Solo travel can be intimidating, especially for the first time. Whether you’re traveling to a nearby city or across the globe, a solo trip can bring up some real concerns- from the awkwardness of dining alone to more serious issues of safety. But if you’re able to put aside those worries, solo travel can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences possible. It offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new place, learn about the local community, and maybe even about yourself. The right destination is everything, so make sure you’re safe and comfortable at one of these top solo travel destinations for first-timers.

This iconic Spanish city is extremely walkable, and getting lost is nearly impossible as long as you have a map of some kind. The city streets offer plenty of window-shopping and people-watching, whether you’re strolling down the beach boardwalk or wandering through the Gaudi-designed Park Güell. Solo dining options are abundant too – you can eat al-fresco at waterfront patella restaurants, or snag a counter seat at one of many wonderful tapas bars. 

While not as exotic as some of the destinations on this list, Seattle’s charming coffee culture makes this a perfect first-time solo travel destination, as solo dining (and even drinking) is commonplace. The cornucopia of cafes and restaurants make perfect rest stops as you visit the curious Pike’s place market, the impressive Space Needle, and even the quirky Museum of Pop Culture. Downtown is compact, and the great public transportation makes it easy to jump from attraction to attraction.

Walking the charming streets of this city is a trip to remember in and of itself, but if you’re up for an adventure it’s just a short trip to the Northern Lights, and the famed Ring Road. Iceland actually earned the top spot on both the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index, and the World Peace Forum’s Global Gender Gap ranking year, so female travelers can rest easy knowing that their safety is prioritized.

This Bavarian city embodies the jolly German mentality, where locals welcome tourists with a grin, at everything from mom-and-pop bakeries to the more touristy Olympiapark tower. After wandering quaint country roads and meadows, grab a pint at a local biergarten and get to know the locals and other tourists around you.

If you can put aside the difficult written language and crowds, this was seemingly built for travelers. The transportation in and between cities is the best in the world, so vagabonds can experience all the unique attractions and scenery, safely and conveniently. The people are among the friendliest in the world, and the options for hospitality and lodging are sure to make your experience.

The stunning breadth of nature here should speak for itself, but the appeal for solo travelers is really the welcoming locals. The friendly hospitality almost guarantees conversation over a delicious pint of Guinness. For a trip ripped straight from a fairy tale, Dublin is a favorite for many when it comes to solo travel destinations.

One of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne actually offers a free tourist tram that reaches all the major sights, including Queen Victoria’s market, Carlton Gardens, and Federation Square. The simplicity and safety of this city is not to be understated, and the warm weather makes it an easy trip to pack for.

The safe, accessible cobblestone streets of this inspiring city are perfect for solo travel. There’s coffee houses, restaurants, stores, and even a castle, providing endless entertainment and opportunity for tourists. Navigation is easy with interconnected metro stations that double as art exhibits, and the locals are extremely friendly, perfect for a first time trip.

A bit of an oddball for a list of solo travel destinations,this unique city offers a splash of ancient history mixed with modernity. The beautiful night markets are the perfect place to sample a variety of asian eats, a nice compliment to the shopping at the high-tech buildings and malls. Most street signs are actually in English, and even though crime is low in the country, the metro offers “Safe Eating Zones” that are heavily monitored to ease travelers’ fears.