Black Travel Europe Keepin' It Real

The Top 5 Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman

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Budva, Montenegro | The Best Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman | TheBlogAbroad.com
Budva, Montenegro

Let’s be honest — being a black woman in this world is hard sometimes. We have to keep our white co-workers confused educated about our hairstyles, we’re born with hypnotic rhythm practically two-stepping ourselves out the womb, and putting on sunscreen while at the beach is more or less optional, rather than necessary.

The struggle is real y’all! All shea butter jokes aside, I’m also reminded how unique of an experience it can be for simply being a black woman in foreign countries. I touched on the best (and worst) aspects of that here!

Now I’m not talking about the creepy fetishizing that some cultures do — I mean the absolute admiration and almost starstruck reactions you can get, simply for existing in that beautiful, melanated, maple brown skin that you’re in.

Kotor, Montenegro | TheBlogAbroad.com
Kotor, Montenegro

I love recommending black-friendly destinations to black men and women in general, but my experiences should be taken with a grain of salt due to the simple fact that some countries treat black women better than black men, or at least perceive us as lesser of a threat. So I felt this list honing down on my specific demographic was necessary.

So if you’re a black woman looking to travel to Europe for the first time, I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind, “I wonder what they think about black women.”

And because the media love to fetishize, ghettoize (yes, an official word as of two seconds ago), and desensitize our existence, I have to shout out these specific countries who can see past those saturated and outdated stereotypes to appreciate us for who we are.

Whether it’s the #BlackGirlMagic or the slayage black queens serve daily on a silver platter, these five countries sure know how to make a sista feel appreciated!

5. Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland | TheBlogAbroad.com
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

While visiting Switzerland comes at a price (mad expensive!), you can always expect a pleasant experience, from the hospitality of those in the tourism industry, to everyday locals who will spot your “foreign-ness” and wave at you for no reason.

There’s also a pretty decent amount of black Swiss people sprinkled around the country, so you don’t have to worry about the googly eyes for being the first black unicorn they’ve seen their entire lives.

Not to mention, Swiss men are some of the most romantic and charming people in Europe. They put the definition of “wine and dine” to shame as they spoil and oil court you like a queen.

4. Serbia

The Top 5 Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman | TheBlogAbroad.com
Belgrade, Serbia

Visiting Serbia was such a hilarious experience, because it’s one of those countries where black women are just a hot commodity. Again, not in the creepy way, but on a normal day, you can expect to take between 5 to 10 photos with locals.

They’re also very polite about it, and you can tell there’s a mix of shyness and amazement as they stumble over their words trying to ask for that selfie.

I also love how wild and crazy the Serbs can be. If you thought London or New York clubs were poppin’, hit up Belgrade and get ready to experience the best nightlife scene in Europe, hands down!

Dobar dan from Belgrade, Serbia! Ringing in country #40 with one of my favorite people in the world, @philwaukee ✊ If you haven’t been keeping up with our crazy adventures on Snapchat, ? me – “GL0” (with a zero) ? Phil – “philwaukee”, you still have some time before our stories disappear. He’s hands one of the funniest, most down to earth, and supportive people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. So meeting up for a quick adventure before I head to South America only made sense. Between posing for pictures, people thinking he’s an NBA player, and locals treating us like royalty, I’m not sure I will ever get used to being a mere mortal again when I leave the Balkans ? P.S. Belgrade’s nightlife is every bit as crazy as I’ve been told. Holy wow. Still recovering ?

A photo posted by Glo | TheBlogAbroad.com (@glographics) on

3. Romania

Countryside of Romania | TheBlogAbroad.com
Ever hung your head out the window of a high-speed train through the countryside? #BucketList | Bucharest, Romania

Romania will always have a special place in my heart, because it’s a country that doesn’t get too much publicity or love.

I think Romanians are some of the most warm-hearted people in Europe, and whether they are randomly walking up to you to ask if you need help looking for something, or nudging their 3-year old daughter your way so she can break out a rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (true story, OMG, so precious), you’ll find yourself smiling, waving, and making friends for simply existing in all your black girl magic glory.

2. Slovenia

The Top 5 Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman | TheBlogAbroad.com
Ljubljana, Slovenia

I didn’t expect to fall in love with Slovenia as quickly or as easily as I did. Not only is it one of the most naturally beautiful countries in all of Europe, it’s filled with people who have mastered the work-life balance to the T.

Slovenes are outgoing, hospitable, and welcoming people in general, and you’ll find yourself smiling and waving at people because they’ll stare at you in a way that says, “Wow, how cool to have a black woman in our country!” 

At least that’s what I interpret from their wide grins and random invites to have a drink with their table of friends. Also expect to take a few selfies here too, LOL.

1. Croatia

The Top 5 Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman | TheBlogAbroad.com
Dubrovnik, Croatia

I’m going to be honest for a second — you need to prepare yourself for the eye candy of Croatia. I’m not naming it #1 strictly for that, yes I am, but there is so much to love about Croats and their gorgeous country.

Once you get passed how tall and gorgeous the men are, you’ll be able to explore some of the gorgeous islands, natural parks, and endless beaches.

