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Wanting to explore Europe but don’t have the luxury of time to do it? Always dream about exploring the unique areas in Europe but unsure about how to do it? Well, it is possible to fulfil your dream and you are going to find out “How To Plan For 14 Days Eastern Europe Trip Within €1000 Euro Budget” in this article 🙂

Typically Europe can be an expensive area to travel. However, if you follow my plan for your 14 days Eastern Europe trip which includes visiting Balkans area countries, you will realise that it can be cheaper than what you would expect.

Disclaimer: The budget for accommodation will not be added in this article as it can vary a lot and is really depends on individual preference from a bed in a hostel (cheap) to a 5-stars luxury hotel (expensive). And of course, shopping expenses will not be inclusive in this €1000 budget too. 🙂

Getting the flights to Europe (Example from Asia)

Depending on where you are travelling from to Europe, taking Asia for example, I usually prefer travelling with the Middle Eastern airlines. They offer good timing (departing around midnight and arrive in Europe in the early morning, which let you earn an extra day in Europe), quality services and most importantly, they offer competitive prices, usually ranged from €550 to €850.

Day 1: Flying to Europe (Budget: €588 to €849)

From Singapore to European cities. I would usually choose Emirates or Qatar Airways due to the competitive prices and good transit time, but recently for my trip to Europe, I tried Turkish Airlines (even though they are consider as European Airlines) and I must say I am truly impressed by their superb quality services, especially the meal services were AMAZING! The airline crew was super friendly and attentive too. When I was getting on my transit flight from Istanbul to Budapest, the pilot even opened his window and wished me a good flight! Very personalised services and friendly people. Perhaps amazing is an understatement to describe my wonderful experience with Turkish Airlines.

Check out the video below for my Vlog review of my flight experience.

Day 1 – 3: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary and in my opinion is the best place to start your Eastern Europe adventure. The city is chill, relax and romantic. It is divided into two sides by the Danube river, Buda – the old city area with hilly roads and castles, and Pest – the new city area with many fascinating architectures.

Overlooking at Pest from Buda side – Budapest City

Top 5 Things To Do in Budapest, Hungary

#1 széchenyi thermal baths (budget: €16).

Soak yourself in one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe. With 18 pools, 10 saunas, steam cabins and several massages therapy to choose from. The Neo-Baroque Palace bath is something you shouldn’t miss in Budapest.

Neo-Baroque Palace with the backdrop at Széchenyi Baths

#2 Buda Castle (Budget: Free)

Built in 1265, the Buda Castle is a historical royal castle for the Hungarian kings. Explore the National Gallery, the Castle Gardens, the Royal Palace where you are treated to an amazing view of the entire cityscape. Remember to watch the change of guard which happens every hour outside the castle.

Strolling along Buda Castle

#3 Fisherman’s Bastion (Budget: Free)

Well-known for its amazing panoramic views of the city of Budapest, Fisherman’s Bastion is a terrace in Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style built in the 19th century featuring pointed towers and turrets. Reminiscent of the fairytale castles. The terrace offers picturesque views of the city and my recommended location to take picture of the Pest side of the city with Danube river, Hungarian parliament building and Chain bridge.

Overlooking at the Budapest City from Fisherman’s Bastion

#4 Hungarian Parliament Building & Széchenyi Chain Bridge  (Budget: Free)

The chain bridge is a suspension bridge that connects between Buda and Pest together. The first permanent bridge across the Danube river in Hungary in 1849, and was the longest suspension bridge in Europe during that time. This beautiful bridge is decorated with the Hungarian coat of arms and guarded by a couple of stone lions on each side of the bridge. The best spot to see the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building that was built after Hungary gained independence or was separated from Austria, is from the Buda side of the Danube river.

The magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building

it was full moon behind the Buda Castle at Chain Bridge Budapest

#5 The Labyrinth of Buda Castle (Budget: €4.8)

There are some caves underneath the Buda city, these caves served as the refuge as well as the hunting ground for the prehistoric man half million years ago. The Labyrinth is situated in the complex of caves and cellars beneath Castle Hill. It also served as a large shelter and hospital during World War II. Turks also used it back in the 16th century as military purposes. Inside here, there’s a tomb and chamber of Count Dracula. According to the story, he was brought from Transylvania to Budapest and held captive in this cave. Eerie enough! Only suitable for thrill seekers. PS:  Remember to bring your own torch or ensure you have enough battery for your handphone to use as a light source as it is really dark inside.

Which Area To Stay?

Definitely the Pest side of the city. I would recommend staying at the Király Street area where all the nightlife and actions are every night. You may take a stroll during the late evening after dinner and go back to your accommodation easily without transportation. Centralise location and walking distance to all major sites and many subway stations around the area. The only flip side is the noise, so make sure you choose a good hostel/hotel with sound proofed windows especially if you are a light sleeper.

The area around St. Stephen’s Basilica is a good place to stay

Day 4 – 5: Zagreb, Croatia 

About 3 hours 20 mins drive from Budapest, you would arrive at the medieval town and the capital city of Croatia – Zagreb. This city has a special mixed of medieval towers, palaces built in the 19th century, open-air markets and cathedrals, making it a beautiful spot to explore in the Balkans. Thing is, Zagreb is not big in comparison to Budapest, Vienna or Prague, hence you don’t need to spend too many days to appreciate the beauty of this city.

The Plitvice Lakes! 🙂

Top 5 Things To Do in Zagreb, Croatia

#1 take a day trip to plitvice lakes (budget: €60).

I need to emphasise, highlight and repeat, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a MUST do if you ever come to Croatia! You MUST NOT miss it. This is one of the oldest national parks in South Eastern Europe and has a total of 16 beautiful lakes that can be seen from the surface and is interconnected by a series of many waterfalls! The colours of the water change constantly due to the minerals, organisms in the water and of course, the angle of the sun! This stunning natural wonder of the world is one of the most beautiful national parks I ever been.

My smile is an understatement for the Plitvice Lakes

I did my day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb with ‘Zagreb Day Trips’. You can easily book and sign up for the trip with them as they provide great service to the Plitvice Lakes with a comfortable minivan, instead of the usual big buses filled with too many travel lers! My guide on the trip was Iva and she was funny, knowledgeable and professional. Her in depth knowledge about the lakes is amazing and she is a damn good driver! haha

Company: Zagreb Day Trips Address: Tratinska 13, 10 000 Zagreb Tel: 00385 1 3877 294 Email: [email protected]

The most beautiful place in Croatia – Plitvice Lakes

#2 St. Mark’s Church (Budget: Free)

What gave me the feeling that I’m in Croatia is actually the St.Mark’s Church built in the 13th century. Unfortunately, you can’t enter the church to visit but people are here to see the unique Croatian roof tiles representing the coats of arms of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia.

The coat of arm on the roof of St. Mark’s Church reminded me I am in Croatia! 🙂

#3 Sunset at the top of Zagreb 360° (Budget: €4)

To get a good view of the city, the only place to be would be the Zagreb 360° observation deck. I would suggest going during the sunset hours, where you can get the view and photos during daylight, sunset (which was amazing) and also the night city lights. There are live bands playing during the day and evenings and it is a great place to chill, or have some drinks and even your meals there.

Amazing sunset at Zagreb 360

#4 Zagreb Cathedral (Budget: Free)

Built and completed in 1217, the Zagreb Cathedral was once destroyed by the Mongols in 1242. At the end of 15th century, the Croatians built this beautiful Renaissance walls to defend themselves against the Turks during the Ottoman empire period. Today, Zagreb Cathedral remains the tallest building in Zagreb.

Zagreb Cathedral is indeed the tallest in Zagreb! 🙂

#5 Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square (Budget: Free)

The Zrinski Square and Park is located in the central heart area of Zagreb. This park has a special rustic look and gets filled with music during day time. In the evening time, it is a place where free outdoor movie screening is held which is a popular summer pastime in Zagreb. The park transforms into a lively pub scene in the evening too, which was quite a sight to see.

Please do this in Singapore! Movie Theatre may be out of business! 🙂

Definitely the town area near to Jelacic Square. The nearer it is the better because all major sites are around Jelacic Square. For day trips usually, you are required to gather at Zrinski Square which is near to Jelacic Square as well.

Stay near to the Jelacic Square, the city centre! 🙂

Click here to continue PART 2 Day 6 to Day 14: How to plan for 14 days Eastern Europe Trip within €1000 budget (Continue)! Includes things to do in Vienna, Austria; Slovenia; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Prague, Czech Republic.

Spending vacations in Europe is a true bliss! Blessed with fairy-tale cities, romantic setting, fine food, and stunning architecture, Europe is no less than paradise on earth. A trip to Europe is pretty expensive. If you are looking forward to traveling Europe on a budget, read Europe travel blogs . These blogs will give you Europe travel guide and give you information about how to reach your dream destination, where to stay, where to dine, and where to hang out with friends without burning a hole in your pocket. Fly to Europe this vacation and indulge yourself in some adventure!

Keith Yuen is an avid solo traveller, a Singaporean who travelled more than 100 countries, a Singapore Travel Blogger, Travel Content Producer and YouTuber Vlogger & Travel Influencer for Travel Inspiration 360. Inspired by his father, Keith has worked with major airlines, tourism boards, luxurious hotel groups and big government organisations such as the European Union and other NGOs. He made media appearances on Singapore and International platforms, on TV and Radio stations for travel programmes and interviews. 袁志权，著名新加坡旅游达人兼旅游博主

The Current Situation In Istanbul, Turkey

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Nice photos! Love the colours that i see on the pictures. The write up is informative and interesting! Wowwww Count Dracula is a story i loved back in skool days.

This looks rely beautiful with some stunning pictures! you are really lucky that you got to experience this!

your post is very interesting to read.it’s very informative and helpful. Usually, I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job, Keep it up.

Very nice photos and very infirmative too.Thanks for sharing! Good job

Zagreb is an amazing city! I’ve been there in summer, and loved it, the Croatian cost is trully beautiful and less crowded than Italy or Greece. Really loved it ” Hungary is definitly high on my bucket list.

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Are you thinking of backpacking Eastern Europe but aren’t sure where to begin or how to plan your amazing adventure? Well, whether you want to spend 10 days, 2 weeks, or 1 month traveling around, here’s my guide to the ultimate Eastern Europe itinerary!

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

After spending two months backpacking Eastern Europe, it has become one of my favorite parts of the world!

From historic Krakow and bustling Prague to picturesque Budapest and quaint Bratislava, Eastern Europe has a lot to offer each and every traveler. Not only is this part of Europe ridiculously affordable, it’s also packed with fabulous vegan food !

Although, if vegan food and affordability isn’t doing it for ya, here are a few other draws of traveling Eastern Europe:

✓ Captivating history at every turn ✓ Gorgeous cobblestone roads (Instagram loves this! 😉) ✓ Mind-blowingly beautiful cities and towns ✓ Cheap a** beer (I’m talking like $3 for a liter of beer) ✓ Awesome hostels (and hotels) ✓ Delicious food ✓ And… super affordable (yes, I’m mentioning it again because OMG, who wouldn’t want to travel for under $40/day for everything? )

Itching to get your Eastern Europe travel plan put together? I thought so!

Though you could spend decades exploring all the cool crevices and underrated spots of Eastern Europe, most of us don’t have that much time.

So, here’s my guide on the best Eastern Europe itinerary for 10 days, 2 weeks, or even one big fat awesome month!

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE EASTERN EUROPE TRIP PLANNER

So, with all of these suggested itineraries, they start in the beautiful capital of Warsaw, Poland. A super duper handy city to begin in, it’s a great setting off point for the rest of Eastern Europe.

10 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary

This suggested 10 day itinerary is for those who want to see the best of what Eastern Europe has to offer but don’t have much time to head out to the lesser-known cities and destinations.

Thus, it focuses on cultural hubs and bustling cities with historic touches and lots of things to do!

Day 1-2: Warsaw, Poland

While I personally wasn’t a huge fan of Warsaw, there are a ton of things to see and do here! Plus, the main squares are super duper cute and most definitely worth a visit.

Not to mention, the vegan food in Warsaw is off the charts! Make sure to grab a few vegan pierogies while visiting this city.

Best Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland:

• Explore the Old Town
• Walk through Łazienki Park
• Have a pint in the Old Town Market Square
• Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum (SO good!)
• Give your condolences at the Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery
• Admire the views at the Palace of Culture and Science
• Check out the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• View the Jewish Ghetto Memorial

Where to Stay in Warsaw:

• Budget : Press Hostel • €7-28 — OR — DREAM Hostel Warsaw • €10-41
• Mid-Range : Old Town Bridge Rooms • €35-49 — OR — Old Town Home • €47-52
• Higher-End : Pokoje Gościnne Dom Literatury • €57-93 — OR — PURO Warszawa Centrum • €78-200
• Luxury : Sofitel Warsaw Victoria • €149-304 — OR — The Westin Warsaw • €113-431

Not sure if visiting Poland is worth your time? Take a look at these 27 magical photos of Poland — I have no doubt your mind will be changed!

Day 3-5: Krakow, Poland

If you’re backpacking Eastern Europe, Krakow is a must! In fact, Dan and I loved this city so much we spent over 4 days here. And no, we didn’t get bored because holy moly, there is SO much to do here!

Best Things to Do in Krakow, Poland:

• Explore Krakow’s Main Square
• Visit Wawel Castle
• Have your mind blow at the Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Check out Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Schindler’s List)
• Day trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp
• Explore the historical Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz Neighborhood)
• Try some traditional (vegan) Polish food — click here to read my Krakow vegan food guide!
• Visit the beautiful St Francis’ Basilica

Where to Stay in Krakow:

• Budget : Lemon Tree Hostel • €7-10 — OR — Bubble Hostel • €12-46
• Mid-Range : Words & Swords Apartments • €18-32 — OR — Apartamenty Marco • €39-51
• Higher-End : Aparthotel Stare Miasto • €80-156 — OR — Hotel Wit Stwosz • €72-139
• Luxury : Hotel Unicus Palace • €155-271 — OR — Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem Hotel • €120-416

Psst, interested in reading my 1-week Poland itinerary ? You’ll discover how to spend 7 days exploring Warsaw, Krakow, and the fairytale town of Wroclaw!

Day 6-8: Prague, Czech Republic

Another must-see city when on an Eastern Europe trip, Prague is a historical and cultural gold mine, not to mention it’s also pretty affordable for being such a popular destination!

Best Things to Do in Prague, Czech Republic:

• Wander about the Old Town Square
• Visit Prague Castle
• Explore the Jewish Ghetto Quarter
• View the Astronomical Clock Tower
• Have a drink of traditional Czech beer ( super affordable!)
• Stroll across the Charles Bridge
• Marvel at St. Vitus Cathedral
• Visit the KGB Museum
• Admire the Lennon Wall
• Go cruising on the Vltava River
• Party up in Prague (the clubs are fantastic)

Where to Stay in Prague:

• Budget : Hostel Kaiser • €18-25 — OR — Hostel Franz Kafka • €8-38
• Mid-Range : The Republic Garden • €19-23 — OR — Pension Karlova • €65-95
• Higher-End : Historic Royal Apartment • €89-119 — OR — Ibis Praha Old Town • €73-85
• Luxury : Mordecai Twelve • €115-178 — OR — Hotel Pod Věží • €93-127

Day 8-10: Budapest, Hungary

Though Poland is hands down my favorite country in Eastern Europe, Hungary is a close second. Budapest is extremely picturesque and such a beautiful city with loads of awesome things to do!

Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary:

• Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica (make sure to go up to the top for a gorgeous view of Budapest!)
• Go for a dip at one of the many Budapest Baths (Gellert & Széchenyi Thermal Baths)
• Admire the Hungarian Parliament Building
• Walk the Danube Promenade (and check out the infamous shoes)
• Check out Heroes’ Square
• Explore the Fisherman’s Bastion (awesome spot for a photo!)
• Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue
• Party at some ruin pubs
• Go up to Buda Castle (head up in the funicular!)
• Check out the Hungarian National Museum

Where to Stay in Budapest:

• Budget : 2B Hostel & Rooms • €13-67 — OR — Activity Hostel • €18-20
• Mid-Range : Apartment Ginkgo • €35 — OR — Urban Rooms • €45-75
• Higher-End : Basilica Friends Apartment • €100-140 — OR — The Loft Budapest • €87-105
• Luxury : Prestige Hotel Budapest • €144-261 — OR — Aria Hotel Budapest • €347-500

Need some foodie inspiration? Click here to open a new tab to my vegan food in Eastern Europe post!

2-Week Eastern Europe Itinerary

This suggested two week itinerary focuses on a lot of the same cities and destinations as above but with a few more awesome places sprinkled in.

Additionally, a few more days are added to places like Prague and Budapest, where you can have more time to venture outside the city!

Click here to visit the list of the best things to do in Warsaw and where to stay in the city above.

Click here to visit the list of the best things to do in Krakow and where to stay in the city above.

Day 5-6: Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw was absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in Eastern Europe!

An adorable, picturesque city straight outta a fairytale, Wroclaw features gorgeous pastel-colored buildings, cute little gnomes dotted around the city, delicious food, cool pubs, and more.

Click here to open a new tab for my 24-hour guide to Wroclaw, Poland.

Day 6-9: Prague, Czech Republic

In addition to the best things to do in Prague above (click here to see the list), an extra day in Prague gives you the freedom and time to either do more things in the city or head out on a day trip!

I personally recommend doing a day trip to the infamous Bone Church in Kutna Hora. You can find my guide on how to do a day trip by train to that cool destination here !

Day 10-11: Bratislava, Slovakia

In my humble opinion, Bratislava is one of the most underrated cities in Eastern Europe! Many skip over this little capital when traveling from Prague or Vienna to Budapest but it is SO worth a visit.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia but it’s so small it gives the feel of a small town (which I love!). Since it’s so small, you can spend little time here yet see tons.

Best Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia:

• Visit Bratislava Castle (and walk the beautiful gardens!)
• Explore the historic Bratislava city center
• Eat some delicious vegan food (Bratislava is surprisingly awesome for veggie travelers!)
• Admire St Elizabeth’s Church (Blue Church)
• Check out St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Wander about looking at all the gorgeous colored buildings
• Look for the statues dotted around the Old Town

Personally, when Dan and I visited, we went on a free tour with our hostel ( Wild Elephants )! I highly recommend you do the same to see the best of Bratislava in a short amount of time.

Where to Stay in Bratislava:

• Budget : Wild Elephants Hostel • €11-15 — OR — DREAM Hostel Bratislava • €12-16
• Mid-Range : Zeitlos boutique hostel • €18-20 — OR — Downtown Apartment Nicole • €34-40
• Higher-End : Apartman Sv. Urban • €53-59 — OR — VIP Apartments • €73-81
• Luxury : Arcadia Boutique Hotel • €95-191 — OR — Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel • €122-383

Day 11-14: Budapest, Hungary

In addition to the list of the best things to do in Budapest above, with an extra day you can either explore more of the city and have a more relaxed time, or you can choose to do a couple day trips to fill the time.

Here are some Budapest day trips & tours I recommend:

• Half-Day Etyek Wine Tour from Budapest
• Danube Bend & Szentendre with Lunch: Day Tour from Budapest
• Szentendre Half-Day Tour from Budapest
• Budapest: Underground Caving Adventure Tour

After reading the 1-week and 10-day Eastern Europe itinerary ideas above, you might be wondering… what is the best way to get around Eastern Europe?

As someone who has traveled Europe several times now, I highly recommend either trains or buses to get between destinations!

Here are my two top ways to book Eastern Europe transportation:

• Flixbus — A ridiculously affordable bus operator that basically goes between every city in Europe. Whether you need to get a short bus to Budapest from Prague or a longer, overnight bus from Berlin to Munich, Flixbus probably offers that bus journey!
• The Trainline — Hands down one of the best sites to search and find the cheapest train tickets. Not to mention, their app is great for paperless tickets!

1-Month Eastern Europe Itinerary

If you have the time, this is my absolute favorite itinerary for Eastern Europe. Not only do you have the opportunity to see more, you get to travel slower, which is a big part of traveling sustainably . Cool, right?

Additionally, I left a couple days spare for you to play with. This could mean you spend a day or two more in a city you really enjoy or you could travel more slowly between places for even cheaper transportation.

Day 1-3: Warsaw, Poland

Click here to take a look at the list above for things to do in Warsaw and where to stay!

Day 4-7: Krakow, Poland

Click here to take a look at the list above for things to do in Krakow and where to stay!

Although, with a few days in Krakow, try passing the time with one of these day trips and tours:

• Full Day Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps
• Creepy Krakow: 2-Hour City Walking Tour
• Full-Day Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Guided Tour (SO awesome!)
• Half-Day Salt Mine Tour and Schindler’s Factory

Day 7-9: Wroclaw, Poland

Click here to read my Wroclaw, Poland travel guide, where you’ll find the best things to do and where to stay!

Day 9-14: Prague, Czech Republic

Ample time in Prague gives you more time to see this beautiful city! With 4 full days in Prague, you can relax and chill out, as well as see and explore a bunch of awesome sites, attractions, and more.

If you want to explore Prague with a tour or do a day trip, check out these:

• Český Krumlov Full-Day Trip from Prague
• 6 Hour Best of Prague Tour: Castle, Jewish Quarter, Cruise & Lunch
• Prague: Ghosts and Legends 1.5-Hour Walking Tour
• Kutna Hora & Bone Chapel Tour from Prague

None of those interest you? Take a look at more Prague tours here !

Day 14-16: Vienna, Austria

Although you could spend multiple days seeing the best of what Vienna has to offer, it’s a pretty darn expensive city so I recommend limiting your time here to save some dollars.

On the flip side, if you do have a good-sized budget for backpacking Eastern Europe, spend more time here! It’s a beautiful city.

Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria:

• Marvel at Schönbrunn Palace (don’t forget to walk around the magnificent gardens!)
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (go up to the top for a great view!)
• Admire the Rathaus (aka the Vienna Town Hall)
• Check out Hofburg Palace
• Visit the Belvedere Museum
• Explore the Vienna Natural History Museum
• Wander about the Naschmarkt

Where to Stay in Vienna:

• Budget : CH-Hostel • €35-47 — OR — Pension Dr. Geissler • €49-144
• Mid-Range : CH-Wellnessapartments • €89-114 — OR — Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus • €92-281
• Higher-End : City Pension Stephansplatz • €131-249 — OR — Boutique Hotel Das Tigra • €124-310
• Luxury : Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof • €205-921 — OR — Park Hyatt Vienna • €409 – a ridiculous amount

Want to explore the city with some tours? Check out some here !

Day 16-18: Bratislava, Slovakia

Click here to read my list of the best things to do in Bratislava and where to stay above.

Day 18-21: Budapest, Hungary

Click here to read my list of the best things to do in Budapest and where to stay above. Or click here to check out my list of Budapest day trips and tour recommendations.

Transportation Between Budapest and Cluj-Napoca

The next destination on this suggested Eastern Europe is Cluj-Napoca in Romania. Keep in mind, Romania is outside the Schengen Area, which means you’ll have your passport stamped when at the Hungary-Romania border.

The train between Budapest and Cluj-Napoca takes around 7-8 hours. This means an all day event (the Romanian countryside is nice to look at) or you can opt for a night train, which means saving money on accommodation.

Alternatively, you can also take a bus between the two destinations . Again, similar to the train, you an opt for a day or night bus. However, the night bus is a lot faster at around 9 hours, whereas the day bus takes around 11.

Day 21-23: Cluj-Napoca, Romania

A bustling city in central Romania, Cluj-Napoca is hailed for its University and exciting city life, as well as its beautiful churches and cathedrals.

With a beautiful blend of Eastern Europe history and Western Europe modernity, you can find lots of things to do, cool sites, and wondrous attractions here.

Best Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca, Romania:

• Check out the Cluj-Napoca Art Museum
• Relax at the Botanical Garden
• Explore the many churches and cathedrals (St Michael’s Church, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Piarists’ Church, Reformed Church)
• Wander the city on an affordable local tour
• Hike up Cetățuia Hill for a beautiful view of the city
• Chill out in Central Park (the city’s gorgeous green heart)
• Discover traditional Romania at the Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuia
• Learn all things strange medicine at the Pharmacy Museum
• Uncover ghosts and experience paranormal activities at the Hoia Baciu forest

Where to Stay in Cluj-Napoca:

• Budget : Zen Hostel by Pura Vida • €10-31 — OR — Retro Hostel • €14-37
• Mid-Range : Modern Central-Near Unirii Square • €34-54 — OR — Old Central Apartment • €36-42
• Higher-End : Camino Home • €53-67 — OR — Neo Apartment Eroilor • €52-63
• Luxury : Luxury Nook • €143 — OR — Cluj Lux Apartment Central • €101-105

Transportation Between Cluj-Napoca and Braşov

Between these two Romanian cities, you can opt for either train or bus. Train takes around 6-7 hours and a bus takes around 5 hours.

Although, as someone who has taken the train, I highly recommend it. It’s super duper slow but you get a sneak peak of the Romanian countryside (which is extremely beautiful, IMO).

Day 22-25: Braşov, Romania

Want to visit a fairytale town? (Other than Wroclaw, Poland, that is. 😉)

Head to Braşov and you’ll step foot into a magical land filled with cute little buildings, beautiful architecture, traditional Romanian settings, and, yes, even mysterious vampires (ever heard of Dracula?)!

Known as the gateway to Transylvania, Braşov is one of my favorite destinations and a must-visit on any Eastern Europe itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Braşov, Romania:

• Explore Piata Sfatului, Braşov’s main square
• Visit the Biserica Neagra (Black Church), which is the largest Gothic Church in Eastern Europe
• Hike up Tampa Mountain for a gorgeous view (you can also ride the cable car up if you’re not into hiking)
• Walk the narrowest street in Europe (Strada Sforii, aka String Street)
• Marvel Catherine’s Gate and Braşov’s Medieval Walls
• Simply stroll through the picturesque streets of Braşov

Where to Stay in Braşov:

• Budget : Old Downtown Hostel • €10-12 — OR — Boemia Hostel • €12-13
• Mid-Range : Studio Brasov • €25-30 — OR — All Season Studios • €36-44
• Higher-End : Casa Veche • €51-65 — OR — Hotel Bella Muzica • €50-94
• Luxury : Superb Historical Center Brașov • €97-141 — OR — Vila Katharina • €81-122

Pro Tip : Braşov isn’t massive so if you have seen all you want to see in the city, venture out and do a day trip to Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle), the Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti , traditional Romanian villages, or even into the Carpathian Mountains for some killer views.

Here are some highly-rated tours I recommend:

• From Brasov: Tour of Castles and Surrounding Area
• Romanian Mountain Villages Day Tour
• Bear Sanctuary and Bran Castle Day Trip
• Chauffeur Service in Brasov: You Decide where to Go

Day 25-28: Bucharest, Romania

The glorious capital of Romania, Bucharest has tons to offer in terms of awesome things to do, cool sites, and mesmerizing attractions. Not to mention, loads of food options!

In fact, due to its beautiful architecture, classical art, ample green space, cute little cafes and eateries, and captivating history, Bucharest is sometimes referred to as the Paris of Eastern Europe. Even cooler, the city was literally modeled after Paris (the French architecture is abundant!).

Best Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania:

• Admire the Palace of Parliament (the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon)
• Wander about the Old Town
• Marvel at the history and architecture of Victoriei Avenue
• Take a step back in time and visit some of Bucharest’s churches (a few of the best are Stavropoleos, Coltea, Zlatari, Bucur, and Radu Voda)
• Relax and stroll through the local parks (there’s a lot to choose from!)
• Visit the Village Museum to get a peak at traditional Romanian life
• Go on a free walking tour!

Where to Stay in Bucharest:

• Budget : Antique Hostel • €8-38 — OR — Hostel Bauhaus Bucharest • €16-38
• Mid-Range : Vila Ana • €33-57 — OR — Anathea Apartment • €36-40
• Higher-End : Filitti Boutique Hotel • €58-110 — OR — Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel • €70-150
• Luxury : Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest • €107-200 — OR — Hotel Cismigiu • €109-158

Holy freakin’ moly, what a whopper of a blog post, amirite?

There’s a lot of info packed in these suggested 10-day, 2-week, and 1-month Eastern Europe itineraries but I truly hope they help you figure out where you want to visit!

Are you considering backpacking or traveling Eastern Europe soon? Or just looking for some inspiration? If you have any questions or need some other tips, stick ’em in the comments below!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• The ultimate winter packing list for Europe
• 11 essentials to pack for a first trip to Europe
• The best list of awesome things to do in Salzburg, Austria
• 6 lucrative ways to make real money while traveling
• Top sites I use to score cheap flights

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Article comments.

Kovalska Natali

If your time is limited but you want to get the most out of your trip in Europe, take a look at this itinerary. Everything is easily reachable by train.

Dinesh Chandel

Planning to do 2 weeks eastern eruope tour…we are school mates aged 45 , 11 in numbers, who do reunions abroad…

We prefer nature, partying, adventure activities, ……def not into meausum and religious place visiting….

We intend to start from Istanbul, do Hungary, Romania, Ukraine …etc….

Inputs highly appreciated..

We would prefer budget model for exploration..

Thanks and regards

Hey Dinesh! Sounds like a fun trip! I’ve never been to Istanbul or Ukraine so I can’t recommend or give my opinion on those destinations but I can highly recommend Romania for outdoor adventures, mountains, hiking, etc. and Hungary for cultural activities, sightseeing, and delicious food scenes. Both Romania and Hungary are budget-friendly so you won’t have any trouble there! Additionally, if you’re looking for exceptional adventure activities, consider heading up to the Tatra Mountains between the border of Poland and Slovakia — beautiful landscapes and lots of hiking opportunities!

lisa barrows

Determining the travel time, train route and destinations are important first steps to your Interrail adventure. We advise you to look at these steps before buying your Interrail pass. After all, you can decide which ticket suits you best when you know all your destinations beforehand. There are many Interrail passes you can choose from, and all of them differ in terms of validity and number of travel days. Some passes are valid in one country, but there are also tickets that you can use to travel with Interrail throughout Europe. You can buy a ticket which allows you to travel throughout Europe for 10, 15 and 22 days or even 1 to 2 months.

Very detailed itinerary giving three options. Should be bookmarked for an easy reference to the travel to Eastern Europe region

Vaskar Bhattacharya

Thanks for the captivating source of information.

