12 Best Hidden Gems of Europe & How To Get There

It’s time to curate your bucket list with hidden gems of Europe! While I acknowledge the allure of famed destinations like Rome, London, and Paris, they don’t quite qualify as ‘hidden.’

These tucked-away European treasures offer a more intriguing visit than their renowned counterparts. I believe there are compelling reasons to prioritize these under-the-radar locales over the more familiar ones.

In my experience, the most popular cities can be overwhelmingly large, excessively crowded, and prohibitively expensive.

Therefore, venturing into the less-trodden paths is immensely rewarding.

This post will unveil not just the destinations but also the journeys to reach them!

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Crafting The European Bucket List & Getting There

Creating a list of Europe’s hidden gems is an exciting challenge that goes beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

It’s about uncovering the perfect places on your adventure, an itinerary full of lesser-known treasures that are often missed in standard travel guides.

Think about small villages tucked away in rolling hills, secret beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, medieval castles with rich history, and historic towns lined with cobblestone streets.

However, you’ll need to consider how to get to these off-the-beaten-path locations and you’ll have to get creative with transportation.

It could be a scenic train journey through the countryside, a road trip through olive groves, or a local bus that winds through sleepy towns.

Remember, part of the charm lies in the journey itself. Each mode of transport offers a new perspective and an opportunity to connect with the local way of life.

With my vast experience traveling to these places, I can offer you a suggestion on the best mode of transport to each!

So get a pen and paper and start manifesting your dream trip to these incredible destinations!

Görlitz, Germany

Görlitz is a small town in Germany that lies just on the border of Zgorzelec, Poland.

I stumbled upon Görlitz while I was living in Berlin and on a weekend road trip to Dresden.

Most people have never heard of Görlitz. This hidden gem is tucked away on the eastern border of Germany, near Berlin.

The main attractions include walking down streets lined with beautifully preserved architecture that spans centuries – it’s like stepping into a living museum.

Görlitz is a star in its own right, it’s been the backdrop for many famous films like Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Hollywood has quietly been sneaking into this quaint town to capture its untouched beauty!

From the charming Obermarkt square to the stunning views of the river Neisse, Görlitz isn’t just an excellent place; it’s a journey through time and cinema.

How To Get Here:

The closest Airport is Dresden Airport (DRS). From there you need to take the train to Görlitz. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes and leaves every hour or so.

Pro Tip:

You only really need to spend 2 days in Görlitz maximum. I would recommend you save time to visit Dresden.

Granada, Spain

Granada is located in southern Spain, approximately 853km or 530 miles from Barcelona, and it’s one of my favorite hidden gems in Spain.

While the main attraction is Alhambra, a small fortress originally constructed in AD 889 that evolved into a palace in 1333, I’d say most travelers I talk to have never heard of Granada!

You could get away with spending only one day in Granada, though I recommend at least 2 full days and nights.

I found it to be very affordable, possibly the most affordable in Spain. For example, my Airbnb for one night was between 30-50 euros.

Alhambra is perched upon a hill, with viewpoints clear across the city and surrounding meadows. If you want to see all the Alhambra has to offer, then you must have booked in advance.

I wasn’t very prepared but was lucky enough to get entrance the day before, but for the interior grounds only.

The smartest way to experience Alhambra is to book a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

How to Get Here:

The closest airport is the Granada-Jaén (GRX) Airport, I highly recommend taking the bus service that will take you into the city center.

It was very affordable, approx 4 euros, and took around 45 minutes.

If you are arriving by train, the Granada Train station is located in the city center.

Pro Tip:

Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets to Alhambra far in advance. Tickets will sell out months and months ahead of time.

Toulouse, France

I discovered Toulouse while doing a cheap flight search on Skyscanner!

Toulouse is located only 603 km or 375miles from the Spanish border. You’ll definitely notice that Toulouse is filled with the influence of Spanish culture, apparent in the architecture and food.

