We don’t need to explain why you should plan a vacation to capital cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Tokyo – their myriad attractions are well documented. Instead, let us introduce you to some equally remarkable places: eight underrated national capitals you should visit that you might not already have considered.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s colorful capital is one of the most lively in Latin America, so why not get to know its contrasting neighborhoods? Tour brightly painted La Boca, fashionable Palermo, and bohemian San Telmo. A slew of must-see sights awaits, including the presidential offices of the Casa Rosada and atmospheric Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron. Score tickets to the football to share the porteños’ passion for this popular game. After dark, dine on steak washed down with Malbec in the trendy restaurants of Puerto Madero, the city’s revitalized docklands. Later, dance the tango and milonga until late into the night.
Oslo, Norway
If art, architecture, and culture appeal, you’re sure to enjoy a visit to Oslo. The Norwegian capital is packed with museums. Head down to the waterfront to the Munch Museum to see Norwegian artist Edvard Munch's most famous work, "The Scream," and more. Next door, climb up on the roof of the modern Opera House for a breathtaking view of the harbor. Hop on a bus to Bygdøy to visit the Norsk Folkemuseum, home to an impressive collection of wooden farm buildings and a historic stave church. Close by, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram Museum explore the country’s maritime heritage. On the way back to the city center, detour to the Vigeland Museum and admire the work of Norway’s most famous sculptor.
Wellington, New Zealand
Located at the foot of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington makes the most of its harbourfront, though it won’t take you long to figure out why locals call the place “Windy Welly.” If it’s blowing a gale outside, step into the Te Papa Museum to learn about the country’s Maori, settler, and natural history. Afterward, hop on the iconic Wellington Cable Car for a stroll around the city’s pretty botanical gardens. Wellington is New Zealand’s political hub but also its culinary capital with a buoyant craft beer and coffee scene. You’ll be in foodie heaven as you try paua ravioli and pillow doughnuts in the city’s coolest eateries.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The Mtkvari River bisects the Georgian capital, helping first-timers to get their bearings in this quirky city. Begin your tour of the city beside the strikingly modern Peace Bridge and ride the aerial tramway up to the ruins of the centuries-old Narikala Fortress for a bird’s eye view over Tbilisi. Wander back downhill along cobblestone streets to explore the delightful old town with its many ancient churches, balconied mansions, and domed bathhouses. When you’re done, a plethora of excellent cafés and restaurants make it easy to refuel on the food and wine that makes Georgia a gastronome’s paradise.
Nairobi, Kenya
If you’re flying into Nairobi to go on safari, it’s more convenient than you think. In Nairobi National Park, tourists view wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, and giraffes against a backdrop of the Central Business District. Also within a stone’s throw of downtown is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which welcomes visitors to its elephant orphanage. Out in Langata, you’ll find the Giraffe Centre, which boasts an exclusive boutique hotel where the resident herd of Rothschild giraffes are prone to sticking their necks through a window in the hope of a snack. Another suburban gem, is the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the Danish writer who authored Out of Africa.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Cambodian capital is often overlooked by tourists who fly directly to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Archaeological Park. That’s a pity, as this charming capital has much to recommend it. Don’t miss the fabulously ornate Royal Palace; within its grounds you’ll find the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Another must-see is the city’s lively Art Deco market, Psar Thmei, where you can dine on delicious Khmer street food and haggle for handicrafts. Steel yourself to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which recounts some of the horrifying crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge during Pol Pot’s brutal regime.
Nicosia, Cyprus
Cyprus offers visitors a tempting two-for-one deal: a divided capital city. Since 1974, Nicosia has straddled the Republic of Cyprus and the disputed territory of Northern Cyprus, officially recognized only by Turkey. Pedestrians pass between the two on Ledra Street, one of a number of border posts along a UN buffer zone known as the Green Line. To the south, explore an old town enclosed by the 16th-century Venetian Walls. Within them, you’ll discover a maze of narrow streets littered with Greek Orthodox churches, tavernas, and shops. Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. North of the checkpoint, take a closer look at the Selimiye Mosque and step inside Büyük Han, a well-preserved 16th-century caravanserai (inn).
Panama City, Panama
One of the greatest attractions of Panama City is its diversity. The characterful old quarter, known as the Casco Viejo, traces its history back to the 17th century. Wander along cobbled streets to explore colonial era and neoclassical architecture. The glittering glass and steel skyscrapers of the city’s newer neighborhoods couldn’t be more different, yet they’re just as compelling. Of course, no visit to this Central American national capital would be complete without at least a partial transit of the Panama Canal. The visitor center at Miraflores is the ideal spot to watch cruise liners and cargo ships squeeze through this narrow but vitally important waterway.
