Top 5 Non-Capital European Cities

Travelling through Europe is all about capital cities. Whether it’s Paris, Rome, Prague or London, European capitals are the heart of their respective countries. They are where all the action is and are the cradle of the nation’s culture and history.

It is very easy to visit a country in Europe and completely forget that there are other cities outside of the capital. But, you would be surprised just how much beauty and excitement can be found in some of the non-capital European cities. Hop on a train or a bus for a few hours and head out of the capital. You might just be amazed at what you find.

To start you off and inspire you, here are our top 5 favourite non-capital cities.

Cambridge, England

When tourists travel to England, they tend to beeline straight to London – and understandably so. It’s certainly one of the most exciting cities in Europe. But, there is a lot more to England than its chaotic capital.

The highlight of visiting Cambridge is seeing its prestigious university, which travellers can visit and admire as they wander through the city. The best way to see the colleges of Cambridge University is to hop in a punt (a long flat boat that gets pushed along the water with a big stick) and take a tour along the river. Once that’s done, hit the cobbled streets in search of some gourmet food in one of the city’s numerous cafés and bistros.

Munich, Germany

Completely different to Berlin, Munich is more what you would expect from a German city. The most populous city in Bavaria, one of Germany’s states, Munich is teeming with impressive buildings and boasts a rich history.

Every year, in October, Munich takes the global spotlight thanks to its Oktoberfest beer festival – one of the most popular festival in Europe. Beer halls throw open their doors to tourists and locals alike as hordes of people gather together to enjoy Bavaria’s finest beers. Yet, Munich isn’t just about beer. Surrounded by mountains and forests, there is plenty of natural beauty to soak up here as well.

Venice, Italy

Venice is often described as being the most beautiful city in Europe. You’ll have to see whether or not you agree when you travel there. Regardless of how you rate it, there is no denying that Venice exudes a certain charm that just doesn’t exist in other cities. The main attraction of Venice, as you probably know, is its winding canals that snake through the city. Here, gondoliers ply their tourist-filled gondolas through the water, under gorgeous bridges and past striking buildings. To complete your Venice experience, grab yourself a gelato once you disembark from your boat. Perfection.

Barcelona, Spain

Everything about Barcelona is amazing. The people are chilled out and friendly, the food is incredible and the beaches are top notch. If you’re looking for a non-capital city break then there are definitely worse places in Europe you could choose. Spend your days here gorging on tapas or getting a culture fix by visiting the Gaudí museum or the Sagrada Familia. As the sun starts to set, order a jug of sangria and drink al fresco at one of the city’s trendy bars.

Zadar, Croatia

Zadar isn’t a city that usually appears on people’s to do lists when they visit Croatia. Often over shadowed by Split and Dubrovnik, this amazing city definitely doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. In the city centre the streets are paved with huge slabs of white stone. This is an aesthetic that does the city well. Wonder out of the main zone and head over to the pier. Here, you will be able to listen to the dulcet music of the sea organ as you watch the sun set on the horizon. Beautiful and magical, Zadar is worthy a spot on your itinerary.