Best Eastern European Cities to Visit: Our Experts’ Top Choices

Eastern Europe has emerged as one of the most rewarding travel destinations for Americans seeking authentic experiences without Western Europe's hefty price tags. From Prague's fairytale spires to Budapest's legendary thermal baths, the Baltic charm of Tallinn to the Balkan beauty of Kotor, this region offers diverse cities that blend millennia of history with vibrant contemporary culture. 

Whether you're planning your first Eastern Europe tour or looking for off-the-beaten-path gems, this guide covers the best cities in Eastern Europe, complete with practical tips on transportation, budgeting, and the ideal times to visit. Plus, we'll show you how to find the cheapest flights to make your Eastern Europe trip more affordable than you might think.

Note: Different sources group European countries differently, so what might be considered part of Eastern Europe in one context could be classified as Central or Southern Europe in another. We've taken an inclusive approach in this article, featuring cities that offer the distinctive cultural and historical experiences that travelers often associate with this region.

Key takeaways

Top Eastern European capital cities to visit:

• Budapest, Hungary: Europe's "Paris of the East" with thermal baths, Danube River views, and Art Nouveau architecture
• Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale medieval skyline with Gothic spires, legendary beer culture, and an incredibly walkable historic center
• Kraków, Poland: Remarkably preserved medieval old town with Europe's largest market square, near Auschwitz-Birkenau for travelers interested in WWII history
• Tallinn, Estonia: UNESCO-listed medieval charm meets digital innovation in Europe's most tech-advanced startup hub
• Riga, Latvia: World's highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture (800+ buildings) with vibrant Baltic seaside culture
• Sofia, Bulgaria: Europe's most underrated and budget-friendly capital with 7,000+ years of layered history
• Bucharest, Romania: "Little Paris" contrasts Belle Époque elegance with the world's second-largest administrative building

Off-the-beaten-path gems:

• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Europe's Green Capital with a car-free center, riverside charm, and gateway to Lake Bled
• Zagreb, Croatia: Austro-Hungarian elegance with burgeoning food scene and award-winning Christmas markets
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Compact capital bordering Austria and Hungary, perfect for Vienna-Budapest road trips

Best non-capital cities:

• Gdańsk, Poland: Colorful Baltic port city and Solidarity movement birthplace within the Tri-City area
• Dubrovnik, Croatia: "Pearl of the Adriatic" with preserved medieval walls, of “Game of Thrones” fame
• Sibiu, Romania: Transylvanian Saxon heritage with distinctive "eyes" houses and gateway to Carpathian Mountains
• Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city (8,000+ years) with ancient Roman theater
• Kotor, Montenegro: Dramatic fjord setting with Venetian architecture and UNESCO-protected medieval town

Sample itineraries:

• Classic Central Europe Circuit (10–12 days): Prague → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest via excellent train connections
• Baltic Triangle (7–10 days): Tallinn → Riga → Vilnius for white nights during summer or Christmas markets during the holiday season
• Balkan Discovery (12–14 days): Ljubljana → Zagreb → Split/Dubrovnik → Kotor → Sarajevo → Belgrade

Best timing: May–June or September–October for ideal weather without crowds; December for Christmas markets; post–holiday season winter for lowest prices

Smart budgeting: Going's flight deal alerts help you secure cheap transatlantic flights, leaving more budget for affordable on-the-ground experiences.

Top Eastern European cities to visit

1. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest stands out as one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where the Danube dramatically divides historic Buda from bustling Pest. This European favorite combines stunning architecture with vibrant culture, earning it the nickname "Paris of the East." The city's thermal baths offer a uniquely Budapest experience you won't find elsewhere in the region.

• Main attractions: Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Fisherman's Bastion
• Closest airport: BUD
• Budget: $$$ 
• Average Going deal: $515 roundtrip
• Extra info: Currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF). Features Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic architecture. Filming location for “Blade Runner 2049.”

More about Budapest:

• When is the cheapest time to go to Budapest
• Budapest’s Children’s Railway

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's fairytale skyline makes it one of the best cities in Europe to explore on foot. The Czech capital seamlessly blends Gothic spires, Baroque palaces, and cobblestone streets with a thriving arts scene and legendary beer culture.

