best eastern europe trip

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Best eastern europe travel spots.

Eastern European countries are often overlooked in favor of popular Western European destinations, but they really shouldn't be. With rich history, gorgeous architecture and a variety of cultures, Eastern Europe offers a wealth of destinations to explore – and at a much lower price point. U.S. News considered attractions, amenities and more to determine the best places to visit in Eastern Europe. Don't forget to vote below for your favorite locations to help influence next year's list. As you're planning your trip abroad, it's best to consider international travel insurance for added protection.  (Note: Some destinations were not considered in this ranking due to the Russia-Ukraine war.) 

Transylvania

Tatra mountains, ceský krumlov, lake balaton, karlovy vary.

From Prague Castle to the Old Town Square to the famous Charles Bridge, Czechia's capital offers history and architecture that rivals any European city. Visit top sights like St. Vitus Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock at Old Town Hall, then wander through the Jewish Quarter to see the historic synagogues and one of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries of its kind. Prague is also about 60 miles northeast of Pilsen, the birthplace of Pilsner-style beer, so you'll find pints in bars on every corner.

The magic of Budapest lies in is its stunning historical architecture. You'll find fairy-tale-like structures, such as the neo-Gothic Fisherman's Bastion, the medieval Buda Castle, the neo-Renaissance St. Stephen's Basilica and the second-largest synagogue in the world, the Moorish Revival Dohány Street Synagogue. Plus, the "City of Spas" sits on top of 118 thermal springs and features several thermal baths, including the Széchenyi Baths and the Gellért Thermal Bath, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing vacation. Another bonus: Prices for lodging in this Hungarian city are a fraction of what you'll pay in cities like Rome and Paris.

With its sparkling blue water and ancient sights and streets, the seaside Croatian city of Split mixes stunning scenery with old-world charm. Visitors can stroll up and down Old Town's cobblestone streets, passing by fourth-century sights like the Cathedral of St. Domnius and Diocletian's Palace as they go. The palace, which was originally built to be the Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement home, is now one of the liveliest places in the city, with restaurants, bars and shops.

While you won't find any vampires here, a trip to Transylvania will make you feel like you've stepped inside a fictional land. Sitting in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, this region in Romania is best known for its dramatic scenery and medieval fortresses, churches and castles, including Bran Castle, Bram Stoker's inspiration for Count Dracula's home. Transylvania is also where you'll find some of Romania's most charming cities, such as Brasov and Sibiu. If you need a break from the area's rich history, check out the Turda Salt Mine, an underground amusement park built within a former salt mine.

Another gem in Croatia, this coastal city has gained popularity with travelers in recent years thanks to its picturesque location on the Adriatic Sea, its UNESCO-sanctioned Old City and its seafood-centric cuisine. For amazing photo ops, take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Srd for a bird's-eye view of the city and the nearby island of Lokrum. "Game of Thrones" fans will likely recognize many of Dubrovnik's sights, as much of the show was filmed here.

Bulgaria's capital and largest city makes an excellent vacation spot for travelers looking for a laid-back, affordable Eastern European trip. As one of Europe's oldest capital cities, Sofia has a rich history and culture, which visitors can learn about at the National History Museum, the Sofia History Museum and the Museum of Socialist Art. Another can't-miss attraction is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Bulgaria's most famous (and eye-catching) landmarks. After sightseeing and museum hopping, vacationers can make their way to Borisova Gradina park to relax.

Estonia's capital city might not fit your typical idea of a vacation destination, but dig a little deeper and you'll be delighted by the beautiful Russian Orthodox architecture found at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the pink Toompea Castle (where parliament meets) and the regal Kadriorg Palace, which houses the Kadriorg Art Museum. Other can't-miss sights in Tallinn include the lower Old Town area and Lahemaa National Park, located roughly 30 miles northeast of the city. Before leaving, make sure you try some of the delicious chocolates made by Kalev Chocolate Shop, the oldest confectionary in Estonia.

A true fishing port, as well as a popular summer retreat, Rovinj, Croatia, is located on the western coast of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. The town and its 14 surrounding islands, including the popular St. Catherine and Red islands, are scattered with picturesque sandy and pebbly beaches throughout. But with Rovinj's small size and big appeal, it can get crowded (and quickly) during peak travel season in late spring and summer, so you'll want to finalize your vacation plans at least a few months in advance.

Montenegro is less than 6,000 square miles (or slightly smaller than the size of Connecticut), but what this destination lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. Medieval towns, magnificent mountains, breathtaking beaches and charismatic locals await you in this Balkan country. Wander past the red-roofed stone churches and romantic squares in Kotor, or view some of Montenegro's natural wonders, such as the startlingly blue Mediterranean waters surrounding Sveti Stefan and Tara Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world.

Many of Bucharest's tourist attractions offer insight into the city's communist history, including the Palace of Parliament, which features 1,100 rooms and is billed as the second-largest administrative building in the world. Visit the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the open-air National Museum of the Village Dimitrie Gusti to gain insight into the history of the Romanian people. Then, explore the charming Old Town area and enjoy Bucharest's impressive gastronomic offerings, which include a mix of traditional hearty dishes and modern international staples.

Bratislava is often called "the Beauty on the Danube" – and it's easy to see why. The Slovakian capital, a popular river cruise destination, is full of stunning architectural sights, including the art nouveau Blue Church, the Baroque Bratislava Castle and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. What's more, Bratislava features all kinds of quirky bronze statues (think: a man in a manhole and a Napoleon army soldier hunched over a bench) scattered throughout the city. When the sun goes down, head to a bar, pub or club to get a taste of the city's superb nightlife scene.

This Lithuanian capital wows with its Baroque architecture, but it doesn't stay stuck in the past. Vilnius' Old Town offers an interesting mix of the old and the new, with cobblestone streets that lead to boutiques and trendy restaurants (head to Paupys Market for some of the most noteworthy spots). Be sure to take in the beautiful architecture of the Gates of Dawn shrine and the Church of St. Anne, and for panoramic city vistas, climb to Gediminas' Tower or take a ride to the revolving observation platform at the top of the Vilnius Television Tower.

You might be surprised to learn that of all of the destinations in Europe, the capital city of Slovenia is often considered one of the greenest cities on the continent. But once you get an eyeful of its expansive green spaces and car-free city center, it's easy to see why. Stroll through the charming Old Town, snap photos of sights like Ljubljana Castle and grab a bite at one of the many picturesque cafes that line the Ljubljanica river. If you're planning a winter visit, don't miss Ljubljana's Christmas market, when Old Town's Prešeren Square dazzles with lights and a towering tree.

This city on Poland's Baltic coast was made for scenic strolls. Admire the colorful architecture and Gothic Town Hall (all rebuilt after World War II) on Dlugi Targ Street, Gdansk's main thoroughfare, or peruse the galleries and jewelers on Mariacka Street. While in Old Town, visit St. Mary's Church, an immense Gothic structure. And you'd be remiss to skip a walk along the embankment of the Motlawa River, where you'll find a medieval crane and charming restaurants. Beyond its beautiful facades, Gdansk has an engrossing history that can be explored in museums like the European Solidarity Centre and the Museum of the Second World War.

Located in central Latvia on the gulf with the same name, Riga offers colorful, art nouveau architecture and a pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Take a tour of the House of the Black Heads before strolling through the picturesque Town Hall Square. Also save time for savoring authentic Latvian fare at a restaurant or Riga Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe. And for a unique take on local history, head outside the city to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, where you'll find 118 historical buildings that reflect Latvian culture through the ages.

Eastern Europe isn't only home to grand cities with magnificent architecture. Destinations like Latvia's Jurmala, the largest resort area in the Baltics, are ideal for a relaxing getaway. Jurmala's white sand beach stretches for more than 15 miles along the coast. Visitors can also cool off at Livu Akvaparks, the largest indoor water park in Latvia and one of the largest in Northern Europe. Away from the water, Jomas Street – Jurmala's main pedestrian thoroughfare – is a terrific place to take a leisurely stroll and grab a souvenir or bite to eat.

This mountain range on the Poland-Slovakia border is a popular destination for both winter and summer recreation. When snow hits the Tatras mid-December through April, Zakopane, Poland (about 70 miles south of Krakow) is the place to be for easy access to ski resorts, thermal springs and quaint wooden architecture. In warmer months (June through September), visitors hit trails that lead to peaks, valleys and high-lying lakes that rival the beauty of the Alps. During these months, the Slovakian side typically has fewer crowds and more dramatic scenery, though it's not as easily accessible.

?eský Krumlov, located in southwest Czech Republic, has preserved its medieval architecture and layout, making it a unique time capsule with storybook appeal. Most visitors make a beeline for its most imposing attraction –?eský Krumlov Castle. The castle complex, which consists of 40 buildings and palaces and spans roughly 17 acres, offers a glimpse into noble life dating back to the 14th century. Can't-miss sights include intricate palace interiors, an ornate Baroque theater, a bear moat, gardens and a tower with expansive views. Across the Vltava River, the winding streets of ?eský Krumlov's Old Town lend more stunning architecture, as well as pubs and shops.

Hungary's Lake Balaton, one of Europe's largest lakes, makes for an easy, relaxing day trip from Budapest. In summer, the lake's warm temperatures and shallow water make it a great place for swimming and sailing, while in winter, the lake's frozen surface gets thick enough for ice skating. A bike ride around the lake is also a must, as is exploring the lake's surrounding towns, which come alive with festivals throughout the summer. When travelers are ready to unwind, they can visit one of Lake Balaton's vineyards to sip a refreshing glass of white wine.

Less than 80 miles northwest of Prague, Karlovy Vary appeals to anyone looking for a rejuvenating vacation. The Czech Republic's famous spa town has no shortage of incredible wellness facilities that offer a range of treatments. When you're not busy relaxing, take some time to explore and see local sights like the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and the Mill Colonnade. You'll likely come across a few thermal springs while walking around. If so, take a drink from one of these springs; they're said to have healing properties. While you're here, treat yourself to a stay at one of the renowned luxury hotels in the area.

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The Ultimate Eastern Europe Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

Fewer travelers head east – t hat’s why you should.

H ead East from Germany, and you’ll find that your Euros are less often accepted. English is not so widely spoken. The streets can appear grittier, with concrete apartment blocks often blocking out the sun. Poland has no Leaning Tower of Pisa, Budapest boasts no colosseum, and the rushing Danube may be less associated with romance than the sedate river Seine. But travel with your eyes open, and you’ll find just as much beauty, history, fun and adventure in the East as others do in the well trodden West.

Average wages behind the historic ‘Iron Curtain’ are still drastically low, which is rough on the locals, but can benefit the intrepid traveler: You’ll find that three course restaurant meal in Sofia, Bulgaria can cost you less than a cocktail in a Parisian bar. So pack a phrase book and dress up warm – we’re heading East!

• 1 Eastern Europe: An overview
• 2 Eastern Europe highlights: A sample itinerary
• 3 The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
• 4 Poland: Gdansk, Warsaw & Krakow
• 5 Slovakia: Zdiar, The Tatra Mountains
• 6 Hungary: Budapest
• 7 Bulgaria: Sofia
• 8 How much does a trip to Eastern Europe cost?
• 9 How long do you need to explore Eastern Europe?
• 10 Getting around
• 11 Getting there
• 12 Where to stay
• 13 When to go
• 14 Food and drink
• 15 What to do
• 16 The Thrifty Gist

Eastern Europe: An overview

The definition of Eastern Europe can be a bit contentious. I moved to Poland a few years ago and have used this country as a base on and off ever since. While the folks back in England and Australia would tend to see Poland as ‘Eastern Europe,’ here locals often insist on ‘Central Europe,’ and looking at a map, they may have a point. However for the purposes of this article, Poland makes the cut. We’re also going to look at Czechia and Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, former Yugoslavia, the Baltics and Ukraine.

To varying degrees, all the countries described fell under the influence of the Soviet Union after the second world war. While most have now transformed into Western leaning democracies, the brutal memory of communism still rings in the ears. Poland and Hungary are sliding ominously towards the far right, and Ukraine’s recent attempt to lurch Westward politically was met with Russian tanks crossing the border into Crimea. While ‘history’ may feel like a thing of the past in London and Rome, here it is still an unfolding story.

Eastern Europe highlights: A sample itinerary

Once you spend a bit of time staring at a map, you’ll realize there’s an awful LOT of Eastern Europe. Not just in the number of countries, but in the size. Ukraine alone could comfortably fit in several Western European nations. Below I’ll sketch a rough itinerary that involves heading due south right from the Baltics into Bulgaria. You can either complete this itinerary fully (as pictured above) – requiring 5-6 weeks – or just do sections of it. 

A few things to note is that while most of these countries are in both the European Union and the Schengen Visa Free Zone, there are exceptions – notably Serbia and Ukraine. So be sure to check your visa requirements before venturing out . Also, the below is one hell of a trip and designed to give you a sense of what is available, rather than a definitive prescription – you should, of course, pick and choose. If you wanna head straight to Prague to sample the famed (and cheap) Czech beer before braving the winter streets of Vilnius, then I can’t say I blame you!

The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

So-named because of their position on the Baltic sea, these three small nations are often overlooked by Western travelers. But they shouldn’t be. Let’s have a look at each in turn:

Highlight : Tallinn. With a population of just 1.3 million, Estonia rapidly reinvented itself after the collapse of communism in 1989, and now is counted among one of the most technologically developed nations in the world. It offers digital citizenship to locals and expats, and is considered a digital nomad hub. If Eastern Europe in your mind is crumbling buildings and long queues for groceries, then start with Estonia to dispel those misconceptions. Get to know it like a local with a Welcome to Tallinn walking tour.

Highlight : Riga. The historic center of Riga is a Unesco world heritage site, and the beautifully preserved/restored town square is a great precursor of what you’re to expect as you explore countries like Poland and Czechia further south. Take in the most popular sights with a scenic canal boat cruise .

Highlight : Vilnius. Like Riga, the historic center of Vilnius is a Unesco World Heritage site, best explored with a local guide . Once unified with Poland, Vilnius boasts a proud literary heritage and a rich Jewish history – it was once referred to as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.”

Poland: Gdansk, Warsaw & Krakow

One of the strongest economies to emerge from the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, Poland’s vibrant present mingles with a history that stretches back over 1000 years, through the glory days of the Poland-Lithuania commonwealth right through to the trauma suffered at the hands of the Nazis and Soviets during the 20th century. I came to this country for a week in 2015, and ended up staying on and off for three years!

Spend your final days with the Baltic Sea at Gdansk, formerly the predominantly German free city of Danzig. Walk along the old docks, or admire the city from a historic boat cruise , and remember the Solidarity movement that, led by Lech Walesa, resulted in the overthrow of communism first in Poland and then, arguably, across the rest of Europe. One of Poland’s most picturesque cities, a late night stroll through the old town and by the riverside will be a treasured memory.

The sight of unimaginable horror during the Second World War as the Soviet Tanks waited for the Nazis to eliminate all Polish resistance before sweeping in and planting the Hammer and Sickle flag over the ruined city, Warsaw’s revival is the stuff of legend. Under the shadow of the imposing Palace of Culture, the historic old town has been painstakingly restored. Visit the POLIN Jewish Museum , and experience some of the finest dining Eastern Europe has to offer among the cities many chic restaurants (Hint: Try Cafe Kafka for lunch).

Poland’s biggest tourist draw, and for good reason. The medieval old square is haunting under the moonlight, as rows of horses and cart stand to attention, ready to take the next visitor for a ride. Outside the city you can venture deep under the earth to explore the Salt Mines, and make a painful, but necessary visit to the Auschwitz Museum .

Detour: Lviv, Ukraine

Take the night train from Krakow due east to experience something truly off the beaten track. Lviv is a great way to dip your toes into the gargantuan country of Ukraine, and give yourself a thrilling few days. Historically Polish and once known by the Hapsburg name, Lemberg, Lviv boasts one of the most adventurous nightlife scenes you’ll ever encounter. From a bar named Masoch (we’ll let you guess the theme) to multi story clubs, hidden restaurants accessible only with a password, rooftop bars where you sit in broken down cars, and ancient crypts beneath the city , a weekend in Lviv will give you enough stories to make your friends jealous for years.

Slovakia: Zdiar, The Tatra Mountains

Back on the road from Poland, we cross into Slovakia. The nation’s capital, Bratislava , is a rougher, smaller version of Prague (covered below) which rewards a fun weekend. But the Tatra mountains that stretch across the Polish border offer one of Slovakia’s most intoxicating delights.

Pro tip: Hit the Polish town of Zakopane just a few clicks from the border for a taste of the local Oscypek mountain cheese, before taking a minibus to the border, walking into Slovakia, and hopping another quick bus to Zdiar, a ski resort town. Stay in the Ginger Monkey Hostel for cosy diggs and to meet fellow travelers.

Detour: Prague, Czechia

It’s a bit out of the way and means a slight tack westward, but Prague, the dynamic capital of Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic, formerly formerly Czechoslovakia) is worth making the trip. Climb the steep hill to Prague Castle , and see the spires and winding streets of the city at your feet. Jostle with buskers on Charles Bridge before settling into one of the cities many cavernous beer halls for a sip (or several) of the unbelievably refreshing locals brews that flow like water and cost half as much!

Hungary: Budapest

Hungary’s mighty capital is growing in stature as a major Eastern European destination, rivaling Prague and Krakow. Divided into two halves, hilly historical Buda and flat, gritty Pest, the glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the horrors of the Arrow Cross Fascist regime and communist oppression, and the contemporary hipster revival of the city can all be felt after just a few hours in town. Climb up to the exquisite Royal Palace, drink the night away in a ruin bar (start with the gigantic Szimpla), take in the stunning architecture from a river cruise , soothe your soul in a thermal bath, and burn your taste buds with spicy paprika filled Goulash. For more tips on activities to do in Budapest, check our other guide here .

From here to Sofia you’ll most likely have to choose one of the below routes, which, like different prongs on a fork, all forge their own path to Bulgaria.

Option #1: Serbia: Belgrade

Step out of the European Union and into a scarier, starker version of history in Belgrade. The winding, cobbled streets are beautiful, the old ladies haggle over the price of cucumbers on the street markets, and the clubs rage until dawn. But as with much of Europe, there’s a darker side to history here. You’ll see at the ancient fortifications, in the city’s museums, and in the bullet holes still visible on some older buildings. Take in the top attractions from a sightseeing cruise .

Option #2: Romania: Transfagarasan Highway

Bucharest is a rough and ready capital that will still provide plenty to distract and entertain you. But for me, Romania is a country of rolling green hills, famers on horseback, dark grey clouds and mercifully warm temperatures. Considered one of the best road trips in the world, rent a car and take it carefully over the Transafgarasan Highway (or sit back and relax with a day tour ) for incredible views and, of course, a climb up the steep stairs to Vlad the Impaler’s vertiginous castle (Bran Castle).

Option #3: Croatia: Dubrovnik

Go ahead, be a tourist, give yourself a treat. Famous as the filming location for much of Game of Thrones (with you can visit on dedicated tours ), this seaside city will be sure to rack up the Instagram likes. Don’t want to get caught up in the tourist crowd? Croatia’s warm and picturesque Mediterranean coast can also be experienced from cities like Split, which also boast fresh seafood and, of course, cheap local beer sold in gigantic plastic bottles. Živjeli!

Bulgaria: Sofia

How much does a trip to Eastern Europe cost?

The low cost of living in Eastern Europe constantly amazes me. To take a sample at random, I am writing this article from a cafe in Poznan, Poland. A large local craft beer would cost $2 USD, a latte about the same, and a delicious, high quality hot meal about $6-8. This is typical of Eastern Europe, with countries like Ukraine, Serbia and Bulgaria offering even cheaper rates. The major tourist towns like Prague and Budapest can sting you on accomodation if you don’t book in advance, and always be wary of nightclubs and ‘bars of ill repute’ where scams are known.

Traveling Eastern Europe can realistically be done for as little as $30-50 USD / day , including accomodation, food, beer, transport and attractions.

How long do you need to explore Eastern Europe?

The above itinerary – done properly – would require about 5-6 weeks, but you can of course take as long or as little as you like. Distances can be large and outdated transport infrastructure can mean uncomfortable journeys (hold tight to your wallet on the cheap but dusty overnight train from Belgrade to Budapest. When I did this journey in 2015, I paid just 10 Euro for the ticket including sleeper berth!).

Getting around

While rail passes are highly recommended for travel in Western Europe, in the East they are less necessary. Train travel – even when booked on the day – is outrageously cheap, with $20 being more than enough for almost any internal journey you’re likely to make. For international journeys, consider overnight buses and trains to save on a night’s accommodation. Book in advance if going between major cities – for example, the overnight train from Warsaw to Budapest can get expensive (100 euro +) if booked at the last minute, but if booked in advance, will be a mere fraction of this.

• For trains, try Bahn.de
• For buses, try FlixBus
• For flights, try WizzAir

Getting there

Most cities listed above can easily be accessed with cheap Ryanair flights from London and across Western Europe. Check Skyscanner and select “Whole Month” to visualize the cheapest dates. If traveling from afar, cities like Berlin and Munich in Germany can make convenient hubs. I’ve also found Prague to be a surprisingly affordable final destination when flying all the way from Australia / New Zealand. If coming from Scandinavia, Gdansk in Poland can sometimes be reached for as little as 15 euro.

Where to stay

Cities like Krakow and Budapest boast a thriving youth hostel culture, ideal if you want to meet other travelers and find drinking buddies for the evening. In Budapest I give my warmest recommendation to  Carpe Noctem – I practically moved in. Elsewhere, Booking.com can offer cheap short term rentals on apartments, while AirBNB is a slightly more expensive, but more comfortable option for doing the same. Although you may not even consider doing such a thing in Paris or London, don’t be afraid to be bold and check TripAdvisor for a nice hotel – I’ve found 4 or 5 star luxury for under $50 a night across Eastern Europe.

It’s no secret: Eastern Europe gets cold, with subzero temperatures not unheard of from December through to March. This has its compensations – nothing is more beautiful than a medieval town center blanketed in white snow. Christmas means Christmas markets and hot spiced wine served out of large cauldrons, but it’s also when everyone has gone home with their families. My favorite time to travel is September, when it’s still hot, but the main tourist crowds have wrapped up their summer holidays, leaving the streets clear to explore.

Food and drink

Let’s start with drink! Beer is literally cheaper than bottled water in most countries described above. Look for the local brews, but be careful – in this part of the world, beer packs a punch, and 9% alcohol volume brews are not uncommon. Vodka is available in millions of different flavors – try Zubrowka in Poland, and local fruit spirits such as the potent Sliwowica (plum spirit) are easy to find. In Hungary, try sweet and rich Tokaj wine. Eastern European cuisine tends to be heavy – food to soak up the vodka and prepare you for a long winter. Pierogi (polish dumplings) make for a hearty meal, as does Hungary’s goulash, Prague’s many manifestations of pork, and Lithuania’s rich, dark rye bread. Look out for Milk Bars in Poland for cheap meals shoulder to shoulder with students and vagabonds. Supermarket chains like Lidl and Tesco can provide you cheap groceries basically everywhere you will go.  

Every city you visit will have a museum testifying to ancient glories and more recent horrors. Budapest boasts thermal baths, Poland has its salt mines, Slovakia has mountains and Prague – well, Prague has beer and a lot more besides, and pretty much everywhere has a fair share of castles! But the best thing to do is simply to wander, walk the cobbled streets with your eyes open, look at the people, and try and learn a few snatches of the local languages. Walking tours are available in most major cities – see Viator for what’s available in your destination.

The Thrifty Gist

• Eastern Europe can be challenging, but it boasts a wealth of attractions and an unbelievably low cost of living, making it a dream destination for the adventurous budget traveler
• Highlights include the Baltic countries, Poland, Lviv, The Tatras Mountains, Prague, Budapest, Romania, Belgrade, Dubrovnik and Sofia
• Travel by overnight train or bus to save on a night’s accommodation. With the exception of a few major routes, fares are constantly low
• Germany next door can serve as an easy hub to access Eastern Europe, but cheap flights with companies like WizzAir can get you pretty much anywhere
• Stay in hostels to meet travelers and for a party vibe, use Booking.com and AirBNB for comfortable private accommodation, and search TripAdvisor for great deals of high quality hotels
• December is beautiful, but cold, and with a lot of places likely to be closed. September offers warm weather, but not too many tourists
• Drink beer, brave the local flavored vodka, and eat the hearty rich meals with a focus on meat, potatoes and bread. Yes, you’ll likely come home a few kilos heavier!
• Eastern Europe is rich in history and has seen the conflicts of several empires. Enjoy the historic old town squares, castles, and museums, but mostly just walk the fascinating streets and listen to the stories of the people you encounter.

