When exploring new cities and countries by herself, Sturzaker looks for places with rich histories, delicious foods, walkable neighborhoods, awe-inspiring architecture, and nice people to talk to.
Business Insider asked Sturzaker to share the most underrated cities she's visited, as overtourism harms tourist hot spots that weren't built to serve millions, like Venice and Barcelona.
In these hidden-gem destinations, Sturzaker had unique experiences with fewer crowds.
In Spain, trade Barcelona for a trip to Zaragoza or Bilbao.
Architecture and food in the Spanish cities of Zaragoza and Bilbao.
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.
Sturzaker surrounded by Parmesan cheese in Bologna. Inside a historic building in Milan.
Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker
Hot spots like Rome and Venice are overcrowded with tourists, but Sturzaker said travelers often overlook some other Italian cities.
"Bologna is definitely a place for foodies," Sturzaker told BI.
She went to the northern Italian destination in 2019 and spent several days eating her way through the city.
"A food tour is a must — both in the city where a guide will take you around the market and show you where to try the best food, and another day tour where you visit the countryside around the city to see a Parmesan factory, Parma ham producers, and balsamic vinegar," she said.
Sturzaker said the city itself is beautiful. She particularly appreciates the miles of porticoes, or covered walkways with columns.
"Bologna is ideal for day trips, so you could spend several days here and explore the region," she said, adding that you can get to Ravenna, Verona, and Florence within about an hour by train.
Sturzaker also visited Milan in 2019 and said it's a great solo-traveler destination for a long weekend trip.
Like Bologna, she said Milan has stunning architecture and delectable food. Sturzaker highlighted the rooftop of the Duomo, an Italian Renaissance cathedral, as a must-see for stellar views. She also recommended taking a pasta-making class.
"Enjoying an afternoon aperitivo (a drink that comes with a selection of tasty Italian snacks) with a view of Il Duomo, or anywhere in Milan is a lovely way to spend the evening," Sturzaker told BI.
Sturzaker thinks Budapest is one of the best destinations in Europe for solo travelers.
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.
City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker
In Northern Ireland, Belfast is another underrated solo travel destination, Sturzaker told BI.
"Everybody talks about how amazing Dublin is," she said of the nearby city in Ireland. "But I really like Belfast."
Sturzaker spent a week in Belfast in 2019 and said it was cheaper than a trip to Dublin. She recommended spending at least two days in the city.
Over the past 20 years, Sturzaker said the city transformed into a cultural hub with impressive street art and unique attractions like the Titanic Museum — "one of the best museums I've ever been to," she said.
Sturzaker also recommended extending your trip to Belfast and taking some day trips.
"You can visit the 'Game of Thrones' studio tour 30 minutes outside the city center," she said. "You can also take a trip up to the north coast to see the spectacular Giant's Causeway."
Tbilisi, Georgia, feels like Berlin — but with fewer crowds, Sturzaker said.
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."
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.
Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker
"So many people just go to Cancún and Tulum and don't go to Mexico City, but I just loved it," Sturzaker said. "The street food is so good, and the culture there is incredible."
Sturzaker spent two to three months working in a hostel in Mexico City back in 2016. Working in the hostel allowed Sturzaker to travel for free and get to know locals.
When she wasn't on the clock, Stuzaker was exploring the city's plethora of museums, which detail Mexico's rich history of Indigenous cultures. She toured cathedrals, pyramids, and temple ruins.
"I'd say five days would be great here, but three minimum to see everything," she said.
"And stick to the female-only carriages in the metro transport system, marked as 'Solo Mujeres,'" she continued.
In Australia, Perth exists in the shadows of Sydney and Melbourne.
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.
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