The 10 best solo travel destinations for 2026: vetted by real travellers

DUBLIN

Dublin has the buzz of a capital city but is compact enough to explore entirely on foot. You won't spend your trip stuck on underground trains or staring at Google Maps for hours.

The city is famous for its "emotional ease." The pub culture here isn't just about drinking; it’s a social hub where striking up a conversation with a stranger is the norm. You can walk into a "trad" music session at a place like The Cobblestone alone and feel like a local within twenty minutes.

It consistently ranks highly for safety and, since everyone speaks English, navigating and asking for help is a breeze.

Where to stay?

📍Premier Inn Dublin Cc North Docklands

The hotel itself is modern and has a 24-hour front desk. While the immediate area is a bit quieter, located in the "New Dublin" docklands area, it's very well-lit and right next to the 3Arena and The Point LUAS (tram) stop.

It’s a very consistent, "no-surprises" hotel -- rates are very consisten, too on the dates we've checked. You can stay here for less than £90 per night. It’s usually quieter than central hotels because you aren't right on top of the noisy late-night pubs.

BERLIN

Berlin is one of the few places where heading to a world-class club, a cinema, or a sit-down dinner alone isn't just accepted, it’s the vibe. You’ll never feel like the "odd one out" here.

It’s a dream for solo explorers who like to move at their own pace. You can spend hours at the East Side Gallery or getting lost in the Museum Island complex without having to check in with anyone else.

The U-Bahn and S-Bahn run like clockwork and cover every corner of the city. It’s incredibly easy to navigate, and most locals speak English, so you’re never truly "lost."

Where to stay?

📍Premier Inn Berlin Alexanderplatz

The Premier Inn at Alexanderplatz is a total gem for solo travellers. Alexanderplatz is the city’s main transport hub, meaning you can get a direct train from the airport and be at your hotel pretty quickly.

Because it’s so central, the area is always busy and well-lit. We've actually tested the hotel and it's a solid choice! Plus, it’s usually much cheaper than the "boutique" hotels in the same area.

If you’re lucky, you can snag a room with a direct view of the iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm) right outside your window.

LONDON

From the West End to the South Bank, London is a city where being solo is almost a superpower. You can easily snag a last-minute "single seat" ticket for a massive theatre show or spend hours in the world-class museums (most of which are completely free).

Forget the "table for one" anxiety. London is the capital of counter-dining and massive street food markets like Borough Market or Seven Dials, where eating alone is the norm.

Between the Tube, the iconic red buses, and the new Elizabeth Line, getting around is a breeze. It’s a city designed for wandering, with every corner offering something different.

Where to stay?

📍Premier Inn London Canary Wharf - Westferry

Located in the sleek, modern Docklands area. It’s safe, quiet, and much more affordable than hotels in the noisy West End.

You’re right next to the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). You can hop on a train and be at Tower Hill or the City of London in about 10 minutes.

Canary Wharf is one of the most well-monitored and well-lit areas in London, making it a very comfortable spot for solo travellers returning home late at night.

SANTIAGO, CHILE

It’s rare to find a massive, bustling capital city where you can look up from almost any street and see snow-capped mountains. For solo explorers, it’s a dream base for day trips to the Andes or the nearby coastal town of Valparaíso.

Neighbourhoods like Providencia and Lastarria are incredibly solo-friendly. They’re filled with leafy parks, outdoor cafés, and independent bookshops where you can comfortably spend an afternoon people-watching without feeling like a tourist.

Santiago’s metro system is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. It’s very easy to navigate alone, and it connects the historic centre to the modern, trendy districts in minutes for just a few pesos.

Where to stay?

📍ibis Santiago Providencia

You’re right in the heart of Providencia, just a block away from the Manuel Montt metro station. This area is packed with supermarkets, banks, and cheap "menu del día" lunch spots, making it very convenient.

This is one of the safest and most well-lit parts of the city. You can comfortably walk to nearby restaurants or the Costanera Center (South America's tallest building) in the evening.

Like the Premier Inn or Travelodge, Ibis offers that consistent, modern standard. You get a clean, quiet room, a decent breakfast, and a 24-hour bar/café area where you can grab a snack or use the Wi-Fi to plan your next leg of the journey.

EDINBURGH

You can cross the entire city centre on foot in about 20 minutes. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK, making it perfect for solo evening strolls through the pretty alleys of the Old Town.

Almost all the major museums and galleries (like the National Museum of Scotland) are free. You can spend a whole afternoon exploring at your own pace without spending a penny, ideal if you're on a budget.

Where to stay?

📍Hub By Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket

For a savvy solo traveller, this hotel is a total "pro" move. It’s located just west of the city centre, offering a quieter stay with a much lower price tag.

You are right next to Haymarket Station. If you’re arriving by train or taking the tram from the airport, you can be checked in and dropping off your bags within minutes of stepping off the platform.

