When you’re looking for your next getaway, you should consider Eastern Europe as it’s filled with so many underrated cities. Every experience will be different, depending on the countries and cities you choose, providing you with so many things you’ve never even thought about. This gives you a wide range of options and activities to be getting on with, which will give you one of the best travelling experiences you’d ever imagine. From the whimsical adventures of Slovakia to the iconic sights of Romania, we’re here to inspire your next adventure.
In this guide, we’ll convince you of the wonders that Eastern Europe has to offer, as we talk about the most underrated cities for avid travellers to enjoy. Continue reading to find out more.
Most Underrated Eastern European Cities
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv has over 8,000 years of history, making it a must-visit destination for all travellers. They’ll get to see so many historical buildings within a short radius, as travellers walk through the vibrant creative districts. It also has a budget-friendly charm, making it a great location for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money. You can have a lovely day in the Plovdiv city centre for around €30-€40, which is much cheaper than many other cities in Eastern Europe.
It’s also home to the Roman Stadium, which is a massive 2nd-century stadium from the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It’s now partially uncovered and integrated right into the city’s main pedestrian shopping street, making for a fascinating sight. You’ll also find colourful 19th-century Bulgarian Revival mansions with overhanging upper floors, many functioning as house museums that tourists can walk through.
Kutna Hora, Czechia
Kutna Hora is a historic silver-mining city in the Central Bohemian Region of Czechia, located about 40 miles east of Prague. It’s a location in the hit video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, called Kuttenberg, with travellers still able to see many sights from the game, including the Church of St. Barbara and the Italian Court. Not many tourists consider this beautiful location for their travels, making it free of large crowds so you can fully enjoy the experience.
It’s now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1995, known for its architectural influence and historic core. This makes it a great place to visit for travellers who are eco-conscious.
Wrocław, Poland
The city of Wrocław is built across 12 islands linked by over 100 bridges on the Oder River, creating scenic waterfronts, river cruises and popular spots like Wyspa Słodowa. This gives travellers many things to visit within a short radius, making for so many wonderful activities to get up to while in the Polish city. For a fun challenge, you can try to find over 600 tiny bronze gnome statues that are scattered throughout the streets.
There are 22 Michelin-recommended restaurants in Wrocław, so you can enjoy some excellent quality food that is all prepared and cooked locally. Try some authentic Polish dishes like Pierogi, Gołąbki and Bigos.
Kotor, Montenegro
For the most budget-friendly cities to visit in Eastern Europe, Kotor in Montenegro offers visitors so much for a lower price. It’s got some of the most remarkable sights in the whole of Europe, such as the Bay of Kotor, which creates a landscape often compared to a Scandinavian fjord in a warm Mediterranean climate. Visitors can hike up 1,350 stone steps past the Church of Our Lady of Remedy to reach the Castle of San Giovanni, offering panoramic views of the entire orange-roofed town and bay. This is perfect for taking memorable photographs and putting them in your travel photo books.
Kotor has seafood-heavy local menus featuring fresh Adriatic fish and black risotto. You can remain budget-friendly here, with simple meals and drinks often costing just over €15.
Brașov, Romania
If you want to visit medieval Transylvanian architecture and alpine mountain scenery with a lower cost and fewer crowds than Western Europe, Brașov is a wonderful location for all ages of travelers. This Romanian city has a fun Old Town that features the 14th-century Black Church. It still has its original medieval city gate, which lets you see all the rich history.
Tâmpa Mountain looms directly over the city, offering hiking trails and a cable car ride to a Hollywood-style Brașov sign. This gives you panoramic views of red rooftops, perfect for a lovely picture backdrop.
Niš, Serbia
As the 3rd-largest city in Serbia, Niš was the birthplace of the influential Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, and the nearby Mediana Archaeological Site preserves his luxury suburban villa with intact floor mosaics. It’s often overlooked by tourists, who usually choose the more popular locations. However, Niš has some of the best sights, not just in the country but in the whole of Eastern Europe.
You can even visit a well-preserved World War II Nazi concentration camp turned museum that marks a solemn piece of regional history, allowing you to learn more about history.
