The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Solo snapshots
‘Solo snapshots’ are our quick-hit guides to destinations around the world. Bite-sized (and possibly a little bit cheeky), our snapshots aim to give you an instant feel for a place, and possibly the spark you need to inspire your next adventure.
The Edge of the World, officially known as ‘Jebel Fihrayn’, are the dramatic, towering cliffs located about 100 kilometres northwest of Riyadh. Photographer: Khalid Elkady.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is a confident and curious city in motion quietly rewriting its own story. Glass towers rise beside historic souks, cafés hum late into the night, and solo travellers will find a place that rewards patience, respect, and openness. It’s less about spectacle and more about noticing the details as the city reveals itself.
Nickname: The Capital of Change.
Translation: Beneath the formality, Riyadh is warmer than it first appears. Give it time.
Solo tip: Dress modestly and neatly, not just out of respect, but because it signals awareness. In Riyadh, effort opens doors.
Language: Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in urban and professional settings.
Solo tip: A little Arabic is warmly received, such as a simple ‘Salaam alaikum’ (a universal Arabic greeting meaning ‘Peace be upon you’), or ‘Shukran’ (Thank you) often shifts an interaction from polite to personal, and small efforts are noticed.
Vibe: Modern ambition with desert roots, a city balancing tradition with momentum.
Solo tip: Expect contrasts. Riyadh isn’t about rushing from highlight to highlight, it’s about observing how old and new coexist, often in the same street.
Landmark: Diriyah, specifically the At-Turaif district, is the historic birthplace of the First Saudi State (1727–1818) and the original home of the Saudi royal family.
Solo tip: Visit early or late in the day. Walking through the mud-brick ruins alone gives the site a quiet gravity, and history feels closer without the noise.
Nightlife: Café culture, rooftop lounges, and late-night dining rather than bars.
Solo tip: Riyadh comes alive after dark. Solo evenings are best spent lingering over Arabic coffee, people-watching, and letting conversations unfold naturally.
Recharge zone: Wadi Hanifah carves a lush, winding valley through the desert cityscape creating a serene oasis of palms, streams, and shaded paths where the heat softens and stillness takes hold.
Solo tip: This is where Riyadh exhales. Walk slowly, sit longer than planned, and enjoy the rare feeling of space within a capital city.
Wild card: Jebel Fihrayn, popularly known as the ‘Edge of the World’, is a dramatic natural formation of towering cliffs located about 100 kilometres northwest of Riyadh.
Solo tip: Go with a reputable tour. Standing alone at the escarpment, with nothing but desert stretching outward, is one of those moments that stays with you long after you leave.
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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an architectural wonder with one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets and a chandelier that turns light into sculpture. Photographer: Akbar Nemati.
Muscat, Oman
Muscat is a coastal capital folded between ochre mountains and the Arabian Sea, where modern boulevards meet centuries of maritime history. It feels calm, dignified, and deeply rooted in tradition – a place that rewards slow wandering and quiet observation.
Nickname: The Jewel of Arabia.
Translation: A city of sea breezes, mountain backdrops, sparkling mosques, and evenings scented with frankincense.
Solo tip: Wander Muttrah Corniche at golden hour. The harbour glows, locals stroll, and the pace feels comfortably unhurried, offering a gentle space for solo travellers to settle into the city’s rhythm.
Language: Lyrical, formal, and beautifully expressive Arabic. English, though, is widely spoken in Muscat, especially in hospitality.
Solo tip: Learn a simple ‘Shukran’ (Thank you). Omanis are famously warm, modest, and respectful, and the smallest effort goes a long way.
Vibe: Coastal calm with Arabian elegance – a city that prefers subtlety over spectacle.
Solo tip: Dress modestly, not just for etiquette, but to feel at ease in the cultural landscape. Respect is the real passport here.
Landmark: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an architectural wonder with one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets and a chandelier that turns light into sculpture.
Solo tip: Arrive early. Non-Muslim visitors can enter only between 8am–11am (Saturday to Thursday, closed Fridays), and a quiet visit feels almost meditative.
Nightlife: Softly lit cafés, seaside strolls, and late-night tea culture rather than bars and clubs.
Solo tip: Skip the search for nightlife and lean into Muscat’s evenings of calm waters, cool air, and time to think without interruption.
