7 Lesser-Visited European Capitals You Should Travel to

What are the best European cities to visit?

When it comes to traveling in Europe, there are so many great cities to visit that it can be hard to know where to start.

As a result, we tend to go for the cities that have been utterly romanticized through film or recommendation:

• Paris for the love,
• London for the tradition,
• Rome for the history,
• Amsterdam for its liberalism.

And I agree, these are some of the best European cities to visit. But what about the lesser-visited capital cities? What do they have to offer?

I want to highlight seven European capitals to visit besides the obvious ones.

Not only are they beautiful cities, but it’s also a great way to see something different and come home with original stories.

7 Lesser-Visited European Capitals Worth Traveling To

1. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a surprisingly diverse city. A melting pot of languages, cultures, and architecture.

Brussels has much more to offer than most people think. Apart from its famous chocolates and beers, there are almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, great architecture, incredible food and much more. Check out this Brussels Foodie Guide for some tips.

The city, hosting numerous international institutions including the core institutions of the European Union, has become a truly international city, attracting expats from all over the world. This all makes Brussels a unique blend and intriguing city.

Being bilingual (Dutch and French) and at the crossroads of cultures (the Germanic in the North and the Romance in the South), Brussels is a melting pot, but at the same time retains its own unique character.

A bonus to visiting Brussels: the railway system in Belgium is great, so you can quickly hop onto a train to get to another city close by. Bruges and Ghent are the two most popular choices, but Antwerp is worth a visit as well.

Also Read:

• Interview With an Expat About Living in Brussels
• 24 Hours in Antwerp, Belgium: A Practical Guide

2. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is one of Europe’s smaller capital cities when it comes to population size, with only just over 700,000 inhabitants.

The city sits on the edge of its very own fjord, is surrounded by green hills and mountains, and includes 40 islands and 343 lakes.

Oslo is a relatively compact city with most attractions found within walking distance of each other.

While the city offers a selection of historic monuments, Oslo is most famous for its modern architecture, including striking projects launched at the turn of the millennium.

Oslo’s location between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka creates a unique combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities, such as hiking Trolltunga.

Oslo has been ranking high on two lists: it is both one of the most livable cities in Europe and one of the most expensive cities in the world.

But don’t worry, there are budget options for travelers (even camping) and it is a fantastic city to spend a few days in.

Also Read: What Life in Oslo is Really Like

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

If it wasn’t for the fact that it rains so much in Edinburgh, I would have seriously considered moving to this beautiful city.

Edinburgh is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe because of its spectacular rocks, rustic buildings and a huge collection of medieval and classic architecture.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

With Edinburgh Castle being high up and dominating the views of this historic city, you are spoiled within your surroundings.

With year-round festivals, a throbbing nightlife, and an entertaining arts scene, there is a lot happening in Edinburgh any time of year.

I highly recommend visiting Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival in August; the largest art festival in the world, attracting an incredibly diverse crowd. And, there are several other festivals in Edinburgh in August as well.

If you’re a sucker for Christmas, then good news – there are Christmas Shops open all year round (weird, huh?) for you to get your fill of decorations for the upcoming holiday.

Also Read:

• An 8-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary – A Beautiful Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast
• Why Travelers Love Visiting the UK

4. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is without a doubt one of the best European cities to visit.

It is a city full of history and interesting architecture. If you’re looking for the top attractions in Budapest you don’t have to look much further than where you’re walking: everything around you is like it has been taken straight out of a picture book.

The Danube river flows through the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda, on the west bank, and Pest, on the east bank.

Castle Hill, in the hills of Buda, with its Gothic arches, eighteenth-century Baroque houses and cobblestone streets is home to some of the main tourist sights of the city.

The busier and more commercial Pest has plenty of tourist appeal of its own though: St Stephen’s Basilica, the Opera House, the Terror Museum and the second largest Synagogue in the world are a few of the must-visits.

With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene, great nightlife and, last but not least, a rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities.

In 1987 Budapest has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

5. Vilnius, Lithuania

I have to admit, Vilnius really surprised me.

Maybe I expected something grayer, more soviet-influenced, and definitely less modern.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Vilnius is a vibrant, welcoming city with on one hand a rich history but at the same time a modern, trendy feeling.

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. But with a population of barely 600,000 it’s by no means a big city.

In fact, most of it is very walkable.

Vilnius is known for the beautiful architecture of its Old Town. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in Northern, Eastern and Central Europe.

The city is rich in architecture, historical monuments, cultural heritage, thematic festivals, and entertainment.

It has world-class hotels and restaurants, gorgeous cathedrals, gardens, fountains, and beautiful bridges across the river Neris.

The city has a lot to offer any type of traveler.

If you’re into food, you’ll love the wide range of restaurants to try in Vilnius and I can highly recommend going on a food walking tour.

Climbing the Bell Tower of St John’s Church is definitely a must-do in the city. And if you want to get out of the city, kayaking around Trakai Castle is my recommendation!

Also Read:

• Where to Eat in Vilnius
• What It’s Like to Live in Vilnius
• Visiting Lithuania For the First Time – Places Not to Miss

6. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, often referred to as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” is a fascinating blend of East and West, where Ottoman-era architecture stands alongside Austro-Hungarian buildings.

Walking through Baščaršija, the old bazaar, you’ll find narrow cobbled streets filled with traditional shops, aromatic coffee houses, and the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the city.

The Latin Bridge, infamous for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Sarajevo’s diverse religious heritage is evident in its mosques, synagogues, and Catholic and Orthodox churches, all within walking distance of each other.

The surrounding Dinaric Alps offer breathtaking views and make for a perfect escape into nature, whether you want to go hiking in summer or skiing in winter.

I also highly recommend taking a day trip to Mostar, a city I absolutely love, with its famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) and stunning riverside scenery.

Sarajevo itself is an excellent starting point for exploring more of Bosnia and Herzegovina—an incredibly underrated country with beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you enjoy more off-the-beaten-track destinations, this is definitely a place to add to your list.

Also Read:

• What’s it Like to Live in Sarajevo
• Mostar as a Digital Nomad Destination

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a charming city that seamlessly blends the historic with the modern.

As one of Europe’s lesser-visited capitals, it offers a tranquil escape from more crowded destinations.

The Ljubljanica River gracefully winds through the city, flanked by vibrant cafés and picturesque architecture.

The iconic Dragon Bridge and the medieval Ljubljana Castle perched atop a hill are must-see landmarks.

The city’s commitment to green living is evident in its numerous parks and pedestrian-friendly zones, earning it the title of European Green Capital in 2016.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling Central Market or enjoying the diverse culinary scene, Ljubljana’s relaxed atmosphere is sure to captivate you.

Other European Cities to Visit 

If you love visiting European cities, you might like the articles below.

These are some of my favorite European cities to visit, beyond the obvious capitals:

• Trier, Germany’s Oldest City
• Milan, the Fashion Capital of Italy (and the World?)
• Valencia, the City of Paella, the Fallas Festival and the Perfect Mediterranean Lifestyle
• The Hague, a Multicultural Dutch City Filled with History
• Antwerp, Belgium’s Second Largest City
• Vaasa, a Beautiful City in Finland that Doesn’t Receive Many Tourists
• Montpellier, an Adorable French City

Tip: Have a look at Vueling if you are looking for cheap flights between European cities.

And check out these cheapest countries in Europe for more travel inspiration!

 

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