Eastern Europe is an often overlooked destination and neglected in favor of destinations like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. While there’s nothing wrong with any of those cities, traveling to eastern Europe can expose you to culture, cuisine, history, and customs that you’ve never experienced before.
If you’re planning a trip to this area, you may be surprised to find that many of the destinations here are relatively inexpensive but still safe and clean. You can meet locals and learn more about the countries you visit from there for an unforgettable experience. This part of Europe also typically sees fewer crowds so if you want a more isolated vacation without sacrificing any of the excitement, views, or experiences, Eastern Europe is the place for you.
Here are our top Eastern Europe itinerary ideas to inspire you. Whether you are planning to spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, or longer in Eastern Europe, these itineraries are perfect for any length of your trip.
Best Eastern Europe Itinerary Idea for History Lovers
Eastern Europe is home to some of the oldest churches, castles, and cities. The region has also seen countless wars, changes, and an incredible amount of growth and innovation. The cities listed here are full of history and you could spend weeks in each of them and still not experience the entirety of what they have to offer.
Sample Itinerary:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Krakow, Poland
- Moscow, Russia
- St. Petersburg, Russia
Things to Do:
- Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest. This lookout point is one of the best-known attractions in Hungary and provides stunning views of the Danube river and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
- Take a guided tour of Prague Castle. This castle complex was first constructed in 870 and is currently the official office of the Czech president and home of the Bohemian Crown Jewels.
- Explore the historic Royal Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslaus on the Wawel Hill, or, as it’s more commonly known, Wawel Cathedral. This historic Catholic church is over 900 years old and has been the coronation site of many Polish monarchs.
- Explore the Red Square in Moscow, Russia. This historic square is one of the oldest and largest in Europe and is surrounded by significant buildings such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and GUM Department Store.
- Marvel at the monumental Winter Palace in St. Petersberg, Russia. This massive palace that’s notable for its mint green, white, and gold accented exterior was the home of the Russian royal families from 1732 until the Russian Revolution in 1917. Today the palace is open for tours and is home to the Hermitage Museum.
Best Eastern Europe Itinerary Idea for Pop Culture Tour
In recent years Eastern Europe has gone from an unpopular location to shoot movies to one of the most popular. The region has a lot of financial benefits as well as a stunning and inspiring landscape. Blockbuster movies and popular television series are filmed on sound stages and on location in various countries in this part of the world.
Sample Itinerary:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Vis, Croatia
- Budapest, Hungary
Things to Do:
- Cross the Charles Bridge in Prague. This medieval structure was built in the 14th century and was a filming location for the 2019 film, Spider-man: Far From Home
- Stroll through the seaside town of Dubrovnik. This picturesque town was the filming location for the Star Wars casino town Canto Bight that appeared in the Last Jedi. There are guided tours available.
- Dubrovnik may also look familiar to you if you’re a fan of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Minčeta Tower was used as the House of Undying and the stunning courtyard of the Rector’s Palace is the site where Daenerys Targaryen meets the Spice King of Qarth
- If you’re a fan of ABBA, or more specifically, if you’re a fan of the film Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again, you’ll want to visit the sunny island of Vis. This Croatian island stood in for the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi during filming and is a wonderful and laid back destination
- Visit the Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest, a filming location for the Netflix series, the Witcher. This unique structure was built in 1896 as a part of the Millennial Exhibition which celebrated 1,000 years of Hungarian history. Try to spot the stone bust of famed Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi, noted for being the first actor to play Count Dracula, perched on the castle exterior.
Best Eastern Europe Itinerary Idea for Traveling by Train
Traveling by train is romantic, magical, and, best of all, it’s an affordable way to travel. You can travel between the following cities while enjoying the changing landscape and relaxing – it’s a win-win situation! Budapest is a great place to start your train adventure, but many places in Eastern Europe are connected by train so you have plenty of destinations to add. This itinerary is a great place to start.
Sample Itinerary:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Vienna, Austria
- Zagreb, Croatia
Things to Do:
- Relax in the Szechenyi Spa Baths in Budapest during the day, or party there at night. When the sun goes down, the atmosphere becomes more similar to a rave than a spa.
- Shop at the Great Market Hall in Budapest. This refurbished neo-gothic hall has many food stalls and stands with artisan wares.
- See the vibrant St Elizabeth’s Church in Bratislava. This bright blue structure was built around 1910 by famed Slovakian architect Ödön Lechner.
- Stroll through the stone streets of Bratislava’s Old Town. The alleyways lined with colorful buildings that are home to cafes, shops, and restaurants provide a charming experience in a historic destination.
- Sample pastries and chocolates at the famous confectionary Demel. This Austrian landmark has been popular among locals since it was first built in 1786.
- Tour the Hofburg. This majestic 13th-century castle was originally the home of the Habsburg dynasty and is currently the official residence and workplace of the current Austrian president.
- Soak in panoramic views of Croatia’s capital city at the Zagreb Eye, a 360-degree observation deck. You can sip a drink from the bar while experiencing a birds-eye view of the many historic and modern structures that make up the city of Zagreb.
- Visit the biggest open-air farmers market in Zagreb: Dolac Market. This is a great place to wander and purchase some fresh food.
Travel Resources:
Search and find the best flights, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do during your trip to Eastern Europe with our list of recommended travel resources below.
Transportations: Trainline or RailEurope (Train), Flixbus (Bus), EconomyBookings(Car Rental), BikesBooking (Bikes), GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver), Omio (search, compare and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
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