Recharge zone: Qurum Beach is a long, breezy stretch framed by palm trees and wide horizons.
Solo tip: Bring a book and linger. This is contemplative coastline, perfect for solo daydreaming.
Wild card: Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, still perfumed with frankincense and stacked with silver, spices, and Omani textiles.
Solo tip: Get lost – gently. The maze-like alleys feel like time folded inwards, and wandering alone makes each turn feel like a quiet discovery of your own.
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The Huaca Pucllana, Lima. Photographer: Janek.
Lima, Peru
Lima is a coastal sprawl of clifftop views, buzzing neighbourhoods, and a pace that feels both grounded and electric. It’s a city where history and ocean air meet, and where solo travellers can wander from ancient ruins to seaside promenades without missing a beat.
Nickname: The City of Kings.
Translation: If it’s wrapped, marinated, or caught fresh from the Pacific, Lima has perfected it.
Solo tip: Don’t be shy about eating alone. Lima’s food scene is one of the best in the world, and its casual cevicherías make solo dining feel natural. Grab a seat at the counter, order ceviche clásico (a traditional dish of raw white fish marinated in lime juice with red onions, cilantro, and chili peppers), and let the staff guide your choices.
Language: Peruvian Spanish – warm, melodic, and sprinkled with local slang.
Solo tip: Limeños appreciate effort. Even simple phrases like ‘Buenos días’ (Good morning) and ‘Gracias’ (Thank you) soften any language gap. People here are friendly and curious, and solo travellers won’t have to deal with feeling invisible!
Vibe: Pacific cool with an Andean heart – a city of surfboards, street art, and centuries-old stories.
Solo tip: Let the coastline set your pace. Lima is made for wandering – breezy walks, ocean vistas, and neighbourhoods that shift subtly as you move through them.
Landmark: Huaca Pucllana is an ancient adobe pyramid built between 200 and 700 AD. The modern city of Lima (specifically the Miraflores district), has grown around the pyramid, creating a striking juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture.
Solo tip: Go at sunset when the lights come on and the contrast between old and new feels almost cinematic. It’s a grounding place to visit alone, and no crowds are needed.
Nightlife: Miraflores sunsets, Barranco bars, and music drifting through colonial streets.
Solo tip: Head to Barranco for an evening wander. Street musicians, art galleries, and hidden cafés make it easy to slip into the night without feeling out of place.
Recharge zone: El Malecón is Lima’s clifftop coastal walk.
Solo tip: This is where solo travellers thrive. Run, walk, people-watch, or sit on a park bench overlooking the Pacific. Bring a notebook and contemplate the wonder of your adventure as the waves do half the thinking for you.
Wild card: The Bridge of Sighs in Barranco is a wooden bridge wrapped in legends.
Solo tip: Cross it with a wish in mind. It’s tradition to hold your breath as you do, and whether or not the wish comes true, the moment becomes your own small souvenir of Lima.
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Martyr’s Square is the historical central public square of Beirut, Lebanon. In 1931, the historic square took its name to commemorate the martyrs executed here under Ottoman rule. Photographer: Ali Chehade.
Beirut, Lebanon
Inhabited for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world, Beirut is a city of layers – history, culture, beauty, resilience, warmth, and a heartbeat that keeps going no matter what. It’s a place where history sits beside modern life, and where solo travellers are welcomed with a level of hospitality that feels almost disarming.
Nickname: The City of Endless Evenings.
Translation: If it’s loud, lively, colourful, or lovingly cooked, it’s part of Beirut’s DNA.
Solo tip: Keep your pace slow and your curiosity open. Beirut rewards the traveller who lingers, chats, and accepts that spontaneity is practically a local custom.
Language: Arabic, French, and endless flourishes of multilingual charisma.
Solo tip: A simple ‘Thank you’ – ‘Shukran’ (Arabic) or ‘Merci’ (French) – goes far. And don’t be surprised when locals switch languages mid-conversation just to help you feel comfortable.
Vibe: Mediterranean soul with Levantine warmth – energetic, stylish, and profoundly human.
Solo tip: Walk the Corniche (Beirut’s seaside promenade) at golden hour. The city and the views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Lebanon as the sun sets softens, and it’s one of the safest, easiest moments to soak in the city without a plan.
