Eastern Europe may not be the number one travel destination for everybody. The buildings of the Communist era, the conflicts of the 1990’s and the border conflicts have meant that many potential tourists have overlooked the region. But Eastern Europe is a surprising pleasure because of the patchwork of lovely, pastel-colored Old Towns, unbelievable old history, splendid nightlife and nature from sprawling lakes to slow mountains.
Here is a look at Eastern Europe’s best places to visit:
No. 25 Vilnius.
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, with a very beautiful old town. Baroque designs can be seen in this city centre along its cobbled streets. But more than baroque designed houses there is the Gothic church of Saint Anne, the Dawn Gate of the XVIth century, and the Cathedral of neoclassical Vilnius.
In Vilnius you will also find a range of bars and cafés covered by delightful alleys and lined with attractive courtyards. Vilnius is a lively destination with beer parties and living music with a large group of students gather after evening.
No. 24 Minsk
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. Unfortunately, the capital of Belarus, entirely destroyed during World War II, has nothing more in the way of historical monuments or buildings.
In this respect, many Stalinist architectures in Minsk actually comprise the Independence Square, a vast former KGB headquarters and very impressive churches. Today, Minsk is a modern town where you can enjoy cool cafés, international restaurants and art galleries.
No. 23. High Tatras
The highest mountain range in Carpathian mountains lies in this rough accumulation on the northern border of Slovakia. Krivan Mountain is the highest peak and is a symbol of Slovak pride and has attracted many of its compatriots to the peak.
This beautiful area is characterized by over a hundred snow lakes, gushing waterfalls and alpine meadows, making it an excellent walking spot. During the winter skiers rush to the High Tatras snow-covered ski slopes.
No. 22 Sofia
Sofia is Bulgaria’s west capital. It has drawn invaders and settlers alike in the last 2000 years, being somewhat of a crossroads for Europe. The region’s buildings and sites represent the past of the Ottoman, Greek and Roman temples and Soviet structures. The city has an extensive history.
Sofia is a surprisingly young city with a relaxed atmosphere, despite its age, where citizens enjoy a relaxed walk in green parks and the boulevard.
Many museums are open to you, but on the other hand there is abundant nightlife with a multitude of restaurants and nightclubs.
No. 21 Butrint National Park
In the South of the small-visited Balkan puzzle of Albania, across the sea from Corfu, sits Butrint National Park . In a national park, you have almost everything you might want–lakes, marshes, grassland, wetlands, and even architectural sites.
The site itself at Butrint, has ancient architecture, and a very well preserved Roman theatre and Greek acropolis. Other parks include isolated, rugged islands, one even has a Venetian castle dating back to the 15th century.
No. 20 Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov lies in the southern part of Bohemia, Czech Republic. The historic town is the best place to visit; think of the orange rooftops and beautiful riverbanks of the Moldava River, with lush, twisting slopes flanked.
The town has an imposing castle from the 13th century, and is composed of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It’s a city not to be missed due to its beauty and charm. Come into summer and keep watching the lively town come alive with bars and restaurants until the sun goes down.
No. 19 Golden Ring
This is an extensive northeastern part of Moscow, Russia, covering a handful of Russian historical cities. In the Medieval Towns, the’ Golden Ring’ was designated as open-air museums because of their importance in the early history of Russia and the Rus tribe that founded it.
This is a remarkable place to visit from picturesque country sites full of cherry orchards, picturesque cottages, onion-shaped domes and famous churches that include the oldest architecture of the world.
No. 18. Warsaw
Warsaw’s Polish capital has a long, complex history, many times marked by war and war. Nevertheless, it was lovingly restored for its previous medieval glory, with brightly colored townhouses rendering it the spot to stroll about, although somewhat fake.
A mixed speciality of design is implemented throughout the region, like classic cafés and bars. A ton of outdoor spaces can be appreciated and it’s a great choice for foodies, with many restaurants.
