12 Best Cities in Eastern Europe

Eastern European cities are sometimes overlooked when planning a European

vacation, partly because they aren't as well known as Western destinations.
Once an area where border conflicts and political upheaval were common,
Eastern Europe has become the go-to destination for lovers of history and
architecture. There's a slower pace in Eastern European cities and a wealth of
cultural and natural sights to discover that remain untouched even as modern
influences are rolling in.

If you haven't set your foot in Eastern Europe yet, you're in for a world of
surprises. There's Prague and its many spires; St. Petersburg and the magical
white nights; and Dubrovnik, with its stunning open views over the Adriatic Sea.
Castles, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old attractions mix with cozy cafés
and modern amenities everywhere.

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Dating back to AD 870, Prague is not only one of the most visited cities in
Eastern Europe, but also one of the oldest.

Prague is the ideal destination for bargain hunters, with regular flight and train
connections from most major cities in Europe, and affordable accommodations.
Many of the city's major attractions are also free – you can stroll across Charles
Bridge, walk the grounds of the Prague Castle, or see the amazing views over
Prague from Petrin Hill without spending a penny.

The city can get very crowded in summer, but this is also a great time to enjoy
the outdoor cafés, have a picnic with a view on Kampa Park (home to some very
famous and quirky art installations), or catch live music and events on the
Naplavka riverbank.

On rainy days, the city's many museums and galleries are a must-see, and there
are also Cold War bunkers, plenty of theaters and concert halls, and the stunning
Strahov Library (considered one of the most beautiful in the world) to explore.

2. Tallin, Estonia

Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia

Located right on the coast, with open views over the blue water of the Gulf of
Finland, Tallin is a city that knows how to mix the old and the new very well. Over
the past decade, Estonia has become a haven for entrepreneurs, and the
growing business center of the city – with its many trendy shopping centers and
restaurants – is proof of it.

Tallin also happens to be one of the most compact capital cities in Eastern
Europe, which means you are never more than 15 minutes away from the
stunning Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallin's walled Old Town is
filled with medieval churches, a Gothic Town Hall, impressive towers, and plenty
of charming cafés for a quick stop when your feet are starting to complain.

There's still plenty to see and explore outside the center, including the
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum, the pink Toompea Castle, the
Russian-inspired Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, and a number of art galleries and
small museums.

Although disputed, Estonians claim to be the inventors of marzipan, and the

Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop is the place to stock up.

3. Krakow, Poland

Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland

The official capital of Poland during the Middle Ages, Krakow still retains its
impressive royal look. Krakow was also one of the few Polish cities to make it
unscathed through WWII and as a result, its architecture – a fairy-tale mix of
Romanesque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau, among others – remains intact. This
includes the beautiful historical city walls, St. Florian's Gate, St. Mary's Basilica
and the world's largest Gothic altarpiece, and the towering Wawel Castle.

For both historians and movie buffs alike, much of the Oscar-winner movie
Schindler's List was filmed here. Oskar Schindler's original enamel factory has
been converted into two museums and now holds items from the movie set,
including Schindler's desk. Visitors can also tour the former Jewish district of
Krakow, the remnants of the Ghetto Wall, and many filming locations.

You can also visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow. This former 13th-
century working mine is located just outside of town and is considered one of the
main tourist attractions in Poland. Krakow is also the starting point for trips out to
the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial camps.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest

With a dramatic skyline and plenty of historic and cultural sights, the capital's
charms are undeniable. Also known as the "Pearl of the Danube," Budapest
offers great food and a rich history that includes Roman and Turkish influences.
You can see that in the thermal baths (especially the very popular Rudas or
Szechenyi baths) that are considered a staple of Hungary's culture.

Budapest's most stunning area is Castle Hill, a limestone plateau that overlooks
the Danube and is home to the most famous attractions in the city. These include
the 13th-century Buda Castle and its underground labyrinth (part of the area's
underground cave system), Trinity Square, a subterranean museum holding a
WWII hospital and a nuclear bunker, and the Széchenyi National Library.

