• Question: What makes Eastern Europe a unique travel destination?
  • Answer: Eastern Europe is a beautiful region and rich with fascinating history. For travelers looking to get off the beaten path, Eastern Europe bears the added benefits of being a lot less crowded and a lot more affordable than a trip to London or Paris.
  • Question: What attractions can be found in Eastern Europe?
  • Answer: From the mountains of Zakopane to Prague Castle to the thermal bath houses in Budapest, Eastern Europe holds a massive offering of culture, nature, architecture, and history, and it's right there waiting to welcome its visitors.

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1. Prague

Prague


  • What is Prague known as?
    • Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is also known as the City of a Hundred Spires, for the elaborate and sharp features on its many beautiful buildings.
  • What can visitors see at the Old Town Square in Prague?
    • The Old Town Square in Prague features some truly stunning baroque architecture as well as the astronomical clock, which chimes each hour with a full mechanical show.
  • What is special about Charles Bridge?
    • Across the beautiful 14th century Charles Bridge and up the stone stairs is Prague Castle.
  • What can visitors explore at Prague Castle?
    • Prague Castle is a sprawling complex that dates back to the 9th century and includes gardens as well as a number of breathtaking buildings.

2. Budapest

Budapest


  • How is Budapest divided?
    • The Danube River runs straight down the center of this Hungarian capital city, dividing it into two distinct districts: Buda to the West with its hills and castles, and the much flatter Pest on the eastern side of the river.
  • What makes Budapest a beautiful city?
    • Budapest is a beautiful city with castles, bridges, and plenty of visible scars left over from wars throughout the centuries.
  • What unique experiences can visitors have in Budapest?
    • Those traveling to Budapest can enjoy a soak in one of the thermal bath houses.
    • Visitors can also have a shot of Hungarian pálinka at one of the famous "ruin bars" in the Jewish District.
    • A day can be spent shopping for food and souvenirs at the historic Central Market.

3. Bratislava

Bratislava


  • Where is Bratislava located?
    • Bratislava is the capital city of the country of Slovakia.
    • It is located at the country's western edge, near the borders of Austria and Hungary, and along the banks of the Danube River.
  • What makes Bratislava’s Old Town special?
    • Bratislava boasts a lovely historic Old Town that dates back to the 18th century and is accessible for pedestrians only.
    • This lends it a quaint, almost fairytale-esque ambiance for visitors as they shop, dine, and explore.
  • What historical attractions can visitors explore in Bratislava?
    • The Old Town Hall Museum will teach travelers about Slovak history.
    • A visit to Primate's Palace will enchant visitors with its hall of mirrors and illustrious history featuring figures like the Habsburgs and Napoleon.

4. Brasov

Brasov


  • Where is Brasov located?
    • The little-known city of Brasov doesn't make many bucket lists, but it is a veritable treasure nestled into the heart of the Carpathian Mountains in the Transylvanian region of Romania.
  • How popular is Brasov as a tourist destination?
    • Brasov is actually one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
  • What styles of architecture can be found in Brasov?
    • The striking architecture in the city spans in style from Gothic to baroque to Renaissance.
    • The city features beautiful red-roofed buildings and a history that dates all the way back to the 13th century, when Brasov was founded by knights of the Teutonic Order.
  • What historical attractions can visitors explore in Brasov?
    • Visitors to Brasov can explore the ancient city, its beautiful town squares, and its 14th century cathedrals.
    • They can also see some of the original walls and bastions that defended the city for centuries.

5. Bucharest

Bucharest


  • Where is Bucharest located?
    • Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is located in the southern region of the country.
  • Why is Bucharest called "Little Paris"?
    • Its beautiful Belle Époque style architecture is very reminiscent of a French city and has earned Bucharest the nickname "Little Paris."
  • What historic sites can visitors explore in Bucharest?
    • Visitors to Bucharest will enjoy exploring some of its old and historic buildings, including cathedrals, museums, and the Curtea Veche Palace.
  • What is the significance of Curtea Veche Palace?
    • The Curtea Veche Palace was built in the 15th century and once served as the seat of one of Romania's most famous rulers: Vlad the Impaler.
    • His figurative taste for blood loosely inspired the fictional vampire Dracula.

6. Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov


  • What is Cesky Krumlov Castle known for?
    • Cesky Krumlov Castle, a stunning example of 13th century Renaissance architecture, stands as a centerpiece for this city in the Czech Republic's South Bohemia region.
  • What architectural influences are present in Cesky Krumlov Castle?
    • The castle features elements of baroque and Gothic influence.
  • Why is Cesky Krumlov Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
    • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a lovely garden and a baroque theater from the 17th century.
  • What can visitors experience in the city of Cesky Krumlov?
    • The city of Cesky Krumlov features winding cobblestone streets with alleyways that bend like mazes.
    • It also has beautiful gardens, graphite mines, and delicious pubs, some of which are incredibly old.
  • Why should visitors explore Cesky Krumlov?
    • Visitors will love unlocking the hidden treasures of the city during their stay.

7. Gdansk

Gdansk


  • Where is Gdansk located?
    • Located in Poland, on the coast of the Baltic Sea, is Gdansk, a lovely city that was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been rebuilt to its former beauty.
  • What is the Long Market in Gdansk?
    • Visitors can stroll the streets of the Long Market, a historic commercial center that today is home to shops and dining.
  • What makes shopping in Gdansk unique?
    • Shopping in Gdansk is unique because it is a major center for jewelry and souvenirs incorporating the use of amber.
  • Why is amber significant in Gdansk?
    • As one of the world's centers for amber, Gdansk's markets and shops are full of beautiful amber necklaces, stones, home goods, and more.
    • Any of these items are bound to make a perfect and memorable souvenir.

8. Krakow

Krakow


  • Where is Krakow located?
    • Krakow, a city in southern Poland, has a beautiful medieval Old Town that dates back as far as the 7th century, when it was a busy Slavonic trading center.
  • What natural and architectural features does Krakow have?
    • It is situated around the picturesque Vistula River and has many castles and churches.
    • The city even has a walled city center fronted by the gates of the majestic barbican.
  • Where can visitors shop for souvenirs in Krakow?
    • Visitors can shop for amber jewelry and souvenirs at the historic Cloth Hall.
  • What is a unique musical tradition in Krakow?
    • If they listen carefully, visitors will even hear the notes of the bugle being played from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica.
  • What is the legend of the Krakow Dragon?
    • Locals tell stories of the Krakow Dragon, and this legendary beast is featured throughout the city in souvenirs, statues, and more.

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