I like that you talked about museums in every city where we will see the ancient glories and horrors of their history. I would love to visit museums when my husband and I book a European travel tour for next year. It will be for my birthday to finally push through with my dream trip, and I can definitely enjoy the visit if I can learn about their history as well.

I love how detailed your blog is. Very helpful and informative. 🙂 So, I recently visited Krakow and was blown away by how charming and picturesque it is. The old town is just so charming and there’s a really lively nightlife scene. Overall, I had a really amazing time in Krakow and would definitely recommend it to others.

Thanks Jane—couldn’t agree more, Krakow is amazing!

“Sofia is most notable for its clash of influences, the Cyrillic writing system and Orthodox religion from Russia…” That is WRONG. Bulgaria created the Cyrillic writing system and Russia adopted it… Please fix that 🙂

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The Ultimate 2-Week Eastern Europe Itinerary: 6 Great Routes

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Eastern Europe itinerary when you only have a finite number of days or weeks to play around with can be a head-spinning and frustrating undertaking. It’s only until you sit down and pull out a map (or, more realistically, open up Google Maps) that you realise how vast this region of the continent is and how much there really is to see.

Do you want to head to the Central European favourites like Budapest or Prague ? Do you venture up north and explore the charms of the Baltic states? Or do you head southeast and devote your time to one country like Romania or Bulgaria?

So if you’re in the process of planning a trip to Eastern Europe and are a bit stuck on what the optimal route is for you, then look no further.

Table of Contents

Which countries are in Eastern Europe?

For those who haven’t travelled extensively around the region, it may not seem like the term “Eastern Europe” is even that loaded, however, you will soon learn that it is not so much a term that defines a region and can be far more political and cultural than meets the eyes.

Many people will jump to thinking that the term “Eastern Europe” refers to the Warsaw Pact countries or the countries that were under Communist rule from WWII up until the early 1990s. This typically includes the countries in former Yugoslavia and anything east of Germany or Austria (excluding Greece and Turkey).

Where things can get complicated is that many residents of certain countries don’t like to be referred to as Eastern European. For instance, the countries of Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia often would prefer to be referred to as Central Europe – and geographically, that is where they are.

And the countries of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria are best referred to as the Balkans. And Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania? They’re the Baltics.

So which countries are actually in Eastern Europe? It’s still complicated, however, you’re generally safe to assume that countries like Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Russia are all in Eastern Europe.

I would also go so far as to consider the countries of Georgia, Armenia and even Azerbaijan all the way in the South Caucasus as a part of Eastern Europe. I say this because, although geographically they may rest in what is technically Asia, culturally they are far more European.

So, as you can see, Eastern Europe is generally quite a vague term that encompasses a number of vastly different regions and nations. However, it is also one of our absolute favourite regions to travel in the entire world and visiting anywhere in this vast corner of Europe is sure to spark your wanderlust.

How to get around Eastern Europe

Depending on which area of Eastern Europe you intend to travel to, the best way to get around will vary. However, what’s good is that, especially if you only plan to visit major cities, it’s very easy to get around most areas relying only on the train or bus. Just what form of public transit will depend on where you are.

If you plan to do the classic “Eastern Europe” itinerary (ie Central Europe) and hit top cities like Budapest, Prague, or Krakow, then you can easily get around while relying on the train.

Train connections in Central Europe are frequent, reliable and relatively affordable — especially if booked in advance through platforms like Omio. You can click here to view schedules.

It can be popular to plan to use night trains to save on accommodation or time in transit, but keep in mind that these can book out quite early in high seasons and they can be quite expensive, depending on where you’d like to go.

If you want to save some money, you will find that the bus is a cheaper option and offers just as many routes. Companies like FlixBus offer numerous routes between cities at affordable price and buses are generally fairly comfortable and reliable. There are also overnight bus routes, but this is quite a tiring and uncomfortable way to travel.

If you happen to be travelling in the Balkans or Baltics, you are going to have to forget about any visions you had about taking the train. Rail routes are few and far between and where they may exist, they will be painfully slow, exceptionally outdated, and rather uncomfortable.

The vast majority of the Balkans and Baltics aren’t actually on a rail network, anyhow, so your best bet is going to be taking the bus if you’re relying on public transit.

In the Baltics, there is a wonderful bus company called Lux Express that is arguably going to be the nicest bus that you will ever encounter. They are comfortable, have wifi and entertainment systems and serve most major routes throughout the Baltics and even into Poland and Russia. You can book bus tickets for the Baltics here.

In the Balkans, FlixBus operates in some countries, but there are far more bus companies available and finding out the schedules can be tricky depending on where you are. Your best bet is to check out the bus timetables at the station when you arrive so you have an idea because information on the internet may be incomplete or incorrect.

If you don’t want to rely on public transit, then you can always rent a car when travelling in Eastern Europe. This will allow you to have more flexibility with your itinerary and not be at the mercy of erratic timetables and long bus or train journeys.

However, please make sure to double-check that the rental company will allow you to cross borders and that the car is provided with the adequate insurance in order to do this.

The rental company should handle this and it isn’t the consumer’s responsibility, but do make sure that you are properly equipped before starting your Eastern Europe travel itinerary.

If you want to rent a car while travelling in Eastern Europe, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best deals on a car hire.

Finally, it’s worth making sure you have travel insurance for your Eastern Europe trip. If you’re travelling on a budget and are only after travel medical insurance it’s worth checking out  SafetyWing’s nomad insurance.

How long to spend in Eastern Europe

So how many days or weeks should you dedicate to your itinerary through Eastern Europe? With the region encompassing so many countries and sub-regions, it can feel like there is never enough time to see everything and deciding the ideal trip length can seem incredibly overwhelming.

The first thing that you need to understand is that it is impossible to see everything in a limited period of time and if you try to cram in too much, you are going to spend the vast majority of your time in transit between cities and destinations rather than actually enjoying and exploring the destination itself.

We always encourage slow travel and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to take numerous weeks off in order to travel to Eastern Europe, it just means that you should absolutely spend a bit longer in each destination that you visit. So, if you only have time for a one-week itinerary, then we would suggest limiting your trip to just two cities.

If you want to see a good portion of the region you’ve decided to visit while still not taking a tonne of time off work or away from home, then we think that planning for two weeks is the ideal amount of time. Within a fortnight, you can get a good taste of whichever region you plan to visit and really experience some diverse and dynamic destinations.

Obviously, if you have longer and are looking to spend 3 weeks in Eastern Europe, then you can very much find a multitude of ways that you could fill your time.

3 weeks really is optimal to begin to dig deeper and get a bit off the beaten path and to see some cities and towns away from the major capitals. This will give you a broader idea of the general culture of whichever country or region you are visiting and help you gain a better understanding of the area.

There are always options if you have longer than 2 or 3 weeks in Eastern Europe as there are a myriad of regions and countries that you could visit.

You also could take the opportunity to base yourself for a longer period of time in a particular city and explore more of the surrounding area via day trips and even venture off the beaten tourist path in the city itself.

The possibilities are endless in Eastern Europe no matter how long you’re able to spend, just make sure that you can do each destination justice by spending enough time there.

For the purposes of this article, all of these itineraries are meant to be for about 2 weeks. If you’re looking for a one-week or 10-day Eastern Europe itinerary, then just take away one or two destinations mentioned as they interest you. Again, it’s best to keep in mind that it is impossible to pack everything in just a short time period.

Second, as mentioned earlier, there are lots of different regions that encompass greater Eastern Europe and we’ve put together itineraries for each of these.

If you want more information once you’ve decided where it is that you want to in Eastern Europe, we have dedicated itineraries for Central Europe , the Balkans , the Baltics , and even the Caucasus if you are feeling intrepid.

Central Europe Routes

Central Europe is what most people are looking for when they think to plan an itinerary for Eastern Europe. Filled with some of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe and packed with interesting culture and fascinating history, this region is sure to delight all those who venture there.

Classic Central Europe Route

This two-week itinerary will take you past some of the most popular and beautiful places to visit in what many believe to be “Eastern Europe”. This route starts in Budapest and ends in Prague, but you can easily reverse it if it makes the most sense to you.

Budapest – The capital of Hungary is an excellent place to start any trip to Eastern Europe. It is something of the gateway to Eastern Europe and a great jumping-off point to visiting Central Europe, the Balkans, or Romania.

Budapest is one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in all of Europe and you’re sure to fall in love with it instantly with it’s incredibly picturesque skyline set along the mighty Danube River. Plan to spend about 4-5 days in Budapest to really do the city justice before moving onto your next destination.

Vienna – Though not technically Eastern Europe, Vienna is an essential addition to an itinerary of this sort. Austria’s grand capital is a lovely place to explore for about 3-4 days and it is highly recommended that you take a day trip to the nearby capital of Slovakia, Bratislava .

Brno/Olomouc – Spend 2 days exploring one of Czechia’s other cities and while Olomouc is a personal favourite of ours, Brno is a more direct stop and also offers another great perspective of the Czech Republic beyond the capital city.

Prague – No itinerary of this sort would be complete without including the Czech Republic’s inimitable capital of Prague . The city is very popular, however, there are lots of places to visit within it that are off the beaten path. Plan to spend about 3-4 days in the city itself and then give yourself more time to go on a day trip or two.

Have More Time? If you have a bit more time to dedicate to this itinerary, please consider exploring more the Czech Republic . There is so much to see in this incredible country beyond Prague – and very few international visitors tend to dig deeper and explore the country.

If you want to get out in nature and see some of the countryside, then head to the Jeseniky Mountains or Bohemian Switzerland National Park, or if you want to experience some more Czech cities, it can be worth it to head to Brno or even industrial Ostrava . For smaller towns and cities, head to Karlovy Vary , Cesky Krumlov or Pilsen.

Alternative Central European Route

If you’re still after a Central European route but want to visit more countries, consider spending a bit of time in Poland rather than Czechia.

Budapest – Again, start your itinerary in Budapest and plan to spend 4 days exploring this incredibly beautiful city. There is so much to see and do in Budapest that you’re sure not to be bored.

Vienna – From Budapest, head onto Vienna for 3 days and make sure to do a day trip to Bratislava in order to see another amazing Central European city.

Prague – Plan to spend at least 3 nights and two full days exploring Prague, taking in the city’s top sites and learning about its vast and complex history. Also, Prague has some of the best beer in the world at some incredibly affordable prices!

Wroclaw – From Prague, head over to spend a day in the charming city of Wroclaw , Poland. This lesser-visited city is dotted with interesting sites to see and full of endearing quirks — including a myriad of little dwarf statues that can be spotted throughout the city!

Krakow – End your itinerary in Poland’s second-largest city of Krakow . This city is filled with history, both heartbreaking and fascinating, and it is worth taking the time to explore that along with it’s beautiful Old Town.

It is also possible to take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Museum. You could even take a day trip to the Tatra Mountains, if that suits your fancy.

Have More Time? If you have more time to devote to this itinerary, consider exploring more of Poland, including heading to the capital of Warsaw or to some smaller cities like Poznan or Gdansk , where you may find fewer crowds than in cities like Krakow and, in the latter city, even enjoy a beautiful Baltic beach. You could also combine this itinerary easily with a route through the Baltic countries if you have around 4-5 weeks to play around with.

Baltics Routes

The Baltics are one of Europe’s most underrated regions but also happen to contain some of the most charming spots in all of Eastern Europe. Filled with fairy-tale-like cities, incredible cuisine and fascinating history, this is how you should spend two weeks in the Baltics.

Classic Baltic Route

If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the Baltic countries and just want to get a feel, then this two-week route through the capitals is a great option for you.

Warsaw – Poland’s capital is one of the easiest places to begin this route. Plan to spend about 2 days exploring this historic city while taking in its refurbished Old Town and visiting some of the great museums.

Vilnius – The capital of Lithuania has been subjected to some great marketing campaigns, however, it still doesn’t get nearly the amount of visitors that it deserves.

Home to one of Europe’s largest old towns, a great cafe culture, and its own “independent republic,” plan to spend about 3 days in Vilnius to get the most out of the city and maybe take a day trip.

Riga – Next, head up to Latvia’s cosmopolitan capital of Riga. There is so much that Riga has to offer, but it is a real joy for architecture geeks — boasting one of the best collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Riga also has a lovely Old Town, great restaurants, and an incredible Central Market. Plan to spend 2-3 days in Riga to get the most out of the city.

Tallinn – The Estonian capital may well be the most beautiful city in the entirety of Europe (move over Paris or Seville!) however, very few visitors give it the time it deserves.

The medieval old town packs a significant amount of charm, but there is so much more to see in Tallinn that it’s worth spending at least 3 or 4 days to really do Estonia’s capital justice.

Alternative Baltics Route

If you are looking for an itinerary through the Baltics that allows you to really dig deep into the region, then this route commencing in Vilnius and ending in Tallinn is a great option for you.

Vilnius – Start your trip in Lithuania’s capital and plan to spend 2-3 days here exploring the top sites, going for a day trip, and enjoying the laid-back nature before moving on.

Kaunas – Lithuania’s second-largest city can be seen in about one full day, but it is still very much worth exploring. Kaunas boasts a lovely old town, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, fantastic street art, fascinating museums, and an imposing medieval castle making it a can’t-miss stop in Lithuania.

Riga – Now it’s time to visit Latvia’s beautiful capital city. Take the time to enjoy its cosmopolitan energy, enjoy the cuisine, and maybe take a day trip to the seaside town of Jurmala located just outside of the city.

Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city is far too often ignored by visitors to the Baltic, but it really shouldn’t. There are lots of things to do in Tartu that can easily occupy one or two full days including exploring the old town, visiting museums, enjoying its art scene, and indulging in some of the city’s fantastic restaurants.

Tallinn – End your itinerary in Tallinn, trying to spend at least three days enjoying this incredible city. Tallinn is so cool and dynamic and has so many layers that you are sure to be charmed and itching to explore more.

Have More Time? If you have more time to dedicate to the Baltics, there are so many more places that you could visit. Consider heading to the coast of Lithuania and exploring the city of Klaipeda and the beautiful Curonian Spit . Or, head to the seaside town of Liepaja, Latvia and take in its laid-back charms.

Alternatively, you could head to the Estonian seaside in cities like Parnu or Haapsalu or, even more offbeat, head to some of its countless islands – like peaceful Saaremaa . And though it’s definitely not Eastern Europe, many people like to continue onto Finland and the Nordics from Tallinn.

Southeastern Europe Route

If you would rather head southeast when planning your Eastern Europe travel itinerary, then these are the routes for you. Heading into the Balkans is a great choice if you want to experience a number of different cultures and learn about a different history than you would in other areas of Eastern Europe.

Central Balkans Route

This itinerary begins in Budapest and takes you through some south-central European capitals.

Budapest – There are few cities better to commence an Eastern European route in than Budapest. For this 2-week itinerary, plan to spend 4-5 days in the Hungarian capital.

Belgrade – Belgrade is a gritty, lively, energetic and dynamic city that is just so cool it is sure to take you by surprise. Known for its incredible nightlife, Belgrade is also packed with history, culture and interesting things to do that you could easily occupy yourself for the recommended 3 days in Serbia’s capital .

Zagreb – Croatia’s oft-overlooked capital is normally put on the back burner for those more eager to head to the country’s coast, however, it is worth spending a day or two exploring . There are also numerous great day trip opportunities — please try to get to Plitvice Lakes, it’s breathtakingly beautiful — from Zagreb, as well.

Ljubljana – End this itinerary for Eastern Europe in Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana. This beautiful city is so incredibly charming that it is a strong contender for the most beautiful city in Eastern Europe (Tallinn has some competition).

Plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Ljubljana , giving yourself longer if you’re interested in going for a day trip to Lake Bled , Lake Bohinj , lovely Maribor or even the seaside village of Piran.

Classic Balkans Route

If you’re after a more classic Balkans route for your trip to Eastern Europe but only have two weeks to do it in, then plan to begin your trip in Belgrade. The central Balkans are fairly off the beaten path compared to the rest of the places on this list, however, they pack so much that it’s worth exploring.

Belgrade – Begin your trip in Belgrade, Serbia taking in all of the eclectic sites the city has to offer, experiencing its inimitable energy and learning about its vast and complex history – there are tons of walking tours here where you can learn all about this city. 3-4 days in Belgrade should be sufficient, but one can always spend more.

Sarajevo – Next, head to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s incredible capital of Sarajevo. One of the most fascinating cities to visit in this part of the world, Sarajevo has an absolutely heartbreak history that is very much worth learning about in a number of the city’s excellent museums.

Take the time to learn about its not-so-modern history, as well, enjoy the historic city centre, and take its east-meets-west vibes at this cultural crossroads. You need about 2-3 days in Sarajevo to really do the city justice.

Mostar – From Sarajevo, head south to the beautiful city of Mostar. Far too often visited only as a day trip, Mostar is best experienced over two days to really learn about this city and its complex history.

Kotor – To round out this two-week itinerary, head to the Montenegrin port city of Kotor. This city is quite popular amongst tourists — especially as a cruise ship port — but it’s definitely worth spending 2-3 full days here to get to know the city and take some day trips to the surrounding area.

Have More Time? If you have more time to spend in the Balkans, your opportunities really are endless — one could easily spend months on end in this region alone and still feel as if they’ve only scratched the surface.

From Kotor, one could easily head into Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and onto Greece, if you want to stay further south. Or, you could head west of Kotor to Dubrovnik and explore more of Croatia.

Alternatively, you could continue on east into Bulgaria, which deserves at least a week or two to explore on its own. Planning a Bulgaria itinerary on top of this Eastern European route is a fantastic idea.

If you end up in Bulgaria and have a lot of time to play around with, then it would also make sense to head into Romania.

Again, Romania is a massive country and visitor could easily dedicate two full weeks solely to this country – take time to see sites like Bran Castle, explore the vibrant capital of Bucharest and wander through the towns and cities in Transylvania.

Booking Accommodation in Eastern Europe

Once you’ve figured out your itinerary and where you want to go in Eastern Europe, the next step is booking accommodation. Luckily, there are so many options out there to book the best places to stay that cater to all tastes and budgets.

If you’re planning on backpacking in Eastern Europe, are on a tight budget, or are just looking for some great social opportunities, then hostels are going to be your best bet. We like to search for and book hostels online through Hostelworld , which is excellent to find the best hostels and keep all of your bookings in place.

If you’re looking for a broad array of accommodation options at great prices, then you can’t go wrong with Booking.com . This is our platform of choice when we are booking traditional hotels and B&Bs and even, sometimes, whole apartments!

And finally, if you’re looking for a private apartment rental or would like to save some money while staying in a private room in a local’s home, we recommend booking your stay through Airbnb. There are countless properties available on the platform all over Eastern Europe that will ensure you have a unique and authentic place to rest your head.

There are countless options when planning the ultimate Eastern Europe itinerary and it can seem overwhelming when confronted with all of them to figure out where to go. However, this region has so much to offer that no matter where in it you end up visit, you’re sure to have an incredible time!

Are you visiting Eastern Europe? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in Brasov Itinerary: A Day Trip from Bucharest

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Bucharest Itinerary

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Romania Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, woderful detailing of East Europe tours. Can you please help me to figure out my trip with inclusion of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Croatia.we wish to travel by rental car. We are planning to visit these places in November 2023 , a trip for 10 days. please suggest. Dr, Neera Mittal

I sincerely hope that in 2022, I shall be able to visit eastern Europe which I have been planning for last three years! Your writings are very informative and absorbing. Please continue your excellent efforts of writing such pieces. Thanks a lot. PS: Add some information also about expenses of different categories, if possible.

Thanks for your comment and I hope that you’re able to go on your trip this year!

Amazing info, thanks. I will put together a trip for a month. I plan to surprise my daughter in Prague where she goes to Uni. Appreciate all your hard work and easy reading style. Stay healthy and happy! <3

Thanks so much for your comment and kind words, Lynn! Hope that you and your daughter have a great trip 🙂

Hello, this was a great explanation of what eastern europe really is, and some excellent itineraries for central europe, baltics, and balkans. But after you defined eastern europe to include Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Russia, you left out an itinerary for that very thing. Do you have such a guide? Thank you.

Hi Kyle, unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of information about those countries (yet!). All of those places are definitely on our list though so hoping to change that in the future

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Are you thinking of backpacking Eastern Europe but aren’t sure where to begin or how to plan your amazing adventure? Well, whether you want to spend 10 days, 2 weeks, or 1 month traveling around, here’s my guide to the ultimate Eastern Europe itinerary!

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

After spending two months backpacking Eastern Europe, it has become one of my favorite parts of the world!

From historic Krakow and bustling Prague to picturesque Budapest and quaint Bratislava, Eastern Europe has a lot to offer each and every traveler. Not only is this part of Europe ridiculously affordable, it’s also packed with fabulous vegan food !

Although, if vegan food and affordability isn’t doing it for ya, here are a few other draws of traveling Eastern Europe:

✓ Captivating history at every turn ✓ Gorgeous cobblestone roads (Instagram loves this! 😉) ✓ Mind-blowingly beautiful cities and towns ✓ Cheap a** beer (I’m talking like $3 for a liter of beer) ✓ Awesome hostels (and hotels) ✓ Delicious food ✓ And… super affordable (yes, I’m mentioning it again because OMG, who wouldn’t want to travel for under $40/day for everything? )

Itching to get your Eastern Europe travel plan put together? I thought so!

Though you could spend decades exploring all the cool crevices and underrated spots of Eastern Europe, most of us don’t have that much time.

So, here’s my guide on the best Eastern Europe itinerary for 10 days, 2 weeks, or even one big fat awesome month!

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE EASTERN EUROPE TRIP PLANNER

So, with all of these suggested itineraries, they start in the beautiful capital of Warsaw, Poland. A super duper handy city to begin in, it’s a great setting off point for the rest of Eastern Europe.

10 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary

This suggested 10 day itinerary is for those who want to see the best of what Eastern Europe has to offer but don’t have much time to head out to the lesser-known cities and destinations.

Thus, it focuses on cultural hubs and bustling cities with historic touches and lots of things to do!

Day 1-2: Warsaw, Poland

While I personally wasn’t a huge fan of Warsaw, there are a ton of things to see and do here! Plus, the main squares are super duper cute and most definitely worth a visit.

Not to mention, the vegan food in Warsaw is off the charts! Make sure to grab a few vegan pierogies while visiting this city.

Best Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland:

• Explore the Old Town
• Walk through Łazienki Park
• Have a pint in the Old Town Market Square
• Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum (SO good!)
• Give your condolences at the Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery
• Admire the views at the Palace of Culture and Science
• Check out the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• View the Jewish Ghetto Memorial

Where to Stay in Warsaw:

• Budget : Press Hostel • €7-28 — OR — DREAM Hostel Warsaw • €10-41
• Mid-Range : Old Town Bridge Rooms • €35-49 — OR — Old Town Home • €47-52
• Higher-End : Pokoje Gościnne Dom Literatury • €57-93 — OR — PURO Warszawa Centrum • €78-200
• Luxury : Sofitel Warsaw Victoria • €149-304 — OR — The Westin Warsaw • €113-431

Not sure if visiting Poland is worth your time? Take a look at these 27 magical photos of Poland — I have no doubt your mind will be changed!

Day 3-5: Krakow, Poland

If you’re backpacking Eastern Europe, Krakow is a must! In fact, Dan and I loved this city so much we spent over 4 days here. And no, we didn’t get bored because holy moly, there is SO much to do here!

Best Things to Do in Krakow, Poland:

• Explore Krakow’s Main Square
• Visit Wawel Castle
• Have your mind blow at the Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Check out Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Schindler’s List)
• Day trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp
• Explore the historical Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz Neighborhood)
• Try some traditional (vegan) Polish food — click here to read my Krakow vegan food guide!
• Visit the beautiful St Francis’ Basilica

Where to Stay in Krakow:

• Budget : Lemon Tree Hostel • €7-10 — OR — Bubble Hostel • €12-46
• Mid-Range : Words & Swords Apartments • €18-32 — OR — Apartamenty Marco • €39-51
• Higher-End : Aparthotel Stare Miasto • €80-156 — OR — Hotel Wit Stwosz • €72-139
• Luxury : Hotel Unicus Palace • €155-271 — OR — Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem Hotel • €120-416

Psst, interested in reading my 1-week Poland itinerary ? You’ll discover how to spend 7 days exploring Warsaw, Krakow, and the fairytale town of Wroclaw!

