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What Countries in Eastern Europe are Worth Visiting? The 50 Best Cities to Check Out

  • Post last modified:May 13, 2024
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Many people tend to flock to western Europe for their travels, but what they don't know is that there are tons of amazing places on the other side of the continent that are waiting to be explored! But what countries in Eastern Europe are worth visiting?


Eastern Europe has tons of great cities that boat great food, fun nightlife, and plenty of things to do and see. Eastern Europe is overall cheaper than Western Europe, is less crowded, and is equally accessible.


In this guide we're going to share some of the top places to visit in Eastern Europe, so that you can create an epic itinerary just like we did! Here are the 25 best cities/regions to visit throughout the different countries in Eastern Europe.


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What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit & the Cities Inside Them

Wondering what countries in Eastern Europe you should visit? Well, every single country has something to offer! Here are the 50 top cities around Eastern Europe to explore, organized by country.

 

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Croatia

Croatia is one of the most popular Eastern European destinations, so first we're going to go over some of the best cities to visit in Croatia:


1. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is definitely one of our favorite cities in Croatia, and in all of Europe. This medieval city is an iconic place to visit, and a must if you are exploring Eastern Europe. With its orange-roofed buildings and glistening turquoise waters, it is simply stunning. This city has tons of history, and is also the inspiration for the Game of Thrones! I've been to Dubrovnik 4 or 5 times now, and I honestly never get sick of ever going there.


Dubrovnik, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Dubrovnik, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Dubrovnik, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Dubrovnik, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

Want to learn more about all of the awesome things to do in Dubrovnik, and what to expect? Our full guide covers everything you need to know.


Want to explore some activities that Dubrovnik has to offer? Here are some tours that you can book:


2. Split

Often mistaken as the capital of Croatia, Split is one of the most well-known and highly visited places in the country. Perfectly located in the center of Croatia along the coast, this is a great place to base yourself while staying in Croatia.


The city of Split has a super vibrant nightlife, a ton of history, and it's extremely well connected to other islands and cities throughout the country. We spent a full 5 days here, and could have easily spent another 5 with all there is to do and see in the area.

Split, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Split, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Split is the best place to base yourself in Croatia.

Want to book some fun activities for your visit to Split? Here are some great ones that we found:


3. Zagreb

While Split is visited much more frequently, Zagreb is actually the capital of Croatia. Despite being located inland, and being overlooked by the coastal towns of the country, Zagreb is a great place to soak up the culture and history of Croatia. It has tons of quirky museums, and some super fun festivals if you happen to visit in the summer.

Zagreb, where to go in Croatia

Zagreb is not the most popular capital, but it still has plenty to offer.

Want to learn more about Zagreb? We have a full guide of the best things to do in Zagreb for you to check out.


Here are a few tours to do while in Zagreb:


4. Zadar

Zadar is a popular cruise port, and is actually the oldest continually habituated city in all of Croatia. Situated along the Dalmatian coast, it is around 2 hours north of Split. Explore the charming downtown area, admire the sounds of the sea organ, and watch the seaside light up with the colorful "Greeting to the Sun" light installation.


Zadar, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Zadar sea organ, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Want to book a tour during your visit to Zadar? Here are a few that you can check out:


5. Istrian Peninsula

This is the lesser explored region of Croatia, but not any less beautiful than the other seaside regions. The Istrian Peninsula is home to colorful towns, great beaches, and is also where a large amount of truffles lie. Indulge in the delicious cuisine, and don't miss out on the ancient Pula Arena that resembles the Roman Colosseum!

Pula, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some of the top activities in the Istria region:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Serbia

Located in the heart of Eastern Europe, Serbia is a great place to start or finish your trip, especially because it is well connected to the surrounding countries, and has super cheap flights! Here are some of the top places to check out.


6. Belgrade

A visit to Serbia isn't complete without checking out its vibrant capital city. Belgrade has a ton of history, stunning architecture, and some incredible vibes. We loved Belgrade for its fun parties, bustling markets, and overall fun atmosphere.


Belgrade, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Belgrade Fortress, Belgrade, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Belgrade, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Want to know the best things to do in Belgrade? Make sure to check out our complete guide!


