20 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

by Jason Brasier | 6 Jun 2025

Eastern Europe doesn’t just whisper stories of the past—it puts them on full display. Here, you’ll find cities where bullet-scarred buildings stand alongside sleek cafés, where rhythmic chants of monks echo through Bulgaria’s Rila Monastery, and the pint glasses clink in a Kraków cellar bars. The best places to visit in Eastern Europe offer more than scenic facades—they invite you to look closer, to ask questions, and to step into a region shaped by upheaval, creativity, and survival.

1. What countries are in Eastern Europe?

Definitions vary, but generally, it includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia), and parts of the Balkans, like Montenegro. This list highlights the places that stand out for their cultural significance, unique architecture, and stories that have shaped European history.

2. What are the main tourist attractions in Eastern Europe?

Eastern Europe’s appeal lies in its diversity. The main ones can be found in its capital cities like Prague, where the medieval Old Town Square and astronomical clock have captivated visitors for centuries. Budapest offers the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament and the steam of Széchenyi thermal baths, while Kraków balances sombre reflection at Auschwitz with lively nights in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Further south, Romania’s Bran Castle feeds the Dracula myth, and Dubrovnik’s city walls have become iconic thanks to Game of Thrones.

3. When is the best time to visit Eastern Europe?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are often considered the best times to visit Eastern Europe. The weather is milder, crowds are thinner, and many cities host local festivals or seasonal markets. Autumn in particular brings colourful foliage to places like Kraków’s Planty Park or the lakes of Slovenia, making it a dream for photographers. That said, winter has its own quiet charm. Budapest’s thermal baths are even more inviting in the snow, and Christmas markets across the region are some of the oldest and most atmospheric in Europe – like those featured in our Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia and Austria tour.

4. What is the most underrated place to visit in Eastern Europe?

Many travelers overlook the Baltics, but cities like Riga in Latvia or Vilnius in Lithuania pack a cultural punch. Riga, for instance, has one of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture in the world—over a third of its buildings reflect the style. Outside the capital, the coastlines and national parks of Estonia and Latvia offer tranquillity without the tourist footfall. Inland, lesser-known regions like Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains or Slovakia’s High Tatras are rich in folklore, hiking trails, and quiet villages that preserve centuries-old traditions. We also think that Montenegro is an often-overlooked country prmising a gorgeous and classy coastal stay at a fraction of the price of its neighbors.

a close up shot of a brown bear’s face, with shaggy brown fur

M

Think swanky Paris or Berlin had the first electric street lights in Europe? Nope, Eastern Europe came first here in Timisoara, Romania, having the first street lights on the continent back in 1882.

20 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe:

1. Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech capital city is a living museum of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. Start at Old Town Square, where the Prague Astronomical Clock has been marking the hours since 1410—making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world still in operation. Don’t miss the spires of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle, or the quiet lanes of the Jewish Quarter, where centuries of Jewish heritage and survival stories unfold.

Crossing the iconic Charles Bridge at dawn, with its 30 statues silhouetted against the rising sun, is a moment every traveler should experience. And of course, Prague’s reputation for beer is well-earned: the city is home to some of the oldest breweries in Europe, and locals will tell you that a pint of Czech lager is cheaper than bottled water.

Image Source: Insight Vacations

2. Budapest, Hungary

Where else can you soak in a thermal bath surrounded by neo-Baroque grandeur? Budapest is a city that defies easy comparisons. The Hungarian Parliament Building, with its Gothic Revival towers, is one of the largest legislative buildings in the world, while Fisherman’s Bastion offers panoramic views of the Danube River.

Don’t miss the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, which stands as a moving tribute to the city’s Jewish heritage. For a taste of local life, visit the Jewish Quarter for its ruin bars—former warehouses and courtyards transformed into eclectic bars and art spaces. And when it comes to Hungarian cuisine, a bowl of rich, paprika-spiced goulash or a flaky strudel is a must.

If you’re curious about exploring more of the Czech Republic or Hungary, check out our Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague tour for a perfectly paced introduction to the region’s major cities.

3. Bratislava, Slovakia

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Slovakia’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities to explore which often surprises its visitors. Its compact Old Town is a tangle of pastel-coloured buildings, cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards. Climb to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views of the Danube and the spires of St. Martin’s Cathedral, the site of Hungarian coronations for centuries.

For a more whimsical side of the city, seek out the Blue Church—officially known as St. Elizabeth’s Church—a fairytale vision of pastel blue tiles and Art Nouveau curves. And if you’re after a lively evening, Bratislava’s nightlife punches above its weight, with everything from traditional pubs to riverside clubs.