Day 6-8: Prague, Czech Republic

Another must-see city when on an Eastern Europe trip, Prague is a historical and cultural gold mine, not to mention it’s also pretty affordable for being such a popular destination!

Best Things to Do in Prague, Czech Republic:

• Wander about the Old Town Square
• Visit Prague Castle
• Explore the Jewish Ghetto Quarter
• View the Astronomical Clock Tower
• Have a drink of traditional Czech beer ( super affordable!)
• Stroll across the Charles Bridge
• Marvel at St. Vitus Cathedral
• Visit the KGB Museum
• Admire the Lennon Wall
• Go cruising on the Vltava River
• Party up in Prague (the clubs are fantastic)

Where to Stay in Prague:

• Budget : Hostel Kaiser • €18-25 — OR — Hostel Franz Kafka • €8-38
• Mid-Range : The Republic Garden • €19-23 — OR — Pension Karlova • €65-95
• Higher-End : Historic Royal Apartment • €89-119 — OR — Ibis Praha Old Town • €73-85
• Luxury : Mordecai Twelve • €115-178 — OR — Hotel Pod Věží • €93-127

Day 8-10: Budapest, Hungary

Though Poland is hands down my favorite country in Eastern Europe, Hungary is a close second. Budapest is extremely picturesque and such a beautiful city with loads of awesome things to do!

Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary:

• Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica (make sure to go up to the top for a gorgeous view of Budapest!)
• Go for a dip at one of the many Budapest Baths (Gellert & Széchenyi Thermal Baths)
• Admire the Hungarian Parliament Building
• Walk the Danube Promenade (and check out the infamous shoes)
• Check out Heroes’ Square
• Explore the Fisherman’s Bastion (awesome spot for a photo!)
• Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue
• Party at some ruin pubs
• Go up to Buda Castle (head up in the funicular!)
• Check out the Hungarian National Museum

Where to Stay in Budapest:

• Budget : 2B Hostel & Rooms • €13-67 — OR — Activity Hostel • €18-20
• Mid-Range : Apartment Ginkgo • €35 — OR — Urban Rooms • €45-75
• Higher-End : Basilica Friends Apartment • €100-140 — OR — The Loft Budapest • €87-105
• Luxury : Prestige Hotel Budapest • €144-261 — OR — Aria Hotel Budapest • €347-500

Need some foodie inspiration? Click here to open a new tab to my vegan food in Eastern Europe post!

2-Week Eastern Europe Itinerary

This suggested two week itinerary focuses on a lot of the same cities and destinations as above but with a few more awesome places sprinkled in.

Additionally, a few more days are added to places like Prague and Budapest, where you can have more time to venture outside the city!

Click here to visit the list of the best things to do in Warsaw and where to stay in the city above.

Click here to visit the list of the best things to do in Krakow and where to stay in the city above.

Day 5-6: Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw was absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in Eastern Europe!

An adorable, picturesque city straight outta a fairytale, Wroclaw features gorgeous pastel-colored buildings, cute little gnomes dotted around the city, delicious food, cool pubs, and more.

Click here to open a new tab for my 24-hour guide to Wroclaw, Poland.

Day 6-9: Prague, Czech Republic

In addition to the best things to do in Prague above (click here to see the list), an extra day in Prague gives you the freedom and time to either do more things in the city or head out on a day trip!

I personally recommend doing a day trip to the infamous Bone Church in Kutna Hora. You can find my guide on how to do a day trip by train to that cool destination here !

Day 10-11: Bratislava, Slovakia

In my humble opinion, Bratislava is one of the most underrated cities in Eastern Europe! Many skip over this little capital when traveling from Prague or Vienna to Budapest but it is SO worth a visit.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia but it’s so small it gives the feel of a small town (which I love!). Since it’s so small, you can spend little time here yet see tons.

Best Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia:

• Visit Bratislava Castle (and walk the beautiful gardens!)
• Explore the historic Bratislava city center
• Eat some delicious vegan food (Bratislava is surprisingly awesome for veggie travelers!)
• Admire St Elizabeth’s Church (Blue Church)
• Check out St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Wander about looking at all the gorgeous colored buildings
• Look for the statues dotted around the Old Town

Personally, when Dan and I visited, we went on a free tour with our hostel ( Wild Elephants )! I highly recommend you do the same to see the best of Bratislava in a short amount of time.

Where to Stay in Bratislava:

• Budget : Wild Elephants Hostel • €11-15 — OR — DREAM Hostel Bratislava • €12-16
• Mid-Range : Zeitlos boutique hostel • €18-20 — OR — Downtown Apartment Nicole • €34-40
• Higher-End : Apartman Sv. Urban • €53-59 — OR — VIP Apartments • €73-81
• Luxury : Arcadia Boutique Hotel • €95-191 — OR — Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel • €122-383

Day 11-14: Budapest, Hungary

In addition to the list of the best things to do in Budapest above, with an extra day you can either explore more of the city and have a more relaxed time, or you can choose to do a couple day trips to fill the time.

Here are some Budapest day trips & tours I recommend:

• Half-Day Etyek Wine Tour from Budapest
• Danube Bend & Szentendre with Lunch: Day Tour from Budapest
• Szentendre Half-Day Tour from Budapest
• Budapest: Underground Caving Adventure Tour

After reading the 1-week and 10-day Eastern Europe itinerary ideas above, you might be wondering… what is the best way to get around Eastern Europe?

As someone who has traveled Europe several times now, I highly recommend either trains or buses to get between destinations!

Here are my two top ways to book Eastern Europe transportation:

• Flixbus — A ridiculously affordable bus operator that basically goes between every city in Europe. Whether you need to get a short bus to Budapest from Prague or a longer, overnight bus from Berlin to Munich, Flixbus probably offers that bus journey!
• The Trainline — Hands down one of the best sites to search and find the cheapest train tickets. Not to mention, their app is great for paperless tickets!

1-Month Eastern Europe Itinerary

If you have the time, this is my absolute favorite itinerary for Eastern Europe. Not only do you have the opportunity to see more, you get to travel slower, which is a big part of traveling sustainably . Cool, right?

Additionally, I left a couple days spare for you to play with. This could mean you spend a day or two more in a city you really enjoy or you could travel more slowly between places for even cheaper transportation.

Day 1-3: Warsaw, Poland

Click here to take a look at the list above for things to do in Warsaw and where to stay!

Day 4-7: Krakow, Poland

Click here to take a look at the list above for things to do in Krakow and where to stay!

Although, with a few days in Krakow, try passing the time with one of these day trips and tours:

• Full Day Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps
• Creepy Krakow: 2-Hour City Walking Tour
• Full-Day Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Guided Tour (SO awesome!)
• Half-Day Salt Mine Tour and Schindler’s Factory

Day 7-9: Wroclaw, Poland

Click here to read my Wroclaw, Poland travel guide, where you’ll find the best things to do and where to stay!

Day 9-14: Prague, Czech Republic

Ample time in Prague gives you more time to see this beautiful city! With 4 full days in Prague, you can relax and chill out, as well as see and explore a bunch of awesome sites, attractions, and more.

If you want to explore Prague with a tour or do a day trip, check out these:

• Český Krumlov Full-Day Trip from Prague
• 6 Hour Best of Prague Tour: Castle, Jewish Quarter, Cruise & Lunch
• Prague: Ghosts and Legends 1.5-Hour Walking Tour
• Kutna Hora & Bone Chapel Tour from Prague

None of those interest you? Take a look at more Prague tours here !

Day 14-16: Vienna, Austria

Although you could spend multiple days seeing the best of what Vienna has to offer, it’s a pretty darn expensive city so I recommend limiting your time here to save some dollars.

On the flip side, if you do have a good-sized budget for backpacking Eastern Europe, spend more time here! It’s a beautiful city.

Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria:

• Marvel at Schönbrunn Palace (don’t forget to walk around the magnificent gardens!)
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (go up to the top for a great view!)
• Admire the Rathaus (aka the Vienna Town Hall)
• Check out Hofburg Palace
• Visit the Belvedere Museum
• Explore the Vienna Natural History Museum
• Wander about the Naschmarkt

Where to Stay in Vienna:

• Budget : CH-Hostel • €35-47 — OR — Pension Dr. Geissler • €49-144
• Mid-Range : CH-Wellnessapartments • €89-114 — OR — Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus • €92-281
• Higher-End : City Pension Stephansplatz • €131-249 — OR — Boutique Hotel Das Tigra • €124-310
• Luxury : Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof • €205-921 — OR — Park Hyatt Vienna • €409 – a ridiculous amount

Want to explore the city with some tours? Check out some here !

Day 16-18: Bratislava, Slovakia

Click here to read my list of the best things to do in Bratislava and where to stay above.

Day 18-21: Budapest, Hungary

Click here to read my list of the best things to do in Budapest and where to stay above. Or click here to check out my list of Budapest day trips and tour recommendations.

Transportation Between Budapest and Cluj-Napoca

The next destination on this suggested Eastern Europe is Cluj-Napoca in Romania. Keep in mind, Romania is outside the Schengen Area, which means you’ll have your passport stamped when at the Hungary-Romania border.

The train between Budapest and Cluj-Napoca takes around 7-8 hours. This means an all day event (the Romanian countryside is nice to look at) or you can opt for a night train, which means saving money on accommodation.

Alternatively, you can also take a bus between the two destinations . Again, similar to the train, you an opt for a day or night bus. However, the night bus is a lot faster at around 9 hours, whereas the day bus takes around 11.

Day 21-23: Cluj-Napoca, Romania

A bustling city in central Romania, Cluj-Napoca is hailed for its University and exciting city life, as well as its beautiful churches and cathedrals.

With a beautiful blend of Eastern Europe history and Western Europe modernity, you can find lots of things to do, cool sites, and wondrous attractions here.

Best Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca, Romania:

• Check out the Cluj-Napoca Art Museum
• Relax at the Botanical Garden
• Explore the many churches and cathedrals (St Michael’s Church, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Piarists’ Church, Reformed Church)
• Wander the city on an affordable local tour
• Hike up Cetățuia Hill for a beautiful view of the city
• Chill out in Central Park (the city’s gorgeous green heart)
• Discover traditional Romania at the Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuia
• Learn all things strange medicine at the Pharmacy Museum
• Uncover ghosts and experience paranormal activities at the Hoia Baciu forest

Where to Stay in Cluj-Napoca:

• Budget : Zen Hostel by Pura Vida • €10-31 — OR — Retro Hostel • €14-37
• Mid-Range : Modern Central-Near Unirii Square • €34-54 — OR — Old Central Apartment • €36-42
• Higher-End : Camino Home • €53-67 — OR — Neo Apartment Eroilor • €52-63
• Luxury : Luxury Nook • €143 — OR — Cluj Lux Apartment Central • €101-105

Transportation Between Cluj-Napoca and Braşov

Between these two Romanian cities, you can opt for either train or bus. Train takes around 6-7 hours and a bus takes around 5 hours.

Although, as someone who has taken the train, I highly recommend it. It’s super duper slow but you get a sneak peak of the Romanian countryside (which is extremely beautiful, IMO).

Day 22-25: Braşov, Romania

Want to visit a fairytale town? (Other than Wroclaw, Poland, that is. 😉)

Head to Braşov and you’ll step foot into a magical land filled with cute little buildings, beautiful architecture, traditional Romanian settings, and, yes, even mysterious vampires (ever heard of Dracula?)!

Known as the gateway to Transylvania, Braşov is one of my favorite destinations and a must-visit on any Eastern Europe itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Braşov, Romania:

• Explore Piata Sfatului, Braşov’s main square
• Visit the Biserica Neagra (Black Church), which is the largest Gothic Church in Eastern Europe
• Hike up Tampa Mountain for a gorgeous view (you can also ride the cable car up if you’re not into hiking)
• Walk the narrowest street in Europe (Strada Sforii, aka String Street)
• Marvel Catherine’s Gate and Braşov’s Medieval Walls
• Simply stroll through the picturesque streets of Braşov

Where to Stay in Braşov:

• Budget : Old Downtown Hostel • €10-12 — OR — Boemia Hostel • €12-13
• Mid-Range : Studio Brasov • €25-30 — OR — All Season Studios • €36-44
• Higher-End : Casa Veche • €51-65 — OR — Hotel Bella Muzica • €50-94
• Luxury : Superb Historical Center Brașov • €97-141 — OR — Vila Katharina • €81-122

Pro Tip : Braşov isn’t massive so if you have seen all you want to see in the city, venture out and do a day trip to Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle), the Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti , traditional Romanian villages, or even into the Carpathian Mountains for some killer views.

Here are some highly-rated tours I recommend:

• From Brasov: Tour of Castles and Surrounding Area
• Romanian Mountain Villages Day Tour
• Bear Sanctuary and Bran Castle Day Trip
• Chauffeur Service in Brasov: You Decide where to Go

Day 25-28: Bucharest, Romania

The glorious capital of Romania, Bucharest has tons to offer in terms of awesome things to do, cool sites, and mesmerizing attractions. Not to mention, loads of food options!

In fact, due to its beautiful architecture, classical art, ample green space, cute little cafes and eateries, and captivating history, Bucharest is sometimes referred to as the Paris of Eastern Europe. Even cooler, the city was literally modeled after Paris (the French architecture is abundant!).

Best Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania:

• Admire the Palace of Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon)
• Wander about the Old Town
• Marvel at the history and architecture of Victoriei Avenue
• Take a step back in time and visit some of Bucharest’s churches (a few of the best are Stavropoleos, Coltea, Zlatari, Bucur, and Radu Voda)
• Relax and stroll through the local parks (there’s a lot to choose from!)
• Visit the Village Museum to get a peak at traditional Romanian life
• Go on a free walking tour!

Where to Stay in Bucharest:

• Budget : Antique Hostel • €8-38 — OR — Hostel Bauhaus Bucharest • €16-38
• Mid-Range : Vila Ana • €33-57 — OR — Anathea Apartment • €36-40
• Higher-End : Filitti Boutique Hotel • €58-110 — OR — Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel • €70-150
• Luxury : Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest • €107-200 — OR — Hotel Cismigiu • €109-158

Holy freakin’ moly, what a whopper of a blog post, amirite?

There’s a lot of info packed in these suggested 10-day, 2-week, and 1-month Eastern Europe itineraries but I truly hope they help you figure out where you want to visit!

Are you considering backpacking or traveling Eastern Europe soon? Or just looking for some inspiration? If you have any questions or need some other tips, stick ’em in the comments below!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

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Article comments.

Kovalska Natali

If your time is limited but you want to get the most out of your trip in Europe, take a look at this itinerary. Everything is easily reachable by train.

Dinesh Chandel

Planning to do 2 weeks eastern eruope tour…we are school mates aged 45 , 11 in numbers, who do reunions abroad…

We prefer nature, partying, adventure activities, ……def not into meausum and religious place visiting….

We intend to start from Istanbul, do Hungary, Romania, Ukraine …etc….

Inputs highly appreciated..

We would prefer budget model for exploration..

Thanks and regards

Hey Dinesh! Sounds like a fun trip! I’ve never been to Istanbul or Ukraine so I can’t recommend or give my opinion on those destinations but I can highly recommend Romania for outdoor adventures, mountains, hiking, etc. and Hungary for cultural activities, sightseeing, and delicious food scenes. Both Romania and Hungary are budget-friendly so you won’t have any trouble there! Additionally, if you’re looking for exceptional adventure activities, consider heading up to the Tatra Mountains between the border of Poland and Slovakia — beautiful landscapes and lots of hiking opportunities!

lisa barrows

Determining the travel time, train route and destinations are important first steps to your Interrail adventure. We advise you to look at these steps before buying your Interrail pass. After all, you can decide which ticket suits you best when you know all your destinations beforehand. There are many Interrail passes you can choose from, and all of them differ in terms of validity and number of travel days. Some passes are valid in one country, but there are also tickets that you can use to travel with Interrail throughout Europe. You can buy a ticket which allows you to travel throughout Europe for 10, 15 and 22 days or even 1 to 2 months.

Very detailed itinerary giving three options. Should be bookmarked for an easy reference to the travel to Eastern Europe region

Vaskar Bhattacharya

Thanks for the captivating source of information.

Just wanted to enquire about the budget for a 10-day solo trip to Eastern Europe. Do you conduct the same?

I am from India (Kolkata to be precise)

Hi Thanks for the detailed itenary for three options i can choose last option i am solo traveller and Just wanted to enquire about the budget for 4 weeks or month do conduct the same or suggestion plz

i am from india (Hyderabad)

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• Eastern Europe Tours

Eastern Europe Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Taking a trip to Eastern Europe is to stroll down the cobbled streets of Tallinn , the stylishly bohemian streets of Budapest and Prague , and kick back on the often-overlooked beaches of Croatia . Rising from the shadow of the Cold War, Eastern Europe combines it all — history, culture, contemporary nightlife, and stunning natural vistas.

+300 Trips in Eastern Europe with 630 Reviews

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,775
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 1,133
• Total Price from: US$ 2,642
• Jun 22 Only 9 seats left
• Jun 29 Only 9 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Athens, Greece

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
• Total Price from: US$ 1,373
• Jul 13 10+ seats left
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• Starts Berlin, Germany

The Best of Eastern Europe

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Food tours , Beer and drinks tasting & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='4894'>+4 more
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Jun 23 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 14 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Prague, Czech Republic

Prague to Budapest Ride

• Activities Bicycle tours
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 16-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,098
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 508
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• Ends Sofia, Bulgaria

Best of Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

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• Brochure Price: US$ 2,175
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• Starts Budapest, Hungary
• Ends Dubrovnik, Croatia

Balkan Adventure

• Activities Active and outdoor & City sightseeing Active and outdoor , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & National parks 'data-more-tripid='3671'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,020
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• Jun 22 Only 7 seats left

• Ends Prague, Czech Republic

Budapest to Prague Adventure

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• Brochure Price: US$ 1,510
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• Aug 18 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Bucharest, Romania

Budapest to Bucharest

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='3668'>+3 more
• Accommodation Home-stay & Hotel
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• Brochure Price: US$ 2,650
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• Jun 29 Only 6 seats left

• Starts Bucharest, Romania
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey

Eastern Europe Express

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Museum and gallery visits & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='3670'>+2 more
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• Starts Lisbon, Portugal

Europe from West to East end Budapest

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• Jun 27 10+ seats left

Carpathian Walking & Bears

• Activities Wildlife & Safari
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• Jul 06 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam to Budapest Rail Explorer

• Activities Train tours
• Transport Train
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• Brochure Price: US$ 2,990
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• Sep 17 10+ seats left
• Oct 15 10+ seats left

• Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia and the Balkans

• Activities Chill out & Trekking and Hiking Chill out , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='4963'>+3 more
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• Ends Berlin, Germany

Budapest to Berlin: Graffiti Walls & Market Halls

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Eastern Europe Tour Reviews

• SAMUEL RAVIKUMAR SAMUEL JESUDAS

Eastern Europe — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Encompassing a huge swath of the continent, from the Baltic states in the north to beaches of the Black Sea in the south, holidays to Eastern Europe are as diverse as they are spectacular. From the Transylvanian castles of Romania to Mostar’s famed medieval bridge, a trip to Eastern Europe offers a wealth of attractions.

Tour Highlights

• Wonder at the magnificent ancient architecture of Krakow , Poland ’s former royal capital, including the soaring heights of St Mary’s Basilica, the simply stunning sixteenth-century Cloth Hall, and Wawel Castle, one of Poland’s largest.
• Hike across Slovakia ’s High Tatras Mountains, through unspoiled landscapes of crystal-clear mountain lakes, alpine pasture, and 2,500 m peaks in summer, or ski the same slopes in winter.
• Take a tour of the impressive gothic grandeur of Budapest’s Parliament building, taking in the most lavish of its 691 Danube-side rooms, and gaze upon the crown of Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary.
• Relax on the surprisingly-fine palm-lined Black Sea beach resorts of Bulgaria , or soak up the sun on the untamed sands of the Istrian coast of Croatia before heading out on an Adriatic cruise.
• Stroll through the grand halls and secret passages of Bran Castle in Romania’s Transylvania region, best known to the world as Dracula’s Castle, a fairy-tale hill-top fortress offering amazing panoramic views across the Carpathian Mountains.
• Head to Riga , the capital of Latvia and delve beneath its reserved exterior to discover a friendly and vibrant city full of art nouveau buildings, modern gallery spaces, and ever-growing food culture.

Travel Tips

• Although Eastern Europe is home to a huge number of languages, English is widely-spoken, particularly by the younger generations who were brought up after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
• Much of Eastern Europe remains a cash society, so make sure you carry plenty of banknotes with you. Try and avoid receiving larger notes, for example when changing money from your home currency, as they can be difficult to break.
• ATMs can now be readily found throughout the region, taking away much of the stress of carrying large quantities of money with you. If you do decide to make use of them, avoid the option of converting the price into your home currency as this can add a huge amount to your bill.
• Much of Eastern Europe is conservative and deeply religious. Avoid inadvertently offending residents by being careful of what you are wearing, especially if you are intending to enter a church or mosque.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle! Though museums and most stores will have set prices, there’s plenty of opportunities to have a little fun haggling with taxi drivers and market stall holders, though do understand these guys need to make a living too.

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The Ultimate Eastern Europe Travel Guide

Jun 30, 2023

Best places to travel in Eastern Europe

If you immediately think of Paris , Barcelona and other overwhelmingly popular western destinations when you hear the word “Europe,” we’re here to make a case for the absolutely stunning cities across Eastern Europe. ✈️  Many of these spots still fly relatively under the radar, so you could be on the forefront of experiencing the newest hot spots in travel. We’ve rounded up some of the best places for a “hot Europe summer”… any time of the year. 🔥😉

Here at Flytographer , we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us around all the very best places to travel in Eastern Europe!

Table of Contents

• Best time of year to travel
• What to pack
• Slovenia : Ljubljana
• Croatia : Zagreb, Dubrovnik
• Hungary : Budapest
• Turkey : Istanbul
• Romania : Bucharest
• Poland : Warsaw, Krakow
• Latvia : Riga

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1. Know before you go

What is the best time of year to go to eastern europe.

While summer is prime time, many travellers have the same idea and elbow room can be lacking! 🌞  Opt for the shoulder seasons in spring and summer for slightly lower prices and fewer crowds. However, many vendors may be operating on a reduced schedule, so be sure to plan ahead and do your research.

Božo in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Sea Walls

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Mankica in Ljubljana

“I had the pleasure of having a photo shoot with Ihsan in Budapest, and I must say it was an amazing experience! What impressed me the most about Ihsan was his attention to detail. We had such a great time during the shoot, and the end results were beyond our expectations! The pictures turned out beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier with them. Ihsan even went above and beyond by recommending some local restaurants when we asked for some advice, which was very much appreciated. Overall, I would highly recommend Ihsan to anyone looking for a talented, detail-oriented photographer in Budapest.”

Ihsan in Budapest

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Eastern europe mega trip itinerary (travel time: 6-10 weeks).

Itinerary for seeing the best of Eastern Europe.

Trip Planning

Eastern Europe still remains an intriguing mystery to most of us. It offers many treasures, but those treasures take a bit of work to uncover. This itinerary starts in Berlin and circles through the Baltics and deep into the former Soviet-controlled countries. You’ll see a healthy dose of gritty Soviet-era architecture mixed in with fairytale medieval old towns.    

Most of the transportation for this journey will be via bus because train routes are much more sparse than in Western Europe — especially the further east you go. Additionally, distances between cities can be very large, so there will be a few long journeys. Because of this, you may want to use this guide but stick to a smaller region.  

Many of the countries in this list are Russian-speaking, so spending a few hours trying to learn the Cyrillic alphabet will go a long way when trying to ask for things (remember, English won’t be spoken by very many people). On another note; Russia and Belarus require a visa that you’ll need to apply for in advance.

However, as a bonus, prices throughout Eastern Europe are cheap so you can eat, sleep, drink, and party for a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe.

Eastern Europe Mega-Trip

Note: If you want a taste of Eastern Europe without diving deep behind the former Iron Curtain, we recommend checking out our Gateway To Eastern Europe Itinerary . 

Approx. 4+ days

If you haven’t already been, I suggest starting in Berlin. It’s a great segue from Western Europe to Eastern Europe thanks to its strong communist-era influence. Berlin is a physically large city with multiple neighborhoods, so you’ll want to give yourself multiple days to explore everything.

Approx. 2-3  days

From Berlin, it’s a little over a 5-hour train ride.

