Five-Star Statesman

How to complete Five-Star Statesman

Capital cities concentrate a country's government, monuments, and national museums in one place, so five of them is a fast way to read five nations at their most official. Capitals are also transport hubs, making this one of the easier travel milestones to stack onto trips you are already taking.

1. Choose five capitals that cluster geographically so you can reach several by train or short hops.
2. At each one, hit the seat of government, the main national museum, and a central square or landmark.
3. Check whether parliament buildings or government districts run public tours; many are free.
4. Note a date and a specific memory from each so the five stay distinct rather than blurring together.

Tips

• Regions like the Balkans, Benelux, or Central America pack several capitals within hours of each other.
• The capital is not always the biggest or most famous city, so confirm the official one before counting it.
• Free walking tours usually start at the central government square and make a cheap first orientation.

What counts as done

You have set foot in five different national capitals and can name the country each one belongs to.