Europe is full of contradictions – none more fascinating than its tiniest nations and territorial oddities. There’s no single definition for European microstates, but each has a population of fewer than a million and an area smaller than 1,000 square kilometres, making the entire country smaller than many European Cities. But while these places may be small, they have big stories. This hub brings them together for anyone who loves discovering Europe’s hidden corners.
Below you’ll find all my guides so far for all the mainland European Microstates: Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino, and the Vatican.
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How to Visit the Vatican: Tickets, Tours & What to Expect
Visiting the Vatican isn’t complicated – but it does require planning. Between free entry to St Peter’s Basilica, timed tickets for the Vatican Museums, and the question of whether a guided tour is actually worth it, many visitors aren’t sure how to organise their time. Most people come for the art, St Peter’s Basilica, or the Sistine Chapel – and if you’re in Rome, you absolutely should. But you’re also…
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Things to do in Monaco: And why it’s not as expensive as you think
Nestled at the eastern edge of the French Riviera, Monaco has a reputation: yachts, casinos, supercars and eye-watering prices. We arrived in February expecting to tread carefully. The plan was simple: see the spectacle, absorb the views, and retreat before our bank account noticed. Instead, we found a city engineered around gravity. Beautiful gardens, a traditional old town that felt welcoming and un-glitzy. Add to that affordable food and a…
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Liechtenstein to San Marino by Public Transport: A Four-Country Overland Route
Visiting Liechtenstein and San Marino may feel like two separate trips, but they connect surprisingly well by public transport. We took this overland route from Vaduz to San Marino over the Swiss Alps, stopping overnight in Milan to break up the journey. From Milan, it’s a fast train to the beautiful seaside resort of Rimini – the gateway to San Marino. The journey is scenic, easy to follow, and budget-friendly….
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Best Things to Do in San Marino (and Why You’ll Want to Stay for Sunset)
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and proudly calls itself the world’s oldest surviving republic. Perched high on Mount Titano, it’s a maze of steep medieval lanes, arched gateways and stone terraces with sweeping views across Italy. And those views are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Europe. Read on, and I’ll share the best things to do in San Marino plus tips to make…
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15 Things to do in Liechtenstein and the capital, Vaduz
Are you thinking about visiting Liechtenstein? Or maybe you need to know more before deciding? Maybe you’ve heard that it’s boring? Well I didn’t think so, and after two days there, I still plan to head back. Read on and I’ll share with you the best things to do in Liechtenstein plus tips to make the most of your time in this beautiful and mildly eccentric microstate. Is Liechtenstein Worth Visiting Why…
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Beyond Duty-Free Shopping – 21 Best Things to Do in Andorra
So yes, you can shop in Andorra, but there’s so much more! Here’s the things I found to do on my solo short break to this little country, high in the Pyrenees, I’ve included a map and a list of things to do in Andorra, (the things I did and the things I ran out of time for). Plus all the ways you can get to Andorra. If you visit…
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