Here are some tours you can also sign up for:


7. Novi Sad

Another one of our favorite places to visit in Serbia is actually a nice day trip from Belgrade. Novi Sad is located just an hour north of the capital of Serbia, and is loved by both locals and tourists. Full of colorful buildings, live music, and adorable shops, you'll definitely want to make a stop here while visiting Serbia.

Novi Sad, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Novi Sad is the perfect day trip from Belgrade.

Want to check out Novi Sad as a day trip from Belgrade? Here are a few tours that include Novia Sad to choose from:

8. Subotica

Welcome to the most northernmost city in Serbia, which is just an hour north of Novi Sad, and two hours from Belgrade. We love Subotica as a joint day trip along with Novi Sad from Serbia's capital, or to spend one night. This charming city has gorgeous architecture, and some really delicious restaurants. For one of our favorite spots head to Gurinovic, which has a quaint outdoor garden and delicious homemade local specialties.

Subotica, day trips from Belgrade
Subotica, day trips from Belgrade
Subotica, day trips from Belgrade
Subotica, day trips from Belgrade

Subotica is the most northern city and Serbia and is full of beautiful architecture.

Want to visit Subotica as a day trip? Here are a few options from both Belgrade and Tirana:

9. Zlatibor

This was hands down our favorite area of Serbia, with some of the best things to do in the country. Zlatibor is a small town that is surrounded by beautiful nature like mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and more. There is so much to explore on the area that we actually went back a second time because our first visit wasn't long enough!


Zlatibor, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Zlatibor, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Zlatibor, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Zlatibor, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Zlatibor is home to some of the best nature in Serbia.

Want to know all the things to do in Zlatibor and around it? Make sure to check out our complete guide below:


Here are some tours that you can also sign up for in Zlatibor:

10. Nis

Located in the south of the country, this is the third largest city in Serbia. We visited Nis as our first stop in Serbia driving from Romania, and found it to be the perfect spot to stop on a road trip so you can break up your travels. Nis is a great place to learn about the dark history of Serbia, with two of its top attractions being the fortress and its former concentration camp.


Want to check out some things that Nis has to offer? Here are some tours that you can sign up for:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Kosovo

This is the smallest country in Eastern Europe, and certainly one of the most underrated ones. Here are a couple of our favorite areas to enjoy in Kosovo.


11. Prizren

When we visited Prizren, we actually thought it deserved to be considered the capital of Kosovo much more so than Pristina. This city if full of beauty, culture, and history. Surrounded by the mountains, you can also enjoy beautiful nature just minutes away from the center, and also stay at some amazing resorts with great amenities like spas and infinity pools, for a fraction of the price that you would pay in other areas of Europe.


Explore the center of the old town, check out the nearby waterfalls, or relax at a spa. Prizren has a beautiful layout, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. Also, it is just a couple hours from three other surrounding capital cities, which are Skopje, Tirana, and Podgorica.


Prizren, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Prizren, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Prizren, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit


Want to learn more about the best things to do in Prizren? Make sure to check out our full travel guide.


Here are some tours you can sign up for to experience Prizren from several other cities:


12. Peja

Want to enjoy the most beautiful nature in Kosovo? Well, then Peja is the spot for you. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, caves, and other great landscapes, this small slice of paradise is a true hidden gem of the Balkans. We spent 2 nights there, and definitely could have spent a few more.


Peja,what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Peja,what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Peja,what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Want to explore all that Peja has to offer? Make sure to check out our Peja travel guide to learn more!


Here are some tours from Pristina that include Peja:


What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Montenegro

Montenegro is another very small country in Eastern Europe, but it certainly has plenty of incredible places to discover! Here are the top three places to visit in Montenegro.


13. Kotor

This is definitely one of our favorite places to visit in Montenegro, and one you should add to the top of your list while in Eastern Europe. Kotor is the perfect combination of historic charm and seaside beauty. Take a boat ride through the turquoise waters, take in views from an incredible fortress, or party all night long in the cobblestone alleyways. Whatever type of traveler you are, there is certainly something for everyone in Kotor, Montenegro.

what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Old town of Kotor, Montenegro, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Kotor is one of the most charming cities in the Balkans.

