When we think about traveling to different countries, visiting the capital cities is almost always on the list.
While there are so many capital cities that should be on your bucket list, we’ve managed to shortlist the 13 most beautiful capitals in the world that you should absolutely plan a trip to.
1. Enjoy The Culture Of Paris
A very obvious first choice, Paris is renowned worldwide for being one of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth.
With its stunning architecture, amazing food and countless great places to go walking and take photographs, Paris is a must-see.
It is also home to the Eiffel Tower, which will give you the best vantage point to look across the city.
And with the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pantheon, there is so much to see and do that your days will be filled from start to end.
Paris’ cuisine is definitely famous for good reason. The French place a lot of value on eating good meals instead of snacking, so you’ll have countless tasty dishes to choose from.
Some great restaurants include Boutary, L’Astrance, Astair, Miznon, and Tannat. You will also stumble across many fabulous patisseries and bakeries to get wonderful fresh pastries and bread.
With a great selection of bars to choose from as well, you’ll be guaranteed to go to bed late every night.
And what night in Paris would be complete without a walk along the Seine? The river is especially beautiful at night under the glow of the streetlights.
You won’t have to worry about feeling restricted by your accommodation when you turn in either because the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel hotel has a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower, and the Hotel Square Louvois has some beautiful indoor facilities, including a pool, to help you relax and enjoy your trip.
2. Spend Time Sightseeing In Rome
Another famed capital city is Rome. Like Paris, every inch of its architecture and streets are beautiful, so it is no wonder that so many tourists flock to Rome every year.
The Colosseum is, of course, a classic place to see because the preserved architecture is phenomenal and its history as an ancient Roman gladiatorial arena will satisfy any history lover.
The Pantheon is another great historic landmark to visit, and you will also be blown away by the beauty of the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Italy is also world-famous for its delicious food, so you won’t have to worry about a shortage of places to eat in Rome.
Some renowned places to try are Pierluigi, Per Me, Armando al Pantheon, Da Felice, and Altrove.
You will want to sit by the window in each to keep your eyes on the stunning landscape of Rome because every street has its own sense of character.
The city’s beautiful architecture also extends to its accommodation, so you can choose between some great options for your stay.
The Napoleon Hotel Roma gives you a breath-taking view of the Colosseum, and the Rome Cavalieri and the Liberty Boutique Hotel both have fantastic facilities and will provide a luxury stay in the capital.
You’ll want to do as much sightseeing as possible on foot to really take in how grand Rome’s architecture is.
3. Admire The Beauty Of Prague
If you want beauty as far as the eye can see then you’ll love every second of a trip to Prague.
Some stunning architecture that will leave you breathless includes Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge.
The city looks beautiful during the day and under the street lamps at night, so both morning and evening strolls are recommended.
To take in some history, remember to visit the Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square and the National Museum. You’ll see the thought and care etched into every stone.
For some quality food, stop off at Sangam, Gallery 44 Restaurant, or Czech Slovak Restaurant.
You’ll get to sit by the window and take in the sights while you enjoy your meal with family or friends.
If you want a beautiful hotel with a pool to cool off in then the Four Seasons Hotel has the most incredible view and the Hotel NH Collection Prague has some luxurious rooms.
If you want to stay near Prague Castle then you could also try the Blue Oak or the Golden Well Hotel.
All these choices are in perfect locations for you to take a nighttime stroll or go out and experience the nightlife of the city, so you’ll always be safe and comfortable.
4. Walk For Hours In London
Possibly one of the most famous capital cities in the world, London has a subtle kind of beauty that relies on its bustling streets, iconic sights and a wide array of things to do.
It is one of the best places for sightseeing because all the sights are so different. For fantastic architecture, there’s Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
If you want to look across the city, you can ride on the London Eye and admire it from above.
If you take a walk through London’s never-ending streets you’ll have no shortage of things to do.
There are numerous pubs across the city where you can stop for a drink, as well as several great places to eat. Some of the best include Garfunkel’s, Santo Remedio and Le Garrick.
And there is no shortage of hotels either. If you want to stay right by the River Thames then consider the Sea Containers London.
For super luxurious accommodation, London has the Ritz and the Savoy, but there are plenty of more affordable options too, such as the Premier Inn and the Travelodge.
The London Underground will get you around the city with ease, so you won’t miss a second of this vibrant city.
5. Explore The History Of Athens
Another capital that is known worldwide for its beauty, Athens will guarantee you an enjoyable holiday in a stunning location.
Not only is the weather perfect for a summer holiday, but there is also plenty to do.
Athens has endless streets of markets to explore, so you’ll have a great time traversing the city on foot.
You can also spend time at the Acropolis and its museum to really delve into some iconic Greek history.