Warsaw, Poland’s capital city, was almost completely destroyed during WWI but has been impressively restored. It now features Gothic churches, Soviet-era blocks, skyscrapers, and neoclassical palaces, and the old town has been accurately restored to look as it did before the war. You’ll also find a bustling nightlife and art scene.

Approx. 1-3 days

A bus ride from Warsaw to Vilnius is about 6 hours. They are currently building a rail line between the two cities, but construction isn’t set to start until mid-2016.

Vilnius is known as the baroque beauty of the Baltic, and it’s easy to see why once you walk through its old town. Even though Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital, it feels almost like a village and has a somewhat rural atmosphere.

Approx. 2-3 days

The best and fastest way to travel from Vilnius and Riga is a 4-hour bus ride.

Riga, aka the Pearl of the Baltics, is Latvia’s capital and cultural center. The city is famous for its wooden buildings, medieval Old Town, and art nouveau architecture. The city is situated on the Baltic Sea and the River Daugava, so many activities revolve around the water. Plus, you’ll find a good number of hip bars and interesting restaurants, and a solid modern art scene.

The bus from Riga to Tallinn will take about 4 hours. You can also fly in about half the time.

Also located on the Baltic Sea, the Estonian capital of Tallinn has a lot of excitement and fairytale charm. The city’s main draw is its walled Old Town, ancient church spires, and 15th-century defensive tower.

If you want, you can take a day trip from Tallinn up to Helsinki.

NOTE: This is a good opportunity to visit St. Petersburg and/or Moscow if you have the time. This will add an extra week to your journey. 

Approx. 3-4 days

We recommend flying from Tallinn to Minsk. It’s about a 3-hour flight, so about 6 hours total travel time.

Out with the old and in with the new… Minsk was completely destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt under Stalin’s orders… think of it as a monument to the ambitious aspirations of Soviet architecture and urban planning. You’ll find great cafés, hip restaurants, world-class nightclubs, art galleries, and museums to rival many other more well-known cities. Be warned, you’ll need a visa to visit Belarus.

Approx. 4-5 days

The train from Minsk to Kiev is a long 12 hours, but it’s pretty cheap. Flying is a lot faster but costs a lot more.

Kiev is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it’s proud of its eclectic architecture and its copious green space. It’s also one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe — dating back to the 5th century.

The 5-hour train ride is the fastest and cheapest option to get between Kiev and Lviv.

Lviv is Ukraine’s least Soviet-feeling city — it actually has a charm similar to Prague and Kraków… except with a fraction of the tourists. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the impressive High Castle Park — the mountaintop ruins of a 14th-century castle that provides amazing views of the city and countryside.

Transylvania

Approx. 2 days (if you just want to see one town. You’ll spend a few more days if you want to visit multiple old towns in the region.)

From Lviv to the town of Bran in Transylvania, it’s a pretty long commute with no real rail connection. The fastest method is flying to Bucharest and then taking a bus. That will take about 8 hours of total travel time. You can always spend a day or so in Bucharest if you want to break it up. If you choose to take a bus the entire way it will take about 22+ hours.

Nestled along the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania (aka ‘the land beyond the forest’) feels like it has been lost in time and still feels slightly medieval (and the infrastructure can seem equally as old). Don’t be surprised to see farmers driving horse-drawn carts through town. It’s also home to a handful of castles — most notable Bran Castle (of Dracula fame).

Veliko Târnovo

It’s another long commute between Transylvania and Veliko — about 10 hours via bus or train.

This small Bulgarian town is built on a large hillside and the city is postcard pretty. It features the medieval Tsarevets fortress and a number of cafes and restaurants. Thanks to its sizable student population, there is plenty of nightlife.

Approx. 2 days

The bus from Veliko to Plovdiv is about 4.5 hours.

Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and has plenty of laid-back charm, a lovely Old Town, a strong art scene, cafés, and winding cobbled streets. It features Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian antiquities as well as an amazingly preserved (and still functioning) Roman amphitheater. The city also has some great nightlife thanks to its large student population.

Plovdiv to Sofia is about 1.5 hours by bus or 2.5 hours by train.

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and its history goes back 2000 years (it’s been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and Soviets). It’s also the cheapest capital city in Europe and it has a healthy nightlife scene.

Approx.  3-5 days

From Sofia to Budapest, it’s best to fly — it’s about a 4.5-hour flight.

Budapest is called the “Paris of the East,” and it’s one of my favorite cities in Europe. It has everything you’d want in a city (architecture, great nightlife, shopping, restaurants, etc.) and it’s affordable. Budapest is also known for its natural thermal baths — which are popular with locals and visitors.

Approx. 3-5  days

Fly or take an overnight train from Budapest to Prague.

Prague is often said to be the most beautiful city in Europe so it’s no wonder it’s a popular destination. It also has a solid nightlife scene thanks to its reasonably affordable prices (although they’re higher than most other eastern European cities). It’s a fairly compact city so you can see the highlights in a few days.

Total Trip Length 45 Days – 70 Days

This entire trip (add at least an extra 7-10 days for St. Petersburg and Moscow) will take about 45 days if you move quickly and a little over 65 days if you take it a little slower — this includes travel time between locations. And, of course, you can always tweak this itinerary to add/subtract destinations from your trip.

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The Best of Eastern Europe

14 days, berlin to budapest.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

From fairytale Czech towns to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, experience the unique culture, food, and history of Eastern Europe. This two-week trip through six Eastern European countries offers an intriguing combination of urban centres, village life, and outdoor pursuits. Visit castles, churches, and romantic town squares, indulging in Berlin’s café culture and Prague’s beer.

Berlin to Budapest

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 14

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

More from The Best of Eastern Europe

Places visited

• Czech Republic

Day 1 Berlin

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 berlin.

Explore this amazing city. Opt to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, world-class museums, or the Berlin Television Tower for a sweeping view of the area.

Meals included:

Day 3 berlin/krakow.

Travel to Krakow, Poland's cultural hub, stopping at the Pławniowice Palace grounds along the way. Take an orientation walk upon arrival and use the evening to explore this lively city.

Day 4 Krakow

Visit Auschwitz for a sobering look at the region's history. Spend the rest of the day exploring charming Krakow.

Day 5 Krakow

Take a free day to explore.

Day 6 Krakow/Prague

Take a scenic day train into Czech Republic. Soak up the atmosphere of Prague, a unique community where every street, ghetto, inn and theatre tells a story.

Days 7–8 Prague

Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO before exploring all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.

Day 9 Prague/Český Krumlov

Travel to Český Krumlov. Spend time wandering the small city or visiting the small town's castle.

Day 10 Český Krumlov/Vienna

Take private van to Austria in time for a walking tour of Vienna's most beautiful sights, including the Hofburg and St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, check in to your accommodations, a G Adventures supported social enterprise.

Day 11 Vienna

Wander the elegant streets a little more, take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries or just settle yourself on a café terrace, order up a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake and watch the world go by over coffee.

Day 12 Vienna/Budapest

Travel to Hungary to explore the beautiful city of Budapest. Visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café for a welcome drink. Opt to visit Buda Castle, window shop in Pest or soak in the city's famous thermal baths.

Day 13 Budapest

Spend a free day exploring this charming and historic city. Opt to take a boat trip down the Danube, or travel further afield to the Etyek wine country.

Day 14 Budapest

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel, Vienna
• Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Berlin
• Your Discover Moment: Budapest
• Orientation tour of Krakow
• Auschwitz entrance and guided tour (Krakow)
• Orientation walk of Prague
• Vienna walking tour
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts).

13 breakfasts Allow USD540-705 for meals not included.

Transportation

Train, long-distance bus, local bus, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide in Auschwitz and Vienna.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Budapest history walking tour - from $32.00.

Unravel the secrets of Budapest on a 3-hour walking tour of the city's medieval and Jewish districts. Your guide will meet you and then take you to visit Great Market Hall, the city's largest food market, before making your way through winding streets to see remnants of Budapest's 15th-century fortress walls. Immerse yourself in the pre-Ottoman worlds of Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River, and learn about events of historical significance along the way. Stop for a coffee break, then continue onto the city's Jewish district and visit the Dohany Street Synagogue to learn about the history of Hungarian Jews. Today, this area is known for its "ruin bars" and is a lively center of nightlife.

My Own Room - From $1059.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Museum of Wander

Itinerary for Eastern Europe: Ideas for 7 or 10 Days of Travel

Mix and match these top trips to put together your perfect travel itinerary for Eastern Europe.

High five! You’ve decided on a trip to Eastern Europe, which says a lot about you. You are a curious adventurer at heart who likes something different and prefers the road less taken. You probably don’t enjoy crowds, but you’re a sucker for genuine hospitality, good food, local culture and unique traditions. And that’s why you are here looking for your perfect itinerary for Eastern Europe .

This region has some of the most captivating big cities, timeless villages, best art museums , beaches, mountains, lakes, food, history, culture, nightlife – you name it – on the continent, all at a fraction of the cost of that in Western Europe.

To help you plot your perfect road-less-taken-trip, we put together the best itinerary for Eastern Europe in 7 or 10 days. With only a week or ten days in Eastern Europe, it’s best to focus on a particular region, or even see only one country, rather than trying to squeeze in too much.

Have the luxury of time? You can easily mix and match these Eastern European itineraries and puzzle together the ultimate two or three-week trip.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Twin-Centre City Break: Hungary & Czechia by Train

Poland road trip, if you have 7 days in eastern europe.

One week in Eastern Europe is not too short. Choose two or three cities and enjoy them to the fullest, rather than jumping around too much that will just leave you feeling exhausted.

Russian Capitals by Train

• Route: St Petersburg-Moscow
• Planned by: Yours Truly
• Extend with: Baltic Capitals

Russia is perhaps the most exciting and exotic destination to visit in Eastern Europe. The whole region’s psyche and culture have been influenced by Mother Russia in recent history. Whether you’re looking for Soviet nostalgia, incredible art and architecture, nightlife or modern Europe, Russia delivers.

With only one week in Russia, split your time between Moscow and St Petersburg only. With more time, either explore more of Russia or pop over to the Baltics to extend your Eastern Europe trip.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Forget what you think you know of Moscow from spy movies and watching CNN. Moscow is an incredible city with so much to see and do. It’s safe, clean and very affordable. You can easily spend a whole week in Moscow and not get bored.

Must-Do in Moscow

• See St Basils Cathedral, GUM Department Store and Lenin’s Mausoleum in the Red Square
• Visit the Kremlin – the heart of Russia
• Let the Moscow Metro blow your mind
• Have a fancy business lunch at Cafe Pushkin
• Transport back the USSR at VDNKh Park
• Go to infinity and beyond at the Cosmonautics Memorial
• Shop at Izmailovo Flea Market

Days 5-7 St Petersburg

A comfortable overnight train will bring you to the Cultural Capital of Russia, St Petersburg . Known as the Venice of the North, St Petes is a stunner and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Top Things to do in St Petersburg

• Admire the incredible art of the Hermitage (Winter Palace)
• Ride the Metro from one extravagant station to the next
• Take a cruise along the Neva River and canals
• Eat pyshki (Russian donuts)
• Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt
• See the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Kazan Cathedral and St Issac’s Cathedral
• Revisit the USSR at the House of the Soviets
• Take a trip to the fountains and gardens of Peterhof (Summer Palace)

The Baltic Capitals: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

• Route: Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius
• Planned by: Becki from Meet Me In Departures 
• Extend with: Russian Capitals / Poland to Lithuania via Belarus

The Baltic States are relative newcomers to the tourism industry. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were under Soviet rule until 1991, which meant life was very restricted. But that’s all behind them now. Praise be!

Recent years have seen the Baltic States move up the ranks of the must-visit destinations in Europe. In particular, the three capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, all have historic city centres with UNESCO Heritage Status.

You could easily spend several weeks exploring this region with its stunning, untouched countryside and lesser-discovered towns. However, to get a good flavour of the region, you could see the highlights in a 7-day trip.

Days 1-3: Tallinn

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is undisputedly the most beautiful out of the three of the Baltic capitals. There are many  things to do in Tallinn , including an abundance of relics from the Soviet era and some of the most photogenic cityscapes in the Baltics.

Where to stay in Tallinn:

Best things to do in Tallinn: Hotel Telegraaf

• Go an a walking tour of Medieval Tallinn
• Walk along the city walls & lookout points
• Visit the Kiek in de Kok tower 
• Explore the eerie Bastion passages
• For Soviet history, visit the KGB prison and headquarters

Days 4-5: Riga

Dubbed the  Paris of the North,  Riga is the slightly grittier little sister to Tallinn. Latvia’s capital has an impressive historical city centre and a sublime Art Nouveau district- the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.

Where to stay in Riga: Redstone Apartments

Best things to do in Riga:

• Admire the St Peters Church & Tower
• Explore the Art Noveau district .
• Enjoy the Baltic Sea beach of Jurmala, just a 30-minute train ride from the centre.

Days 6-7: Vilnius

Vilnius also boats UNESCO Heritage status, just like the capitals of Estonia and Latvia. Although this is another medieval town, there is a much bigger emphasis on Baroque-style architecture. It’s also got a fantastically quirky autonomous district of Uzupis and a buzzing street art scene. 

Where to stay in Vilnius: Hotel Vilnia

Best things to do in Vilnius:

• Explore the historic centre, particularly Vilnius University (one of the most beautiful buildings in the city)
• Explore Uzupis and the street art
• Take a day trip out to Trakai Castle

The Best of Bosnia & Herzegovina in a Week

• Route: Sarajevo-Konjic-Mostar
• Planned by: Ellis from Backpack Adventures
• Extend with: Budapest & Prague

Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H) is a country of green mountains with deep blue rivers and spectacular waterfalls. Its natural beauty is still relatively unexplored, and B&H remains an off the beaten path destination, despite everything it has to offer. 

B&H has always been at the crossroads between east and west, resulting in a turbulent history. You can still find the ancient Ottoman bazaars and bridges alongside trendy cafes and restaurants in the cities. Bosnian cuisine is delicious and reflects the different cultural influences that make B&H such a diverse country to visit. 

Days 1-3 Sarajevo

Sarajevo is Bosnia’s charming capital, also known as the Jerusalem of Europe. Beautiful mosques stand alongside catholic cathedrals and Orthodox churches. There are also plenty of museums about its more recent past. The Under Siege War Tour is an excellent introduction to understanding the city better.

Where to stay in Sarajevo: Apartments Diva

Must-Sees in Sarajevo

• Bascarsija: the old Ottoman centre
• The yellow fortress for spectacular views over the city
• Sacred Heart Cathedral: biggest Catholic church in Bosnia
• Galerija 11/07/1995 about Srebrenica
• Tunnel Museum
• Markale Market
• Trebevic mountain

Day 4 Konjic

Konjic is a small town between Sarajevo and Mostar. The old Ottoman bridge is one of the most beautiful in B&H, but the main reason to visit Konjic is to go rafting on the Neretva River or visit Tito’s secret bunker. Where to stay in Konjic: Pansion Neretva

Top attractions in Konjic

• Konjic Old town
• Konjic bridge
• Tito’s bunker
• Neretva river

Days 5-7 Mostar

Mostar, with its location next to the Neretva River, is one of the most beautiful towns in Bosnia. Its ancient Ottoman centre was heavily damaged during the Bosnian war, including the iconic bridge. Everything was beautifully renovated to its former glory.

Mostar itself is a small city surrounded by scenic mountains and stunning historic villages , offering plenty of day trip options. Where to stay in Mostar: Pansion Villa Nur

Don’t Miss These in Mostar

• Mostar bridge
• Mostar Old town
• Blagaj monastery
• Kravice waterfalls
• Ancient town of Pocitelj

Czechia Roadtrip: City & Countryside

• Route: Prague-Cesky Krumlov-Brno
• Planned by: Maartje from The Orange Backpack
• Extend with: Poland Road Trip / Budapest
• Recommended Car Rental: Discover Cars

Czechia is one of the most underrated road trip destinations in Europe. There is much more to visit than just Prague, and a  road trip around Czechia  is the best way to do so. Expect fairytale castles, charming villages and stunning countryside.

Days 1-2: Prague

Start your Czechia road trip in Prague, the capital of Czechia. It is one of the most popular city trip destinations in Europe because of its stunning historic centre, filled with cobblestoned streets and tourist sights. Pretty much every street is filled with spectacular monuments. Where to stay in Prague: VN3 Terraces Suites

Best things to do in Prague:

• Visit the main square with its famous clock
• Walk across the Charles Bridge
• Explore the Prague Castle
• Indulge in a medieval dinner with freeflow drinks

Days 3-5: Cesky Krumlov and Hluboka Castle

Krumlov is the most beautiful town in Prague. It is built on a riverbank with the river meandering through the city centre. The historical streets are equally picturesque, offering views of the river or the imposing castle. Near Krumlov is one of the most stunning castles of Europe: the fairytale-like Hluboka Castle, which you should definitely visit. Where to Saty in Cesky Krumlov: Monastery Garden

Best things to do in Cesky Krumlov:

• See at least one of the many viewpoints
• Explore the Krumlov Castle, including its unique Baroque Theater
• Wander around the picturesque streets

Days 6-7: Moravia

Moravia is the wine region of Czechia, and driving around this area brings you to cute towns and rolling green hills. You could base yourself at one of those towns or its capital city Brno, but you might want to tour around the region by spending each night at a different stop. Where to stay in Brno: Hotel Avion

Best things to do in Moravia:

• Explore its capital Brno for its hipster hotspots and historical centre
• Enjoy the sunset from the viewpoint at Mikulov
• Bike around the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and visit the Lednice or Valtice Castle, or perhaps both
• Route:  Budapest-Prague
• Planned by:  Lavina from Continent Hop
• Extend with:  Czechia Road Trip

Europe is one of the best destinations for country-hopping and visiting multiple countries or destinations within just a week. Eastern Europe is no exception.

Budapest and Prague are two of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, and in a week, you can easily have a fantastic twin-centre city break between these two beauties.

Days 1-3: Budapest

Budapest is perfect if you’re looking for an amazing mix of culture, local wine and some of the most delicious food in Europe! The castles and the bridges crossing the Danube are beautiful, especially at night. Where to stay in Budapest: Stories Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Budapest

• Visit the Hungarian Parliament building
• Take a sunset cruise on the Danube
• Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion & Buda Castle
• Soak in the numerous thermal baths
• Learn about the history of Hungary’s Jewish people before and after WW11 at the Great Synagogue

Day 4 Budapest – Prague Train

On day 4, travel by train to Czechia. Several high-speed trains run between Budapest and Prague daily. The ride takes just over six hours.

Day 5-7: Prague

You’ll love Prague for its excellent cheap beer, hearty food, castles and culture. Prague has been a favourite city among travellers to Eastern Europe, and for good reason. It’s beautiful and offers exceptional value for money. Where to Stay in Prague: VN3 Terraces Suites

Must Visit Places in Prague

• Prague Castle
• Charles bridge
• Nuclear bunker in Prague
• Mala Strana neighbourhood 
• Check out the various  monuments in Prague
• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
• Spilberk Castle
• Liberty Square
• The Jewish Quarter

Eastern Europe Itineraries for 10 days

With ten days in Eastern Europe, you can plan to either go farther or deeper. We always recommend slowing down and going deeper. But you’re the captain of your ship, so it’s all up to you.

Overland from Kosovo to North Macedonia

Route: Prizren-Gjakova-Pristina-Skopje-Ohrid Planned by: Emily from Wander-Lush

North Macedonia and Kosovo might not top everyone’s travel wish list, but as two of the most underrated countries in Eastern Europe, they pair perfectly for an adventurous 10-day overland itinerary. Both promise a mix of beautiful nature, dynamic cities and charming small towns. Short distances and efficient transport connections make getting around a breeze.

Days 1-2: Prizren

Start your voyage in Prizren, Kosovo’s second-largest city and historic capital. Set on the Bistrica river, Prizren is all charm, with its tranquil waterfront cafes, handsome stone bridges and buzzing bazaar. Where to stay in Prizren: Fellas Apartments

Best things to do in Prizren:

• People-watch in Shadervan Square
• Pop inside the beautiful Sinan Pasha Mosque
• Climb up to Prizren Fortress for a sunset view
• Learn about Kosovar history at the Albanian League of Prizren Museum
• Visit a filigree workshop to see traditional Kosovar silver-smithing in action

Day 3: Gjakova

Located 40 km north-west of Prizren and easily reached by local bus, the town of Gjakova is an absolute gem. Spend a night or two soaking up the laid-back small-town vibes and enjoying local hospitality. Where to stay in Gjakova: Garden Guesthouse

Best things to do in Gjakova:

• Explore the Çarshia e Madhe, the largest bazaar in Kosovo
• Visit a traditional cradle-makers’ workshop
• See the frescoes at the Hadum Mosque
• Eat Kosovar food at Hani I Haracise, a restored caravanserai

Days 4-5: Pristina

A 1.5-hour bus ride east brings you to Pristina, Kosovo’s biggest city. The youngest capital in Europe, Pristina is cosmopolitan and effortlessly cool, with vibrant food, coffee and nightlife scenes, and enthralling museums.

Best things to do in Pristina:

• Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument, a Kosovo icon
• Drink coffee at Soma Book Station, one of Kosovo’s hippest cafes
• Step back in time at the Ethnographic Museum
• Go inside the National Library of Kosovo, dubbed ‘the world’s ugliest building’
• Take a side trip to Gracanica Monastery, one of the four UNESCO-listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo

Days 6-7: Skopje

Cross the border to North Macedonia (1.5 hours by bus). Once dubbed Europe’s quirkiest capital city, Skopje pairs an old Ottoman-style bazaar with a modern downtown scattered with grand plazas and lofty statues. A full day is the ideal amount of time to unravel Skopje’s secrets, while several day trips are available if you have more time.

Best things to do in Skopje:

• Join the Free Walking Tour for a comprehensive look at the downtown
• Get lost on the winding streets of the Old Bazaar
• Climb the walls at Skopje Fortress
• Hike to the Millennium Cross
• Take a side trip to Tetovo to visit the painted mosque or to Matka Canyon for boating and swimming
• Explore Skopje’s food and drink scene

Days 8-10: Ohrid

End your trip by kicking back lakeside at the one and only Lake Ohrid. The deepest lake in the Balkans offers magnificent scenery, hiking and biking trails, and boat trips. Base yourself in Ohrid, the biggest city on the North Macedonian side of the lake.

Best things to do in Ohrid:

• Take a boat trip across the lake to the Monastery of St. Naum
• Hire a bicycle to cycle around the lake
• Visit the Church of St. John the Theologian, Ohrid’s most famous viewpoint
• Admire the old Ottoman-style houses in Ohrid’s Old Town

After Ohrid, you can either cross the border to Albania to continue your travels or return to Skopje by bus (2.5 hours).

Poland to Lithuania via Belarus

• Route: Warsaw-Brest-Minsk-Vilnius
• Planned by: Iris from Mind of a Hitchhiker
• Extend with: Baltic Capitals / Poland Road Trip

Visiting Belarus isn’t easy as many travellers need a visa to enter. There are also big differences in how long you can stay and leave the country. Always check the up-to-date visa policy of Belarus. Though it sounds like a hassle, visiting the calm and uncrowded country of Belarus is absolutely worth it .

Days 1-2: Warsaw

Start your journey in Warsaw. The capital of Poland is a beautiful city and a good prep for the former Soviet states.

Best Things to do in Warsaw

• Visit the viewing platform of the Stalinesque Palace of Culture and Science
• Stuff yourself with pierogi on a terrace in a colourful plaza
• Visit the Warsaw Ghetto

Days 3-4: Brest & Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

Next, head to Belarus. The Brest border crossing is the best, and the city is very worth visiting. Either stay in Brest for a day or two, visit the Brest Hero-Fortress . Or head north to Kamianiuki, where you can visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. There you can enjoy:

• Cycling through one of Europe’s last primaeval forests
• Spotting the European bison (if lucky)
• Enjoy typical Belarusian cuisine, such as khaladnik , draniki , and kalduny

Days 5-8 Minsk

Once your lungs have reset, head to the capital city Minsk for four days.

• Enjoy a European capital city that’s not overrun with tourists and is very clean
• Ride the Ferris wheel in Gorky Park (or the Minsk Metro)
• Marvel at the diverse architecture: National Library of Belarus, KGB building, various brutalist architecture, and Khrushchyovka (i.e. ‘Commie Blocks’)

Days 9-10 Vilnius

It’s time to leave Belarus and head to Vilnius for two days. The capital of Lithuania is great for:

• City vistas from the Vilnius TV Tower
• Half-day trips to Trakai Island Castle
• Recognizing the self-declared Republic of Užupis (an artsy neighbourhood)
• Route: Krakow-Kolobrzeg-Gdansk-Warsaw Planned by: Zoe from Together In Transit  Extend with: Poland to Lithuania via Belarus / Baltic Capitals /Prague & Budapest

Poland is hard to beat if you want to go on a 10-day road trip in Eastern Europe. From gorgeous historical cities to beautiful nature reserves, there’s something for everyone. A road trip in Poland is affordable with a rental car and local hotels, making it an easy yet rewarding destination for all travellers. 

