The World’s Top 10 Cities for Solo Travelers: Solo-Readiness Scores (SRS)

Last Updated on 14/09/2025

Traveling alone is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world. You set your own pace, choose your own adventures, and often discover more about yourself along the way. But not every city is equally suited for solo travelers. To make the choice easier, we created the Solo-Readiness Score (SRS) — a framework that evaluates cities across factors such as:

• After-dark safety

• Late-night arrival options

• Walkability

• Transit frequency

• Hostel or host social vibe

• Coworking access

• eSIM availability

• Card vs. cash usage

• Scam risk

• Solo-friendly dining

Each city receives a score from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) per category, resulting in an overall SRS rating.

Method & sources (how the SRS was built)

I combined qualitative knowledge with publicly available city metrics to create a weighted composite score (0–100). Main inputs used when estimating parameter scores:

• Safety / crime trends: Numbeo city safety/crime indices.

• Walkability / transit context: Walk Score / walkability guidance.

• Coworking supply (number & density of spaces): Coworker listings & map.

• eSIM availability / modern mobile options: Airalo (widespread country eSIM coverage).

• Hostel & solo travel behavior / social vibe: Hostelworld State of Solo Travel

Scoring method:

• Parameters (12) each scored 0–10 (10 = best for solo travel).

• Weights (sum = 1.00):

  • After-dark safety 0.15

  • Transit frequency 0.12

  • Walkability 0.10

  • Hostel/hostel-social vibe 0.10

  • Scam risk (inverse) 0.10

  • Coworking access 0.08

  • Late-night arrival options 0.07

  • Card vs cash (ease of paying) 0.05

  • Solo-friendly dining 0.05

  • English friendliness 0.05

  • Cost / affordability 0.05

  • eSIM availability 0.03

We then computed a weighted average from 0–10 and multiplied by 10 for a 0–100 SRS (rounded to one decimal).

Here are the top 10 cities worldwide for solo adventurers, complete with their scores and narratives.

1. Tokyo, Japan – SRS: 9.2/10

Tokyo is the gold standard for solo travel. Safe, efficient, and endlessly fascinating, the city is built for independence. Even first-time visitors find it easy to navigate thanks to its punctual trains, clear signage, and countless convenience stores that double as traveler lifelines.

Dining alone in Tokyo is a delight, not a stigma — ramen counters, sushi bars, and izakayas welcome solo guests without a second thought. Add to that the reliability of 24-hour taxis, the availability of eSIMs at airports, and the city’s unmatched walkability, and you’ve got a destination that feels tailor-made for the solo explorer.

Tokyo SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 10

• Late-night arrival options: 9

• Walkability: 10

• Transit frequency: 10

• Hostel/host social vibe: 8

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 10

• Card vs. cash: 7 (cash still common)

• Scam risk: 9

• Solo-friendly dining: 10

2. Lisbon, Portugal – SRS: 8.4/10

Sunny Lisbon has become a European hotspot for solo travelers, digital nomads, and backpackers alike. The city’s charm lies in its pastel-colored streets, lively neighborhoods, and welcoming vibe. Social hostels abound here, making it incredibly easy to meet fellow travelers over a rooftop drink or fado night.

Getting around is generally straightforward, though Lisbon’s hills can test your stamina. Public transport is reliable but not 24/7, so late-night arrivals may require a rideshare. On the plus side, Lisbon is affordable compared to other Western European capitals, and card payments are widely accepted. Petty theft is the main concern, but with standard precautions, most visitors feel safe and at ease.

Lisbon SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 8

• Late-night arrival options: 7

• Walkability: 8

• Transit frequency: 7

• Hostel/host social vibe: 10

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 9

• Scam risk: 7

• Solo-friendly dining: 8

3. Barcelona, Spain – SRS: 8.2/10

Barcelona strikes the perfect balance between culture, nightlife, and seaside relaxation. For solo travelers, it offers a buzzing social scene — hostels here are famously lively, and tapas bars are built for casual, communal dining. The city is highly walkable and well-served by frequent metro connections.

The main drawback is its reputation for pickpockets, particularly around Las Ramblas and crowded transit lines. While most visits are trouble-free, it’s a good idea to stay alert in busy areas. Still, Barcelona remains a magnetic destination for those traveling alone, especially if you’re seeking new friends and long summer nights.

Barcelona SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 7

• Late-night arrival options: 8

• Walkability: 8

• Transit frequency: 9

• Hostel/host social vibe: 10

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 9

• Scam risk: 6

• Solo-friendly dining: 8

4. Reykjavik, Iceland – SRS: 8.6/10

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and also one of the safest capitals in the world. Solo travelers often remark on how comfortable it feels to walk around at night. The city is compact, clean, and friendly, with locals quick to lend a hand if you need directions.

Public transportation is limited, so exploring beyond Reykjavik almost always means joining tours or renting a car. Dining can be pricey, but the café culture makes it easy to settle in with a book or meet other travelers. For those who value peace of mind and a worry-free environment, Reykjavik is hard to beat.

Reykjavik SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 10

• Late-night arrival options: 7

• Walkability: 9

• Transit frequency: 6

• Hostel/host social vibe: 8

• Coworking access: 7

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 10

• Scam risk: 10

• Solo-friendly dining: 8

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand – SRS: 7.9/10

Chiang Mai has earned a reputation as a digital nomad hub and a favorite among long-term solo travelers. Its laid-back vibe, affordable lifestyle, and endless temples create a city where you can both unwind and stay productive. Coworking cafés are everywhere, and the night markets make solo dining fun and affordable.

