If Prague and Paris feel a bit passé, how about exploring some cities in Eastern Europe? We have selected ten eastern European cities that you probably haven’t heard of. These exciting destinations are ideal for both a weekend trip and a longer visit.
1. Bucharest, Romania
It has been a long way for Romanians to travel from ruined communist economy to modern travel attraction that promises top-notch leisure. Judging by the tens of thousands of bachelors who returned from Bucharest bachelor weekend parties, this city has to offer a lot of cultural sites next to the affordable and inviting nightlife. And, if the modern face of Romania is something that doesn’t appeal to you very much, then a visit to the castle of notorious count Dracula is a must.
2. Loket, Czech Republic
Located on the Ohio River and perfect for a day trip from Prague – it takes about four hours by train to get to this beautiful and much less crowded city. There is an old castle, a watchtower, and a bookbinder museum. It is certainly not the same party atmosphere here as in the capital, but it is definitely worth staying here and enjoying a hot drink from a porcelain mug because the resort is known for its porcelain. Buy with you an authentic Czech souvenir home for mother-in-law and invite her to tea.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Slovenian capital is one of Europe’s most exciting when it comes to architecture, here baroque buildings are mixed with wonderful medieval houses but also the buildings in Art Nouveau style and a “retro” socialist-style is to be seen on many facades. Much of what you see in Ljubljana is here thanks to the architect Joze Plecnik who later worked in Prague. Ljubljana is undoubtedly a beautiful city perfect for a weekend, there are plenty of cafes along the river and lively student life. If you are fond of pastries, you should check out the Cajun Gallus, which is located on the river and is known for its decadent chocolate cake and cold fruit teas.
4. Osijek, Croatia
KroOsijek is one of the most beautiful Eastern European cities you can find on the map. Forget Croatia’s famous coastal towns and get inland, towards the river Drava and the city of Osijek, where you meet fin-de-siècle architecture and Europe’s first tram system. A must is the newly revamped fort Trvda but a walk along the river edge is also not wrong. Visit one of the many cafés and bars where you can try the local Osjekco beer and the fish soup with peppers.
5. Klaipeda, Lithuania
This Baltic port city is a neat and charming destination with a compact historical center and lots of museums refreshed streets and a wide range of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious local dishes and good beer. If you are traveling with children, you can take them on an adventure in the city’s old quarter, where they will find small sculptures of animals, dragons and fairy tales that are located on the buildings here. If you come here during the summer season you can visit the area’s beaches, the most popular being Smiltyné which is a UNESCO-listed sandy stretch. Or why not take the ferry over to beautiful Neringa which is a large island with some of Europe’s most spectacular dunes.
6. Tartu, Estonia
While the party-saviors are searching for the capital Tallinn, the student city of Tartu is a more laid-back alternative with a much quieter pace. The city is considered the country’s intellectual and cultural center and is one of Estonia’s oldest cities dated to 1030. The historic center is well-preserved and many of the old buildings are used by the university. The area offers plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to work with, a visit to the university’s botanical park is a must.
7. Kotor, Montenegro
The “new Croatia” is beginning to make its mark on the European tourist map and is a gem of Eastern European cities. The easiest way to get here is by plane to the airport Tivat, which is about eight kilometers from Kotor, and then get on my car. This medieval town is set up on the UNESCO World Heritage List and built in a way that reminds one of a protective fort. Look out for the city’s most famous landmarks, the Cathedral St. Tryphon and the Church of St. Nicolas.
8. Brno, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s second largest city is an excellent weekend destination with a lively nightlife, beautiful medieval buildings, and a lower price level than Prague. Several of the city’s attractions are around the Freedom Square, such as Spilberk Castle.
9. Torun, Poland
If you love medieval towns and old churches, Torun is the destination for you. The nearest airport is in Bydgoszcz (50 kilometers away) and a rental car is a perfect way to get around both in the center and in the immediate area, including Chelmza and the city’s beautiful lake shore. In Torun, you can explore the old UNESCO-listed neighborhoods and perhaps visit unique museums that will surely capture your mind.
10. Bratislava, Slovakia
Last but not least, on our list of the best East Tyrolean cities is Bratislava. After the divorce and the end of Czechoslovakia, Bratislava took on the role of capital of the new country, Slovakia. Here, modern buildings are mixed on one side of the city with suburbs where very little appears to have changed since the Soviet era. Join the city’s young and trendy at the Europa shopping center on the Danube River or relax on the promenade outside. From here you can admire the new Slovak National Theater and the nearby Warehouse no.7 which is a newly renovated old team and now a concert hall.
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