Want to know more about exploring Kotor in Montenegro? We have a full guide with everything you need to know.


Here are some of the most fun tours you can take in Kotor:


14. Budva

Other than Kotor, Budva is definitely one of the most popular places to go to in Montenegro for travelers. It is a charming coastal town that is full of pretty architecture, cobblestone streets, and seaside restaurants. Budva is also known for its nightlife, as well as the popular beaches that are fill up in the summertime.


Here are some of the fun activities you can find in Budva:

15. Zabljak

Zabljak is another one of our favorite places to visit in Montenegro. However, unlike the popular beach towns, this spot is vastly different. This village is tucked away in the mountains, and has some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.


Some of the highlights of Zabljak include the various hikes, rafting, and exploring the beautiful lakes in the area. No matter what you do, we know you'll fall in love with this mountain town in eastern Montenegro.


zabljak, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
zabljak, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
zabljak, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
zabljak, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Zabljak is home to the best nature in Montenegro.

Want to know all of the best things to do in the area? Make sure to to check out complete Zabljak travel guide for all the info.


Here are some fun activities that you can do while in Zabljak:


What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Albania

Albania is one of our favorite countries in Eastern Europe, and has a huge variety of landscapes to discover! Here are some of the top places to visit and stay in throughout the country.


16. Theth

Since we just finished with Montenegro, we're going to start with a beloved town that is in the north of Albania, not far from the border of Montenegro.


Theth is a small town tucked away in the Albanian Alps, and is definitely one of the most beautiful areas of the country. There you can find a beautiful waterfall, the clearest spring, a long river, and some great trekking to take part in. Want to learn more? Take a looking at our full Theth travel guide.


Theth, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Theth, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Theth, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some excursions to Theth that you can sign up for:


17. Tirana

We believe that every capital city in Europe is worth checking out, as they are where you find the most variety, amazing  restaurants, the best nightlife, and get to experience the history & culture of a country.


While our favorite places to travel in Albania were definitely outside the capital, we do believe that Tirana is worth a visit, even if it's just for a night or two.


Some of the highlights of the capital include the Bunk Art museums, Et'hem Bej Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. We suggest doing a free walking tour if you spend the day, and heading to the neighborhood of Blloku for some of the best nightlife in town.


free walking tour, how to spend 1 day in Tirana
free walking tour, how to spend 1 day in Tirana
moque in Tirana, travel to the Balkans
Tirana, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Tirana is perfect to spend one day and night.

Want to spend the perfect day in Tirana? We have a blog with how to spend 1 day in Tirana, Albania.


Here are some tours you can do while in Tirana:


18. The Albanian Riviera

Now let's go further south to one of the most beloved regions of the country. The Albanian Riviera is a very popular area for both tourists and locals to visit in Albania. Beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and trendy beach clubs line the entire Albanian Riviera, and it's an absolute must for your trip to Albania.


Albanian Riviera, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Albanian riviera, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Grama Bay, Albania, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

The Albanian Riviera has some of the best beaches in Eastern Europe.

Want to learn all about the best places to visit along the Albanian Riviera and what to expect? Check out our complete Albanian Riviera travel guide that we've written.


Here are some fun tours you can sign up for along the Albanian Riviera:


19. Girokaster

Girokaster is truthfully one of the best hidden gems in Europe. This small town in the mountains has cobblestone streets, a beautiful fortress, and an amazing local vibe, making you feel like you've just stepped into a fairytale. We also loved Girokaster for its Bazaar which has some incredible local vendors, and super tasty and authentic restaurants. We suggest staying at Hotel Kodra, as it has stunning views, a great restaurant, and cozy rooms.

Girokaster, travel in Albania

20. Berat

Located right in the heart of Albania, this is another one of our favorite cities in the country. the heart of Berat runs along a river and is extremely picturesque with all of the houses built into the hill, along with the huge fortress perched above the city.


Berat is also home to some great festivals, so definitely take a look before booking to check if you can line up your dates to experience one. We ended up being in town for a beer festival in July and had such a fun time.


