She also named five European capitals that she would like to visit again.
American tourist Dale Peterson visited all the European capitals, and while some of them impressed her so much that she wanted to return, others disappointed her – one visit was more than enough.
As an experienced traveler shared in her blog on Business Insider, she does not plan to visit the three capitals in the future.
1. London, United Kingdom. According to her, although the British capital has a lot to offer tourists, and she has visited it many times, she has never been able to fully connect with the city.
“Although it is undoubtedly iconic and has many advantages, such as incredible free museums and diverse cuisine, I find London to be too hyped up and expensive, especially when there are so many other worthy destinations in the UK. Personally, I would prefer to spend time in the picturesque countryside of the UK, in places like the Cotswolds or the Lake District. Alternatively, I would travel north to Scotland to explore the magnificent Gothic city of Edinburgh or the rugged Scottish Highlands,” says Dale.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands. A tourist notes that the city is ruined by being too touristy.
“The Dutch capital is as picturesque as it is on postcards, filled with flowers and canals. Unfortunately, however, I found that the center of Amsterdam was like an expensive theme park, full of souvenir shops and crowds. I enjoyed exploring the quieter streets outside the city center, but ultimately, this is not a city that I would rush to return to,” she said.Advertisementad
3. Helsinki, Finland. “There is no denying that Helsinki is a clean city. But, in my opinion, it seems a little too sterile, devoid of animation and interesting activities. For example, after visiting the most popular tourist attractions in one day, I found it difficult to fill my time in the Finnish capital. If we talk about Scandinavian capitals, then I prefer places like Copenhagen or Stockholm, which, as I thought, offer more entertainment, ” Dale stated.
She also named five European capitals that she would like to visit again.
1. Bucharest, Romania. The traveler claims that this is the European capital she would most like to visit again.
“The Romanian capital is beautiful and full of contrasts. The austere, blocky buildings of the Communist era are interspersed with elegant Art Nouveau architecture that once gave Bucharest the nickname “Paris Orientale”. From seeing the colossal Palace of Parliament to going to cafes in the Old Town, I enjoyed exploring this quirky and cool city, ” Dale shared.
2. Lisbon, Portugal. An experienced tourist calls this city one of her favorites in Europe.
“With its picturesque, hilly streets and stunning sea views, Lisbon has all the qualities of an ideal city, in my opinion. I love experiencing the bustling nightlife and indulging in delicious treats like the sweet, flaky pastel de nata,” she explains, adding that the Portuguese capital offers more affordable prices for things like hotels, food, and transportation compared to other European capitals.
3. Athens, Greece. “While it can be noisy and hectic in places, Athens also has a lot of hidden charm if you’re willing to look for it. I have already visited this city three times and always find something new in it, for which you can love it. I love exploring ancient ruins and discovering unique areas like Anafiotika, which looks like a village in the Cyclades Islands right in the middle of the city,” says Dale.
4. Vilnius, Lithuania. A seasoned traveler called this city one of the most underrated in Europe.
“I noticed that the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is not always included in European tourist itineraries. However, I believe this should be the case. This lesser-known Baltic city seems incredibly livable, with its vast Old Town and numerous parks and green spaces. I enjoyed visiting the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania to learn about the country’s history, climbing the Gediminas Castle tower for stunning views of the city, and relaxing with a book in the perfect Bernardine Garden,” she said.
5. Paris, France. Dale admits that she will hardly ever get tired of visiting the French capital.
“Since I lived in Paris during my college years, I’ve returned to the city as often as I could. But no matter how many times I come back, I still feel like I’ve only “scratched the surface.” It would take a lifetime to explore each of the 20 arrondissements, or districts, of Paris, a city with endless layers. In my opinion, there is no place in the world like it for food, art, history, or culture. I especially enjoy trying Pierre Hermé’s pastries, admiring the masterpieces of French Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay, or strolling along the Seine at sunset,” she says.
