Travelling alone can reveal more than just a new city. With no one else’s itinerary to follow, solo travel is something of a quiet rebellion against routine, a lesson in listening to your own instincts, and an invitation to move through the world on your own terms. Quite enticing, if you ask us.
Whether it’s a long lunch in Lisbon, a quiet walk through Kyoto, or a beachside morning in Lagos, these destinations aren’t just beautiful — they’re places where solitude feels like a luxury, not a compromise. Here, our edit of the best places for solo travel, whether you’re looking for a chic city break, or a natural escape.
For quiet introspection: Kyoto, Japan
With a slightly older feel and slower pace to Tokyo, Kyoto is a city that invites presence. Start your day early at Nanzen-ji Temple or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (before the crowds), then follow the Philosopher’s Path through cherry-lined canals. There’s plenty of great shopping if you feel so inclined, and when it’s time for dinner Kyoto’s intimate kappo-style dining — where the chef prepares and serves dishes in front of you — is ideal for solo guests. You might also opt to stay in a traditional machiya townhouse for the full, serene immersion.
For a city break: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the kind of city where solitude feels chic, not strange. Spend your mornings cycling along the canals, then stop for pastries at Atelier September or coffee at Prolog. You could easily spend hours in the Danish Design Museum or, if the weather permits, pull up a towel and bask in the warmth at La Banchina. Then, make your way to Vestorboro and get lost wandering the shops, before dining solo at a natural wine bar.
For a coastal vibe: Lagos, Portugal
A lesser-known gem along the Algarve coast, Lagos balances laid-back beach culture with cobbled charm. The beaches are a surfers paradise, and the town’s walkable centre is perfect for solo explorers — cobbled streets, terracotta rooftops, and quiet cafés pouring local wine. End your day with grilled sardines at a seaside tavern, watching the sun set as you dine.
For creative energy: Seoul, South Korea
Buzzing, stylish, and open just about 24/7, Seoul is made for solo travel. Browse the ample selection of local designers, unwind in a Korean bathhouse, or spend the day hopping between cafés with interiors that feel pulled straight from Architectural Digest. Solo dining culture is also normal here — whether it’s street-side tteokbokki or tasting menus in a hidden bulgogi (Korean barbecue).
For an unexpected escape: Theth, Albania
Tucked deep in the Albanian Alps, Theth is a village that feels like it belongs to another time. It’s also the starting point for one of the Balkans’ most beautiful hikes: the Theth-to-Valbona trail, a scenic mountain pass that draws countless independent travellers each summer. At night, if you feel like socialising, guesthouses in the area serve dinner family-style — warm bread, slow stews, local wine — where conversations stretch long after dark. For those seeking solitude, but open to soft connection, Theth is a place that gives you both.
For local solitude: Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
Tasmania’s East coast — and Freycinet Peninsula in particular — is almost surreal in its beauty. If you’re feeling up to it, hike up Mount Amoss and take in the most breathtaking view of Wineglass bay, or pack a picnic and a great book and seek out solitude at one of the many beachside spots. With minimal phone service and maximum space, it’s a destination that invites you to unplug and go inward.
