I’ve traveled to every capital city in Europe. There are 5 I’d go back to in a heartbeat, and 3 I’d skip next time.

As a full-time traveler who spends several months of the year in Europe, I’ve visited every capital city on the continent.

After traveling to each of these unique cities, some have emerged as surprising favorites, and others have left me underwhelmed.

Here are the five European capitals I can’t wait to return to — and the three I’d probably skip next time.

I’m most excited to go back to Bucharest.

The Romanian capital is beautiful and full of contrasts. Stark, blocky communist-era buildings are interspersed with elegant, Art Nouveau architecture that once gave Bucharest the nickname Paris of the East.

From touring the colossal Palace of Parliament to café-hopping through the Old Town, Bucharest is a quirky and cool city I loved exploring.

Lisbon is one of my favorite European cities.

From picturesque hilly streets to stunning seaside views, Lisbon has, in my opinion, all the makings of the perfect city.

I love experiencing the buzzing nighttime energy and snacking on delicious foods like sweet, flaky pastel de nata pastries.

Compared to the other Western European capital cities I’ve been to, I’ve found Lisbon typically has more affordable prices for things like hotels, food, and transportation. For example, once I left the typical tourist areas, I enjoyed lots of great meals for under 10 euros.

There’s so much to love about Athens.

Although it can be loud and hectic in places, Athens also has plenty of hidden charm if you’re willing to look for it. I’ve now visited this city three times and always find something new to love about it.

I love exploring the ancient ruins, and discovering unique neighborhoods like Anafiotika, which looks like a village in the Cycladic Islands right amid the city.

In my opinion, Vilnius is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

I’ve noticed that Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, doesn’t always make it onto European travel itineraries. But in my opinion, it should.

This under-the-radar Baltic city feels incredibly livable, with a sprawling Old Town and plenty of parks and green spaces.

I loved visiting the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania to learn about the country’s history, climbing up to Gediminas Castle Tower for a great view of the city, and relaxing with a book in the picture-perfect Bernardine Garden.

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of visiting Paris.

Since living in Paris during college, I’ve returned to the city as often as I can. No matter how many times I go back, though, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.

You could spend a lifetime getting to know each one of the 20 arrondissements, or districts, of Paris — it’s a city with endless layers. In my opinion, there’s no place in the world like it for food, art, history, or culture.

I especially enjoy sampling pastries from Pierre Hermé, admiring French Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay, or strolling along the Seine River at sunset.

Although London has a lot to offer, it isn’t my favorite city.

Despite visiting London many times, I’ve just never really clicked with the city.

Although it’s undeniably iconic and has a lot going for it — like incredible free museums and a diverse food scene — London feels overhyped and expensive to me, especially when there are so many other worthwhile destinations in the UK.

Personally, I’d much rather spend time in the UK’s picturesque countryside, in places like the Cotswolds or the Lake District. Or, I’d head north to Scotland to visit the gorgeous Gothic city of Edinburgh or the rugged Scottish Highlands.

Amsterdam is beautiful but very touristy.

The Dutch capital is as picturesque as it looks in postcards, filled with flowers and canal-lined streets.

Unfortunately, though, I thought the center of Amsterdam felt like an overpriced theme park full of souvenir shops and crowds.

I did enjoy exploring the quieter streets outside the central part of the city, but ultimately, this city isn’t one I’m rushing to return to.

I didn’t think Helsinki was the most exciting city.

There’s no denying Helsinki is a clean city. However, in my opinion, it feels a little too sterile, lacking in liveliness and exciting things to do.

For example, after experiencing the most popular tourist attractions in a single day, I struggled to fill my time in the capital of Finland.

When it comes to the Nordic capitals, I preferred places like Copenhagen or Stockholm, which I thought offered more to do.

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