Days 1-3 Krakow

Start your  10-day Poland road trip  adventure in Krakow, where you can explore the lovely city with the largest medieval squares in Europe. Krakow is home to a fire breathing dragon at the castle, which is great to discover on a free walking tour on your first day.

Where to stay in Krakow: Hotel 32

Best Things to do in Krakow

• Explore the local history of the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Clock Tower, which you can also climb for some views
• Visit the Wawel Hill, the first UNESCO site in the world
• Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on a day trip
• Enjoy many local restaurants and bars throughout the city

Days 3-4 Kolobrzeg

Head to the beach for a few days of relaxation on your next stop at the city of Kolobrzeg. Here along the coast, you can enjoy some beach weather and relax. Book yourself. into the stunning (adults-only) Hotel Hanseatic , just a short walk away from the beach. Besides beach time, you can also:

• Explore the 17th century lighthouse
• Visit the Polish Army Museum

Days 4-7 Gdansk

For days four to seven, make your way from Kolobrzeg via Gdnyia and Sopot to Gdansk. All three locations are linked but it’s best to stay in Gdansk. Gdansk is a beautiful canal city, also known as the Venice of the North .

Where to stay in Gdansk: Apartamenty Michel

Best Things to do in Gdansk

• Visit the Olivia Star Observation Deck
• Enjoy a local boat tour  
• Stroll and shop in the car-free city centre
• Get tipsy on Poland’s national drink

Days 7-10 Warsaw

As the capital of Poland, Warsaw is a must-see and the perfect end (or start) to your Poland road trip . Warsaw offers excellent historical and cultural attractions, as well as modern malls and boutiques.

Where to stay in Warsaw: Moxy Warsaw Praga

Don’t Miss These in Warsaw

• Visit the university botanical gardens
• Explore the Royal Łazienki Park and residence
• Enjoy 360 views at the Palace of Culture and Science
• Attend a Chopin piano concert in the Royal Castle

Which Itinerary for Eastern Europe did you Choose?

Let us know which trip you decided on, or one that should be on the list.

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The Ultimate Interrail Itinerary for Eastern Europe

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Planning an Interrail trip? Then check out my amazing Interrail itinerary for Eastern Europe packed full of advice & the best Interrail routes!

If you’re looking for popular Interrail routes in Eastern Europe, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post I’ll go through my ultimate Interrail itinerary for Eastern Europe. This will include where to go, what to do when you’re there, and obviously how to get around.

I have so much love for travelling through Eastern Europe by Interrail. Hopefully this post inspires you to follow in my footsteps and do the same!

What is Interrailing?

Interrailing has changed a lot over the years. This year is the 50 th anniversary, and it has evolved from a rail pass just for the young to encompass all ages, from children to seniors. That means everyone from families to people in their 60s can go on an Interrail adventure! As another incentive, kids aged under 12 travel for free.

With just one Interrail pass you can access over 40,000 destinations in 33 countries. The best bit is you can have unlimited journeys in a 3-month period – this really is one of the most flexible ways of travelling to multiple countries, and Europe is the perfect place to do it.

Also, train travel is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways of travelling around. Just another reason to go on an Interrailing adventure!

They used to say Interrailing is a right of passage. Well, now anyone can do it, and there’s no better way of celebrating 50 years of Interrailing than going on an epic trip.

My Eastern Europe Interrail adventure

I first went Interrailing for 10 weeks back in 2014.

You know the story. I was in a job I didn’t enjoy, I had saved up a load of money and I was itching to go on an adventure. That’s when I decided to go Interrailing through Eastern Europe, somewhere I had never been before. In fact, I hardly knew anything about Eastern Europe – that’s what attracted me in the first place!

I didn’t actually plan all that much before I left. I had a rough itinerary for Eastern Europe, but the whole point of Interrailing was to go with the wind. It was always my idea if I liked somewhere, I’d stay. If I didn’t, I’d move on.

Honestly, I can’t tell you how much I loved that Interrailing trip. In 10 weeks I travelled to 8 different countries. I went to some of the craziest communist monuments in Bulgaria, swam in the crystal-clear waters in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro , hiked up in the stunning Serbian mountains, and met so many incredible people along the way.

As I said, hopefully this blog post will help you plan your Eastern Europe interrailing itinerary. I promise you you’re in for a trip of a lifetime!

Interrail itinerary for Eastern Europe

Here is a quick overview of some of the destinations you can visit on this trip. Obviously you can pick and choose your favourites.

Most people travel via the capitals of each country, but I’ll point of the highlights in each place so you’re not missing out on anything.

• Bucharest, Brasov , Sibiu , Sighisoara , Timisoara – Romania
• Belgrade , Novi Sad, Bajina Basta – Serbia
• Kotor, Tivat, Durmitor National Park, Ulcinj – Montenegro
• Skopje , Ohrid , Bitola – North Macedonia
• Sofia, Plovdiv , Veliko Tarnova, Varna – Bulgaria

Places to visit in Eastern Europe

Romania is by far the most popular country in Eastern Europe. For me, it completely optimises how great it is travelling around this part of the world.

Bucharest is a really youthful and vibrant city where you can find trendy restaurants and swanky speakeasy bars. Step away from the city though, and it’s like stepping back in time.

A place I’d always recommend to people is the small city of Brasov . From here, you can explore the countryside and visit the nearby castles. If you didn’t know already, this is Dracula’s land. Bran Castle used to be the home of Vlad Tepes, otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula.

Also, even though he never visited Romania, Irish author Bram Stoker used Bran Castle as the setting for Dracula, hence the connection here.

A couple of other places to visit in Romania are the medieval towns of Sibiu and Sighisoara, both right in the heart of Transylvania.

One of the things you will immediately notice about walking the streets of Sighisoara is the colours – practically every other building is painted a bright pastel colour, and it really brings a vibrancy to the town.

Top things to do in Romania:

1. Visit the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest , the second largest building in the world.

2. Take a tour of Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Rasnov Fortress

3. Walk the narrow streets of Sighisoara, a whole town that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site

4. Go bar hopping through the student town of Timisoara

5. Go hiking in the wild Carpathian Mountains

Language: Romanian (but English is spoken quite widely)

How many days to stay: 4 to 7 days. I personally spent about 10 days travelling around Romania as I loved it so much.

From Romania, it’s really easy catching the train to Serbia . There are plenty of trains from Timisoara to Novi Sad or direct to the capital Belgrade.

You might’ve heard of Novi Sad before from Exit music festival . This is one of the biggest and best festivals in Europe held in Petrovaradin Fortress. I’m not going to lie, adding this place to your Interrail itinerary for Eastern Europe would be absolutely incredible.

Next up is Belgrade. Belgrade is described as the Barcelona of Eastern Europe – cosmopolitan, beautiful boulevards running through the city, al fresco dining throughout summer, and a place that rarely goes to sleep at night.

I completely fell in love with Belgrade and it’s a place I’ve been dying to go back ever since.

One of the best kept secrets in Serbia is Bajina Basta.

The reason I visited Bajina Basta was to go hiking in Tara National Park. Here there is a lovely 10km to Banska Rock.

Once I made it to Banska Rock, I was treated to the most spectacular views of Serbia and Bosnia. You could clearly see the River Drina cutting through the valley, and the views were simply stunning. Honestly, you’ll be hard pushed finding a better viewpoint throughout all of Europe.

Top things to do in Serbia:

1. Party all day and all night at Exit Festival at Novi Sad  

2. Take a tour the famous fortress Kalemegdan in Belgrade

3. See the creepy Skull Tower made up of human heads in Nis  

4. Go hiking through Tara National Park

5. Marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture of Subotica City Hall

Language: Serbian (outside of Belgrade, English isn’t very common)

How many days to stay: 3 to 6 days

The easiest way of travelling from Serbia to Montenegro is between the two capitals, Belgrade and Podgorica.

This train journey is actually one of the most beautiful in all of Eastern Europe. It’s a real marvel of engineering with 254 tunnels and 435 bridges travelling through the mountains all the way down to the Adriatic Sea. One of the best bits is you can skip Podgorica (there’s really not much to do there…) and take it all the way down to Bar which is right on the coast.

By far the jewel in Montenegro’s crown and one of the highlights on any Eastern Europe itinerary is Kotor.

This is a very small medieval town nestled in the Bay of Kotor – just imagine glittering waters and sheer mountains surrounding it. One of my favourite days from my Interrail adventure was hiring a bike and cycling around the Bay of Kotor. I spent the day stopping off at secluded beaches and little local restaurants overlooking the water. It was pure bliss.

If you’re a fan of hiking then somewhere very different to the Adriatic towns of Budvar, Kotor and Tivat all is Durmitor National Park.

Carved out by glaciers and underground rivers millions of years ago, Durmitor is where you’ll find glittering lakes, dizzying canyons and nearly 50 limestone peaks over 2,000m. Basically, this is hiking and rafting country.

Top things to do in Montenegro:

1. Spend the day in the cute town of Kotor 

2. Hire a bike and cycle around the Bay of Kotor

3. Go on a boat tour at Budvar or Tivat

4. Get the adrenaline pumping white-water rafting at Durmitor National Park

5. Visit the little beach town of Ulcinj on the Albanian border

Language: Montenegrin (English is widely spoken throughout Montenegro)

How many days to stay: 4 to 7 days

North Macedonia

Another hidden gem that barely gets any attention in Eastern Europe is North Macedonia .

By far the most popular place to visit in North Macedonia is Ohrid. Based around a lake with the same name, Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old!

Walking among the streets, ancient buildings dating back 2,000 years stand next to modern shops, and the Old Town still retains an old-fashioned charm rarely found.

During summer, visiting the lake is an activity in itself. You can go swimming, paddleboarding, jet skiing, water skiing – basically, any type of water sport!

One of my favourite activities was walking around the lake to the famous Church of St. John. This might even be one of the world’s most beautiful viewpoints from a church!

If you love your history, a place I’d recommend visiting is Bitola. Here you’ll find the ancient Greek city of Heraclea Lyncestis .

It was founded by Philip the 2nd of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC, and he named the city after the Greek hero Heracles. It’s actually one of the finest examples of a Greek city, and one of the best-preserved ones too. The thing is, no one goes there, so you’ll have the place to yourself!

Top things to do in North Macedonia:

1. Marvel at the hundreds of statues dotted around the capital of Skopje  

2. Go kayaking through the stunning Matka Canyon

3. Take a dip in Lake Ohrid  

4. Travel back 2,400 years at Heraclea Lyncestis

5. Stand in awe at the Painted Mosque in Tetovo

Language: Macedonian (English isn’t very common in North Macedonia)

Almost all Eastern Europe Interrail routes include Bulgaria as it’s so easy travelling around by train here.

All trips usually start in the capital of Sofia as this is close to both Albania and Romania.

Sofia is a really bustling city with loads of cool restaurants and bars. One of my top suggestions is going on a food tour through Sofia. This is the best way of getting to know the city through its food (spoiler: the food is actually delicious here).

Another popular place nearby is Rila Monastry up in the mountains. If you’re feeling particular adventurous, you can hike to the Rila Lakes , spend the night in a tiny mountain hut in the middle of nowhere, and then hike to Rila Monastery the following day. 

One of the things I found so crazy about Bulgaria is there are still these giant statues commemorating the former Soviet Union. Bulgaria is the only country in Eastern Europe not to demolish these relics, and weirdly they have now become tourist attractions in their own right.

The weirdest one is the former communist headquarters outside of Veliko Tarnova. It looks like a giant UFO that’s crashed into the side of a mountain. Don’t believe me? You can read all about it here !

Top things to do in Bulgaria:

1. Hike the 7 Rila Lake s then onto Rila Monastery   

2. Visit Buzludzha, the former communist headquarters of the Soviet Empire

3. Party on the beach at Varna  

4. See the ancient amphitheatre at Plovdiv

5. Take in the beauty of Belogradchik Rocks  

Language: Bulgarian (English is spoken in Sofia and Varna, less in other parts of the country)

Interrail routes: 3 weeks in the Balkans

If I was to come up with a Interrail route for 3 weeks in the Balkans, it would look something like this. This is travelling around quite a lot, so bare that in mind!

• Bucharest – 2 days
• Brasov – 2 days
• Novi Sad – 2 days
• Belgrade – 2 days
• Kotor – 3 days
• Durmitor National Park – 2 days
• Ohrid – 2 days
• Skopje – 1 day
• Sofia – 2 days
• Veliko Tarnova – 1 day
• Varna – 1 day

Top tips for Interrailing

Choose your holiday spots wisely. Lazing on a beach in Spain is going to be a lot more expensive than lazing on a beach in Montenegro. In general, Western and Northern Europe is much more expensive compared to Eastern Europe.

Try to avoid the ‘busy season’

In Europe this is July and August, with one month either side also being popular. A trip in late September or October is much cheaper, and you still catch some of that summer sun. Many hotels and campgrounds reduce their prices up to as much as 80% after the summer holidays.

Avoid train reservations and supplements

Although most high-speed trains require reservations and/or supplements, it’s often possible to avoid paying these extras when you research alternative routes .

This means that you’ll use domestic trains, which are slower, but it normally means also that your travel is free from those extra costs. A bonus though, if you take a night train, you do have to pay a supplement (boo), but you save on accommodation cost (yah!)

Travel days

If you have limited travel days then sometimes it is cheaper to buy a train ticket to go a short distance than to have to use a whole travel day. It is best to only use travel days for longer distances or for multiple journeys. That way you’re getting the best value for your money.

Local transport

Big cities often have various train stations, so you can use your Interrail Pass to go from one part of the city to another by train. In bigger German cities, your Interrail Pass is also valid on the S-Bahn (but not on the U-Bahn).

Local transport is a cheap method to get round a city. If you’re really on a budget then look into hiring a bike or walking around the city. Much cheaper and keeps you fit too!

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

Despite the UK having left the EU, you can still travel to EU countries without having to apply for a visa. You don’t need a visa if you visit as a tourist and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and the same counts for Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.  

Interrail packing list

As you can imagine, I travel a lot. It comes with the territory of being a travel blogger! That being said, there are some things that I now can’t travel without. If you’re planning your Interrail itinerary, I’d really recommend taking these items with you:

• Sunglasses: Mens | Womens – These are an absolute must as soon as you step off the plane, holiday mode very firmly on!
• Cool felt hat – I always love travelling with a hat these days, especially during summer when the sun’s out.
• Rain jacket: Mens | Womens – Sorry guys, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a pac-a-mac or rain jacket that packs down small. Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it.
• Bum bag – Very easy and simple for wandering around a city and it means you can leave a big bag at the hotel room.
• Sleep mask – 100% take this with me on every trip.
• Ear plugs – Even if you’re staying in a 5* hotel, you might need ear plugs.

• Water bottle – I am a water bottle convert and I barely leave the house without one now. This is a great water bottle with a built in straw – it’s surprisingly handy!
• Waterproof phone carrier – Another game changer. I always use this when I’m on the beach to protect my phone from sand or when I’m kayaking to protect it from water.
• Portable charger – Does anyone travel without these now? This one is my favourite – just make sure you charge it before you get on the plane!
• Jabra earbuds – After trying so many different types of earbuds, these are now my go-to ones. Great for wandering around a city.
• Multi-adapter plug – This is the one item you’re most likely to forget.

This post was in association with National Rail to promote MyInterrail highlighting some of the best Interrail routes. As always, all views are entirely my own and without bias.

What do you think are the best places to visit in Eastern Europe? If you have any questions at all about my Eastern Europe itinerary, let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Interrail Itinerary for Eastern Europe”

About how much did you spend on average per day or overall for this trip?

Good question. I was aiming for a budget of about 30/50 euros per day, depending on activities. Obviously eastern Europe is a lot cheaper than western Europe, but it can still add up over a long trip.

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25 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Eastern Europe might not be everyone’s number one travel destination. Communist-era buildings, the conflicts in the 1990s and border disputes in recent years have meant much of the region has been overlooked by potential tourists.

But with its patchwork of pretty, pastel-colored old towns, incredible ancient history, exciting nightlife, and nature from sprawling lakes to swooping mountains, Eastern Europe is a surprising delight. History, culture, nature, ethnicity – all of them mix into an intriguing swirl that’s making this part of Europe an increasingly popular vacation destination.

25. Vilnius

Vilnius is the Lithuanian capital which comes complete with a particularly beautiful old town. This heart of the city boasts Baroque architecture along its cobblestone streets. But you can see more than just Baroque: there’s the Gothic Saint Anne’s Church, the 16th-century Gate of Dawn, and the Neo-Classical Vilnius Cathedral.

Other than being home to Europe’s largest Baroque old town, Vilnius contains an array of bars and cafes hidden down charming alleyways and lining atmospheric courtyards. With a large population of students (over 20,000 of them), after night falls, Vilnius becomes a vibrant destination with flowing beer and live music.

Minsk is the Belarusian capital. Completely destroyed during World War II, the city sadly no longer has much in the way of historical monuments or buildings. With that in mind, much of Minsk is actually made up of Stalinist architecture, such as Independence Square, a sprawling former KGB headquarters, and more recent, very impressive churches.

Nowadays, Minsk is a modern city with cool cafes to chill out in with a coffee, restaurants with international cuisine, and interesting art galleries. It’s a cosmopolitan capital that seems to be moving with the times, with a host of nightclubs and bars to visit in the evenings.

23. High Tatras

This rugged collection of mountains on the border of northern Slovakian is the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains. Mount Krivan is the highest peak and is a symbol of the Slovak pride, luring many of its countrymen to climb to the summit.

Over a hundred emerald lakes, gushing waterfalls, and Alpine meadows characterize this beautiful region, making it a great place to hike around; in the winter skiers flock to the snow-covered slopes of the High Tatras. Luckily, you can stay in this marvel of nature, thanks to accommodation ranging from lakefront lodgings to more rustic mountainside retreats.

The Bulgarian capital of Sofia sits in the west of the country. Being something of a crossroads for Europe, it has attracted invaders and settlers alike for the past 2,000 years. Its architecture and landmarks reflect the history of the region, including Ottoman mosques, Greek temples, Roman ruins, and Soviet monuments.

Despite its age, Sofia is a surprisingly youthful city with a laid-back atmosphere, where its citizens enjoy relaxing in green parks and strolling along the boulevard. There are plenty of museums and galleries for you to delve into, but on the other hand, nightlife abounds, with a plethora of restaurants and nightclubs.

21. Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park sits in the south of the little-visited Balkan mystery of Albania , just across the sea from Corfu. It’s got just about everything you could want in a national park – lakes, marshes, grassy plains, wetlands, and even archaeological sites. These include the site of Butrint itself; known in Latin as Buthrotum, it’s full of ancient architecture, including a very well preserved Roman-era theatre and a Greek acropolis.

Elsewhere, this park boasts remote, rocky islands; one even features a 15th-century Venetian fortress known as the Ali Pasha Castle. Visitors looking to stay in Butrint should choose one of the few informal, family-run lodgings here.

20. Cesky Krumlov

In the South Bohemia region in the Czech Republic lies Cesky Krumlov. This historic city is a supremely picturesque place to visit; think orange-tiled rooftops and the pretty riverside of the Vltava River, all flanked by green, rolling hills.

Made up of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the town is overlooked by an impressive 13th-century castle, patchworked with a variety of styles through the ages; there’s also an ornate Baroque theatre to marvel at here.

It’s a town that should not be missed because of its sheer charm and beauty. Come in summer and stay till the sun goes down to watch the energetic city come alive with bars and restaurants.

19. Golden Ring

This is a vast area northeast of Moscow, Russia , that encompasses a handful of historic Russian cities. The medieval towns form a ‘Golden Ring,’ and due to their significance in the early history of Russia and the Rus tribe who founded it, have been labeled open-air museums.

The main towns are Sergiyev Posad, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Suzdal, Yarislavl, Perislavl-Zalessky, and Rostov Veliky. There are significant religious sites such as the 14th-century monastery of Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, grand buildings like Yarislavl, and other churches telling the story of a millennium of Russian Orthodox history.

The Polish capital of Warsaw has had a long, complex history, often marked by war and conflict. It was very much damaged during World War II, for instance, with the old town destroyed. However, it has been lovingly rebuilt to its former medieval glory, with brightly colored townhouses making for a pretty – if slightly artificial – place to wander around.

There’s a mixed bag of architecture across the city, including contemporary cafes and bars to discover. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy and, with a lot of restaurants and some culinary brilliance going on, it’s an excellent destination for foodies.

17. Lake Balaton

Set in western Hungary , the holiday destination of Lake Balaton is awash with beautiful beaches along its shores, as well as resort towns. Flanked by volcanic hills, it’s the largest lake in Eastern Europe, and is thought of as the ‘Hungarian Inner Sea.’

On the northern shores, you’ll find the town of Szigliget, home to a medieval fortress, and the oldest medieval town in the area – Tihany. This old town features a stunning Baroque abbey as its centerpiece.

If you like wine, you’ll be happy to know that Lake Balaton is famous for its vineyards, which dot the surrounding hills. Windsurfing and sailing are popular during the summer months.

Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is famous for its Old Bridge over the Neretva River; in fact, the name Mostar derives from mostari, meaning ‘bridge keeper.’ The bridge was built in 1556 under the orders of the occupying Ottomans, but was destroyed 427 years later in 1993 by Croat forces during the Balkan Wars.

Though it’s easily reachable on a day trip from neighboring Croatia, to get the most out of your visit to Mostar, the best thing to do is stay overnight. The crowds of daytrippers trickle away, and the restaurants high above the river along cobbled streets light up.

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Latvia’s capital is a mix of traditional and contemporary lifestyles. It’s an energetic place, where culture combines with the cobblestone streets for an exciting city atmosphere.

You can expect intricate Art Nouveau architecture intermingling with Gothic spires in the city’s beautiful old town, as well as a buzzing central market where you can dive into the city’s gastronomic delights – from cheese and sausage to black bread – perfect for a picnic in one of Riga’s pretty parks. Sip a cool cocktail or a local beer in one of the many pubs when night falls and the fun begins.

The Russian capital is a must-visit destination. It’s home of the Kremlin – the historic castle-turned-presidential complex – Red Square – a symbol of Russia’s power, and Lenin’s Mausoleum, where you can see the former Communist leader lying in situ.

Of course, the captivating and colorful onion domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral are not to be missed, either. Museums, such as Pushkin State Museum and the State Tretyakov Gallery, allow you to learn more about Moscow, too.

Iconic ballet can be seen at the equally iconic Bolshoi Theatre. For nightlife and bars, head to the Garden Ring District; this is where you will find Moscow’s youthful vibrancy.

13. Lake Ohrid

Straddling the borders of Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid wins not one but two accolades of the natural world: it’s one of the deepest, and also one of the oldest lakes in Europe. Most of the lake falls within Macedonia, making this the best place to base yourself to see the spectacle.

The old town of Ohrid itself, for example, is home to old architecture, family-run lodgings, and a maze of narrow, cobblestone lanes to get lost in. Further south around the lake, Sveti Naum Monastery dates back to 905 AD and is a beautiful building to behold, with views of the surrounding mountains and lake equally stunning.

12. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Huddled in central Croatia , Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its 16 terraced lakes, all conjoined by waterfalls that spill into a limestone canyon. This lovely area is a playground for people with a sense of adventure, who enjoy hiking amongst fantastic scenery.

You can expect boardwalks and hiking trails that wind through limestone rock formations and cliffs, and around the variegated waters of the lakes. That color change is down to the different mineral content of each lake. It’s no wonder that this sublime area was chosen to be Croatia’s first national park – and that it’s a very popular spot in summer.

11. Belgrade

Belgrade is an old city. The capital of Serbia , its long history involves not only Romans and Slavic tribes, but also Ottomans and Habsburg royals. In more recent times, it was the capital of Yugoslavia.

A proud, bold city, Belgrade – while not always beautiful – has an eclectic energy all of its own, with Soviet blocks next to golden age Art Nouveau buildings; the city’s patchwork history remains. It’s also a lively place to be and one of the most hip capitals of Eastern Europe. Spend time sipping coffee in quirky cafes, stroll along the pedestrianized boulevard Knez Mihailova, and hit up one of the packed bars in the riverside Savamala quarter.