Here are some fun activities to sign up for while you're in Berat:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Macedonia

Right next to Albania lies the country of Macedonia. Unlike Albania, Macedonia has fewer highlights for tourists, but definitely has a couple that are worth visiting.


21. Skopje

Skopje is the capital of Macedonia, and one of the most popular cities to visit in Eastern Europe. This city is a beautiful blend of cultures, and feels like a mix of Turkey and Greece. Some of the highlights of the city are the stunning architecture of the old town, shopping at the old bazaar, and a restaurant and hotel located on a boat along the river, called Senigallia.

Old Bazaar, Skopje in Macedonia
Skopje, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Senigallia, Places to visit in Macedonia

Want to know more about Skopje? We have a full guide of the best things to do in Skopje, Macedonia.


Here are also some fun tours you can sign up for in Skopje:


22. Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is the most beloved and sacred places in Macedonia, and is also shared by Albania. Known as a holy place, the coast of the lake is full of beautiful churches and monasteries (over 365 actually!).


You can also go shopping in town, explore the Ohrid Town fortress, relax at one of the many beaches, or take a boat trip. As one of our favorite spots to visit in Macedonia, this is definitely a must for your Eastern European trip.


Lake Ohrid, What Countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Lake Ohrid, What Countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Lake Ohrid, What Countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Lake Ohrid is considered a sacred place in Macedonia.

Want to learn more? Make sure to check out our Complete Guide for Ohrid Lake.


Here are some fun tours you can do to explore Lake Ohrid:


What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Bulgaria

Bulgaria was one of the countries that we researched the least, but ended up falling in love with! With cheap prices, charming old towns, and delicious food, there are a ton of reasons to visit Bulgaria. Here were some of our favorites.


Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

what countries in eastern Europe to visit pin
what countries in eastern Europe to visit pin
what countries in eastern Europe to visit pin

23. Sofia

No trip to any European country is complete without seeing its capital! Sofia is a small city, but it definitely has a few things to offer to keep you busy for a couple of days. The top highlight of the city is the stunning St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is located in the heart of the city.


Sofia is also known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy rooftops, and the beautiful mountains that surround it. Want to learn more about the best things to do in Sofia? Check out our Sofia travel guide, where we share everything you'll need to know for visiting!


Sofia, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Church of St Nicholas the Miracle, is Sofia, Bulgaria worth visiting pin
view of Sofia, is Sofia Bulgaria worth visiting

Sofia is famous for its stunning cathedral.

Here are some tours and excursions you can do from Sofia:


24. Belogradchik

This is definitely one of the top places to visit in Bulgaria, and somewhere we highly recommend. Tucked away in the north western corner of the country, it certainly isn't the most convenient location to visit, but it is certainly worth it. Belogradchik is a fortress that is famous because of the striking rock formations that surround it.


Not only is the place incredibly gorgeous, but you can also do super fun activities around it such as ATVing, bungee jumping, or riding in a hot air balloon!

25. Plovdiv

Plovdiv is definitely one of the best cities to visit in the country, and was a place we truly loved visiting. Located in the heart of Bulgaria, this city is perfect to spend a day or two if you are traveling across the country. Plovdiv is the perfect blend of old architecture and modern vibrant art. You can visit the trendy cafes, watch the colorful fountain show, or stroll along the picturesque alleyways of this hidden gem in Eastern Europe.


Want to learn more about Plovdiv? Make sure to check out our full Plovdiv travel guide!


Plovdiv Bulgaria, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Sveta Bogoroditsa Church, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Bulgaria.

Here are some tours you can take while in Plovdiv:

26. Burgas

Burgas is a coastal city located along the south west of the Black Sea. This is a great place to visit during the summer, as you can enjoy trendy bars along large stretches of golden sands, as well as a giant sand castle competition.