Like all "hub" hotels, the rooms are designed for efficiency. You get a super-comfy bed, a great shower, and smart-room tech that lets you control everything from the bedside console.

NEW YORK CITY

In a city of 8 million people, being alone is the ultimate luxury. Whether you're grabbing a slice of pizza on a corner or sitting in a jazz club, nobody will look twice. It’s one of the few places where you can be totally anonymous while surrounded by energy.

Manhattan is incredibly easy to navigate thanks to its grid system. You can spend an entire day walking from Central Park down to Greenwich Village.

From Broadway "single seats" (often sold at a discount!) to counter-dining at iconic spots like Chelsea Market, the city is built for people moving at their own pace. Plus, with the city being so well-lit and busy, it’s a very comfortable place to explore after dark.

Where to stay?

📍Pod 39

Tucked away in Murray Hill, you’re just a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal. It’s a slightly quieter, "safer" feeling neighbourhood than the chaos of Times Square, but still walking distance to the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

Rooms are tiny, but they’re designed specifically for solo travellers. The hotel has a fantastic rooftop bar with views of the skyline. With 24-hour security and a "digital-first" check-in, it feels very secure for anyone travelling alone for the first time.

HANOI

This is the ultimate city for solo dining. You can pull up a tiny plastic stool at a sidewalk stall, grab a bowl of world-class Pho or Bun Cha for a couple of pounds, and feel completely part of the action. There's zero "table for one" awkwardness here.

The Old Quarter is a maze of 36 historic streets, each dedicated to a different trade. It is incredibly atmospheric and easy to explore on foot.

Your money goes far here. From high-quality coffee for less than £1 to affordable private tours to Ha Long Bay, it’s a dream destination for independent travellers who want a luxury experience on a budget.

Where to stay?

📍San Premium Hotel

It’s a local boutique brand, so you get a lot more for your money. You can often find this for around £20-£25 a night, which is great value for a 4-star rated spot. Located in the Old Quarter, you’re walking distance of everything.

It’s known for being very quiet despite being central, and the staff are famously helpful with booking transfers or local tours.

MADRID

In Madrid, you don't need a dinner reservation. Solo travellers can hop from bar to bar, ordering a "caña" (small beer) and a tapa at the counter. It’s the most social way to eat alone in Europe.

Madrid is famously a late-night city, and even at 2:00 AM, the streets are full of people and feel very safe.

With the "Golden Triangle" of art museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen) and the massive Retiro Park, there is endless space for solo wandering.

Where to stay?

📍ibis budget Madrid Centro Lavapies

You are near the Lavapiés Metro station. Even better, you can walk to the Reina Sofía Museum in 5 minutes! While Lavapiés is vibrant, this hotel is right on a main street with a 24-hour front desk. It’s always busy, meaning you aren't walking down deserted streets at night.

Like the "hub" hotels in the UK, the rooms here are compact but very clever. You get great Wi-Fi, a proper shower, and if you’re lucky, a room with a little terrace overlooking the city.

BALI

Bali is famously safe and welcoming. The local culture is built on deep-rooted values of respect and kindness, meaning solo travellers often feel more comfortable here than in many European capitals.

You’ll never actually be "alone" unless you want to be. Whether you’re at a yoga class in Ubud or a beach club in Canggu, the island is packed with other solo explorers and digital nomads.

You don't need to worry about navigating confusing bus routes. Apps like Grab or Gojek allow you to book a motorbike taxi or a private car for pennies, and most people speak excellent English in the main hubs.

Where to stay?

📍ibis Styles Bali Legian

You’re in a brilliant central spot in Legian, tucked between the buzz of Kuta and the trendy vibes of Seminyak. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the beach and surrounded by hundreds of affordable local "warungs" (eateries).

The hotel has a bright, modern, and very clean feel. The pool area is a great social spot to relax without the "party hostel" noise, and the rooms have everything you need: strong AC, fast Wi-Fi, and a proper safety deposit box for your passport and gadgets. There is 24-hour security and a professional front desk team.

CAPE TOWN

South Africans are famously friendly, and in Cape Town, you’ll find a massive community of solo travellers and digital nomads.

Getting around is incredibly easy! Cape Town’s Uber network is cheap and reliable, and the MyCiTi bus system is a breeze to use. Plus, everyone speaks English, so navigating the city is completely stress-free.

From the penguins at Boulders Beach to the colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap, the city is packed with iconic "sights. You don't need a group to enjoy the V&A Waterfront or a ferry trip to Robben Island.

Where to stay?

📍Mojo Hotel

The hotel is located in Sea Point, right on the "Promenade" (great for a sunset walk) and just a 10-minute Uber from the city centre or the beaches of Clifton.

They offer "crash pads" and "studio pods", compact, modern rooms that are way more private and stylish than a hostel but much cheaper than a standard hotel room.

There’s a huge rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the ocean and the mountains, and the 24-hour security and front desk mean you’re in safe hands around the clock.

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