Landmark: The Pigeon Rocks in Raouche are Beirut’s natural postcard.
Solo tip: Skip the viewpoint crowds. Wander down toward the water, find your own angle, and let the sea wind wake up your senses.
Nightlife: Music spills onto the streets from beach clubs and tucked-away wine bars when you least expect it.
Solo tip: You don’t need a group here. Beirut’s nightlife is famously friendly, so pull up a seat, ask for a recommendation, and you’ll be part of the evening in minutes.
Recharge zone: The American University of Beirut campus is welcoming, green, calm, and unexpectedly serene.
Solo tip: Take a quiet stroll beneath old trees, sit on a bench with your thoughts, and let the city noise fade into the background.
Wild card: The street food, especially the manousheh (flatbread, similar to a pizza, topped with ingredients like the spice blend ‘za’atar’, cheese, or ground meat).
Solo tip: Go early to a neighbourhood bakery and order one fresh off the oven’s dome. It’s warm and simple, and the kind of solo morning ritual that anchors you instantly to the city.
A souk in Marrakech, Morocco. Photographer: Esteban Palacios Blanco.
Marrakech, Morocco
Nothing in Marrakech stays still … not the light, not the crowds, and certainly not your sense of direction! That’s part of its charm. Here, terracotta walls glow in the sun, the calls to prayer float through the air, and the hum of activity and intrigue in the souks (open-air marketplaces) completes the awe-inspiring soundscape. It’s where chaos becomes rhythm, and every turn of an alleyway feels like a revelation and an invitation to yet another sensory adventure.
Nickname: The Red City.
Translation: If it smells of spice or shimmers in the heat, it’s probably worth following.
Solo tip: Even though the souks can feel overwhelming, embrace it! Move slowly, smile often, and remember no one’s in a hurry here.
Language: Moroccan Arabic, French, and a thousand gestures that say ‘Welcome!’.
Solo tip: A few words go far, especially ‘Shukran’ (Thank you) and ‘Assalamu alaikum’ (Peace be upon you). But your eyes and patience will do most of the talking.
Vibe: Heat, humanity, and hypnotic beauty. Marrakech doesn’t whisper, it sings.
Solo tip: When the noise peaks, find stillness on a rooftop terrace, in the courtyard of a riad (traditional Moroccan house or palace), or the shade of the Koutoubia Mosque’s expansive gardens. Solitude here feels earned, like exhaling after a dance.
Landmark: Jemaa el-Fna is Marrakech’s central square and a designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.
Solo tip: Go at sunset. Musicians, storytellers, artists, and snake charmers provide this sensory theatrical experience. Order mint tea, sit back, and watch the world swirl around you.
Nightlife: Lantern-lit alleys, rooftop cafés, and music that never needs translation.
Solo tip: Skip the clubs. Instead, find a local café, listen to the drumming in the distance, and let the night glow slowly.
Recharge zone: The Majorelle Garden, named after its creator, the French painter Jacques Majorelle.
Solo tip: Go early. Sit near the bamboo, listen to the fountains, and feel the colour cool your mind. It’s the city’s softest moment.
Wild card: The hammam (traditional bathhouse) to steam, scrub … and surrender.
Solo tip: Go solo and go local, and leave lighter, polished, and reset.
The Maria Theresa Memorial in Vienna commemorates Empress Maria Theresa, who ruled the Habsburg monarchy, one of the most powerful dynasties in the history of Europe and Western civilisation, from 1740 to 1780. Photographer: Todamo.
Vienna, Austria
Nickname: The City of Music.
Translation: Gemütlichkeit (friendliness) is the uniquely Austrian mix of warmth, comfort, and contentment that turns a solo stroll into something soulful.
Solo tip: Don’t rush Vienna. Let the city slow you down until you notice the details … the clink of porcelain, the swirl of cream in your coffee, the sound of horse hooves on wet streets.
Language: German (but the universal language of pastry and politeness works wonders).
Solo tip: Order in German if you can. A ‘Ein Verlängerter, bitte’ earns smiles … and possibly an extra biscuit. Verlängerter (‘extended’) is what the locals sip – an espresso ‘extended’ with hot water – and usually served in a glass with a small jug of milk on the side.
