Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding things you do in your life. You choose where to go, when to eat, and how long to stay. But with hundreds of cities and countries to choose from, picking the right solo travel destinations is not easy, especially when you are going alone and every decision is yours to make. The good news is that TripAdvisor has done the hard work for you. Every year, they look at millions of reviews from real travelers to find the best places to visit.
So, where should you go in 2026? Here are the top 15 solo travel destinations to visit this year based on TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.
1. Dublin, Ireland
Ranked as the top solo travel destination in the world for 2026, this charming Irish capital is one of the easiest cities to explore on your own. You can spend a morning wandering around St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle, then follow the cobblestone streets down to Temple Bar in the evening. Don't miss the chance to grab a pint at one of the many pubs along Temple Bar and chat with the friendly locals over a drink.
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2. Berlin, Germany
Often described as one of the coolest cities in Europe, this German capital has something for just about every kind of traveler. If you are into history, you can spend a full day at the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate without running out of things to think about. When the sun goes down, the nightlife and live music scene here is hard to beat. Getting around on your own is easy too, thanks to a reliable and well-connected public transport system.
3. London, United Kingdom
With more things to do than you could fit into a month, this iconic British capital is a natural choice for solo travelers. If you are on a budget, you can spend days exploring world-class museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, all for free. Feeling hungry? The food scene here covers almost every cuisine you can think of, from street food markets to sit-down restaurants. The underground train network makes moving between neighborhoods quick and straightforward.
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4. Santiago, Chile
Sitting at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this modern South American capital is one of the most welcoming cities on the continent for solo travelers. You can spend your mornings exploring local markets and cultural spaces in the city center, then head up to San Cristóbal Hill in the afternoon for sweeping views over the whole city. If you enjoy wine, the Maipo Valley is just a short trip away and easy to visit on your own with a guided tour.
5. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Compact and full of character, this Scottish capital is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore on your own. You can follow the Royal Mile from top to bottom, stopping at Edinburgh Castle along the way, and feel like you have walked straight into a history book. If you want a bit of adventure, the climb up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano right in the middle of the city, rewards you with incredible views on a clear day. The Old Town's narrow, winding streets are also great for getting wonderfully lost.
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6. New York City, United States
There are very few cities in the world that match this place for energy and variety. On any given day, you can catch a free outdoor concert, wander through a street food market, or simply sit in Central Park and watch the city go by. Make sure to spend an afternoon in Brooklyn or Harlem too, where the vibe feels completely different from busy Midtown Manhattan. The subway runs around the clock, so you can explore freely at whatever pace suits you.
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Full of history and street life, this Vietnamese capital is a fascinating place for solo travelers who love culture and food. You can spend your first morning getting lost in the Old Quarter, where narrow streets, ancient temples, and local markets have barely changed in centuries. Starting the day with a bowl of phở at a small street-side café is something you will not forget. Don't skip a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in the afternoon, and make time for Hoa Lo Prison if you want to learn more about the city's fascinating past.
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8. Madrid, Spain
Warm, social, and full of art, this Spanish capital is one of the most welcoming cities in Europe for solo travelers. If you love art and culture, don't miss the Prado Museum and the nearby Reina Sofía, where you can see Picasso's famous Guernica up close. A stroll through the grand Royal Palace and a relaxing afternoon at El Retiro Park are also worth adding to your day. For football fans, a tour around the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium is a great way to round off your visit.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Named TripAdvisor's number one top destination in the world for 2026, this Indonesian island suits many different kinds of travelers. You can spend your days exploring lush rice terraces and ancient Hindu temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, or simply relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. If you prefer a quieter and more cultural trip, the Ubud area is the place to base yourself. For a livelier social scene, Seminyak and Canggu are popular spots where meeting other solo travelers is easy. It is also very affordable, which helps when you are budgeting for one.
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10. Cape Town, South Africa
Surrounded by mountains and ocean, this South African city is one of the most scenically impressive places in the world. You can take the cable car up Table Mountain for views that stretch as far as you can see, then head down to the V&A Waterfront for lunch, a boat trip, or a browse through the market stalls. If you want something a little unusual, a trip to Boulders Beach lets you get surprisingly close to a colony of African penguins. For a deeper look at the city's history, the District Six Museum is a moving and important stop.
11. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With its famous canals, bike-friendly streets, and relaxed atmosphere, this Dutch capital is one of Europe's most enjoyable cities for solo travel. If you enjoy art and history, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are both deeply worth your time, each in a very different way. You can also spend an afternoon renting a bicycle and following the canals at your own pace, stopping at cafés and independent shops in the charming Jordaan neighborhood whenever something catches your eye.
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12. Cusco, Peru
Sitting high in the Andes at about 3,400 meters above sea level, this ancient Peruvian city was once the heart of the Inca Empire and is a fascinating place to explore on your own. You can start at the Plaza de Armas, a beautiful colonial square built on top of ancient Inca foundations, and explore the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuamán on foot. From here, it is easy to join a day trip to the Sacred Valley or book a morning train to the legendary Machu Picchu. The local food markets are also worth visiting for affordable and authentic Peruvian meals.
13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A city of striking contrasts, this Emirati metropolis blends modern architecture with traditional Arabian culture in a way that is hard to find anywhere else. If you want to see what modern ambition looks like, a trip up the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, gives you views that stretch for miles on a clear day. If you prefer something more traditional, an afternoon in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or a wander through the Gold and Spice Souks offers a very different side of the city. Getting around on your own is straightforward thanks to a clean and efficient metro system.
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14. Corsica, France
For solo travelers who prefer nature over city life, this French island is one of the most rewarding places in Europe to explore. If you enjoy hiking, the GR20 trail is one of the most famous long-distance routes on the continent, taking you through dramatic mountain landscapes that feel far removed from the rest of the world. When you need a break from the trails, the coastline has beautiful beaches with clear turquoise water that rivals places much farther away. The slower pace of life, traditional food, and strong local culture also make it a great place to genuinely unwind.
15. Lisbon, Portugal
Sunny, affordable, and full of character, this Portuguese capital is a wonderful place to wrap up this list. You can spend your mornings hopping on the historic Tram 28, which winds through some of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in the city. There are colorful tiled buildings and sweeping viewpoints around almost every corner, making it one of the most photogenic capitals in Europe. In the evenings, find a small local restaurant, order a pastel de nata, and let the sound of fado music give you a real taste of what makes this city so special.
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