Toronto is the world’s top destination for solo travelers, with 50.5 percent of all walking tour bookings in the city made by independent explorers, according to data from the tour-booking platform GuruWalk. The ranking, based on 12 months of booking data across 150 global cities, highlights a shift toward solo-friendly urban tourism in both major metropolitan hubs and emerging travel markets.
Why is Toronto leading the solo travel trend?
Toronto’s position as the premier destination for independent travelers stems from its high concentration of accessible landmarks and its reputation for cultural diversity. Data from GuruWalk shows that over half of its walking tour participants are solo travelers. Local attractions such as the UNESCO-designated Distillery District and the Art Gallery of Ontario provide structured, safe environments for those traveling alone. These sites allow visitors to engage with the city’s infrastructure without the need for private groups or pre-arranged companions.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest museums in North America, making it a common anchor for solo itineraries in Toronto.
How do global cities compare for independent explorers?
While Toronto takes the top spot, the GuruWalk data reveals a diverse geographic spread among the top ten cities. Santa Ana, El Salvador, holds second place, with 50 percent of its tours booked by solo travelers. This contrasts with larger, more established hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore, which also appear in the top ten. The inclusion of cities like Skopje and Belgrade suggests that solo travelers are increasingly looking toward regions outside traditional western tourism corridors to find independent-friendly, walkable urban centers.
Top 10 Cities for Solo Travelers
- 1. Toronto, Canada (50.5%)
- 2. Santa Ana, El Salvador (50%)
- 3. São Paulo, Brazil (49.5%)
- 4. Taipei, Taiwan
- 5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 6. La Paz, Bolivia
- 7. Hong Kong
- 8. Skopje, North Macedonia
- 9. Singapore
- 10. Belgrade, Serbia
What are the future trends for solo travel?
The industry is moving toward a model where “solo-friendly” is a core metric for city tourism boards. Platforms like GuruWalk and Time Out are increasingly segmenting their data to help travelers identify destinations based on safety and ease of navigation. Future trends suggest a rise in “independent-first” infrastructure, such as group walking tours that cater specifically to individuals rather than couples or families. As travelers seek more autonomy, the ability to join a local, expert-led tour upon arrival has become a primary way for solo visitors to secure social interaction while maintaining their independent schedules.
If you are planning a solo trip, look for cities with high walkability scores and established walking tour networks. These cities often provide the safest environment for meeting other travelers naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which city is the best for solo travel according to GuruWalk?
- Toronto, Canada, is ranked as the best city for solo travelers, with 50.5 percent of walking tours booked by individuals.
- How is the “best city for solo travelers” ranking determined?
- The ranking is based on the proportion of solo travelers among all bookings made on the GuruWalk platform over a 12-month period across 150 cities.
- Are there European cities in the top 10?
- Yes, Skopje, North Macedonia, and Belgrade, Serbia, both feature in the top ten list of cities for independent exploration.
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