The Ukranian capital is an intriguing place – it’s vibrant, it’s historic, it’s atmospheric. Founded in the 5th century AD, Kyiv is one of Eastern Europe’s oldest cities, and was the center of the federation of Kievan Rus’.

There are plenty of places to soak up the history, like at the Pechersk Lavra complex – an important Orthodox Christian church – as well as the Saint Sophia Cathedral, with its breathtaking interiors and golden domes.

Elsewhere, the Motherland Monument is a dizzying Soviet marvel in concrete. At weekends, Khreschatyk Street is pedestrianized and comes alive with people enjoying their days off.

9. Lake Bled

Slovenia’s spectacular Lake Bled sits in the Julian Alps in the northwest of the country. This dazzling, mirror-like body of water is backed by tree-covered hills and snow-peaked mountains, for one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Eastern Europe.

Here, there’s Bled Castle sitting high on a cliff above the lake, and Bled Island in the center of the lake, reached by traditional wooden boats called pletna. There are a range of hiking paths around the lake, meandering in and out of woodlands and villages. The town of Bled is a popular place to base yourself to explore the lake, but staying in the capital of Ljubljana puts you in easy reach, too.

8. Budapest

The Hungarian capital that straddles the Danube River – and formerly the capital of the illustrious Austro-Hungarian Empire – Budapest is made up of three cities – Buda, Pest, and Obuda. Pest, in the east, is characterized by its Neo-Gothic spires – in particular, the soaring Parliament Building.

Buda, with its medieval Castle Hill, 13th-century Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, can trace its history back to the Romans. Obuda is even older: the Roman capital of Pannonia, Aquincum, was established here in 106 AD.

Around the city, enjoy the much-loved thermal baths, spend an evening at the opera, pedal around Margaret Island, and hop around the emblematic ruin bars.

7. Bay of Kotor

A sweeping bay in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the Bay of Kotor – also known as Boka – is situated in southwestern Montenegro . It’s a beautiful spot ringed by jagged green hills and medieval towns, with red-roofed houses spilling down to the coastline. Best explored by car along its winding roads, the region is packed full with incredible sights – from old citadels to islands topped with monasteries.

The bucolic, beautiful Bay of Kotor transcends others in the region – and there’s plenty of chances for seafood and delicious dinners by the sea to complement the scenery. Kotor old town is a Venetian wonder, surrounded by walls with a mountain backdrop that’s well worth using as a base.

The capital of Estonia , Tallinn entices. With its 14-century old town, built as a defense system, when you walk through the impressive medieval Viru Gates, you can feel the history right away.

Parts of Tallinn’s city wall are still walkable, complete with windows where you can glimpse the charming city below; you can also get grand vistas of the city skyline from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform atop Toompea Hill.

There are also historic churches such as Saint Olaf’s Church, dating back to the 1200s. Tallinn has a hipster side too: former warehouses comprise Telliskivi Creative City, complete with trendy restaurants, bars, and shops.

5. Transylvania

The central Romanian region of Transylvania is synonymous with stories of Dracula and bloodthirsty vampires. Whilst not entirely true, the area is mythical in terms of its natural beauty; bordered by the Carpathian Mountains, visiting Transylvania is like being transported into a slow-paced, medieval world. The countryside abounds quaint villages and local life between pastures and swathes of hills blanketed by trees.

There are many historic fortresses built by medieval German settlers, including the famous Bran Castle: these daunting spires make up what is popularly known as Dracula’s Castle . Make sure to visit the colorful city of Sighisoara, stacked with Saxon medieval architecture. You should also try out the region’s many thermal springs.

4. Saint Petersburg

The old capital of Imperial Russia, St. Petersburg is the cultural center of the country. It was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and is home to lavish imperial buildings. Other sights include the Mariinsky Theatre for a world class ballet and opera, the lavish 1880s Church of Spilled Blood, as well as the State Russian Museum, where you can muse over Kandinsky Pieces.

The Hermitage Museum, spread over six buildings including the beautiful Winter Palace, has an incredible collection of antiques to marvel at. St. Petersburg is also a canal city with a Baltic coastline to boot; you can expect great shopping, dining and nightlife.

This southern Polish city, close to the Czech Republic, is a former royal capital. There is a beguiling mix of medieval buildings and modern-day, youthful nightlife to soak up here. Krakow is known not only for its old town – complete with the 13th-century Rynek Glowny, a cafe-lined market square, which is where you’ll find the iconic Cloth Hall, the grandiose centerpiece of the square.

It’s also known for its Old Jewish Quarter, called Kazimierz. Once home to the Jewish community of Krakow, Kazimierz has a new lease of life with boutiques and great restaurants; you can also visit places that appeared in Schindler’s List.

See also: Where to Stay in Krakow

2. Dubrovnik

Set in the south of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is famous for its old town. This walled, medieval part of town was shelled in 1991 during the Balkan Wars, but has been restored to its former glory. Take a walk along the old city walls and be beguiled by the Baroque buildings; enjoy lazy afternoons at streetside restaurants soaking up the splendor of the city.

See also: Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Stroll along the Stradun – the main pedestrian walkway through town – pick up some morning produce at the market in Gundulic Square, and siesta in a range of accommodation. Fans of Game of Thrones and Star Wars can easily find filming locations around the fortress.

Prague was given the nickname ‘City of 100 Spires,’ and it’s not wholly incorrect: the old town of Prague is bristling with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, boasting soaring spires that make the skyline like something from another time. Now the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague was once capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Prague has a lot of sights pointing to its history, like the 9th century AD Prague Castle. There’s the 14th-century Charles Bridge boasting its stunningly ornate Gothic towers, and the old town square where you’ll find Prague Astronomical Clock – the oldest still functioning in the world.

See also: Where to Stay in Prague

One of Europe’s most popular city destinations, Prague is also awash with lodgings, eateries, bars, and nightlife.

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The 18 Best Cities to Visit in Eastern Europe

I was in my early twenties when I first travelled to cities in Eastern Europe. Since then, the cities I visited have become some of my favourite destinations across the continent. There’s just something so magical about getting off the beaten path and going somewhere new. Travelling to cities that shock and excite you. And that is entirely why I’m here to share with you my favourite cities in Eastern Europe to help you book an adventure of your own!

1. Budapest, Hungary

Stealing hearts now more than ever, Budapest has become one of the most popular cities in Eastern Europe and for good reason. Many moons ago (okay maybe only 7 years give or take), the city of Budapest was one of Europe’s best kept secrets and indeed one of its’ most underrated cities. Nowadays Budapest has become a must visit for travellers looking to venture East from Central European countries like Germany, Austria and Slovenia, especially so if you’re hoping for an escape from the €.

Read more: 20 Places you must see in Budapest

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

A hot favourite, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe’s most sought after cities to visit. It is undeniably one of the most popular cities in Eastern Europe – but this hasn’t always been the case. This city on the coast of Croatia is a summer worth crossing an ocean for, so whatever direction you’re coming from – be sure to give yourself plenty of time to unwind!

Read more: 10 Things you Must Do in Croatia

3. St Petersburg, Russia

Of all the cities I’ve explored in Europe, St Petersburg is the one I was most excited for and boy did it not disappoint. Having studied Russian history at university I was determined to see the legacy of Peter the Great – both in introducing Eastern Europe to Western culture and customs, as well as the architecture, art and of course a visit to the palatial summer residence to visit the royal gardens in all their playful glory.

Read more: A Quick Guide to St Petersburg, Russia

4. Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia – Tallinn – has become a staple stopover for visitors to Helsinki who are looking to enjoy the Baltics briefly in a one or two day stopover. This fairytale capital city has one of Europe’s most well-preserved Old Towns, with the likes of Unicorn juice still available for purchase at the local pharmacy. Sold!

Read more: The Top 10 Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia

5. Riga, Latvia

Riga has become another “quick visit” city for travellers in the Baltics, thanks to its’ cheap airlines connecting many travel routes from East to West and vice versa. Riga is a city worthy of at least two full days to explore and has a lot of charm on offer, especially in the Spring/Summer time.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

My visits to Prague have been plentiful – thanks in part to a short stint living in Berlin, but mostly to an undying love affair with this fascinating city. Blending a range of architectures (mostly Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque), this city is a world in itself. Expect a handful of magical encounters and quirky boutiques selling figurines as mysterious as the encounters on the street. This is quite a fun city to explore!

Read more: A Guide to Visiting Prague

7. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a city many of us long to visit – not only for its charm and beauty, but also the dark past of nearby Auschwitz and Birkenau that allow visitors to pay respects, stop and learn the details of the Holocaust. The city itself is vibrant and buzzing with students, giving it a unique appeal for young travellers looking to mix in with locals and enjoy all the city has to offer.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Krakow

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

Conveniently located on the direct train route between Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava is another great city to stopover for a day or two, especially if you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary and away from the crowds.

Read more: The 20 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in Europe

9. Brasov, Romania

Brasov is one of Romania’s most visited cities thanks to its convenient location as the gateway to the most recognisable castles in the country: Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle) and Peles Castle. The city itself deserves a day or two to explore, though you could very happily perch yourself on an Air BnB balcony for a handful of days to enjoy a slower pace as your dollar will inevitably stretch farther when converting to the Romanian leu.

Read more: 8 Places you Must Visit in Romania

10. Warsaw, Poland

The capital of Poland has a turbulent past, however an ongoing effort to preserve the city’s Old Town in all of its glory makes this one of Eastern Europe’s prettiest capitals – a title of which it so often does receive (but very much deserves!) Poland still remains on the zloty, making it one of the more affordable countries to visit in Europe, allowing you to spend a while longer and stretch your dollar further.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Warsaw

11. Belgrade, Serbia

The capital of Serbia has a way of capturing hearts, especially in the warmer months when diners take their lunches and dinners al fresco, in balmy evenings that see much of the city’s inhabitants surface for an all round social affair. The city is also one of the most affordable cities to visit on the list and as such is a great spot to stop for a while and enjoy life like a local (Aussies: also note that Serbia is not included in your Schengen visa allowance of 90 days!)

12. Lviv, Ukraine

Venturing further East, Lviv is located a short journey onwards from the Polish border and is Ukraine’s seventh largest city, making it the perfect size to explore over a few days. The architecture is a marvel in itself, with influences from nearby Poland, Austro-Hungarian heritage and a unique mix between Eastern, Central and Western European styles.

13. Sibiu, Romania

Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated countries to visit and home to some of the most epic landscapes you will see the world over. Mountains, valleys and impressive castles await, with Sibiu being one of the best cities to base yourself to explore the nearby region. Located in the region of Transylvania, Sibiu is one of the gateways to the castles in the nearby region. Be sure not to miss Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s castle) and Peles Castle (the filming location for the recent film  A Christmas Prince ).

14. Moscow, Russia

The Russian capital is as fascinating in real life as you could imagine, even if you let your mind get creative. Visiting historic sites, churches and of course the Kremlin will require at least four days on the ground to experience it all. Even if you’re staying centrally, be sure to venture underground to Moscow’s metro stations as they are considered some of the most extravagant and opulent in the world.

Read more: Where to Eat, Play and Stay in Moscow

15. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

As our regular readers will already know, Cesky Krumlov is a WOW favourite and hands down one of the prettiest small cities in all of Europe. Just a few hours bus ride south of Prague, there really is no way you can visit Czech Republic without stopping by “Krumlov” as it is fondly known to locals.

Read more: The cutest town: A Guide to Visiting Cesky Krumlov

16. Wroclaw, Poland

Another favourite for Poland is Wroclaw – the largest city in Western Europe and easily accessible by road from Germany if you are venturing East from there. With intricate and beautifully presented town houses, this city is as pretty as a postcard and it is little wonder it has earned its place as one of Poland’s prettiest pit stops.

Read more: Is this the prettiest town in Europe? Why you must visit Wroclaw

17. Gdansk, Poland

If you haven’t had enough of Poland quite yet then venture onwards to Gdansk, a port city on the Baltic coast. The Old Town has been reconstructed post WWII but has noticeably managed to maintain its appeal and old world charm.

18. Kiev, Ukraine

Finally, the capital of Ukraine would still have to be one of our most favourite cities in Eastern Europe and still one of the most underrated (how we are still unsure!?) There is endless history to be discovered and an ever-changing future for the country with Kiev at the heart of it. Be sure to allow at least four days on the ground to explore the city of Kiev – the sheer geographic size of the city is astounding!

Over to you! Where are your favourite cities in Eastern Europe? Follow me on Instagram for more inspiration!

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Thank you for sharing such amazing content.

Beautiful photos and interesting comments, butI don’t think the citizens of Bratislava (an hour away from Vienna) would thank you for saying they’re in Eastern Europe! Geographical quirks in Europe can be very misleading for non-Europeans too: such as Kirkenes in Norway being further east than Istanbul!

Very informative… Thank you!!!!

I’m happy to have found this amazing article and I very much enjoyed reading it. I am a British-Hungarian citizen. If you allow me to point out a little error, then it is about Hungary’s geographical categorisation. Hungary is not in Eastern Europe, nor is the Czech Republic. These two are as much Central European as Austria itself. According to the official map of Central Europe, Hungary and the Czech Republic are in this area. Hungary also has a famous university called Central-European University in its capital Budapest. . In a strategical and economic point of view Hungary is the …  Read more »

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The ultimate road trip routes through eastern europe.

E astern Europe is one of the most culturally and naturally diverse regions in the world. It’s often overlooked by those opting for more traditional European escapes, but, personally, I have been constantly blown away while living and traveling there. The history is complex and, therefore, so is the culture, with remnants from an array of political and religious influences.

In this region, you can find it all and do it all. Considering the nature, cities and nightlife, architecture, scenery, arts and food, there’s always something new at the next turn. An Eastern European road trip may very well be your most epic adventure to date. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to tackle it all at once but here are three options that will keep you exploring.

The Center Loop

Route: Vienna — Ljubljana — Zagreb — Budapest — Krákow — Wroclaw — Prague — Vienna

• Total days: 12
• Distance: 2,370 KM
• Best time to go: From May to September

This route is superb not only because you are hopping from one city, filled with unbelievable character and nightlife, to the next, but you can also detour and catch some serious scenery.

Start in Austria’s capital, Vienna , for a few days of sightseeing (and some wiener schnitzel) before heading south and crossing the border into Slovenia and on to Ljubljana . Slovenia is a small country and it’s fairly easy to drive from one end to the next in a matter of hours.

It’s a great place to explore: Lake Bled is famous for a reason (or opt for its larger, less crowded neighbor, Lake Bohinj), the mountains in Triglav National Park, or the old walled seaside town of Piran (yes, Slovenia even has a sliver of Adriatic coastline).

From there you can cross over to Zagreb , Croatia. Zagreb is surprisingly small for a European capital, meaning you can see it all in a day or two. It has two old towns, a ton of street art, a beautiful park that dominates its core, and an emerging foodie scene. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, essentially a web of lakes all connected by waterfalls, is an easy day trip.

Save your late nights for your arrival in Budapest . This city lives and breathes for you as you make your way through its historic core to ruin bars, discos, and some of the grandest sights in Eastern Europe.

From Budapest get back on the road and head to Krákow. Getting to Krákow means crossing the entire country of Slovakia, so detour through the High Tatras mountains and roam the 900-year-old Spiš Castle. Once in Krákow, it’s best to experience it by foot. The city is unmatched for its food, spirits, nightlife, arts, and some of the most haunting history in the entire region. And it’s not far from Wroclaw, a perfectly picturesque city with its signature pastel-colored, cookie-cutter buildings of Old Town Hall.

This road trip hits all the greats, including Prague , a city that is sure to captivate you from start to finish. It’s so immaculately preserved, with twisting cobblestone streets and perfect architecture, you really might pinch yourself.

The food is some of the best and no trip is complete without a dozen nighttime strolls when the city really sparkles. Finish your trip back in Vienna, put your feet up, and savor the rich cafe culture.

John Lennon Wall

Castle hill.

• Explore the Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna.
• Hike the Vintgar Gorge near Lake Bled.
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb.
• Relax in Budapest’s thermal baths.
• Eat at one of the Milk Bars and taste vodka in Kazimierz.
• Fish in the Labska Dam in the Kroknose Mountain Range.
• Tour the prestigious wineries of Krasna Hora.

Route: Warsaw — Krutynia River — Vilnius — Riga — Pärnu — Tallinn

• Total days: 8
• Distance: 1,130 KM
• Best time to go: From May to July

Begin this trip in Warsaw, Poland. Warsaw is a large and diverse capital city.

There’s no one neighborhood to see, so some exploring is required. But the exposure to warm, pastel architecture juxtaposed with gray, Communist concrete will certainly leave an impression. Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests, is a close day trip, and so is Poland’s lake district on the Krutynia River where you can kayak and relax.

From Warsaw, cross the border into Lithuania. Vilnius , the capital of Lithuania, is buzzing with energy while still embracing its historic past, filled with castles and palaces and impressive baroque architecture. Potatoes seem to be the theme of every meal, but it’s worth it for meat-filled potato pancakes and dumplings.

Next cross to Lativa where you’ll find the food in Riga is similar, but a little lighter, taking the form of smoked fish and sausages. It will fuel you for all there is to do in this amazing city. It’s certainly a place to wander and stare, with a quirky mix of gothic spires and art nouveau details.

Pärnu is a little detour on your way to Tallinn and perfectly breaks up the city theme. It’s on the sea, it’s charming, it’s old, it’s quaint, and it’s an excellent place to spend a lazy summer day. You’ll refresh yourself before heading to another bustling capital city. Estonia’s capital Tallinn is smaller than Riga, a bit more concentrated and peaceful, and maybe the most picturesque of the Baltic cities.

Gediminas Castle Tower

Supreme court of poland, canoe trips - soomaa.com.

• Taste pierogies in Warsaw’s Old Town.
• Kayak or canoe down the Krutynia River.
• Experience interrogation by retired KGB agents in Vilnius.
• Enjoy traditional drinks and Latvian folk music in Riga.
• Take a romantic stroll along the seawall in Pärnu.
• Sing Estonian songs with a choir of 30,000 in Tallinn.

The Balkans

Route: Bay of Kotor — Dubrovnik — Split — Zadar — Ljubljana

• Total days: 7
• Distance 820 KM
• Best time to go: From May to August

This road trip starts off with some incredible scenery. The Bay of Kotor may very well leave you speechless with its giant, jagged peaks surrounding a calm and historic inlet. The old town is one of the most preserved in the region and you can hike up to the fortress for dizzying views. The coast is well worth the time and brings you to Dubrovnik, another perfectly preserved old town. There is almost too much to see here, and you will easily get your architecture fix wandering through the narrow streets, and your adventure fix kayaking around the walls.

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but so is Split , which is home to the perfectly squared and preserved Diocletian Palace.

This is an excellent place to wander and get a little lost. You can find quiet, beautiful corners and hidden cafes filled with locals. In the city’s park, Marjan, you can ditch the crowds, enjoy nature, and find some secret swimming holes.

Zadar is a port city framed by dramatic mountains and home to some of the country’s best sunsets. Island hopping is the thing to do here, and these islands are not nearly as crowded as those found near Split. End the trip in Ljubljana , a super artsy, foodie, and green capital. You can spread your hipster wings here and hang out in Metelkova, a prison turned hostel and public art space.

Marjan Forest Park

Kampana tower, dubrovnik city walls.

• Eat farm-fresh cheese from the hills near the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.
• Enjoy incredible views from Dubrovnik’s City Walls.
• Swim in the Adriatic Sea at Bacvice Beach in Split.
• Explore the waterfalls in Krka National Park.
• Listen to the waves play the Sea Organ in Zadar.

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17 Day Eastern Europe Tour of Vienna, Budapest, Kraków, Berlin and Prague

17 days, 8 countries and 14 cities

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16 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 7 Dinners

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Shine a spotlight on Prague's colourful medieval streets and good times with a local Hungarian family at their winery. On this exciting eastern Europe trip you’ll get to know all the highlights and hidden gems of eight spellbinding countries.

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17 days itinerary trip from Vienna to Vienna visiting 8 countries and 14 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague

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Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia, Castle Hill District in Budapest, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, Berlin TV Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague and Tábor

View Lake Balaton, the Archbishop's Palace and the Opera House in Zagreb, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

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Train Travel in Eastern Europe – The Adventure of Lifetime with this Amazing Eastern Europe Itinerary!

By: Author Jim Vail

Posted on Published: 3 September 15  - Last updated: 3 January 24

Home » DIY Travel » Train Travel in Eastern Europe – The Adventure of Lifetime with this Amazing Eastern Europe Itinerary!

An insider’s guide to train travel in Eastern Europe! A fantastic read for anyone who wants to ride a train across Europe! Plus, after reading this guide, you will not be able to stop yourself from buying tickets and riding across Europe.

Living in Germany allowed us to start exploring Eastern Europe and those post-Soviet countries that all gained their independence in around 1991. Taking the trains allowed us to get a taste of a few new countries at a time, meet the people, and see the landscapes glide by through the windows.

In this guide to using trains in Eastern Europe and the Eastern Europe rail pass, ee’ll share our planning strategy, suggested routes, and planning tools.

On top of that, we’ll also try to answer some frequently asked questions about train travel in Eastern Europe. And finally, we’ll share some stories from our journey.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Common Questions About Train Travel in Eastern Europe

• An Epic Eurail Eastern Europe Itinerary
• Tools for Planning a European Train Trip

Apps for Train Travel in Eastern Europe

• What are Train Stations like When You do Train Travel in Eastern Europe?

More Useful Resources for Train Travel in Eastern Europe

We really enjoyed taking the overnight trains from Ankara to Istanbul and Izmir while we were living in Turkey , and that is more what we had pictured. All of these thoughts and more were bubbling around in our heads and for the first time in a long time the prospect of going through the motions of travel, the getting from point A to point B, was something of a mystery.

When our Eurail passes arrived in the mail in early June I thought, “We have plenty of time to plan this trip.” There was this vague, nebulous idea that we would ride trains and our stops could be the capital cities of Eastern Europe.

We knew we would visit as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as we could and that we wanted to visit as many new countries that time allowed. But when it came down to planning and figuring out a specific route we just kept avoiding it. What a chore!

And wouldn’t all of that planning and scheduling turn the trip into a checklist of sights and cities? Where was the adventure and romance of traveling through Europe on a Global pass, going wherever our fancy took us? It was easy enough to put off all of that drudgery!

We had lots of questions to answer while we were planning our train journey through Eastern Europe.

Is Train Travel in Eastern Europe Safe?

Traveling by train between cities is not the same thing as traveling on public transportation within cities. To begin with everyone should have a seat. So, there aren’t people bumping into you, trying to grab your wallet or camera.

That doesn’t mean there is no theft. It’s a good idea to keep your most valuable items, like your passport, credit cards, and money on your person. Especially on night trains, you will fall asleep, and that will give an opportunity to someone to steal.

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, and know where your luggage is (try to stay as close as possible to it). On all the trains we’ve taken in Europe, we never felt unsafe, and we never had anything stolen. Everyone we met were just trying to get somewhere.

Do They Check Passports on Trains in Eastern Europe?

At every border, customs agents got on the train. In the Schengen zone, they visibly calculated how many days you had left on your visa. In fact, when we traversed Poland to Slovakia, a young couple were kicked off because they’d overstayed their Schengen.

Crossing the borders of all the Eastern European countries, the customs agents were thorough, but not intimidating, just like the ticket collectors.

Do You Need Seat Reservations on Trains in Eastern Europe?

One of the questions we got a lot was, “Did we always need a seat or ticket reservation?” It usually only costs a few euros to reserve a first class seat (if there is a first class car on the train) so if you have time you might as well get the reservation.

We found that many of the ticket clerks would tell us if we didn’t really need the reservation and they were always spot on. Sometimes, however, you don’t have time to make the reservation or even inquire about it. What does an intrepid Eurail traveler do in these situations?

Leaving Krakow we had intended to head north to Warsaw and had made the reservation in the afternoon the day before we planned to depart. During the evening we talked ourselves out of Warsaw and right out of Poland.

It was time to start heading south and east, that’s why we came on this trip wasn’t it? The reservation was free so we just scrapped it.

The ticket office in Krakow is open all night but I wasn’t really feeling up to the 15-minute walk at midnight so we just consulted our trusty DB Navigator , found a train leaving early the next morning, got a few hours of sleep and then jumped aboard the train for Zilina.

There weren’t any first class cars so we just grabbed a seat in second class and had a great time making friends. In Zilina we switched trains to Levoca and–yes!–there was a first class car.