The thing we love about Burgas is about the great laid back vibes that it has. As soon as we arrived there, we had to work a lot, and decided to bring our laptops to a bar on the beach. We got welcomed with a smiley bartender handing us free shots, and ended up having a super fun work day. We loved all of the people there, the music, and the entire atmosphere of Burgas so much that we ended up spending the full day eating and drinking on the beach, making it one of our favorite places to visit in Bulgaria.


sand castle in Burgas, the best places to visit in Bulgaria
beach in Burgas
beach club in Burgas, the best places to visit in Bulgaria

Here are some activities to sign up for in Burgas:

27. Varna

Another great coastal city to visit in Bulgaria is Varna. Also hugging the Black Sea, this beach city is one of the top places to visit in the county. We didn't have huge plans for Varna, nor were impressed with what we had read online. However, we ended up having a pretty awesome couple of days there, and definitely recommend it to other travelers.


Upon arriving in Varna we spent some time on the beach and then went to explore the ruins in the city. As soon as we walked up we saw people setting up tables, which ended up being for a wine festival! Just $5 and countless wine tastings later, we found ourselves making friends with a ton of locals, and partied all night long in the ruins.


The following day we took one of our new friends with us and explored a some of the great nearby attractions such as the stone forest, sunflower fields, and cliffs. If you'd like to learn more, make sure to check out our full Varna Travel Guide that we've put together for you!

Varna, the best places to visit in Bulgaria
Beach in Varna, is Varna Bulgaria worth visiting
stone forest, best places to visit in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, What Countries Were the Balkans

One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.


Here are some popular activities to sign up for in Varna:


28. Nessebar

This coastal town is located along the coast between Varna and Burgas. While Varna and Burgas are more city-like, Nessebar is a true hidden gem, and is full of tiny alleyways with charming buildings, ruins, and local vendors. 


This town is perfect for roaming around aimlessly, shopping, and having some delicious local seafood along the water. There are amazing boat trips offered in Nessebar, from fishing charters to sunset catamaran rides. Also, in the summertime they are known for their foam parties! We ended up spending just a half of a day there, but definitely recommend staying a night to enjoy the nightlife and the beautiful evening atmosphere of Nessebar.


Nessebar, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Nessebar, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Nessebar, best places to visit in Bulgaria

Nessebar îs our favorite spot in Bulgaria.

Here are some awesome boat excursions to choose from in Nessebar:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Romania

When it comes to the different countries in Eastern Europe to visit, we were truly surprised the most by Romania. Full of stunning castles and breathtaking landscapes, there are so many amazing places to visit in this country. Here are a few of our top destinations to check out.


road to Zabljak Montenegro

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29. Bucharest

If you ask Romanians, they'll never recommend Bucharest, which we think is crazy! This is the city where we started and ended our 3 month road trip through the Balkans, and truly loved it.


Bucharest has gorgeous architecture, fun nightlife, and so much history and culture to explore. They even have their own "arc de Triumph" that looks just like the one in France! Our favorite part of Bucharest though is its epic spa, which started as a hidden gem but is now getting eyes from everyone in Europe.


Bucharest, best places to visit in Romania
Bucharest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
spa in Romania, what countries in Eastern Europe
Bucharest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Bucharest has great architecture and one of the best spas.

Want to know all of the best things to do in Bucharest? Take a look at our complete guide.


Here are some popular tours to do while in Bucharest:


30. Transylvania

One of our favorite places to visit in Eastern Europe is Transylvania, and is hand down the most impressive area of Romania. The land of Dracula is actually the largest region in Romania, and has so much to see and do inside of it. Transylvania is full of beautiful castles, colorful towns, and the countrie's most stunning nature.


There is actually so much to know about this area of the country, which is why we wrote a complete Transylvania travel guide with everything you need to know.


driving in Transylvania
Transylvania, best places to visit in Romania
Sighisoara, things to do în Cluj Napoca
Corvins Castle, Transylvania in Romania

Transylvania is full of beautiful castles, towns, and nature.

Here are some of the top tours to explore the best of Transylvania:


31. Cluj Napoca

Welcome to the capital of Transylvania, which is located in northwestern Romania. Cluj Napoca is the third largest city in the country, and is also one of the most popular airports to fly in the country. Actually, my first time in Romania I flew to Cluj Napoca on Wizz Air for just $9! As a big student city, it is a super fun place to experience a budget- friendly trip, and one of the best places to visit in Romania.


