Capitals of Europe

We have been traveling for almost ten years, mainly around Europe, and have visited over 10 out of a total of 45 capitals, one of which is our hometown. I decided to systematize some information about them here, and in the future I will update the article.

All capitals are very well organized from the road network, public transport, airport transfers. Also, in most of them, if you have a car, it is safer to rely on paid parking and walking around the sights.

The cities are relatively safe, but around popular tourist areas always keep one thing in mind about pickpockets. Be skeptical of strangers who offer you gifts, surveys or help.

Don't try to see everything as sights. Choose 2-3 main sights per day and take time to feel the atmosphere of the city.

Here is a list of the capitals we have visited so far:

1. Austria - Vienna

2. Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo

3. Bulgaria - Sofia - our hometown!

4. Netherlands - Amsterdam

5. Romania - Bucharest

6. North Macedonia - Skopje

7. Serbia - Belgrade

8. Slovakia - Bratislava

9. Slovenia - Ljubljana

10. Hungary - Budapest

11. Croatia - Zagreb

12. Switzerland - Bern

13. Monaco - Monaco

14. Belgium - Brussels

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is beautiful, rich in history and cosmopolitan. It is orderly, elegant and calm, with a sense of culture, stability and deep continuity. History here does not weigh down – it is polished, framed and transformed into beauty.

Vienna is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but also the undisputed best place to live. It is no coincidence that it has been the best city to live in the world for several years in a row - 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024. For 2025, it was displaced to second place by Copenhagen.

The city is built in circles, so our advice if you have a car is to park in one of the buffer paid parking lots around the city and use the excellently organized public transport network. Buy day or 3-day cards instead of single tickets. If you land at Vienna International Airport - there is public transport to the old town, a shuttle type.

You need 3-4 days for Vienna if you want to feel the spirit of the city, see the main sights and even have time to visit some of the museums in the city, as well as the Pratera amusement park.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Wiener Schnitzel - breaded veal schnitzel; Tafelspitz - boiled beef; Gulasch - thick stew; Würstel - Viennese sausages and sweet: Sachertorte - chocolate cake; Apfelstrudel - apple strudel; Kaiserschmarrn - torn pancake.

Landmarks:

• Schönbrunn Palace – former summer residence of the Habsburgs

• Hofburg – the imperial palace in the center

• St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) – the symbol of Vienna

• Ankeruhr

• Baroque St. Charles Church (Karlskirche)

• Belvedere – Baroque palace

• Ringstrasse – boulevard with the opera, parliament, city hall

• Mariahilfer Straße – famous shopping street of Vienna

• Prater – park + Ferris wheel

• Stadtpark – statue of Johann Strauss

• Kahlenberg Hill – panoramic view over the Danube

• Danube Canal – bars, graffiti, evening atmosphere

• Hundertwasser House – the colorful house

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo feels like a city that has been through too much, but has refused to close itself off. Its history weighs heavily – wars, sieges, fractures – and this is visible in the buildings, the people, the silence between the streets. At the same time, there is human warmth and raw authenticity that does not try to impress, but simply to be.

Public transport is cheap, relatively regular, but not super modern. The center is compact and easy to get around on foot. Overall, a safe city for tourists, including in the evenings in the central parts (Baščaršija, Marijin Dvor). Two or three days are quite enough if you want to see and feel the spirit of the city.

If you have a car, park again in the paid parking lots on the outskirts, the center is compact and easy to get around on foot. If you land at Sarajevo airport - there is a bus to the city center.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Ćevapi - meat kebabs; Burek - meat pie; Begova čorba - chicken soup and sweet: Baklava - syrupy dessert; Tufahija - stuffed apple.

Landmarks:

• Baščaršija – the old Ottoman quarter

• Latin Bridge – the site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand

• Tunnel of Hope

• War Childhood Museum

• Sebilj Fountain

• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

• Sacred Heart Cathedral and Orthodox Cathedral – minutes away

• Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) – city view

• Trebović Peak – cable car + abandoned bobsleigh track from the Olympics

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is our hometown. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe – from Thracian and Roman Serdica, through Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, to socialism and today’s transition. This accumulated history coexists with a shaky present: political instability, corruption and contrasts.

The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Public transport is well organized, with a direct line from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 to the city center. There are buffer parking lots for those traveling by car at the starting points of the city, connected to the metro network.

Two or three days are quite enough to explore the city.

