10 BEST CITIES FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Stay: Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo, Aman Tokyo

If you haven’t yet put this Rwandan city on your to-do list, add it now. You can enjoy endless culture experiences that will be the envy of all your friends. You can take a tour of the vibrant fabric markets then visit the fashion boutiques and artisan workshops in the city. Or take a look at the capital’s amazing art scene and visit galleries and studios featuring contemporary Africa artists. If you are feeling active you could hike up Mount Kigali. If you need an energy boost to keep you going you can always get a java jolt at a coffee master class.
Stay: The Retreat, Kigali Serena Hotel

Another city that ticks multiple boxes. Of course there is a great coffee scene, but there is so much more to explore. You have New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa (“Our Place”), which showcases its national treasures, including items from the 16th century. You also have the ground-breaking Zealandia eco sanctuary set around a picturesque reservoir that has helped reintroduce 18 native species back into the area. And then you have the Weta workshop, which brought Lord of the Rings to the big screen. Ask your Lightfoot Travel Designer to organise a sculpting workshop for you with the Weta team or if you want to perfect your Halloween makeup you could take a class with the makeup artists too.
Stay: Museum Art Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel Wellington

If you really want to make your Instagram pix pop, visit the coastal city of Cape Town. From its pastel-coloured houses to the famed Table Mountain, it has to be one of the most picturesque cities on Earth. Hungry? Join a food tour of the City Bowl (city centre) where you can enjoy some of the country’s award-winning dishes and vintages. Looking for a souvenir? Check out the antique “clusters” around Cape Town. Who needs a fridge magnet or tea towel when you can have an antique?
Stay: The Silo, One&Only Cape Town

Take in panoramic views of the city after enjoying a hike up to the Peak. Then top up the calories that you burnt off by visiting a dai pai dong (open air restaurant). There are only a few of these traditional eateries left in the city, but they give you the chance to sample some of Hong Kong’s famed noodles while doing some serious people watching. One you could try is Bing Kee in Tai Hang. You can burn off some calories by taking a tour of this hip little neighbourhood afterwards.
Stay: The Murray, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

The Spanish capital is easy to get around and there are numerous beautiful museums and art galleries that you can get lost in. The first port of call should be Museo Prado, the most important art museum in Spain. Then you should take a peek at La Neomudejar, a leading arts centre that is set in a former train depot. You can also join the crowds on a Sunday at El Rastro, Madrid’s oldest street market, where you’ll find vinyl records, vintage clothing and prints. And if you want to impress your foodie friends, you should dine in El Sobrino, the world’s oldest restaurant.

Stay: Ritz Madrid, The Principal Madrid

This harbour city in the coast state of Kerala has welcomed Arab, Chinese and European merchants who have all left their mark. From the sculptural Chinese fishing nets that look like art works on the wooden jetties, to St Francis Church, which is believed to be the oldest European church in India. The city knows how to party, so try and coincide your trip with one of the city’s colourful festivals.

Stay: Brunton Boatyard

Spend the day burning calories climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, practicing your moves in the surf or hiking the coastal trail from Bronte to Bondi. In the evening you can take a seat at one of the city’s comedy clubs or if you didn’t make the climb up the bridge, you can take in the view of the harbor with a leisurely dinner at one of the restaurants found at The Rocks.
Stay: Four Seasons Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney

Take a cycling tour of the city to spy the city’s main landmarks and find some cool markets and restaurants en route. Look out for the Kitchen Market restaurant, which it’s rumoured may soon get a Michelin Star. If you’re a foodie, it’s also worth adding Levinsky Market to your itinerary. Filled with spice stalls, shops and eateries, this is more of a mini neighbourhood than a market. Stock up on olives, spices and burekas (pastries).

Stay: The Norman, The Setai

Start your day by burning calories by enjoying a walking tour, bike ride or a harbour cruise or a walk around the city – for if there’s one thing that you’ll want to do in Copenhagen is eat. The home of Noma, you’ll find numerous innovative eateries in the Danish capital. Look out for Reffen, a street food market filled with 50 start-ups serving local dishes. All of the stalls follow strict sustainability rule such as “reduce and reuse” and are encouraged to serve organic ingredients wherever possible.
Stay: Hotel Sanders (it has rooms specifically for the single traveller)