The Parthenon is another beautiful site to visit and Mount Lycabettus will give you a spectacular view of the whole city.
Greek food is similarly lovely, especially the signature Greek salad, so you’ll need a long list of places to try it.
Dining at Dinner in the Sky will allow you to admire the Acropolis throughout the meal, so it’s one restaurant you won’t want to miss.
Other great options include Hytra Restaurant & Bar, Bandiera, OROSCOPO, and Strofi Athenian Restaurant.
With a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, you’ll always be close to the busy culture of the city.
Coco-Mat Athens, Grand Hyatt Athens and Hotel Grande Bretagne all have outdoor pools for you to cool off in, and Herodion Hotel and Philippos Hotel are in prime position to visit the Acropolis.
Where you stay is just a small fraction of all the things you’ll have to see and do in Athens.
6. Embrace Society In Tokyo
Possibly the busiest capital on the list, Tokyo is the perfect city to visit to see what Japan is all about.
For the best view, spend some time at the Tokyo Skytree, which rises 634 meters off the ground. You can also get some shopping done and get some good food as well.
Other things that you must see are Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
For fans of Disney, make sure to visit Tokyo DisneySea and have a fun day in the theme park with family or friends.
You’ll also want to sample as much delicious Japanese food as possible.
Some particular restaurants to try are Gyopao Gyoza Roppongi, which has fantastic dumplings, and Sushi Saito, which has some of Japan’s best sushi.
For a fun place to stop, head into the Pokemon Cafe, sample their specialty dishes and pick up a few souvenirs.
One popular place for tourists to stay in Tokyo is the Shinjuku Granbell Hotel, but the Aman Tokyo and Hotel Gajoen Tokyo both also have great facilities.
The Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa is a beautiful looking hotel in a perfect location as well, so you’ll be launched straight into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo from the moment you step out of the door.
7. Bask In The Sunshine Of Madrid
Known for beautiful sights and equally beautiful weather, Madrid is one capital city you won’t want to miss.
This vast city is full of several grand places to visit, including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid and El Retiro Park.
You’ll have some great photo opportunities in Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square, and be able to take in some fantastic art in the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.
Exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to admire every building, street and landmark that you pass.
You’ll have a great experience dining at CEBO Madrid, El Social and A’Barra in Madrid.
There are plenty of nice cafes and bars that you can stop in too, so you’ll have meals and drinks guaranteed from morning to night.
As with Athens, you’ll also want to be able to cool off any time you like, so consider staying at Hotel Urban or Hotel Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques for an included pool.
Eurostars Madrid Tower and Mandarin Oriental Ritz both have spas, so you can relax after a long day of exploring the city.
8. Keep Yourself Busy In Ottawa
Ottawa may seem like an understated option, but it definitely deserves its place on this list.
It has great activities for both the summer and winter months. If you are visiting when it’s cold then you must go skating on the Rideau Canal because it is the largest outdoor skating rink in the world.
If the weather is warmer then you’ll want to spend lots of time strolling outside, so be sure to go through the market and also admire Ottawa’s Parliament building.
The Rideau Canal is beautiful for boating in the summer as well, so Ottawa is one of the most flexible capitals on this list.
For some quality food, head into Fraser and dine in style. You can also try some fantastic dishes at Atelier, Gezellig and NeXT.
Ottawa caters to all tastes and cultures, so there’ll be no shortage of potential restaurants to spend your evenings in.
The nightlife is also good and you’ll get to see the city after sunset. And for when you’re ready to turn in, be sure to choose a hotel in a convenient location with a good view.
The Grand Hotel, Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Hilton Lac Leamy are all great options with facilities that you’ll love.
Your stay in Ottawa will be nothing short of comfortable so that you can wear yourself out all day with as many activities as possible.
9. Create Some Memories In Budapest
For a capital that has a huge history behind it and does plenty for the country nowadays, you’ll love Budapest.
It looks beautiful during the day but also at night, especially down by the Danube river.
You’ll definitely stop and state at the Hungarian Parliament Building, as well as St. Stephen’s Basilica and Buda Castle.
Every street is so full of life and noise that you’ll feel like a part of Hungarian society from the moment you leave your hotel.
Make sure to explore as much as you can on foot to take it all in and also visit some local shops.
Budapest is also known for its Thermal Bath, so be sure to stop by there and relax too.
After all that sightseeing, you’ll be left wanting some good food. Budapest’s many lovely restaurants include Laurel Budapest, Babel Budapest, Bombay Restaurant & Bar, and Little Budapest Restaurant & Piano Bar.
The capital also has plenty of restaurants specializing in cuisine from around the world, so there really is something for everyone.
And for when you’re ready to retire for the night, you need somewhere just as good to stay.