Just wanted to enquire about the budget for a 10-day solo trip to Eastern Europe. Do you conduct the same?

I am from India (Kolkata to be precise)

Hi Thanks for the detailed itenary for three options i can choose last option i am solo traveller and Just wanted to enquire about the budget for 4 weeks or month do conduct the same or suggestion plz

i am from india (Hyderabad)

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Day 1: Singapore to Dusseldorf | EU Holidays SG Eastern Europe Travel Review

Q: What’s the itinerary for Day 1 of our Eastern Europe trip? A: A 12-hour flight from Singapore to Germany on Singapore Airlines .

Flying on SIA is a holiday on its own! So much entertainment. Watched the latest movies (Star Trek Beyond, X-men Apocalypse), played digital games (bowling, car racing) and sipped various cocktail beverages (Smirnoff Red, Bailey’s Cream, Red Wine)… and also a series of therapeutic sleeping music for a good rest.

Watch Day 2 of out Eastern Europe Tour…

Watch the overall itinerary of the Eastern Europe Trip…

Eastern Europe Tour Package from Singapore

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Anyone travel to Xiamen with EU.would love to know more abt tt tours n service.Cos they do more of Europe tour.Thk

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2 Weeks in Eastern Europe: 5 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Despite being frequently overshadowed by its Western counterparts, Eastern Europe deserves a slot on your travel bucket list. From charming towns, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, I’ll highlight why this region should be on your radar.

The Caucasus Mountains, Adriatic, Caspian, and Black seas on the South and the Barents and Baltic seas on the North border the Eastern part of Europe. The countries within Eastern Europe include Bulgaria, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, and the Western portion of the Russian Federation.

You can see a lot of places in just 2 weeks in Eastern Europe. Choose countries that are near one another to save some time. Go see some castles, eat local dishes, go wild swimming or rent a boat and enjoy the ocean.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Poland and Things to know before going to East Europe

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING EAST EUROPE

Eastern Europe is a massive region. It’s understandable if you feel a bit overwhelmed planning your trip. Creating a travel itinerary and researching each destination shouldn’t be too stressful of a task. It should be exciting, something to look forward to.

To help you ease some of the stress and confusion, I put together some tips and things that you should know about spending a holiday in East Europe.

When is the best time to go to East Europe

Depending on the activities you plan to do, you can visit Eastern Europe anytime. For example, if you prefer to spend time on the beach and the coast, spring to summer are two great time to visit. The destination perfect for this time of the year is Greece, Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia.

But if you want to do some hiking in the autumn season or skiing in winter, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia , Montenegro, and Poland offer affordable yet fantastic ski resorts.

Are 2 weeks enough for East Europe

14 days is not enough time to explore an entire European region. Sure, the continent is small with a fantastic transportation system, but there is so much to see. To make the most out of your time, it’s best to decide first which activities you want to do, attractions to see, and country you prefer.

With that information, you can plan your 2 weeks in Eastern Europe much better. Choosing the right mode of transportation will either make your trip better or worse. For example, although most parts of Europe have an open border policy, not all countries in the east practice this.

Meaning if you rent a car in Croatia, bringing it all the way to Albania might be an easy task. I’ll discuss more about transportation in the next section.

Getting around

If you want to rent a car, consider leasing from major brands such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and AutoEurope. From there, you can check which companies will allow you to take the vehicle in all the countries you want to see.

Let’s say you picked up your car in Zagreb, but your trip ends in Tirana. Ask AutoEurope if you can pick up from Croatia and drop off the vehicle in Albania.

But if that sounds like too much trouble, another option is to rely on buses, trains, and planes . You can also rent a car in each country as you discover the things on your list, drop it at the airport or any city before you cross the border, and then get another car at your next destination.

Language and currency

Eastern European countries under a single currency called the euro include Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, and Slovakia. Whereas Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia are the countries that have decided to remain with their own currencies.

Many Eastern European countries are members of the EU and implement the Schengen State visa policy. This means that if you’re travelling to Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Estonia, and your hold a passport from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and many places in Latin America, you can enter and travel for up to 90 days .

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia are not part of the Schengen State (although some are part of the EU). These countries pretty much have the same visa policy as Schengen, with some differences.

For example, Albania allows US citizens to stay for up to 1 year, while EU passport holders can stay for 90 days. Serbia allows some other countries, such as Russia, to stay for 30 days.

On the other hand, many of these countries (non-Schengen member) allows substitute visa. This means that if you hold a valid visa from the UK, US, and Schengen, these visas are valid in these countries too. Each country accepts different substitute visas and validity of stay, so check these before going .

• Serbia visa policy
• Albania visa policy
• Bosnia and Herzegovina visa policy
• Montenegro visa policy
• Schengen State visa policy

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Eastern Europe

The Baltics and probably Greece might be the most costly in Eastern Europe, but it’s still cheaper than in West and Central Europe. Food, transportation, and tours are pretty much the same cost across the eastern region. The accommodation is where you’ll notice a bit of difference.

For a mid-range budget, $1,300 is good for 14 days in East Europe . You can enjoy a private room and eat out throughout your trip. If you need to travel on a shoestring budget, you can do it at $900 while sleeping in dorm rooms and most eating street food or dining at local restaurants.

If you plan to spend 2 weeks in Eastern Europe as a celebration, you can do it as a luxury trip with a budget of $2,000 . With this budget, you can stay in four or five-star hotels, eat out, and enjoy private tours.

Other basic travel tips

Pinned map of top things to see in east europe.

Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary :

Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia :

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN EASTERN EUROPE ITINERARY

If you are planning to travel for 14 days in East Europe but need some direction, this guide is for you. With the help of this two-week itinerary for East Europe, which highlights the best sights, you can plan the perfect getaway with your friends, family, or even yourself.

Eastern Europe has lovely mountain villages, magnificent castles and palaces, and stunning beaches. To help you devise your itinerary, I’ve provided 5 sample itineraries that you may select from and adjust to match your 14 days in East Europe.

Itinerary #1: The Baltics – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

The Baltics, commonly known as the Baltic States, are three nations: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, located on the Eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. In addition to providing a fairy tale experience in its small villages and forests, the Baltic countries give a more authentic look into the history of Eastern Europe.

From its medieval roots to the tragic battles for independence. Your 2 weeks in Eastern Europe trip here will captivate you at every turn. We have a specific article on how you can spend 2 weeks in the Baltics , there are two itineraries you can choose from.

Estonia for 5 days

Start your adventure in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where you may stroll around The Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and features ancient churches and cobblestone streets. There is much to see and discover outside the city, including the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, the pink Toompea Castle, and the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum.

Latvia for 4 days

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a crossroads of many countries and civilisations. To discover the city’s diversity, visit Riga’s Central Market, the biggest indoor market in Europe with over 3,000 stalls. Here, you can choose souvenirs, sample authentic street food, or consume fresh goods from nearby Latvian farms.

Lithuania for 4 days

End your vacation in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, where you can begin your day with some pastries from the historic Hales Market. Ensure to visit its primary landmark, the 14th-century Trakai Castle, in the middle of Lake Galve. You can stop by the historical Gate of Dawn and check out the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights during your stay here.

Begin your trip in Estonia, and take a 50 min direct flight from Tallinn to Riga to reach Latvia. Afterwards, fly from Riga to Vilnius for around 50 min to arrive in Lithuania. Alternatively, you can opt for bus services such as Lux Express or car rental for convenient transfer between countries, which often takes roughly 4-5 hr.

Itinerary #2: The Beach – Greece, Croatia, Albania or Montenegro

If you’ve been daydreaming about pristine beaches and considering travelling to a unique location, take this as your cue to get tickets. If you visit Eastern Europe’s magnificent cities and attractions, you’ll discover more than just its numerous islands and breathtaking beaches. Although tourism is still growing in this region, it offers a cheap and beautiful getaway.

Greece for 5 days

Greece is best known for its fascinating culture and natural beauty. It is home to some of the world’s most significant historical sites and over 6,000 islands. The top sights to see on the mainland, besides the capital Athens, are the monasteries of Meteora and Ancient Delphi. However, most visitors travel here to board a ferry for one of the famous islands, which include Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, and Zakynthos.

If you’re looking for an island that has it all but is not too far from Athens, how about Milos? It’s rich in history but also offers a unique landscape due to volcanic activities in the past. There are minerals, lava rocks, and fantastic beaches. Stay in one of the best hotels in Milos facing the beach and enjoy the stunning Aegean Sea for the sunset. In the morning, you can visit the island’s Papafragas Caves and archaeological sites.

Croatia for 5 days

Croatia’s most famous beach, Ziatna Rat, is also known as the Golden Horn or Golden Cape because of its distinctively shaped shoreline and scattered sparkling pebbles lined up with umbrellas and sunbeds that line the beach during summer.

The Banje Beach in Dubrovnik is big enough for groups and romantic enough for couples. It offers a chance to dip yourself in the water and is a great place to watch the sun go down. If you just want to spend time in Croatia, we have two weeks in Croatia guide featuring 3 itineraries.

Albania for 4 days

Among Europe’s best-kept secrets, Albania provides a long stretch of coastline called the Albanian Riviera and famous beach towns like Dhermi and Ksamil. The Budva Riveria, which stretches down the Montenegrin coastline, is a popular summer beach resort for tourists and locals. This area has several outstanding beaches, with Mogren Beach being the one nearest to Old Town Budva.

Getting from one place to another

Begin your 2 weeks in Eastern Europe trip in Greece, and take a flight from Athens to Zagreb that takes 3 hr 50 min to reach Croatia. The best way to get from Croatia to Albania is to fly from Zagreb, which takes 2 hr 39 min. To reach Montenegro, take a nonstop flight from Zagreb to Podgorica for 1 hr 10 min.

Itinerary #3: Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary

Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary offer you exciting culture, unique dishes, and very diverse culture. As you can see, These three countries are not too far from central Europe. This means that while travelling this region, you can clearly see the fascinating transition from Western Europe, to Central, and then entering Eastern Europe.

Czechia for 4 days

Despite being one of the smaller countries on the continent, travellers seeking some of the top destinations in Eastern Europe won’t be let down by the Czechia, formerly known as Czech Republic. The Prague Castle, home to the stunning St. George’s Basilica, the Powder Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane, with its ancient workshops, serves as the main attraction for most tourists here.

Slovakia for 5 days

Slovakia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, known for its national parks, beautiful hiking trails, and numerous caves, several of which are UNESCO-protected sites. With an astounding 19 natural reserves, more than 350 caverns, and hundreds of canyons and gorges, the Slovak Paradise National Park ought to be at the top of your list of places to go while you’re there. Alpine skiing is particularly common in this area, and you may experience it in both the Low Tatras and the High Tatras mountain ranges.

Hungary for 5 days

Hungary is bordered on both sides by the lovely Danube River, and the Freedom Bridge offers some of the prettiest sunset views of the river. Suppose you’re seeking a trip that mixes some rest with a solid cultural experience. This country is for you since it is home to numerous old spa towns and facilities, including Lake Heviz and Szechenyi Thermal Bath. While touring Budapest, swing by the Hungarian Parliament Building, as it has a regal appearance and is beautiful at night when lit.

Take a 1 hr 10 min nonstop flight from Prague to Budapest to get from the Czech Republic to Hungary. Take a 2 hr 55 min trip from Budapest to Kosice to travel from Hungary to Slovakia.

Itinerary #4: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia

Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia are a fun trio to spend 14 days exploring. You can visit beaches, go hiking, learn about the history, party, and also explore the gastronic culture of the Eastern Europe.

Since all of these countries share a land border, it’s very easy to cross from one place to another. You can do it by bus which would be the cheapest way, but there are also trainlines and flights.

Romania for 6 days

Romania is one of the cheapest travel locations in Europe, particularly if you plan to go hiking in the Carpathian Mountains. Among Bucharest’s most stunning structures include The Old Town, Arch of Triumph, and Revolutionary Square. Don’t miss The Palace of the Parliament, which features over 3,000 rooms built with marble and steel.

Bulgaria for 4 days

Another inexpensive destination is Bulgaria, where you can enjoy a summer holiday by the Black Sea. For outdoor enthusiasts, you can find a variety of hiking trails and beautiful views at the famous Vitosha Mountain or the Central Balkan National Park. Some of Sofia’s notable attractions that you should visit include St. George Rotunda Church and Boyana Church.

Serbia for 4 days

Serbia, abundant with wonders just waiting to be discovered, is a great place to end your journey. You can start exploring the Town Halls and the Presidential Palace, but a trip down Kneza Mihaila street is a better way to take in historic structures. Other attractions are Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade Fortress, and the Great War Island.

To get from Bulgaria to Serbia, take a nonstop flight from Sofia to Belgrade, which takes 1 hr 10 min. After your trip to Serbia, take a nonstop flight from Belgrade to Bucharest, which lasts an average of 1 hr 25 min to arrive in Romania.

Itinerary #5: Off-the-beaten-path – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania

Make your trip memorable by skipping Europe’s typical destinations and heading off the beaten track. While Western European countries swarm with travellers worldwide, these countries are just as stunning and historical that often remain uncrowded.

With various unique attractions, consider these overlooked European gems for your upcoming holiday. Most of these places are in Southern Europe , so if that’s the region you’re interested in in, this itinerary will suit you.

Bosnia and Herzegovina for 5 days

Discover the Old Town of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes the Mosque of Mostar and the Stari Most, and dip in the pools of Kravice Waterfalls. Keep your camera ready as you walk past the gorgeous Neretva River. The central city of Sarajevo is within a short drive from a range of affordable ski resorts, including Jahorina and Babin Do.

Montenegro for 4 days

The 15th-century village of Sveti Stefan, encircled by pink sand beaches, and its seafood restaurant have established this region as a popular tourist destination in Montenegro. The greatest way to experience Tara Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world, is on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure. Don’t forget to visit the Pavlova Strana viewpoint to admire the Rijeka Cronjevica River.

Albania 5 days

Hiking the Albanian Alps is considered one of the highlights of touring Albania because of its gorgeous snow-capped peaks, lovely valleys, and breathtaking canyon. To see the breathtaking sunset over the entire city of Tirana, take a cable car up to the summit of Dajti Mountain. I highly urge visiting The Sunset Restorat Bar, a restaurant perched atop a cliff above Filikuri Beach with views of Himara’s coastline and the Southern Albanian mountains.

You can begin your journey in Albania and fly from Tirana to Podgorica in 3 hr 20 min to reach Montenegro. Take a 5 hr 35 min flight from Podgorica to Sarajevo to get to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

This section lists the best things to do and places to see in each country to help plan your itinerary. Everything is categorised by country. After this section, you’ll see a list of must-try dishes in each country.