Image Source: Insight Vacations

4. Kraków, Poland

Kraków is a city where the weight of history is softened by a vibrant modern culture. At the heart of the city is the Wawel Royal Castle, a symbol of Polish identity for centuries. Wander through the Old Town and you’ll find the medieval charm intact: the Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) is one of the largest in Europe, framed by Renaissance-era cloth halls and the towering St. Mary’s Basilica.

But Kraków is also a gateway to confronting the past. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a sobering, essential experience—reminding us that history is not just in books, but in the places where it happened. For a more personal perspective, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory tells the story of those who risked everything to save lives during the Holocaust.

5. Riga, Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic States, is a showcase of Art Nouveau architecture—in fact, it boasts the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. The Vecrīga (Old Town) is a maze of medieval lanes and café terraces, where the House of the Black Heads and Town Hall Square tell stories of Riga’s rich trading past. Riga’s central market, housed in old Zeppelin hangars, is one of Europe’s largest, bursting with local produce, smoked fish, and sweet treats. Meanwhile, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia offers a window into rural life, with traditional farmsteads and workshops set in a pine forest on the shores of Lake Jugla.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s Old Town is a fairy-tale vision of spires, red-tiled roofs, and ancient walls; an incredibly well-preserved window into medieval Estonia. Toompea Castle and the grandiose Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great, reveal the city’s imperial past, while Lahemaa National Park offers a glimpse of Estonia’s wild landscapes—bogs, forests, and windswept beaches. In Tallinn, you can buy a card that gives you free rides on public transport and discounts in museums. If you only have a day, our guide on Tallinn in 24 hours can help you make the most of it.

Image Source: Insight Vacations

7. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest capitals, wears its history lightly. The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its golden domes, is a symbol of national pride, while the Museum of Socialist Art offers a stark reminder of Bulgaria’s 20th-century past.

For something truly unique, explore the Regional History Museum—housed in the former city baths, it combines history with striking architecture. The Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous spiritual site, are both just a few hours away, making Sofia a perfect base for wider exploration.

8. Bucharest and Transylvania, Romania

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is a city of contrasts: grand Belle Époque buildings, communist-era apartment blocks, and a growing arts scene. The colossal Palace of Parliament—the second-largest administrative building in the world—is a must-see, as are the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, where rural traditions are kept alive.

But Romania’s magic really shines in Transylvania. Think Bran Castle—better known as Dracula’s Castle—misty mountains, and the underground wonder of Turda Salt Mine, where you can take a boat ride on a salt lake 120 metres below ground.

Want more on Bran Castle? Read our deep dive here.

Image Source: Insight Vacations

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is where you’ll walk centuries-old walls with the sea sparkling below. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has become a pop-culture icon thanks to Game of Thrones, but it’s the real history—sieges, earthquakes, survival—that gives Dubrovnik its depth.

For a different perspective, ride the cable car up Srd Mountain for sunset views, or explore the Dalmatian Coast on a Dalmatian Elegance cruise. And don’t miss Plitvice Lakes National Park, where 16 terraced lakes cascade into each other in a display of natural beauty.

10. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is a city that gets under your skin with its charm. One of the greenest cities in Europe, it’s car-free in the centre, and the Ljubljanica River winds past leafy banks, riverside markets, and the whimsical Ljubljana Castle. In winter, the Christmas Market fills the Prešeren Square with lights and mulled wine, while in summer, locals gather on terraces to sip coffee and watch the world go by.

Ljubljana at Christmas. Image Source: Insight Vacations

11. Montenegro

For a country so small, Montenegro packs in an astonishing variety of landscapes. Think medieval villages clinging to cliffs, sapphire waters lapping against the shorelines of Sveti Stefan, and the breathtaking expanse of the Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe. Montenegro’s charm lies in its contrasts: coastal towns like Kotor and Perast are a maze of stone alleys and 17th-century churches, while the rugged mountains inland reveal a wilder, untamed side.

When it comes to the most underrated Eastern European countries, Montenegro often tops the list. It’s a country where you can explore a medieval fortress in the morning and be kayaking on a tranquil lake by afternoon.

12. Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is often overlooked by travellers, but those who visit are rewarded with a city of cobbled streets, Baroque architecture, and a rebellious spirit. The Old Town is one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, with treasures like the Gate of Dawn and the red-brick St. Anne’s Church.