Vibe: Grace with grit. Imperial architecture, moody skies, and a rhythm that rewards those who linger.
Solo tip: Linger often. Vienna’s poetry is in its pauses.
Landmark: All the gold, gardens, and grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace.
Solo tip: Go early. Walking alone through its vast courtyards at sunrise feels like stepping into history before it wakes.
Nightlife: Classical music isn’t confined to concert halls here … it seeps through the streets, from churches and concert halls to candlelit cafés.
Solo tip: Treat yourself to a small ensemble performance. A single ticket to a small concert or recital can feel like the most personal invitation in the city.
Recharge zone: Donaukanal (The Danube Canal).
Solo tip: Walk or cycle along it at golden hour. Street art, river air, and the low hum of the city make it the perfect solo reset.
Wild card: The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most delicious chaos.
Solo tip: Wander hungry. Sample olives, cheeses, and pastries from every corner of Europe. No reservations, no rush. Just you, the crowd, and the smell of something irresistible.
The Long Room, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Photographer: Hanna May.
Dublin, Ireland
Nickname: The Fair City
Translation: If it’s poured, played, or poetically phrased, it belongs in Dublin.
Solo tip: Don’t rush. Dublin rewards lingering over coffee, a pint, and conversation. Solo travellers fit right in, because everyone’s up for a chat, and silence never lasts long here.
Language: English and Irish (Gaeilge)
Solo tip: Listen closely. The accent shifts from musical to mischievous block by block. Learn a ‘go raibh maith agat’ (thank you), because the locals will grin and tell you you’ve done grand.
Vibe: Story-soaked, sociable, and proudly imperfect, Dublin is a city where every doorway hides a tale.
Solo tip: Wander aimlessly between Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Liffey. You’ll collect moments accentuated by buskers, laughter, and that feeling of being exactly where you should be.
Landmark: Trinity College Library is home to the 9th century Book of Kells and the scent of centuries
Solo tip: Go early. Watch light filter through the Long Room and feel like part of a quieter Dublin, one that hums away from the tourist rush.
Nightlife: Pubs, poetry, theatre, and live music are everywhere.
Solo tip: Pull up a stool, order a Guinness, and don’t be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation or a song. Dublin’s warmth is its best kept secret, and it never leaves you drinking alone.
Recharge zone: St Stephen’s Green or the Grand Canal
Solo tip: Pack a book, find a bench, and let Dublin slow your heartbeat. Even in the heart of the city, there’s always space and designated ‘quiet areas’ to exhale.
Wild card: The storytelling tours are equal parts history, theatre, and craic (fun).
Solo tip: Go solo and sit up front. You’ll laugh louder, learn faster, and walk away with a story of your own to tell.
Colourful homes along coastline of Nuuk, Greenland. Photography: Backyard Production.
Nuuk, Greenland
Nickname: The Northern Capital
Translation: If it’s bright, bold, and built to survive the cold, it belongs in Nuuk.
Solo tip: Embrace the stillness. There’s no rush here, because the pace matches the rhythm of the sea and the sky. Walk the harbour, breathe the clean air, and let solitude feel like a luxury.
Language: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), with Danish and English widely spoken.
Solo tip: Learn a few local words, and ‘Qujanaq’ (thank you) goes a long way. Locals are warm but understated, and your curiosity will be met with quiet kindness.
Vibe: Stark, soulful, and self-contained – a small city with a big horizon.
Solo tip: Visit the harbour at dusk when the water mirrors the sky. It’s easy to feel small here, but that’s part of the magic of being alone in a place that dwarfs you.
Landmark: The Nuuk Cathedral and the old colonial harbour
Solo tip: Wander between the red wooden buildings and the sea. It’s a glimpse into the island’s layered history – part Norse, part Inuit, part modern Greenland.
Nightlife: Low-key and local. Cafés double as music venues, bars serve Arctic brews, and conversations that stretch into the long light.
Solo tip: Order a local beer or Greenlandic coffee and let the night unfold slowly. The best moments here aren’t planned.
Recharge zone: The surrounding fjords
Solo tip: Take a boat trip or hike into the wilderness, where you’ll find silence vast enough to reset your mind. Out here, solitude doesn’t mean loneliness, it means belonging to something bigger.
