30+ Best Eastern European Cities to Visit, Ranked by Votes

Western Europe may hog the postcards, but Eastern Europe is where your money stretches further and your travel stories get interesting fast. Think medieval old towns, Art Nouveau facades, sea-salted coastlines, and café culture that costs less than your daily iced latte back home. This list of the 30+ best Eastern European cities to visit is ranked by real travelers’ votes, then layered with expert insight so you can actually plan a trip instead of just daydreaming.

The core ranking comes from a major crowd-sourced poll with tens of thousands of votes cast for dozens of Eastern European cities. From there, I cross-checked travel guides, city-break rankings, and value reports to spotlight what each place does best: history, nightlife, nature, or that perfect “let’s move here” vibe. Consider it your cheat sheet to planning an Eastern Europe itinerary that feels both iconic and a little bit brag-worthy.

How This Crowd-Powered Ranking Works

The phrase “ranked by votes” isn’t marketing fluff here. It refers to a popular public poll where travelers upvoted their favorite Eastern European cities. The cities below follow that order for the first 30 spots, and I’ve added context from additional sources: value-for-money studies, expert city lists, and practical travel guides. Your taste might differmaybe you love moody port cities more than storybook capitalsbut this gives you a solid, democratic starting point.

For each city, you’ll see why it scores so highly, what kind of traveler it suits, and a couple of can’t-miss highlights. You can treat the top 10 as a “must-see” bucket list and the remaining cities as deep-cut options when you want a trip that feels less obvious.

Top Eastern European Cities to Visit (Ranked)

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the traveler’s gateway drug to Eastern Europe. With its hilltop castle, red-tiled roofs, and the Vltava River curling under stone bridges, it looks like it was designed specifically for panoramic photos. Voters tend to put Prague at or near the very top because it blends fairy-tale looks with real-world livability: efficient public transport, cozy beer halls, and neighborhoods that feel authentic even a few blocks from the Old Town Square.

Don’t just stop at Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock. Wander Malá Strana’s side streets, climb to Letná Park for sunset views, and duck into a traditional pub to try svíčková (beef in creamy sauce) with a cold Czech lager. For first-timers, Prague is an easy city to love and a hard one to leave.

2. Budapest, Hungary

If Prague is a storybook, Budapest is a graphic novelbold, dramatic, and a bit mysterious after dark. Split by the Danube, with grand architecture on both banks, it consistently ranks just behind Prague in traveler votes. The city is famed for its thermal baths, from the neo-Baroque Széchenyi complex to steamy, tile-lined Ottoman-era pools. Come for the skyline, stay because it feels strangely affordable for a European capital.

Soak in a hot pool on a winter night with the steam rising around you, then head to a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter where plants, vintage furniture, and quirky art installations fill a crumbling courtyard. Budapest balances history and nightlife so well that it works for couples, solo travelers, and friend groups all at once.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is so photogenic it’s almost suspicious. Encircled by thick stone walls and perched over the Adriatic Sea, it’s one of the world’s best-preserved medieval coastal cities. Travelers vote it near the top thanks to its cinematic Old Town, clear blue water, and easy access to islands and beaches. Yes, it gets cruise-ship crowds in summerbut there’s a reason everyone wants to be here.

Walk the city walls early in the morning for uninterrupted sea views, take the cable car up Mount Srđ, and sail out for a sunset cruise around Lokrum Island. For a quieter experience, visit shoulder seasons in spring or fall when the water is still swimmable but the streets are less packed.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul sneaks into many Eastern Europe lists on the strength of its European-side neighborhoods. Travelers vote for it because it’s a sensory overload in the best way: call to prayer echoing above rooftop bars, the smell of grilled fish near the Galata Bridge, and ferries crisscrossing the Bosporus all day.

You can easily spend days visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, then hop ferries between continents like it’s no big deal. Crowd-sourced rankings reward Istanbul for its mix of deep history and modern cultureand for being far more affordable than many Western European megacities.

5. Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is Europe in full imperial drama mode. Think pastel palaces, grand boulevards, and canals that earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.” Travelers give it high marks for museums and architecture: the Hermitage alone holds enough art to overwhelm you for days, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood looks like a jewel box dropped onto a canal bank.

Logistics and geopolitics may complicate a visit, but in pure travel terms, the city’s combination of White Nights (summer evenings when it barely gets dark), ballet, and riverside strolls keeps it near the top of long-running vote-based lists.

6. Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv often surprises travelers who arrive expecting a gray ex-Soviet city and find instead a colorful, café-packed old town with Austro-Hungarian charm. Voters tend to love its intimate scale and strong coffee culture. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can easily spend a weekend hopping between chocolate shops, courtyard restaurants, and rooftop viewpoints.

Historically part of several empires, Lviv layers Polish, Ukrainian, and Habsburg influences in its architecture and food. When conditions allow safe travel, it’s an excellent alternative for people who like historic cities but prefer a smaller, less polished vibe than Prague or Budapest.

7. Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv earns its spot through sheer character: golden-domed monasteries, wide Soviet boulevards, hip third-wave coffee shops, and an arts scene that feels more DIY and less curated. Voters reward it for authenticity and energy rather than postcard perfection. It’s one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and a major cultural hub.

Under normal circumstances, highlights include the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (cave monastery), St. Sophia’s Cathedral, and a growing collection of street art. Due to current events, you’ll want to follow official advisories and humanitarian guidelines before planning travel, but as a city, Kyiv clearly captured the hearts of many voters long before it was in the news.

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn looks like a fantasy-video-game starting town in the best possible way. Its walled Old Town, stone towers, and steep cobblestone lanes sit above a working modern city with tech-startup credentials and a serious café scene. Travelers love the contrast: medieval streets one moment, sleek harborfront and creative districts the next.

Climb to Toompea Hill for views over the red roofs, stroll the lower town past guild houses and churches, then head to Telliskivi Creative City for galleries, street art, and craft beer. Tallinn gets high marks for charm per square mile and for being an easy weekend getaway from the rest of Europe.

9. Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius doesn’t always make first-time Europe itineraries, which is exactly why people who go there vote for it so enthusiastically. Its Baroque Old Townone of the largest in Europeis full of church towers, courtyards, and narrow lanes that feel peaceful compared to bigger capitals. The vibe is creative and slightly bohemian, with murals and experimental food spots alongside traditional bakeries.

Highlights include Gediminas’ Tower for hilltop views, the quirky self-declared Republic of Užupis neighborhood, and a growing craft beer scene. It’s also frequently cited in value surveys as one of Europe’s most affordable capitals, making it a smart base for budget-minded travelers.

10. Sevastopol, Crimea

Sevastopol’s votes come largely from travelers drawn to naval history and Black Sea views. The city has long been a major port, and its coastline is dotted with bays, military monuments, and seaside promenades. Under past circumstances, it appealed to visitors looking for a mix of mild climate, beaches, and war history sites.

Because its political status is disputed and the region has seen conflict, it’s essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories. As a historical and geographic entry on the list, though, it reflects how many voters are fascinated by Black Sea port cities in general.

More Crowd-Favorite Eastern European Cities

The votes don’t stop at the top 10. The next wave of cities offers everything from Balkan lake views to buzzing capitals and adorable small towns.

