Six Inspiring Walking Tours in Europe That Celebrate Women’s History

Exploring a city on foot offers a unique way to uncover its hidden stories, and across Europe, several walking tours are shining a light on the incredible contributions of women throughout history. From feminist movements to cultural pioneers, these tours reincorporate female legacies into the popular travel narrative. If you’re looking for an enriching travel experience, these six destinations offer eye-opening insights into women’s impact on history.

1. Manchester, UK – The Feminist Tour of Manchester

Manchester holds a pivotal place in the fight for women’s rights, particularly as the birthplace of the suffragette movement. The Feminist Tour of Manchester highlights often-overlooked female figures who helped shape the city. You’ll visit landmarks like the Emmeline Pankhurst statue, which honors the woman who led Britain’s suffragette movement. The tour also covers activists like Mary Fildes, a 19th-century birth control advocate, and Enriqueta Rylands, the founder of the John Rylands Library. Stops include the Peterloo Massacre Memorial, which commemorates those who fought for universal suffrage, and even Chinatown, where author Alicia Little’s activism influenced British marital law reforms.

Why Take This Tour?

Discover Manchester’s rich feminist history.
Learn about forgotten women who shaped political and social change.
Visit key landmarks tied to the suffragette movement.

2. Reykjavík, Iceland – Reykjavík Feminist Walking Tour

Iceland frequently ranks as one of the most gender-equal countries, yet the capital city lacks visible tributes to its female trailblazers. The Reykjavík Feminist Walking Tour delves into 200 years of gender equality struggles, beginning in Mæðragarður and ending at Kvennskólinn (Reykjavík Women’s Gymnasium). The tour shares stories of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first elected female president, and other unsung heroines who shaped Icelandic society.

Why Take This Tour?

Gain insight into Iceland’s ongoing fight for gender equality.
Explore historic locations tied to women’s rights.
Learn from a local feminist perspective.

3. Prague, Czech Republic – To the Roots of Czech Women’s Emancipation

Prague’s stunning streets hold countless stories, but only 5% of its street names honor women. The Prague Feminist Tour changes that narrative by leading visitors through iconic sites like Charles Bridge, the National Theatre, and Old Town Square, sharing the struggles of Czech women fighting for education, careers, and voting rights in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Another unique offering is a cemetery tour on All Souls’ Day, where visitors pay tribute to significant female figures.

Why Take This Tour?

Six Inspiring Walking Tours in Europe That Celebrate Women’s History

Learn about Czech women’s contributions to arts, science, and politics.
Visit historical landmarks from a feminist perspective.
Experience a meaningful tribute at Olšany Cemeteries.

4. London, UK – Women of London Walking Tours

London’s East End is famous for figures like Jack the Ripper, but it’s also home to many overlooked female pioneers. The Women of London Tour uncovers the stories of Mary Wollstonecraft, a key figure in early feminism, and Anna Maria Garthwaite, a celebrated textile designer. The tour covers diverse women’s history spanning the 1660s to the 1940s, offering a fresh perspective on London’s past.

Why Take This Tour?

Explore London’s feminist heritage beyond traditional narratives.
Discover the legacies of remarkable women.
Choose from tours of Westminster, Bloomsbury, and East End.

5. Paris, France – Feminists in the City Walking Tours

Paris has long been a hub of revolutionary thought, and Feminists in the City explores this history through unique themed tours. The most popular route, The Witch Hunt: Powerful Women of Paris, delves into the persecution of women accused of sorcery. Other tours highlight female sexual liberation in the Pigalle district, exploring the feminist roots of the French can-can dance and the story of Cha-U-Kao, the first female clown of the Moulin Rouge.

Why Take This Tour?

Experience Paris through the lens of women’s history and activism.
Explore feminist street art and revolutionary sites.
Learn from expert historians specializing in gender studies.

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Women of Amsterdam Tour

Anne Frank’s story is synonymous with Amsterdam’s history, but the city has many more female legends worth discovering. The Women of Amsterdam Tour sheds light on figures like Lijsbeth Vaas, an 18th-century undercover police officer, and trailblazing women who fought for financial independence after WWII. The tour loops through the city’s historic center, showcasing the resilience and strength of Amsterdam’s women throughout the ages.

Why Take This Tour?

Learn about inspiring Dutch women who shaped history.
Walk through Amsterdam’s picturesque streets with a feminist perspective.
Understand modern women’s rights movements in the Netherlands.

Why These Feminist Walking Tours Matter

As travel evolves, more tourists seek meaningful and educational experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing spots. These walking tours bring untold stories to life, ensuring that the legacies of women are preserved and celebrated. Whether you’re interested in political activism, artistic achievements, or social movements, these tours provide an engaging and eye-opening way to explore Europe.