The 20 Best Places For Solo Travel, Ranked In A New Report

Solo travel is having a moment. According to a recent report by Kayak and OpenTable that ranks the world’s best places for solo travel, 50% of Americans plan to take a solo trip within the next year.

What’s the appeal? The freedom to explore at your own pace, dive deep into a local culture and enjoy a meal without making small talk are just a few examples of what’s drawing adventurers to hit the road solo. Another reason: Without the distraction of a companion, solo travel allows for a deeper connection with the destinations you visit.

So where to 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 largest share of solo travel searches made on Kayak and the share of solo dining at OpenTable restaurants. They then crunched the numbers by tapping into data like safety (including a safety index from Numbeo and FBI crime reports), affordability (including prices of hotels, flights and meals 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). Lastly, an online consumer survey was conducted to determine how welcoming the cities are to solo travelers.

The result—a ranking of the 10 best destinations for solo travel worldwide and the 10 best places for solo trips in the U.S.

The World’s Best Cities for Solo Travel

Coming in at the top of the worldwide list is Berlin—and it’s easy to see why this German city has been named the world’s best city for solo travel. Whether you’re exploring the remnants of the Berlin Wall or dancing the night away in a techno club, Berlin offers solo travelers a chance to dive into a city that is as dynamic as it is welcoming. With an average meal cost of $31 and hotel prices at $168 per night, it’s a budget-friendly choice, too.

Coming in second on the list is Vancouver, a Canadian city that blends urban sophistication and natural beauty. Known for its safety and stunning landscapes, Vancouver is ideal for those who enjoy both city life and the great outdoors.

Montreal—another Canadian city—takes third place. A city of festivals, food and history, Montreal provides an exciting cultural experience with a European flair. Plus, it’s got a high safety rating and moderate costs, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers.

Other cities on the list include Paris (which might be famous as the city of love but is also a dream for solo travelers), followed by Milan, Dublin, Toronto, Dubai, Mexico City and London.

The Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travel

For those who prefer to stay stateside, Kayak and OpenTable also ranked the top U.S. cities for solo travel. Topping the list domestically is Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital is perfect for history buffs and art lovers alike, with plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace. The city’s high average hotel rating and its numerous free attractions also help make it a top choice for solo travelers.

Boston follows closely behind. Rich in history and brimming with character, the capital of Massachusetts offers solo travelers a chance to follow in the footsteps of America’s founders, enjoy world-class museums and dine in 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 place known for its architecture, arts scene and deep-dish pizza—lands in third place. The Windy City offers a mix of cultural experiences, from the Art Institute to jazz clubs, making it a fantastic destination for those traveling alone. 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 blend of Southern hospitality and a rich culture); Salt Lake City (perfect for outdoor enthusiasts); Tampa, Florida; Philadelphia; Seattle; Los Angeles and New York City.

Ranked: The World’s Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations

1. Berlin, Germany
2. Vancouver, Canada
3. Montreal, Canada
4. Paris, France
5. Milan, Italy
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. Toronto, Canada
8. Dubai, UAE
9. Mexico City, Mexico
10. London, U.K.

Ranked: The Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations in the U.S.

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
3. Chicago, Illinois
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
6. Tampa, Florida
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8. Seattle, Washington
9. Los Angeles, California
10. New York City

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