Traveling solo is a unique and wonderful experience everyone should try out at least once in their lives. It gives you the advantage of controlling your whole schedule and gives you the opportunity to thoroughly explore your destination. You can learn a lot about a place when traveling on your own — not to mention discovering some fascinating things about yourself along the way.

If solo traveling seems like a somber affair to you, think again! There are plenty of fun activities the lone traveler can fully enjoy and appreciate in ways that are simply more challenging when you’re exploring with family or friends. We’ve rounded up some great activities that will make traveling solo fun, freeing, and an experience you’re sure to remember for a lifetime.

Visit a Museum

Devote at least one full day to thoroughly exploring a museum (and if it’s particularly big, you can stretch this out to two days if you’re so inclined). When you’re walking through a museum with someone else or in a group, it’s easy to get distracted or have to compromise on which exhibits you explore along the way. But as a solo traveler, instead, you can take your time and tailor your visit to your exact interests. Consider investing in a headset if the museum offers it, so you can truly immerse yourself in the information at your disposal. It’s a great way to learn more about art, culture, history, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Take a Walking Tour

Your airline tickets probably cost you a pretty penny, so why not opt for a low-cost (and sometimes free!) activity for your solo adventures? Walking tours are a fantastic (and affordable) way to get the lay of the land in a distant city and learn about some amazing local spots at the same time. Pack some comfortable shoes and get ready to explore; you can opt for historical tours or those that show you hidden gems known only to locals. There are usually decent-sized groups that take these tours, so you’ll have the perfect opportunity to meet new people and strike up a conversation. Along the way, you’ll dive into the history and culture of your chosen location, and leave with a far deeper appreciation and understanding of your exotic destination.

Sample a Tasting Menu

If you consider yourself a foodie who loves to use their tastebuds to explore, find a local restaurant that offers a tasting menu! These lengthy dining experiences are a true culinary sensation, uniquely designed based on local produce and the chef’s own imagination. Dining alone will give you a chance to savor each bite, and many chefs and waitstaff will eagerly provide you with intriguing information about the food you’re sampling. If you love the idea of a tasting menu but prefer not to dine alone, see if any restaurants offer family-style eating. You’ll be seated with an assortment of strangers who share your love of food. It’s a fun way to meet new people, and chow down on some delicious dishes at the same time.

See Live Entertainment

There’s nothing quite like a live performance, particularly when you’re far from home. If you adore exploring the cultural side of a place, enjoying a show by yourself is an essential addition to your to-do list. Whether you prefer plays, musicals, operas, or dance performances, you can peruse the local papers and find the entertainment you’re craving. Try and arrive early so you can check out the venue, mingle with the crowd, and soak up as much of the local culture as possible. Since there’s no talking during a performance, this is a fantastic option for those traveling solo to truly immerse themselves in the culture of a place, and experience some amazing entertainment at the same time! And if there’s a type of performance you’ve never seen or heard of, consider giving it a shot — you may end up falling in love with a whole new art form!

Have any fun solo-travel activities to add to the list? Tell us what they are in the comments section!