Salina Turda, things to do in Cluj Napoca
St Michaels Church, things to do in Cluj Napoca
Cluj Napoca, best places to visit in Romania

Want to learn more about visiting and the best things to do in Cluj Napoca? Make sure to check out our full guide!


Here are some tours and activities that you can sign up for in Cluj Napoca:


32. Timisoara

Located all the way in the west of the country, Timisoara is the second largest city in Romania. It has an adorable city center with colorful buildings, big open squares, and a super long street full of colorful umbrellas. Just over the border from Serbia, you can also reach here very easily from Belgrade.


Timisoara, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Timisoara, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Timisoara, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Timișoara is full of color.

Here are some tours you can do from Timisoara:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Hungary

Hungary is home to one of the most outstanding cities in all of Europe, and it is truly one of our favorites.


33. Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and is truly what puts this country on the map. Originally two cites (Buda and Pest) separated by a river, the two now make up the wonderful city of Budapest. 


Some things that Budapest are know for are its impressive parliament building, Fisherman's Bastion (a true fairytale spot), it's many bath houses, and its incredible nightlife.


With trendy restaurants, wild parties, and an overwhelming spa culture, it's impossible not to fall in love with Budapest! We've written full Budapest travel guide, as well a guide to some of the most unique restaurant in Budapest.


Budapest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Budapest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Budapest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Budapest, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some of the most fun activities to sign up for in Budapest:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Czech Republic

Right next to Hungary is another country known for its stunning capital. Formally Czech Republic and now called Czechia, is home to the beautiful city of Prague.


34. Prague

Just like Budapest, Prague is another iconic city, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe. Nicknamed the "city of a hundred spires" this city if full of stunning architecture, grand squares, and a famous medieval astronomical clock that sounds every hour.


Visiting Prague in December is also a great idea because of their amazing Christmas market!

Here are some fun ways to explore the city of Prague:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Austria

Austria is an amazing country because it shares a lot of stunning landscapes similar to Switzerland and Germany, but is a little bit more under the radar. Here are some of the top places to visit throughout the country of Austria.

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35. Vienna

Welcome to the capital of Austria, also known as the "city of music". Home to many famous classical musicians, Vienna is full of history and charm. It is actually also known as the "city of dreams" because it was also home to the first psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Not only that, but it is one of the most environmentally friendly and clean cities in the world!


Here are some unique tours to check out while in Vienna:

36. Innsbruck

A charming town tucked away in the Alps, Innsbruck is a true fairytale town to add to your bucket list. Its colorful facades along the water with breathtaking mountains as its backdrop truly make it a stunning place to visit.


This small city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, and is now a premium destination for winter sports, bringing tourists from all over.


Here are a few tours that you can sign up for to experience the most of Innsbruck:

37. Salzburg

The Austrian city of Salzburg is located near the border of Germany, along the Salzach river, and boasts impressive views of the eastern alps. Salzburg is known as the home of the filming of the Sound of Music, and is also the birthplace of Mozart. As a musically inspired city, it has a beautiful vibe and is full of talented musicians sharing their music.


Here are some of the best tours to take while in the city:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Slovenia

Slovenia is a tiny country, and is often overshadowed by its popular neighbored Italy and Croatia. However, it is full of charm and beautiful nature, and should definitely not be missed out on! Here are the top two places to visit in Slovenia.


38. Ljubljana

The capital of Slovenia is one of the most picturesque places to visit, especially in the winter! I had the pleasure of going in December, and it was truly magical with the snow and Christmas markets. Situated along a curved river, the city is known for its university life, historic old town, and beautiful parks.


Here are some fun tours to experience the best of Ljubljana:

39. Lake Bled

Lake Bled may not be a city, but it is certainly one of the best places to visit in Slovenia, securing a spot on our list. This stunning lake is known for the small island in the middles that houses several buildings including a church. Located in the Julian Alps, just 35 km away from Ljubljana, Lake Bled makes for a fantastic day trip, and a must-see while in Slovenia.


Here are some tours that visit Lake Bled to check out:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Slovakia

Slovakia is another small country that often gets overshadowed by its more popular neighboring countries, but is definitely still worth a visit, at least for a quick day or two stop!