Wild card: The Northern Lights in Winter
Solo tip: Wrap up, step outside, and look up. Alone under the dancing sky, you’ll understand why people call this ‘the edge of the world’.
The Academy of Fine Arts, The University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photography: Mirza77.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nickname: The Jerusalem of Europe
Translation: If it’s brewed, baked, or born from survival, it belongs in Sarajevo.
Solo tip: Start your day with a Bosnian coffee – thick, slow, and served with ritual. It’s a conversation starter, even when no one else is at your table.
Language: Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian – three names, one rhythm of warmth.
Solo tip: Locals love a good chat. Even if words are limited, your effort to say ‘Hvala’ (thank you) or ‘Dobar dan’ (good day) will open hearts and doors.
Vibe: Grit and grace. Sarajevo is lived-in, layered, and honest – a city that wears its history with pride.
Solo tip: Wander Baščaršija’s cobbled alleys without a plan. Let the scent of ćevapi (grilled, skinless sausages) or fresh bread lead you. Solo travel here feels like time travel … with snacks!
Landmark: The Latin Bridge is quiet now but was once the stage for a moment that changed the world
Solo tip: Stand by the Miljacka River and trace the outlines of the past. It’s hard to imagine that, here, a single gunshot set history in motion. Sarajevo has endured and walking it alone feels like paying quiet respect.
Nightlife: Ferhadija Street and the riverside cafés
Solo tip: Find a seat, order a Sarajevsko beer or a glass of rakija (fruit brandy), and watch the city light up. Locals are friendly and curious, and solo travellers are never left alone for long unless they want to be.
Recharge zone: The Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)
Solo tip: Climb at sunset. The view over the city’s red roofs and minarets is worth every step. Bring a pastry, sit on the wall, and let the muezzin’s call wrap around you.
Wild card: The trams are relics of old Europe with stories in every seat
Solo tip: Ride them just to watch life go by. Sarajevo moves at its own pace, and for a solo traveller, that’s exactly the point.
Tbilisi spills down its hillsides into the Mtkvari River, a jumble of wooden balconies, winding alleys, and echoes of empires past. Photography: Lukas Bischoff.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Nickname: The Balcony City of the Caucasus
Translation: If it’s steaming, steep, or poured into a glass, it probably belongs in Tbilisi.
Solo tip: Take the hills one step at a time. The views, courtyards, and unexpected cafés reward every detour.
Language: Georgian, one of the world’s oldest scripts, swirling and elegant
Solo tip: Don’t stress the language barrier. A smile and a ‘Madloba’ (thank you) will carry you far. Locals are proud to share their city, especially with travellers who try a word or two.
Vibe: East meets West, tradition meets modern – a city that thrives on contrasts
Solo tip: Settle into a café terrace, sip wine, and watch the theatre of street life unfold. You’ll never feel out of place on your own here.
Landmark: The sulphur baths of Abanotubani
Solo tip: Go for a solo soak. It’s a centuries-old ritual, part cleansing, part community, and completely liberating when you don’t need to match anyone else’s rhythm.
Nightlife: Rustaveli Avenue and Fabrika’s courtyard
Solo tip: Join the scene with a glass of local Saperavi wine or craft beer. Whether you linger in a jazz bar or a warehouse-turned-social hub, you’ll find company or contentment either way.
Recharge zone: Mtatsminda Park, high above the city
Solo tip: Ride the funicular up, breathe the cooler air, and look down at the patchwork of roofs and river. It’s a natural pause button on the solo journey.
Wild card: The hidden courtyards and crumbling façades of the old town
Solo tip: Wander with no map. Behind carved doors and peeling paint, you’ll stumble upon gardens, cats, and glimpses of daily life, the kind of discoveries that belong to solo explorers alone.
Colorful buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic quarter of the seaport city of Valparaíso, Chile. Photography: F11photo.
Valparaíso, Chile
Nickname: The Hill City of Colour
Translation: If it’s painted, it probably has a story, and maybe a staircase to match.
Solo tip: Don’t rush the hills. Valparaíso rewards wandering at your own pace, getting lost in alleyways, murals, and viewpoints. Every corner has a photo waiting to be taken, and no one will judge you for lingering.
