September 18, 2024, 3:35 pm | Read time: 8 minutes
The States are, of course, a perfect destination for solo travelers, as Americans are considered sociable and open, and therefore, it seems to be particularly easy to make friends here. But there are differences! In some cities, people are more open-minded than elsewhere, and the singles scene is livelier than in other cities. The travel magazine “Travel+Leisure” asked its readers for the best single cities in the USA, and TRAVELBOOK presents the top 9.
1. Miami – Florida
Of course, if you have the beach, you simply have to score. Where is it easier for solo travelers to strike up a conversation with others than here? “Can you please look after my things while I cool off in the sea?” Even the shyest single person can manage that—another advantage: no other city has so many beautiful people to offer. The readers of Travel+Leisure at least voted the Sunshine State number 1 in the ranking of “most beautiful Americans.” Singles may be on the sunny side in Miami, but they are not on the friendliest side: Miami also made it into the top 10 in another ranking, namely that of the most unfriendly cities in the USA. So, put on a particularly disarming smile, and you’ll be fine in Miami, too.
Tips: Singles are best off checking into the W South Beach, as the hotel includes the legendary Wall, where you definitely won’t be alone for long. If you like sitting at a bar, go to Tamarina, preferably during happy hour. And if you happen to be in town on the second Saturday of the month, be sure to visit the Wynwood Arts District, the former factory and warehouse area where creative people now work. On the Wynwood Arts Walk, you’ll walk past street art with lots of other people and into one or other of the 70 or so galleries – and art is, of course, always a perfect topic for small talk.
2. Houston – Texas
Lonely cowboy, go to Houston. Not only will you find the right hat there, you might even find the perfect match. In the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the USA (behind New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago), there are probably not only a large number of singles, but the locals are also considered to be particularly stylish and smart. They also like to barbecue – and nobody stays alone for long at a barbecue anyway.
Tips: Gallery Row, between Colquitt and Lake Street, is the city’s gallery district, where you can find great art and all kinds of conversation topics. If you prefer to get active at night, head to La Carafe – the oldest bar in the city. Or go to Public Services Wine and Whisky, where you can ask the person on the other bar stool which wine, sherry, or whiskey you should choose.
3. New Orleans – Louisiana
When you think of New Orleans, you think of jazz and colorful street parties like Mardi Gras, the carnival with probably the best carnival songs ever. There’s no question about it: this city – which last year was ranked number 1 among the best U.S. cities for singles – offers plenty of opportunities for solo travelers. And it’s great, too. Last year, New Orleans came second in the ranking of the best cities in the U.S. and even just made it into the top 10 best cities in the world.
Tip: How about bowling? The best thing to do is to go to Fulton Alley and find out what the nightly “boutique bowling” is all about. If it’s Saturday, head to the Hi-Ho Lounge afterward.
4. Austin – Texas
It’s considered the hipster stronghold of the States, so it’s no surprise that you can do one thing particularly well here: Shopping! The Texan capital landed in 12th place in the ranking of the best shopping cities in the world. Supermarkets and record stores are among the places that singles should look for anyway – alongside pubs and cafés, which are also plentiful here. When it comes to cool places to eat and drink, Austin is even ranked number 1 in the USA.
Tips: Austin is known for its cool bars and delicious street food. One place where you can have both is Wonderland – a nice bar with a terrace where you can enjoy Thai delicacies from the East Side King. Also recommended is The Picnic, a kind of wagon fortress of food stalls in the heart of the city.
5. Atlanta – Georgia
It’s a fact that Atlanta is an excellent place to land: after all, the airport is the largest in the world in terms of passenger numbers. But apparently, you can also land well with the locals, who are considered to be quite smart (20th place in the corresponding US ranking), and the singles scene is particularly lively, as the placement at number 5 proves. And for those who are not looking for a short adventure, Atlanta also knows a thing or two about long connections. At 13,582 kilometers, the Johannesburg-Atlanta route is the second longest in the world.
Tips: The Dancing Goats Coffee Bar in the new Ponce City Market is a good place to meet a new acquaintance – or make one. Afterward, you could go to Holeman and Finch for a burger. They’re supposed to be pretty good there.
6. Las Vegas – Nevada
Did you previously think Las Vegas was only for newlyweds who want to marry quickly in cardboard chapels? And as a single person, you can’t help but feel out of place among all the romantic kitsch. Then, think for a moment about how quickly you can make contact at the casino table. And you know the saying: bad luck in the game, good luck in love.
Tips: When it comes to nightclubs, Las Vegas has a lot to offer. So head to LiFE at SLS or Drai’s at The Cromwell. If you prefer lounging to dancing, head to Commonwealth. You’ll find your way to the city’s casinos anyway.
7. Nashville – Tennessee
The very name of this city is music to the ears: Nashville is Music City and more than lives up to its epithet: when it comes to concerts and live music, Travel+Leisure readers find Nashville to be the lone leader. And what makes going out a further pleasure: not only are there likely to be a lot of attractive people here (Nashville came 7th in the ranking of the most attractive US citizens), but also extremely friendly ones (9th place in the ranking of the friendliest US cities).
The music plays here: at Marathon Music Works, for example, or in the Mercy Lounge. If you prefer to sit down and enjoy the music and a really good meal, head to The Sutler Saloon.
8. Los Angeles – California
Of course, L.A.! People come to this city in search of happiness – even if, admittedly, perhaps more in the film industry than in love. But that doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. In any case, you will meet many open, curious people here. The fact that one or two of them might be playing you, well, you have to expect that with the proximity to Hollywood.
Tips: Start on the roof terrace of the Ace Hotel. Then move on to Eightytwo, where you can try your luck at old-school slot machines while enjoying the best drinks – and maybe even find someone else along the way. If the machine spits out coins, it’s best to invest them with your new conquest at The Varnish, which is currently very popular.
9. NYC – New York
Surprise! No, not that New York appears in this ranking at all. No one who has seen “Sex and the City” and the like will deny that. What is surprising is the ranking. Only 9th place – with all the bars and clubs, the galleries and theaters, the giant park in the middle of the city, and the beach nearby? Well, the Americans must know.
Tips: Go to the museum at night! Many museums, such as the Rubin Museum or the Brooklyn Museum, offer special evening events with DJs. And anyway, art! How about a leisurely gallery-hopping tour in SoHo? If you like looking around in the park, you should do so on the High Line, the city park on stilts, because it is so narrow that you can quickly take in everything on offer at a glance.
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About the source
Travel+Leisure is a travel magazine based in New York with almost 5 million readers. Every year, readers select and rate travel destinations and cities around the world according to various criteria. The cities in the USA are rated separately, for example, according to the friendliness or attractiveness of the residents, or – as is the case now – according to the opportunities for singles.
The German original of this article was published in 2016.