Where to Go in Eastern Europe

Location:

Prague, Czech Republic

Highlights:

Looking for a European city that feels straight out of a fairytale? Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," offers storybook architecture, medieval bridges, and centuries of charm around every corner.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, architecture lovers, couples, photographers, and first-time travelers to Central Europe.

What We Love:

The magical Old Town Square, hourly show of the astronomical clock, Charles Bridge’s riverside views, and the towering Prague Castle complex.

• Wander through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town Square, home to baroque architecture and the iconic astronomical clock with its hourly animated show.
• Stroll across the Charles Bridge, a 14th-century landmark lined with statues, offering perfect views of the Vltava River and the city skyline.
• Climb to Prague Castle, a 9th-century hilltop fortress with gardens, historic buildings, and breathtaking city panoramas.
• Photograph the city’s sharp spires, Gothic churches, and red-tiled rooftops that live up to its nickname.
• Explore hidden courtyards, cozy cafés, and romantic riverwalks, all wrapped in a vibrant cultural scene.

Location:

Budapest, Hungary

Highlights:

Want a European city with spa culture, castle views, and gritty charm? Budapest is a dynamic destination split by the Danube—where grand architecture, steamy thermal baths, and buzzing ruin bars await.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, culture lovers, solo travelers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Central European history and nightlife.

What We Love:

Soaking in historic thermal baths, wandering between Buda’s castles and Pest’s nightlife, and sipping pálinka in atmospheric ruin bars.

• Discover how the Danube River divides the city into hilly, historic Buda and vibrant, flat Pest.
• Relax in one of the city’s famous thermal bath houses like Széchenyi or Gellért, a Budapest must-do.
• Toast with a shot of strong Hungarian pálinka in a quirky ruin bar in the Jewish District.
• Shop and sample local delicacies at the Central Market Hall, one of Budapest’s top cultural and culinary attractions.
• Explore elegant bridges, regal castles, and the lingering scars of history throughout one of Europe’s most photogenic capitals.

Location:

Bratislava, Slovakia

Highlights:

Looking for a charming European capital that’s rich in history but wonderfully crowd-free? Bratislava delivers a fairytale Old Town, riverside strolls, and fascinating history all within easy reach of Austria and Hungary.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, Central Europe travelers, architecture enthusiasts, and couples seeking a quiet, romantic city break.

What We Love:

The pedestrian-only Old Town, baroque architecture, Danube views, and stories of Habsburgs and Napoleon tucked into every palace and square.

• Discover Bratislava’s prime location along the Danube—right near the borders of Austria and Hungary—for a unique crossroads of culture.
• Wander the 18th-century Old Town, a charming pedestrian-only district filled with shops, cafés, and cobbled lanes.
• Explore the Old Town Hall Museum for insight into Slovak history and local life through the centuries.
• Step into Primate’s Palace, famous for its hall of mirrors and connections to historical figures like the Habsburgs and Napoleon.
• Relax with a riverside coffee or take in views of Bratislava Castle from one of the city’s inviting public squares.

Romantic Eastern Europe Destinations:

Location:

Bra?ov, Transylvania, Romania

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a charming medieval town surrounded by mountains and steeped in legends, Bra?ov is a hidden gem worth discovering. Tucked into the Carpathians, this Transylvanian treasure has red-roofed buildings, Gothic cathedrals, and centuries of captivating history.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, architecture buffs, fairytale town seekers, and travelers exploring Romania beyond the usual tourist path.

What We Love:

The mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture, the medieval walls and bastions, and the city’s enchanting Old Town square backed by the Carpathian Mountains.

• Explore one of Romania’s most popular tourist destinations, set right in the heart of Transylvania.
• Wander through the Old Town’s cobbled streets, lined with red-roofed buildings and medieval architecture dating back to the 13th century.
• Visit 14th-century cathedrals, including the famous Black Church, a striking example of Gothic design.
• Admire the blend of architectural styles—from Gothic to baroque and Renaissance—rooted in the city's Teutonic knight origins.
• See original fortification walls and bastions that once protected the city, many of which still stand today.

Romantic Eastern Europe Destinations:

Location:

Bucharest, Southern Romania

Highlights:

Want to explore a European capital full of contrasts—where French-inspired boulevards meet medieval ruins? Bucharest, known as "Little Paris," is a fascinating city of history, architecture, and unexpected stories.

We Recommend This For:

Urban explorers, history buffs, Dracula fans, and travelers curious about Eastern Europe’s dynamic capitals.

What We Love:

The Belle Époque architecture, hidden medieval sites, vibrant cultural scene, and the legendary Curtea Veche Palace—linked to Vlad the Impaler himself.

• Visit Romania’s capital in the southern Muntenia region, where historic elegance meets modern energy.
• Admire the Belle Époque architecture that earned Bucharest its nickname, "Little Paris."
• Explore historic churches, fascinating museums, and grand boulevards lined with 19th-century buildings.
• Step into the Curtea Veche Palace, a 15th-century former royal court once home to Vlad the Impaler.
• Learn about the real-life figure behind Dracula and the stories that shaped Romania’s Gothic folklore.

Family-friendly Eastern Europe Destinations:

Location:

Ceský Krumlov, South Bohemia, Czech Republic

Highlights:

Looking for a fairytale escape with cobblestone charm and castle views? Ceský Krumlov Castle and its storybook town offer Renaissance elegance, winding alleyways, and magical discoveries around every turn.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, couples, and travelers seeking a quiet, romantic destination in Central Europe.

What We Love:

The castle’s stunning Renaissance and Gothic blend, the rare 17th-century Baroque theater, secret gardens, and the hidden corners of Ceský Krumlov’s old-world streets.

• Marvel at the 13th-century Ceský Krumlov Castle, the city’s iconic centerpiece blending Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed grounds, including lush castle gardens and a fully preserved Baroque theater.
• Wander the town’s labyrinth of cobblestone streets, full of photo-worthy views, cozy alleyways, and historic architecture.
• Explore quirky local gems like graphite mines or sip local brews in some of the town’s oldest pubs.
• Discover the hidden treasures of Ceský Krumlov at your own pace—this is the kind of place you fall in love with by simply wandering.

Address:

Ceský Krumlov Castle, Zámek 59, 381 01 Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic

Location:

Gdansk, Poland

Highlights:

Looking for a seaside European city with rich history and unique shopping? Gdansk on Poland’s Baltic coast has rebounded from war-time destruction into a vibrant destination full of charm, amber treasures, and Old World beauty.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, art and jewelry shoppers, culture seekers, and travelers exploring the Baltic region or Northern Poland.

What We Love:

The beautifully restored architecture, historic Long Market, and Gdansk’s famous amber crafts—perfect for meaningful souvenirs.

• Visit a city that has triumphantly rebuilt itself after heavy damage in World War II, restoring its iconic architecture and spirit.
• Stroll the Long Market, Gdansk’s historic commercial core, now home to bustling cafés, galleries, and shops.
• Shop for one-of-a-kind amber pieces—Gdansk is one of the world’s leading centers for this golden gem of the Baltic.
• Find everything from amber jewelry to polished stones, artwork, and home décor items handcrafted with care.
• Take home a memorable souvenir that reflects centuries of local craftsmanship and natural beauty.

Address:

Gdansk, Poland