The Best Places to Solo Travel in 2025

For some, traveling solo is the best way to see the world. You get to go according to your own schedule, see museums at your own pace, and, really, be the person you want to be. Today at Civitatis, we’re looking at the best solo travel destinations, taking into account the opinions of lots of us here at the office. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler, or you’re looking to see the world by yourself for the first time—we’ve got you covered!

1. Colombia – For the Adventurous

An increasingly popular tourist destination, Colombia has become somewhat of a favorite for solo travelers. With a vibrant culture, spectacular beaches, incredible cuisine, and much more, it’s no real surprise that this Latin American gem has gained such recognition.

Medellín

The City of Eternal Spring (with a year-round average temperature of 22°C/72°F), Medellín is Colombia’s top destination for solo travelers and digital nomads alike. All over the city, though especially in El Poblado and Laurales you’ll find great hostels and other accommodation options geared toward travelers, On one hand, this means that certain parts of the city can feel quite touristy. However, Medellín has still managed to maintain its flair of authentic culture and charm. Most travelers will stick to the areas of Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles, though there are plenty of barrios to explore.

A fascinating part of the city which is definitely worth visiting is Comuna 13—once arguably the most dangerous area in the world, Comuna 13 has undergone an incredible transformation and is now commonly frequented by tourists, primarily to see its wonderful street art. See it for yourself on this Comuna 13 Free Walking Tour—or, for a more general impression of the city, get a taste of the city’s key landmarks on this Medellín Free Walking Tour.

Outside of the city, the rest of the Antioquia region (of which Medellín is part) offers a wide variety of fantastic day trips. Our favorite is this day trip to Guatapé, which includes a stop at El Peñón de Guatapé—an incredible 200-meter (650 ft) monolith, which you can climb to the top of, to enjoy incredible views of the Peñol Reservoir.

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Cartagena de Indias

If you’re looking for more of a beach holiday, we recommend making your way to the port city of Cartagena de Indias—about a one-hour flight from Medellín. As well as having beautiful white beaches and being in close proximity to numerous Caribbean islands, this historic town boasts some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the continent, which you can see as part of this Historic Centre & Getsemaní Neighbourhood Free Tour, during which you’ll get to see and learn about some of the city’s most famed landmarks and monuments.

Make the most of the city’s location by taking a cruise, like this Sunset Cruise of the Bay, or this Cholón Island Boat Party.

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2. Thailand – For a Tropical Escape

Another fairly classic solo-travel destination, Thailand is the next entry on our list. Truly, it is a country with something for everyone, from bustling cities to serene islands, all coming at affordable prices. With Civitatis, you can get a taste of it all on this Thailand 8-Day Tour Package, from the cultural heritage of Ayutthaya to the breathtaking natural beauty of Chiang Mai—a great option for solo travelers looking to make friends.

Bangkok

Bustling markets, delicious street food, ornate temples, and one of the world’s most exciting nightlife—Bangkok is a solo traveler’s paradise! When you first arrive, we recommend hopping aboard this Bangkok Tourist Bus, which will bring you around most of the city’s major areas and landmarks, including Chinatown, Wat Pho, and the Golden Buddha. It’s definitely worth taking the time to enjoy a tour of the Grand Palace—one of the country’s architectural treasures.

For the athletes (and, perhaps, thrill seekers) amongst you, it’s definitely worth checking out this traditional Thai boxing (Muay Thai) class. This quintessential Thai sport carries various elements of traditional Thai culture, such as the Wai Khru dance, which you’ll learn more about as part of the lesson.

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Phuket

If big cities aren’t really your thing… don’t worry. A 90-minute flight from Bangkok, Phuket is home to some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. There, you can chill out on one of the 30+ beaches on the island, go jet skiing to Phang Nga Bay, visit an elephant sanctuary and much more.

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3. Greece – For the History Buffs

Greece is yet another destination that offers boatloads of both culture and leisure. Whether you’re after a selfie atop the Acropolis, some delicious souvlaki, or a hike through luscious forests, there’s lots to do on a solo vacation in Greece.

Athens

What can be said about Athens that hasn’t been said before? In this buzzy historic city, there is so much to see, and so much to do. Of course, no trip to the Greek capital city is complete without a visit to the Athens Acropolis, home of the world-famous Parthenon.

However, what makes Athens (and Greece as a whole) such an undeniable solo travel destination is the hospitality! Whether you’re enjoying the nightlife scene along Kolokotroni Street, or simply eating in a local restaurant, you’re sure to experience the famous Greek hospitality and have some interesting conversations with locals. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your itinerary, be sure to check out our list of the 10 Best Things to Do in Athens.

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Go island hopping!

If soaking in the sun is more your style, island hopping in Greece is probably the option for you. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Rhodes are the most popular options, with each providing something different. The best, and easiest way to experience Greek islands is with this 7-Day Greek Island Tour, which includes stops in Santorini, Paros & Naxos.

4. Japan – For Both Futuristic and Traditional Experiences

For solo travelers on a quest for self-discovery and exploration, Japan might just be your best bet. Boasting a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ will not disappoint. With its low crime rate, famous hospitality, and efficient public transport system, Japan is a terrific option for first-time solo travelers and seasoned veterans alike. Japan is also very highly rated specifically for female solo travelers, largely due to its low crime rate.

Tokyo

Most likely, you’ll arrive in Japan via an airport in Tokyo, and it would be silly not to make the most of this incredible city—a cultural hub, home to vibrant festivals, staggering skyscrapers, historic temples, world-class cuisine, and much more. What doesn’t Tokyo have?