The Prestige Hotel and the Corinthia Hotel are both grand, beautiful buildings, but you’ll have a great stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest or the Casati Budapest Hotel, which are both more affordable luxurious options.
All these hotels will provide you with good access to the city, so you’ll never be far from all its activities.
10. See All The Sights In Moscow
For vibrant and colorful culture, Moscow is the capital city for you. If you situate yourself in the Red Square then you’ll be in a prime position to visit some of the best sights in Moscow.
There’s St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and Lenin’s Mausoleum, so you can admire beautiful buildings as well as learn the history behind them.
The State Tretyakov Gallery has some stunning paintings for those who love art, and the Bolshoi Theatre will ensure a sophisticated night out.
With all the things to see and do, Moscow really is larger than life.
For some delicious food, you’ve got plenty of choice in Moscow. Be sure to try out Severyane, Beluga and Restoran Oblomov in particular for some really great dishes.
You should also head into some of Moscow’s small local cafes while you are out exploring the city as well so that you can really embrace exactly what this buzzing city is all about.
As for accommodation, you’ll have a luxurious stay in Hotel Metropol or Radisson Collection Hotel because both have spas and great views.
The Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel is in a great location as well, so you’ll never be far from Red Square and all its sightseeing opportunities.
11. Take Great Photos In Bangkok
Bangkok is another great choice for those who appreciate busy city life. You’ll be left in awe of how huge the buildings are and the streets are always busy.
There are plenty of markets that you can visit to buy clothes, trinkets and other mementos, with one good option being the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Everywhere you look, there is color and vibrancy, though sightseeing in Bangkok can also be very tranquil.
The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Chetuphon and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will give you plenty to look at.
You’ll want to sample some delicious Thai cuisine during your visit to the capital.
Issaya Siamese Club is a fantastic place to experience some of the best Thai dishes in a restaurant that is not as well known as it should be.
Other great places to eat include Bo.Lan Restaurant, Nahm Restaurant and Saffron at Banyan Tree.
And, as its towering architecture suggests, Bangkok also has some wonderful places to stay.
The Mandarin Oriental and Millennium Hilton are two grand options, but you can also check into the Quarter Ari, the SKYVIEW Hotel, or the Pas Cher Hotel for more affordable prices.
No matter where you are, you’ll have a beautiful view of the city.
12. Escape From The World In Stockholm
Stockholm is a lovely capital that offers the chance to get away from your everyday life.
It is perfect for those who travel for history because it has several interesting museums, as well as lots of beautiful old architecture.
You won’t want to miss a walk around Stockholm Old Town or Stockholm City Hall.
The Royal Palace is similarly stunning, and you can admire most of the city from a boat tour down the river, which is perfect for when the weather is bright.
Stockholm is yet another city that you must explore on foot as well because there is so much to discover down every street.
You’ll discover plenty of great places to eat as well, but you’ll also want to be prepared.
Lilla Ego, Ekstedt, Restaurant Oaxen Krog & Oaxen Slip, and Nook are all quite different but all tasty.
Dining in Stockholm feels both fine and comfortable, so it is perfect for tourists looking to try something new.
As it is so picturesque, Stockholm’s many hotels have great views, especially Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, Hotel Diplomat and Nobis Hotel Stockholm.
There is so much to see and the architecture of your hotel is just the beginning, so make sure you explore every inch of the city.
13. Lose Yourself In New Delhi
And the final beautiful capital included on this list is New Delhi, which will have you needing plenty of water to stay hydrated while you’re out and about.
One truly lovely piece of architecture to visit is the Lotus Temple, which is shaped like a lotus flower.
You’ll feel sobered by the history of the capital’s war memorial, the India Gate, and then intrigued by the history behind the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.
You can also go boating and see more of the city if you fancy getting off your feet for a bit, so you won’t miss out on any of the beautiful sights.
You’ll love the food in New Delhi as well. Some restaurant names to remember for your visit are Bukhara Restaurant, Indian Accent and The Spice Route.
For those who are traveling on a romantic trip, Ophelia Delhi is a great location for dinner.
And if you would prefer European cuisine one night, New Delhi also does that well with the Olive Bar & Kitchen.
The capital also has some stunning hotels, with the Taj Palace, the Leela Palace and the Lodhi being some of the loveliest and best-reviewed.
No matter where you stay in New Delhi, the views of this beautiful city will not be beaten.
Conclusion
With 13 beautiful capital cities to visit, the world is your oyster.
You’ll have to take COVID-19 and other travel restrictions into account, but otherwise you can plan as many trips as possible to see so many diverse places.
The 13 mentioned here should be on every traveler’s bucket list, and after you have seen them all you can move onto all the others.
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