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The top hidden-gem destinations to visit alone, according to a full-time solo traveler who’s been to 43 countries

August 4, 20240
Architecture and food in the Spanish cities of Zaragoza and Bilbao.

Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker

As Barcelona locals protest mass tourism, Sturzaker recommended some lesser-known Spanish cities to add to your future trip list.

Zaragoza, for example, is a great destination for a two to three-day trip or as part of a larger train trip through Spain, Sturzaker said.

“I went there in May for the first time and loved it,” she told BI. Sturzaker said the city center is walkable and has a historic Old Town with delicious food.

“The El Tubo neighborhood is filled with tapas bars where you can try a range of tapas and Basque-style pintxos,” she said.

Sturzaker also appreciated the blends of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance architecture in Zaragoza.

“There’s a really beautiful cathedral by the river — Basilica del Pilar,” she said. “It has a bell tower that you can go up for really nice views of the city as a whole.”

In Zaragoza, Sturzaker also explored Roman ruins, from a theater to public baths.

On the north coast of Spain, Bilbao is another great weekend destination — especially if you’re an art lover or a foodie, Sturzaker said.

“I went for the first time in May as part of my Spain train adventure,” she said, adding that the city has exceptional pintxos bars in Plaza Nueva, the main square.

Sturzaker recommended walking along the river or taking a tram to the Guggenheim Museum if you’re a fan of modern art.

“Don’t miss the viewpoint and Funicular de Artxanda for wonderful views of the city from above,” she added.

In Italy, Bologna and Milan are less crowded than Venice and Rome.
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest.

Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker

In Hungary, Sturzaker thinks Budapest is one of the best destinations in Europe for both budget and luxury travel, with thermal spas, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a rich history.

“I spent a week here in 2019 and didn’t want to leave,” she said.

Sturzaker recommended spending at least a weekend exploring.

“There’s a huge parliament building on the riverside, which is absolutely stunning,” she said.

She added that it’s worth booking a guided tour of the parliament building in advance.

“In the old Jewish Quarter, there are a lot of abandoned buildings that have been transformed into ruin bars with really cool, random decor, like bathtub seats.”

Sturzaker said foodies should check out the Central Market Hall.

“I’d also recommend a food tour and a wine-tasting tour to taste some delicious Hungarian wines and find out exactly what to eat in Budapest,” she said.

Sturzaker added that it’s worth waking up early to watch the sunrise from the Fisherman’s Bastion monument.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, is another hidden gem, she says.
A historic church and a feast in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker

Sturzaker went to Tbilisi, Georgia, for the first time in January. The city was cold, but she warmed up with Georgian feasts, including dumplings, cheesy bread, and dishes like garlic chicken.

The city is great for solo female travelers because it has a compact Old Town area and affordable, easy-to-use public transportation systems.

“You could easily spend a week here exploring the different areas and taking day trips,” she said.

Sturzaker said that Tbilisi has a vibe similar to Berlin.

“Everyone looked cooler than hipster, if there’s such a thing — just quite edgy and some really unique fashion,” she said. “The people were all really nice as well.”

And it’s not just the local style that reminds her of the German city.

“Tbilisi has an interesting mix of architecture with unique and beautiful buildings all over the city with different styles,” she said. “There are lots of cool bars and restaurants and different neighborhoods to explore.”

She added that the destination is ideal for digital nomads because there are many cafés and coworking spaces.

Sturkaer recommended taking day trips outside the city to discover the area’s history of wine and jaw-dropping viewpoints.

“Take a wine tour to Sighnaghi to learn about traditional Georgian wine, made in clay pots buried in the ground,” she told BI. “Visit the Chronicles of Georgia, a hilltop sculpture with views over a reservoir just outside the city.”

If you’re visiting in the winter, Sturzaker also recommended skiing in Gudauri, two hours north of Tbilisi.

Mexico City is worth a visit over Tulum or Cancún.
A View from Kings Park in Perth.

Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker

In Australia, most people travel to Sydney and Melbourne.

“But I feel like Perth is definitely more underrated,” Sturzaker said.

Sturzaker spent a few weeks in the Western Australian city in 2022.

“The city itself has a nice vibe,” she said. “There are lots of good restaurants and a street food market in summer.”

She said you should spend a week in the area, with two days to explore the city and five days to take day trips around the region.

Sturzaker recommended visiting Kings Park and Botanic Garden for grand views and some museums to learn about the area’s history.

“The excellent WA Museum Boola Bardip is all about Western Australia. It includes exhibitions about the natural world and a detailed permanent exhibition about aboriginal culture,” she said. “Make sure you visit Wadjemup Museum to learn more about the history of the island and the prison which was built here.”

She said you can spend another day at Caversham Wildlife Park to see Australian animals. She also recommended taking a ferry to Rottnest Island, just off the coast, for a beach day full of snorkeling.

If you’re planning your first-ever solo trip, check out Sturzaker’s top tips for solo travel newbies.