The city has a “siesta” daily typically between the hours of 2 pm-7 pm. The definition of “Siesta” is a time for rest, and recharge.

Siesta is very common all through Spain. Toulouse is the first French city I’ve visited that’s adopted the rest and recharge way of life.

During siesta, restaurants will likely be closed. I had trouble finding any restaurant to serve food after 2 pm and before 7 pm, even at hotels. Having arrived at 2 pm, I was disappointed.

Toulouse’s most visited church is the Basilica of Saint Sernin. A grand basilica located in the city center.

A great way to spend a day in Toulouse is by walking around the cobbled streets to the different basilicas and marveling at the architecture.

And if you have time, I highly recommend doing a bike tour of Toulouse.

Just 2 hours from the central train station in Toulouse is one of my favorite French cities, Bordeaux!

How to Get Here:

The closest Airport is Toulouse (TLS) Airport. There is a bus that runs every 15 minutes and will take you directly into the city center. The total journey time from the airport to the city is approximately 25 minutes.

Pro Tip:

It’s advisable to research and book your lunch and dinner reservations in advance. Given the limited hours of operation, failing to plan could leave you in a rush to find a quality meal.

Bologna, Italy

Did you know that Bologna is the food capital of Italy? I would have assumed it was Rome, but I would be wrong.

If you are hungry for pasta, Bolognas’ signature dish is tagliatelle served in a Ragu sauce.

Since Bologna is all about the food, you should plan to stuff your face with all the Italian food you can find.

Luckily you’ll have a great time by combining food touring with walking.

Bologna is a great destination whether you are traveling solo or in a group! It is a small and safe city with lots of historical sites to immerse yourself in.

How to Get Here:

The closest Airport is Bologna (BLQ) Airport. From the airport, you can take the metro into the city center for around 3 euros. Follow the signs in the arrivals terminal.

Pro Tip:

Make time to visit Verona from Bologna. It is a quick 40-minute direct train ride. The city of love is perfect for your next destination or just a fun day trip.

Sighisoara, Romania

Have you been looking to visit somewhere completely different? Maybe hidden places to visit in Europe that are so unique, that you have trouble pronouncing the name!

Then Sighisoara (Sigh-ee-sore-ah) is the place for you. This small village is one of the safest destinations in Romania.

All you vampire-loving ladies need to put Sighisoara on your European bucket list.

Why? Because this Romanian city is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. He is known throughout history as the real “Dracula.”

You need no more than two days to explore all the colorful houses in this perfectly preserved medieval town. Some of the spooky sightseeing highlights include a city walking tour and Dracula home visit.

One of thee best things to do is to climb the Sighisoara Clock Tower for views of the breathtaking landscape.

How to Get Here:

Sighisora is one of the tricker destinations to reach unless you rent a car in Romania. The closest Airport is Tirgu Mures (TGM) Airport. There is no convenient public transport to the medieval city.

By car, it is only an hour away from Tirgu Mures. The transit option available is 2 trains taking around 4 – 5 hours.

Pro Tip:

The best way to experience Sighisora is by booking a day trip from a nearby city such as Brasov. You will get there in the most efficient time and be shown around by a knowledge guide. The best time to visit Romania is in October.

Bremen, Germany

One of the best hidden gems in Europe is the charming town of Bremen. Even though Bremen is one of the largest ports in Germany, my bet is you have never heard of it.

This hidden gem in Germany is sitting just southwest of Hamburg and 70 km / 43 miles from the North Sea.

I am surprised that Bremen isn’t more popular, since it’s such a short drive from the major cities.

The historic old town is one of the top attractions in Bremen for a good reason. You will find some incredible architecture in the old town square.

Learn more about the history of Bremen by doing a night walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Visit the historic landmark of the Schnoor neighborhood. This part of the city is the only remaining medieval quarter.

You’ll find small winding streets packed with idyllic restaurants and shops. The Schnoor area is somewhat hidden away, and I also missed it altogether!

