Taking yourself out on a solo date is no longer a niche travel trend. It is a lifestyle choice rooted in ease, safety, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. According to a January 2026 report on solo outings, Seoul has officially claimed the top spot as the best city in the world to enjoy your own company.
The study, conducted by digital entertainment platform JB.com, analyzed 35 cities across Europe, Asia, and North America. Each destination was evaluated using walkability scores, safety ratings, and the average daily cost of solo activities. The result was a calculated “solo date cost,” defined as the total price of a full day alone including a restaurant meal, a drink, a museum ticket, coffee, and public transportation.
Cities with the lowest costs, paired with strong safety and walkability metrics, ranked the highest.
What the research revealed:
Seoul emerged as the most affordable and well rounded city for solo experiences, with an average daily cost of just around $30. Singapore earned recognition as the safest city for solo outings, while Budapest, Warsaw, and Prague stood out as Europe’s most budget friendly destinations for spending a full day alone, each coming in under $40.
Beyond cost, the study also measured how easy it is to navigate a city on foot, along with the number of cafes, museums, and parks available to fill a day without needing a companion.
The Top 10 cities for treating yourself!
Seoul, South Korea
Safety Index: 75.2
Walkability Score: 94
Solo Date Cost: $31.90
Budapest, Hungary
Safety Index: 66.1
Walkability Score: 100
Solo Date Cost: $32.60
Tokyo, Japan
Safety Index: 74.9
Walkability Score: 96
Solo Date Cost: $32.70
Warsaw, Poland
Safety Index: 74.6
Walkability Score: 96
Solo Date Cost: $35.40
Prague, Czech Republic
Safety Index: 75.4
Walkability Score: 87
Solo Date Cost: $36.90
Lisbon, Portugal
Safety Index: 67.4
Walkability Score: 100
Solo Date Cost: $37.80
Singapore
Safety Index: 77.5
Walkability Score: 100
Solo Date Cost: $43.00
Rome, Italy
Safety Index: 52.6
Walkability Score: 99
Solo Date Cost: $43.90
Athens, Greece
Safety Index: 44.8
Walkability Score: 97
Solo Date Cost: $44.50
Madrid, Spain
Safety Index: 71.1
Walkability Score: 94
Solo Date Cost: $44.60
You can access the complete research findings here.
Why Seoul ranks number one:
Seoul leads the list as the best city for spending a full day out alone. A solo itinerary that includes dining, sightseeing, museum visits, and cafe hopping averages just $31.94. The city’s strong walkability score makes it easy to explore neighborhoods on foot, while its safety rating ensures that moving around solo feels comfortable and secure. Seoul’s cafe culture also plays a major role, offering countless spaces to sit, reflect, and enjoy the day at your own pace.
Europe’s solo-friendly standouts:
Budapest comes in a close second, with a full solo day costing just over $32. The Hungarian capital is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and wandering its streets can easily fill hours. Coffee typically costs under $3, and with nearly 200 museums offering tickets around $10, cultural exploration is both accessible and affordable.
Tokyo takes third place with a nearly identical daily cost. With almost 5,000 cafes across the city, finding a quiet corner for alone time is never an issue. Solo meals average around $8, and the city’s low crime rate contributes to a strong sense of ease for independent travelers.
Warsaw follows with a solo date cost of $35.44. The Polish capital scores high in walkability and safety, making it ideal for long, unstructured walks. With 245 cafes and close to 200 museums, the city offers plenty of low pressure options for spending time alone.
Prague rounds out the top five, offering nearly 570 cafes and 120 parks, far more than many other major European cities. A full day here averages around $37 and can include meals, museum visits, and even a beer for under $3. The city’s solid safety rating makes it comfortable to explore well into the evening.
Why no US cities made the list:
The CEO of JB.com offered insight into the absence of American cities in the top 10.
“It’s no surprise that no American city made the top 10. Most US cities are designed for cars, not people walking around. You can’t just stroll from a cafe to a museum without planning your route around highways and parking lots. European cities work differently. Whenever you feel bored, you can easily walk for hours, stop at a cafe, and watch people pass by. Public transport is usually better too.”
The takeaway is clear. Cities that prioritize walkability, safety, and affordable everyday pleasures make solo experiences not only possible, but enjoyable. Whether you are craving quiet reflection or an unstructured day of exploration, these destinations prove that taking yourself out can be one of the best trips you ever take.
Data Credit: https://jb.com/
Image Credit: Travel Weekly
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