If you are looking for the 15 best cities in Eastern Europe to plan your next European getaway, then keep reading!
Eastern Europe is quite different from Western Europe. Where you can expect to find lower prices, different rules, and usually a more complicated and recent history to understand. Many of the cities and countries you visit in Eastern Europe will shock you in the best way possible with their beauty, culture and diversity. This is why Eastern Europe is often more highly regarded than Western Europe from travellers who have been to both. However, this is for you to decide!
Discover the 15 best cities in Eastern Europe and get exploring this beautiful part of Europe.
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15 Best Cities in Eastern Europe
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is easily one of the best cities in Eastern Europe for travellers of all kinds. It is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the most magical and charming cities in all of Europe. It is known for its pastel coloured buildings, historic architecture, famous beer culture, and – most importantly – affordable prices. The prices in Prague are one of the selling points of this city. Where you can feel the lux magic at great prices.
Prague is one of the more “western” cities in Eastern Europe which is why it is so popular. You get the feel of Paris and the safety of Sweden while enjoying low prices and unique beauty. Prague is the ideal place to visit to ease yourself into Eastern Europe in a minimal way.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Eastern Europe. It is located along the Croatian coast and is best known as the filming place for Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik is easily one of the best cities in Eastern Europe for anyone seeking adventure, beauty and history.
The old town is the highlight of Dubrovnik and is probably one of the most beautiful in Europe! It is also located along the Adriatic Coast and finding beautiful beaches is commonplace.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and is located along the Baltic Sea. With the up-and-coming nature of Estonia as a travel destination – the capital has become one of the more popular places to visit in Eastern Europe. Tallinn is safe, welcoming and above all beautiful. It is the perfect place to enjoy old architecture, cute cafes and a unique travel experience that many people skip!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most beautiful and best cities in Eastern Europe. As the capital city of Hungary, it is packed with history and has a very prosperous future. Some of the best things to do in Budapest view the stunning Buda Castle, relax at Széchenyi thermal baths, enjoy Szechenyi Chain Bridge, and much more!
Budapest is a surprisingly large city with more to see and admire than most think. Most attractions are within walking distance of one another so you can enjoy tons of the city in a short amount of time.
St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is the most Eastern city on this list and somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their life. This Russian city sits along the Baltic Sea and is full of mesmerizing architecture left right and center. The architecture is very different from anything else you will find in Europe and seeing it in person is something else. St. Petersburg was the imperial capital for 2 centuries and remains the cultural center of Russia.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is one of the best cities to visit in Eastern Europe that is full of history and beauty. It has a very turbulent and complex history, however, Belgrade has come up from the struggles more beautiful and prosperous as ever. Belgrade is also one of the oldest cities on the continent, therefore, you can find plenty of historic monuments, stunning sites, and amazing things to do.
The best thing about Belgrade? The prices! This is one of the cheapest places in Europe making it an incredibly affordable place to visit. Visitors can get a lot for their money in Belgrade and splurge on high-end accommodation or excellent meals!
Riga, Latvia
Riga is the capital city of Latvia and a unique and beautiful city in Europe. It is one of the best cities in Eastern Europe to visit for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-track European getaway with few tourists and the same European charm as Western Europe. The architecture is unique and ornate, there is a beautiful old town, and plenty of magical cafes and restaurants. The prices here are half of what you will find in Western Europe making it all the more enjoyable!
Krakow, Poland
Kraków is one of the best cities in Eastern Europe with a young atmosphere and magical charm. It is characterized for its amazingly well-preserved Old Town and Jewish quarter. Exploring the cobblestone streets, viewing the stunning architecture, and learning about the deep history of the city is well worth the visit. Be sure to add in some historic elements to your travels to Krakow to learn more about how WW2 impacted Krakow.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Want to enjoy one of Europe’s best-hidden gems? Then look no further than Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Bratislava sits along the Danube River and borders Hungary and Austria.
It is the perfect place to visit for a slower pace travel adventure where you can explore less crowded streets, well-preserved architecture, and beautiful vineyards. Enjoying the 18th-century old town and visiting the castle on the hill are among some of the best things to do in Bratislava.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and one of the best cities in Eastern European that holds a true Balkan charm. It is a place full of history ranging from Roman to Greek to Ottoman and more! You will find various landmarks around the city reflecting the historic changes and developments, showing what it has been through. Be prepared for incredibly low prices, stunning architecture and an Eastern European charm that has no hint of western push.
Split, Croatia
Split is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe and one of the best cities in Eastern Europe. It is the perfect place to find sandy beaches, stunning blue waters, and mesmerizing old towns. Split is located along the beautiful Adriatic coastline and is a wonderful city to visit for every kind of traveller. It is brimming with excitement and has a young and vibrant atmosphere full of amazing things to do and see. This is easily one of Europe’s most magical coastal gems.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is the capital city of the country Romania. It is the perfect place to visit to enjoy kind people, tasty food, and a unique travel experience. Here you will find various iconic and stunning landmarks and quite possibly Europe’s youngest old town which is only a decade old. It is not the most popular travel destination which only adds to its charm making it one of the best cities in Eastern Europe if you are seeking a unique getaway that you can’t find elsewhere.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a city in Montenegro full of beauty, history, and excitement. It is one of the best cities in Eastern Europe and one of the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro. Visiting here will leave you in awe of the magic of Montenegro.
There are enough things to do in Kotor that you can easily stay for a few nights enjoying the old town, the mesmerizing hike and all the nearby attractions. The best thing about Kotor is that it is similar to Dubrovnik but with much fewer people which makes exploring much better!
Vilnius, Lithuania
The stunning capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is the perfect place to visit in Eastern Europe for a vacation that will have you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time. It is full of baroque architecture, cobblestone streets and age-old cathedrals. The streets reflect various different design styles and eras which only adds to its charm. Prepare to fall in love with this. an authentic and beautiful city in Eastern Europe.
This list of the best cities in Eastern Europe is only the beginning. Once you visit all of these you can start adding more rural and off-the-beaten-track options!
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Love this list! I agree with all of the ones I’ve been to & as for the ones I haven’t, they’re added to my bucket list! Thanks for a great article.