39. Bratislava

"What the fuck is Bratislava?" is a line you may have hear in the movie Euro trip. While you may be picturing an ancient town with nothing to offer, it is quite the opposite. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, and is just a stone's throw from Vienna and Budapest, making it a great for a day trip or weekend getaway.


This city sits along the Danube River, and is characterized by its beautiful orange-roofed castle and cobblestone streets. If you're lucky like we were, you'll be able to take a party boat up and down the Danube! Also don't miss out on the shop Soup Culture, which serves tasty soup in bread based cones.

Bratislava, Slovakia, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some fun ways to enjoy Bratislava:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: Poland

Next up we have Poland! This big country is up for debate what area it technically belongs to. After the Second World War it was considered Eastern Europe, and is now really considered Central Europe. However, for this article we are going to include Poland, as it is easy to reach from many other Eastern European countries. Here are some must-see cities in Poland.


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41. Warsaw

As the capital of Poland, it's no wonder Warsaw makes the list of one of the top places to visit. Being the largest city in the country, it has two largely different areas. One side is a metropolis, and has very modern-city vibes, while the other is the old historic part.


There is a ton to see in Warsaw, whether you're looking for a variety of nightlife, or to soak up some of Poland's history and culture.


Here are a few activities you can sign up for in Warsaw:

42. Gdansk

Gdansk is the city where World War II began, making it a very historically significant city. Despite its dark history though, Gdansk now has a colorful pedestrian street, romantic riverside, and plenty of fun activities to do.


Admire the architecture, take a history tour, or rent a boat for a magical evening. We know you'll love this beautiful Polish city.


Here are a few fun tours that you can sign up for in Gdansk:


43. Krakow

Located in the south of Poland, this is another one of the most popular cities in the country. It's known for its well-preserved medieval center, as well as its jewish quarter. A big highlight of the city is its big market square, where they also hold the annual Krakow Christmas Market, which takes place in December.

Here are some great tours and activities to check out while in Krakow:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: The Baltics

The Baltics are one fo the areas of Eastern Europe are the least visited, but we seriously love them! These tiny three countries in the north east of the continent are full of history, quirky attractions, and charm. Here are the top three cities to visit in the area.


44. Vilnius, Lithuania

First we'll start with the country furthest south- Lithuania. Vilnius is the capital, and is the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway. Some of the highlights are its impressive architecture, its well-preserved historic center, and that its one of the greenest capital cities.


Roam the old town, explore the castles, or dine in a rotating restaurant inside the TV tower! There are so many fun things to do in and around Vilnius at any time of the year., whether it's experiencing the extended hours of day in the summer, or witnessing the incredible Riga Christmas Market in December.

Here are also some fun activities that you can sign up for while in town:

45. Riga, Latvia

Right about Lithuania lies to tiny country of Latvia, and its quaint capital city, Riga. Our favorite part about Riga is its quaint old town, which is pedestrian only. The city is also known for its many museums, and concert halls, as well as a restaurant hanging by a crane!

One of the best times to experience the city is also during December for the Riga Christmas Market.


Here are a few fun tours you can take advantage of while in Riga, Latvia:

46. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is another one of our favorite cities in all of Eastern Europe. The city still holds its medieval look and feel, and they even have a traditional restaurant in the center that emulates what it would have been like in the 15th century. 


Tallinn has a stunning old town built on a hill with amazing views, cobble stone streets, and orange-roofed buildings. There is also a more modern area of town with hip cafes, flea markets, and street art, making it truly a unique capital city. You can also find an area with an abandoned prison on a beach, as well as a forest!


Want to learn more about Estonia's capital? Make sure to check out our Tallinn travel guide!


forest on beach in Tallinn, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Olde Hansa Tallinn
best view in Tallinn, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some of the top tours to check out in town:


What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit: The Caucaucus

While visiting Eastern Europe, a lot of people tend to overlook the three small countries all the way in the east. Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan have incredible nature, and also some amazing cities worth visiting.

 

47. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is one of our favorite cities, and definitely at the top of or list for places to visit in Eastern Europe. The capital of Georgia is a beautiful blend of ancient and modern, and is full of color and charm.


Some of the highlights of the city include some incredible viewpoints, stunning bath houses, and even a waterfall in the city center!


