Best Solo Travel Destinations for First-Timers: Beginner-Friendly guide

Solo travel can be life-changing, but picking the right beginner travel destinations is crucial. The best spots are safe, easy to explore, and full of ways to meet fellow travelers. Here are the top solo travel destinations—perfect for first-timers—along with the 5 best things to do in each city.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

Extremely safe, efficient public transport, and a mix of traditional and futuristic experiences. Many restaurants cater to solo diners!

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Explore Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku – Experience Tokyo’s iconic scramble crossing and quirky fashion in Takeshita Street.

2. Visit Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest temple, perfect for culture and street food.

3. Eat at a Ramen or Sushi Bar – Try Ichiran Ramen (solo booths) or conveyor-belt sushi at Genki Sushi.

4. Wander Shinjuku at Night – Check out Golden Gai’s tiny bars or the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho.

5. Day Trip to Akihabara – A must for anime, gaming, and electronics lovers.

Pro Tip: Get a Suica/Pasmo card for easy metro access.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

Affordable, friendly locals, great hostels, and walkable streets with stunning viewpoints.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Ride Tram 28 – A scenic (and bumpy) ride through Lisbon’s historic districts.

2. Visit Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery – Stunning UNESCO sites (try the famous pastéis de Belém nearby).

3. Explore Alfama’s Streets – Get lost in Lisbon’s oldest district and listen to Fado music.

4. Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – The best free viewpoint in the city.

5. Day Trip to Sintra – Visit Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.

Pro Tip: Buy a Lisbon Card for unlimited transport and discounts.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

Cheap, safe, and packed with culture, food, and nature—plus a strong backpacker scene.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Visit Doi Suthep Temple – A stunning golden temple with panoramic city views.

2. Take a Thai Cooking Class – Learn to make pad thai and curry (try Zabb E Lee or Thai Farm Cooking School).

3. Elephant Sanctuary Visit – Ethical sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park let you feed/bathe elephants.

4. Sunday Night Market (Walking Street) – Street food, handmade crafts, and live performances.

5. Explore Old City Temples – Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are must-sees.

Pro Tip: Rent a scooter (if confident) or use Grab (Asia’s Uber) for cheap rides.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

One of the safest countries in the world, English widely spoken, and breathtaking nature.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon – Relax in geothermal hot springs.

2. Golden Circle Tour – See Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.

3. Chase the Northern Lights (Winter) – Join a tour for the best chances.

4. Explore Hallgrímskirkja & Harpa – Reykjavik’s iconic church and concert hall.

5. Try Icelandic Hot Dogs (Bæjarins Beztu) – A cheap and famous local snack.

Pro Tip: Book tours via Guide to Iceland for solo-friendly group trips.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

Vibrant, social, and full of art, beaches, and nightlife.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Sagrada Família & Park Güell – Gaudí’s surreal architectural masterpieces.

2. Stroll La Rambla & La Boqueria Market – Try fresh juices and tapas.

3. Relax at Barceloneta Beach – Perfect for sunbathing and people-watching.

4. Explore Gothic Quarter – Medieval streets, hidden plazas, and cool bars.

5. Watch a Flamenco Show – Los Tarantos offers affordable performances.

Pro Tip: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas—use a cross-body bag.

6. Melbourne, Australia

Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:

Laid-back, multicultural, and packed with cafes, street art, and events.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Hosier Lane & AC/DC Lane – Instagram-worthy street art.

2. Queen Victoria Market – Food, souvenirs, and local vibes.

3. Great Ocean Road Day Trip – See the Twelve Apostles.

4. Brunch in Fitzroy – Trendy cafes like Industry Beans.

5. Watch Penguins at St Kilda Pier – Free little penguins at sunset.

Pro Tip: Free tram zone in the city center—no need to pay for short rides!

These beginner travel destinations offer the perfect mix of safety, adventure, and social vibes.

Final Solo Travel Tips:

✔ Stay in hostels (like Generator Hostels in Europe or Lub d in Bangkok) to meet people.

✔ Use apps (Google Maps, Meetup, Couchsurfing) for navigation and socializing.

✔ Trust your gut—if a place feels unsafe, leave.

✔ Start with short trips (4-7 days) to build confidence.