11 Hidden Gems in Europe For Solo Female Travellers

Here are some hidden gems in Europe I’ve personally visited and recommend to other solo female travellers.

Is anyone else low-key jealous of everyone holidaying in Europe right now? Just me? With Euro summer flooding my feed, I thought I’d shine a light on some of my favourite hidden gems in Europe. These underrated spots might not get the same hype as Paris or Rome, but they absolutely deserve a place on your Europe bucket list. Keep reading to discover why they’re worth stepping off the beaten path.

My Europe travel advice before we get started

• I’ve visited all these hidden gems in Europe as a solo female traveller and felt safe and comfortable in each one. Check out my top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my list of favourite cities to visit solo for more travel advice and inspiration.
• Stay connected with an eSIM. It only takes a minute to install, and this affordable Europe travel eSIM gives you data in 35 European countries.
• Travelling in autumn/fall or early winter? Don’t miss my Europe packing list filled with tried-and-tested seasonal tips.
• On a budget? I’ve shared my best budget travel tips for Europe—think hostels, grocery shopping, FlixBus, and free attractions. Travelling in autumn doesn’t hurt, either.
• Need hostel recommendations? I’ve rounded up my favourite hostels in Europe that are clean, fun, and well-located.
• Love cheap cities? Most of the hidden gems on this list double as affordable places to explore—check out my favourite budget-friendly cities.

Hidden Gems in Europe

1. Malmö, Sweden

If you’re heading to Copenhagen and Northern Europe, do yourself a favour and take a quick detour to the best hidden gem – Malmö. We’re talking less than an hour, and a long bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden and Copenhagen to this underrated Swedish city. My Malmö travel guide has the full rundown, but don’t miss wandering colourful Gamla Väster (the Old Town), shopping and embracing fika in Davidshall, and grabbing lunch at Malmö Saluhall.

Honourable mention: Gothenburg is another Swedish city that deserves your attention. It’s slightly more popular than Malmö but still flies under the radar compared to Stockholm. Not gonna lie – I had the best time eating my way around town.

2. Ghent, Belgium

I know you’ve heard of Brussels and Bruges, but have you made it to Ghent in Western Europe? An easy day trip from Brussels, I spent a few days here and wondered why more people aren’t raving about it. Think canals, fantastic food, beautiful architecture, and a laid-back vibe with fewer tourists than the medieval town of Bruges. Sounds good, right?

Honourable mention: Antwerp is another Belgian city that lives in Bruges’ shadow. I still enjoyed my day trip, but Ghent stole the spotlight.

3. Riga, Latvia

Riga in Latvia is one of several Eastern European cities on this hidden gems list. I spent a few days exploring this colourful Baltic gem and quickly fell for its charming Old Town, affordable eats, and friendly locals. So, how did I spend my time in Riga? 

Wandering the Old Town’s cobbled streets, admiring Art Nouveau architecture on Alberta Street, catching sunset views from the Skyline Bar, browsing snacks at the Central Market, and joining an alternative walking tour for a unique perspective on the city. I highly recommend this region for solo female travellers—Riga is a standout.

4. Zagreb, Croatia

Everyone raves about the Croatian coast, especially places like Dubrovnik and Split, but don’t discount Zagreb. The capital city doesn’t get nearly enough attention. I added it as a spontaneous stopover between Budapest and Ljubljana, and it completely surprised me in the best way. 

In just one day, I joined a free walking tour, admired the colourful tiled roof of St Mark’s Church, paid around $1 to ride one of the world’s shortest cable cars, and visited the unforgettable Museum of Broken Relationships. I still think about that museum today.

5. Wrocław, Poland

If you visit Poland and don’t visit Wroclaw (pronounced Vrots-wahf), you’re doing yourself a disservice. When I tell you this city cast a spell on me! I loved my time in Wroclaw. I spent my days strolling the colourful Old Town, eating my body weight in perogies, and sipping on cheap AF ciders. It’s vibrant, affordable, and full of surprises. One of the best? Gnome hunting! Check out my Wroclaw blog post to find out why it’s a must-do in this magical city.

6. Cork, Ireland

I know people visiting Ireland make a beeline for Dublin. But if you have time, don’t miss visiting Cork. It’s a compact town with plenty to fill a weekend. Some of the best things to do include walking along the River Lee to Fitzgerald Park and Daly’s Bridge, admiring the pretty pastel buildings along the way. For food, grab fish and chips at Quinlan’s and check out the stalls at The English Market. If time allows, take a short train ride to Cobh, a colourful, coastal small town that’s just as pretty in person.

Honourable mention: Galway is another gem on the opposite coast. It’s small, lively, full of charm, and definitely worth adding to your Ireland itinerary.

7. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn was my gateway to Finland in Eastern Europe. But what can you expect from this hidden gem destination? Firstly, the Old Town includes colourful buildings, delicious restaurants, and historic towers lining medieval streets. Don’t miss the views from Toompea Hill and the quirky Telliskivi Creative City, which shows how the city effortlessly blends history with hip vibes. Tallinn is affordable, safe, and full of surprises—definitely one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

While Czechoslovakia was once a country, Bratislava in Slovakia doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital. I did a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna, and soon learned that it’s worth adding to your Central Europe bucket list. Just a one-hour bus ride and you’re in a whole new country! 

I started my day in Bratislava with a free walking tour covering the main sights and diving into the city’s rich cultural heritage. After lunch, you can wander more of the Old Town or head up to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views. If you’re visiting Vienna, don’t skip Bratislava.

9. Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is easily one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It might not come with a checklist of bucket list attractions, but that’s precisely what made it so special for me. At that point in my trip, I craved a slower pace and a place to explore at leisure. Heidelberg delivered. I spent hours wandering with my camera, and I’m still obsessed with how photogenic this beautiful place is. My Heidelberg blog post has all the proof you need.

Start your visit by strolling down Hauptstraβe, the Old Town’s charming main cobblestone street.  Don’t forget to peek down the narrow streets running off it for some of the best photos. Then head up Schlangenweg for sweeping views before visiting historic Heidelberg Castle.

10. Belfast, Northern Ireland

I’d heard mixed reviews about Belfast before visiting. But what I found was a gritty European city with a heartbreaking past, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. I highly recommend spending a weekend here, not just using it as a pit stop for the famous Giant’s Causeway.

While in Belfast, explore the Botanic Gardens, pick up a souvenir at St George’s Market, check out the Titanic Belfast attraction, and spot some incredible street art. Dive into the city’s history with a political walking tour—my top pick. Wrap up your day with a cosy dinner at the historic Crown Liquor Saloon. There are heaps of things to keep you busy in Belfast, which easily makes it one of my favourite hidden gems in the United Kingdom.

11. Vilnius, Lithuania

Saving the best for last! Vilnius surprised me by taking the top spot of the three Baltic cities on this list. From the charming Old Town to the quirky Užupis district and the vibrant street art in the New Town, this city has a real wow factor and rich history that pulls you in immediately. My top tip for solo travellers is to explore these areas on free walking tours—you’ll thank me later. And don’t miss the view from the Bell Tower of St John’s Church. It’s harrowing up the top, but the views are worth it.

I hope this guide to the best hidden gems in Europe helps you plan your European trip. Have fun stepping off the beaten path!

Thank you to Get Nomad for partnering with me on this post.