Your first solo travel experience will ultimately depend on the destination you select, therefore it's important that you pick wisely. I understand the mix of excitement and nerves that come with jetting off solo for the first time - and these feelings re-emerge before every trip, even though I've travelled to 14 countries on my own. Here are three of my favourite solo-travel destinations that stood out to me...
Lisbon, Portugal
For first-time solo travellers the capital city, Lisbon, is a great starting point. Despite it being a capital, it doesn't really have the intense vibes that you would expect from let's say Rome or Paris. There's a low crime rate, it's walkable, and there are great transport links.
This is actually where I did my first ever solo trip, and I can't recommend it enough as a solo traveller's debut destination! :)
There are plenty of great hostels to choose from, one being, We Hate F Tourists. But I haven't actually been here... instead I stayed in Good Morning Solo Traveller (and well... it says it in the name). My stay included free family dinners which gave me the opportunity to chat with other travellers in the evenings. Free drinks were also included during the bar hours - and non-alcoholic options were available too. This was before the organised bar-crawl - which was a great way to see the city at night safely, as I was accompanied by a crowd of people from the same hostel.
You have to try a Pastel del Nata in the capital - a famous spot to try some of the best is Pastéis de Belém. While you're there, make sure to check out the Belem district - home to some great art exhibitions, the 500-year old tower (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the beach. Another way to see Belem is from the river - by doing a boat tour - and you will not just see the sights from a different angle, you may even be able to spot dolphins (I did)!
Another thing to do is browsing one of the many markets - from flea markets, to food stalls, and more. Time Out Market is the largest food hall in the city - it's a great place to sample a local dish without having to order an entire meal. The LX Factory is an industrial part of the city, turned tourist hotspot. Here you'll find coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and even a market on a Sunday (11am-6pm).
Other things to do include wandering through the Alfama district (old town), taking a tram ride on the iconic 28 tram, and visiting one of the many viewpoints at sunrise or sunset - my favourite is Miradouro de Santa Luzia. And, it's also easy to get in and out of the city, thanks to its transport links. Sintra is a popular day trip, home to various historic palaces, as well as Cascais, a nearby beach town.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Now, Hanoi is not a calm or relaxing city...if anything it is chaotic and buzzing with life. But this means it's never boring. From ancient pagodas to modern urban buildings, there are stories which you will find hidden round every corner.
It's best to stay in the Old Quarter, to really get a sense for the vibrant cultural environment. I stayed in three different hostels during my time in Hanoi.
The One Hostel Hanoi - party hostel, there's a pool, they organise tours to Sapa, Ha Long Bay, etc.
Hanoi Backpackers - great rooftop views, very social, friendly staff, comfortable rooms
The Drift Backpackers - free buffet breakfast, balcony views, closest out of all 3 hostels I stayed in to the action
It's a city which invites you into the local experience, as it lives and breathes street food. Pho, which you may have heard of already, is a classic, so this is something you must try while you are here. There's also Bánh mì, a Vietnamese style baguette. Discover recipes that have been in families for generations by eating from one of the many street-side food stalls. Be sure not to miss out on the local beer too!
Tip: Make sure you have cash to pay at local food places, as many places do not take card payments.
The city's coffee scene is vibrant and diverse. There's the tourist hotspot 'The Note Cafe', which to be honest, I do recommend, because I personally loved reading all the travellers' notes on the walls, and it's a great place to people watch from. But also make sure to try local spots and their delicacies, like egg and coconut coffee! Join a coffee workshop at Hanoi Cafe, and make a traditional cup for yourself.
If you're like me, and prefer to just walk around, without a map or route, then the Old Quarter should be on your list. It's the best place to capture the daily life of locals, as well as try street food, cafe-hop, and lose yourself in the many alleyways.
Want to escape the chaos of the centre? Book a local bike tour through Guruwalks to Banana Island. This is a green area, which has been used by local farmers for decades to cultivate a banana plantation. It's home to migrants from neighbouring provinces who live in floating houses. Check out my Instagram reel where a local guide talks about the island in more depth.
Vienna, Austria
Home to grand architecture, rich history, and classical music concerts, it's a city which offers a plethora of activities for solo travellers. In contrast to Hanoi, it has a calm and orderly atmosphere, but likewise it is extremely safe and easy to navigate. I stayed in A&O Hostels here - which was cheap and pretty central (just a short walk from the main bus station).
The city is known for its coffeehouse culture, so you can spend your time sitting in a cafe reading a book, or simply people-watching. Some well-known cafes include Cafe Central, and Cafe Sperl. Or if you'd rather listen to some classical music, make sure to head to Mozarthaus for an intimate concert just floors below where Mozart himself once lived.
If you happen to be in Vienna around November-December time, you will be able to experience the famous Rathausplatz Christmas market. From arts and crafts stalls to traditional Viennese delicacies, as well as dazzling lights, it's a place that will definitely get you into the festive spirit.
Discover the Baroque architecture, like the Belvedere Palace, and its beautiful gardens. Visit the World Cultural Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace, with gardens featuring fountains, greenery, and spectacular views. Don't miss out on the experience of a comical Strudel Show in the court bakery too! Read more about my solo-time in Vienna here.
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