No. 17 Lake Balaton
Located in western Hungary, Balaton’s holiday destination lies in its shores and resort towns, with beautiful beaches. It is the largest lake of Eastern Europe and is known as the “Hungarian Inner Sea;” it is surrounded by volcanic hills.
The medieval castle is on the northern coast and the oldest medieval city in the world. If you like wine, you will be glad to know that Lake Balaton is well recognized for its winemaking areas that surround the hills. Windsurfing and sailing in the summer months are popular
No. 16 Mostar
It was built in 1556, under the orders of invading Ottomans but 427 years later, in 1993 it was demolished by Croatian powers during the Balkans wars. Mostar is popular in Bosna Herzegovina for the Old Bridge that crosses the Neretva River.
Although it is easy to reach from neighboring Croatia on a day trip and to take advantage of your visit to Mostar, stop overnight is the best thing. There are crowds of travelers and restaurants on the high streets over the river.
No. 15 Riga
The capital city of Latvia is situated on the Baltic Sea and combines traditional and contemporary lifestyles. This is a lively place, where music and a spellbinding city environment blend with the cobblestone streets.
You could expect complex Art Nouveau architecture in the city’s beautiful old town and a thriving central market where you can immerse yourself in the gastronomic delights of the city. Take a nice drink or a beer in one of the various bars at night when you start having fun.
No. 14 Ohrid Lake.
Lake Ohrid is one of the largest and one of the oldest reservoirs in Europe, and is not only one but two natural landscape lakes, located along the boundaries of Macedonia and Albania. Most of the lake lies in Macedonia, making it the best place to see the show. For eg, the old town of Ohrid itself houses old architecture and a maze of narrow paved streets to be lost.
South of the lake, the monastery of Sveti Naum dates back to AD 905, and is a lovely building to look at with a spectacular view of the mountain and lake.
No. 13 National Park – Plitvice Lakes.
Plitvice Lakes, located in central Croatia, is renowned for its sixteen terraced lakes, all of which are paired with cascades that extend into a calcareous gorge.
This beautiful area provides a park for explorers who love walking in the beautiful countryside. Broadways and hiking trails wind through calcareous rock formations, cliffs and the diverse waters of the lakes can be expected.
This change in colour is due to each lake’s different mineral content. This magnificent area was chosen as the first national park of Croatia.
No. 12 Belgrade
Belgrade is Serbia’s capital with a long history involving not just Romans and Slavic tribes, but also the Royal Ottomans and Habsburgs. It was the capital of Yugoslavia in more recent times.
Belgrade is a proud and courageous city, with all its own energy and Soviet blocks near the golden age of the buildings of Art Nouveau. It’s also a lively and highly hip place. Take a walk along the pedestrianized boulevard and visit one of the crowded river bars in a coffee bar in a lovely café.
No. 11 Kiev
The city of the United Kingdom is a fascinating place–it’s vibrant, colorful and informative. Kiev was founded in the 5th century AD and was the centre of the federation of Kievan Rus’ in eastern Europe.
There are many places to enjoy the history of the complex Pechersk Lavra–an important Christian Orthodox Church, and the cathedral of Saint Sophia with a stunning interior and golden domes.
No. 10 Lake Bled
The beautiful Lake Bled in the northwest of Slovenia falls in the Julian Alps.
A sparkling, mirror-like body of water is backed by snowy mountains and valleys surrounded with trees for one of Eastern Europe’s most impressive wonders.
Bled Castle is located above the lake on the cliff and in the center of the lake Bled Island is accessible from the traditional wooden boats named Pletna.
There are a number of walking routes through the lake, through forests and villages, both in and out. The city of Bled is a popular place to discover the lake island. The Motherland Memorial in other sections is a dizzying concrete Communist masterpiece.
No. 9 Budapest
Budapest, along the Danube, the dynamic capital of Hungary, is becoming more popular and has all you could want from a city.