Language: Chilean Spanish (with local slang that twists your tongue)
Solo tip: Smile, nod, and say ‘Gracias!’. Even if you can’t keep up with the rapid-fire locals, they’ll appreciate the effort, and you might catch the rhythm of the city through conversation anyway.
Vibe: Bohemian chaos with Pacific winds – a city that looks like a carnival exploded on a cliffside
Solo tip: Let yourself get swept up in it. Music, murals, and a freshly caught and cooked seafood feast make wandering alone feel like an immersive art installation.
Landmark: Ascensor Artillería – a funicular with a view that stops your breath
Solo tip: Ride it solo. Stand at the edge, watch the ocean and rooftops stretch below you, and enjoy the vertigo – this is the kind of city that makes you feel alive without a single companion.
Nightlife: Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción – street art, cafés, and rooftop bars
Solo tip: Grab a table, sip a pisco sour, and let the city hum around you. Solo dining here feels natural – everyone’s wandering, sketching, or snapping photos anyway.
Recharge zone: The Pacific coastline
Solo tip: Walk along the shore at sunset. Sand between your toes, gulls overhead, graffitied walls behind – a perfect solo reset. Bring a notebook, or just your thoughts, and let the rhythm of the waves keep you company.
In Valparaíso, murals are everywhere – big and small, political, whimsical, or just plain beautiful. Solo wandering lets you stop, stare, and take your time. Photography: Mauro Mora.
Wild card: The murals
Solo tip: Follow them like a scavenger hunt. They’re everywhere, big and small, political, whimsical, or just plain beautiful. Solo wandering lets you stop, stare, and take your time – no one is dragging you along.
Palm trees framing the wooden door of an old house in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Photography: Sabine.
Zanzibar City (Stone Town), Tanzania
Nickname: The Spice Island’s Labyrinth
Translation: If you can smell cinnamon, you’re close to home.
Solo tip: Don’t fight the maze. Stone Town is meant to be wandered. Every wrong turn leads to carved doors, hidden courtyards, or a spice-seller who’ll happily point you in the right direction.
Language: Swahili (and a rhythm that’s as much music as words)
Solo tip: A cheerful ‘jambo’ (hello) or ‘asante’ (thank you) opens every door. Locals are warm, and even if your Swahili stops there, the effort earns smiles and conversation.
Vibe: Time-travel with a sea breeze
Solo tip: Slow down. Here, old Omani palaces, crumbling balconies, and the call to prayer carried on salty air are mesmerising. This isn’t a city for rushing or schedules. Let the tide, the alleys, and the spice markets set your pace. Your solo traveller’s secret weapon here is patience.
Icon: The famous carved doors
Solo tip: Pause at the doors, they’re more than decoration. Each carving tells a story, featuring swirls of vines, lotus flowers, or protective spikes borrowed from India. Walking alone, you can stop as often as you like, trace the patterns with your eyes, and imagine who has passed through over centuries. It’s sightseeing disguised as daydreaming.
Landmark: The Old Fort
Solo tip: Skip the quick look-around this weathered stone and open-air theatre and stay for a performance or a craft market. Alone, you can linger without anyone hurrying you along. Sit with an ice-cold sugarcane juice and just soak it in.
Nightlife: Forodhani Gardens food market at dusk
Solo tip: Go hungry, go curious. Stroll the stalls, order Zanzibar pizza (yes, it’s a thing), and let vendors tempt you. Solo diners fit right in, because everyone’s balancing plates and wandering, and there’s no table-for-one awkwardness.
Recharge zone: The Indian Ocean itself
Solo tip: Slip onto a dhow (traditional sailing boat) for a sunset ride. No tour group chatter, just you, the sail, and the horizon. Being alone feels natural when the sky is doing all the talking.
Wild card: Freddie Mercury’s birthplace
Solo tip: This is where the rock legend meets the island legend. Embrace the kitsch. Snap the photo, hum a tune, and let yourself enjoy the strangeness of finding Queen memorabilia in a Swahili house. Solo travel is the perfect excuse to indulge in quirks without compromise.
Istanbul, Türkiye, at sunset – looking towards Golden Horn Bay, the Hagia Sophia, and boats on the Bosphorus. Photography: Soleg.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Nickname: The City on Two Continents (where Europe and Asia shake hands daily)
Translation: Half the fun is crossing the Bosphorus just because you can.
