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Eastern EuropeTravel Guide

Summary

 

1.  EE Countries

2.  When to visit

3. How to get around
4. Essential travel tips 
5. Find Flights 

 

Why Eastern Europe Is Having Its Moment

Eastern Europe’s charm lies in its ability to surprise even the most seasoned travellers. After exploring these magnificent cities for over a decade, I’ve watched them transform from hidden gems into world-class destinations that still maintain their authentic character.

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Gone are the days when travellers flocked exclusively to Paris or Rome. Eastern European cities now offer an intoxicating mix of medieval charm, modern innovation, and unbeatable value for money.

Eastern Europe is ideal from late spring to early autumn, with great rail and bus links and a mix of atmospheric old towns, nature, and culture across many countries.  

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When to go

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  • Spring (April–May): Mild weather, blooming cities, and fewer crowds, perfect for city walks in Prague, Budapest, or Kraków. Prices are lower than in peak summer and it is easier to find good accommodation deals.​

  • Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, long days and tons of festivals and events; best for outdoor cafés, river cruises, and nightlife, but also the busiest and most expensive period.​

  • Autumn (September–October): Pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, wine harvests, and fewer tourists, often considered the sweet spot for value and comfort.​

  • Winter (November–March): Cold but atmospheric, especially for Christmas markets and snowy trips in places like Poland, Czechia, or the Carpathians, with low prices outside holiday weeks.​

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Getting around
 

  • Long‑distance:

  • Trains and intercity buses are the backbone; they are usually cheaper and less hassle than flying for medium distances, especially in Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. For longer hops, low‑cost airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair or easyJet connect many Eastern European cities at very low fares if booked early.​

  • Night travel:

  • Night trains and overnight buses are popular, helping you save on accommodation and maximize sightseeing time.​

  • Within cities:

  • Public transport (metros, trams, trolleybuses and regular buses) is generally well organized and inexpensive; many centers are walkable, with taxis and ride‑hailing apps as backup.​

  • Tips:

  • Use aggregators like Omio or Trainline to compare rail and bus options, and check local bus companies for extra routes that may not appear on global planners.​

Top places not to miss
 

Here are some core city stops you can build an itinerary around (1–3 nights each):

Cities,  Areas , Why go and Signature highlights

Prague, Czechia

Fairytale old town, riverside walks, great beer and café culture.

​Prague Castle complex,

Charles Bridge, Old Town Square,

Vltava riverfront.​

Budapest, Hungary  

Thermal baths, grand architecture, Danube setting, strong food and bar scene.​

Széchenyi or Gellért baths, Buda Castle, Parliament, ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter.​

Kraków, Poland

Compact medieval center and deep history, good base for day trips.​

Main Market Square, Wawel Castle,

Kazimierz district; side trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine.​

Vienna & Bratislava

Elegant imperial Vienna paired with relaxed, small‑city

Bratislava an hour away.​

Vienna’s Ringstrasse museums and palaces;

Bratislava Castle and old town on the Danube.​

Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia

Green, relaxed capital plus a postcard alpine lake.

​Pedestrian old town and riverside cafés;

Bled Island church, lakeside hikes.​

Transylvania, Romania

Castles, medieval towns and Carpathian scenery.​

Brașov old town, Bran and Peleș Castles, fortified Saxon villages.​

Sofia & Plovdiv,Bulgaria

Very affordable capitals with ancient layers and lively street life.​

Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral;

Plovdiv’s Roman theatre and colorful old town.​

Experiences you should see and do
 

  • Historic old towns: Wander car‑free centers in Prague, Kraków, Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius for cobbled streets, churches, and cafés in restored historic buildings.​

  • Thermal baths and wellness: Soak in Budapest’s classic bathhouses or explore spa towns across Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.​

  • Nature and mountains: Hike in the High Tatras (Slovakia/Poland), Julian Alps (Slovenia), or Romania’s Carpathians for alpine lakes, ridges, and wooden villages.​

  • Rivers and lakes: Take Danube cruises through cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, or relax by lakes such as Bled or Balaton.​

  • Culture, food, and nightlife: Enjoy hearty, good‑value local food, wine and beer scenes, plus festivals ranging from summer music events to autumn wine celebrations and winter Christmas markets.

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