The second class cars were all overloaded with no seats to be found. We had to walk through all eleven cars with the hopes that first class would have some seats available.

We checked carefully once we got there and found the last two empty seats on the train had reservation labels on them. We had learned to read them carefully and, as luck would have it, the previous occupants of these two prime seats had only been riding from Bucharest to Zilina.

They had just left when we got on. We took the seats and relaxed comfortably while at every other stop we saw more and more passengers boarding without reservations or seats.

Did we always need reservations? No, but it sure would have been better that time around. So did we go to the train station and talk to a person to plan all of our routes?

No way. Most of these ticket offices or traveler information desks are so busy, especially in summer, that we would have wasted far too much time waiting around.

Building Our Eastern Europe Itinerary

We had the map that came with our passes, and we loved pulling it out and just dreaming about the routes we’d take and the cities we’d visit, but reserve a specific train on a set date? Two months ahead of the visit?

No way. Instead, we spent time looking for resources, trying to figure out the best way to go about this and still maintain some spontaneity.

In the end, we came up with a set of tools and resources which helped us along the way, and it seems like a good idea to share those with others and hopefully help them save some time in their own journey.

Knowing where we wanted to visit along the way was helpful, and once we picked our first destination, everything else just started falling into place.

There were some days on the trip where we changed routes two or three times based on something we read online or after listening to some fellow traveler’s advice. But somehow, everything just worked during our train travel in eastern Europe.

Our final Eastern Europe itinerary turned out like this:

Weiden, Germany–Krakow, Poland–Levoca, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary–Sibiu, Romania–Bucharest, Romania–Sofia, Bulgaria–Thessaloniki, Greece–Skopje, Macedonia–Belgrade, Serbia–Ljubljana, Slovenia–Graz, Austria–Murzzuschlag, Austria–Weiden, Germany

Train Travel in Eastern Europe – Our Train Trip Begins

Walking from our front door to the train station in our little town of Weiden, Germany , we weren’t really sure what was in store for us. Sure, we’ve both been on trains before. Even long distance overnight trains.

Would the trains of eastern Europe be clean, comfortable, and fast like those in the west? Or crowded, slow, hot and grimy, like those crossing the subcontinent of India? More likely, we thought, somewhere in between.

Weiden is a small town with a two-platform station. A few intercity trains go through and even fewer actually stop, so from there we had to take an hour-long commuter ride to Regensburg .

This short sleek new train was fast and comfortable. We were actually cold inside the car, while outside it was the beginning of one of the most blisteringly hot heat waves in Europe’s recent history.

We must have been showing our eagerness and excitement all over our faces; we looked so happy to be on our way that the ticket agent asked us within ten minutes if we wanted her to take our photo. We did!

Aside from this short interaction, train travel at the beginning of our trip was impersonal and sterile. We seemed to be traveling in our own bubble much like during air travel.

As we traveled east and then south that bubble expanded and grew to include more passengers in nearby seats. Somewhere outside of Skopje that bubble burst completely and we were part of a larger community now; all traveling, talking, commiserating, and sweating together in one car packed full of passengers.

Leaving Belgrade and traveling back west and then north we could feel that bubble contracting back towards us and enclosing us in the safe but less than stimulating travel cocoon of western Europe. It seems the more modern and fast the trains traveled the more we were isolated from our fellow travelers.

Perhaps the best example of train traveling working as a catalyst for creating community happened to us on the route between Romania and Bulgaria.

The train connecting Bucharest to Sofia, one of many magnificent Eastern European capitals , seems to have been put in place with the sole purpose of transporting backpackers and other tourist-type rail pass passengers from one major hub to another.

The train consisted of an engine and two cars and none of the passengers we encountered on that trip were from Romania or Bulgaria, everyone of us a traveler, all backpackers in spirit despite the actual luggage being carried.

That train started out as any other in the East. No air conditioning, windows open, passengers sitting quietly in their cars, some sleeping, others reading, small groups in conversation.

The usual banter back and forth: “where have you been on this trip?”, “where are you going?”… exchanges of hotel information or hidden treasures found along the way. All of that ended, however, at the border.

Our train arrived at the border crossing on time and we all sat patiently as the border patrol came on and checked passports.

After they left and we continued to sit in the hot sun, people began to get restless, walking up and down the aisles, exchanging theories on the delay–the bubble was expanding.

After half an hour someone realized we were waiting for the train coming from Sofia, the two engines would be detached and then reattached to the other train’s cars and then pull them back into the engines’ countries of origin. The tourists and the passenger cars could cross borders, but not the engines or their drivers.

After an hour with no sign of the Bulgarian train, passengers began climbing out of the cars. We descended upon that poor somnolent station building like a swarm of lotuses looking for food. Literally.

We were looking for food and drink. No one had been prepared for the delay and water (and alcohol) rations had run dry in the 100 degree heat. A foraging explorer from New Zealand found a small kiosk operating out of a ramshackle hut on the edge of the tracks selling water, snacks, ice cream and beer.

Soon, the entire contents of both cars had spilled out onto the one and only cement platform and an impromptu party broke out. There were toasts to be made, songs to be sung, food to be shared, arguments to be won, friends to be made, breakups, hookups, tears, laughter and–finally–cheers!–as the long overdue train chugged up the tracks towards our motley crew.

Back aboard the train there was a new sense of camaraderie and for a few, at least, the party continued on down the tracks.

This one train ride encapsulated the entire adventurous, and might I say, nostalgic experience. Everything I’d ever read, every story I’d been told or movie I’d seen about a train trip was found in that one leg of our journey.

To be sure, parts of that experience were repeated throughout our adventure but never was it all to be found again on one single train ride.

Beautiful sunsets were just one of the bonuses of train travel in Eastern Europe.So, aside from the adventure and the sense of mystery and facing the unknown, why travel by Eurail? The internet is overflowing with blog posts and articles about how to travel cheaper by rail.

But if you read those posts you’ll quickly discover that while it may be true that we could have done our entire journey for less than the cost of the Eastern Europe Rail Pass, we would have had to know six months prior exactly where and when we wanted to travel.

All of the legs of the journey would have needed to be booked and reserved so far in advance that there would have been no mystery, no flexibility, no unknown to face and overcome.

We were able to use our passes with a magical sense of power. A magic wand allowing admittance and passage across flowing visions of mountainous landscapes, windswept plains, and mirror like lakes reflecting the reds and pinks of sunset as we rattled off into the night.

At no time did our passes let us down. I’m pretty sure that there was one bus in Austria where the mere flash of our rail pass bewitched the driver and convinced him to let us board and ride for free.

An Epic Eurail Eastern Europe Itinerary – Train Travel in Eastern Europe

For our sample easter Europe train adventure we recommend starting out in Munich, Germany. This is a very easy destination with many affordable low cost airlines serving it. Of course, you could start your journey somewhere else along the route. Do some careful searching for cheap flights into Munich, Vienna, Prague, or Warsaw and choose the starting point that works best for you. All of these cities make an excellent starting point for this itinerary.

Munich, Germany

Munich is one of the easiest and cheapest airports to fly into. For this reason it is often the starting point for an eastern Europe train adventure. However, don’t just land, get off a plane, and climb onto a train. Take some time to visit this bustling Bavarian capital. While you’re here consider checking out: the world famous Hofbrauhaus , Berchtesgaden , and the biggest party on Earth – the Oktoberfest (if the time is right). Be sure and check out some of these must try German dishes while you are here, as well.

Time allotted: 2 days Where to stay: Design Hotel Stadt Rosenheim Munich Where to eat: Hofbrauhaus , Wirtshaus in der Au

Prague, Czech Republic

Czechoslovakia was one of the first countries to part ways from the Soviet Union and later went through the Velvet Divorce splitting into the two countries of Czechia and Slovakia. Both of these incredible countries should be on any Eastern Europe itinerary.

Czechia is best known, in my view, for inventing the best beer in the world, pilsner. The capital city, Prague, is a fairytale town with towering gothic spires, and wonderfully ornate architecture. Don’t miss the Top Attractions in Prague like the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and the Clementinum (best view in the city). Of course, when in Prague, everyone should have a beer at U Fleku, a warm trdelnik from a street vendor, and some roast pork with bread dumplings.

Time allotted: 2 days Where to Stay: Unitas Hotel Where to eat: U Fleku , U Parlamentu

Krakow, Poland

Poland’s relatively flat landscape, punctuated by rolling hills and shallow river valleys, makes for easy traveling by train; while it’s medieval town centers offer a vibrant splash of color. Spending two days in Krakow provides the perfect introduction to this friendly country. Explore somber WWII history with a visit to Auschwitz , then go way back in time plumbing the depths of Wieliczha Salt Mine , and later take some time for a beer and pierogi in the old town central square.

Time allotted: 2 days Where to stay: Betmanowska Main Square Residence, Hotel Gródek Where to eat: Pierogarnia Krakowiacy , Gościnna Chata

Levoca, Slovakia

The train journey from Krakow to Levoca is one that needs to be taken during the day. Be sure to be on the left side of the train after leaving Zilina for the best views of the High Tatras mountains. The UNESCO inscribed walled town of Levoca is a renaissance dream . Spend the night in one of the quaint inns in the center and then explore the town in the morning. Don’t miss the Gothic church, the “cage of shame” and the old town hall.

Time allotted: One overnight Where to stay: Hotel U Leva Where to eat: U Leva

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia, is a vibrant city embracing its proud past through a robust building renovation program. Most of the central Old Town has been restored to its medieval and Baroque splendor. Aside from taking a stroll back in time around the expansive pedestrian zone, visitors shouldn’t miss the Blue Church, the quirky sculptures, and the beautifully restored castle.

Time allotted: 2 days Where to stay: Art Hotel William, Arcadia Boutique Hotel Where to eat: Koliba Kamzík

Budapest, Hungary

Few cities have as much charm and old world mystique as Budapest . Spanning both banks of the Danube River, this incredible city of spas and baths is full of romance and culinary treasures. Take a cooking lesson , ride the Children’s Railway , and just explore the sights. Of course you must have a hearty plate of chicken paprikash, some goulash, and a bowl of fish soup on a river boat.

Time allotted: 2 days Where to stay: Danubius Hotel Gellert, Novotel Budapest Danube Where to eat: Kéhli Vendéglő , Szegedi Halászcsárda , Mazel Tov

Known for its haunting stories of Transylvanian vampires, Romania today is anything but scary. This beautifully idyllic countryside provided hours of gorgeous scenery in our window. Get off the train to see ancient castles, fortified churches, and stunning landscapes. Must try foods include mamaliga (polenta), salata de vinete (eggplant dip), and Fasole făcăluită (bean casserole).

Our recommendation is to get off the train for Sightseeing in Sibiu . Then rent a car for a few days and take a road trip to: fortified churches ,  Sighisoara , the Transfagarasan Highway , and Transylvania. Continue by train to Bucharest for a visit to the capital city.

Time allotted: 4 days Where to stay: Art Hotel (Sibiu), Cavaler (Sighisoara), Trianon (Bucharest) Where to eat: Casa Krauss (Sighisoara), Caru’ cu bere (Bucharest)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is situated on the historical land route into Europe from Asia. Because of this, it has seen countless invasions throughout history. Sofia’s architecture, therefore, is a crazy mix of everything from ancient roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, to Soviet gothic stadiums. This makes exploring the city particularly fascinating as you never know what to expect around the next corner. Don’t miss the multi-domed Saint Aleksander Nevsky cathedral, the ruins of ancient Serdica, and a stroll down Vitosha Boulevard pedestrian zone.

With extra time rent a car and explore the surrounding countryside with a trip to Rila Monastery or the wine growing region around Melnik .

Time allotted: 2 – 3 Days Where to stay: L’Opera House Where to eat: Moskovska Restaurant 15 , Rainbow Factory

Thessaloniki, Greece

It may be the cradle of Western Civilization but Thessaloniki still feels like Eastern Europe to me! History is everywhere in this city. And if that’s not your cup of tea, head out to the beach for some sun, swimming, and a waterfront seafood feast. Thessaloniki is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside, especially on a road trip . From here, a visit to the stunning clifftop monasteries in Meteora is a must. With a little extra time, head into the mountains and checkout the Oracle at Delphi .

Time allotted: 2 – 3 days Where to stay: Orestias Kastorias (Thessaloniki), Kastelia (Meteora) Where to eat: The Rouga (Thessaloniki), Taverna Gardeina (Meteora)

A trip to the Balkans could easily be its own adventure. We really wanted to experience as much of eastern Europe as possible on this trip so we made overnight stops in Skopje, North Macedonia ,  Belgrade, Serbia , and Ljubljana, Slovenia . It would really take quite a bit more time to explore these countries further as the train system coverage makes travel within country time consuming, if not impossible. Still, as far as authentic travel goes, the Balkans can’t be beat.

Time allotted: 3 overnights Where to stay: Hotel Alexandar II (Skopje), Garden Hotel Srbija (Belgrade), City Hotel Ljubljana (Ljubljana) Where to eat: Old City House (Skopje), Restoran Lovac (Belgrade), Julija (Ljubljana)

Make your back to Munich before your Eurail pass expires and enjoy one last beer and wurst before you catch your flight back home!

Tools for Planning a European Train Trip and Using Trains in Eastern Europe

There are several tools that really make it easier for you to get from point A to point B, but the starting point for most of our journeys was a map–a real, paper map. Sometimes you just want to unfold a map, spread it out on the table and let your imagination take you down the roads, train lines, rivers, whatever as you use trains in Eastern Europe!

Being able to see the big picture is invaluable in this age of phone screens and tablets. Sure, with the device there’s a lot more information at your finger tips, but it’s sometimes hard to connect the dots when you’ve swiped in and out and around so much that your original starting point is somewhere out in the clouds.

And it can be hard finding a good map that shows the train networks in Europe.

Most road maps don’t do a good job of this and the small maps in most travel books are pretty useless for planning a multi-country trip. There are some good rail maps available for purchase, but we just used the planning map that came with our Eurail packet.

Did it show every route in every country we visited during our Eastern Europe itinerary? No, but it did show the major routes, enough to know if you could get from point A to point B without too many train changes.  

Google Maps

That’s where our iPhones really paid off. Our data plan is pretty generous and includes unlimited data in most of Europe; theoretically we could be online in most of the countries we visited. However, in practice we were without data more often than we had it.

We needed good offline tools and luckily there are plenty of them out there. We found that by using wifi or data when it was available we could plan a leg of the journey and then go offline and have all of that info still at our fingertips. One of the best tricks we discovered was using Google Maps offline.

But Google Maps will do so much more for you then just getting from one place to another. It has become the defacto goto app for restaurant and hotel reviews, used by both travelers and locals alike.

Tips for Using Google Maps Offline When You Do Train Travel in Eastern Europe

If you Google “using Google Maps offline”, you’ll find the answer quick enough. It’s really not a secret. There’s a couple ways to get it done but the easiest is to search for the name of the city or town where you’re heading then zoom in or out to get the area you’ll need and type “ok maps” in the search bar.

A quick download and the map is available when you’re offline simply by tapping on the three bars icon and choosing “your places”.

Another useful tip for google maps is to use the phone’s built-in GPS to make sure you know when you’re getting close to your destination or to that next transfer point. This one’s easy too.

Before you leave the data area, start a route plan for your destination. When you leave the data area you’ll still see your location on the map and you can watch the little blue ball getting closer and closer to the station. This is invaluable for knowing exactly when you will be arriving at a destination.

Pocket Earth

Another very useful map app I use all the time is PocketEarth – This is a super good offline map app, but it’s only available on iPhone.

I first found this in Singapore and it was so good there that I’ve been using it everywhere ever since. After installing the app just download the map for the country you’re visiting or just the city. It has a pretty extensive database and does a good job of providing directions. It also shows your location via GPS.

Again, here’s where the phone came in “handy”. There are plenty of apps and websites to help you plan your way through Europe. Some work better than others and some just feel better.

DB Navigator

My favorite app for route planning was the DB Navigator provided by Deutsche Bahn, the German Train company. This app can find a route from nearly any point in Europe to any other point at any time of day or night.

Another really useful feature of this app is that you can use it in map mode to find a station and see all of the possible direct destinations out. This is really useful when you’re being spontaneous and looking for something you hadn’t thought of already.

Eurail/InterRail – Rail Planner

There is also a similar app Eurail/Inter Rail–Rail Planner –and I thought it worked pretty well, but I found the DB app much easier and more accurate. For example, traveling from Thessaloniki to Skopje took 34 hours according to Rail Planner, but DB knew I could get the four and a half hour train direct between the two stations.

What are Train Stations Like When You do Train Travel in Eastern Europe?

Most of the time, we were able to just climb aboard the train we wanted and show our passes to the conductor. Other times we really did need to go through a ticketing office, to make a firm seat reservation.

Of course, that brings its own worries and frustrations. Like where is the office in the station, what language will they speak, and worse, how long will it take.

When we arrived in Budapest on a very hot and long Saturday in August, the ticketing counter was swamped with tourists, migrants, commuters and everyone was waiting for a number system that didn’t seem to be rolling over very often. Remember, August is the month that many Europeans take a holiday. It was busy!

We needed to get a reservation for our next leg, a sleeper cabin on the overnight train to Sibiu (you can’t just hop aboard these ones). I pulled 472 when the display was showing 391; I didn’t count but I’m pretty sure there were at least 80 other people waiting with number stubs in hand.

I didn’t want to spend my entire stopover in Budapest at the ticket office so I started reading the signs. One of them listed all of the places to get tickets and gave the opening times for those offices. It turned out one of the options was at the business lounge in that same station (Budapest Kaleti).

That was when we discovered our first-class Eurail pass was a magic wand that would allow us entry into the pristine, air-conditioned realm of “business lounge land.”

Here we could relax, use a clean toilet, enjoy a free snack and cold drink, and–most importantly–book our overnight train to Sibiu.

After a short but pleasant break, we left the lounge with our reservation, stopped off at the regular ticket office (serving number 432), and gave our 472 to a dejected-looking man holding number 631. It really made his day!

Power Tip: Look for business lounges in the central stations of major European cities and use your first class Eurail pass to gain entry.

Do You Need Hotel Reservations When Planning an Eastern Europe Itinerary?

The next question…How did you find places to stay without reserving ahead of time while doing this Eastern Europe itinerary?

After we decided where we were heading, out came the phones! With limited data between stations, you need to find a hotel before you get on a train. For the most part, we stopped in larger cities that have many hotels, and Booking.com came through each time. (Below we’ve listed the hotels we stayed in.)

Of course, if you have your itinerary planned out well in advance then you might as well make all your reservations ahead of time.

But, if you’re more spontaneous and drifting along wherever the current pulls you, just make sure to do it before you arrive, especially if it will be at night.

Don’t wait until you arrive to start looking for a hotel! You’ll spend hours walking around a city, dragging your luggage along behind, getting hungrier and thirstier with every failed attempt. There’s nothing worse than being tired and trying to schlepp around and find a hotel aftering doing a bit of train travel in Eastern Europe.

Need to know anything and everything about rail travel in Europe (and probably the entire world)? You will find the answer from the man in seat 61 . This is the definitive source for rail travel how-to, route planning, train information, station information, seat information, wow, you name it if there are steel rails involved he has the info.

This is pretty good website for spit-balling any travel ideas as you train travel Eastern Europe. You can put any to-from points in and get routing information and price estimates on planes, trains, automobiles, taxis, buses, planes, ferries, donkey carts…OK, just kidding about the donkey carts. But I’m sure if someone published the mule train schedule for getting around Petra then Rome2rio would include that too!

If you’re dreaming of your own Eurail journey in the not too distant future, you should definitely check out some or all of the resources we mentioned in this post. Be prepared and stay flexible; allow for spontaneity and adventure!

“Anything is possible on a train: a great meal, a binge, a visit from card players, an intrigue, a good night’s sleep, and strangers’ monologues framed like Russian short stories.” – Paul Theroux

We loved experiencing train travel in Eastern Europe! It was a fun and exciting journey that we think you should try as you plan your very own, Eastern Europe itinerary.

So, be sure to check out the Eastern Europe Rail Pass and enjoy all that this amazing part of the continent has to offer. Also, our epic train trip through Eastern Europe is partially thanks to Eurail  who offered us Global Passes to use as we wished.  As usual, all thoughts and opinions are solely our own.

Author Bio: Jim Vail , is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

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2traveldads

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Such great storytellers, these two. Yes, a Eurail pass is NOT the cheapest or easiest way to get about Europe, but you definitely get some good stories.

Corinne Vail

Rob, That's right. It's a right of passage, and a dream for storytellers!

rhonda albom

Monday 7th of September 2015

Interesting experience. I noticed it was a resourceful Kiwi that found the water and food :) I am with you on not planning way in advance and being flexible.

Rhonda, And that Kiwi made quick friends, let me tell you!

Saturday 5th of September 2015

Interesting experience, Corinne. I am surprised than an international train from Romania had no air conditioning. 27 years ago when we moved out of Romania they still had steam engine trains, but then 2 years ago when we went back and try to travel by train between two cities I was surprised by the long way they have come. The train was very modern, air conditioned and had all the amenities a modern train should have.

Hi Anda, We had the feeling the cars were some of the older and less maintained cars that were constantly moving between the two countries. It was almost as though neither national train company had taken responsibility for their upkeep.

Thursday 3rd of September 2015

Great story, great pictures! Can't wait to read more.

Friday 4th of September 2015

Anabel, We have so much to write about! Our summer was very busy!

6 Regions Around the World Best Seen on a River Cruise

River cruising has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades in part because it’s a more convenient alternative to land-based bus tours. Your home-away-from-home moves with you over the course of a week or longer, meaning you unpack only once while exploring a variety of exciting cities and enchanting small towns. You’ll also enjoy superb onboard cuisine and get to know your fellow cruisers. Of course, this is only possible where rivers flow and cruise lines sail, so here’s a look at six regions around the world best seen on a river cruise.

Cambodia & Vietnam

Flowing for almost 3,000 miles through Southeast Asia, the mighty Mekong is a living mosaic of century-spanning sights, from lavish palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Site temples to ramshackle villages and surreally green rice paddies. Most Mekong River cruises sail between Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August to April, since low river levels and hot weather make May to July difficult for travel.

Highlights of these cruises, which range from seven to 13 nights, include the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with its Silver Pagoda and sobering genocide museum detailing the “Killing Fields” era of the 1970s Pol Pot regime. Cambodia’s more mystical destination is Angkor Wat, the superbly carved stone temple complex outside of Siem Reap built as early as the 9th century. 

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city, sometimes still referred to as Saigon, is a mix of French-colonial architecture, Parisian-style boulevards, stunning pagodas, and modern skyscrapers. Smaller villages along the Mekong’s Vietnamese side offer a look at the daily life of farmers, fishermen, and handicraft makers, complete with floating markets and rickshaws.

Which river lines cruise Cambodia & Vietnam?

AmaWaterways, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld, and Viking.

The allure of cruising the Nile River to see the temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel in southern Egypt is undeniable. Add on a few nights in Cairo to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum before or after your seven-night cruise and it’s a truly bucket-list trip for anyone fascinated by ancient history.

There are just a handful of primary ports on most Nile River cruises. After arriving in Cairo, you’ll fly to Luxor to board your ship, which will be notably smaller than those sailing the major rivers of Europe. From Luxor, you’ll visit the riverfront temples of Karnak and Luxor and delve into the lore of King Tut and Queen Hatshepsut. More ancient treasures wait in Edfu and Qena. In Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, you’ll gaze out on mesmerizing desert landscapes that frame lush mid-river islands, visit the two-mile-wide Aswan High Dam, or enjoy an Abu Simbal excursion to see the two massive rock-cut temples.

Which river lines cruise Egypt?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, and Viking.

Cruising the Amazon River is an altogether unique experience, more wildlife safari and rainforest immersion than history lesson. While small luxury cruise ships can explore the river’s larger sections from the Atlantic Ocean to Manaus, Brazil, it’s the Peruvian Amazon that takes center stage for luxury river cruises lasting three, four, or seven nights. Here, on meandering tributaries, these vessels, typically accommodating no more than 30 to 40 guests, get into the heart of the Amazon from the city of Iquitos.

Each day is an adventure as you explore with a guide in a motorized skiff. You’ll spy on monkeys and sloths in the treetops and watch pink-hued river dolphins swim through the greenish-brown water. Hiking along verdant trails, you’ll spot tiny poisonous tree frogs and later enjoy a Champagne toast amid a picturesque quilt of water lilies at sunset. You may also fish for carnivorous piranha by day and search for giant anacondas after dark. 

