Lutsk, Ukraine

Capital City

The population of 215,986 may seem enticing, but the reality of life in Lutsk is far from a fairytale. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city's Soviet legacy lingers in the form of red tape and inefficiency. And while the Lutsk air base may have been a hub during the Cold War, the city's industrial focus means smog and pollution are an everyday nuisance. Still, for those undeterred by the challenges, Lutsk offers a glimpse into Ukraine's complex history, from the medieval Lubart's Castle to the scars of wartime massacres. This is a city best suited for the hardy, not the faint of heart.