Fun Things to Do While Traveling Alone
Solo travel has become very popular, but it can also seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.
What do you actually do while traveling solo? I put together this list of fun things to do while traveling alone to give you some inspiration about how to make the most out of your solo adventures.
I really enjoy traveling with other people, but I also love traveling alone. I’ve gone on many multi-month solo trips around Central America, South America, and Europe, starting in my mid-twenties. I’ve made some of my best travel memories on solo trips because I get to decide exactly what I want to do.
When you travel by yourself, you don’t have to compromise. You can stay where you want to stay, do whatever interests you that day, eat where you want to eat, and follow the schedule that works best for you. Solo travel often allows you to slow down and really experience a destination fully, all on your own.
Traveling solo doesn’t have to be lonely, though. If you want to meet people and spend time with others, you can definitely do that. But you can also take the time to simply enjoy your own company.
Below, you’ll find plenty of ideas for things to do alone when traveling:
1. Spend hours at a museum
One of my favorite solo travel activities is visiting museums and galleries! Even if you’re not typically a museum person, you might find yourself enjoying them more alone, when you can focus on what you want to see and go at your own pace, and aren’t subconsciously tuning into other people’s preferences.
I love checking out local art museums, as well as museums on history and culture to learn more about the destination I’m visiting. One thing I also like to do when visiting museums alone is stopping at the museum cafe (if it has one) to rest and enjoy a snack, rather than rushing through and leaving.
2. Join a free walking tour
Free walking tours are a great way to get yourself oriented in a new destination! I usually like to do these the first morning I arrive somewhere. They can also be a good way to meet other travelers. You can also get recommendations from your local guide. Just remember to always tip your guide!
3. Sit at a cafe and read or write
Is there anything more romantic than the idea of sitting at a little table by the window of a cafe or out on the sidewalk under an umbrella, sipping a coffee and reading a book or writing in a journal? This is the perfect afternoon activity for solo travelers, allowing you to relax and reflect.
4. Go on a food tour
Aside from walking tours, food tours are another activity I like to do in a new destination. Not only will you get to walk around and see the city, but you’ll also get to sample delicious local foods along the way! A food tour is a great way to learn about the cuisine of a destination and find cool spots to eat.
I’ve also found that food tours can have a social, convivial atmosphere (sometimes more so than a walking tour), so this can be another good way to connect with other travelers on your solo trip.
5. Have a picnic at a park
Going to the park and enjoying a picnic is the perfect way to spend time alone. It can be fun to shop at a local grocery store (and see how it differs from home) to get the items for your picnic spread. Then you can choose a scenic location and enjoy a leisurely picnic. Bring a book or your journal, too!
6. Visit a local market
Visiting local markets allows you to get a feel for a destination (and do some souvenir shopping if that’s your style.) I always enjoy strolling through food and produce markets, flea markets, and craft markets when I travel. It’s an immersive, sensory experience, and it’s fun to take your time and browse.
7. Attend a performance at a theatre
Seeing a live performance while traveling is an amazing way to spend a solo evening! Whether it’s an opera in Milan, a Broadway musical in New York, a ballet in Paris, a classical concert in Vienna, or a tango performance in Buenos Aires, this is a great way to get immersed in the arts and culture of a place.
As a solo traveler just looking to snag a single seat, it’s often easier to find last-minute deals on tickets, and once the lights go down, everyone is focused on the stage, so you don’t feel awkward alone.
8. Take a cooking class
Cooking classes are the perfect solo travel activity! This is an experience that combines food and culture, and it can often have a very social atmosphere too. From learning how to make fresh handmade pasta in Italy to perfecting the art of the sushi roll in Japan, this is a cool thing you can do anywhere in the world.
9. Go on a bike tour
I love exploring a new destination on my own two feet, but there’s no denying you can see more if you have a set of wheels to get around! A bicycle (or e-bike) tour is a fun way to explore, and you have the benefit of a local guide to help you navigate. For confident cyclists, you could also just rent a bicycle on your own!
10. Treat yourself to a fancy solo dinner
I have to admit, going out to eat alone (especially for dinner) is still probably the most daunting thing for me to do as a solo traveler. I know that it’s not actually awkward, and no one really cares or even pays attention if you’re dining alone, but it can feel uncomfortable if you don’t do it that often.
However, this is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and enjoy a special experience at a nice restaurant. If it feels intimidating to ask for a table for one, scope out restaurants that offer bar seating or request a table off to the side or in a corner so it doesn’t feel like all eyes are on you.
