Traveling solo is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows for personal growth, freedom, and adventure. But one of the best parts of solo travel is the opportunity to meet new people—whether locals, fellow travelers, or other like-minded adventurers. Some cities are especially welcoming and vibrant for solo travelers looking to connect. These destinations have a lively social scene, friendly locals, and plenty of opportunities for you to meet others. Here’s a curated list of the best cities for solo travelers to make new friends and forge connections.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for solo travelers, and for good reason. The city is known for its vibrant atmosphere, relaxed vibe, and numerous social hubs. From beach parties to tapas bars and cultural festivals, Barcelona offers countless opportunities to meet people in a laid-back setting.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Barcelona is home to several hostels that cater specifically to solo travelers. Popular spots like Kabul Hostel or St. Christopher’s Inn are known for their friendly, social atmospheres.
- Cafés and Bars: Try El Born or Gracia for neighborhoods brimming with cozy cafés and trendy bars where locals and tourists mingle. La Barceloneta is also famous for its beachside hangouts.
- Group Tours and Activities: Take part in walking tours or food tours to meet fellow travelers. Join a cooking class or a wine tasting for a fun, interactive way to meet people.
Tips for Connecting:
- Attend local meetups or events on apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing.
- Join a group hike to Montserrat or explore the Park Guell for both natural beauty and socializing.
2. Dublin, Ireland
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Dublin is one of Europe’s most solo traveler-friendly cities, with its warm-hearted locals, easy-going pub culture, and extensive social opportunities. Whether you’re chatting with locals at a pub or bonding with fellow travelers on a literary tour, Dublin offers a welcoming environment for anyone traveling alone.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Traditional Irish Pubs: Pubs are the heart of Dublin’s social scene. Don’t miss The Temple Bar for a lively atmosphere, or The Long Hall, a historic pub with a cozy vibe. Irish pub culture is all about conversation, so don’t hesitate to strike up a chat with a local.
- Walking Tours: Join one of Dublin’s famous walking tours (like a literary tour or historical walking tour) to meet other travelers and learn more about the city.
- Cultural Events and Festivals: Dublin is home to frequent cultural festivals, such as the Dublin Fringe Festival and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which provide great opportunities to meet fellow travelers and locals alike.
Tips for Connecting:
- Use the Couchsurfing app to find locals who are open to meeting up and sharing tips on the best spots in town.
- Join a music jam session or attend a comedy show—both are great ways to connect with locals and fellow travelers in a relaxed environment.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most culturally rich and diverse cities, and it’s incredibly welcoming to solo travelers. The city has an eclectic arts scene, world-class coffee culture, and friendly locals who are always eager to chat. With plenty of cafes, bars, and cultural events, it’s easy to meet people from all over the world.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Laneways and Cafés: Melbourne is famous for its café culture, especially in the laneways around Hosier Lane and Degraves Street. Cafés are excellent places to strike up a conversation with fellow solo travelers or locals.
- Events and Festivals: Melbourne hosts a range of festivals throughout the year, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. These are great places to meet other like-minded travelers.
- Backpacker Hostels: There are plenty of social hostels in Melbourne, such as The Nunnery or Base Backpackers, where solo travelers can connect over shared activities and social events.
Tips for Connecting:
- Join a local walking tour to explore the city and meet others who are also new to Melbourne.
- Take a class in something uniquely Melbourne—like a street art tour or coffee-making workshop—for a chance to learn something new and meet new friends.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis known for its incredible street food, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture. As a popular stop for travelers exploring Southeast Asia, Bangkok has a large backpacker community, making it an ideal city for solo travelers to meet others. Whether you’re exploring temples, cruising the river, or visiting night markets, there’s always someone to talk to in this dynamic city.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Khao San Road: Known as the backpacker hub of Bangkok, Khao San Road is a lively street lined with hostels, bars, and street vendors. It’s easy to meet fellow travelers here.
