The travel businesses that support women around the world and feminist travel trends, in general, are quite often missing in the mainstream travel publications.
The travel industry is still far behind when it comes to catering to women’s needs, despite their undeniable presence in travel.
In this post, we’ve highlighted 4 European feminist friendly cities with spots and attractions that have either played an important historical role or that are helping advance women’s rights in current times.
Feminist Friendly Cities in Europe Worth a Visit
London
Florence Nightingale Museum
Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing who truly changed the world. A museum dedicated to this heroine was opened in 1989 and today it represents a key part of London’s feminist heritage offer.
Being born in a wealthy family, Florence had to rebel against the norm and the trivial lives that most upper-class women led. After she expressed a desire to become a nurse, Florence’s parents were horrified. After nine years of struggle, they reluctantly allowed her to enroll as a student in Germany.
Florence became famous for her pioneering nursing work during the Crimean War, when she organized a group of thirty-eight nurses in Scutari.
She has an important role in English feminism, thanks to her essay ‘Cassandra’ in which she passionately protested the learned helplessness of women.
A rejection of intellectual inactivity is perhaps the most known theme of Florence’s life.
To find all about her achievements visit the museum that is located on 2 Lambeth Palace Road or attend a walking tour called ‘Florence’s London’ that explores her life through the places where she lived and worked.
Address: 2 Lambeth Palace Road
Admission: £8
The Feminist Library
This year, the Feminist Library in London celebrated 44 years of archiving and activism. The library is 100 percent run by volunteers. The vast collection of feminist books places a particular emphasis on second-wave material, from the late 1960s to the 1990s. It’s a fantastic place to stock up on some new books over a cup of coffee.
Address: 5 Westminster Bridge Road
Velvet Underground Tattoo
Velvet Underground is London’s first female-only staffed studio. It was founded by Roxy Velvet. The studio is among the few in London to be awarded 4/4 by the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Each artist in the studio has its distinctive style. There’s no copying and no rush as everything functions by an appointment. The studio offers 30 minutes free consultation.
If you ever wanted to get inked in the British capital, what better place than Velvet, whose artists are experts in crafting bespoke designs.
What better ink than an empowered one!
Address: 103 Whitecross St
Zagreb
Centre for Women’s Studies
City’s feminist past is marked by the presence of first-wave feminist, female journalist and romance writer Marija Juri? Zagorka.
Her statue is located near the Bloody Bridge which she often described in her novels.
Centre for Women’s Studies is located in her apartment where visitors can see various personal items, complete oeuvre, and extensive feminist library.
Address: Dolac 8
Passage of Sisters Bakovi?
Other important historical figures are sisters Bakovi? who bravely resisted the fascists and were proclaimed Yugoslav national heroes.
A passage dedicated to them is actually an alley that runs between Masarykova and Warsaw Street in Zagreb.
Address: Masarykova/Warsaw Street
Autonomous Cultural Center – Attack
Formerly an industrial building, Attack was occupied by punks and activists in the late 1990s. New inhabitants organized various protests and happenings, and Attack became home of pioneering all-female performance troupes and bands.
Exhibitions, book fairs, and occasional free lunches can still be found there. Attack hosts interesting clubbing events such as queer party Zbeletron.
Address: Pierottijeva 11
Craft-Beer Spots
There has been an increase in women-owned businesses during the last few years. Few of them make craft beer such as Brlog Brewery, which is one of the most established ones.
Their famous beer “The Blondie” is sold in bars all over the city. Juta/Kota Bar is a charming place in the city center with a fine selection of drinks and occasional theme parties. (Address: Meduli?eva 20)
The other great ones are Botani?ar (Address: Trg Marka Maruli?a 6) and The Beertija (Address: Pavla Hatza 16).
Vienna
Stadthalle Hotel
If you have ever wanted to stay at a female-owned, environmentally-friendly hotel, Stadthalle is your go-to place.
The majority of the staff is female and the owner – Michaela Reitterer – employs people from different backgrounds.
This is the first hotel in the Austrian capital with the zero-energy balance. The guests are encouraged to save energy and to participate in the Zero Waste project.
Best of all? Stadthalle hotel offers equal pay for the same job.
Address: Hackengasse 20
Frauen-Werk-Stadt
Frauen-Werk-Stadt (Women- Work-City) I & II are subsidized social housing complexes in Vienna’s 10th and 21st districts. Both of them are designed by female architects and are focused on the everyday needs of women.
Gender mainstreaming has been in place in Vienna since the early 1990s. The city’s administrators support laws and regulations that benefit men and women equally. This is most visible in the areas of education, healthcare, and urban planning.
Address: Frauen-Werk-Stadt I – Donaufelder Straße 95-97; Frauen-Werk-Stadt II – Troststraße 73-75
Women of Vienna Community
24 women from all over the world and different backgrounds came together to create a community whose only goal was – make Vienna feel like home.
Their aim is to act as a support system and to provide the space for women to lead the way in making change.
This community has nearly 20,000 women in their Facebook group.
There’s a range of subgroups too – from literature and LGBTQ+ to culture and housing.
Copenhagen
Mariam Mosque
Mariam Mosque is Europe’s first women’s mosque that challenges patriarchal interpretations of the Quran. It was established in 2016 and besides religious practice, it offers spiritual care and support through abortions, divorce and more.
The Friday prayer is reserved for women only but other than that, the mosque welcomes anyone. Currently, there is a team of 3 female imamahs.
Sherin Khankan is controversial – not just as a female imam but also as a person who called for the reformation of Islam with a feminist agenda. The mosque’s vision is to implement 9 principles of Muslim reform.
Address: Købmagergade 43, 1st floor
Warehouse9
This small art gallery and performance space is located in the Brown Meat Packing District. Warehouse9 organizes a wide range of exhibitions, events, and concerts throughout the year. Most of them focus on queer and feminist themes.
If you’re looking for an edgy cultural experience while in the Danish capital, this is the place to be.
Address: Halmtorvet 11C
Ved Siden Af Club
This is one of Copenhagen’s best underground clubs with high-quality music and a fantastic sound system.
No phones are allowed on the dancefloor and the club has a safe space policy – anyone visiting the club regardless of sexuality, gender, and the outfit should feel safe and inclusive.
Ved Siden Af is known for hosting International Women’s Day parties with an all-female DJ night.
Address: Vesterbrogade 2B
Cafe Cadeau
Cafe Cadeau is run by a bunch of enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers from different backgrounds. Their goal is to create a community by embracing different cultures.
The cafe organizes a wide range of cultural events – from art and music to international-themed food evenings (yum!).
Come for the great experience and sample some great dishes in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of vegan options too.
Address: H.C. Oersteds Vej 28
These top 10 free attractions in Copenhagen are also worth checking out.