Generally a safe city, especially in the central areas and during the day. In the evening – standard caution in more peripheral neighborhoods; pickpocketing in public transport is the most common problem.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Shopska salad; Kebabs or meatballs - grilled meat; Moussaka; Stuffed peppers; Bean stew; Tarator; Banitsa with cheese and sweet: Pumpkin pie; Baklava.

Landmarks:

• Serdica (Largoto) – the Roman heart of the city

• Temple-monument “St. Alexander Nevsky”

• Church “St. Sophia” – gave the name to the city

• Rotunda “St. George” – 4th century, hidden behind buildings

• Central Mineral Bath (now a museum)

• National Archaeological Museum

• Synagogue, Banya Bashi Mosque and Cathedral “St. Nedelya” – minutes away

• Boyana Church (UNESCO)

• Vitosha Mountain – a quick escape from the city

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is magical, magnificent, colorful and wonderful. It is a city built on trade, freedom and controlled tolerance – the Golden Age, colonial wealth and sea power are still felt in the canals and facades. Today it is both liberal and strictly regulated, orderly, but tired of mass tourism. Beneath the surface of ease there is discipline, rules and clear boundaries.

We have always landed in Eindhoven and then moved by train to the city. A walking tour is absolutely possible, once you get there, the city is compact and well organized. However, public transport is very well organized. The bike is king, but for tourists walking + tram is the most convenient.

Overall a very safe city, including at night. The main problem is pickpockets in tourist areas and bicycle theft.

Three or four days are quite enough, and one day must be allocated for the Rijksmuseum, one of his favorite museums in Europe.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Haring - raw herring; Bitterballen - fried croquettes with meat filling; Roasted ribs and sweet: Stroopwafel - waffle with caramel; Poffertjes - mini pancakes.

Landmarks:

• Canal Ring (UNESCO) - an iconic system of concentric, semi-circular canals built in the 17th century

• Rijksmuseum - The State Museum

• Van Gogh Museum

• Anne Frank House

• Dam Square - the historical and geographical heart of Amsterdam

• Jordaan - the neighborhood with the real feel

• De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) - a picturesque historic neighborhood in the heart of the UNESCO Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), famous for its nine small streets connecting the main canals Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht

• Vondelpark - the most famous and largest city park in Amsterdam, located near the museums

• Red Light District - more of a social experiment than an attraction

• Heineken Experience - Heineken Museum

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest bears traces of Roman origins, Ottoman influence and a strong French imprint from the 19th century, which earned it the nickname “Little Paris”. However, socialism and the rule of Ceausescu interrupted this line abruptly and left a scale that weighs on us to this day. Now the city is noisy, contradictory and lively – a mixture of decay, ambition and unexpected energy.

Public transport is well organized, but some of the infrastructure is old. Traffic above ground is chaotic and busy.

Safety: generally safe for tourists, including in the evening in the central areas. Pickpocketing in crowded places and transport is the most common risk.

Two or three are quite enough to explore.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Sarmale - stuffed cabbage; Mici - meat kebabs and sweet: Papanasi - fried doughnuts; Cozonac - sweet cozonac.

Landmarks:

• Palace of the Parliament – ​​one of the largest administrative buildings in the world

• Old Town (Lipscani)

• Romanian Athenaeum

• Revolution Square

• Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

• King Michael I Park

• Stavropoleos Church

• Unirii Boulevard – the scale of Ceausescu

• Cartierul Cotroceni – a quieter, more elegant neighborhood

Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje is a city of sharp breaks – Roman Skupi, Ottoman center, the destruction from the earthquake in 1963 and the radical “remaking” in recent decades. The past and the present here do not flow naturally, but coexist tensely and sometimes theatrically. The feeling is of a city that is actively searching for an identity and trying to build it before your eyes.

Buses are the main public transport – cheap, but not very regular; there is no metro or tram. The center and the main attractions are easily explored on foot.

Generally a safe city for tourists, including in the evening in the center and the Old Bazaar. Usual city caution is quite sufficient.

One or two days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Tavče gravče - bean stew; Ajvar - pepper paste and sweet: Tulumba - syrupy dessert; Kadaif - syrupy crusts.

Landmarks:

• The Stone Bridge – the symbol of the city

• The Old Bazaar – the Ottoman core

• Macedonia Square – with the monumental complex

• Kale Fortress

• Mother Teresa House Museum

• Mustafa Pasha Mosque

• St. Spas Church

• Matka Canyon – close to the city, a powerful experience

• Vodno + Millennium Cross – view over Skopje

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a city that has been destroyed and rebuilt dozens of times – a Roman Singidunum, an Ottoman fortress, a Yugoslav capital and a scene of wars and bombings. This continuous struggle has shaped a character of stubbornness, directness and refusal of self-pity. Today the city is raw, noisy and vibrant, with a sense of freedom that does not seek approval.