• The Blue Eye/Syri i Kaltër 
• Skanderbeg Square
• Llogara National Park
• Rozafa Castle
• Amphitheatre of Durrës
• Good Cave (Shpella e Mirë besh)
• Preza Castle
• Vjosë-NartëDelta Protected Area
• Berat Castle
• Castle of Gjirokastra
• Et’hem Bej Mosque
• Ulza Regional Nature Park
• Parku Kombëtar Shebenik
• Pyramid of Tirana
• Buna River – Velipoja

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Mostar Old Bridge
• Latin Bridge
• Sarajevo Tunnel
• Mlinčići/Jaice
• Sarajevo City Hall
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
• Dervish House
• Štrbački buk Bosnia
• Avaz Twist Tower
• Pliva Waterfall
• Vrelo Bosne
• Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
• Apparition Hill
• Kozara National Park
• Kastel Fortress
• Bjelašnica – skiing and mountain biking
• Black Sea Cruise with Lunch
• National Palace of Culture in Sofia
• Sofia History Museum
• Varna Gourmet and Wine Tasting
• Belogradchik Rocks
• Prohodna Cave in Karlukovo
• Rila Monastery & Boyana Church tour
• Krushuna Waterfalls
• The Rose Valley near Kazanluk
• Skopje (N. Macedonia) day tour
• Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls – join a walking tour
• Trsteno Arboretum, Trsteno near Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik’s Lovrijenac Fort
• Visit Game of Thrones filming locations – book a tour
• Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb
• Diocletian’s Palace in Split – enjoy a walking tour with a local guide
• Mulini Beach in Rovinj
• Blue Cave, near Split – book the 5 island boat tour
• Museum of Broken Relationships
• Krka Waterfalls, near Split – visit on a boat tour
• Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zadar
• Kornati National Park near Zadar
• Euphrasian Basilica in Porec
• Pula’s Roman Arena
• Swim at Galebove Stijene in Pula
• Explore Brijuni/Brioni National Park near Pula
• Great Waterfall
• Golden Horn Beach
• National Park Kornati
• Paklenica National Park
• Rector’s Palace
• Cathedral of Zagreb
• Katedrala sv. Jakov
• Crkva sv. Donata
• Trakoscan Castle
• Dubrovnik Cable Car
• The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
• Park Maksimir
• Skradinski Buk Waterfall
• Temple of Augustus
• Park Šuma Marjan
• Hvar Island
• Sightseeing Dinner Cruise
• Prague Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Prague City tour
• Prague Astronomical Clock
• St. Vitus Cathedral
• Medieval Dinner
• Dancing House
• Old Town Square
• Brno Walking Tour
• Lennon Wall
• Národní Muzeum
• Karlštejn Castle
• Petrin Tower
• Church of Our Lady before Týn
• The Powder Tower
• Sedlec Ossuary
• State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov
• Klementinum
• Tallinn Walking tour
• St. Olaf’s Church
• Lahemaa National Park
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Join a city tour – either a walking tour or 2-hour guided tour or an electric bike tour or push bike tour
• Kadriorg Art Museum
• Tallinn TV Tower
• Danish King’s Garden
• Estonian cuisine – do a 3-hour food tour or a food tour with a market visit on a bike
• Go on a Shore Excursion – check out this tour or cruise port with a bike tour
• Tallinn Town Hall
• Estonian Open Air Museum
• Day trip to Lahemaa National Park – read the reviews
• Day trip to Parnu
• Day trip to Helsinki, Finland by ferry
• Acropolis of Athens and Acropolis Museum
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• National Archaeological Museum
• Ancient Agora of Athens
• Balos Beach
• The archaeological site of Mycenae
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Archaeological Site of Sounion
• Melissani Cave
• Porto Katsiki
• Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Bath – book a full-day spa
• Buda Castle
• Buy souvenirs at Central Market Hall
• Take a boat cruise Danube River in Budapest – check cruise prices
• Matthias Church in Budapest
• Esztergom Basilica
• The Caves of Lillafured near Miskolc
• Lavender field at Tihany
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Széchenyi Chain Bridge
• Heroes Square
• Central Market Hall
• Matthias Church
• Gellért Thermal Bath
• Dohány Street Synagogue
• Vajdahunyad Castle
• Shoes on the Danube Bank
• Szimpla Kert
• Rudas Baths
• City Park of Budapest
• New York Café
• Riga day trip
• Riga hop-on-hop-off bus
• Sigulda and Gaugja National Park
• Explore Riga downtown on a walking tour or Old and New walking tour
• House of the Black Heads
• Riga Central Market – go on a food-tasting tour
• St. Peter’s Church
• Beer or Cide tour – check this bike tour
• The Freedom Monument
• Latvia Palace – and medieval castle tour
• Riga Cathedral
• Day trip to Rundale Palace and Hill of Crosses – check the tour cost
• Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture
• Art Nouveau Building – sign up for an architectural bike tour
• Latvian National Museum of Art
• Go on a pub crawl
• Daugava River – go on a boat tour or this one
• Day trip to Jelgava
• Try out the shooting range – read the reviews
• Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
• Day trip to Sigulda and Turaida – look at the price
• Trakai Castle from Vilnius – do an audio guide tour or one with a guide
• Curonian Spit tour
• Bernardine Garden
• Hill of Crosses tour
• Vilnius via a walking tour or bike tour
• Gediminas Castle Tower
• Jewish Quarter and Soviet Sites
• Vilnius Cathedral
• St. Anne’s Church
• Hill of Crosses – day trip from Vilnius
• Gates of Dawn
• Hot air balloon over the city – read the reviews
• Museum of Occupations and Freedom
• Cathedral Square
• Learn about Lithuanian cuisine – book a walking food tour or dinner with a local family
• Three Crosses Monument
• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
• Full-day tour around Vilnius, to Trakai, and Keranve – check the tour price
• Vingus Park
• Walk around Uzupis – the art district of Vilnius
• Day trip to Paneriai Memorial Park – a tour that includes Trakai Castle
• Great Montenegro Tour – including Lovcen, River of Crnojecvic, and Sveti Stefan
• Ostrog Monastery
• Durmitor – explore Northern Montenegro
• Old Olive Tree
• Lady of the Rocks – plan a tour with Blue Cave
• Lovćen National Park – join a full day tour
• Crno Jezero
• Perast Old Town – day trip from Kotor
• Đurđevića Tara Bridge
• Tara River – go whitewater rafting
• Perast Beach
• Lake Skadar – boat tour from Virpazar to Kom Monastery
• Church of the Madonna dello Scalpello
• Kotor Bay – discover Kotor Old Town
• Former Austro-Hungarian Fort
• Blue Cave – boat tour including Lady of the Rocks and Mamula
• Skadar Lake National Park
• Wine and food tour – look up the price
• Independence Square
• Kayaking in Budva – check the tour price
• Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
• Rynek Glowny
• Schindler’s Factory
• St. Mary’s Basilica
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour
• Palace of Culture and Science
• Ghetto Walking Tour
• The Royal Castles in Warsaw
• Chopin Concert
• Energylandia
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• Wroclaw Market Square
• Gdansk beach day and – City & Boat Tour
• Zamek Wawel
• Gdansk Walking Tour
• Marlbork Castle
• Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour
• Timisoara day tour
• Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest
• National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest
• Turda Salt Mines and Rimetea tour
• Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest
• Cluj Medieval City tour
• Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History in Bucharest
• Dracula’s Castle & Birthplace
• Covered Stairway in Sighisoara
• The Black Church in Brasov
• Bran Castle and Dracula’s Castle tour
• The Clock Tower in Sighisoara
• Old Town Brasov tour
• Bucegi Natural Park near Brasoc
• Transylvanian Alps
• Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci tour
• Uvac Meanders
• Full day Belgrade tour
• Belgrade Fortress
• Saint Sava Temple
• Go on a cruise around Belgrade – 2-hour city cruise or a sunset cruise
• Republic Square
• Book a Red Belgrade Communist Tour – check the price
• Nikola Tesla Museum
• Sargan Eight Railway – and House on Drina River, book a tour
• Ada Ciganlija
• Golubac Fortress – day tour from Belgrade with Iron Gate tour
• Studenica Monastery and Manasija Monastery – book a tour with Lisine Waterfall
• Manastir Žiča
• Day trip to Eastern Serbia – read the reviews
• Kopaonik National Park
• Holy Martyr George
• Stopić Cave
• Tasmajdan Park
• Aeronautical Museum in Belgrade
• Skull Tower
• Nature Park Sicevo Canyon
• Bratislava Sightseeing by traditional bus or segway tour or walking tour
• Bratislava Castle
• Michael’s Gate
• Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour
• St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Devín Castle – 3-hour guided tour
• Spiš Castle
• The Blue Church – Church of St. Elizabeth
• Book a food tour – look at the price or a wine tasting tour
• Castle of Spirits (Bojnice Castle)
• Presidential Palace
• Orava Castle
• Tatralandia
• Primate’s Palace
• Dobšinská Ice Cave
• AquaCity Poprad
• Jasna Low Tatras
• Trenčín Castle
• Čachtice Castle
• Slovak Paradise National Park
• Demänovská Ice Cave
• The Ľubovňa Castle

WHERE TO STAY IN EAST EUROPE

This list of accommodations in Eastern Europe will help you find the one that suits your budget and level of comfort a lost easier:

Vilnius, Lithuania

• Affordable: Jimmy Jumps House or Mikalo House or Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping
• Mid-range: Comfort Hotel Rock n Roll or Domus Maria or Come2Rest – Subaciaus 5 or Art City Inn
• Luxury: Hotel Vilnia or Novotel or Neringa Hotel or Radisson Blue or Congress Avenue Hotel

Riga, Latvia

• Affordable: Orange Cat Rooms or Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel or Blue Bird Hostel
• Mid-range: Avalon Hotel & Conferences or Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa or Hestia Hotel Draugi or Forums Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: Grand Palace Hotel or Neiburgs Hotel or Relais Le Chevalier or Hilton Garden Inn

Tallinn, Estonia

• Affordable: Alur Hostel & Bar or Villa Kadriorg Hostel or Imaginary Hostel
• Mid-range: Thomas’ Home or ibis Hotel or Rija Fonnental Design Hotel or St Olav Hotel
• Luxury: Revelton Suites or The von Stackelberg Hotel or Rixwell Collection Savoy Hotel or Radisson Collection Hotel or Centennial Hotel

Athens, Greece

Zagreb, croatia.

• Affordable: Apartments Lucky Place or Main Square Hostel
• Mid-range: Manda Heritage Hotel or Pod Zidon Rooms
• Luxury: Hotel Le Premier or Esplanade Zagreb Hotel and Sheraton Hotel

Tirana, Albania

Prague, czechia, bratislava, slovakia, budapest, hungary, bucharest, romania, sofia, bulgaria, sarajevo, bosnia and herzegovina, podgorica, montenegroo, must-try eastern european dishes, drinks, and snacks.

The cuisine in East Europe has lots in common, but still, there are plenty of dishes that only exist in specific countries Don’t forget to sit down at a local restaurant and try as many as you want.

• Borscht (Ukraine) – A beetroot-based soup
• Pierogi (Poland) – Dumplings with various fillings
• Ćevapi (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Minced meat sausages
• Moussaka (Bulgaria) – Layered eggplant, potato, and meat casserole
• Pljeskavica (Serbia) – Meat patty, often served in a somun (like pita bread)
• Goulash (Hungary) – Meat stew seasoned with paprika
• Koldūnai (Lithuania) – Meat or vegetable-filled dumplings
• Sarmale (Romania) – Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice
• Šopska Salata (Bulgaria) – Tomato, cucumber, and cheese salad
• Mămăligă (Romania) – Cornmeal porridge, similar to polenta
• Chvarci (Serbia) – Fried pork rinds
• Kotlet Schabowy (Poland) – Breaded and fried pork cutlet
• Lecso (Hungary) – Pepper and tomato stew, often with sausage
• Njeguški Stek (Montenegro) – Pork or veal steak stuffed with cheese and ham
• Tavë Kosi (Albania) – Yogurt and lamb baked casserole
• Souvlaki (Greece) – Grilled meat skewers, often served in pita bread with sauce
• Chimney Cake/Kürtőskalács (Hungary) – Cylindrical spit cake
• Sernik (Poland) – Cheesecake made with quark
• Túró Rudi (Hungary) – Chocolate-covered curd bar
• Papanasi (Romania) – Fried doughnuts with sour cream and fruit preserve
• Kvass (Ukraine, Baltics, Poland) – Fermented bread drink
• Živovoda/Slivovitz (Czech Republic) – Plum brandy
• Palinka (Hungary) – Fruit brandy
• Borovicka (Slovakia) – Juniper berry liqueur
• Compot (Ukraine) – Fruit drink made by boiling various fruits

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN EASTERN EUROPE

From hidden waterfalls, unspoiled mountains, and magnificent beaches, Eastern Europe offers a variety of natural beauty. If you’re looking for an epic journey that isn’t your conventional European vacation, this region will satisfy your adventurous heart.

Here, you can experience any type of climate. Enjoy the summer heat on Bulgaria’s Black Sea, go hiking in Slovakia’s High Tatras, or relax in a forest in Romania. Your two weeks in East Europe trip will take you through one of Europe’s most culturally diverse locations.

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The Ultimate Eastern Europe Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

Fewer travelers head east – t hat’s why you should.

H ead East from Germany, and you’ll find that your Euros are less often accepted. English is not so widely spoken. The streets can appear grittier, with concrete apartment blocks often blocking out the sun. Poland has no Leaning Tower of Pisa, Budapest boasts no colosseum, and the rushing Danube may be less associated with romance than the sedate river Seine. But travel with your eyes open, and you’ll find just as much beauty, history, fun and adventure in the East as others do in the well trodden West.

Average wages behind the historic ‘Iron Curtain’ are still drastically low, which is rough on the locals, but can benefit the intrepid traveler: You’ll find that three course restaurant meal in Sofia, Bulgaria can cost you less than a cocktail in a Parisian bar. So pack a phrase book and dress up warm – we’re heading East!

• 1 Eastern Europe: An overview
• 2 Eastern Europe highlights: A sample itinerary
• 3 The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
• 4 Poland: Gdansk, Warsaw & Krakow
• 5 Slovakia: Zdiar, The Tatra Mountains
• 6 Hungary: Budapest
• 7 Bulgaria: Sofia
• 8 How much does a trip to Eastern Europe cost?
• 9 How long do you need to explore Eastern Europe?
• 10 Getting around
• 11 Getting there
• 12 Where to stay
• 13 When to go
• 14 Food and drink
• 15 What to do
• 16 The Thrifty Gist

Eastern Europe: An overview

The definition of Eastern Europe can be a bit contentious. I moved to Poland a few years ago and have used this country as a base on and off ever since. While the folks back in England and Australia would tend to see Poland as ‘Eastern Europe,’ here locals often insist on ‘Central Europe,’ and looking at a map, they may have a point. However for the purposes of this article, Poland makes the cut. We’re also going to look at Czechia and Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, former Yugoslavia, the Baltics and Ukraine.

To varying degrees, all the countries described fell under the influence of the Soviet Union after the second world war. While most have now transformed into Western leaning democracies, the brutal memory of communism still rings in the ears. Poland and Hungary are sliding ominously towards the far right, and Ukraine’s recent attempt to lurch Westward politically was met with Russian tanks crossing the border into Crimea. While ‘history’ may feel like a thing of the past in London and Rome, here it is still an unfolding story.

Eastern Europe highlights: A sample itinerary

Once you spend a bit of time staring at a map, you’ll realize there’s an awful LOT of Eastern Europe. Not just in the number of countries, but in the size. Ukraine alone could comfortably fit in several Western European nations. Below I’ll sketch a rough itinerary that involves heading due south right from the Baltics into Bulgaria. You can either complete this itinerary fully (as pictured above) – requiring 5-6 weeks – or just do sections of it. 

