You don’t have to schedule a two-day week-long trip just to get some of the positive experiences out of going solo on a trip. A two or three day week long trip could well just give you the introductory solo weekend journey of experiencing a brand new City which will not necessarily lead to much forward preparation or taking an extended holiday leave of work!
With such places to find the City should have simple transport links to enable travel in a walk friendly environment, various sights, delicious cuisine, etc. There will surely be a lot for yourself to do without so much having a full time 9 to 5 that you have to run from place to place! As the years go by Solo trips are ever increasing to people going, as the United States’ searches for such excursions have peaked this year.
Best Solo Weekend Cities by Travel Style
| Best City | Travel Style |
| New York City | First-time solo trip |
| Nashville | Music and Nightlife |
| New Orleans | Food and Culture |
| Washington, D.C. | Museums and History |
| Chicago | Architecture |
| San Diego | Beaches and Relaxation |
| Boston | History and Food |
| Savannah | Historic charm |
Whether your dream weekend is exploring exciting cities rich with unmissable museums and landmarks or unwinding at beachside resorts where there’s always live music and amazing restaurants to share with friends, the possibilities are truly endless! So whether it is an exotic escape you are thinking of for a weekend or more of a chill staycation, perhaps a food exploration: it is simply important to go somewhere you would enjoy and fits the pocket. Explore through these weekend getaway ideas and find out places and ideas for experiences worth-including in your next trip to.
New York City, New York
– Best for: First-time solo travelers, culture, food and entertainment
New York City is one of the most accessible weekend getaways as well as it gives a perfect solo travel experience. Even though NYC is a huge city, most of the iconic attractions are in few accessible districts and you can commute to them by subway or walking. In Solo travel, you also have more flexibility and you can switch plan any time you want, go for tour historic district in night on first day and Saturday visit some museums and Central Park, while on the last day go for explore Brooklyn,
For solo travelers, New York offers an appealing combination of walkable neighborhoods, extensive public transportation, world-class attractions, and a dining culture where eating alone feels completely natural. Spend your weekend strolling through Central Park, exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or wandering through the charming streets of Greenwich Village and SoHo. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for impressive city views, visit the 9/11 Memorial, and finish an evening with a Broadway show.
With countless restaurants, cafés, and food spots spread throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to discover New York’s vibrant culinary scene at your own pace.
Brooklyn Bridge and Financial District, New York | www.nyctourism.com
Chicago, Illinois
– Best for: Architecture, food, museums and city sightseeing
There aren’t many places better to take the “quintessential American city weekend” solo than in Chicago. There is architecture, world-class museums, award-winning restaurants, shopping, green space, and some impressive attractions right on the water all available within driving (or sometimes walking) distance. A solo weekend trip to Chicago is enough time to enjoy many of its must-do, see-do, eat-dos and you can even make your way around most areas using public transit so there’s no need for a rental car. Travel and culture sites currently cover Chicago with features related to its art deco, modern, brutalist architecture, as well as its food culture, walkability and transit options.
If solo travelers think there isn’t enough to do during a weekend here, they couldn’t be more mistaken. Enjoy an architecture river cruise down Chicago to experience the renowned cityscape, hit the Art Institute of Chicago for some culture, tour the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, eat Chicago’s notorious deep-dish pizza, discover cafes and restaurants found in West Loop, and cap off your weekend with a stroll along the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Chicago, Illinois | www.nationalgeographic.com
Nashville, Tennessee
– Best for: Live music, food and nightlife
Nashville is the kind of weekend-destination where even as a solo traveler, you’ll hardly spend an evening alone. Thanks to the city’s notorious live music-scene, you can enter a music venue and snag a stool without having to schedule around anyone else’s timeline. You can check out Broadway if you are looking for a more rambunctious evening out, which packs several venues densely together in an area where you won’t stray far in your quest.
The various other neighborhoods around town-including but not limited to East Nashville, 12South, and The Gulch-also show a glimpse of the local dining, café culture, and retail boutiques that comprise Nashville. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to become familiar with Nashville’s rich music history or go tour the historic Ryman Auditorium. Food is also such a massive component to Nashville that you really must sample the “hot chicken” when exploring different parts of the city’s food scene.
