The 10 Best Cities In Eastern Europe To Explore

Eastern Europe is one of the most exciting regions in Europe for travellers who want history, culture, nightlife, and incredible value all in one trip. From medieval old towns and riverside castles to vibrant café scenes and buzzing nightlife. The best cities in Eastern Europe offer old-world charm, modern energy, and are often a lot better value for money than their western counterparts.

If you enjoy wandering cobbled streets, exploring grand architecture, meeting fellow travellers in lively hostels, and discovering cities that still feel authentic rather than overrun with tourists, Eastern Europe should be high on your list. Many of these cities are also far more affordable than Western Europe, meaning you can eat well, stay longer, and experience more.

The region is incredibly diverse. One day you might be relaxing in thermal spas in Hungary, the next exploring medieval towers in Estonia or drinking craft beer in a Baltic capital. From rugged mountains to Baltic coastlines, Eastern Europe offers an unforgettable mix of landscapes and cultures.

For backpackers, solo travellers and adventure seekers, these cities also have fantastic hostel scenes where meeting people is easy. Many hostels organise walking tours, pub crawls and social events, making them ideal places to connect with fellow travellers.

If you are planning a trip and wondering where to start, here are 10 of the best cities Eastern Europe has to offer.

Budapest, Hungary

Anyone will fall in love with this ‘Little Paris of Middle Europe’ for all the right reasons. From architecture to romantic ambience, every nook and cranny of Budapest has something to delight visitors.

The city is split into two distinct sides by the Danube River. Buda sits on one side with its historic hills and castles, while Pest on the other side is lively, modern and full of nightlife. Connecting the two is the magnificent Chain Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and one that looks particularly magical at night when lit up.

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths which we have the Ottomans to thanks for many of them. Places like Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths are perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city. Many travellers spend hours hopping between hot pools, steam rooms and saunas.

One of the things that really makes Budapest one of the best cities in Eastern Europe is its nightlife. Many of the thermal baths turn into lively parties at night. Here you can have a drink whilst dancing to music in the warm waters.

The city’s famous ruin bars are built inside abandoned buildings and courtyards, decorated with quirky furniture, graffiti and colourful lights. Szimpla Kert is the most well known, and it’s a must-visit for backpackers.

If you are looking for somewhere to relax during the day and catch a tan, then Margaret island is a must visit. The island has sprawling parks to relax in as well as the huge Palatinus Strand Baths. This waterpark has varying types of pools and slides to keep you occupied all day in the sun.

Other highlights include Buda Castle Hill and the Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers spectacular views over the city. Add in fantastic Hungarian food, affordable drinks and a great hostel scene, and Budapest is easily one of the most exciting cities to visit in the region.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Often overlooked by travellers rushing between Italy, Austria and Croatia, Ljubljana is one of the true hidden gems among the best cities Eastern Europe has to offer.

The Slovenian capital feels relaxed, green and welcoming. The Ljubljanica River winds gently through the city centre, with cafés and restaurants lining its banks. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours sitting outside with a coffee or local wine while watching the world go by.

Despite being a capital city, Ljubljana has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for slow travel. The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with colourful buildings, lively squares and charming bridges.

One of the most famous landmarks is the Triple Bridge, designed by architect Jože Plečnik. Nearby stands Preseren Square, the heart of the city where locals and travellers gather.

Ljubljana Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city and can be reached by funicular or a scenic walk. From the top you’ll get fantastic views across the rooftops and surrounding countryside.

Nature lovers will also enjoy Ljubljana because outdoor adventures are never far away. Lake Bled, one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes, is just an hour away and makes a perfect day trip.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Its medieval Old Town is one of the best preserved in Europe and walking through it can feel like travelling back hundreds of years.

Tallinn’s Old Town is full of cobbled streets, medieval towers, colourful merchant houses and gothic churches. Town Hall Square is the central hub where visitors gather, especially during the Christmas market when the whole square lights up.

Despite its historic appearance, Tallinn is also incredibly modern. Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and the city has a vibrant tech and startup scene.

Just outside the Old Town you’ll find Kalamaja, a trendy neighbourhood filled with wooden houses, creative spaces, cafés and craft beer bars. It’s a great place to experience the city’s younger and more artistic side.

If you’re looking to escape to nature for a day or two while exploring Eastern Europes best cities then you should visit Lahemma National Park. Situated 70km outside of Tallinn the park is often described as having Estonias best wildlife. You will find moose, boar, bears, beavers, and lynx. You can stay in the park for a night or two and explore the stunning scenery before heading back to city life.

Tallinn’s nightlife is also surprisingly lively, especially with travellers arriving from nearby Helsinki for weekend trips. This blend of medieval charm and modern energy easily earns Tallinn a place among the best cities in Eastern Europe.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. Many travellers skip it entirely, but those who visit often end up saying it was one of their favourite cities on their trip.

The Old Town of Vilnius is one of the largest in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of narrow streets, hidden courtyards and beautiful baroque churches.