A few things to note is that while most of these countries are in both the European Union and the Schengen Visa Free Zone, there are exceptions – notably Serbia and Ukraine. So be sure to check your visa requirements before venturing out . Also, the below is one hell of a trip and designed to give you a sense of what is available, rather than a definitive prescription – you should, of course, pick and choose. If you wanna head straight to Prague to sample the famed (and cheap) Czech beer before braving the winter streets of Vilnius, then I can’t say I blame you!

The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

So-named because of their position on the Baltic sea, these three small nations are often overlooked by Western travelers. But they shouldn’t be. Let’s have a look at each in turn:

Highlight : Tallinn. With a population of just 1.3 million, Estonia rapidly reinvented itself after the collapse of communism in 1989, and now is counted among one of the most technologically developed nations in the world. It offers digital citizenship to locals and expats, and is considered a digital nomad hub. If Eastern Europe in your mind is crumbling buildings and long queues for groceries, then start with Estonia to dispel those misconceptions. Get to know it like a local with a Welcome to Tallinn walking tour.

Highlight : Riga. The historic center of Riga is a Unesco world heritage site, and the beautifully preserved/restored town square is a great precursor of what you’re to expect as you explore countries like Poland and Czechia further south. Take in the most popular sights with a scenic canal boat cruise .

Highlight : Vilnius. Like Riga, the historic center of Vilnius is a Unesco World Heritage site, best explored with a local guide . Once unified with Poland, Vilnius boasts a proud literary heritage and a rich Jewish history – it was once referred to as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.”

Poland: Gdansk, Warsaw & Krakow

One of the strongest economies to emerge from the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, Poland’s vibrant present mingles with a history that stretches back over 1000 years, through the glory days of the Poland-Lithuania commonwealth right through to the trauma suffered at the hands of the Nazis and Soviets during the 20th century. I came to this country for a week in 2015, and ended up staying on and off for three years!

Spend your final days with the Baltic Sea at Gdansk, formerly the predominantly German free city of Danzig. Walk along the old docks, or admire the city from a historic boat cruise , and remember the Solidarity movement that, led by Lech Walesa, resulted in the overthrow of communism first in Poland and then, arguably, across the rest of Europe. One of Poland’s most picturesque cities, a late night stroll through the old town and by the riverside will be a treasured memory.

The sight of unimaginable horror during the Second World War as the Soviet Tanks waited for the Nazis to eliminate all Polish resistance before sweeping in and planting the Hammer and Sickle flag over the ruined city, Warsaw’s revival is the stuff of legend. Under the shadow of the imposing Palace of Culture, the historic old town has been painstakingly restored. Visit the POLIN Jewish Museum , and experience some of the finest dining Eastern Europe has to offer among the cities many chic restaurants (Hint: Try Cafe Kafka for lunch).

Poland’s biggest tourist draw, and for good reason. The medieval old square is haunting under the moonlight, as rows of horses and cart stand to attention, ready to take the next visitor for a ride. Outside the city you can venture deep under the earth to explore the Salt Mines, and make a painful, but necessary visit to the Auschwitz Museum .

Detour: Lviv, Ukraine

Take the night train from Krakow due east to experience something truly off the beaten track. Lviv is a great way to dip your toes into the gargantuan country of Ukraine, and give yourself a thrilling few days. Historically Polish and once known by the Hapsburg name, Lemberg, Lviv boasts one of the most adventurous nightlife scenes you’ll ever encounter. From a bar named Masoch (we’ll let you guess the theme) to multi story clubs, hidden restaurants accessible only with a password, rooftop bars where you sit in broken down cars, and ancient crypts beneath the city , a weekend in Lviv will give you enough stories to make your friends jealous for years.

Slovakia: Zdiar, The Tatra Mountains

Back on the road from Poland, we cross into Slovakia. The nation’s capital, Bratislava , is a rougher, smaller version of Prague (covered below) which rewards a fun weekend. But the Tatra mountains that stretch across the Polish border offer one of Slovakia’s most intoxicating delights.

Pro tip: Hit the Polish town of Zakopane just a few clicks from the border for a taste of the local Oscypek mountain cheese, before taking a minibus to the border, walking into Slovakia, and hopping another quick bus to Zdiar, a ski resort town. Stay in the Ginger Monkey Hostel for cosy diggs and to meet fellow travelers.

Detour: Prague, Czechia

It’s a bit out of the way and means a slight tack westward, but Prague, the dynamic capital of Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic, formerly formerly Czechoslovakia) is worth making the trip. Climb the steep hill to Prague Castle , and see the spires and winding streets of the city at your feet. Jostle with buskers on Charles Bridge before settling into one of the cities many cavernous beer halls for a sip (or several) of the unbelievably refreshing locals brews that flow like water and cost half as much!

Hungary: Budapest

Hungary’s mighty capital is growing in stature as a major Eastern European destination, rivaling Prague and Krakow. Divided into two halves, hilly historical Buda and flat, gritty Pest, the glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the horrors of the Arrow Cross Fascist regime and communist oppression, and the contemporary hipster revival of the city can all be felt after just a few hours in town. Climb up to the exquisite Royal Palace, drink the night away in a ruin bar (start with the gigantic Szimpla), take in the stunning architecture from a river cruise , soothe your soul in a thermal bath, and burn your taste buds with spicy paprika filled Goulash. For more tips on activities to do in Budapest, check our other guide here .

From here to Sofia you’ll most likely have to choose one of the below routes, which, like different prongs on a fork, all forge their own path to Bulgaria.

Option #1: Serbia: Belgrade

Step out of the European Union and into a scarier, starker version of history in Belgrade. The winding, cobbled streets are beautiful, the old ladies haggle over the price of cucumbers on the street markets, and the clubs rage until dawn. But as with much of Europe, there’s a darker side to history here. You’ll see at the ancient fortifications, in the city’s museums, and in the bullet holes still visible on some older buildings. Take in the top attractions from a sightseeing cruise .

Option #2: Romania: Transfagarasan Highway

Bucharest is a rough and ready capital that will still provide plenty to distract and entertain you. But for me, Romania is a country of rolling green hills, famers on horseback, dark grey clouds and mercifully warm temperatures. Considered one of the best road trips in the world, rent a car and take it carefully over the Transafgarasan Highway (or sit back and relax with a day tour ) for incredible views and, of course, a climb up the steep stairs to Vlad the Impaler’s vertiginous castle (Bran Castle).

Option #3: Croatia: Dubrovnik

Go ahead, be a tourist, give yourself a treat. Famous as the filming location for much of Game of Thrones (with you can visit on dedicated tours ), this seaside city will be sure to rack up the Instagram likes. Don’t want to get caught up in the tourist crowd? Croatia’s warm and picturesque Mediterranean coast can also be experienced from cities like Split, which also boast fresh seafood and, of course, cheap local beer sold in gigantic plastic bottles. Živjeli!

Bulgaria: Sofia

How much does a trip to Eastern Europe cost?

The low cost of living in Eastern Europe constantly amazes me. To take a sample at random, I am writing this article from a cafe in Poznan, Poland. A large local craft beer would cost $2 USD, a latte about the same, and a delicious, high quality hot meal about $6-8. This is typical of Eastern Europe, with countries like Ukraine, Serbia and Bulgaria offering even cheaper rates. The major tourist towns like Prague and Budapest can sting you on accomodation if you don’t book in advance, and always be wary of nightclubs and ‘bars of ill repute’ where scams are known.

Traveling Eastern Europe can realistically be done for as little as $30-50 USD / day , including accomodation, food, beer, transport and attractions.

How long do you need to explore Eastern Europe?

The above itinerary – done properly – would require about 5-6 weeks, but you can of course take as long or as little as you like. Distances can be large and outdated transport infrastructure can mean uncomfortable journeys (hold tight to your wallet on the cheap but dusty overnight train from Belgrade to Budapest. When I did this journey in 2015, I paid just 10 Euro for the ticket including sleeper berth!).

Getting around

While rail passes are highly recommended for travel in Western Europe, in the East they are less necessary. Train travel – even when booked on the day – is outrageously cheap, with $20 being more than enough for almost any internal journey you’re likely to make. For international journeys, consider overnight buses and trains to save on a night’s accommodation. Book in advance if going between major cities – for example, the overnight train from Warsaw to Budapest can get expensive (100 euro +) if booked at the last minute, but if booked in advance, will be a mere fraction of this.

• For trains, try Bahn.de
• For buses, try FlixBus
• For flights, try WizzAir

Getting there

Most cities listed above can easily be accessed with cheap Ryanair flights from London and across Western Europe. Check Skyscanner and select “Whole Month” to visualize the cheapest dates. If traveling from afar, cities like Berlin and Munich in Germany can make convenient hubs. I’ve also found Prague to be a surprisingly affordable final destination when flying all the way from Australia / New Zealand. If coming from Scandinavia, Gdansk in Poland can sometimes be reached for as little as 15 euro.

Where to stay

Cities like Krakow and Budapest boast a thriving youth hostel culture, ideal if you want to meet other travelers and find drinking buddies for the evening. In Budapest I give my warmest recommendation to  Carpe Noctem – I practically moved in. Elsewhere, Booking.com can offer cheap short term rentals on apartments, while AirBNB is a slightly more expensive, but more comfortable option for doing the same. Although you may not even consider doing such a thing in Paris or London, don’t be afraid to be bold and check TripAdvisor for a nice hotel – I’ve found 4 or 5 star luxury for under $50 a night across Eastern Europe.

It’s no secret: Eastern Europe gets cold, with subzero temperatures not unheard of from December through to March. This has its compensations – nothing is more beautiful than a medieval town center blanketed in white snow. Christmas means Christmas markets and hot spiced wine served out of large cauldrons, but it’s also when everyone has gone home with their families. My favorite time to travel is September, when it’s still hot, but the main tourist crowds have wrapped up their summer holidays, leaving the streets clear to explore.

Food and drink

Let’s start with drink! Beer is literally cheaper than bottled water in most countries described above. Look for the local brews, but be careful – in this part of the world, beer packs a punch, and 9% alcohol volume brews are not uncommon. Vodka is available in millions of different flavors – try Zubrowka in Poland, and local fruit spirits such as the potent Sliwowica (plum spirit) are easy to find. In Hungary, try sweet and rich Tokaj wine. Eastern European cuisine tends to be heavy – food to soak up the vodka and prepare you for a long winter. Pierogi (polish dumplings) make for a hearty meal, as does Hungary’s goulash, Prague’s many manifestations of pork, and Lithuania’s rich, dark rye bread. Look out for Milk Bars in Poland for cheap meals shoulder to shoulder with students and vagabonds. Supermarket chains like Lidl and Tesco can provide you cheap groceries basically everywhere you will go.  

Every city you visit will have a museum testifying to ancient glories and more recent horrors. Budapest boasts thermal baths, Poland has its salt mines, Slovakia has mountains and Prague – well, Prague has beer and a lot more besides, and pretty much everywhere has a fair share of castles! But the best thing to do is simply to wander, walk the cobbled streets with your eyes open, look at the people, and try and learn a few snatches of the local languages. Walking tours are available in most major cities – see Viator for what’s available in your destination.

The Thrifty Gist

• Eastern Europe can be challenging, but it boasts a wealth of attractions and an unbelievably low cost of living, making it a dream destination for the adventurous budget traveler
• Highlights include the Baltic countries, Poland, Lviv, The Tatras Mountains, Prague, Budapest, Romania, Belgrade, Dubrovnik and Sofia
• Travel by overnight train or bus to save on a night’s accommodation. With the exception of a few major routes, fares are constantly low
• Germany next door can serve as an easy hub to access Eastern Europe, but cheap flights with companies like WizzAir can get you pretty much anywhere
• Stay in hostels to meet travelers and for a party vibe, use Booking.com and AirBNB for comfortable private accommodation, and search TripAdvisor for great deals of high quality hotels
• December is beautiful, but cold, and with a lot of places likely to be closed. September offers warm weather, but not too many tourists
• Drink beer, brave the local flavored vodka, and eat the hearty rich meals with a focus on meat, potatoes and bread. Yes, you’ll likely come home a few kilos heavier!
• Eastern Europe is rich in history and has seen the conflicts of several empires. Enjoy the historic old town squares, castles, and museums, but mostly just walk the fascinating streets and listen to the stories of the people you encounter.

I like that you talked about museums in every city where we will see the ancient glories and horrors of their history. I would love to visit museums when my husband and I book a European travel tour for next year. It will be for my birthday to finally push through with my dream trip, and I can definitely enjoy the visit if I can learn about their history as well.

I love how detailed your blog is. Very helpful and informative. 🙂 So, I recently visited Krakow and was blown away by how charming and picturesque it is. The old town is just so charming and there’s a really lively nightlife scene. Overall, I had a really amazing time in Krakow and would definitely recommend it to others.

Thanks Jane—couldn’t agree more, Krakow is amazing!

“Sofia is most notable for its clash of influences, the Cyrillic writing system and Orthodox religion from Russia…” That is WRONG. Bulgaria created the Cyrillic writing system and Russia adopted it… Please fix that 🙂

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The Ultimate Eastern Europe Travel Guide

Jun 30, 2023

Best places to travel in Eastern Europe

If you immediately think of Paris , Barcelona and other overwhelmingly popular western destinations when you hear the word “Europe,” we’re here to make a case for the absolutely stunning cities across Eastern Europe. ✈️  Many of these spots still fly relatively under the radar, so you could be on the forefront of experiencing the newest hot spots in travel. We’ve rounded up some of the best places for a “hot Europe summer”… any time of the year. 🔥😉

Here at Flytographer , we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us around all the very best places to travel in Eastern Europe!

Table of Contents

• Best time of year to travel
• What to pack
• Slovenia : Ljubljana
• Croatia : Zagreb, Dubrovnik
• Hungary : Budapest
• Turkey : Istanbul
• Romania : Bucharest
• Poland : Warsaw, Krakow
• Latvia : Riga

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Flytographer (@flytographer)

1. Know before you go

What is the best time of year to go to eastern europe.

While summer is prime time, many travellers have the same idea and elbow room can be lacking! 🌞  Opt for the shoulder seasons in spring and summer for slightly lower prices and fewer crowds. However, many vendors may be operating on a reduced schedule, so be sure to plan ahead and do your research.

Božo in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Sea Walls

“Mankica was incredible! She was so kind, friendly, and sweet right from the start of our shoot. My son was not in the mood to cooperate, but Mankica handled it beautifully and still managed to get some amazing shots of him and our whole family. Not sure how she even did it! She was great with both of our kids and flexible in our schedule and our route. We LOVE the photos, Flytographer, and Ljubljana! What an incredible place. Mankica also shared with us some wonderful insights on what to do and where to go while in her hometown – they were great! Thanks so much, Mankica!”

Mankica in Ljubljana

“I had the pleasure of having a photo shoot with Ihsan in Budapest, and I must say it was an amazing experience! What impressed me the most about Ihsan was his attention to detail. We had such a great time during the shoot, and the end results were beyond our expectations! The pictures turned out beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier with them. Ihsan even went above and beyond by recommending some local restaurants when we asked for some advice, which was very much appreciated. Overall, I would highly recommend Ihsan to anyone looking for a talented, detail-oriented photographer in Budapest.”

