Best Cities for Solo Travel in 2026

Beginner | March 21, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Why Solo Travel Is Getting More Popular

Traveling alone used to sound a little lonely to some people. Now, it sounds exciting, flexible, and even empowering. A new Travel + Leisure article shared Tripadvisor’s latest list of the 25 best cities for solo travel, showing that more travelers are choosing to explore the world on their own (Travel + Leisure).

Dublin Takes the Top Spot

According to the ranking, Dublin, Ireland was named the No. 1 solo travel destination in the world. Travel + Leisure said Dublin stands out because its city center is compact, many attractions are easy to reach on foot, and the city has a friendly pub culture that helps conversations happen naturally (Travel + Leisure). The article also highlighted places like Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, the Guinness Storehouse, and Phoenix Park.

What Makes a City Good for Solo Travelers?

Tripadvisor said these awards are based on 12 months of review data from travelers around the world, and only a very small percentage of its more than 8 million listings receive the “Best of the Best” honor (Tripadvisor, Travel + Leisure). In simple terms, these cities earned strong praise from real visitors. For solo travelers, that usually means a place feels welcoming, easy to move around, interesting to explore, and comfortable to enjoy alone.

Europe Did Very Well on the List

The top five cities were Dublin, Berlin, London, Santiago, and Edinburgh (Travel + Leisure). Europe was especially strong on the list, with cities like Amsterdam, Lisbon, Prague, Barcelona, and Krakow also making the top 25. That suggests many solo travelers value walkable neighborhoods, public transportation, history, and city life that feels active but manageable.

Asia Also Offers Strong Solo Travel Choices

Asia had a solid showing too. Hanoi came in at No. 7, Bali at No. 9, Seoul at No. 18, and Toyosu, Japan at No. 21 (Travel + Leisure). A second Travel + Leisure article said Hanoi appeals to solo travelers because of its lively street food, layered history, and easy ways to enjoy the city at your own pace (Travel + Leisure). For many people in Asia, that part of the ranking may feel especially relatable.

Best Solo Travel Cities Reflect a New Mindset

The bigger story may be what this ranking says about modern travel. People do not always want a packed group tour or a rigid schedule. Many now want freedom, personal time, and the chance to discover a city on their own terms. The rise of the best solo travel cities shows that independence is becoming part of the travel experience itself. For many travelers, going alone is no longer a backup plan. It is the plan.

Vocabulary

solo (adjective) – done alone, without other people.
Example: She planned a solo trip to Europe for the first time.
empowering (adjective) – making someone feel stronger and more confident.
Example: Many people say solo travel is empowering.
compact (adjective) – small and easy to move around in.
Example: Dublin’s compact city center makes sightseeing easier.
attraction (noun) – a place that people visit for interest or enjoyment.
Example: The museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
walkable (adjective) – easy to explore on foot.
Example: Travelers often prefer a walkable city.
ranking (noun) – a list that shows position from best to worst.
Example: The new ranking included 25 cities from around the world.
manageable (adjective) – not too difficult to handle.
Example: The city feels busy, but still manageable for first-time visitors.
layered (adjective) – having many parts, levels, or influences.
Example: Hanoi has a layered history that travelers can explore.
independence (noun) – the ability to do things on your own.
Example: Solo travel gives many people a feeling of independence.
rigid (adjective) – very strict and not flexible.
Example: Some travelers do not want a rigid travel schedule.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do you think solo travel is becoming more popular?
What helped Dublin become the No. 1 city for solo travel?
What kind of features make a city comfortable for solo travelers?
Why do you think Europe had so many cities on the list?
What does this ranking say about modern travel habits?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Would you enjoy traveling alone? Why or why not?
What would make you feel safe and comfortable in a new city?
Do you prefer freedom when traveling, or a detailed plan?
What city would you choose for your first solo trip?
How can solo travel help someone grow personally?

Related Idiom

“Call the shots” – to make the decisions and stay in control.

Example: One reason people enjoy solo travel is that they can call the shots every day of the trip.

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This article was inspired by: Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, and Travel + Leisure.