Buses, trams and trolleys – cover the entire city, but are often crowded and not very punctual. There is still no metro; the center and key areas are well explored on foot.

Generally a safe city for tourists, including at night in the central and lively areas. As everywhere – watch out for pickpockets and alcoholic tension in the nightlife. You must park in a paid parking lot, it is best to look for a hotel with secure parking.

Two or three days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Pljeskavica - Balkan burger; Ćevapi – mini kebabs and grilled meat in general, and sweet: Krempita – vanilla cream; Palačinke – pancakes.

Landmarks:

• Kalemegdan Fortress – at the confluence of the Sava and Danube

• Knez Mihailova Street – the pedestrian axis

• St. Sava Temple

• Skadarlija – the bohemian quarter

• Museum of Yugoslavia + Tito’s Mausoleum

• Zemun – the old Austro-Hungarian quarter

• Ada Ciganlija – an island park

• Branko Bridge – an urban perspective

• Savamala – a post-industrial but changing area

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is a city of borders and transitions – Celtic, Roman, Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian history, long in the shadow of larger capitals. Socialism left a functional but impersonal mark, and today the city is calm, orderly and slightly restrained. The feeling is of a place without dramatic gestures, which does not insist on being the center of attention.

Trams, buses and trolleys – well organized, clean and easy to navigate. The center is compact and convenient for walking.

Very safe city, including in the evening; standard caution is quite enough.

One or two days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Bryndzové halušky - potato knuckles; Kapustnica - cabbage soup and sweet: Medovník - honey cake; Buchty - stuffed buns.

Landmarks:

• Old Town (Staré Mesto)

• Bratislava Castle – view of the Danube

• St. Martin's Cathedral

• Michael's Gate

• Main Square (Hlavné námestie)

• Danube Promenade

• Devin Castle – at the confluence of the Danube and Morava

• St. Elizabeth's Blue Church

• Petržalka – the socialist scale on the other side of the river

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a small, green and harmonious capital, where the Roman and medieval past meet the Austro-Hungarian elegance. Socialism leaves a moderate, functional mark, but the city seems to have avoided the chaos of the big capitals. The feeling is of calm, coziness and a slightly artistic vitality - a city that is walked, not rushed.

Buses - the main public transport; the compact center is completely walkable. Bicycles and electric scooters are popular.

A very safe city, including in the evening in the center. Standard caution is enough.

One or two days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savoury - Kranjska klobasa - local sausage;

Jota - bean cabbage; Ćevapi - meat kebabs and sweet: Potica - walnut roll; Gibanica - layer cake;

Landmarks:

• Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad) – panoramic view of the city

• Triple Bridge (Triple Bridge) – architectural icon

• Old Town (Stari Grad) – pedestrian and cozy

• St. Nicholas Cathedral

• Prešeren Square (Prešeren Square) – the heart of the city

• Ljubljanica River and waterfront cafes

• Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)

• Museum of Contemporary Art and City Museum

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city of contrasts – the majestic hills of Buda against the flat, bustling streets of Pest, with architecture from the Middle Ages to the Golden Age of Austria-Hungary and socialism. History is visible in the bridges, castles and baths, and modern life is dynamic, slightly chaotic, but hospitable. The feeling is of a city with a deep culture, which is both impressive and invites you to walk endlessly.

Metro (4 lines), buses, trams and funicular – a good and relatively modern network. The center can also be explored on foot, but for Buda the metro or bus is convenient.

A safe city, including in the evenings in the central areas, with little risk of pickpocketing in tourist places.

Three to four days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Gulyás - goulash soup; Lángos – fried dough covered with milk sauce and cheese and sweet: Kürtőskalács – chimney cake; Dobos torta – layer cake.

Landmarks:

• Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) – a view of Pest and the Danube

• Buda Castle (Budavári Palota)

• The Parliament – ​​the symbol of the city

• Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom)

• Zeppelin Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) – a Danube bridge with history

• Vác, Andrássy and central streets

• The city's thermal baths – Széchenyi, Gellért

• Heroes' Square and City Park (Városliget)

• Dohány Street Synagogue – the largest synagogue in Europe

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is a city of dual character – the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad) preserves tranquility and tradition, while the Lower Town (Donji Grad) pulses with modern dynamism and commerce. Its history is visible in the cobblestone streets, churches and buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period, but the city has a slightly reserved and restrained atmosphere. It is friendly, cultured and easy to explore, without impressing with drama.

