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If you’re ready to explore the world, there’s no need to wait for someone else to explore with you. Just go on your own!
Solo Travel has exploded in popularity and I can understand why. There’s nothing better than doing what you want when you want and traveling at your own pace.
But where should you go?
TripAdvisor has the list of Must-visit destinations for 2025. And for the first time, this list includes a category for the best solo travel destinations.
Here are the top 5 destinations for solo travelers in 2025 according to this list.
5.Osaka
Travel to Japan has exploded in popularity, with the country breaking its tourism records month after month in 2024.
But the best city in the country for solo travelers isn’t the better-known city of Tokyo, instead it’s the party city of Osaka. Osaka is best known for its incredible restaurants and nightlife, as well as its world-class shopping centers.
Combine your shopping with epic views by visiting the HEP Five Mall in Umeda district. At the top of this shopping center is a huge Ferris wheel, which offers incredible views of the city. Tickets are 800 yen ($5.13) per person.
Some of the cultural attractions not to be missed in the city include the imposing Osaka Castle and the beautiful open-air Shitenno-ji Temple, which has 6th-century origins.
But TripAdvisor chose Osaka as a solo travel hub thanks to its strategic location.
The city is the perfect base for exploring some of Japan’s most popular attractions. The temples and world heritage attractions of Osaka, the bowing deer of Nara and the iconic tombs of Koyasan are all easily accessible by train.
4. Bangkok
There is no city like Bangkok! This vibrant metropolis combines a cultural hub with party capital. Which means there’s something here for every type of solo traveler.
From a cultural perspective, this is the place to be for golden palaces and imposing temples.
The Golden Grand Palace is a great place to start your cultural explorations. Wat Arun and Wat PHO are the two most famous and impressive temples in the city.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, explore the street food markets and floating markets. And if you have retail therapy in mind, Siam Square offers the city’s most premium shopping experiences.
From a practical point of view, Bangkok is a great place for solo travel because it’s very affordable, the tourist infrastructure is well established and easy to navigate, and if you want company it’s a fantastic place to meet other travelers too.
3. Cusco
In the heart of Peru, Cusco is a high-altitude cultural melting pot. You can explore both Amerindian and Mestizo cultures here and the city itself is breathtakingly beautiful.
Think cobbled stone streets and impressive Baroque buildings.
Don’t miss the Cusco Cathedral, which was built with stones from an Inca fortress. And the city also offers incredible views of the Peruvian Andes.
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about Cusco without mentioning Machu Picchu.
Cusco is considered the gateway to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu sits on a mountain northwest of Cusco and is only 50 miles away, so most people use the city as a starting point for their explorations.
The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about 2-3 hours and passes through the Sacred Valley, which is the easiest way to travel between the two attractions.
Alternativelyl, you can join a group tour and hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco if you want to challenge yourself.
2. Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and a great base from which to explore all this fascinating country has to offer. Think shrines, ancient temples and fascinating villages.
The city is vibrant and the atmosphere can sometimes be overwhelming. Ancient temples sit next to busy markets, meaning your senses are constantly assaulted by sights, sounds and smells.
Not-to-be-missed attractions include the Patan Darbar Square, which is a museum housed in a former royal palace, and the Garden of Dreams, an elegant garden created in 1920. The pavilions and fountains here are particularly beautiful.
Kathmandu is considered the gateway to Mount Everest. I’m not suggesting you suddenly decide to take up mountain climbing! But if you have the budget, why not take a mountain flight?
This is a low energy but high adrenaline activity that will see you soar over the Himalayas and allow you to see the iconic Mount Everest from above.
1. Seoul
Taking the top spot as the best city for solo travelers in Seoul, Korea. Home to K-Pop, K-Drama and K-Beauty, Seoul is a culturally fascinating destination.
The contrast here is stark, with temples sitting comfortably next to towering skyscrapers. Visit the palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung to truly embrace the city’s history.
The former is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great example of ancient Korean architecture.
Why not visit modern Korea to embrace K Star Road in Gangnam? This is a particularly fun area to visit at night when local bands show off their talents on the streets.
Finally, head to the N Seoul Tower, which is located at the highest point of Namsan Park.
This is a great place to get a view of the city and really appreciate its size and scale.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