• Main attractions: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter
• Closest airport: PRG
• Budget: $$ 
• Average Going deal: $546 roundtrip
• Extra info: Currency is Czech Koruna (CZK). Produces most beer per capita globally. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More about Prague:

• When is the cheapest time to go to Prague

3. Kraków, Poland

Kraków is one of the best cities to visit in Europe for history enthusiasts, with a remarkably preserved medieval old town. Europe's largest medieval square serves as the heart of Polish culture, while proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in learning more about World War II history.

• Main attractions: Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz Quarter, St. Mary's Basilica, Schindler's Factory
• Closest airport: KRK
• Budget: $
• Average Going deal: $523
• Extra info: Currency is Polish Złoty (PLN). Home to Jagiellonian University (founded 1364). “Schindler's List” filming location.

4. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn blends medieval charm with digital innovation. The Estonian capital's UNESCO-listed Old Town feels like a fairytale, while the city's status as Europe's startup hub and birthplace of Skype creates an intriguing contrast between ancient and modern.

• Main attractions: Old Town, Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kadriorg Palace, Telliskivi Creative City
• Closest airport: TLL
• Budget: $$ 
• Average Going deal: $436 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro (EUR). One of the most digitally advanced countries, with e-Residency. 13th-century medieval architecture.

5. Riga, Latvia

Riga stands out among places to visit in Eastern Europe for its Art Nouveau architecture—over 800 buildings, more than anywhere in the world. Latvia's capital combines architectural splendor with a vibrant cultural scene and seaside charm.

• Main attractions: Old Town, Art Nouveau District, Central Market, House of the Blackheads, St. Peter's Church
• Closest airport: RIX
• Budget: $$ 
• Average Going deal: $448 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro (EUR). Art Nouveau quarter designed by Mikhail Eisenstein. UNESCO World Heritage historic center.

6. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of Europe's most underrated and affordable capitals. The Bulgarian capital layers millennia of history from Roman ruins and Orthodox churches to Soviet monuments, all with Vitosha Mountain as its backdrop.

• Main attractions: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, Boyana Church, Ancient Serdica Complex, Mount Vitosha
• Closest airport: SOF
• Budget: $ 
• Average Going deal: Limited deal data available
• Extra info: Currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN). One of Europe's oldest cities (7,000+ years). Uses Cyrillic alphabet.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest earned the nickname "Little Paris" during its Belle Époque heyday. Romania's capital offers an Eastern Europe trip full of contrasts, where the world's second-largest administrative building towers over charming cafés in historic Lipscani district.

• Main attractions: Palace of Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, Old Town (Lipscani), Village Museum, Herăstrău Park
• Closest airport: OTP
• Budget: $ 
• Average Going deal: $518 roundtrip
• Extra info: Currency is Romanian Leu (RON). The Palace of Parliament is the world's heaviest building. Uses Latin alphabet.

Off-the-beaten-path cities worth visiting

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia's compact capital charms with its pedestrian center, riverside cafés, and castle-topped hill. Recognized as the European Green Capital, Ljubljana makes an excellent base for Lake Bled and the Julian Alps.

• Main attractions: Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park
• Airport: LJU 
• Budget: $$$
• Average Going deal: Limited deal data available 
• Extra info: Uses Euro. Car-free center. Architect Jože Plečnik designed the bridges. One of Europe's most sustainable cities.

2. Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia's capital excels in Austro-Hungarian elegance and quirky museums. Zagreb is split between medieval Upper Town and modern Lower Town, with a flourishing food scene, making it one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe for culinary adventures.

• Main attractions: Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Dolac Market, Museum of Broken Relationships
• Airport: ZAG 
• Budget: $$$ 
• Average Going deal: $492 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro (adopted 2023). Voted Best Christmas Market in Europe multiple times.

3. Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia's capital borders Austria and Hungary, making it ideal for an Eastern Europe road trip connecting Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. This compact city offers all the charm of larger capitals without overwhelming crowds.

• Main attractions: Bratislava Castle, Old Town Hall, St. Martin's Cathedral, UFO Observation Deck 
• Airport: BTS, VIE 
• Budget: $$ 
• Average Going deal: $535 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro. An hour from Vienna by train. UFO Bridge offers panoramic views.

