10 Eastern European Cities You Must Visit

The most popular European cities to visit – London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam – are all in the west of the continent. Eastern European cities tend to get overlooked. However, many of them are equally stunning and teeming with things to do. Just what are some of the best cities to visit in Eastern Europe? This post rounds up 10 cities worth visiting. 

I’ve been to several of these and enjoyed them all, as you can see by the use of some of my own images in this post. Those I still haven’t been to, I want to visit! So here’s to hoping Krakow, Ljubljana, Riga, Brasov, Sofia, and Skopje are in my future.

Eastern European Cities I’ve Been To

Prague

Prague is the most visited city on this list, attracting 6.8 million annual visitors. The Czech capital is sometimes referred to as a ‘central European’ city because of its location – historically linking the east and the west. Nicknamed ‘the city of a hundred spires’, it is famed for its many gothic churches and towers. Its most popular attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock (a historical timepiece found on the front of the Old Town Hall). It is also one of the great beer capitals of Europe and a hub for classical music (Amadeus Mozart once lived here). Prague’s Old Town is the most common place for tourists to stay, but you may find cheaper prices elsewhere throughout the city.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital was historically made up of two cities located either side of the Danube river, Buda and Pest – which later merged to form Budapest. Boasting a rich history and a buzzing nightlight, Budapest has something for all kinds of tourists. It has many unique attractions including its thermal baths, underground caves, ruin bars and striking memorials. Its magnificent architecture – including Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament Building and St Stephen’s Basilica – also attract many tourists. You can find many cheap weekend break deals to Budapest, which include flights and a centrally located hotel. Luggage drop-off points located across the city can allow you to explore Budapest as soon as you arrive.

Tallinn

Estonia’s capital is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Europe. It features a well-preserved walled Old Town, which feels like taking a step back in time to the Middle Ages. This is contrasted with modern buildings like the 314 metre Tallinn TV Tower. You’ll find many fascinating museums across Tallinn to explore including the lively KGB Museum and immersive Maritime Museum. The vibrant street art in Telliskivi is also worth exploring if you have time. Look for hotels in Old Town where you’ll not only be closest to many of the sights, but you’ll also find some of the cheapest prices (which is rare for a city).

Dubrovnik

The Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik is known for its labyrinthine limestone mediaeval streets, pebbly Adriatic beaches and vibrant dusk-till-dawn nightlife. Game of Thrones fans may know it as the filming location of King’s Landing (there are GoT walking tours that you can take around the city). Fans of music and dance may meanwhile want to visit this city during the two month long Dubrovnik Summer Festival – which features events dedicated to everything from opera to jazz. There are three main areas worth staying in within Dubrovnik: Old Town, Pile and Ploce. This guide compares these three areas to stay.

Eastern European Cities I’d Like To Visit

Krakow

Poland has many scenic cities, however Krakow is arguably the prettiest. This fairytale city consists of cobbled streets where you can take illuminated horse and carriage rides at night or dine al fresco at traditional Polish restaurants. The city’s main square is possibly its most unique attraction – this giant mediaeval town square sports many unusual buildings and sculptures including Cloth Hall and Eros Bendato, and often hosts events and live performers. Krakow is also within close proximity of chilling holocaust sites, Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler’s factory, as well as the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Most locals recommend booking a hotel in either the Miasto district or Kazimierz district for close proximity to the best sights. 

Ljubljana

From the charming riverside cafes of Cankarjevo walkway to the edgy street art of Metelkova, Ljubljana offers an exciting mix of attractions for different types of traveller. Although it’s the biggest city in Slovenia, it is relatively small compared to some of the cities on this list – making it more walkable and laid back. Its charm is helped by the fact that it has many green areas and in 2016 it was awarded the European Green Capital Award. Take the time to explore its many bridges and make sure to ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle where you can take in incredible panoramas of the city. There are many hotels and hostels across Ljubljana where you can stay affordably. Being such a compact city, you can stay anywhere and be within walking distance of all the attractions and amenities. 

Riga

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is renowned for its expressive art nouveau architecture and flourishing culinary scene. It has one of the biggest indoor food markets of any European city – stretched out over five hangars that once housed zeppelins. Other unique attractions include a 3,500 year old oak tree and the picturesque ‘Three Brothers’ houses. There are many fascinating museums throughout Riga dedicated to its Medieval and Cold War history, as well as many bars and restaurants to check out. For the best hotels, stay in Riga’s Old Town where you’re close to many of the best attractions. Compared to many other European cities, accommodation is quite cheap.

Brasov

Brasov is nestled in the Carpathian mountains in the Transylvanian region of Romania. This city is known for its impressive historic architecture including Catherine’s Gate and The Black Church. It is also a stone’s throw from Bran Castle (AKA Dracula’s castle), which was once home to bloodthirsty ruler Vlad the Impaler, as well as being the fictional home of Count Dracula. On top of its dense history, Brasov offers a great selection of restaurants and convenient access to many natural attractions including brown bear spotting tours and mountain climbing. You’ll find relatively affordable accommodation all across Brasov. This Brasov travel guide offers some tips on exactly where to stay. 

Sofia

From colourful cathedrals to waterfalls, Bulgaria’s capital offers a range of exciting things to see. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is its most iconic landmark – a neo-Byzantine orthodox church, which is one of the biggest Christian church buildings in the world. Other landmarks include Boyana Church and the National Palace of Culture. Sofia has a rich history, having been ruled by various factions including the Thracians, Bulgars, Byzantines, Ottomans and Soviet Union. Various museums throughout the city including the Regional Museum of Sofia and the National Museum of History are dedicated to telling the story of its past. Make sure to also check out the St Sophia Church catacombs and Bankya thermal baths (near Sofia). Lozenets and Vitosha are two of the most popular districts in the city for tourists to stay – you’ll find a range of accommodation here for all budgets.

Skopje Photo by Tamas Marton

Skopje

Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia. It’s not a city or a country that many people are familiar with – which is a shame, because it’s a very unique and exciting place to visit. The city is home to over 284 statues and many elegant neo-classical buildings. A mix of churches and mosques  – including the Church of St Panteleimon and Mustafa Pasha Mosque – make up the religious buildings in this city as a result of its high Christian and Muslim population. Other attractions include the memorial house of Mother Teresa, Skopje Fortress and Stone Bridge. There are affordable hotels and hostels throughout Skopje that you can compare online (check out this guide to some of the best hotels in Skopje).

What Eastern European Cities would you like to visit?

Let me know in the comments!