Solo travel continues to gain momentum worldwide, and a new ranking from tour booking platform GuruWalk, developed in collaboration with Time Out, has identified the destinations attracting the highest proportion of independent travelers in 2026.
The study analyzed walking tour bookings made over the past 12 months across 150 of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Researchers focused on the share of reservations made by solo travelers to determine which cities are proving most appealing to those exploring the world on their own.
The results highlight a growing preference for destinations that combine safety, accessibility, cultural richness and opportunities for independent exploration.
Toronto Takes The Top Spot
Toronto emerged as the world’s leading destination for solo travelers, with 50.5% of all walking tour bookings in the Canadian city made by people traveling alone. The result places Toronto ahead of every other destination included in the research.
Canada’s largest city is known for its multicultural atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods and extensive cultural attractions. Visitors can explore historic districts, renowned museums, waterfront areas and urban islands, all while benefiting from a reputation for safety and inclusivity.
The city’s combination of world-class attractions and easy navigation has made it particularly attractive to independent travelers seeking flexibility and authentic local experiences.
Latin America Claims Two Places In The Top Three
Second place went to Santa Ana in El Salvador, where solo travelers accounted for 50% of bookings. The city has become increasingly popular with visitors looking to explore Central America beyond the region’s traditional tourist hotspots.
São Paulo secured third position with 49.5% of bookings made by solo travelers. Brazil’s largest city offers a dynamic mix of culture, gastronomy, nightlife and arts, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking immersive urban experiences.
Asia Dominates The Global Ranking
Asian destinations featured prominently throughout the top ten. Taipei ranked fourth, followed by Kuala Lumpur in fifth place. Hong Kong and Singapore also secured positions among the world’s leading destinations for independent travelers.
Many of these cities benefit from efficient public transportation systems, high levels of safety and vibrant cultural scenes, factors that are particularly important for solo visitors navigating a destination independently.
The ranking suggests that travelers are increasingly choosing destinations where they can comfortably explore at their own pace while enjoying a mix of modern infrastructure and local culture.
The World’s Top 10 Cities For Solo Travelers
According to the study, the ten most popular destinations for solo travelers in 2026 are:
1. Toronto, Canada
2. Santa Ana, El Salvador
3. São Paulo, Brazil
4. Taipei, Taiwan
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6. La Paz, Bolivia
7. Hong Kong
8. Skopje, North Macedonia
9. Singapore
10. Belgrade, Serbia
Solo Travel Continues To Reshape Tourism
The findings reflect a broader shift within the global travel industry, where solo travel is becoming increasingly mainstream. Travelers are placing greater value on personal freedom, self-discovery and meaningful cultural experiences, driving demand for destinations that cater to independent exploration.
As more people choose to travel alone, cities offering safety, welcoming communities and diverse experiences are likely to continue benefiting from this growing segment of the tourism market. The latest ranking suggests that both established global cities and emerging destinations are successfully attracting solo adventurers looking for new experiences beyond traditional group travel.
