“Second capitals” of countries around the world you want to visit | Forbes JAPAN Official Site (Forbes Japan)
Capital cities are often the most convenient and accessible, with the country’s largest ports and airports. The capital also has the most information and the best guidebooks for tourists. And the country’s most impressive city is often the capital. No one would argue with this.
In reality, however, that may not always be the case. Capital cities are often not cities that reflect the country’s history, people, culture and charm.
Therefore, Premier Inn, the UK’s largest hotel brand, conducted a survey of 420 cities in 89 countries. An analysis of Google’s search data has revealed the “alternative capital” (second capital) that replaces the capital of each country.
Below, we introduce some of the second capital cities by region.
Europe
Malaga:Málaga, Spain, was the first to come up. The capital, Madrid, has already been overshadowed by the more popular coastal city of Barcelona, but it was still not the second capital. It is probably because it is widely known that it is overflowing with tourists.
Visitors to Spain from afar are drawn to Málaga’s beautiful beaches and low-cost “attractions” such as the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, which is also Picasso’s birthplace in Andalusia. If you visit , you’ll soon understand why it attracts the eyes of people from all over the world.
Brighton:Another European alternative capital is Brighton in the south of England. A must-visit here is the historic Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier.
Other cities such as Munich in Germany, Lyon in France and Thessaloniki in Greece are the second capitals of their respective countries.
Asia
Antalya:Antalya, Turkey, is the second largest capital city in Asia, located on the Aegean Sea. Located on the enchanting Turquoise Coast, with breathtaking turquoise waters right in front of you.
Antalya is also known for having the longest trail in the country, the Likian Way.
Other Asian cities such as Osaka, Shenzhen in China, and Chennai in India are also mentioned.
North America
San Francisco:San Francisco is the second most searched capital in North America. Famous examples include the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Vancouver:Vancouver, Canada, home to the world’s longest seafront promenade, is a popular tourist alternative to the bustling capital city of Ottawa.
Monterrey:The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, the largest city in the world. Monterrey has become an alternative capital.
South America
Rio de Janeiro:Brazil is one of the countries where many foreigners misunderstand the capital. The capital is Brasilia. Rio de Janeiro is known for its golden beaches, endless sun, man-made and natural wonders. Of course, at the Rio Carnival.
Mendoza:Argentina’s second capital is Mendoza. One of the reasons is that it is the center of the Cuyo region, the largest wine-producing region in the country.
Africa
Casablanca:The second capital of Morocco is Casablanca, the largest city. The capital is Rabat.
Hurghada:In Egypt, Hurghada is a popular city with a 40km coastline. It is also known as one of the world’s leading diving spots.
Durban:In South Africa, Durban’s beauty has made it a popular alternative to the capital, Pretoria.