For a slice of modern life, head to Paupys Market, a hip riverside food hall where you can sample everything from Lithuanian dumplings to Georgian khachapuri. And don’t miss Gediminas’ Tower, where you can climb the hill for panoramic views of the city.

13. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Eastern Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a cascade of 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls, set in the heart of Croatia’s forested mountains. Walk along wooden boardwalks suspended over the water, and you’ll see why this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated visitors for decades. Fun fact: The park is home to over 120 bird species, including the rare European osprey.

Looking to explore Croatia in depth? Consider our Country Roads of Croatia tour

Breathtaking view in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Image Source: Insight Vacations

14. Sighișoara, Romania

Ever wondered where the legend of Dracula was born? Sighișoara, a perfectly preserved medieval town in the heart of Transylvania, is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler—better known as Dracula. Its cobblestone streets, 14th-century clock tower, and colourful merchant houses offer a glimpse into a past that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Sighișoara’s citadel is a UNESCO site, and its fortified walls have stood for centuries—testament to the resilience of this region’s communities.

15. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Tucked between forested hills and alpine peaks, Lake Bled is one of Eastern Europe’s most photographed spots—and for good reason. The tiny island in the centre of the lake, topped by a baroque church, is accessible by traditional wooden pletna boats, while the cliffside Bled Castle offers panoramic views across the water.

Did you know? The famous Bled cream cake, or kremšnita, has been served at the Park Hotel since 1953, with over 15 million slices eaten to date!

M

Slovenia is the only country in the world that has “love” in its name. Its capital, Ljubljana, also translates to “the loved one”

16. Gdańsk, Poland

While Warsaw and Kraków often steal the spotlight, Gdańsk on Poland’s Baltic coast offers a different perspective—one of maritime history, amber trade, and resilience. The city’s colourful facades along Long Market recall its Hanseatic League days, while the European Solidarity Centre tells the story of the workers’ movement that helped end Communist rule in Poland.

Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood along the Motława River, or visit the medieval Crane, one of the oldest port structures in Europe.

17. Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Nestled in the mountains, Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s most famous religious site and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila, it’s a masterpiece of Eastern Orthodox architecture, with colourful frescoes, wooden balconies, and a tranquil courtyard surrounded by forested peaks.

Rila Monastery isn’t just a monument; it’s a living place of worship, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike. Many say the best time to visit is early in the morning, when the monastery is shrouded in mist and birdsong fills the air.

18. Kotor, Montenegro

Tucked into a fjord-like bay on the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a living relic of medieval Europe. Its walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden squares, and Venetian-era churches. For panoramic views, climb the 1,350 steps up to the fortress of St. John—locals call it a “stairway to heaven,” and the view over the Bay of Kotor is worth every step.

Image Source: Insight Vacations

19. Tallinn’s Christmas Market, Estonia

Eastern Europe’s festive season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Tallinn Christmas Market. Held in the Town Hall Square since 1441, it’s one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric markets. Wander between wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts and warm yourself with a mug of glögi (Estonian mulled wine). The centrepiece is a towering Christmas tree—a tradition said to have originated here in Tallinn.

For more on Estonia’s capital, explore our guide to Tallinn in 24 Hours.

20. Tara National Park, Serbia

Often overlooked by mainstream travellers, Tara National Park in western Serbia is a haven of natural beauty. Known for its dense forests, deep canyons, and the emerald waters of the Drina River, Tara is home to the rare Pančić’s spruce, a relic from the Ice Age. The park is also a sanctuary for brown bears and offers scenic hiking trails, including viewpoints like Banjska Stena, where you can gaze across the Serbia-Bosnia border.

In Eastern Europe, you’ll find cities scarred by war and shaped by reinvention, where architecture isn’t just beautiful—it’s political. A former KGB building sits down the street from a minimalist art gallery. A medieval fortress casts its shadow over a Communist-era housing block. From the sobering silence of Auschwitz to the fizzing nightlife of Budapest’s ruin bars, this is a region that doesn’t shy away from complexity. Finding the best places to visit in Eastern Europe is all about stepping into spaces where the past and present are still in conversation.

About Jason Brasier

I'm Jay – born in Italy, raised in South London. Having French sisters and Hungarian ancestors, I've always been fascinated with the world and its cultures, and I carry this curiosity into my writing for Insightful. My favourite destinations I've traveled to so far have been Italy, Peru, France and Brazil.

LIKED THIS POST? SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

20 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

1. What countries are in Eastern Europe?

3. When is the best time to visit Eastern Europe?

4. What is the most underrated place to visit in Eastern Europe?