Which river lines cruise The Amazon?

Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Lindblad Expeditions, and Uniworld.

The Mississippi

If cruising closer to home appeals, it doesn’t get any closer than this. The Mississippi River , which winds its way for 2,340 miles through 10 states, from Louisiana in the south to Minnesota in the north, is a terrific option that will immerse you in the history, music, food, and architecture of America’s Heartland. 

Some vessels are sleek river ships while others are retro-inspired paddle wheelers. If you have 15 days, you can cruise the river’s entire length, from New Orleans to St. Paul (or vice versa). You can also opt for a Lower Mississippi or Upper Mississippi sailing that lasts seven to nine days. With the former, you can do a New Orleans roundtrip and visit historic cities in Mississippi and Louisiana that include Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville, or add on Memphis, Tennessee, with a one-way itinerary to or from New Orleans. On an Upper Mississippi sailing, you’ll start in either St. Louis or St. Paul and visit riverfront cities such as Hannibal, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Red Wing, Minnesota. Which section you choose will dictate when you go, since Upper Mississippi and Full Mississippi sailings are only offered from June to October while Lower Mississippi itineraries are year-round.

Which river lines cruise the Mississippi?

American Cruise Lines and Viking.

Central Europe

No other region is home to as many navigable rivers and must-see historic cities, from Amsterdam, Antwerp, Vienna, and Cologne in the north to Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Porto in the west. In Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Portugal rivers connect these vibrant cities with dozens of smaller towns featuring landmark castles, lavish cathedrals, and charming old towns. 

Central Europe’s top rivers include the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro, and Danube. Dozens of cruise itineraries along these waterways immerse you in history, culinary traditions, wine-making, art, architecture, and natural beauty. Picture a living mosaic of tulips in April along the waterways of Belgium and Holland or gliding past the terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley during the grape harvest in September. Mix history and art as you explore rogue papacies, Roman amphitheaters, and French wine along the Rhone in the South of France or tour the palaces and cathedrals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the Danube.

What can you expect on each river? Here’s an intro:

The  Danube , which flows through 10 countries from southern Germany to the Black Sea, is ideal for anyone with an interest in history, art, and architecture. On an Upper Danube itinerary, you’ll  visit capital cities  Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava (Slovakia), as well as smaller Austrian cities and towns like Linz, Durnstein, and Melk. Day trips to lofty Salzburg or the picturesque Czech town of Cesky Krumlov are also possible. Most cruises begin or end in the Bavaria region of Germany, so a stay in Munich can cap off the trip.

The  Rhine , which begins in the Swiss Alps and runs to the North Sea near Rotterdam, offers views of storybook castles and vineyards set against a backdrop that is among the most stunning in river cruising. Cities on a Rhine itinerary can include Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Cologne, Germany; and Amsterdam. In between are wine-making hamlets such as Rüdesheim am Rhein and Bamberg in Germany, plus scenic Kinderdijk in the Netherlands, home to centuries-old windmills.

The  Rhone , which meanders from food-centric Lyon all the way to the Mediterranean in the South of France, is chock full of delights. These include the Roman arena and medieval streets of Arles (also famous as the setting for some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most notable paintings), the papal intrigue of Avignon, the wine-making excellence around Tournon-sur-Rhône, and the truffle treasures of Viviers. 

The  Seine , which flows north through Paris to the English Channel, is equally intriguing, especially to history buffs and art lovers. On these cruises, you can explore the museums and landmarks of the French capital, wander Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and see buildings and landscapes painted by Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise (where he’s also buried). You can also walk the medieval streets of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake and Monet painted the Gothic cathedral, before visiting Honfleur, a seaside hamlet favored by Impressionists, as well as the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery, resting place of 9,387 fallen soldiers.

The  Dordogne and Garonne rivers , located in the Bordeaux wine-making region of France, offer a heady immersion for oenophiles — from the historic bustle of the city of Bordeaux to the bucolic ambiance of wine-making hamlets such as St.-Emilion, Pauillac, and Cadillac.

The  Douro River  in northern Portugal is another mecca for  wine lovers . Riverboats cruise from atmospheric Porto, home to historic port wine cellars, to small towns such as Pinhão and Régua, set amid pastoral hillside vineyards.

Central Europe also has two lesser-known rivers. The  Elbe River  flows through the former East Germany and offers access to Berlin, Potsdam, and Dresden, as well as nearby Prague in the Czech Republic. The waterways of  Holland and Belgium  attract garden lovers each spring with millions of tulips, historic windmills, and the chocolate and beer abundant in Belgian cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges.

Which river lines cruise Central Europe?

Check out AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Riverside, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

Eastern Europe

While exploring Central Europe is more popular, Eastern Europe has plenty to offer in the way of lesser-known but history-rich countries like Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Danube River passes through all six and Lower Danube itineraries generally begin in Budapest, Hungary, and end in Bucharest, Romania (or vice versa). 

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

In Hungary, the contrast between the stately architecture of Budapest and the port of Kalocsa couldn’t be greater. Known for paprika production and embroidered handicrafts, this city and its surrounding countryside are also the place to experience cowboy culture (the energetic but touristy Puszta Horse Show is a popular excursion) and the Hajós-Baja wine region (Hungarian wines are quite good, so wine-tasting is a commendable option).

Croatia, which most people know for its historic ports on the Adriatic coast, also has a port on the Danube. Vukovar is the gateway to Osijek, located about 45 minutes away. Both cities were heavily damaged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, but many buildings in Osijek’s historic Baroque center were spared or have been restored. Here you can visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul with its 295-foot steeple and pedestrian-only Holy Trinity Square in the Old Town known as Tvrda.

Belgrade, the former capital of Yugoslavia and current capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Its architecture ranges from charming 17th-century buildings set on the cobblestone streets of Old Town (a short stroll from the port) to dour Communist block structures. Don’t miss the Belgrade Fortress (it was destroyed 40 times, and what remains is mainly from the Ottoman period), the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the massive Church of Saint Sava with its lavish gilded crypt. 

Bulgaria may offer up the most surprises. One of the region’s least wealthy countries, it is full of scenic beauty and unique sights. River ships call on Vidin, home to Fortress Bab Vida, for excursions to the striking, red-hued Belogradchick Rocks. You’ll also call on Ruse for an all-day scenic excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town and fortress built into the cliffs of the Yantra River. Back on the Danube, you’ll marvel at the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that are one of Europe’s natural wonders, as you cruise through them.

You’ll board or disembark your cruise about an hour outside of the Romanian capital. Bucharest is a city of contrasts, known as the “Paris of the East” for its stately boulevards (it even has an Arc de Triomphe). It's also home to the massive Palace of the Parliament, built by notorious mid-20th-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Many cruisers also add on pre- or post-cruise tour to the historic towns and castles of nearby Transylvania.

Which river lines cruise Eastern Europe?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

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Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

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10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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Ready to uncover Eastern Europe's best-kept secrets?

Posted: June 7, 2024 | Last updated: June 7, 2024

Europe beckons with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For those seeking a unique adventure, this list reveals some of the most captivating destinations, promising a tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that will redefine your travel experiences.

Ready? Swipe through to unlock the glorious beauty that lies within Eastern Europe.

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Budapest's thermal wonders

Escape to Budapest, a city that holds more than architectural marvels. Dive into the thermal wonders, where ancient traditions meet modern relaxation. Whether you choose the Gellért or Széchenyi Baths, let the healing thermal waters ease away the strains of everyday life. Budapest's thermal baths offer not just a soak, but an immersive journey into relaxation and rejuvenation.

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Bulgarian's enchanting Rila Monastery

Nestled in the Bulgarian mountains, Rila Monastery is a spiritual haven that transcends time. Wander through the courtyards adorned with vibrant frescoes, and feel the serenity seep into your soul. As you explore the intricate architecture and rich history, you'll discover a hidden gem that transcends religious boundaries, offering a tranquil escape for the seeking traveler.

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Poland's breathtaking Bieszczady Mountains

For nature enthusiasts, Poland's Bieszczady Mountains are a revelation. Escape the bustling city life and venture into a realm of pristine wilderness. Hike through dense forests, encounter diverse wildlife, and marvel at the expansive landscapes. The Bieszczady Mountains provide a refreshing retreat, allowing you to reconnect with nature and experience the untouched beauty of Eastern Europe.

Estonia's Old Town charms in Tallinn

Estonia's capital, Tallinn, conceals a charming Old Town that rivals its Western counterparts. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with medieval architecture, and immerse yourself in a city that effortlessly blends history and modernity. Hidden courtyards, cozy cafés, and centuries-old charm make Tallinn a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Eastern European experience off the beaten path.

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Slovakia's Spiš Castle time warp

Step into the past at Spiš Castle in Slovakia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports you through centuries of history. Perched atop a hill, this colossal fortress offers panoramic views and a glimpse into medieval life. Explore the sprawling grounds and towers, immersing yourself in a captivating journey where the echoes of the past resonate with every step.

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor majesty

Discover the hidden gem of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, where mountains embrace the Adriatic Sea. Wander through the maze-like alleys of Kotor's medieval Old Town, a UNESCO treasure. Climb the ancient city walls for breathtaking views, and sail the bay to explore secluded villages. Montenegro's charm lies in its unspoiled landscapes and a sense of tranquility that envelops this coastal gem.

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Romania's painted Monasteries of Bukovina

Journey to Bukovina, Romania, where vibrant frescoes adorn the exterior of ancient monasteries. These painted masterpieces, dating back to the 15th century, tell stories of religious devotion and artistic brilliance. Marvel at the intricate details and vivid colors that have stood the test of time, offering a unique blend of spirituality and artistry tucked away in the heart of Eastern Europe.

Croatia's Plitvice Lakes symphony

Nature takes center stage at Croatia's Plitvice Lakes, a hidden Eden that unfolds like a symphony of water and greenery. Navigate wooden walkways through lush landscapes, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and feel the cool mist on your face. The harmony of nature resonates in every step, making Plitvice Lakes a spellbinding retreat for those seeking an untouched oasis in the heart of Croatia.

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Serbia's Novi Sad cultural fusion

Serbia's cultural hub of Novi Sad blends historic charm with a vibrant contemporary scene. Explore the Petrovaradin Fortress, attend the EXIT music festival, and stroll along the Danube River promenade. Engage with the local arts scene, taste traditional cuisine, and experience a city where history and modern culture converge, offering a dynamic and enriching escape in the heart of Serbia.

Latvia's Rundāle Palace elegance

In the Latvian countryside, Rundāle Palace stands as a testament to Baroque grandeur. Explore the opulent rooms adorned with exquisite art, and stroll through manicured gardens reminiscent of Versailles. Rundāle Palace is a hidden gem that transports you to a bygone era, offering a taste of royal splendor in the heart of Latvia.

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Albania's riviera secrets

Escape the crowds and discover Albania's untouched riviera. With crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches, this coastal paradise unfolds along the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Explore charming villages, savor fresh seafood, and embrace the laid-back atmosphere that defines the Albanian riviera. For those seeking a tranquil escape, Albania's coastline unveils a hidden sanctuary.

Lithuania's Curonian Spit harmony

Lithuania's Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, is a haven of natural beauty. Dunes sculpted by the wind, quaint fishing villages, and serene landscapes characterize this UNESCO-listed site. Immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythm of life along the Spit, where time seems to stand still, offering a peaceful retreat for the discerning traveler.

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Hungary's Eger wine euphoria

Eger, a Hungarian town steeped in history, is a wine lover's hidden paradise. Venture into the Eger Wine Region, known for its robust reds and aromatic whites. Tour historic cellars, sip Bull's Blood wine, and indulge in local gastronomy. Eger's vineyard-draped hills and wine cellars invite you to savor the rich flavors of Hungary in a setting that feels like a well-kept secret.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Mostar Bridge charm

Mostar, with its iconic Ottoman-style bridge, is a cultural gem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, marvel at the bridge's architecture, and witness the mesmerizing tradition of bridge diving. Mostar blends history, architecture, and vibrant local life, making it a must-visit destination that encapsulates the spirit of the Balkans.

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Carpathian Mountain retreat in Poland

A haven for nature enthusiasts, hike through lush forests, breathe in crisp mountain air, and savor panoramic views. Experience local warmth in Hutsul villages, where time slows down. Engage in age-old customs, savor authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry. The Carpathians offer a retreat where nature and tradition converge, creating a sanctuary for solace and rejuvenation.

Moldova's wine country

A hidden gem for wine connoisseurs, Moldova boasts one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions. Explore underground cellars in Mileștii Mici, home to an extensive wine collection, or indulge in a wine tour in Purcari. Moldova's wine country promises a delightful journey through vineyards, history, and unparalleled flavors.

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Slovenia's Škocjan Caves grandeur

Uncover the subterranean wonders of the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traverse awe-inspiring chambers and witness the power of the Reka River carving through the underground landscape. The Škocjan Caves offer a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the earth, where natural beauty and geological wonders converge in a hidden corner of Slovenia.

Belarus' Mir Castle time capsule

Step back in time at Mir Castle in Belarus, a UNESCO-listed fortress with a rich history. Explore the medieval architecture, stroll through the castle's courtyards, and discover well-preserved interiors. Mir Castle is a time capsule that transports you to the heart of Belarusian history, offering a captivating blend of architectural splendor and cultural heritage.

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The beauty of Varna, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's coastal gem on the Black Sea, Varna combines seaside charm with rich history. Explore the Archaeological Museum, relax on pristine beaches, and wander through the Sea Garden. Varna's blend of culture, relaxation, and maritime allure makes it a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered by those seeking a unique Bulgarian experience.

Silesian Beskids natural haven in Poland

For those seeking pristine nature, Silesian Beskids in Poland is a hidden haven. Hike through lush forests, discover cascading waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Silesian Beskids provides a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts, offering a perfect balance of solitude and breathtaking landscapes.

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Bratislava's Danube elegance

Nestled along the Danube River, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, charms with its historic architecture and riverside allure. Explore the medieval Bratislava Castle, stroll through the Old Town's narrow streets, and enjoy the panoramic views from the UFO Observation Deck. Bratislava's Danube elegance creates a picturesque setting for those seeking a blend of history and modernity.

Hidden gems of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's second-largest city, Plovdiv, blends ancient history with a vibrant contemporary scene. Roam through the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, wander in the artistic Kapana district, and soak in the atmosphere of the Old Town. Plovdiv's cultural richness and architectural splendor make it a must-visit destination, providing a unique Bulgarian experience.

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Transylvania's enchanting charm

Often shrouded in myth, Transylvania is more than Dracula  folklore. Venture beyond the legends to discover a land where medieval castles stand frozen in time. Roam the cobbled streets, explore the majestic Bran Castle, and witness a Transylvania that captivates with its untouched beauty and warm hospitality. Your journey begins where history and enchantment intertwine.

Serenade of Rijeka's maritime magic in Croatia

Amongst the plentiful coastal gems of Croatia, Rijeka invites you to discover its maritime magic. Explore the historic Trsat Castle, wander along the Korzo promenade, and soak in the atmosphere of the city's vibrant cultural scene. Rijeka's blend of history, seaside charm, and artistic spirit makes it a hidden gem along the Adriatic coast, offering a unique Croatian experience beyond the well-known destinations.

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Uncover Timișoara, Romania

Romania's cultural mosaic, Timișoara, reveals a hidden gem in the Banat region. Stroll through Union Square, where pastel-colored buildings and Baroque architecture create a picturesque setting. Explore the Memorial Museum Revolution of 1989 and embrace the city's role in shaping modern Romania. Timișoara's vibrant culture and historical significance make it a captivating destination off the traditional tourist radar.

Klaipėda's Baltic charms in Lithuania

Lithuania's port city on the Baltic Sea, Klaipėda, offers a unique blend of maritime allure and cultural richness. Explore the Old Town's cobblestone streets, visit the Sea Museum, and take a ferry to the Curonian Spit. Klaipėda's coastal charm, paired with its historical significance, provides an enriching experience for those seeking the lesser-known gems of the Baltic region.

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Braniewo's architectural whispers in Poland

The lesser-known Polish town of Braniewo whispers tales of history through its architecture. Visit the Gothic Braniewo Cathedral and the historical town square. Immerse yourself in the charm of lesser-explored Polish destinations, where the echoes of the past resonate in the architecture and cultural heritage. Braniewo's architectural gems offer a serene escape for those with an affinity for undiscovered history.

Gdańsk's maritime charisma in Poland

A port city on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk boasts maritime charisma coupled with a rich history. Explore the historic shipyards, stroll along the Long Market with its colorful facades, and visit the striking St. Mary's Basilica. Gdańsk's blend of maritime heritage and architectural beauty provides a captivating experience along the Polish coast.

You may also like: From bagels to beards: The strangest taxes in history

Ohrid's lakeside serenity in North Macedonia

Perched on the shores of Lake Ohrid, Ohrid offers lakeside serenity in the heart of the Balkans. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the ancient Ohrid Theater, and relax on the lakeside promenade. With its crystal-clear waters and a wealth of cultural landmarks, Ohrid unveils a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil escape in Eastern Europe.

Sources: (U.S. News Travel) (World of Wanderlust)

See also: The most haunted castles in Europe

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There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

La Sagrada Família

L'Eixample

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) is considered to be the symbol of Barcelona by many residents, and the…

Kungliga Slottet

A massive structure with more than 600 rooms on 11 levels, Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace) dominates the north end of Gamla Stan. The official…

Van Gogh Museum

This wonderful museum traces Van Gogh's life and artistic development via the world's largest collection of his work. More than 200 canvases are on…

Stiftsbibliothek

Northeastern Switzerland

If the greatest masterpieces on earth are wrought for the glory of God, St Gallen’s Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), is like a living prayer. Religious…

Jungfraujoch

Bernese Oberland

This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…

Museo del Prado

Welcome to one of the world's premier art galleries. More than 7000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado’s collection (of which only around 1500 are…

Museumsinsel

Museumsinsel & Alexanderplatz

Walk through ancient Babylon, meet an Egyptian queen, clamber up a Greek altar or be mesmerized by Monet's ethereal landscapes. Welcome to Museumsinsel …

Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton

The world’s largest and oldest continuously occupied fortress, Windsor Castle is a majestic vision of battlements and towers. Used for state occasions, it…

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30 Days in Europe: Travel Tips & Itinerary Ideas

Discover Europe in 30 days with our tips and itinerary ideas for a diverse and enriching adventure

A budget-friendly journey blending adventure and culture awaits

Welcome, willkommen, bienvenue to Europe, one of the most diverse continents on the planet. Steeped in history, culture and tradition, Europe is famously abundant with art, antiquity, and ornate architecture –there’s good reason why the Grand Tour was a rite of passage for the 18th-century aristocracy– and a 30-day tour offers a chance to experience more than a brief snapshot of its character and beauty.

With 44 countries spanning nearly four million square miles (10m sq. km), Europe is a vast yet surprisingly connected continent. In a month, you can beach hop around the Mediterranean, trek through the Tatra Mountains, and see Amsterdam through Rembrandt’s lens with ease.

Spending 30 days in Europe costs less than you think. While it’s relatively cheap and straightforward to fly between major cities, exploring by road or rail is the most popular – and best – way to see Europe. Whether you want to scale the lofty Eiffel Tower in Paris, explore Rome’s ancient Colosseum, or see the gargantuan dome of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, a well-thought-out itinerary can be accessible to all budgets. 

One of the most logical, convenient, and time-savvy ways to see Europe is on an organized adventure, where all the planning, logistics, and hard work is done for you. Whether you’re on a backpackers’ budget or want a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, here’s how to get the best out of Europe in just 30 days .

Top tips for planning your itinerary

1. don’t try to see everything.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And Europe can’t be seen in a month, but you can scratch more than the surface on a 30-day traveling budget. Whether you want to tick off the top sights or spend your time more leisurely and get to know the vibe of a city, research, and planning is always the key to a successful trip. 

Feeling free and easy? Why not leave the itinerary to the professionals and book an organized adventure? With many trips starting in London, the adventures begin as soon as they hit the rails or road, traveling through key cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Budapest.

2. Schedule in plenty of downtime

So many cities, so little time can be the death knell of fun when you’re traveling. While it’s tempting to pack your 30 days in Europe to the brim, it’s important to remember it’s a holiday, not a challenge. Let go of the FOMO and factor in some downtime on the beach or in the mountains to rest and recharge.

3. Pick your top destinations

Whether you want to island hop around Greece, bathe in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon or embark on a Game of Thrones pilgrimage to Dubrovnik, take time to choose what you really want to get out of your 30 days in Europe. Have a wish list as a baseline and work your itinerary and budget around it.

There are dozens of 30-day organized adventures available across Europe, many of which combine the big-hitting city stops like Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, along with lesser-known destinations like Kotor, Tirana and Delphi.

How to get around Europe

Although vast, Europe is an accessible continent and you can cover plenty of distance in 30 days. Depending on your budget and what you want to achieve, flying is usually the quickest way to hop between major cities; however, you do lose much of the charm you get from seeing Europe from ground level.

Traveling by train is one of the best ways to explore the continent. Europe has an extensive cross-border rail network which is reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. Eurail offers interrailing passes that fit a 30-day budget and allow more freedom to explore on your own timetable.

If keeping costs down is a major factor, low-cost coach and bus services such as FlixBus and Infobus can be good options, having routes to more than 1200 destinations in 24 countries.

Alternatively, booking an organized adventure will really make the most of your 30 days on the continent. There are dozens of brilliant itineraries covering all interests and budgets –almost always including travel, accommodation, and the services of a tour leader– it’s a great way to travel around Europe with like-minded people. 

See Also: The Seven Most Scenic Train Rides in Europe

30 days in Europe: Where to go and what to do

With 30 days to play with, Europe really can be your oyster. Amsterdam to Antwerp, London to Ljubljana, Zurich to Zagreb, you can easily check out 10 countries or more on a 30-day budget. Classic Europe itineraries include Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, while the more unique itineraries include destinations like Pamplona, Liechtenstein, and the Rhineland. Focus on one or two regions and get stuck into seeing the best of it on a 30-day European holiday. 

See Also: 50 Fabulous and Free Things to Do in Europe

Western Europe

From Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam to the Zurich opera, most classic pan-European tours focus on the big hitters – Paris, Berlin, Rome, Venice, Barcelona – where there’s enough culture and history to fill 300 days, let alone 30. 

Some organized adventures will take a deeper dive into western Europe, starting in London and winding through 18 or 19 destinations, including Biarritz and Madrid, the French Riviera and Monaco, Florence, Venice, and Rome, while others will include a river cruise through the Rhineland, a tour of Cologne and the last few days enjoying Amsterdam.

Southern Europe

Sweeping across from Spain to Serbia, the southern Europe region incorporates Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia and more. From the temples of ancient Greece, the ruins of Rome to the beaches of Spain, Cyprus, and Albania, southern Europe is great for combining culture and kick-back time. 

For something a little different from the classic European Grand Tour, book an organized adventure that takes in the most fascinating destinations along the Mediterranean and Dardania route. Several 30-day itineraries have options that start in Tirana, Albania, and wind across the length of southern Europe, including overnights in Naples and Pompeii, Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Budapest.

Central and Eastern Europe

From the emerald-hued Plitviče Lakes in Croatia and the bohemian nightlife of Sofia, to the Gothic architecture and beer taverns of Prague, there are a million and one reasons to include central and eastern regions on your 30-day European trip, not least because these affordable cities will make a tight budget stretch even further.

Whether you start in Vienna or Vilnius, there are a number of organized adventures that explore central and Eastern Europe’s most captivating cities, including Bucharest, Sofia, and Plovdiv. Alternatively, choose an itinerary that ventures into the rugged landscape of the High Tatra Mountains between Poland and Slovakia.

Northern Europe

With its design-centric cities, glacial fjords and stark arctic wilderness, Northern Europe can feel like an entirely different planet, compared to the rest of the continent. From the geothermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and the pop culture museums of Stockholm to the fjords of Norway, there are plenty of reasons to head north on your adventure. 

From Copenhagen and Oslo to Stockholm, you can have some incredible Nordic adventures on these 30-day itineraries across northern Europe. Several include overnight cruises from Stockholm to Helsinki or crossing over the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. 

For more inspiration — or to book a hassle-free holiday and travel with a group of like-minded people — check out our full range of 30-day Europe tours.

See Also: The Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe

Tracey Davies

Tracey Davies is a Brighton-based travel writer, journalist and editor of 101 Singles Holidays, as well as a former co-host of “The Carry On” travel podcast.

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What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel  

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

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