On the downside, the city isn’t as walkable due to heavy traffic and uneven sidewalks. Local transport relies heavily on songthaews (shared trucks) and Grab rides. Still, Chiang Mai shines when it comes to social opportunities — you’ll find fellow travelers and expats around every corner.

Chiang Mai SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 8

• Late-night arrival options: 7

• Walkability: 6

• Transit frequency: 5

• Hostel/host social vibe: 9

• Coworking access: 10

• eSIM availability: 10

• Card vs. cash: 6

• Scam risk: 7

• Solo-friendly dining: 9

6. Melbourne, Australia – SRS: 9.0/10

Melbourne is often described as Australia’s cultural capital, and it’s also one of the easiest cities for solo adventurers. The public transport system is extensive, rideshares are reliable, and the city is compact enough for walking explorations. Safety after dark is strong compared to most big cities, and there’s always something happening — from live music to late-night markets.

Dining alone is especially comfortable here, thanks to Melbourne’s café culture and countless casual eateries. Add in excellent coworking spaces and universal contactless payments, and you’ve got a city that ticks every solo travel box.

Melbourne SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 9

• Late-night arrival options: 9

• Walkability: 9

• Transit frequency: 9

• Hostel/host social vibe: 9

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 10

• Scam risk: 9

• Solo-friendly dining: 9

7. Prague, Czechia – SRS: 8.3/10

Prague enchants solo travelers with its fairytale architecture, cobbled streets, and legendary beer halls. The city is very walkable, and the public transport system is reliable and inexpensive. Hostels and social spaces abound, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers.

The main drawbacks are tourist scams (especially overcharging taxis) and crowded hotspots in peak season. However, the city’s overall safety and affordability make it a favorite among backpackers and budget-conscious travelers alike.

Prague SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 8

• Late-night arrival options: 7

• Walkability: 9

• Transit frequency: 9

• Hostel/host social vibe: 9

• Coworking access: 8

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 9

• Scam risk: 7

• Solo-friendly dining: 8

8. Singapore – SRS: 9.4/10

Few cities are as stress-free for solo travel as Singapore. Known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, it makes getting around effortless. The MRT system is modern and frequent, rideshares are plentiful, and English is widely spoken, reducing language barriers.

Dining solo here is particularly enjoyable thanks to hawker centres — lively food courts where you can sample dozens of dishes in a casual, communal setting. Digital connectivity is excellent, with eSIMs and cashless payments readily available. For travelers who value convenience and comfort above all else, Singapore is a dream destination.

Singapore SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 10

• Late-night arrival options: 9

• Walkability: 9

• Transit frequency: 10

• Hostel/host social vibe: 7

• Coworking access: 10

• eSIM availability: 10

• Card vs. cash: 10

• Scam risk: 10

• Solo-friendly dining: 10

9. Berlin, Germany – SRS: 8.6/10

Berlin has long been a magnet for independent travelers, thanks to its vibrant arts scene, legendary nightlife, and multicultural vibe. The city is well-connected with reliable public transport and has a thriving hostel and coworking scene.

While generally safe, Berlin has a gritty side, and some neighborhoods can feel edgy at night. Cash is still surprisingly common, though card use is catching up quickly. For solo travelers, Berlin offers a mix of history, culture, and social opportunities that make it one of Europe’s most dynamic cities to explore alone.

Berlin SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 8

• Late-night arrival options: 9

• Walkability: 8

• Transit frequency: 9

• Hostel/host social vibe: 10

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 7

• Scam risk: 8

• Solo-friendly dining: 8

10. Mexico City, Mexico – SRS: 7.8/10

Mexico City is vibrant, chaotic, and deeply rewarding for solo travelers who prepare properly. The city is packed with museums, markets, and street food stalls that are ideal for exploring solo. Neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán are safe, walkable, and full of coworking cafés.

Safety is more variable than in other cities on this list — some areas are best avoided at night, and scams can be an issue. However, with rideshares like Uber, metro access, and plenty of friendly locals, Mexico City can be both exciting and comfortable for confident solo adventurers.

Mexico City SRS Breakdown

• After-dark safety: 6

• Late-night arrival options: 8

• Walkability: 7

• Transit frequency: 8

• Hostel/host social vibe: 9

• Coworking access: 9

• eSIM availability: 9

• Card vs. cash: 8

• Scam risk: 6

• Solo-friendly dining: 9

📊 Solo-Readiness Score (SRS) Comparison Table

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🔍 How to Use This Table

• Fast comparison: Great for scanning if you want to choose between destinations.

• Category prioritization: If safety matters most, look at Tokyo, Reykjavik, and Singapore.

• Social connection: For meeting people easily, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Berlin are top picks.

• Digital nomad perks: Chiang Mai, Singapore, and Melbourne stand out for coworking + connectivity.

🏆 Final Thoughts: The Best Cities for Solo Travelers

Each of these destinations offers something unique for those traveling alone. If safety and convenience are your top priorities, Singapore and Tokyo lead the pack. For those seeking community and social vibes, Lisbon and Barcelona are unbeatable. And if you crave adventure with a touch of comfort, Melbourne and Reykjavik strike the perfect balance.

No matter which city you choose, traveling solo is less about the destination and more about the freedom it brings. With the right mindset — and the right city — your solo journey could be the most rewarding trip of your life.

Sources / Quick references

• Numbeo — city Safety & Crime / Quality of Life indices. numbeo.com+1

• Walk Score — walkability & how it’s measured. Walk Score

• Coworker — global coworking listings and map. Coworker

• Airalo — eSIM coverage & device support. Airalo

• Hostelworld — State of Solo Travel / hostel trends. Hostelworld