11. Discover another destination on a day trip
Day trips are perfect for solo travelers! I often feel more comfortable basing myself in a city, and taking day trips to smaller towns or other destinations before returning to my “home base” in the evening. This is logistically easier than moving from place to place every couple of nights when traveling on your own.
I have a whole list of tips for planning the perfect day trip, so be sure to check that out. You can plan day trips independently, or if you feel more comfortable, book a small-group guided tour.
12. Take a self-guided walking tour
While guided walking tours are great, there’s something magical about taking a stroll on your own to discover unique architecture, street art, or a cool neighborhood. You can download a free audio guide before you go and follow a set route, or plan your own loose itinerary and leave room for wandering.
13. Book a unique class or workshop
Another cool thing to do when traveling solo is booking a unique class or workshop. This could be an introductory lesson to salsa dancing in Colombia, a perfume-making workshop in France, a calligraphy class in Japan, a weaving workshop in Guatemala, or a surf lesson in Portugal. The options are endless!
14. Hire a photographer
I’ve only done this once, but it was SO much fun! If you’re traveling alone, it can be difficult to get good photos of yourself. You have to rely on asking strangers for a picture (usually horrible) or conspicuously setting up your phone or camera for a self-timer shot (I’ll never get over the awkwardness of this.)
But you can use a website like Flytographer or Airbnb Experiences to book a local photographer for a photo shoot to capture special memories of your travels. I did this in Chefchaouen, Morocco, where it was very affordable, and I got some amazing, professional photos of myself in Morocco’s iconic Blue City.
15. Visit local bookstores or libraries
If you’re like me and you love reading and books, then there’s nothing better than checking out local bookstores and libraries when you travel! I’ve written about the most beautiful bookstores and most beautiful libraries around the world if you’re looking for some inspiration for great places to visit.
Bookstores are the perfect place to find your next vacation read, and sometimes they also have an attached cafe or coffee shop. Many historic libraries are free to visit and can be a good spot to read and relax.
16. Watch the sunset at a rooftop bar
It can feel a little intimidating to visit a chic rooftop bar on your own, but push through the discomfort and you’ll be rewarded! Rooftop bars often have a great vibe, scenic views, and sometimes live music. There’s no better place to watch a beautiful sunset, take in the view, and soak up the atmosphere.
17. Relax with a wellness treatment
Travel can be exhausting, especially if you’re lugging your suitcase over cobblestone streets and walking 20,000 steps a day while sightseeing. Treating yourself to a massage, facial, or other wellness treatment is an excellent way to take a mid-vacation break or wrap up your trip on a relaxing note.
Try to find a unique local experience, like a thermal bath in Budapest, an onsen in Japan, or a hammam in Morocco. Not only will you get some relaxation, but you’ll also experience the culture of your destination.
18. Take scenic transportation
Sometimes, the journey itself can be the activity. I’ve ridden the tram through Lisbon just to watch the street views go by, taken cable cars for hours in Quito, La Paz, and Santiago (high-altitude South American cities love a cable car), and taken ferries everywhere from Lake Como, Italy to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
19. Go for a photo walk
You don’t need to be a photographer to go for a photo walk. When you’re by yourself, you can really focus on your surroundings and capture everyday moments of beauty through your camera lens. And you don’t need a fancy camera to do this either — your smartphone camera will absolutely do the trick!
Some ideas for a photo walk include photographing specific things (beautiful doors, street lamps, unique signs, or architectural details), experimenting with a particular theme (like how shadows and light interact), or seeking out certain colors (like shades of blue or pops of yellow in your surroundings.)
20. Visit a botanical garden
Botanical gardens are one of my favorite places to go for a walk when traveling solo. Many times, these are free to visit (although sometimes you might need to buy a ticket.) It’s always a very peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, and the perfect place to read, write, or enjoy photographing the plants and flowers.
21. Write and mail postcards
Finally, you can connect with loved ones back home by writing and mailing postcards. Find a souvenir shop, stationery shop, or bookstore to buy some postcards from your destination, sit on a bench or at a cafe to write them, and then head to the local post office to buy stamps and mail them!
Best Things to Do While Traveling Alone
These are some of the best things to do while traveling alone.
If you’ve never traveled solo before, you might be a little nervous about what to do and whether or not you’ll have a good time. Hopefully, you found some inspiration from this list to incorporate in your travels.
Enjoy your solo trip!
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