Traveling alone for the first time can feel exciting, empowering, and a little intimidating. The good news? You’re not alone. Solo travel is one of the fastest-growing travel trends of 2025, especially among Gen Z, millennials, digital nomads, and adventurous souls craving independence.
Whether you’re flying solo to reflect, explore, or just escape the noise, choosing the right destination makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 best cities for first-time solo travelers in 2025 — each one safe, welcoming, walkable, and full of things to see, do, and eat.
Use our Flight Search Tool and Hotel Deals Finder to book your solo adventure quickly, affordably, and with confidence.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
- Why it’s perfect: Affordable, vibrant, safe, and packed with culture. Locals are friendly, and the city’s hills and coastlines invite exploration.
- Solo Tips: Stay in a hostel in Alfama or Bairro Alto to meet others. Ride Tram 28, eat pasteís de nata, and join a walking tour.
- Accommodation: Hostels from €25; boutique hotels from €55/night.
- Extra Tip: Explore nearby Cascais or Sintra on a solo day trip via train. Portugal’s coast is as accessible as it is breathtaking.
2. Berlin, Germany
- Why it’s perfect: A mecca for creativity, solo-friendly cafes, and rich history. Super walkable with excellent transport.
- Solo Tips: Explore museums on Museum Island, join a Berlin Wall history tour, or relax in Tempelhofer Feld.
- Accommodation: Shared rooms from €20; hotels from €60.
- Extra Tip: Berlin is also known for its thriving nightlife and LGBTQ+ inclusiveness. Check out local bars and clubs in Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
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3. Valencia, Spain
- Why it’s perfect: Beach + city + budget-friendly. Less crowded than Barcelona, but just as rich in culture.
- Solo Tips: Try a cooking class for paella, visit the futuristic City of Arts & Sciences, and rent a bike to explore Turia Park.
- Where to stay: Old Town hostels from €18/night; beach apartments from €50.
- Extra Tip: Take part in one of the many summer festivals, where you can easily mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
4. Florence, Italy
- Why it’s perfect: Small, walkable, full of beauty and solo-safe. Great for food, art, and easy day trips to Tuscany.
- Solo Tips: Visit galleries early, dine at the Mercato Centrale, and take a wine tour from the city.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels from €70; hostels with rooftop views from €30.
- Extra Tip: Consider taking a Florence cooking class or pasta-making workshop to meet other travelers.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
- Why it’s perfect: Storybook charm, friendly locals, and lots to see solo. Safe and very English-speaking traveler friendly.
- Solo Tips: Hike Arthur’s Seat, explore the Royal Mile, join a ghost tour, or read in a cozy café.
- Stay Options: Historic guesthouses from €45; boutique hostels in Old Town.
- Extra Tip: Visit during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August — the world’s largest arts festival.
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6. Budapest, Hungary
- Why it’s perfect: Affordable and photogenic, with thermal spas, riverside walks, and great backpacker vibes.
- Solo Tips: Relax in Széchenyi Baths, take a river cruise, and join a ruin pub crawl to meet people.
- Stay Smart: Dorms from €15/night; private rooms from €40.
- Extra Tip: Budapest is also known for having some of the best value-for-money dining in Europe. Try local favorites like goulash or chimney cake.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Why it’s perfect: Europe’s underrated gem. Peaceful, clean, and ideal for nature-loving solo travelers.
- Solo Tips: Wander along the Ljubljanica River, climb to the castle, or take a day trip to Lake Bled.
- Budget Friendly: Guesthouses from €35; boutique hotels under €80.
- Extra Tip: Join a free walking tour or explore the vibrant Central Market for an authentic local experience
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Why it’s perfect: Super safe, full of culture, and ideal for cycling solo. English is widely spoken.
- Solo Tips: Join a bike tour, cruise the canals, explore the Jordaan district, and enjoy solo museum visits.
- Where to Stay: Canal-side hostels from €30; boutique hotels from €75.
- Extra Tip: Check out local flea markets or vintage stores for unique finds and souvenirs.
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9. Athens, Greece
- Why it’s perfect: Ancient meets modern. Great solo base to explore history, food, and island day trips.
- Solo Tips: Visit the Acropolis early, walk Plaka at night, take a food tour, or ferry to Aegina.
- Stay Tip: Central apartments from €40; hostels with rooftop bars from €20.
- Extra Tip: Visit one of the many rooftop bars for stunning views and friendly solo traveler atmospheres.
10. Tokyo, Japan
- Why it’s perfect: The solo traveler capital of the world. Hyper-safe, organized, and surprisingly peaceful.
- Solo Tips: Explore solo dining (ramen counters!), visit Harajuku, stroll in Ueno Park, and enjoy capsule hotels.
- Hotel Ideas: Capsule hotels from €25; budget ryokans from €50.
- Extra Tip: Take a solo karaoke session or book a seat at a themed café for a uniquely Japanese experience.
What to Be Aware of When Traveling Solo
While solo travel is incredibly rewarding, it does come with unique responsibilities. Always be extra mindful of your surroundings, especially at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Keep your valuables secure (consider a money belt or anti-theft bag), and avoid flashing expensive tech or jewelry. Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. It’s also smart to share your itinerary with someone back home, and check in regularly. Be cautious when meeting new people — connect, but don’t overshare personal details or travel plans too quickly. Lastly, research common scams in your destination city so you know what to watch for. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your adventure safe and stress-free.
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How to Book Your Solo Trip (The Smart Way)
Use our travel tools to plan everything efficiently:
Flight Search Tool
- Search flexible dates and low-cost carriers
- Use “Everywhere” to explore cheap destinations
Hotel Deals Finder
- Compare hostels, hotels, and apartments
- Filter by solo-friendly stays, Wi-Fi, and location
Solo Travel Tips:
- Always carry a power bank + offline map
- Pack light (especially for carry-on-only flights)
- Join walking tours or hostel events to meet people
- Trust your instincts — safety first always
- Don’t overpack your schedule; embrace free time to explore at your pace
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo for the first time in 2025 doesn’t need to be intimidating. These cities are tried-and-true havens for independent travelers: they’re safe, exciting, and budget-friendly. Whether you want to relax, learn, party, or reflect, you’ll find the perfect fit in one of these destinations.
Solo travel opens doors to deep self-discovery, meaningful conversations with strangers, and unforgettable experiences. With the right mindset and tools, you’ll return more confident, capable, and inspired than ever before.
Ready to take the leap? Use our Flight Search Tool and Hotel Deals Finder to plan your solo trip today.
Because sometimes the best companion on your journey… is you. ✈️