Croats love to chat, they’re very passionate people, and if you’re lucky, they might sing you a song about their love and admiration for black women. I was serenaded in Split, Croatia a few months ago by a group of handsome, tall security guards, and it’s something I’m convinced every black woman needs to experience at least once in their life, ha!

And in general, any time I had a question, needed something, or was just minding my own business, there was always a lovely Croatian there anxious and ready to help.

It’s also important to note that my experiences shouldn’t be the rule nor expectation for your own travels there. However, if you’re anything like me (outgoing, bubbly, and got a killer smile in tow), then I can almost guarantee your time in these countries will be similar, if not better than mine.

Have you been to these countries as a black woman? Were your experiences similar? Share in the comments below!

And if you’re a European from any of the countries I mentioned above, thank you for being tolerant, hospitable, and welcoming people. It’s not something I’m used to in every country, and it is so appreciated!

The Top 5 Countries in Europe to Visit as a Black Woman | TheBlogAbroad.com
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Expensive dreams with an affordable hustle. Glo is on a mission to show others that there's a world of knowledge out there that can't be taught in a classroom. Let's explore a life beyond our imaginations to reach new heights and gain new perspectives. There's no way in hell I was put on this Earth to just pay bills and die. Newsflash: neither were you.

11 Comments

  1. I appreciate you sharing the countries you felt welcomed in but I think there’s a difference between being African American and being African. Do you think an African (who isn’t tall, beautiful, charismatic and American) would receive the same treatment as you? I know a lot of African Americans feel more welcomed in European countries but you have a different social-economic status than say someone from an African nation, with an African passport. I’m Kenyan and I know people who left Switzerland because they felt too heavily discriminated against. Once again I appreciate your writing and I believe there are kind and hospitable people around the world but there are some factors that make your experience different than say someone who holds a different passport than you.

    Cindy | http://www.laviemoderneblog.com/

    1. Agreed. Maybe title should’ve been “for African-American women.” But an interesting list nonetheless! I definitely never thought of Slovenia or Romania!

      Anayo | anayotothe.com

      1. I certainly wouldn’t go to Romania as a black person. I am Black American living in Europe and my experience with Romania is the most virulent and pervasive racism. I lived in Eastern Europe and work as a translator. I know that part of the world and Romania is the worst. Maybe great for a short visit, but dear goodness, no.

        1. Virulent and pervasive racism is my least favorite kind.

          Yeah, living in a place and just visiting are always going to be two different experiences. Like I said earlier, I’ve never thought of Romania and I want to clarify that I’m still not thinking about it lol

    2. Hi Cindy, thanks so much for reading!

      I’ve written many posts about my experiences traveling as an African-American and the inherent privileges behind our blue book benefits over our African skinfolk.

      The African-American part of the title is implied, since obviously that’s what I am, but because of being too lengthy, I go back and forth between using “African-American” and “black” . And while the two can be synonymous, there are just so many different implications when you bring another continent into the picture.

      While I can again only speak from my experiences, like I mentioned above, they shouldn’t be the rule nor expectation.

      Just like I had my most racist encounters in Prague, while I know a few Africans who live there and love it. It’s a weird coin to flip because some places you just can’t be too sure.

      Thanks for dropping by!

  2. Absolutely loved Romania: Bucharest was amazing, Brasov even better. Brasovians were so nice that I actually thought it was the altitude: low oxygen choices..(smile). Wrote a long post about it: https://africanahgirl.com/2016/11/01/forget-bloodthirsty-vampires-werewolves-and-dracula-brasov-is-a-family-affair/

    Croatia: Loved Pula. Dubrovnik..ugh! I wouldn’t be paid to go back there. Folks were super cold, but we had a lovely Airbnb on Surudad. Had to get the ferry from the mainland to the islet, and the Adriatic Sea was at our doorstep. Absolutely loved our host, and he looked aiight! Was super cool guy.

    Switzerland: have been to Geneva on a school trip, was super cool. Then Zurich on transit..haha. Can’t say too much about it but Oprah can. She had ‘an experience’ there. Walked into a boutique, Pinter at a bag and the sales lady told her that she couldn’t afford it, that they had other cheaper bags..(oh lala..the sales lady didn’t know that Miz Oprah could clean outthe shop if she so desired..snort!) http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/09/world/oprah-winfrey-racism-switzerland/

  3. I am so in love with your blog and Instagram. You have inspired me to go ahead and live my dream. As a little girl, I dreamed of being a traveling blogger. Needless to say, the traveling part didn’t happen but the blogging part did.

    I’ve been blogging for some years now and recently found my niche. I’m ready to take the next step and take my writing abroad. Though I lived in Europe when I was younger, I have yet to go back overseas.

    I’m thinking 2018 will be the year I finally get to start my life. I have no kids and I’m single, so I feel it’s the perfect time. Hopefully I can make some things happen this summer and travel to different places on my 3 month break (I’m a teacher). Keep it up and I can’t wait to see where else you go.

    Also, as a Black woman, I have had reservations about different countries and their reception of Black people in general. This post helps a lot.

  4. Hi there,
    I appreciated your review 😉
    I am travelling to Venice soon and am kind of afraid of racism over there, can you give me your insight on locals behaviour towards black tourist
    Thank you

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