There are plenty of unique day trips you can take from Budapest, including the
town of Eger, famous for its thermal baths and Baroque churches; the large
Baroque Royal Palace of Gödöllo; and the Aggtelek National Park and the
Baradla Cave, which extend into Slovakia.

5. Kiev, Ukraine

Sunrise in Kiev
Kiev is perhaps best known for being the departing point for tours to Chernobyl
and the abandoned town of Pripyat, but the city itself has been enjoying a
renaissance of sorts over the past few years. Home to hearty food and plenty of
cafés, eclectic architectural styles, and many museums and galleries, Kiev has a
bit of everything, no matter your traveling style.

Even better, Kiev remains a very budget-friendly destination in Eastern

Europe, and it's still largely undiscovered, which translates to smaller crowds
and an authentic feel.

Ukraine's capital is also a place of contrasts. You'll find a number of impressive

Baroque churches (St. Andrew's Church was built during Catherine the Great's
lifetime) and palaces here, but also unique attractions, like the world's deepest
metro station and great swimming beaches alongside the Dnieper River.

Kiev has been voted over and over as one of Europe's greenest cities, home to
the urban Feofaniya Park, the large grounds of the M.M. Gryshko National
Botanical Garden and its many conservatories, and the manicured gardens of the
former Mezhyhirya Presidential Palace.

6. Bucharest, Romania

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

Romania is one of the cheapest European countries to visit, and the savings
stretch to the capital as well. Public transportation is affordable, budget
accommodation is plentiful, and many of the main activities in the city – including
strolling along Calea Victoriei avenue and relaxing at Cişmigiu, the oldest public
gardens in Bucharest – are free of charge or cost very little.

One of Bucharest's main attractions is its 15th-century Old Town, which features
many historical buildings but also cobblestone streets lined with cafés;
restaurants; and shops selling traditional jewelry, art, and food.

The city architecture is also worth a mention – it's famous for its impressive,
ornate, and sometimes larger-than-life buildings. This includes the Palace of the
Parliament; the Byzantine-inspired Stavropoleos Church; and the Romanian
Athenaeum, home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other things to do in Bucharest include stopping by Bucharest's own Arch of

Triumph and visiting the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air
museum that chronicles Romania's traditional way of life.

7. St. Petersburg, Russia

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg

Russia's second-largest city is also its most charming, filled with cultural
attractions, including The Hermitage, the world's second-largest art
museum (The Louvre takes the top spot).

There's more to do here than just museums and galleries, though, such as
visiting Russia's oldest confectionery shop inside the Eliseyev Emporium, and
shopping and walking down the massive Nevsky Prospect, the city's most
impressive avenue, with luxury hotels and high-end shops.

St. Petersburg is better enjoyed on foot, especially as you walk along the almost
100 canals and rivers that crisscross throughout the city. The banks are lined
with ornate palaces and bridges, as well as major attractions such as the Winter
Palace and the multicolored Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood.

No visit to St. Petersburg is complete without a trip out of town to see the
magnificent Peterhof Palace, with its 173 fountains and its opulent rooms
decorated in velvet and gold. Also worth a day trip are the Rococo Catherine
Palace and Park and Veliky Novgorod, Russia's oldest town with structures
dating back to the 11th century.

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia
A fortified old town on the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik has become a massively
popular tourist destination for beach lovers in search of a bargain. Its seaside
location also makes it the perfect starting point for island-hopping, with a number
of ferries making their way to the Elafiti Islands, filled with cafés, restaurants
offering al-fresco dining, and sea caves waiting to be explored. You don't have to
leave the city itself to enjoy the sea, though, as the golden Banje Beach is just
steps away from the Old Town.

With a history that dates back to the 7th century, it's no surprise that many
of Dubrovnik's main attractions are historical structures, including the city gates,
the Stradium pedestrian street, and the Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical
Museum.