- Chatuchak Market: This enormous weekend market is not only a great place to explore, but it’s also a place where tourists and locals alike gather. Take your time shopping and striking up conversations with vendors or fellow shoppers.
- Cooking Classes and Tours: Participate in a traditional Thai cooking class or food tour to learn more about the culture and meet others who are passionate about food and travel.
Tips for Connecting:
- Visit backpacker-friendly hostels like The Yard Hostel or Lub d Bangkok for great opportunities to meet people from around the world.
- Use apps like Couchsurfing to meet locals who are open to showing you around or grabbing a drink.
5. New Orleans, USA
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
New Orleans is known for its vibrant music scene, festive atmosphere, and welcoming culture. Whether you’re strolling through the French Quarter, exploring its rich history, or enjoying live jazz, you’ll quickly find that the locals are happy to chat and share recommendations.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Frenchmen Street: If you’re into music, head to Frenchmen Street where you can enjoy live jazz and blues in intimate venues. The music scene is perfect for meeting locals and fellow travelers.
- Café du Monde: This iconic spot for beignets and coffee is a great place to meet other travelers and locals alike. Sit at the communal tables and strike up a conversation.
- Backpacker Hostels: Hostels like The Garden District Hostel or HI New Orleans are great places to meet fellow solo travelers, join group outings, or take part in social events organized by the hostel.
Tips for Connecting:
- Take a local walking tour to learn about the history of New Orleans and meet others along the way.
- Don’t miss the French Quarter Festival or Mardi Gras if you’re in town during those times—these festivals offer a fantastic chance to mingle with both locals and travelers.
6. Reykjavík, Iceland
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Iceland’s capital is small, but incredibly friendly. Reykjavík has a reputation for being safe, welcoming, and perfect for solo travelers who want to explore a unique destination. From geothermal spas to the Northern Lights, Iceland offers plenty of breathtaking experiences, and Reykjavík is a great base for meeting others and sharing your adventures.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Café Culture: Icelanders love their coffee, and Reykjavík’s cafés are excellent places to meet people. Popular spots like Mokka Kaffi or Kaffibrennslan attract both locals and travelers.
- Public Baths: Iceland’s hot springs and public baths are an integral part of daily life. Visiting places like Laugardalslaug or Blue Lagoon can be a relaxing way to meet locals or fellow adventurers.
- Small Hostels and Guesthouses: Reykjavík is home to small, cozy hostels where travelers often bond over shared kitchens or social spaces. Reykjavík Downtown Hostel is known for its sociable vibe.
Tips for Connecting:
- Join group tours to explore Iceland’s natural wonders like the Golden Circle, where you’ll have the chance to meet other travelers in a group setting.
- Attend one of the many live music events in Reykjavík—there’s always a great gig happening at venues like Harpa Concert Hall or Húrra.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Lisbon has become a hot spot for solo travelers in recent years, thanks to its friendly locals, affordable prices, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re walking through historic neighborhoods like Alfama or enjoying a sunset over the Tagus River, Lisbon has a unique charm that makes it easy to strike up conversations with both locals and fellow tourists.
Top Spots to Meet People:
- Hostels: Lisbon has a variety of vibrant hostels where travelers from all over the world gather. The Independente Hostel and Yes! Lisbon Hostel offer opportunities for socializing through daily events like walking tours and pub crawls.
- Miradouros (viewpoints): Lisbon is filled with stunning viewpoints like **Miradouro da
Senhora do Monte** or Miradouro de Santa Catarina, which are great places to meet fellow travelers while watching the sunset.
- Fado Bars: Experience the soulful music of Fado in a traditional Lisbon bar, where you can connect with locals over food, drink, and music.
Tips for Connecting:
- Take part in food tours or Port wine tastings—these activities provide an easy way to meet fellow solo travelers and locals who share your interests.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for lively nightlife, cultural events, or just a friendly place to sit and chat, these cities offer great opportunities for solo travelers to meet new people and forge lasting connections. The key is to stay open, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace the social side of travel—whether it’s chatting with locals, joining group tours, or attending local events. Happy travels!