11–20: Capitals, Coastlines, and Hill Towns

• 11. Athens, Greece – Usually classified as Southern Europe, Athens still shows up strong in many Eastern Europe–adjacent rankings. Travelers love its mix of world-famous ruins, lively food scene, and relatively good value compared with Western capitals.
• 12. Ljubljana, Slovenia – A small, green capital with a castle-topped hill, car-free old town, and riverside cafés. Voters praise it as one of Europe’s most relaxed mini-capitals and a gateway to lakes and Alpine scenery.
• 13. Bucharest, Romania – Once nicknamed “Little Paris,” Bucharest blends grand boulevards, Belle Époque buildings, and chunky Communist architecture. It earns votes for nightlife, café culture, and relative affordability, plus easy access to Transylvania.
• 14. Bratislava, Slovakia – Just an hour from Vienna but far less pricey, Bratislava’s compact old town, hilltop castle, and riverfront promenades make it a favorite short-break destination.
• 15. Moscow, Russia – Massive, busy, and architecturally intense, Moscow draws travelers for the Kremlin, Red Square, and world-class museums. It’s a city that tends to divide opinions but still ranks high in long-running travel polls.
• 16. Plovdiv, Bulgaria – One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with Roman ruins, colorful 19th-century houses, and a youthful arts district. Many voters see it as a more relaxed counterpoint to Sofia.
• 17. Sofia, Bulgaria – Bulgaria’s capital sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, so you can combine city breaks with hiking or skiing. It scores for low prices, historical churches, and a laid-back, locals-first feel.
• 18. Zagreb, Croatia – Often overshadowed by Croatia’s coastal towns, Zagreb charms visitors with Austro-Hungarian architecture, quirky museums, and vibrant café life. It’s also a practical hub for trains and buses across the region.
• 19. Ohrid, North Macedonia – Voters love this lakeside town for its clear water, cliff-top churches, and relaxed, vacation-town atmosphere. The combination of natural beauty and historic monasteries feels almost otherworldly.
• 20. Kotor, Montenegro – A walled town wrapped around a fjord-like bay, Kotor wins votes for sheer scenery. Climb its fortress stairs for unforgettable views, then reward yourself with seafood and a glass of local wine on the waterfront.

21–30: Underrated Gems and Deep Cuts

If you’ve already done the “big names,” these cities are where the cool kids (and a lot of dedicated poll voters) head next:

• 21. Zadar, Croatia – A coastal city known for its Sea Organ, sunset promenade, and Roman-Byzantine old town.
• 22. Split, Croatia – Built around a Roman emperor’s palace, Split mixes ruin-exploring with beach days and island-hopping.
• 23. Dalmatia, Croatia (regional entry) – Technically a region rather than a single city, but voters clearly love its string of coastal towns and islands along the Adriatic.
• 24. Brno, Czech Republic – A student-heavy city with great coffee, modernist architecture, and a more local feel than Prague.
• 25. Bled, Slovenia – Not a big city but a famous lake town, regularly topping “prettiest places” lists thanks to its church-topped island and cliff-side castle.
• 26. Varna, Bulgaria – A Black Sea port with beaches, parks, and summer nightlife; often described as Bulgaria’s “sea capital.”
• 27. Trogir, Croatia – A tiny UNESCO-listed island town connected to the mainland by bridges, ideal for slower, evening strolls through limestone streets.
• 28. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria – Dramatically set on hills over the Yantra River, known as the “City of the Tsars” and loved for fortress ruins and old merchant houses.
• 29. Kaunas, Lithuania – Lithuania’s second city, with interwar modernist buildings, riverside walks, and a growing creative scene.
• 30. Minsk, Belarus – A wide-boulevard capital that appeals to travelers interested in Soviet-era urban design and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Bonus Crowd Favorites Beyond the Top 30

Because some polls go well past 30 entries, a few extra cities deserve honorable mentions: Pécs in Hungary for its Roman ruins and Ottoman-era mosques, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its iconic arched bridge over the Neretva River, Baku in Azerbaijan for its mix of old walled city and futuristic skyscrapers, and Brașov in Romania as a base for exploring Transylvanian castles. If you’re building a long, slow Eastern Europe itinerary, these “deep cuts” will impress even well-traveled friends.

How to Use This Ranking to Plan Your Trip

So what do you actually do with a list like this besides argue about it on social media? Start by picking your “anchor” cities: Prague, Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Istanbul are easy to reach and well-served by flights and trains. From there, look at clusters. Prague pairs naturally with Brno, Kraków, or Bratislava. Ljubljana connects neatly with Bled, Zagreb, and coastal Croatia. The Baltic capitalsTallinn, Riga, Vilniusmake a tidy triangle that’s perfect for 7–10 days.

