Traveling alone during the day often feels simple and natural. Whether you're wandering through markets, exploring museums, or sipping coffee at a local café, the daylight hours pass without a second thought. But as night falls, you might feel the weight of venturing alone while others head out with friends or loved ones.
The good news? Being a solo traveler doesn’t mean you need to stay in for the night. There are plenty of ways to make your evenings memorable, even when traveling alone. Below, we’ve listed 13 fun, safe, and engaging nighttime activities to transform your solo trips into unforgettable adventures.
1. Pick the Right Accommodation
The right place to stay can be your gateway to nighttime entertainment. Social accommodations like boutique hotels, hostels, and B&Bs often host evening events that bring travelers together.
- Paris: St. Christopher’s Inn Canal hosts music nights, trivia, and mingling moments in their café.
- India: Opt for rooftop restaurants at small hotels, where guests often connect over shared travel tales.
- Chile: Traveling through Patagonia on the Navimag Ferry offered endless multilingual conversations with travelers from across the globe.
Tip: When booking accommodations, check if they offer social activities or have communal spaces.
2. Join New Friends for Dinner
Meeting fellow travelers who share your language or interests is a great way to spend an evening. Hostels, shared tours, and social activities create opportunities to form connections.
- Kauai: Shared meals from food trucks turned into beachside dinners with new friends.
- Takayama, Japan: Strangers you meet at ryokans often turn into dinner companions.
- Bologna: At the Cineteca di Bologna, meeting locals for an English movie led to an unexpected dinner gathering.
Safety first! Stick to well-lit areas and trusted dining spots for a worry-free night.
3. Attend the Opera or Symphony
You don't need to understand the local language to appreciate the beauty of an opera, symphony, or concert. These venues are culturally rich, and the experience often extends beyond the music itself. The grandeur of concert halls and the sophistication of the attendees make for a fascinating evening.
4. Dine with Locals
Want an authentic taste of local cuisine? Platforms like Eatwith connect travelers with chefs and food enthusiasts who open up their homes for dinner. Whether it’s a family recipe or a gourmet experience, dining with locals is a great way to enrich your night.
5. Try a Meetup
Find evening meetups that match your interests on platforms like Meetup. From language exchange to photography clubs, it’s a chance to mingle with locals and like-minded travelers. For instance, in Bordeaux, France, I joined multiple language meetups that made the evenings both fun and productive.
6. Catch a Movie
Explore the unique culture of a country through its cinemas. From architecture to local snacks, heading to a movie theater can be a surprisingly refreshing solo activity. While living in Prague, I discovered the historic Lucerna Cinema, which gave the movie experience a whole new charm.
Better yet: Stumble upon a foreign film festival for an even more immersive cultural treat.
7. Opt for Communal Dining
Many restaurants are now adopting communal tables, creating an inviting space for solo diners to share the experience with strangers. Dinner cruises and theater dining options follow the same concept, ensuring no one feels left out, no matter the group size.
8. Find Music Venues
Jazz, blues, rock, or folk music nights are great options for solo travelers. Many cities have small, intimate venues where you can enjoy live performances. Years ago, I stumbled upon a blues performance by the legendary BB King at a venue in Redondo Beach, California.
9. Join a Night Tour
Night tours are a fantastic way to explore a city while staying safe. Try boat cruises, ghost tours, or nighttime monument experiences. For example, moonlight tours in Washington, DC offer a magical glimpse of the city’s landmarks, all while surrounded by others.
10. Take an Evening Stroll
Some cities, like Paris and London, truly come alive at night with streetlights and bustling nightlife. Be mindful of your surroundings as you enjoy the views, soak up the atmosphere, and discover the charm of a city after dark.
11. Explore Local Events
Attend a night market, festival, or cultural event! From Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights to local dance festivals, there are plenty of free or ticketed public events that bring communities together after sundown.
Hotel staff or a quick Google search can help you discover what’s happening in your area.
12. Visit Museums That Stay Open Late
Some museums extend their hours into the evening, offering a quieter and more intimate experience. This is particularly true in cities like New York or Berlin, where specific nights of the week cater to late-night art lovers. Bonus? It’s also a great conversation starter for meeting fellow travelers.
13. Relax and Recharge
Travel can be exhausting, so taking an evening for yourself can be just as rewarding as an adventure. Read a book, journal your day, meditate, or simply sip tea at an outdoor café while watching the world go by.
For example, in Italy and France, it’s common to see locals enjoying a calm evening outside with a light drink and good company.
Final Thoughts
From music nights to cultural experiences, the possibilities for enjoying your evenings solo are endless. Being alone doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the magic of exploring a new destination after the sun sets. The key is to stay open to new experiences while ensuring your safety and comfort.
Got your next adventure planned? Think about how you'll spend your nights! Have fun and experiment with the options above to make your travels even more memorable.