Ihsan in Budapest

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Eastern Europe , Europe

3 epic eastern europe itineraries.

Eastern Europe really is a treasure trove for travellers.

From incredible architecture and epic nightlife, to gorgeous mountains and beautiful beaches, this diverse and delightful part of the world really does pack it all in.

That’s not to mention the fairytale castles, the quirky coffeehouses, the rattling trams and the fiery Rakija !

Ohhh it’s all to play for!

And who can forget the people! Wild, welcoming and a whole lot of fun, from the Baltics to the Balkans, the Bulgarians to the Bosnians, I doubt you’ll ever be made to feel more at home, or be invited to more parties, than you will in this part of the world!

But perhaps best of all, is the fact that the vast majority of countries here are still incredibly well-priced, making them easy on the pocket and the eye!

For Eastern Europe is a land where a first-class night train sleeper will cost you less than 40€, a night at the ballet less than 30€ and a delicious meal easily less than 10€!

So read on to discover my 3 epic Eastern European itineraries that will show you how to discover the best region in just 2 weeks…

Related Posts

• 21 Best Things to Do in Eastern Europe
• 21 Money-Saving Hacks for Travelling Eastern Europe
• 10 Best Europe Itineraries for Every Season & Budget

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#1 5 Super Cities: Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava & Belgrade

This 2 week Eastern Europe itinerary is all about seeing some of the most famous cities in this part of the world, those big bucket list tickers!

Covering 14 nights, this itinerary combines history and culture in a compact itinerary that will see you travelling across 5 countries – Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia, so strap in for the ride!

A great chance to see the diversity in this part of the world, as well as some world-class icons and enjoy some brilliant day trips, this itinerary makes for a great intro to the region and is crammed with some of my absolute favs!

Prague, Czech Republic: 3 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Dakura Vintage Hostel

Start your time in the incredible city of Prague.

Known as the city of a hundred spires, this Medieval gem has a UNESCO-listed centre and more historic treasures than you can shake a stick at.

Yes it’s well and truly on the tourist map and, after just a few hours here, you’ll quickly realise why!

Looking like something out of a fairytale, from Charles Bridge to Malá Strana, Hradčany (the hilltop castle) to St Nicholas and Týn Church, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city just like everyone else.

And when your feet get tired from all the cobblestone walking or museum meandering ( Prague’s National Museum is a must by the way), simply retire to one of the many green parks or islands that are easily accessible and free from the crowds.

Learn more in my list of the top 21 things to do in Prague , or check out my 2 day itinerary for this city , which is perfect if you then want to spend one of your days in the Czech Republic day tripping to a great spot around the capital.

Here’s my picks of the day trip bunch…

• From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip
• From Prague: Half-Day Trip to Kutná Hora & Bone Church
• From Prague: Small Group Day Trip to Koneprusy Caves & Karlstejn Castle

Krakow, Poland: 3 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Greg & Tom Hostel

From Prague, you can then hop on a cheap bus or train to Krakow, across the border in Poland, for more gorgeous Old Town action.

A small city, you can easily cover the main areas of the Old Town (Stare Miastro) and Wawel Castle, along with Kazimierz (which is the former Jewish Quarter) in a day.

Kazimierz was actually my favourite part of downtown Krakow – a historic area that has a vibrant sense of regeneration around it – so don’t miss it.

From the eerily quiet synagogues, which still stand as testimony to the tragedy of the Jewish community in Poland, through to youthful cafes, quirky bars and cool vintage shops, this is a great part of Krakow to explore on your own 2 feet.

Learn more in this list of the top 23 things to do in Krakow I wrote or this Krakow itinerary .

On your 2nd day in Krakow, I’d head out of town to check out the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a great half day trip that you will have heading underground to explore saline lakes, beautiful cave-like chambers and unique structures like the St Kinga’s Chapel.

And then, on your 3rd day in Krakow, it’s time for an emotional and harrowing experience, as you head to the former concentration camp of Auschwitz.

Visiting here will give you an utterly unforgettably real and vivid perspective on the horrific events that took place during World War II.

It sounds weird, but I really think it’s a must during your time in Krakow and highly recommended this full-day guided tour that includes return transport to and from Krakow with an English-speaking guide, as well as a tour of the memorial, museum and visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

To learn more about this day trip, or how to head here yourself using public transport, check out this full post I wrote all about it.

Bratislava, Slovakia: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Urban Elephants Hostel

The tiny, but very cute, capital of Slovakia is an easy stop on your way from Krakow south and is worth at least a couple of days of your time, especially if you want a bit more of a relaxed pace and fewer crowds.

Wandering the compact centre on foot is easy – don’t miss the climb up to the castle! – before hanging out in the lovely local cafes, or heading off for a spot of wine tasting.

Check out my list of the top things to do in Bratislava for more ideas.

If you really want to cram this itinerary to the max, then you can also day trip to Vienna from Bratislava.

Check out this top-rated river cruise tour for more info.

Budapest, Hungary: 3 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Maverick Urban Lodge

Back on the main route, it’s time to wave goodbye to Slovakia and hit up the 4 th country on this Eastern European itinerary.

The show-stopping city of Budapest is next – an absolute favourite among travellers.

Not only is it jam-packed with history, but the public baths and ruin bars here make it one of the most fun cities too.

Spend one day seeing the main bucket-list attractions in the city, which are mostly located on the Buda side of the river, before donating the rest of your time to the parks, ruin pubs, quirky cafes and amazing baths of Pest.

Learn more in this list I wrote about the best 21 things to do in the city or follow this 3 day itinerary for the perfect guide to the Hungarian capital.

Belgrade, Serbia: 3 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – El Diablo Hostel

Finish up your 2 week Eastern Europe itinerary with a slight surprise of a city, but one that you won’t regret visiting.

Belgrade is a wild place to party, but also an amazing city to explore and sightsee in as well.

My favourite parts were down by the river, where cool cafes and restaurants nudge shoulders with cycle tracks and green parks.

The wonderful island playground of Ada Ciganlija can’t be missed either, especially in the summer!

Learn more in my guide about the 13 best things to do in Belgrade here.

#2 Double Delight: Romania & Bulgaria

This second Eastern Europe itinerary makes for a perfect travel adventure in 2 of the region’s most dynamic countries – Romania and Bulgaria.

Situated close together, there’s isn’t as much travel time involved in this itinerary, and you’ll get out into nature more, including some beach and mountain days – woo hoo!

Great as a standalone itinerary, these 2 weeks can also be added onto the first itinerary above (it’s easy to get from Belgrade to Bucharest) to make an epic 4 week journey across the region.

Bucharest, Romania: 2 Nights

Mid-Range Accommodation Pick – LeBlanc ApartHotel

Start your time on this Eastern Europe itinerary in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

My advice is to avoid the Old Town here – it’s completely overrated and not even that old!

Instead, spend your time exploring the nearby suburbs which are filled with independent bookstores, ruin pubs, cool cafes, green parks, crazy statues and some fun street art.

Learn more about what to do in Bucharest with my list of the top 15 things to do in the city.

Brasov, Romania: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Kismet Dao Hostel

Continue your time in Romania by heading to the beautiful mountain area of Transylvania.

A great place to start here is in the city of Brasov, which is easy to access from the capital.

No time in this city is complete without taking the cable car above the Hollywood-style sign (and enjoying the view!) before heading out to see some of the famous castles nearby.

Both Peles and Bran Castle are well-worth seeing, just do be prepared for the crowds!

Bran Castle is supposed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula , while there’s no doubt Peles Castle is one of the prettiest in the whole of the country and should not be missed.

This top-rated day trip will allow you to see both castles in a day, as well as the Transylvanian Alps and the Bucegi Mountains.

Otherwise, check out this list of the best things to do in Brasov if you’d rather concentrate on exploring this city.

Sibiu, Romania: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – PanGeea Hostel

From Brasov, it’s then time to head into Romania’s countryside to take in more of the stunning mountain scenery and fairytale castles of Transylvania.

This really does provides a great contrast to simply city hopping around Eastern Europe and you’ll likely be amazed to see just how rural life in this area still is, as horse-drawn carts and flower-filled fields dominate the landscape.

With some extra time up your sleeve, the gorgeous town of Sighisoara in Romania is also worth a stop. Although the public transport in this part of the world is not the most regular, it is one of my fav places to visit in Romania .

Veliko Taranovo, Bulgaria: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Hostel Mostel, Veliko

From Sibiu, I then suggest you head back down to Bucharest and make the 2 hour journey across the border to your next country of Bulgaria.

Easiest to reach, once you’re across the Danube, is the town of Veliko Taranovo, which also happens to be one of my favourites!

Perched on the edge of a valley, wander the small streets here and take in the epic views of this small historic spot.

The next day, head out on the famous UFO tour run by Hostel Mostel. As weird as it sounds, you won’t regret it!

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Hostel Old Plovdiv

I loved Plovdiv so much, even if I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.

Named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, this awesome historic city is the country’s second-largest metropolis, but with its chilled vibe, quaint streets, funky cafes, cool bars, and cobbled charm, it feels a million miles away.

Pretty as punch, top-level trendy and beautifully off the beaten track, Plovdiv is the perfect place to spend a few days after the beach!

Discover the highlights in this guide I wrote all about the city.

Sozopol, Bulgaria: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Offshore Camping

After all the city action, it’s time to head to the coast and relax!

Isn’t that what holidays are about after all?

Thankfully, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast provides the perfect opportunity, but my advice is to steer clear of the resort-filled areas, such as Varna, and instead head south towards the small city of Sozopol.

The beach just north of here provides a bit of an alternative, young, fun vibe and with cheap camping right behind the dunes, you can’t go wrong.

Probably one just for the summer, if you have more time you may want to extend here!

Sofia, Bulgaria: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Hostel Mostel, Sofia

And finally, it’s time to end your stay in Bulgaria and this 2 week Eastern Europe itinerary in the wonderful capital of Sofia.

The company 365 offers an awesome free walking tour here (I think it was the best I took in the whole of the region), which leads you to discover Roman ruins, thermal waters and hidden poems across the landscape of shifting empires and influences Sofia has seen.

Learn more in my list of the top 10 things to do in Sofia .

And, with another day in this city, why not enjoy one of the great day trips that are easy to access from Sofia too?

My top picks are to Rila Monastery , the Seven Lakes and Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress .

Or, if you’re feeling really keen, why not head across to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, for a day and tick another country off your list?!

#3 Best of the Balkans: Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania

And finally, we come to the third epic itinerary for Eastern Europe and perhaps my favourite of them all.. not that I have favourites of course!

But it’s hard (or I’d go as far as impossible ) not to fall in love with the Balkans.

Filled with a gorgeous coastline, some of the best prices in the region, tons of beautiful towns, stunning national parks and slightly more off the beaten track spots, the chequered history of this region only adds to its uniqueness.

Another top 14 day adventure plan, this itinerary again functions either as a standalone map for your next holiday, or can be tagged onto one of the above itineraries (or both) for one heck of a grande vacance !

Covering 4 countries, it’s not one for the faint-hearted, but will certainly have you falling in love with this area like me!

Sarajevo, Bosnia: 2 Nights

Mid-Range Accommodation Pick – Apartment with Amazing Sarajevo View

Kicking off this epic Balkan itinerary in Eastern Europe, we first head to Bosnia’s capital – Sarajevo.

Catching a bus here from Belgrade or Sofia involves a long bus ride – bookable using FlixBus – but is possible if you want to tag the Balkans onto either of the first 2 itineraries in this article.

Despite the extensive journey, once you arrive in Sarajevo, it probably won’t take you long to fall in love with this hilly and charming city!

Don’t miss the free walking tours, great museums and bustling marketplace here and, if you have any time left, heading out of town to explore the Old Winter Olympic Bobsleigh Track comes highly recommended – trust me, it’s way better than it sounds!

Get the full lowdown in my list of the best things to do in Sarajevo.

Mostar, Bosnia: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Musala Hostel

And next, it’s on to the second largest city in this country (and the capital of the Herzegovina region), Mostar.

Catching the train here from Sarajevo makes for a stunning journey – not least due to its gorgeous mountain scenery and low price tag! – and then prepare to be bowled over by Mostar itself – here’s the reasons I loved it so much .

Take at least 1 day to explore the UNESCO-listed Stari Most Bridge and quaint Old Town here, before embarking on an epic day trip that takes in soviet bunkers and waterfall swimming.

Sasha at the great Musala Hostel can help you arrange it.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Angelina Hostel

There’s no denying the delight of Dubrovnik and, with only a small bus journey west from Mostar needed to get here, it made sense to include it in this Eastern Europe itinerary.

That said, it is crazy expensive here, so limiting your time in this Croatian city to just 2 nights makes sense for the budget too!

Spend your time exploring the city and coastline and splurge on walking the walls at sunset when the day trippers have gone home and the light is best!

Don’t miss the hidden Buza Bar where you can swim, sunbathe and cliff jump into the dazzling waters below either.

Learn more in my guide to visiting Dubrovnik for less here.

Kotor, Montenegro: 2 Nights

Budget Accommodation Pick – Pupa’s Hostel

After Dubrovnik, it’s then time to hop, skip and jump across yet another border to the famous historic town of Kotor in Montenegro.

Another easy bus ride, once you get here don’t miss a hike up to the historic fort or a chance to cycle around the inlet and discover smaller villages such as Perast.

Then, of course, there’s always the chance to just lie in the sun, swim in the water and take in the amazing colours of the landscape – what a place!

Durmitor National Park: 2 Nights

The UNESCO-listed Durmitor National park in Montenegro is a beautiful area of mountains that you definitely shouldn’t miss during your time in this country.

Its highest peak, Bobotov Kuk, is a lofty 2,523m tall and the stunning Tara River Canyon, where you can enjoy rafting adventures, is another must-see – it’s the largest and deepest canyon in Europe don’t y’know!

You can admire the glittering glacial lake, impressive pine forests and fresh springs here too, and trips can easily be arranged from Kotor if you don’t want to navigate public transport.

Tirana, Albania: 2 Nights

Mid-Range Accommodation Pick – Vila Jasmine

And now we make it to our final country on this Eastern Europe itinerary – the marvel that is Albania.

The cheapest coutnry in the region (and that’s saying something), it’s easiest to start your time in the capital Tirana, which has the best international bus connections.

City tours, cooking classes and cafe-hopping are big on the menu here and you can also day trip to the historical site of Berat or hike up Gamti Mountain and then enjoy Bovilla’s wonderful lake views from the top, if you wish.

Saranda, Albania: 2 Nights

Mid-Range Accommodation Pick – Sky Apartments

And finally, it’s time to enjoy the beach!

Lap up Albania’s premier coastal resort of Saranda, as you snooze under the sun to the sound of those gentle Adriatic waves.

What better end to your Eastern Europe adventure can you imagine?

Other Spots to Visit in Eastern Europe

These destinations are also great additions to any eastern European itinerary…

• Tallinn, Estonia – allow 2-3 night
• Lviv, Ukraine – once things are safe again
• Lake Bled, Slovenia – an iconic spot
• Riga, Latvia – sample the best of the Baltics
• Tbilisi, Georgia – one of my fav cities in earth
• Garni, Goght & Gerhard, Armenia – the last hidden corner of Europe

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Eastern Europe Mini Travel Guide

When to Visit Eastern Europe?