For a deep dive into what makes Nashville tick from both a cultural and historical perspective, consider checking out the National Museum of African American Music and if you get the chance, you can take a food tour or music city tour to get to know the city a bit better and easily find yourself sharing a drink with some cool people on the way! Nashville is one of those cities where you can easily enjoy a packed weekend of events, eats, and eccentric neighborhoods, perfectly suited for solo travelers looking for a good time in an inclusive atmosphere.
Broadway, Nashville-Tennessee | www.visitmusiccity.com
New Orleans, Louisiana
– Best for: Food, music, culture and nightlife
Consider New Orleans as the ideal destination for your solo weekend trip, as it has a well-defined personality that keeps you absorbed with activities from morning to night. The French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, Garden District, and other neighborhoods allow you to spend your day without feeling lost with the wealth of activities they feature. Travel isn’t just about seeing new things. You also have to eat your way through them. So, kick off your day with fresh, piping hot beignets, tour a historic part of the French Quarter after lunch, and enjoy one of the top live jazz musicians New Orleans has to offer late that night.
New Orleans is your destination for a classic solo getaway packed with history, music, and cuisine. Explore the french quarter, enjoy live jazz at frenchmen street, admire jackson square, take in the beauty of the Garden District, opt for a food tour, and visit a civil war landmark, Jackson Square, all before walking along the Mississippi River and enjoying classic New Orleans cuisine, such as beignets and gumbos, for a quintessential experience.
National World War II Museum, New Orleans | www.neworleans.com
Washington, D.C.
– Best for: Museums, history and budget-friendly sightseeing
If you’re looking to keep expenses low, especially when it comes to attraction costs, Washington, D.C. is an excellent choice for a solo weekend getaway. The city is home to numerous free Smithsonian museums, while many of its most famous landmarks are located around the National Mall, making it possible to explore several iconic sites within a relatively small area. The city’s Metro system also makes it easy to get around without renting a car, helping solo travelers save on transportation costs.
Solo traveling in Washington D.C. has a phenomenal mix of culture, history and sites to visit. Explore the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall and enjoy all its national monuments, visiting some of its beautiful national treasures including the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress and US Capitol. Take a relaxing stroll by the Tidal Basin or explore the quaint neighborhoods in Georgetown.
With so many free or low-cost attractions close to one another, Washington, D.C. is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a memorable weekend without spending a fortune.
Smithsonian Museums, Washington D.C | Pinterest
San Diego, California
– Best for: Beaches, sunshine and relaxation
For a solo weekend getaway filled with sunshine, beaches, great food, and plenty of opportunities to relax, San Diego is hard to beat. Known as one of Southern California’s most appealing destinations, the city combines beautiful Pacific coastlines with outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and a lively downtown scene.
San Diego also offers plenty of experiences that are easy to enjoy on your own. Explore the museums and gardens of Balboa Park, go snorkeling or admire the marine life around La Jolla Cove, or spend a few hours discovering the history of the USS Midway Museum. You can also visit the San Diego Zoo, stroll along the waterfront, or simply find a scenic spot to watch the sun set over the Pacific. With its combination of sandy beaches, outdoor attractions, cultural experiences, and relaxed atmosphere, San Diego is an excellent choice for travelers looking to enjoy a memorable solo weekend in California.
La Jolla Beach in San Diego, California
Boston, Massachusetts
– Best for: History, walking and food
Boston takes the crown as one of the most incredible US destinations to travel to on a solo weekend trip. The city, which is rich in history, sprinkled with historic sites, boasts pleasant walkways, and will tantalize even the most discerning gastronomist alone! Hike or meander down the historical paths of the Freedom Trail; amble around neighborhoods steeped in history like Beacon Hill or the North End; simply relax among nature’s embrace of Boston Common; your solitary travel adventures in Boston awaits you!
Also, explore the art scene at Museum of Fine Arts, take some relaxing riverside strolls at Charles, stroll along the Faneuil Hall, feast on fresh New England seafood at genuine restaurants there and, most conveniently, Boston is a getaway that’s not as expensive and easy for solo travelers for the first time.
Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts
Savannah, Georgia
– Best for: A slower-paced weekend and historic charm
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of bigger US cities but still want to enjoy a fun, unique solo weekend, Savannah might just be your spot. It’s a really inviting and slow-paced city that features some historic homes, pretty squares, tree-lined streets, cafes, restaurants, and museums all within Savannah’s Historic District. Solo travelers can also take in Forsyth Park, take a stroll on River Street, browse and admire City Market, or take a historic walking tour to hear about some of the local history.
Savannah’s historic homes, Southern charm, and southern eats all make Savannah an excellent destination to slow down, experience it at your own pace, and truly enjoy a solo vacation.
Savannah, Georgia | visitsavannah.com
How to Plan a Solo Weekend Trip
No need to come up with an over-the-top itinerary to make your weekend alone one worth remembering. You want an itinerary that’s laid back with enough time to experience your surroundings but also have time for whatever might pop up.
Friday: Arrive and Explore
After getting to your accommodation and checking in, spend some time walking around the area. Just go explore the neighborhood. Grab something to eat at a local joint, explore one of the attractions in the area, or enjoy a lazy evening at your place. A slower first day will give you time to get comfortable after arriving.
Saturday: Make It Your Main Exploration Day
Saturday is an ideal day for hitting some of the city’s top highlights. Pick a couple (or three) things you’ve heard and seen you just have to experience. Build in extra time for lunch between sites, linger over coffee, poke around an interesting shop, or stumble on a surprising treasure. Consider taking a walking, food, architectural or cultural tour for an easy way to both immerse yourself in the destination and meet fellow solo travelers.
Sunday: Slow Down Before You Leave
Try to schedule your flight out late to the greatest extent possible. Let yourself have a final breakfast at your leisurely pace for Sunday morning before heading out to an attraction, another interesting neighborhood, or restaurant, and then the airport, train station, or bus station. That way you have a little breathing room left at the end of your solitary weekend escape.
How to Save Money on a Solo Weekend Trip
Solo travelers don’t have anyone to share accommodation, transportation, or other travel expenses with, making it important to plan your budget carefully. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy a memorable solo weekend getaway without overspending.
Choose Centrally Located Accommodation
A hotel or hostel in a convenient neighborhood may cost slightly more upfront, but its location can help you save money on taxis and rideshares. Staying close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transportation can also give you more time to explore.
Use Public Transportation
Take advantage of affordable public transportation whenever possible. Cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Portland have transportation networks that make it possible to explore many attractions without renting a car.
Look for Free Attractions
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a destination. Free museums, public parks, walking routes, markets, waterfronts, historic neighborhoods, and cultural events can provide plenty of memorable experiences while keeping your travel costs low.
Travel During the Shoulder Season
Consider planning your solo weekend trip during the spring or fall. These shoulder seasons often offer comfortable weather while helping you avoid some of the higher prices and larger crowds associated with peak travel periods.
Eat Like a Local
Save money on food by exploring neighborhood restaurants, food halls, local markets, cafés, and casual dining spots. Avoid eating every meal in heavily tourist-focused areas, where prices are often higher. Trying local food away from the main attractions can also give you a more authentic experience of the destination.
Solo Travel Safety Tips for a Weekend Trip
Solo travel may be appealing and advantageous, but even a brief excursion with no one at your side needs a few preparations. Some easy preventative measures can make you feel more at ease while still allowing you to make the most of your weekend trip. Make research on your surroundings.
Prior to making a reservation, do a research on the hotel area where you plan to stay.
- Selecting an area with good access to tourist attractions, transit, and eateries can simplify things for you and reduce risks. Share your plans with someone you trust:Inform someone you know well where you will be staying and give them an idea of what you intend to do. Update them on any significant changes you make to your plan. Make sure your possessions are safe, do not flaunt costly accessories, electronics, or plenty of cash and make sure to keep valuable documents and personal belongings in a safe spot.
- Exercise caution at night:When exploring a new place for the first time at night, adhere to areas that are well-lit and packed with people. Use safe taxis, rideshare, or local transportation while going to your lodging. Keep your phone charged as your mobile device can serve as a navigator, communication system, mode of transportation, and a key resource for various travel-related information.
- For your travels, bring a portable charging bank with you. Avoid over-stuffing your agenda. Having an agenda full of scheduled activities for a brief trip can make you feel drained and unable to keep an eye on what is going on around you. Allow yourself time to relax and pace yourself with your excursions.