Beautiful Cities in Eastern Europe You Must Visit at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Some think of Prague as an eastern European city; others see it as central European. Either way, it is one the most visited capitals in Europe. Having experienced numerous overthrows, invasions and natural disasters over the years, Prague has a wealth of fascinating stories to tell; these are almost whispered through the walls of the medieval castles, baroque palaces, gothic cathedrals and eerie catacombs that blend harmoniously with the cosmopolitan, artistic side of the city. Among the attractive highlights of Prague are the 16-arch Charles Bridge, the elaborate Astronomical Clock and the dreamy Prague Castle.

The capital of Hungary is divided into two halves by the Danube, and both Buda and Pest guarantee a unique travelling experience. Dating as far back as the Palaeolithic period, it’s no wonder Budapest displays some of the most diverse architecture in eastern Europe. Roman, neogothic, Renaissance and Ottoman buildings and palaces – among them the imposing Buda Castle and the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion – give way to picture-perfect thermal baths that appear to be taken straight out of a Wes Anderson film. For a rainbow-coloured Instagram story, pass by the pretty bars of the Jewish Quarter.

Another capital worth visiting is Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. Found between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, Ljubljana gets the best of both worlds, featuring verdant peaks and lush parks that interweave with beautiful lakes. Take the time to enjoy a picnic inside Tivoli Park, the largest park in Slovenia, or under the shade of the picturesque Ljubljana Castle. Adorable bridges passing over the Ljubljanica river will lead you to baroque, Renaissance and art nouveau buildings – many of them designed by architect Jože Plečnik. Don’t miss the colourful Metelkova Mesto, a cultural centre hosting music and arts events.

Art nouveau and wooden buildings are sure to win your heart in this Baltic gem. The pedestrian-only Old Town of Riga brims with pastel-coloured houses, museums, restaurants and bars that line the cobbled streets – with the Miera Iela quarter at the centre of the fun. Delve into the city’s past through 118 historical buildings housed at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, right before you hit Riga Central Market, the largest in Europe, for a local treat. NOASS has the most superb views of the town; this cultural centre floats on a platform in the Daugava river and looks just like a moored ship.

Dubbed the Little Paris of Eastern Europe, Lviv is a foodie’s paradise and an important history and culture hub, packed with museums, art galleries and magnificent cathedrals. Here, you’ll marvel at architectural gems such as the 19th-century Potocki Palace, a fine example of French classicism, and the 18th-century Lychakiv Cemetery featuring around 500 sculptures of different styles. At the central Market Square, each building has a distinct courtyard revealing its past. The most romantic has to be the Italian Courtyard; part of an elegant Renaissance palazzo, it now holds jazz and classical concerts.

Photogenic streets and squares bursting with ancient churches and multicoloured houses are a big part of the natural charm of Tallinn. The essence of the Estonian capital lies in the Old Town, which is surrounded by medieval walls dotted with majestic towers. Its star is St Olaf’s Church, with a high bell tower that has seen its fair share of lightning strikes. Locals wandering around in medieval attire will transport you to the 15th century; but don’t be alarmed, it’s just another day in Tallinn. Enter modern-day Tallinn through the hip industrial warehouses-turned-boutiques, music venues and cafes at the Telliskivi Creative City complex.

This southern Polish wonder near the Czech border will appeal to history buffs and hipsters. From Wawel Royal Castle – a blend of gothic, Renaissance, rococo and romanesque architecture – which takes us back to 1600s Poland, to the bustling Market Square that houses the Sukiennice, the oldest shopping centre in the world, Kraków is a gorgeous portal to the past. Dare to take part in a medieval pageant or a jousting contest at the Barbican, one of the few remnants of Krakow’s fortifications. And if you’re looking to return to the 21st century, a night out at a cool beer joint in the Jewish Quarter will do.

Completing our trio of underrated Baltic capitals, Vilnius is arguably the lesser-known cousin of the region. Boasting charming architecture, a beautiful ‘old town’ district and excellent connections to neighbouring countries, we’re sure this won’t remain a secret for much longer. If you’re after an affordable, unique escape this year then we’ve found the perfect option. Make sure you try the local craft beers, excellent outdoor restaurants and wide choice of galleries.