No question in my mind that you should definitely visit Eastern Europe during either the summer or festive seasons.

In summer you will get the most from the country’s lovely coastal as well as mountainous parts because, let’s face it, nature is exponentially more beautiful when the sun shines!

In the winter, you’ll get Christmas markets galore (especially in Prague and Krakow), as well as the opportunity to ski in Romania and Bulgaria.

Just beware that the seasons in this region are quite extreme, so summer days in August can reach well into the high thirties and winters can often be below freezing – pack accordingly!

How to Get There & Around?

Getting to most parts of Eastern Europe is easy by plane, especially if you’re arriving into a major city like Prague, Bucharest or Dubrovnik.

Check Skyscanner for the best prices.

Otherwise, bus and trains are also plentiful. I travelled overland in this region a lot as a solo female and always found it safe and easy.

I booked all my train and coach travel across Eastern Europe using Trainline and FlixBus – I like the way they compare multiple journeys and allow me to book in advance in English!

In general, you’ll find trains are more prolific in the north of Eastern Europe (in countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary), while in the Balkans, almost all overland travel is operated exclusively by bus.

4 Key Packing Items for Eastern Europe

#1 Mirrorless Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop during your time in Eastern Europe and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous region justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Eastern Europe, it’s as simple as that! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish city strolling as much as monastery mounting, I love mine!

#3 Filter Water Bottle – All that sightseeing is thirsty work, so make sure you have a filter water bottle that allows you to drink the tap water safely wherever you are in the world. 

#4 Day pack – And to carry your water bottle, camera and snacks, you’re going to need a decent backpack that will help you balance the weight as you walk and sightsee. In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack , which is also perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets too.

Learn more in this complete packing list for Eastern Europe .

Travel Insurance

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Eastern Europe

When it comes to paying for things in Eastern Europe, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates, which is why I always take my Wise Card with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold!

Get yours here .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, 3 epic itineraries for your Eastern European adventure.

Which one are you going to pick?

Or have you travelled this part of the world already?

If so, what were your favourite stops and have I missed any out?

Do let me know in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

6 thoughts on “ 3 Epic Eastern Europe Itineraries ”

Hi Sthepanie, first of all thanks for your post about this itinerary. I´m planning to make a trip like this in august, and actually I´m using a lot this post, but I have some questions about the transport between countries, in particular From Belgrade to Timisoara and also between the towns you metion in Romania. How did you move between towns in Romania ?

Hi Patricio, excited to hear you’re heading to Eastern Europe this summer and great question re. the transport. In Romania, I mostly used trains to travel between towns. From Timisoara to Belgrade I used a minibus shuttle service as there is no public transport making this border crossing. Hope that helps. Best 🙂

Three itineraries in one write-up. Very useful. have been to Eastern Europe. It is very beautiful and you have covered it well

Thanks so much! Really pleased to hear you found them useful. Best, Steph 🙂

Hello, I’d like to travel in October- Nov. Is there anything you would change due to this time of year?

Hi Holly, just be aware at this time of year it will start getting cold – so pack accordingly (warm layers and a coat etc) and avoid any coastal areas as they won’t be as fun! Happy travels, Steph 🙂

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The Ultimate 2-Week Eastern Europe Itinerary: 6 Great Routes

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Eastern Europe itinerary when you only have a finite number of days or weeks to play around with can be a head-spinning and frustrating undertaking. It’s only until you sit down and pull out a map (or, more realistically, open up Google Maps) that you realise how vast this region of the continent is and how much there really is to see.

Do you want to head to the Central European favourites like Budapest or Prague ? Do you venture up north and explore the charms of the Baltic states? Or do you head southeast and devote your time to one country like Romania or Bulgaria?

So if you’re in the process of planning a trip to Eastern Europe and are a bit stuck on what the optimal route is for you, then look no further.

Table of Contents

Which countries are in Eastern Europe?

For those who haven’t travelled extensively around the region, it may not seem like the term “Eastern Europe” is even that loaded, however, you will soon learn that it is not so much a term that defines a region and can be far more political and cultural than meets the eyes.

Many people will jump to thinking that the term “Eastern Europe” refers to the Warsaw Pact countries or the countries that were under Communist rule from WWII up until the early 1990s. This typically includes the countries in former Yugoslavia and anything east of Germany or Austria (excluding Greece and Turkey).

Where things can get complicated is that many residents of certain countries don’t like to be referred to as Eastern European. For instance, the countries of Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia often would prefer to be referred to as Central Europe – and geographically, that is where they are.

And the countries of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria are best referred to as the Balkans. And Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania? They’re the Baltics.

So which countries are actually in Eastern Europe? It’s still complicated, however, you’re generally safe to assume that countries like Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Russia are all in Eastern Europe.

I would also go so far as to consider the countries of Georgia, Armenia and even Azerbaijan all the way in the South Caucasus as a part of Eastern Europe. I say this because, although geographically they may rest in what is technically Asia, culturally they are far more European.

So, as you can see, Eastern Europe is generally quite a vague term that encompasses a number of vastly different regions and nations. However, it is also one of our absolute favourite regions to travel in the entire world and visiting anywhere in this vast corner of Europe is sure to spark your wanderlust.

How to get around Eastern Europe

Depending on which area of Eastern Europe you intend to travel to, the best way to get around will vary. However, what’s good is that, especially if you only plan to visit major cities, it’s very easy to get around most areas relying only on the train or bus. Just what form of public transit will depend on where you are.

If you plan to do the classic “Eastern Europe” itinerary (ie Central Europe) and hit top cities like Budapest, Prague, or Krakow, then you can easily get around while relying on the train.

Train connections in Central Europe are frequent, reliable and relatively affordable — especially if booked in advance through platforms like Omio. You can click here to view schedules.

It can be popular to plan to use night trains to save on accommodation or time in transit, but keep in mind that these can book out quite early in high seasons and they can be quite expensive, depending on where you’d like to go.

If you want to save some money, you will find that the bus is a cheaper option and offers just as many routes. Companies like FlixBus offer numerous routes between cities at affordable price and buses are generally fairly comfortable and reliable. There are also overnight bus routes, but this is quite a tiring and uncomfortable way to travel.

If you happen to be travelling in the Balkans or Baltics, you are going to have to forget about any visions you had about taking the train. Rail routes are few and far between and where they may exist, they will be painfully slow, exceptionally outdated, and rather uncomfortable.

The vast majority of the Balkans and Baltics aren’t actually on a rail network, anyhow, so your best bet is going to be taking the bus if you’re relying on public transit.

In the Baltics, there is a wonderful bus company called Lux Express that is arguably going to be the nicest bus that you will ever encounter. They are comfortable, have wifi and entertainment systems and serve most major routes throughout the Baltics and even into Poland and Russia. You can book bus tickets for the Baltics here.

In the Balkans, FlixBus operates in some countries, but there are far more bus companies available and finding out the schedules can be tricky depending on where you are. Your best bet is to check out the bus timetables at the station when you arrive so you have an idea because information on the internet may be incomplete or incorrect.

If you don’t want to rely on public transit, then you can always rent a car when travelling in Eastern Europe. This will allow you to have more flexibility with your itinerary and not be at the mercy of erratic timetables and long bus or train journeys.

However, please make sure to double-check that the rental company will allow you to cross borders and that the car is provided with the adequate insurance in order to do this.

The rental company should handle this and it isn’t the consumer’s responsibility, but do make sure that you are properly equipped before starting your Eastern Europe travel itinerary.

If you want to rent a car while travelling in Eastern Europe, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best deals on a car hire.

Finally, it’s worth making sure you have travel insurance for your Eastern Europe trip. If you’re travelling on a budget and are only after travel medical insurance it’s worth checking out  SafetyWing’s nomad insurance.

How long to spend in Eastern Europe

So how many days or weeks should you dedicate to your itinerary through Eastern Europe? With the region encompassing so many countries and sub-regions, it can feel like there is never enough time to see everything and deciding the ideal trip length can seem incredibly overwhelming.

The first thing that you need to understand is that it is impossible to see everything in a limited period of time and if you try to cram in too much, you are going to spend the vast majority of your time in transit between cities and destinations rather than actually enjoying and exploring the destination itself.

We always encourage slow travel and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to take numerous weeks off in order to travel to Eastern Europe, it just means that you should absolutely spend a bit longer in each destination that you visit. So, if you only have time for a one-week itinerary, then we would suggest limiting your trip to just two cities.

If you want to see a good portion of the region you’ve decided to visit while still not taking a tonne of time off work or away from home, then we think that planning for two weeks is the ideal amount of time. Within a fortnight, you can get a good taste of whichever region you plan to visit and really experience some diverse and dynamic destinations.

Obviously, if you have longer and are looking to spend 3 weeks in Eastern Europe, then you can very much find a multitude of ways that you could fill your time.

3 weeks really is optimal to begin to dig deeper and get a bit off the beaten path and to see some cities and towns away from the major capitals. This will give you a broader idea of the general culture of whichever country or region you are visiting and help you gain a better understanding of the area.

There are always options if you have longer than 2 or 3 weeks in Eastern Europe as there are a myriad of regions and countries that you could visit.

You also could take the opportunity to base yourself for a longer period of time in a particular city and explore more of the surrounding area via day trips and even venture off the beaten tourist path in the city itself.

The possibilities are endless in Eastern Europe no matter how long you’re able to spend, just make sure that you can do each destination justice by spending enough time there.

For the purposes of this article, all of these itineraries are meant to be for about 2 weeks. If you’re looking for a one-week or 10-day Eastern Europe itinerary, then just take away one or two destinations mentioned as they interest you. Again, it’s best to keep in mind that it is impossible to pack everything in just a short time period.

Second, as mentioned earlier, there are lots of different regions that encompass greater Eastern Europe and we’ve put together itineraries for each of these.

If you want more information once you’ve decided where it is that you want to in Eastern Europe, we have dedicated itineraries for Central Europe , the Balkans , the Baltics , and even the Caucasus if you are feeling intrepid.

Central Europe Routes

Central Europe is what most people are looking for when they think to plan an itinerary for Eastern Europe. Filled with some of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe and packed with interesting culture and fascinating history, this region is sure to delight all those who venture there.

Classic Central Europe Route

This two-week itinerary will take you past some of the most popular and beautiful places to visit in what many believe to be “Eastern Europe”. This route starts in Budapest and ends in Prague, but you can easily reverse it if it makes the most sense to you.

Budapest – The capital of Hungary is an excellent place to start any trip to Eastern Europe. It is something of the gateway to Eastern Europe and a great jumping-off point to visiting Central Europe, the Balkans, or Romania.

Budapest is one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in all of Europe and you’re sure to fall in love with it instantly with it’s incredibly picturesque skyline set along the mighty Danube River. Plan to spend about 4-5 days in Budapest to really do the city justice before moving onto your next destination.

Vienna – Though not technically Eastern Europe, Vienna is an essential addition to an itinerary of this sort. Austria’s grand capital is a lovely place to explore for about 3-4 days and it is highly recommended that you take a day trip to the nearby capital of Slovakia, Bratislava .

Brno/Olomouc – Spend 2 days exploring one of Czechia’s other cities and while Olomouc is a personal favourite of ours, Brno is a more direct stop and also offers another great perspective of the Czech Republic beyond the capital city.

Prague – No itinerary of this sort would be complete without including the Czech Republic’s inimitable capital of Prague . The city is very popular, however, there are lots of places to visit within it that are off the beaten path. Plan to spend about 3-4 days in the city itself and then give yourself more time to go on a day trip or two.

Have More Time? If you have a bit more time to dedicate to this itinerary, please consider exploring more the Czech Republic . There is so much to see in this incredible country beyond Prague – and very few international visitors tend to dig deeper and explore the country.

If you want to get out in nature and see some of the countryside, then head to the Jeseniky Mountains or Bohemian Switzerland National Park, or if you want to experience some more Czech cities, it can be worth it to head to Brno or even industrial Ostrava . For smaller towns and cities, head to Karlovy Vary , Cesky Krumlov or Pilsen.

Alternative Central European Route

If you’re still after a Central European route but want to visit more countries, consider spending a bit of time in Poland rather than Czechia.

Budapest – Again, start your itinerary in Budapest and plan to spend 4 days exploring this incredibly beautiful city. There is so much to see and do in Budapest that you’re sure not to be bored.

Vienna – From Budapest, head onto Vienna for 3 days and make sure to do a day trip to Bratislava in order to see another amazing Central European city.

Prague – Plan to spend at least 3 nights and two full days exploring Prague, taking in the city’s top sites and learning about its vast and complex history. Also, Prague has some of the best beer in the world at some incredibly affordable prices!

Wroclaw – From Prague, head over to spend a day in the charming city of Wroclaw , Poland. This lesser-visited city is dotted with interesting sites to see and full of endearing quirks — including a myriad of little dwarf statues that can be spotted throughout the city!

Krakow – End your itinerary in Poland’s second-largest city of Krakow . This city is filled with history, both heartbreaking and fascinating, and it is worth taking the time to explore that along with it’s beautiful Old Town.

It is also possible to take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Museum. You could even take a day trip to the Tatra Mountains, if that suits your fancy.

Have More Time? If you have more time to devote to this itinerary, consider exploring more of Poland, including heading to the capital of Warsaw or to some smaller cities like Poznan or Gdansk , where you may find fewer crowds than in cities like Krakow and, in the latter city, even enjoy a beautiful Baltic beach. You could also combine this itinerary easily with a route through the Baltic countries if you have around 4-5 weeks to play around with.

Baltics Routes

The Baltics are one of Europe’s most underrated regions but also happen to contain some of the most charming spots in all of Eastern Europe. Filled with fairy-tale-like cities, incredible cuisine and fascinating history, this is how you should spend two weeks in the Baltics.

Classic Baltic Route

If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the Baltic countries and just want to get a feel, then this two-week route through the capitals is a great option for you.

Warsaw – Poland’s capital is one of the easiest places to begin this route. Plan to spend about 2 days exploring this historic city while taking in its refurbished Old Town and visiting some of the great museums.

Vilnius – The capital of Lithuania has been subjected to some great marketing campaigns, however, it still doesn’t get nearly the amount of visitors that it deserves.

Home to one of Europe’s largest old towns, a great cafe culture, and its own “independent republic,” plan to spend about 3 days in Vilnius to get the most out of the city and maybe take a day trip.

Riga – Next, head up to Latvia’s cosmopolitan capital of Riga. There is so much that Riga has to offer, but it is a real joy for architecture geeks — boasting one of the best collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Riga also has a lovely Old Town, great restaurants, and an incredible Central Market. Plan to spend 2-3 days in Riga to get the most out of the city.

Tallinn – The Estonian capital may well be the most beautiful city in the entirety of Europe (move over Paris or Seville!) however, very few visitors give it the time it deserves.

The medieval old town packs a significant amount of charm, but there is so much more to see in Tallinn that it’s worth spending at least 3 or 4 days to really do Estonia’s capital justice.

Alternative Baltics Route

If you are looking for an itinerary through the Baltics that allows you to really dig deep into the region, then this route commencing in Vilnius and ending in Tallinn is a great option for you.

