This European City Was Just Named the No. 1 Solo Travel Destination in the World

Some things are better done alone. While travel is often marketed as something to do with your partner, friends, or family, traveling solo has some real perks. If you book a solo trip to Singapore in April, you know it’s going to happen and don’t have to listen to people’s excuses as they bail. Plus, you don’t have to worry if your travel companion is having fun or explain yourself if you want to change plans at the last minute. The appeal is real: according to a recent report by Kayak, 50 percent of Americans plan to travel alone this year.

But where are all these solo travelers going? Some destinations are better for solo travelers than others, but there’s a lot to consider when designating somewhere “solo travel friendly” — including safety and cost. Thankfully, the team at Kayak used their data to determine what destinations are getting high hotel ratings from solo travelers and where things like flights and lodging won’t break the bank. 

At the tippy top of the list is Berlin. Kayak gave the German city a solo travel score of 100 percent, recommending it to those interested in history, street art, and techno clubs. Berlin was also a standout when it comes to things like the cost per meal ($31) and the average hotel nightly rate ($168). It also has a high number of museums, concert halls, and theaters, meaning you’ll have plenty to do.

Second on the list is Vancouver, which is a great choice for those living in the Pacific Northwest. (The Canadian city is three hours by car from Seattle, so you don’t have to worry about flight prices.) Kayak gave Vancouver a solo travel score of 90 percent, recommending it for people interested in adventure, nature, and craft brews. The city stood out when it came to the average hotel rating from solo travelers, the relatively low spend per meal ($35), and the perception of safety.

Kayak’s full list is below:

1. Berlin 
2. Vancouver
3. Montreal
   The Canadian city has the second-highest perception of safety.
4. Paris
   The City of Light has the most museums, theaters, and concert halls (by far), and a low spend per meal ($33).
5. Milan
   Italy’s second most populous city has lots of museums, theaters, concert halls, and one of the lower average nightly rates ($212).
6. Dublin
   Ireland’s capital has a good average hotel rating for solo travelers and a low spend per meal ($35).
7. Toronto
8. Dubai
   This Emirati city has the best perception of safety (83.8) and the lowest average hotel nightly rate ($102).
9. Mexico City
   The capital of Mexico has the highest average hotel rating for solo travelers and a lower average hotel nightly rate ($146).
10. London
    England’s capital has a fairly low average hotel nightly rate ($266).