Camilla Jessen
A travel journalist who has visited every European capital names her favorite.
A travel journalist who’s been to every European capital says one city in particular stands out as her favorite.
Dale Peterson, writing for Business Insider, visited all the capitals and chose Bucharest as her top destination.
Bucharest, Romania
Peterson was struck by Bucharest’s mix of styles.
She describes the Romanian capital as a striking blend of large, square buildings from the communist era and beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
She enjoyed walking through the Old Town’s cafés and marveling at the massive Palace of Parliament.
Bucharest, she notes, was once called “Little Paris.”
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon also earned a place on Peterson’s must-visit list.
She highlights the capital’s winding streets, sweeping ocean views, and vibrant nightlife.
Compared to other major European cities, Lisbon is more affordable — as long as you steer clear of the tourist traps.
Athens, Greece
The Greek capital made the cut as well.
While Athens can sometimes feel loud and chaotic, Peterson says it rewards travelers with hidden charms and unexpected discoveries — even on return visits.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Further north, Peterson was charmed by Vilnius, the often-overlooked capital of Lithuania.
She praised the city’s picturesque Old Town, its lush green parks, and historic landmarks like the Gediminas Castle Tower and Bernardine Garden.
Paris, France
Like many travelers, Peterson holds a special place in her heart for Paris.
She describes the French capital as endlessly layered, with its rich mix of food, art, and culture.
With 20 distinct neighborhoods to explore, Peterson believes you could spend a lifetime in Paris and still keep discovering something new.
Cities She Would Skip Returning To
Despite her love for travel, Peterson also named three European capitals she wouldn’t be eager to revisit:
London, United Kingdom
One of the world’s most iconic cities, London is known for landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
But for Peterson, it felt “too expensive” and overrated.
While she acknowledges the city’s many attractions, she believes there are better — and less crowded — places to explore in the UK.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Famous for its canals, cycling culture, and vibrant art scene, Amsterdam draws millions of tourists each year.
Peterson found it “too touristy,” describing the city center as a noisy theme park packed with souvenir shops and overwhelmed by crowds.
Helsinki, Finland
A coastal city known for its modern design, clean streets, and proximity to nature, Helsinki often ranks high for quality of life.
Still, Peterson felt it was “too sterile” — neat and orderly, but lacking the energy, variety, and spontaneity she seeks in a city.