How to Get Here:

The airport is Bremen (BRE) Airport, located only 4 miles from the city. There is a convenient train that will take you directly to the Hauptbahnhof in Bremen from the airport in 16 minutes.

Another great way to reach Bremen is by visiting via train from Hamburg.

Pro Tip:

I recommend staying in Bremen for 2 nights so that you can really immerse yourself in all the historic hidden gem has to offer.

Aarhus, Denmark

On a Copenhagen solo travel trip, I made an overnight stay in Aarhus.

You can plan a doable itinerary to Aarhus from Copenhagen if you have 2 days to spare.

Aarhus sits on Denmark’s on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula and has an awe-inspiring harbor.

Some cool things to check out are the Dokk1 Cultural Centre, the iconic Iceberg building, and swimming at the harbor baths.

Aarhus is a foodie town, perfect for the solo female traveling food lover. A must-visit is the Aarhus Street Food Market.

No visit to Aarhus would be complete without visiting the Den Gamble By. This is a living history museum, located in the center of Aarhus. Get a real live look at daily life before the 1900s, and experience the 1920s and 1970s.

If you are going to continue your time in Denmark, make sure and stop in Copenhagen.

How to Get Here:

The nearest Airport is Aarhus (AAR) Airport. Aarhus is located west of Copenhagen, and traveling by train is 3 hours away.

Another option would be to rent a car in Copenhagen and drive the scenic route.

Pro Tip:

Visit Aarhus in the spring and summertime. While I enjoyed my time exploring in February, it was mighty cold and made it difficult to be outside for long periods of time.

Zagreb, Croatia

Located near the border of Slovenia, Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. A tiny city I consider one of those European hidden gems!

Zagreb, unlike most of the coastal towns of Croatia, is very cheap! You can stay in a nice hotel, and get a delicious meal for a quarter of the price you would in Dubrovnik.

A few highlights of Zagreb are the St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral of Zagreb, and Ban Josip Jela Square.

The best way to get a full overview of this city is to do this 2.5-hour walking tour.

If you are planning to visit Dubrovnik, and I highly recommend that you do, go in the offseason.

Over the years, thanks to Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik in the high season has been overrun by tourists.

I visited in October, just the start of the offseason. It was the perfect time to visit the old town of Dubrovnik. I got all the beautiful weather with a fraction of tourists.

How to Get Here:

Th main airport is Zagreb International Airport (ZAG). Zagreb is located very close to the border of Slovenia! I traveled by bus to this incredible country.

Pro Tip:

Faro, Portugal

Faro, a gem in Portugal’s Algarve region, offers an affordable yet enriching experience unlike the bustling hotspots of Lisbon or Porto.

Here, is one of the best places you can indulge in luxury at a fraction of the cost, from comfortable stays to sumptuous local cuisine.

Key attractions in Faro include the stunning Old Town, the picturesque Faro Marina, and the eerie beauty of the Capela dos Ossos.

To truly understand Faro’s charm, I recommend a 3-hour guided tour that weaves through its cobbled streets and historical landmarks.

If you’re considering a trip to the more tourist-heavy Lisbon, think about timing it right. While Lisbon is a must-visit, it can get crowded, especially during summer.

I found myself in Faro during late September, just as the peak season waned.

It was ideal: I experienced the city’s vibrant culture and warm weather, minus the usual tourist throngs.

How to Get Here:

If you are flying to Faro, the airport is Faro Airport (FAO). From the airport, it is an easy bus ride to downtown Faro. Another option is you can take the train from Lisbon in around 3 hours.

Pro Tip:

For an incredible experience in consider a 3 day itinerary in the Algarve region.

In 3 days you can really experience the magic of these magical areas in Portugal.

Sifnos, Greece

Sifnos, a hidden treasure among the Greek islands, offers a serene escape without the hefty price tag of more famous islands like Santorini or Mykonos.

Here on the small island, you can enjoy quaint, high-quality accommodations and savor exquisite Greek cuisine, all while keeping your expenses modest.