To get a taste of the city’s nightlife, visit Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji—this district is home to a wide selection of small local establishments scattered on top of each other, with a number of trendy bars and restaurants which make it a fantastic hangout area for tourists and locals alike. You can visit it for yourself at this Tokyo Pub Crawl, during which you can taste some traditional drinks and make some new friends along the way. Another fantastic place to visit is Shinjuku Golden Gai. This district in central Tokyo is similarly arranged, composed of various narrow streets, each lined with shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries, each with its own unique theme and vibe. Kampai!

If you’re more culturally inclined, it’s definitely worth checking out this Tourist Bus Tour, which will bring you to the main temples, gardens, and other landmarks in the city, giving you the chance to explore the ones that interest you! For some more activities to fill your itinerary, check out our Top 8 Things to Do in Tokyo.

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The Kansai Region

We’d then recommend making your way down to the Kansai region, which includes (among others) the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, which are in close proximity and between which you can travel using this Kansai Travel Pass.

The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country, and for good reason. Considered to be the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto did not suffer from large-scale destruction during World War II, meaning that it retained much of its traditional architecture. When you’re there, be sure to check out the Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most iconic temples in Japan. Kyoto is also notorious for its incredible cuisine. The area of Gion is home to a number of top-class restaurants, and somewhere where you may spot Geisha walking to and from work!

5. Ireland – For Natural Beauty and ‘the Craic’

The land of a hundred thousand welcomes, Ireland is famed worldwide for its wonderful hospitality as well as its pub culture, making it the perfect spot for a solo trip. That said, if drinking in the pubs isn’t you’re thing, Ireland has a lot more to offer, from cultural experiences to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Dublin

Most visitors will begin their exploration of the Emerald Isle in the country’s capital: Dublin. Boasting a long literary tradition, buckets of cultural heritage, and fascinating history, Dublin is a city with a lot to be discovered. Visit the GPO, one of the key sites of the 1916 Easter Rising, a key moment in the Irish revolutionary period. Learn more about the city’s history as part of the free walking tour of Dublin.

Dublin also provides plenty of opportunities to make friends, boasting an incredible pub scene. One of the most commonly frequented spots is the famous Temple Bar, which you can discover as part of this Dublin Pub Crawl. In this area, you’ll stumble across various pubs playing live music, from traditional tunes to modern classics!

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Discover Ireland’s Wild West

Of course, there is a lot more to Ireland than Dublin City. When visiting Ireland, we recommend making your way to the west, to discover Ireland’s famous, epic countryside. One of our favorite areas, which in some ways epitomizes the west of Ireland is Connemara. With strong links to Irish culture, much of Connemara is a Gaeltacht area (Irish-speaking), making it the perfect place to get in contact with the native culture, and maybe even learn a few words. On this Connemara Tour, you can discover this area for yourself, enjoying wonderful ocean views, landscapes, and abbeys along the way!

6. Costa Rica – Experience ‘Pura Vida’

Costa Rica is another very popular destination for solo travelers, with 29.9% of visitors traveling alone according to recent statistics released by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. One of the safest countries in Latin America, this Central American gem is a good starting point for your solo adventures in this part of the world.

San José

Located in the center of Costa Rica, the country’s capital of San José is a city from which you can base yourself for your trip, leaving you with plenty of day trip options, and a bustling city at your doorstep, with world-class museums, beautiful architecture, and incredible nightlife. However, once you’ve discovered the city on a free tour of San José and explored a little bit, we recommend making your way out of the Costa Rican capital, to discover the country’s famous natural environs.

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La Fortuna

While San José is a lovely city, and a convenient place to base yourself on a trip to Costa Rica, we recommend enjoying a couple of days in San José before making your way to La Fortuna, an area that has become a hub for adventure activities.

Among numerous activities you can enjoy in this area is this Arenal Volcano Tour + Thermal Pools activity, during which you’ll get the chance to truly immerse yourself in nature as you relax surrounded by incredible tropical vegetation. If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, you might consider going rafting in La Fortuna. Get your blood pumping in the tropical Costa Rican countryside, and make new friends along the way!

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7. Spain – For a Cultural Experience

Back to Europe for this next entry. Spain is one of the best countries to explore on a solo trip, for its fantastic public transport system, vibrant social scene wildly diverse culture.

Madrid

Most visitors will start their Spanish experience in the nation’s capital, Madrid. This modern European, yet authentically Spanish city is a top destination to visit in the capital, and for good reason. A massive range of incredible restaurants all across the city, a buzzy social scene with a number of bars and nightclubs, wonderful museums… Madrid has it all. The best way to get a feel for the city is with this free walking tour of Madrid, during which you’ll pass by some of the city’s major landmarks such as the Opera House, San Miguel Market, the Royal Palace, and more.

A visit to Madrid isn’t complete without a visit to the Prado Museum (check out our skip-the-line guided tour of the Prado), home to an incredible selection of masterpieces by Goya, Dalí, Raphael, Bosche and many more. For a slightly less cultural (but equally important) experience, discover Madrid’s famous nightlife on this Madrid Pub Crawl, which will bring you some of the city’s coolest bars—this is a great way to make some new friends!

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Granada

Where you choose to travel after Madrid is totally up to you. Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and Seville are all cities that immediately come to mind and are more than worth a visit. However, our favorite city to visit in Spain is probably Granada. The best attraction in the city is undoubtedly the Alhambra. This palace complex which dates to the 13th and 14th centuries is recognised as being one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. See it for yourself, alongside the palace’s gardens and the Nasrid palaces as part of this guided tour of the Alhambra.

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There you have it, our top solo travel destinations here at Civitatis. What top spot did we miss? What is your #1 solo travel destination? Comment below! Regardless of where you’re traveling to, make the most of it by filling your itinerary with tours & activities with Civitatis.