Some people cannot travel without a group of friends or a partner, and enjoying traveling on your own can indeed take some time to get used to. Partially this is because some countries are more difficult to navigate than others. Fortunately, there are also several countries and cities in them that are great for a solo vacation.

What makes a city a great solo destination? Well, safety for one, but another important factor is the presence of activities you can do solo. Rome, for instance, is a monumental city full of life with its bars, restaurants, and museums, but it is a city better enjoyed in a company. Some destinations in Asia are also better enjoyed by locals who know non-touristic hidden gems.

In Australia and Europe, there are plenty of cities to explore on your own – and below we present a non-exhaustive list of some of the best destinations for your next solo trip.

1.   Brisbane, Australia

Queensland’s capital is one of the safest cities for solo travelers, women and men alike. Some of the most interesting things to do by yourself in Brisbane, such as Mount Coot-tha and Brisbane River activities, are also easily accessible by a short walk from the city center. The city is particularly famous for outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in and around the metropolitan area.

Walking tours are often a good way to get to know a city, especially when you are traveling solo. The Museum of Brisbane offers several free walking tours that take you through the monuments, little streets, and street art of Brisbane.

One of the must-visit places is South Bank, a vast open area full of shops, restaurants, art venues, and culture halls. This place has everything, even a man-made beach. South Bank often houses world-famous events such as Broadway musicals and internationally acclaimed exhibitions.

Hiking enthusiasts can find hiking trails and camping opportunities just a 25-minute drive from Brisbane, at D’Aguilar National Park. The park is over 400,000 hectares long and features several hiking trails, bird-watching spots, picturesque sceneries, and much more. If you do not have a car, getting here by public transport can take more than an hour. In other cases, public transport in Brisbane works really well, with trains and buses available across Queensland and its capital.

2.   Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, and as locals say, a city where the East meets the West. Georgia has been ranked as one of the safest destinations for tourists for a few years in a row now, and its capital is a perfect introduction to yet undiscovered culture of this country.

One of the reasons why Tbilisi is so great for solo travelers is the hospitality of locals. Tourists often find themselves where restaurants and bars want to gift them free bottles of wine or shots of tchatcha, a local alcoholic drink.

Take a walk through the old town and go to Cafe Leila to try authentic Turkish coffee with traditional Georgian sweets enjoyed by the Georgian aristocracy, called kaklutcha. Then, continue your walk to the Rustaveli avenue, through the Freedom Square, and to the monumental building of the Parliament.

Tbilisi is famous for its nightlife and restaurants – check Cafe Dafna, serving some of the best khinkali (big dumplings filled with meat), or Puri Guliani – a bakery-turned-restaurant making bean and cheese pies (lobiani and khachapuri as known by locals). At night, walk through the Dedaena garden to find the iconic Dedaena bar, or head to Vashlovani Street to meet local youth at bar Success or Mozaika.

3.   Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

A less touristic, but equally breathtaking European city in the heart of Bosnia is a perfect destination for solo travelers – it’s safe, locals are friendly, and cuisine is amazing. Bosnia is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with Sarajevo being one of the most affordable capitals – a room in the most luxurious hotel in the center will cost you less than $100, and an average meal here is well less than $10.

Sarajevo is quite small and unlike the neighboring countries, Bosnia doesn’t get nearly as many tourists. Yet, there is a lot to discover here. Take a walk through the Bascarsija neighborhood – an old part of the town. During your walk through this area, you will see how different empires left their distinct marks on this city, as Austro-Hungarian castle-like buildings stand next to the Ottoman-style constructions.

Sarajevo is also famous for its coffee culture – Bosnian coffee is similar to Turkish coffee, and always comes in a traditional pot with some sweets. Traditional Bosnian dishes – burek, pljeskavica, and cevapi are heaven for meat-eaters. Vegetarians will find the cuisine a bit more tricky, but there are some plant-based and cheese-based options as well. Try famous zelenica, a spinach pie, or sirnica, a cheese pie. Bosnian cuisine is a major part of the Sarajevo experience.