Top 10 Cities to Visit Solo!
There are many occasions where traveling with friends or family isn't feasible. Considering the spontaneity of life and the limitations of time, waiting for others to join you isn't the always the best course of action. It is my highest recommendation that everyone take at least one solo trip in their life. Exploring the world alone with provides a unique interpretation of society and culture. Below I have listed places that have allowed me a safe, interesting environment to explore.
*Prices are approximately and based on 2017 rates.
1. Paris, France
France is the most visited country in the world. The city of Paris receives placement on this list due to it's easy transportation, it’s level of English proficiency, and it’s variety in activities. Paris is extremely attractive to those going solo as activities here can be enjoyed in solitude, such as touring the Louvre Museum, having breakfast with giraffes at the Park du Zoologique, or shopping at the Forum des Halles.
Activities:
Parc Zoologique de Paris - $56.93
Forum Des Halles - Free
Conciergerie - $9.59
2. London, England
This location is somewhat of a given. Adjusting from America is a breeze as it is obviously English friendly. London, much like Paris, offers easy navigation for train travel. The tube is much more expansive than Paris's Metro. Food options are varied but pretty much the same as America (I do not recommend the famed fish and chips). This location is best for those who are not partial to any particular weather as it can be very rainy or cloudy here.
Activities:
Sea Life London Aquarium - $22.56
Hyde Park - Free
Borough Market - Free
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a history lover's dream! What makes this location really great is that even though the national language is German, it is extremely English friendly! Berlin tops my list of favorite cities due to the unparralleled hospitality of it's citizens, the affordability of it's accomodations, and it's honest approach to history. People in Berlin are generally very friendly which proves beneficial for a solo traveller looking for directions or guidance. It is not outside the realm of possibility to be invited out by a stranger or two.
Activities:
German Spy Museum - $14 approx.
Topography of Fear - Free
Berlin Wall Memorial - Free
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Recently mentioned by Nicki Minaj, this city offers great architectural sites and a great views. Many sightseeing locations are metro accessible, which is great considering how inexpensive the metro is. The crowded streets offer numerous restaurants to eat. This is definitely a city that delivers on cuisine.
Activities:
Centrum Chodov - Free
Palladium - Free
Charles Bridge - Free
5. Lviv, Ukraine
Lviv exemplifies the best that Europe has to offer. Cobblestone streets are lined with bright buildings and restaurants with delicious offerings.
Activities:
Beer Culture Experience Lviv - $2
Old Town - Free
National Museum of Natural History - $3
6. Ollantaytambo, Peru
Anyone interested in the countryside and rural life will enjoy ollantaytambo. This small town in Peru provides a rich Native American cultural experience for all that visit.
Activities:
Awana Kancha - $5 (outside of Ollantaytambo, in Cusco)
Terrace of Pumatallis - $20
Pumamarca Ruins - $3
7. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the few cities that can be enjoyed by a solo, couple, or family travelers. It is very unique in that it has many activities to offer that can be enjoyed individually or as a group.
Activities:
Hyde Park - Free
Taronga Zoo - $41.40
Pitt Street Mall - Free
8. Porto, Portugal
This city is bustling with culture! Porto has many amazing views for sightseeing. Porto offers a very relaxed, yet comfortable, at-home vibe. Here, everyday feels like Friday. No matter where you are in Porto, everything seems nearby. The metro system is easy to navigate and very simplistic as it uses alphabetic coding.
Activities:
Avenue of Allies - Free
Rua Das Flores - Free
Crystal Palace Gardens - Free
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has recently begun to gain a reputation of being a “New Vegas”, if you will. Futuristic, modern, and innovative are all used to describe this solo-friendly place. From my experience there, these adjectives are rightfully deserved! There are a plethora of things to do in Dubai, all of which can be done solo.
Activities:
Dubai Mall - Free
Zabeel Park - Free
Mall of Emirates - Free
10. Amman, Jordan
A great city that will allow you to experience an extremely different culture within a safe space. Jordan as a country is extremely friendly. To give a comparison, Amman was more liberal than Cairo but less liberal than Dubai. Everyone I encountered welcomed me to the country and gave me honest help and recommendations. While there is no formal train system, Ubers are plentiful. This is the best way to travel and the only way I recommend to travel, unless you have a personal driver (which is very possible and easy to attain).
Activities:
Petra - $70 (This is outside of Amman, in Wadi Musa)
Temple of Hercules - $4
Rainbow Street - Free