Some cities just feel made for solo travelers. The infrastructure supports independent exploration (for adventure travel destinations, see our dedicated guide), the locals are welcoming, and, most importantly, you will find plenty of fellow travelers to connect with. Here are the 10 best cities for solo travelers who want to meet people.
What makes a city great for solo travelers?
Before getting into the list, let us define what makes a destination ideal for solo travel and meeting people:
- Safety: comfortable walking around alone, day or night (women travelers should check destination-specific advice)
- Traveler infrastructure: hostels, cafes, coworking spaces
- Active backpacker scene: other travelers to connect with
- Walkability: easy to explore on foot
- Affordability: budget-friendly draws more travelers
- Social culture: locals and travelers open to meeting
A key insight from experienced travelers: countries with “warm” social cultures make connection much easier. Places like Latin America, Southeast Asia, Ireland, and Scotland have locals who genuinely enjoy meeting travelers. In contrast, Northern European cities can feel “socially closed”; people are polite but not necessarily looking for new friends.
The 10 best cities for solo travelers
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has emerged as Europe backpacker capital. The combination of affordable prices, beautiful architecture, incredible food, and legendary nightlife creates the perfect environment for meeting people. The compact city center means you will keep running into the same travelers. The famous LX Factory and Time Out Market are natural gathering spots.
Portuguese food culture centers on sharing; traditional dishes are meant to be split among groups, making dining with new acquaintances feel natural. The petisco (tapas-style) dining encourages ordering many small plates together. Add excellent wine at reasonable prices, and you have ideal conditions for long, connecting conversations.
Best neighborhoods: Alfama for traditional food and fado music, Mouraria for multicultural eats, and Bairro Alto for the late-night scene where strangers become friends.
Best for: European backpackers, digital nomads, food lovers
2. Bangkok, Thailand
The gateway to Southeast Asia, Bangkok attracts every type of traveler. Khao San Road remains the legendary backpacker hub, but the city offers far more depth for those willing to explore. Street food tours, temple visits, and rooftop bars provide endless opportunities to find travel buddies.
Bangkok street food culture is inherently social. Hawker stalls with plastic stools cluster together, creating impromptu food courts where strangers share tables. The legendary Yaowarat (Chinatown) comes alive at night with communal eating that breaks down barriers between solo travelers.
Top hostel pick: Mad Monkey is consistently mentioned for high-energy social vibes and organized activities.
Best for: First-time Asia travelers, budget backpackers, food adventurers
3. Medellin, Colombia
Once infamous, Medellin has transformed into one of Latin America most welcoming cities for travelers. The Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods buzz with digital nomads and backpackers. The city perfect weather, low costs, and friendly locals make extending your stay irresistible.
Important 2025 update: While many travelers love Medellin, there are growing safety concerns in some areas. Research current conditions and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist-heavy zones after dark.
Best for: Digital nomads, Spanish learners, long-term travelers
4. Bali, Indonesia
Specifically Canggu and Ubud, Bali attracts a unique mix of surfers, yogis, digital nomads, and spiritual seekers. The cafe culture encourages laptop work during the day and socializing at night. Beach clubs, yoga retreats, and coworking spaces are natural meeting points.
Best for: Wellness travelers, remote workers, creative types
5. Berlin, Germany
Berlin alternative culture welcomes everyone. The city legendary nightlife, affordable living, and thriving arts scene attract travelers who stay for weeks or months. Neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukolln are hubs for international visitors.
Berlin is excellent for solo travelers because being alone is normalized there. The club culture is a massive social connector; it is completely normal to go out alone and make friends on the dance floor.
Best for: Alternative travelers, techno lovers, artists
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
The digital nomad capital of the world, Chiang Mai offers an established community of remote workers and long-term travelers. The Old City is walkable and packed with cafes, while the surrounding mountains provide adventure opportunities. Weekly markets and cooking classes bring travelers together.
Experienced travelers describe Chiang Mai as the “introvert capital” of Southeast Asia; the cafe culture and slower pace make it perfect for those who prefer quieter connections over party hostels. Our complete Chiang Mai digital nomad guide covers everything from neighborhoods to community-building strategies.
Best for: Digital nomads, slow travelers, food enthusiasts
7. Mexico City, Mexico
CDMX has exploded in popularity among travelers and expats. Neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacan offer world-class food and a welcoming atmosphere. The city massive size means endless exploration, while the traveler community keeps growing.