The architecture of Budapest is wonderful, ranging from baroque and neoclassic to new, where the elegant Fisherman’s Bastion and the gigantic Parliament Building are only two of its many highlights.
Love the famous thermal swimming around the city and spend the night at the theatre, pedal around Margaret Island and jump around the emblematic ruin bars.
No. 8 Kotor Bay
The Bay of Kotor is situated in the southwest of Montenegro, a wide bay in the eastern Adriatic sea. It is a beautiful spot surrounded by lush green hills and historic villages, with red-roofed houses on the coastline. The area is better visited by car along its winding roads with incredible views, from ancient citadels to monastery-top islands. There are plenty of ways to balance the landscape with fish and tasty meals by the sea. The old town of Kotor is a marvel from Veneto, surrounded by walls with a mountain background worth to use.
No. 7 Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia.
Built as a defense system and with its 14th century old city, you can immediately feel history while walking through the medieval impressive Viru Gates.
Part of the town wall of Tallinn is still walkable, and you can see the delightful town below with windows.
Historical temples, as the church of Saint Olaf, date from the 1200s.
Tallin also has a hipster hand, which is situated in a reclamed warehouse, which now features chic pubs, shops and restaurants.
No. 6 Transylania
Central Romania is synonymous with Dracula stories and bloodthirsty vampires.
Although not entirely true, its natural beauty is mythical. Bordered by the Carpathian Mountains, visiting Transylvania is like being taken in a slow-moving medieval world.
The rural landscape is rich in picturesque villages and local life, between pastures and hills lined with trees.
There are many historic fortifications built by medieval Germans, including the famous Bran Castle, which form what is known as Castle of Dracula.
No. 5 St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, the former city of Imperial Russia, is the countryâ s cultural center.
This is the home of lavish emperor buildings, which was founded by Peter the Great in 1703.
The world class Ballet and Opera Mariinsky Theater, the elegant 1880s Sprung Blood Church as well as the Russian State Museum are among others attractions.
The Hermitage Museum has an incredible collection of ancients, which are spread over six buildings, including the magnificent Winter Palace.
St. Petersburg is also a canal town to boot along the Baltic shore.
No. 4 Krakow
This southern Polish town is a former royal city, adjacent to the Czech Republic.
The medieval and contemporary, youthful nightlife are a seductive mix here.
Krakow is not only renowned for its old town, but also for the market squares from the 13th century, where you will find the beautiful highlight of the square, the famed Cloth-Hall.
The former Jewish quarter and all its synagogues are bleak and many tourists visit Kraków for an exciting yet important journey to Auschwitz.
No. 3 Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is well-known for its historical region, located in southern Croatia on the Adriatic Sea.
In 1991 during the Balkan Wars this ancient, walled part of the city was shelled, but its beauty was returned.
Walk the old walls of the town and get seduced at the baroque buildings, or spend the lazy afternoon enjoying the splendor of the town at street restaurants.
The Old Town has also become known for its location for the filming, which only shows the iconic spot in the walled city Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
No. 2. Moscow
Moscow Must visit Russia’s capital city.
It is the birthplace of the Kremlin-the grand presidential castle building, the Red Sqare, indicative of Russia’s might and the Mausoleum of Lenin.
Of reality you should also not skip the captivating and bright onion domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
You can also learn more about Moscow in museums like Pushkin State Museum and Tretyakov State Gallery.
The Bolshoi Theater, which is also iconic, shows an iconic ballet.
No. 1. Prague
Prague’s so-called’ City with 100 Spires,’ and it’s not completely incorrect: Prague’s Old Town has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque designs and has roaring spires that render the city look
different.
Now the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague used to be Bohemia’s home.
There are many sights in Prague that point to their history, such as the Castle of Prague in the 9th century AD.
There is Charles Bridge, a 14th century with its magnificently ornate Gothic towers, and Prague Astronomical Uhr, the world’s oldest still in operation, on the Old Town Square.
