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6 destinations for your 2023 solo travel bucket list

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There are so many destinations to visit and while you want to go to as many as you can, it’s good to try to prioritise.  As you settle into the New Year and plan your travels, here’s 6 countries for your solo travel bucket list for 2023.  
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1. Budapest, Hungary

Ever thought about visiting Hungary’s capital, Budapest?  Well, why not add it to your solo travel list for 2023?  Budapest is a lovely city to visit and there are many things to do no matter the month you visit.  You can even take a trip to Vienna which is only about a 2hr and 45-minute drive away.

I visited in Winter, and it was lovely!  I went Ice skating and spent time in the thermal baths at Széchenyi.

Places to visit and things to do

  • See the statues of leaders at Heroes Square
  • Buda Castle
  • Ride the Castle Hill Funicular
  • Visit Stephen’s Bascilica
  • Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Take a day trip to Vienna
  • Go ice skating at the City Park Ice Rink
  • Take a dip in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Hungarian Parliament - Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Parliament - Budapest, Hungary
The Rink at City Park Budapest
Before hours - the Rink at City Park Budapest
Fisherman's Bastian Budapest
Fisherman's Bastian Budapest

 
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2. Manhattan, New York

Stunning views at Οne World Observatory - New York Manhattan_Ri
Stunning views at Οne World Observatory

The madness of Manhattan, the city that never sleeps!  It’s one of New York’s five most popular boroughs. 

There’s always something to do and many things to see.  Even on my fourth visit to this bustling city, I still had activities and places to cross off my list.  

You could visit The Edge, The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway, or Central Park.  

Depending on how much time you have in Manhattan, you could visit one of the other neighbourhoods – Brooklyn, Queens or The Bronx.  if you’re there for a longer stay, why not go further afield with a day trip to Washington D.C. or Philadelphia by train. 

Places to visit and things to do

  • Walk to The Edge
  • Take a boat trip to The Statue of Liberty
  • Visit the Rockefeller Building
  • Stop by the Empire State Building
  • Take in the atmosphere at Times Square
  • Walk along the Highline
  • Wander the Tribeca area
  • Take a stroll through Central Park
  • Visit Grand Central Station
One World Observatory - New York Manhattan_RiA Vistas
In the distance, One World Observatory
Beautiful New York Manhattan skyline_RiA Vistas - solo travel
A beautiful day in Manhattan, New York
MTA bus in New York - Manhattan_RiA Vistas solo travel
New York City bus, Manhattan

3. Florence, Italy

Ahh, beautiful Florence.  Whether you visit in winter, spring, or summer you’ll love this city.  It’s full of amazing architecture (one of the things that made me visit for a second time) lots of history, beautiful walks and tasty food. 

You can go for a walk along the Arno River, take in the views of the city from above at Piazzale Michaelangelo, grab a super large pizza at Gustapizza or stop for aperitivo in the evening.

Places to go and things to do

  • Go to the Uffizi Gallery
  • Visit Piazzale Michaelangelo
  • Walk up Palazzo Vecchio tower
  • Go shopping at San Lorenzo Market
  • Be amazed at the Duomo — Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Climb up Giotto’s Bell Tower
  • Stroll Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Tower Vecchio Florence Italy
Tower Vecchio Florence
Duomo - Giotto Bell Tower_Florence
Ponte vecchio Florence 2018
Ponte vecchio - Florence, Italy
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4. Hvar, Croatia

An island worth visiting is Hvar.  It’s a Croatian island located in the Adriatic Sea.  You’ll find many bars, clubs and restaurants located around the port and you can easily reach the islands other popular towns.   For example, it’s very easy to get to Jelsa, Vrboska, and Stari Grad by bus from Hvar town. 

I visited Hvar on a trip to Croatia and combined some time in Dubrovnik and Split. It made a nice multi-city-island break and will be a cool addition to your 2023 solo travel bucket list.

Places to visit and things to do

  • The towns of Jelsa, Stari Grad and Vrboska
  • St Stephens Cathedral
  • Bonj les bains beach club
  • Spanjola Fortress
  • Chill out on beaches Pokonji dol, Mekićevica and Robinson
  • Palmizani island
Up high in Tvrdava Fortica, Hvar
Up high in Tvrdava Fortica, Hvar
Hvar Harbour side
Hvar harbour side
Beach Mekićevica - Hvar
Beach Mekićevica, Hvar

5. Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon is one destination to add to your solo travel bucket list.  It’s the capital city of Portugal and is often combined with stays in Faro and Porto. 

I combined Lisbon with a stay in Porto but instead of the Faro, I chose Estoril. 

You’ll find something to do every day and can explore the Lisbon quite easily by the metro or tram.   You could take the train or drive to Sintra which is located west of Lisbon.  There you can visit the likes of Peña Palace and the National Park, the Moorish Castle or Cabo do Roca.

Belem Tower - Lisbon_RiA Vistas
Belem Tower - Lisbon
Picking up custard tarts at Pasties de Belém Lisbon_RiA Vistas
Picking up custard tarts at Pasties de Belém Lisbon

Places to visit and things to do

  • Take a short trip to the neighbourhood of Alfama
  • learn the history of the blue tiles at the National Tile Museum
  • Take pictures at Praca Do Comercio
  • Visit Belém Tower
  • Grab a custard tart at Pasteis de Belem
  • Have a night out at Barrio Alto
  • Tour Lisbon on Tram 28
Miradouro das Portas do Sol - Lisbon_RiA Vistas
View from Miradouro das Portas do Sol

6. Paros, Greece

Paros is in the Cyclades, a cluster of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, southeast of the mainland.  Known for its beautiful stretches of sandy beaches it’s one of my favourite Cyclades islands.  

While it’s great for hopping to nearby islands like Naxos and Mykonos for day trips, there’s a lot to see and do on Paros.  You’ll find things to do during the day and well into the evening.  It’s an amazing island to visit, so think about adding Paros to your 2023 bucket list.

Naousa harbour - Paros_RiA Vistas solo travel
Naousa harbour, Paros

Places to visit and things to do

  • Enjoy the night life in Naousa
  • Visit the ancient, historical capital, Lefkes
  • Spend time on Paros’ beaches Pounta and Santa Maria
  • Visit Antiparos and its caves
  • Take a day or overnight trip to Naxos or Mykonos
  • Wander Paros Chora shops
Shopping along Paros cobbled streets

I hope this gives you a few ideas of places for your 2023 solo travel bucket list.  They are places I’ve visited personally and enjoyed very much.  Some I’ve even visited more than once!  

Let me know which, if any, you plan to add to your solo travel bucket list for 2023!

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