Mexicans are extraordinarily welcoming around food. Market vendors happily explain ingredients, taqueria owners share family histories, and cooking class hosts treat students like visiting cousins.
Best neighborhoods: Roma and Condesa for the strongest traveler presence and trendiest food scene. For more authentic local experiences, explore Coyoacan.
Best for: Food lovers, culture seekers, Spanish learners
8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Saigon organized chaos is intoxicating. The backpacker district in District 1 makes meeting people effortless, while the city incredible street food scene (check out the best cities for culinary travel) gives you built-in conversation starters. Join a motorbike food tour and you will make friends instantly.
Best for: Adventure seekers, street food lovers, budget travelers
Da Nang, Vietnam has a welcoming community for solo travelers and digital nomads alike; see our Da Nang digital nomad guide.
9. Barcelona, Spain
Beach, culture, nightlife, and food: Barcelona has it all. The city draws millions of visitors, ensuring you will always find fellow travelers. The Barceloneta beach, Gothic Quarter, and countless tapas bars are perfect for spontaneous connections.
Best for: Beach lovers, party travelers, architecture enthusiasts
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines dramatic landscapes with urban sophistication. The backpacker scene centers around Long Street and the Sea Point promenade. Group activities like Table Mountain hikes and wine tours naturally bring travelers together.
Best for: Adventure travelers, nature lovers, wine enthusiasts
Hidden gems: up-and-coming solo travel destinations
Beyond the top 10, these cities are gaining attention from experienced solo travelers:
- Taipei, Taiwan: highly recommended for safety and friendliness of locals toward foreigners, even with language barriers. The night markets are perfect for social eating.
- Chengdu, China: an emerging backpacker hub with excellent hostels, legendary street food, and a welcoming traveler community in western China.
- Antigua, Guatemala: a hub for Spanish schools where travelers usually stay for weeks, creating a “dorm-like” camaraderie that is very inclusive of newcomers.
- Krakow, Poland: strong hostel scene with famous social hostels like Greg and Tom Beer House, known for free dinners and organized activities.
- Kyoto, Japan: while Japan can feel lonely, the guesthouses in Kyoto are very communal and intimate, perfect for quieter travelers.
Best social hostels worth booking
Experienced travelers consistently recommend these hostels for their exceptional social atmospheres:
- The Naughty Squirrel (Riga, Latvia): consistently mentioned as the “gold standard” for solo travelers
- Castle Rock Hostel (Edinburgh, Scotland): famous for its social lounge with castle views
- Carpe Noctem / Hostel One (Budapest, Hungary): legendary for parties and organized activities
- Greg and Tom Beer House (Krakow, Poland): famous for free dinners and vodka tastings
How to meet people in these cities
Even in the most social cities, connections do not happen automatically. Here is how to make the most of traveler-friendly destinations:
- Stay social: choose hostels or guesthouses with common areas
- Use apps: HitchHive city communities connect you with nearby travelers
- Join activities: walking tours, cooking classes, day trips
- Work from cafes: coworking-friendly spots attract fellow nomads
- Say yes: accept invitations, join spontaneous plans
Pro tip for introverts: Avoid megacities like London or Paris if you are introverted and worried about loneliness; it is easy to be anonymous there. Mid-sized cities like Seville or Krakow force you to run into the same people multiple times, which naturally leads to connection.
Beyond the top 10
These cities are starting points, not the only options. Meaningful travel connections happen everywhere, from small villages to unexpected layovers. The key is staying open, being approachable, and putting yourself in situations where meeting people is natural.
Find your city community
This travel companion app has active communities in all these cities and 70+ more worldwide. Download the app, join your destination city hive, and start connecting with travelers before you even arrive.
Continue your journey
These guides will help you take the next step:
- Best Cities for Digital Nomads — Discover the top destinations where remote workers thrive with reliable wifi, community, and quality of life
- How to Stay Productive While Traveling — Master the balance between work and exploration with proven nomad productivity strategies
- The Digital Nomad Guide — Your complete roadmap to working and traveling the world
- Best Backpacking Routes Through Southeast Asia — Plan your complete Southeast Asia itinerary with routes for every timeline
- The Digital Nomad Guide to Buenos Aires — Argentina’s cultural capital for remote workers and solo travelers
Leave a Reply