The Honest Truth about Andorra la Vella: Is it Worth Visiting? | Walking Tour
Is Andorra la Vella the most underrated capital in Europe? Join me as I walk through the stunning streets of Europe’s smallest capital, tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees.
You can view my Camon, France Video here: https://youtu.be/i7r2YiwuZ3U?si=8zlkAnR6hZlGtmdv
00:00 Leaving Carcassonne
00:24 Driving into the Pyrenees
02:05 History of Andorra
03:46 Walking along the river
06:49 Andorra la Vella city center
10:21 Tax free shopping explained
In today’s travel vlog, we’re exploring Andorra la Vella. From its famous tax-free shopping districts to the Pont de Paris and the incredible mountain views that surround the city, I’m sharing my first impressions and top tips for visiting this tiny nation.
A Glimpse into the Past.
Andorra la Vella’s history is as dramatic as the mountains surrounding it. Legend says the nation was founded by Charlemagne in 805 as a reward for the locals’ help in fighting the Saracens. For centuries, this “City in the Clouds” remained a largely isolated feudal state, governed by a unique medieval agreement from 1278 called the Pareatges. This treaty established a dual sovereignty between the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell—a system of “Co-Princes” that technically still exists today, making Andorra the world’s only co-principality.
From Mountains to Modernity.
Well into the 20th century, Andorra la Vella was still a quiet, rustic village. Everything changed in the 1930s when the first major roads were carved through the Pyrenees, finally connecting the capital to the outside world. Following WWII, the city underwent a massive transformation, pivoting from a secluded mountain outpost into a thriving commercial hub and tax haven. Today, it stands as the highest capital city in Europe (1,023m), where 12th-century Romanesque churches like Sant Esteve sit right alongside futuristic shopping centers and luxury banking offices.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Barcelona or Toulouse, or staying for a ski weekend, this walking tour shows you exactly what to expect.
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Filmed on June 1st 2024 using DJI Osmo Pocket 3
All music is courtesy of Epidemic Sound. www.epidemicsound.com
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#travel #andorra #guide #walkingtour #beautifulvillages #vlog
3 Comments
Thanks so much for joining me in Europe’s smallest capital! I really tried to give an honest look at the vibe there, but I’m curious—now that you’ve seen the city, is Andorra la Vella a place you’d actually add to your bucket list, or does it look a bit too touristy for you? If the city vibes felt a bit too busy for your taste, you should check out my video of Carennac in France. It’s much quieter, full of old-world charm, and I assure you, feels like a totally different world. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/UpQKJ4bBZXA
Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
Glad to see a new video. Very nice, I did not know it was nestled in the mountains like that.
I went through the entire video and the pacing keeps viewers engaged. One missed opportunity I noticed is that the pinned comment isn’t guiding viewers to a next logical step. From experience, using the pinned comment as part of the viewer journey often improves retention without touching the video itself.