Best cities in Eastern Europe that are not capitals

1. Gdańsk, Poland

This Baltic port city glows with colorful reconstructed merchant houses. The European Solidarity Centre tells the story of the movement that helped end communist rule in Poland. Gdańsk forms part of the Tri-City area with beaches, nightlife, and maritime culture.

• Main attractions: Main Town, Royal Way, European Solidarity Centre, St. Mary's Basilica, Motlawa River
• Closest airport: GDN
• Budget: $ 
• Average Going deal: $424 roundtrip
• Extra info: Currency is Polish Złoty (PLN). Part of Tri-City area with Sopot and Gdynia. Solidarity movement birthplace.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The "Pearl of the Adriatic" dazzles with preserved medieval walls. While the “Game of Thrones” increased crowds, Dubrovnik’s wall walk offers spectacular views over terracotta rooftops to the azure Adriatic.

• Main attractions: City walls, Old Town, Stradun, Fort Lovrijenac, Cable Car to Mount Srđ
• Closest airport: DBV
• Budget: $$$$ 
• Average Going deal: $549 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro. UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Game of Thrones” filming location (King's Landing).

3. Sibiu, Romania

This Transylvanian city showcases Saxon heritage with German-influenced architecture, including houses with distinctive "eyes." The 2007 European Capital of Culture features beautifully maintained squares and thriving restaurants.

• Main attractions: Great Square, Little Square, Brukenthal Museum, "Eyes of Sibiu" houses, ASTRA Museum
• Closest airport: SBZ
• Budget: $ 
• Average Going deal: Limited deal data available
• Extra info: Currency is Romanian Leu (RON). 2007 European Capital of Culture. Gateway to Carpathian Mountains.

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city (8,000+ years) layers Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. The ancient Roman theater still hosts performances.

• Main attractions: Ancient Roman Theatre, Old Town, Kapana Creative District, Nebet Tepe, Ethnographic Museum
• Closest airport: PDV, SOF (1.5 hours away)
• Budget: $ 
• Average Going deal: Limited deal data available
• Extra info: Currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 2019 European Capital of Culture. One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

5. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is nestled in Europe's southernmost fjord, with dramatic mountains rising from the bay. This UNESCO site offers Venetian architecture and breathtaking fortress wall views.

• Main attractions: Old Town, City Walls, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Kotor Fortress, Bay of Kotor
• Closest airport: TIV, DBV
• Budget: $$ 
• Average Going deal: $549 roundtrip
• Extra info: Uses Euro. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress climb has 1,350 steps with stunning views.

Suggested itineraries for an Eastern Europe tour

Classic Circuit (10–12 days)

Perfect for first-timers wanting to experience the best cities in Eastern Europe with excellent train connections.

• Prague (3–4 days): Historic center, Prague Castle, day trips to Kutná Hora
• Vienna (2–3 days): Museums, palaces, café culture
• Bratislava (1–2 days): Charming stopover
• Budapest (3–4 days): Thermal baths, ruin bars, Danube views

Baltic Triangle (7–10 days)

A compact Eastern Europe trip with distinct personalities. Wonderful in summer for white nights or December for Christmas markets.

• Tallinn (2–3 days): Medieval old town, Lahemaa National Park
• Riga (2–3 days): Art Nouveau, Central Market
• Vilnius (2–3 days): Baroque beauty, Trakai Castle
• (BONUS) Warsaw (1–2 days): Optional Polish capital extension

Balkan Discovery (12–14 days)

For places to visit in Eastern Europe beyond the usual circuit. Best time to visit Eastern Europe for this route: May–June or September–October.

• Ljubljana (2 days): Slovenia's green capital, day trip to Lake Bled
• Zagreb (2 days): Croatian capital museums and café culture
• Split or Dubrovnik (2–3 days): Dalmatian coast historic cities
• Kotor (2 days): Montenegro's fjord-like bay and medieval town
• Sarajevo (2–3 days): Bosnia's fascinating capital with Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage
• Belgrade (2 days): Serbia's energetic capital with legendary nightlife

Places to visit in Eastern Europe by type of traveler

For first-time visitors

Focus on accessible cities with excellent infrastructure for your first Eastern Europe trip.