Next, think about your travel personality. If you love coastal views and swimming, lean into Croatia and Montenegro. If you want café culture and bookshops, push toward Prague, Lviv, and Vilnius. History buffs will find more museums and monuments than they can realistically handle in Kyiv, Athens, Moscow, or Saint Petersburg (when travel conditions allow).

Traveler Experiences and Practical Tips for Visiting Eastern European Cities

Lists are fun, but your trip will be shaped more by timing, pacing, and expectations than by whether Tallinn is ranked eighth or ninth. Here are experience-based tips that many seasoned travelers to Eastern Europe swear by:

1. Travel Slowly and Link Cities by Theme

Instead of sprinting through five capitals in seven days, choose a region and explore it properly. For example, you could build a “Danube and History” route: start in Budapest, ride the train to Bratislava, then continue on to Vienna (just across the border) before looping down toward Ljubljana and Zagreb. Or focus on a “Medieval Walls and Sea Views” theme with Dubrovnik, Kotor, Trogir, and Split. When cities are linked by a storynot just by cheap flightsyou’ll remember the trip more clearly.

2. Go Shoulder Season for Better Value and Fewer Crowds

Many value surveys now highlight Eastern European cities as some of the cheapest breaks in Europebut that’s most true outside peak summer. Visit Dubrovnik, Zadar, or Split in late May or late September and you’ll get warm weather, lower hotel prices, and smaller cruise crowds. The same goes for Prague and Bucharest, where hotel rates and crowds both spike in July and August. In shoulder season, you’re more likely to chat with locals instead of just other tourists, and you can actually see the cobblestones under your feet.

3. Embrace the Café and Market Culture

One of Eastern Europe’s biggest pleasures is how easy it is to live like a local for a few days. Order a long coffee in a Prague or Vilnius café and nobody will rush you. In Lviv or Brno, grab a pastry and people-watch on a main square. Visit food markets in Sofia, Budapest, or Athens for street snacks, fresh fruit, and an immediate sense of daily life. Budget travelers quickly realize that “doing nothing” in these citiesjust hanging outis both cheap and surprisingly memorable.

4. Mix Big-Name Spots with Smaller Towns

Yes, you should go to Prague and Budapest at least once. But your favorite memories may come from smaller places like Ohrid, Bled, or Veliko Tarnovo. Use the big cities as arrival and departure hubs, then take trains or buses to smaller towns for two- or three-night stays. A week that combines, say, Ljubljana and Bled, or Zagreb and Trogir, feels more relaxed and less like a race.

5. Budget Smart: Eastern Europe Is Cheap, Not Free

Compared with Western Europe, many Eastern European cities still offer excellent value: lower restaurant prices, cheaper public transit, and more affordable accommodation. That said, touristy Old Townsespecially in Dubrovnik, Split, or Kotorcan be pricey right around the main sights. Save money by staying a little outside the historic center, using local bakeries for breakfast, and taking advantage of lunch specials. Trains and buses remain cost-effective ways to move between cities, and budget airlines connect many of these destinations as well.

6. Respect Local Realities

Some cities on this list are in regions dealing with political tension or conflict. Always check official travel advisories, local regulations, and current conditions before planning a trip. When you do visit, your money and attention can support local businesses, cultural institutions, and the everyday people who keep these cities vibrant even in difficult times.

7. Let the Votes Guide You, Not Control You

Finally, remember that any “best cities” listespecially one based on public votingis a snapshot of popular opinion, not a law of nature. Use the ranking as inspiration: maybe you start with Prague and Dubrovnik because they’re top-rated, then add in Vilnius or Kaunas as your personal wild cards. The real goal isn’t to tick off every city; it’s to design a trip that fits your pace, budget, and curiosity.

Whether you end up drinking coffee in a quiet square in Brno, watching the sun set over the Bay of Kotor, or getting lost in the alleys of Mostar, Eastern Europe will happily prove that “best” is less about rankings and more about how you choose to explore.