Solo tip: Ferry rides are made for solo travellers. Cheap, breezy, and always with tea in hand, you’ll never feel awkward watching the skyline roll by alone.
Language: Turkish (with generous side dishes of gestures and charm)
Solo tip: Don’t stress about grammar, because warmth counts more than vocabulary here. A teşekkürler (thank you) and a smile go far. Locals love helping, and sometimes the best conversations happen with three words and a lot of hand signals.
Vibe: A swirl of ancient, modern, chaotic, and calm – often in the same street
Solo tip: Lean into the contrasts. One minute you’re lost in the Grand Bazaar, the next you’re sipping coffee by the Bosphorus. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, not perfection.
Landmark: Hagia Sophia, the dome of all domes
Solo tip: Go early, stand still, and look up. Don’t rush it. Solo, you can take the time most groups don’t. Outside, linger in Sultanahmet Square with a simit (sesame bread ring) and let the city swirl around you.
Nightlife: Rooftop bars, meyhanes (taverns), and streets that don’t sleep
Solo tip: Start with a meyhane. Order meze, sip rakı, and don’t be shy about dining alone – the tables are made for long nights, and no one will blink if you’re travelling solo. Rooftops are perfect for people-watching with a city view that makes you feel both tiny and infinite.
Recharge zone: The hammam (Turkish bath)
Solo tip: This is where solo shines. Surrender to the steam, the scrub, and the marble. No phones and no small talk, just you and centuries of ritual. It’s self-care at its most elemental.
Wild card: The cats of Istanbul. They run the place.
Solo tip: Stop and greet them, because it’s the quickest way to connect with locals. Cats are community treasures here, fed by shopkeepers and strangers alike. Sharing a snack with a street cat can spark a conversation you didn’t know you needed.
Osaka, Japan
Nickname: The Nation’s Kitchen (also known as ‘Japan’s Friendliest City’)
Translation: If it’s edible, grilled or skewered, it’s probably delicious here.
Solo tip: Don’t be shy about eating alone – Osaka is famous for its food-loving culture, and many restaurants are designed for solo diners. Pull up a stool at a takoyaki stand or okonomiyaki grill and dive in.
Language: Kansai-ben (aka, Japan’s sassiest dialect)
Solo tip: Don’t worry if you don’t understand the punchlines, just laugh along. People here are warm, witty, and often louder than Tokyo folk. Locals are famously friendly and open to conversation – even with a language barrier. A smile and a simple ‘sumimasen’ (excuse me) can spark a connection on a train or in a queue.
Vibe: Less Tokyo chic, more ‘grab a beer and let’s talk about life’.
Solo tip: You can exhale here. Osaka is a city where you can show up as you are. It’s less formal than Tokyo, a great place to build confidence navigating Japan independently, and it’s one of the easiest places in Japan to relax, so go with the flow.
Landmark: Osaka Castle – all glamour and no ego
Solo tip: Take the long walk through the park to get there. It’s like a meditation disguised as sightseeing. Go early or late to enjoy the grounds in relative quiet. Bring a snack, sit by the moat, and people-watch with a sense of calm amid the city bustle.
Nightlife: Big, bold, bright. Welcome to Dotonbori.
Solo tip: You might feel like a glowing noodle in a neon soup, but that’s part of the charm. You’re not lost, you’re just exploring with flair. Dotonbori can feel overwhelming alone, but it’s also one of the safest places to wander after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and follow the food.
Recharge zone: Osaka’s underground malls (yes, really!)
Solo tip: If crowds or weather get too much, retreat into Osaka’s extensive underground shopping arcades. Great for regrouping without giving up your spirit for exploring. Escape the sun, rain, or your own overthinking with an air-conditioned wander beneath the city. Bonus: lots of snacks.
Wild card: Universal Studios Japan – childhood joy, unlocked!
Solo tip: Go solo, ride everything with zero guilt, and skip the queues like a legend using the single-rider line. It’s one of the few theme parks in the world where going solo doesn’t feel strange – many locals do it, and the single-rider lines are blissfully short.
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Departures
Transitions
Fellow Travellers