Many of Dubrovnik's best-known spots, including the old city walls, Fort
Lovrijenac, and the imposing Spanish steps, were also used as filming locations
for Game of Thrones. Although they were tourist attractions in their own right
before, they attract even more visitors today.

9. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade Fortress
As Eastern Europe goes, Serbia is harder to reach and discover than other
countries. As a result, Belgrade has become the home base for most travel in the
Balkan countries. While many visitors stop here just to regroup before heading
towards more adventurous destinations, the historic capital has plenty of gems of
its own to offer.

Belgrade's architecture has plenty of Art Deco, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and even
modernist examples to offer. The Presidential Palace and the Town Hall are a
good place to start, but a stroll down the Kneza Mihaila pedestrian street is an
even better way to appreciate historical buildings that have been converted into
artsy galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

The Belgrade Fortress is the most visited attraction in Belgrade. Not only is the
building itself and the museum inside stunning, but the fortress is also
surrounded by the massive Kalemegdan Park and set on a ridge that overlooks
the point where the Save and the Danube rivers meet. The views are even more
magnificent at night, when you can catch the reflection of the city lights over the
water.

Other places worth visiting include the Nikola Tesla Museum and the
uninhabited Great War Island, offering a swimming beach, opportunities for
kayaking, and plenty of wild birds.

10. Riga, Latvia

Old Town in Riga, Latvia

Riga is a small city, perfect to be explored over a quick weekend trip. Most
budget airlines stop in Riga, offering plenty of connections for you to discover the
cultural capital of the Baltics before you move on to other destinations in Latvia to
enjoy the Baltic Sea's gorgeous coastline.

You don't have to go far to enjoy the sand either – Jurmala beach resort is just 20
minutes away by train from central Riga.

Latvia's capital is a melting pot of various nations and cultures, something you
can clearly see on the many different architectural styles lining the cobblestone
streets of Old Town. Riga's Central Market, the largest indoor market in
Europe, with over 3,000 stalls, is another great way to explore the diversity of the
city – you can pick souvenirs here, experience some authentic street food, or try
fresh products from local Latvian farms.

11. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava is often a stop on the way to the many stunning national parks that dot
the nation, but this small and sometimes unassuming city has plenty to offer in
the way of history, culture, and food. In fact, Bratislava is a great destination for a
city break with a vibrant gourmet scene, a unique café culture, and plenty of
sports and activities for all ages and tastes.

The city is especially bike-friendly, and visitors can easily rent one to explore
the many themed bike circuits around town.

When it comes to architecture, it's hard to beat Bratislava Castle, which sits
atop a hill and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. If you make it to the
castle itself, make sure you climb the almost 50-meter-tall castle tower for a
sprawling view over Bratislava. If you're into museums, the castle houses a
branch of the Slovak National Museum, but there are plenty of other museums
and galleries to discover around the city, as well as many quirky statues hidden
in parks and city corners.

Other things to do in Bratislava include taking a river cruise to enjoy the Danube
scenery; visiting one of the many urban parks; taking a stroll through the gardens
of Grasalkovičov Palace; or visiting Hviezdoslav Square, home to the Slovak
National Opera Theater and to a stunning Christmas market during the winter.
 12. Sofia, Bulgaria

The Alexander Nevsky cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia's history and architecture have been heavily influenced by some of the
biggest civilizations in the world, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. A
clear example of the eclectic architecture here is the Neo-Byzantine Saint
Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, Sofia's main tourist attraction and one of the
largest Orthodox churches in Europe.

Other important historical monuments here include the 10th-century Boyana

Church Museum and its many frescoes, the Sveti Georgi rotunda, and the
former Turkish Mineral Baths, which now house the Sofia History Museum.

Hearty Balkan dishes are a must-try when in Sofia, and so is the local mineral
spring water, which flows freely from drinking fountains around the city. For
active visitors, Vitosha Mountain is just 30 minutes outside the city and offers
both hiking and skiing, depending on when you're visiting.