House, each offering a unique glimpse into art, history, and culture.

I also recommend visiting the Albert Cuyp Market and trying a fresh stroopwafel.

16. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated capitals.

The Old Town is compact and walkable, with beautiful architecture, cozy cafés, and one of the most stunning bookstores in Europe, Cărturești Carusel.

The food and cocktail scene really stood out to me, with places like Alt Shift, Linea, and Grand Café Van Gogh offering great atmospheres.

And if you want to cross another country off your list, you can even take a guided day trip to Bulgaria like I did. It ended up being such a fascinating experience.

Walking down a curved staircase in a bookstore — Cărturești Carusel.

View of downtown Bucharest from Airbnb room — View of downtown Bucharest from my airbnb

17. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia feels completely surreal. The landscape is filled with unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, shaped by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

Staying in a cave hotel like Taskonaklar and Mithra Cave is a one-of-a-kind experience, as many are built directly into the rock.

Most people visit for the hot air balloons at sunrise, but during my trip, they were canceled due to strong winds. Even so, the scenery and history made the experience unforgettable.

The region is rich in history, with places like the Göreme Open-Air Museum and underground cities offering a glimpse into the past. The warmth and hospitality of the people also made the experience even more memorable.