Buses – the main public transport; there are no trams, the center is compactly located and easy to walk. Bicycles are popular, especially in the warm seasons.

A very safe city, including in the evening in the center. Pickpocketing is rare, standard city caution is sufficient.

One or two days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Zagrebački odrezak - stuffed schnitzel; Štrukli - cheese dough; Ćevapi – meat kebabs and sweet: Kremšnita – cream dessert; Fritule – mini donuts.

Landmarks:

• Upper Town (Gornji Grad) – medieval streets and historic buildings

• St. Stephen's Cathedral

• Ban Josip Jelacic Square – the central square

• St. Mark's Church – with its characteristic roof

• Lower Town (Donji Grad) – parks, museums and shopping streets

• Museum of Illusions and Museum of Arts and Crafts

• Trg Žrtva Fascisma – historic square

• Park Maksimir – large, green park with lakes and a zoo

Bern, Switzerland

Bern is an old, compact and very tidy city with a well-preserved medieval center - cobblestone streets, arcades and the clock tower (Zytglogge). Its history is calm and not dramatic, which creates a feeling of security, stability and refinement. The city is both official and cozy, with a slight provincial calm, despite its role as the Swiss capital.

Trams and buses - very punctual, clean and well-organized. The center is compact and easy to get around on foot. Bicycles are also popular.

Extremely safe city, including in the evening. Pickpocketing is almost non-existent, standard caution is sufficient.

One or two days are quite enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savory - Rösti - potato cake; Fondue - melted cheese and sweet: Nusstorte - walnut cake; Chocolate - a milk classic.

Landmarks:

• Old Town (Altstadt) – medieval streets and arcades

• Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

• Bern Cathedral (Münster)

• Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) – Swiss Parliament

• Bear Park (BärenPark) – symbol of the city

• Aare River and promenades

• Rose Garden (Rosengarten) – panorama of the old town

• Museum of Fine Arts and Historical Museum of Bern

Monaco, Monaco

Monaco is a miniature country with a long dynastic history, ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Today, the past serves more as a backdrop for luxury, control and impeccable order than as a story of conflict. The feeling is of a stage – extremely clean, safe and slightly unreal, as if the city is a showcase rather than a place for everyday life.

Buses – very efficient, clean and well-organized; elevators, escalators and tunnels help with the steep terrain. Everything is within walking distance if you are in good shape.

Extremely safe place, one of the safest in the world, with a visible police presence and cameras everywhere.

One or two days are more than enough to explore the city.

What to try from the local cuisine: savoury - Barbagiuan - stuffed fried crescents with various fillings; Socca - chickpea pancake and sweet: Fougasse - sweet bread.

Landmarks:

• Monte Carlo – the casino and surrounding area

• Prince's Palace – Grimaldi residence

• Old Town (Le Rocher)

• Oceanographic Museum

• Port Hercule

• Saint-Martin Gardens

• Formula 1 track – runs through the entire city

• Japanese Garden

• Monaco Cathedral – Grace Kelly's tomb

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city of layers and compromises – a medieval core, a bourgeois 19th century and a modern administrative capital of Europe. Its history is more political and institutional than dramatic, and today the city feels both international and slightly scattered. The feeling is of a place without a clear face, but with a surprising human warmth hidden behind the facade of bureaucracy.

Metro, trams and buses – a good network, although not always intuitive for tourists. The center and the European quarter are easily covered.

Generally a safe city, but with more tangible social contrasts; attention and caution are needed in the evening around some stations and peripheral neighborhoods.

Three or four are quite enough to explore.

What to try from the local cuisine: savoury - Moules-frites - mussels with potatoes; Carbonnade - beer stew and sweet: Waffles - Belgian style; Speculoos - spiced biscuits.

Landmarks:

• Grand Place – one of the most beautiful squares in Europe

• Manneken Pis – a symbol with irony; Girl and Dog Pis is bonus!

• Royal Palace

• Mont des Arts – sights and museums

• Atomium – the modernist icon

• European Quarter – EU institutions

• Saint-Hubert Galleries

• Magritte Museum

• Ixelles and Saint-Gilles – the livelier side of the city