The city has a youthful energy thanks to its large student population. There are plenty of lively bars, cosy cafés and social hostels that make it a fantastic place for solo travellers.

One of the most unique spots in Vilnius is the Republic of Užupis. This small district declared itself an independent republic as an art project and now has its own flag, constitution and even an “army” of a few dozen people. The area is full of street art, galleries and creative spaces.

Another highlight is Gediminas’ Tower, where you can climb up for sweeping views across the city. Between the historic architecture, quirky culture and welcoming atmosphere, Vilnius absolutely deserves its place among the best cities Eastern Europe has.

Riga, Latvia

Riga combines beautiful architecture with a lively social scene, making it another must-visit city in the region.

The Latvian capital is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. In fact, Riga has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Walking through neighbourhoods like Alberta Street feels like strolling through an open-air museum.

The Old Town is equally impressive, with colourful buildings, lively squares and impressive churches. Riga Cathedral and the House of the Black Heads are two standout landmarks.

By day the city is great for sightseeing, wandering markets and relaxing in cafés. By night it transforms into one of the liveliest nightlife cities in the Baltics.

For backpackers, Riga is also well known for its social hostels and pub crawls. It’s easy to meet people here, which is one of the reasons travellers often rate it among the best cities in Eastern Europe.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is one of the most underrated cities in Europe and a must-visit if you enjoy good nightlife, great value and a slightly gritty, authentic feel.

The Serbian capital sits at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, giving it a unique setting and some great viewpoints, especially from Kalemegdan Fortress. From here you can watch the sunset over the rivers, which is one of the best simple experiences in the city.

What really makes Belgrade stand out is its nightlife. The city is famous for its floating river clubs, known as splavs, where parties go on until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re into house, techno or more laid-back bars, there’s something for everyone.

Belgrade is also very affordable compared to many European capitals, making it ideal for longer stays. With friendly locals, a strong café culture and a great hostel scene, it’s easy to see why more travellers are starting to include it in their Eastern Europe trips.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is one of the most unique and memorable destinations in Eastern Europe, offering something completely different to the bigger capital cities.

The city is centred around the famous Stari Most bridge, which arches over the Neretva River and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Balkans. During the summer, you’ll often see locals diving from the bridge into the river below, which has become a tradition. Think you can do the jump with the locals? Well, Its very scary and a lot higher than you think once you are up there!

The old town is compact but full of character, with cobbled streets, market stalls and a strong Ottoman influence. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still stumble across something interesting.

Mostar has a slower pace than cities like Budapest or Krakow, making it a great place to relax for a couple of days. It’s also a good base for exploring nearby spots like Blagaj or the Kravica waterfalls.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is easily one of the most scenic cities in Eastern Europe, set within a stunning bay surrounded by steep mountains.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets, hidden squares and historic buildings, all enclosed within medieval walls. It feels like stepping back in time, especially in the quieter early mornings or late evenings.

One of the highlights of visiting Kotor is climbing up to the fortress above the city. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views over the bay are absolutely worth it and some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Europe.

Despite its small size, Kotor has a lively atmosphere in the summer months, with plenty of bars and restaurants tucked into the old town. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding coastline and nearby towns.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most famous cities in Eastern Europe and for good reason. It’s one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype.

The Old Town feels like something straight out of a postcard, with colourful buildings, gothic churches and the famous Astronomical Clock drawing crowds throughout the day. Walking across Charles Bridge, especially early in the morning or at sunset, is one of the highlights of visiting the city.

Prague Castle overlooks the city and is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. From here you get incredible views over the rooftops and the Vltava River winding through the city.

The city is also well known for its beer culture, with some of the cheapest and best beer in Europe. Combined with a strong hostel scene and plenty of bars and pubs, Prague is a great place for meeting other travellers.

Despite its popularity, Prague still holds onto its charm and is easily one of the best cities in Eastern Europe to visit.

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city that often surprises people. It might not have the instant charm of Prague or Budapest, but give it a bit of time and it really grows on you.

The city has a mix of architecture, from grand French-style buildings to more brutalist communist-era structures, which gives it a unique and slightly rough-around-the-edges feel.

One of the main highlights is the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world and a reminder of Romania’s communist past. It’s an impressive, if slightly overwhelming, place to visit.

Bucharest also has a great nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs and social spots, particularly around the Old Town area. Prices are still relatively low compared to much of Europe, making it a good option for budget travellers.

It’s also a gateway to the rest of Romania, with places like Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains easily accessible, which makes it a great starting point for a wider trip.

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Eastern Europe is a region full of surprises. The cities here offer stunning architecture, fascinating history, buzzing nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you’ll meet.

Whether you are soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths, wandering the colourful streets of Ljubljana, exploring Tallinn’s medieval towers, discovering Vilnius’ creative spirit or admiring Riga’s Art Nouveau beauty, each destination offers something unique.

For travellers looking for culture, adventure and great value, these destinations represent some of the best cities Eastern Europe has to offer, and once you visit, you will probably start planning your return trip before you’ve even left.