Tbilisi is one of the cheapest and most beautiful capitals in all of Europe, and should definitely be added to your bucket list.


blue house in Tblisi, what countries in Eastern Europe are worth visiting
Georgian cooking class, things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tblisi, what countries in Eastern Europe are worth visiting
viewpoint in Tbilisi, what countries in eastern europe to visit

One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.

Here are some fun activities to sign up for while in Tbilisi:


48. Kutaisi, Georgia

As the second largest city in Georgia, Kutaisi is another great place to visit in the country, and has plenty of low-cost flights with Wizz Air. 


Some of the things you can expect to experience in Kutaisi include an underground market, gorgeous turquoise churches, and incredible cuisine, Kutaisi also is surrounded by some of  the best nature in the country such as caves and waterfalls, and also is known for the ancient bath houses and wineries.


There are a ton of great things to do in Kutaisi and around out, making it worth adding to your bucket list. Another perk? Upon arrival in the airport you're gifted with a small bottle of wine!


Kutaisi, Georgia, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Kutaisi, Georgia, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit
Kutaisi, Georgia, what countries in Eastern Europe to visit

Here are some fun tours to sign up for in Kutaisi:

49. Yerevan, Armenia

Right below Georgia lies the country of Armenia. The capital is Yerevan is actually one of the oldest cities in the world, and is know for its wine street, beautiful cascades, and it's trendy cafe culture. Also, you can Zipline across the city! Yerevan is a fantastic place to start your trip in Armenia, and also has amazing historic monuments and nature surrounding it.


Here are some tours you can sign up for in Yerevan:

50. Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, and is actually known for being the lowest lying capital city in the world! (It lies 28 meters below sea level). It's also known for its blend of historic and modern architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife.


If you'd like to visit the best that Azerbaijan has to offer, we suggest starting in Baku, but renting a car to explore the amazing nature that it has to offer around it.


Here are some tours you can take to explore the city of Baku:

What Countries in Eastern Europe to Visit (in the future)

Due to the war going on right now between Ukraine and Russia, there are several cities that are a bit risky and dangerous to visit at the moment, but that would definitely make the list for the future! 


Some of the cities we love that can be saved for the future include Chisinau (Moldova), Kiev and Lviv (Ukraine), Minsk (Belarus), and St Petersburg and Moscow (Russia).

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What Countries in Eastern Europe are the Best to Fly to?

The great thing about Europe is that it is so easy and affordable to get around. Our little flight hack is by using Skyscanner. We put "from" whichever city we are coming from "to everywhere". This way it will come up with the cheapest cities to fly to from where you are coming from. Another thing we love about this is using the calendar to see which days of the month are the cheapest to fly!


This is how we've flown to cities for as low as $3, and found flights from the US to Europe for under $100!


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How to Get Around Eastern Europe

Once you are in Europe, it is super easy to get around! Here are some of our favorite things we use to book our transportation:


  • Flights: Skyscanner is the best as you can easily fly to other countries for very affordable.
  • Trains: This is one of the most efficient ways to get from city to city. We use Omnio to book ours.
  • Rental Cars: The best for exploring nature outside of the cities. We book ours with rentalcars.com
  • Buses: These are often the most affordable. We book our tickets through Bus Bud.
  • BlaBlaCar: A great car pooling app, to join drivers who are going to and from the same place as you


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Other Helpful Tools While Traveling Through Eastern Europe

Here are a few other things that we find useful while traveling in Eastern Europe:

  • Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)

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So what countries in Eastern Europe are you looking forward to most? In our opinion, every country has at least one amazing place worth checking out, but some of our favorite cities are Dubrovnik, Budapest, Mostar, Kotor, Prague, and the area of Transylvania and the Albanian Riviera. We have tons of articles about this area of Europe, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to always stay up to date with new, fun places!


Feeling overwhelmed and need help planning your trip? We're here to help! We can do everything from finding the cheapest flights to building you an epic itinerary. Also, unlike traditional travel agencies, we charge a flat fee which is usually covered in all the money that we save you! Take a peak at our travel planning services or shoot us an email for your free consultation.


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  • Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)

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