Solo travel is increasingly common, and a recent study by walking tour company GuruWalk has identified the world's top cities for those venturing out alone. The ranking, based on bookings made on their platform over the past year, highlights destinations that are particularly welcoming and accessible to solo visitors. Toronto, Canada, secured the top spot, with over half of its bookings originating from solo travelers. The city is recognized for its safety, walkability, and vibrant atmosphere, featuring diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown.
Following Toronto, Santa Ana, El Salvador, took second place, with 50 percent of its travelers visiting solo. The city is noted for its impressive neo-Gothic cathedral and ease of exploration on foot. São Paulo, Brazil, ranked third, with 49.5 percent of its travelers going solo. Known as a cultural hub in Latin America, it offers numerous independent spaces, galleries, and street art, alongside its bustling Municipal Market.
Taipei, Taiwan, placed fourth, with nearly half of its travelers exploring the city alone. It is recognized for its blend of scenery and modern architecture, including landmarks like Taipei 101. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, secured the fifth position, appealing to solo travelers and backpackers with its night markets, a lively city center, and a strong sense of travel community. La Paz, Bolivia, came in sixth, noted for being the world's highest capital city, generally considered safe, and budget-friendly. Hong Kong ranked seventh, appreciated for its excellent transport links, status as a "shoppers' paradise," and renowned food scene.
Skopje, North Macedonia, was eighth on the list, praised for its affordability, rich history, and attractions like the Skopje Street Food Festival. Singapore followed in ninth place, highlighted for its safety, cleanliness, iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, and its role as a major travel hub. Belgrade, Serbia, rounded out the top ten, attracting solo travelers with its budget-friendly nature, vibrant nightlife, and distinctive brutalist architecture.
Other cities in the top 20 include Seoul, South Korea; Bangkok, Thailand; Shanghai, China; Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala; Quito, Ecuador; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Vilnius, Lithuania; Beijing, China; Santiago de Chile, Chile; and Melbourne, Australia. Beijing was noted for its safety, with one solo traveler on Reddit remarking on the city's extensive surveillance making it feel secure even when walking alone at night.
Within the United Kingdom, Manchester was identified as the top destination for solo travelers, ranking 36th globally. Thirty-four percent of its free tour bookings were made by solo visitors. The study analyzed bookings across 50 cities to compile its ranking, indicating a growing trend in independent travel.