• Prague: Fairytale architecture, walkable center, robust infrastructure
• Budapest: Thermal baths and grand boulevards 
• Kraków: Manageable size with lots of history

For architecture and history lovers

• Riga: World's highest Art Nouveau concentration
• Bucharest: Belle Époque elegance with modern contrast
• Tallinn: Remarkably preserved medieval old town

For arts and culture enthusiasts

• Prague: Contemporary arts, experimental theater, classical to electronic music
• Ljubljana: Metelkova alternative culture center, sustainable programming
• Kraków: Jagiellonian University tradition, vibrant performing arts scene

For food lovers

• Budapest: Beyond goulash—market halls and Michelin-starred innovation
• Zagreb: Mediterranean meets Central European influences
• Sofia: Delicious Bulgarian cuisine at incredible prices

For romantic city escapes

• Prague: Gas-lit lanes, castle views, cozy wine cellars
• Ljubljana: Car-free center, tree-lined river walks, near Lake Bled
• Dubrovnik: City walls at sunset, fresh seafood, island exploration

For nightlife and vibrant urban energy

• Budapest: Legendary ruin bars and thermal bath parties
• Belgrade: Floating river clubs (splavovi) with world-class DJs
• Prague: World's cheapest beer with diverse club scene

Why visit Eastern European cities?

Rich history and culture

Eastern Europe layers millennia of history from Roman ruins to communist monuments. At the crossroads between the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian empires, the fusion shows in architecture, cuisine, and culture. 

Affordable travel options

The best Eastern European cities to visit offer exceptional value. A budget covering three days in Paris can stretch to a week or more in Prague, Budapest, or Kraków, with affordability extending to restaurants, museums, and transportation.

Stunning architecture and landscapes

Architectural diversity defines the region, including Gothic spires, Art Nouveau facades, and brutalist monuments. The region offers Baltic beaches, alpine peaks, Adriatic coastlines, and the Danube River within easy reach of major cities.

Diverse culinary experiences

Each country offers distinctive dishes: Hungarian paprika stews, Polish pierogi, Czech beer halls, Bulgarian taverns. The combination of traditional cooking, revived historical recipes, and contemporary reinterpretations means endlessly varied meals at prices encouraging experimentation.

Tips for traveling to Eastern Europe

Best times to visit

May–September offers warm weather, with June and September providing the sweet spot of good weather and fewer crowds. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. December transforms cities with spectacular Christmas markets. Winter gets cold in many of these places but can lead to beautiful, snowy scenery, lower prices, and fewer crowds.

Transportation between cities

Trains work excellently for Prague-Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest. FlixBus connects most cities affordably. Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air serve many cities. For an Eastern Europe road trip, rental cars offer flexibility for smaller towns.

Safety tips and cultural etiquette

Eastern European cities are generally very safe. Standard precautions apply for pickpockets and nightlife districts. Greeting people politely matters—a "hello" in the local language helps. 10% tipping is standard. Cash remains common, particularly in Bulgaria, Romania, and smaller establishments.

Budgeting and cost-saving strategies

Once you arrive in Eastern Europe, maximize your budget by eating where locals eat—look for restaurants away from main tourist squares where prices better reflect local costs rather than premiums aimed at tourists. Take advantage of excellent and inexpensive public transportation rather than taxis. Book accommodations outside peak season or in neighborhoods beyond the immediate historic center. Many cities offer free walking tours (tip-based), and numerous museums have free or discounted admission days.

The biggest expense for most Eastern Europe trips is typically the transatlantic flight, which is why starting with Going makes such a difference. Going's flight deal alerts help you catch mistake fares and price drops that can save hundreds of dollars on roundtrip tickets to Eastern Europe. With a Premium membership, you'll receive personalized alerts for deals from your home airport to cities like Prague, Budapest, and Krakow. Elite members get access to even more exclusive deals and premium economy upgrades at economy prices. The money you save on your flight through Going's deals gives you more budget for unforgettable experiences once you arrive.

Ready to explore these incredible destinations? Start by learning how to find cheap flights to Eastern Europe. Sign up for a Premium membership to receive alerts on the best cheap flight deals to Prague, Budapest, and beyond. For even better savings, consider upgrading to an Elite membership for exclusive deals.

Not sure when to book? Learn how to set Google Flights alerts, and discover which budget international airlines serve Eastern European destinations. Finally, find out about the cheapest airport to fly out of internationally to maximize your savings on transatlantic flights.