Highlights of Sifnos include the dreamy alleys of Apollonia, the historic monastery of Chrissopigi, and the pristine beaches of Platis Gialos.

To truly immerse yourself in Sifnos’ unique charm, and soak in the breathtaking landscapes!

If you’re planning to explore the more crowded islands, timing is key. While islands like Mykonos are captivating, they can become quite packed in the summer months.

I visited Sifnos in early May, just before the summer rush. It was perfect – the weather was delightful, the beaches were peaceful, and I experienced the authentic, laid-back lifestyle of the Greek islands with only a handful of fellow travelers around.

How to Get Here:

The only way to get to Sifnos is by taking the ferry from Athens or a nearby island.

Or if you have the means you can take a helicopter directly to the island. The Closest Airports are Milos and Athens.

Pro Tip:

If you want to treat yourself to the most incredible experience in Sifnos, stay at Verina Astra.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta is still a less traveled, and one of those lesser-known destinations in Europe! I found Valletta by accident when I was thinking of visiting Sicily.

Notable highlights of Valletta include the grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the historic charm of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the stunning views from the Valletta Waterfront.

To fully appreciate the city’s rich history and architecture, I suggest a guided walking tour, typically around 3 hours, which covers all the major sites and hidden corners.

If you’re contemplating a visit to the more touristy areas of Malta, consider choosing the right season. While places like Mdina and St. Julian’s are must-sees, they can get quite crowded.

My trip to Valletta was in late April, just as the peak season was beginning. It was the ideal time – I enjoyed the warm, sunny weather and vibrant city life without the overwhelming crowds, capturing the true essence of Maltese culture and history.

How to Get Here:

To get to Malta you want to fly in the Malta (MLA) Airport. From the airport, I took the public bus for a few euros and it took around 30 minutes to reach the center of Valleta.

It was a bumpy ride, but I recommend it if you are on a budget.

Pro Tip:

If you are visiting in the late spring and summer months, consider a boat trip tour to Gozo! I had the best time visiting the Blue Lagoon as well as touring the citadel of Gozo!

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, Slovenia, is another destination in Europe that gets far less attention than some of its neighboring cities.

This serene lake, with its picturesque island and stunning alpine views, offers a restorative experience at a surprisingly reasonable cost.

Here, comfortable stays and local culinary delights come without the high price tag found in more popular European destinations.

The iconic medieval castle, Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the charming Bled Island with its quaint church, and the spectacular views from Osojnica viewpoint are just a few of the must-visit spots in Lake Bled.

For a comprehensive experience of this tranquil haven, consider a leisurely boat tour around the lake or a gentle hike in the surrounding hills.

If you’re also thinking about visiting Ljubljana or the more tourist-centric spots of Slovenia, timing your visit is crucial.

While these places are undoubtedly beautiful, they can become crowded, especially in the summer.

I explored Lake Bled in early October, as the summer crowd was dwindling.

It was an idyllic time – the weather was still warm and inviting, and the tranquility of the lake was heightened by the reduced number of tourists, allowing for a more intimate and authentic connection with this Slovenian jewel.

How to Get Here:

You will likely fly into the Ljubljana (LJU) Airport and want to rent a car if you plan to stay in Bled directly. Alternatively, you can stay in Ljubliana first and take the direct bus to Lake Bled.

Pro Tip:

If you love camping I highly recommend visiting in the summer months! Or if winter sports is your favorite Bled is a great place to go, there are a lot of things to do in Bled in winter.

Why I Consider These European Cities Worth Visiting

I have been so incredibly fortunate to travel to a lot of Europe’s most famous cities. These cities are London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.

All of the cities I visited I truly loved, but it was a small day trip I took to the lesser-known cities that stood out.

I hope that you will add them to your solo female traveling bucket list! And since it is not always easy to navigate booking a multi-city trip, I created a unique guide.

Over the years, I have made many travel mistakes that taught me how to perfect the art of traveling. I made this site to help make your journey around the world that much easier!

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