Although it was never my intent, I have visited many world capitals in my travels around the globe. Some of them were truly memorable and some were just average. Because the capital typically contains the government center and because much effort and investment is made in these government buildings, they are frequently must-see attractions for the tourist. It is also interesting that, outside of the United States, a country’s capital is often its largest city.

These capitals of Eastern Europe are all worth visiting.

Vienna, Austria — One of the world’s most elegant and beautiful cities, Vienna was the center of the Holy Roman Empire for many years.

Stephansdom, Vienna

Bratislava, Slovakia — Only about an hour’s drive from Vienna, Slovakia’s capital city is a delight to explore and relatively undiscovered at this time.

St Michael’s Tower, Bratislava

Budapest, Hungary — The capital of Hungary is really two (2) cities, the hilly castle district of Buda and the relatively flat district of Pest, across the Danube.

Hungarian Parliament Building

Prague, Czech Republic — The beautiful city of Prague is the gem of Eastern Europe.

Old Town Square, Prague