Vilnius – Start your trip in Lithuania’s capital and plan to spend 2-3 days here exploring the top sites, going for a day trip, and enjoying the laid-back nature before moving on.

Kaunas – Lithuania’s second-largest city can be seen in about one full day, but it is still very much worth exploring. Kaunas boasts a lovely old town, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, fantastic street art, fascinating museums, and an imposing medieval castle making it a can’t-miss stop in Lithuania.

Riga – Now it’s time to visit Latvia’s beautiful capital city. Take the time to enjoy its cosmopolitan energy, enjoy the cuisine, and maybe take a day trip to the seaside town of Jurmala located just outside of the city.

Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city is far too often ignored by visitors to the Baltic, but it really shouldn’t. There are lots of things to do in Tartu that can easily occupy one or two full days including exploring the old town, visiting museums, enjoying its art scene, and indulging in some of the city’s fantastic restaurants.

Tallinn – End your itinerary in Tallinn, trying to spend at least three days enjoying this incredible city. Tallinn is so cool and dynamic and has so many layers that you are sure to be charmed and itching to explore more.

Have More Time? If you have more time to dedicate to the Baltics, there are so many more places that you could visit. Consider heading to the coast of Lithuania and exploring the city of Klaipeda and the beautiful Curonian Spit . Or, head to the seaside town of Liepaja, Latvia and take in its laid-back charms.

Alternatively, you could head to the Estonian seaside in cities like Parnu or Haapsalu or, even more offbeat, head to some of its countless islands – like peaceful Saaremaa . And though it’s definitely not Eastern Europe, many people like to continue onto Finland and the Nordics from Tallinn.

Southeastern Europe Route

If you would rather head southeast when planning your Eastern Europe travel itinerary, then these are the routes for you. Heading into the Balkans is a great choice if you want to experience a number of different cultures and learn about a different history than you would in other areas of Eastern Europe.

Central Balkans Route

This itinerary begins in Budapest and takes you through some south-central European capitals.

Budapest – There are few cities better to commence an Eastern European route in than Budapest. For this 2-week itinerary, plan to spend 4-5 days in the Hungarian capital.

Belgrade – Belgrade is a gritty, lively, energetic and dynamic city that is just so cool it is sure to take you by surprise. Known for its incredible nightlife, Belgrade is also packed with history, culture and interesting things to do that you could easily occupy yourself for the recommended 3 days in Serbia’s capital .

Zagreb – Croatia’s oft-overlooked capital is normally put on the back burner for those more eager to head to the country’s coast, however, it is worth spending a day or two exploring . There are also numerous great day trip opportunities — please try to get to Plitvice Lakes, it’s breathtakingly beautiful — from Zagreb, as well.

Ljubljana – End this itinerary for Eastern Europe in Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana. This beautiful city is so incredibly charming that it is a strong contender for the most beautiful city in Eastern Europe (Tallinn has some competition).

Plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Ljubljana , giving yourself longer if you’re interested in going for a day trip to Lake Bled , Lake Bohinj , lovely Maribor or even the seaside village of Piran.

Classic Balkans Route

If you’re after a more classic Balkans route for your trip to Eastern Europe but only have two weeks to do it in, then plan to begin your trip in Belgrade. The central Balkans are fairly off the beaten path compared to the rest of the places on this list, however, they pack so much that it’s worth exploring.

Belgrade – Begin your trip in Belgrade, Serbia taking in all of the eclectic sites the city has to offer, experiencing its inimitable energy and learning about its vast and complex history – there are tons of walking tours here where you can learn all about this city. 3-4 days in Belgrade should be sufficient, but one can always spend more.

Sarajevo – Next, head to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s incredible capital of Sarajevo. One of the most fascinating cities to visit in this part of the world, Sarajevo has an absolutely heartbreak history that is very much worth learning about in a number of the city’s excellent museums.

Take the time to learn about its not-so-modern history, as well, enjoy the historic city centre, and take its east-meets-west vibes at this cultural crossroads. You need about 2-3 days in Sarajevo to really do the city justice.

Mostar – From Sarajevo, head south to the beautiful city of Mostar. Far too often visited only as a day trip, Mostar is best experienced over two days to really learn about this city and its complex history.

Kotor – To round out this two-week itinerary, head to the Montenegrin port city of Kotor. This city is quite popular amongst tourists — especially as a cruise ship port — but it’s definitely worth spending 2-3 full days here to get to know the city and take some day trips to the surrounding area.

Have More Time? If you have more time to spend in the Balkans, your opportunities really are endless — one could easily spend months on end in this region alone and still feel as if they’ve only scratched the surface.

From Kotor, one could easily head into Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and onto Greece, if you want to stay further south. Or, you could head west of Kotor to Dubrovnik and explore more of Croatia.

Alternatively, you could continue on east into Bulgaria, which deserves at least a week or two to explore on its own. Planning a Bulgaria itinerary on top of this Eastern European route is a fantastic idea.

If you end up in Bulgaria and have a lot of time to play around with, then it would also make sense to head into Romania.

Again, Romania is a massive country and visitor could easily dedicate two full weeks solely to this country – take time to see sites like Bran Castle, explore the vibrant capital of Bucharest and wander through the towns and cities in Transylvania.

Booking Accommodation in Eastern Europe

Once you’ve figured out your itinerary and where you want to go in Eastern Europe, the next step is booking accommodation. Luckily, there are so many options out there to book the best places to stay that cater to all tastes and budgets.

If you’re planning on backpacking in Eastern Europe, are on a tight budget, or are just looking for some great social opportunities, then hostels are going to be your best bet. We like to search for and book hostels online through Hostelworld , which is excellent to find the best hostels and keep all of your bookings in place.

If you’re looking for a broad array of accommodation options at great prices, then you can’t go wrong with Booking.com . This is our platform of choice when we are booking traditional hotels and B&Bs and even, sometimes, whole apartments!

And finally, if you’re looking for a private apartment rental or would like to save some money while staying in a private room in a local’s home, we recommend booking your stay through Airbnb. There are countless properties available on the platform all over Eastern Europe that will ensure you have a unique and authentic place to rest your head.

There are countless options when planning the ultimate Eastern Europe itinerary and it can seem overwhelming when confronted with all of them to figure out where to go. However, this region has so much to offer that no matter where in it you end up visit, you’re sure to have an incredible time!

Are you visiting Eastern Europe? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Romania Itinerary

One Day in Brasov Itinerary: A Day Trip from Bucharest

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Bucharest Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, woderful detailing of East Europe tours. Can you please help me to figure out my trip with inclusion of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Croatia.we wish to travel by rental car. We are planning to visit these places in November 2023 , a trip for 10 days. please suggest. Dr, Neera Mittal

I sincerely hope that in 2022, I shall be able to visit eastern Europe which I have been planning for last three years! Your writings are very informative and absorbing. Please continue your excellent efforts of writing such pieces. Thanks a lot. PS: Add some information also about expenses of different categories, if possible.

Thanks for your comment and I hope that you’re able to go on your trip this year!

Amazing info, thanks. I will put together a trip for a month. I plan to surprise my daughter in Prague where she goes to Uni. Appreciate all your hard work and easy reading style. Stay healthy and happy! <3

Thanks so much for your comment and kind words, Lynn! Hope that you and your daughter have a great trip 🙂

Hello, this was a great explanation of what eastern europe really is, and some excellent itineraries for central europe, baltics, and balkans. But after you defined eastern europe to include Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Russia, you left out an itinerary for that very thing. Do you have such a guide? Thank you.

Hi Kyle, unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of information about those countries (yet!). All of those places are definitely on our list though so hoping to change that in the future

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Welcome to the Wild East

Travel blog for east central and eastern europe, popular countries.

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Wild East is the travel blog for Eastern Europe

We are Peter Althaus and Markus Bingel – like our guest authors, we have a big heart for Eastern Europe. For many people, the countries of Eastern, Central Eastern, North Eastern or South Eastern Europe are simply the “Wild East” – vast landscapes about which we know as much as we used to know about the “Wild West”. There are breathtaking metropolises from Berlin to Baku and Tallinn to Tirana , the mountains of the Balkans and the Carpathians , the wild steppes of Ukraine , the beaches of the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea . And above all, lots of friendly people and their culture . We would like to present all of this here and invite you to get to know Eastern Europe and its people . Come along and start your journey to the Wild East! More about us can be found here .

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14-Day Europe Itinerary: 6 Countries under S$1.8k with the Eurail Pass

Armed with the  7-day Flexi Eurail Pass , we set out to explore 6 countries over 14 days, for less than S$1.8k.

*Pst: Get 15% off your Eurail pass when you book before 1 Aug 2022.

One moment, you’re soaking at the Széchenyi thermal baths in Budapest. Next, you find yourself screaming your lungs out at the Wurstelprater — one of the craziest theme parks you’d ever visit. Finally, you’re in Rome, standing in front of the  Colosseum  — a seven wonder of the world checked off your bucket list. Here’s our 14-day Europe itinerary if you’re up to experience this mad rush of crazy adventures we had!

Although maximising our 7-day Flexi Eurail Pass  was a priority (i.e. visiting as many countries as we could), we also wanted to make sure we had enough time in each location to soak in the sights. Travelling conveniently and comfortably whilst getting to see iconic landmarks on a affordable budget was also on our list.

But travelling by train is expensive, you say. It’s true, traveling across Europe by buses and planes are in fact cheaper, but train travel is far more comfortable and hassle-free. You get to avoid long queues at airport customs or having your knees in a 90 degree angle for over 5 hours.

Starting from Munich and ending in Rome after 14 days, here’s how we covered 6 countries in Europe under S$1.8k!

Need help figuring out the nuts and bolts of the Eurail Pass? Hop over to our Eurail Pass Guide for everything you need to know before planning your Europe trip.

Budget Breakdown for 16 Days Over 6 Countries

Accommodation: S$349 Activities: S$296 Food and Drinks: S$365 SIM Card: S$34.80 Transport: S$530 (incl. Eurail Pass — S$362)

TOTAL: S$1,575 (rounded off) Click here for the detailed budget breakdown

Pre-Trip Essentials

1) Eurail Pass: Purchase your Eurail Global Flexipass from Klook at least 7 days before your trip. They deliver right to your doorstep for free!

* Update (as of 6 July 2022): Eurail Mobile Passes are now available. You can choose a start date later on when you’re ready to travel.

2) Connectivity:  You can preorder a portable WiFi device  that provides you with 500MB/day to share with 4 others! Alternatively, you can purchase this SIM card  ranging from 1GB to 6GB that covers you for 30 days.

Check Flights to Europe

This Europe itinerary starts in Munich, Germany! To get the best budget estimates, check flight prices on your date of travel here:

Can’t see the widget above? Check flights from Singapore to Munich here instead!

Day 1–2: Munich, Germany

Closest to the Bavarian Alps and home to many beer halls, we decided that Munich was the perfect location to begin our backpacking trip!

Highlights: – Visit a 3-tier beer hall in Munich – Take a day trip to the castle that inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty — Neuschwanstein Castle

Start at the Marienplatz

The central square of the city centre in Munich gained popularity during the 1972 Olympics where it was promoted as a walking venue. Since then, tourists come to visit this memorial site and the other historical spots around.

The first thing we had to check out at the Marienplatz was the Glockenspiel  — Munich’s lauded cuckoo clock!

You’ll find lots of buskers and there’s even a 12-minute figurine dance you can catch daily at 11AM, 12PM and 5PM (the evening show isn’t available in November and February).

Right in the middle of the Marienplatz is the The Column of St. Mary’s (pictured above), erected in 1638 to celebrate the victory of the Bavarians over the Swedish in the Thirty Years’ War. There’s also a statue of Virgin Mary and four puttis, each representing the overcoming of disease, war, heresy and famine.

In December, the Marienplatz is also home to Germany’s iconic Christmas markets so definitely stop by then!

Biergarten Viktualienmarkt for Lunch

Have an alfresco meal of bratwursts, schweinshaxe and sauerkraut at the  Biergarten Viktualienmarkt  just a 4-minute walk from the Marienplatz.

Even on weekdays, this place can be packed with locals enjoying €4 (S$6.35) beers and other local dishes! You might have to walk around a little before finding a spot.

We got our fix of bratwursts, schweinshaxe and sauerkraut here for a shared cost of €25.20 ($39.90).

Cost:  €10.30/pax ($16.30/pax) Opening Hours:  8AM – 6PM; Closed on Sundays Address:  Viktualienmarkt 9, 80331 München

St Peter’s Church at Sunset

Photo credit: Eat Explore Etc

The highlight would be the view from the top of the tower. Here’s the catch — there’s no elevator! Burn off your lunch and hike up 14 flights of stairs. We promise the view will be worth it, especially during sunrises and sunsets.

Photo credit: Thousand Wonders

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest in the district, but one of the emptier and more peaceful ones we’ve visited on the trip. On hindsight, I wished we’d spent more time here.

Do note that the entrances to the church and tower are different!

Entrance Fee:  Free unless you’re climbing the tower — €3 (S$4.75) [€2 (S$3.15) for those with a valid student ID] Opening Hours:  Mon – Fri, 9AM – 6.30PM; Weekends, 10AM – 6.30PM Address:  Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München, Germany

Ristorante CA`D`ORO for Pizza Takeaway

For something affordable and on-the-go, grab pizza from  Ristorante Ca`D`Oro  for €3.80 (S$6) a slice that’s only a block away from Jaeger’s Munich Hostel.

Opening Hours:  10AM – 1AM Address:  Bayerstraße 31, 80335 München, Germany

Picnic at Englischer Garten

Head to your local grocers to grab lunch before heading down to the  Englischer Garten.  If you’re not shy, you could even join some of the locals suntanning in the nudist garden!

Here, your picnic involves horses, not dogs, galloping past you.

Right past the nudist garden by the river is a waterfall, a place where many surfers ride the waves.

Address : Prinzregentenstrasse, 81925 Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Hofbräuhaus München for drinks

For late afternoon drinks, head to  Hofbräuhaus  — a 3-level beer hall with the occasional live band playing in front!

Only €8.90 for One Litre of Beer!

Cost:  €8.90 (S$14.10) Opening Hours:  9AM – 11.30PM Address: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany

Pasta E Basta for Dinner

An average of €10.60 (S$16.75) for cheap and great-tasting Italian cuisine with friendly service staff? Pasta e Basta deserves five stars!

The Risotto Mare (€8.95/S$14.15) is a definite must-try. This dish was jam-packed with fresh seafood and the rice was enveloped with rich tomato flavours.

Opening Hours:  11.30AM – 11.30PM Address:  Fraunhoferstraße 19, 80469 München, Germany

Day Trip out to Füssen, Germany

Muenchen Hauptbahnhof Station to Fuessen Station:  Regional Trains depart hourly from München Hbf Station to Füssen and takes about 2 hours. No fees or reservations required since it’s a regional train. Not all trains are direct so double check here to see which ones are!

15 minutes before we alighted at Füssen, we found ourselves gaping at the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.

Whilst Füssen has interesting sites such as the  Hohenschwangau Castle and  Linderhof Palace , we decided to dedicate the day to solely explore the Neuschwanstein Castle due to time constraints. This castle only allows visitors that are part of guided tours.

*Pro-tip:  Purchase your snacks and food at the convenience store before heading to the castle or train ride back. The only place to get food at the Neuschwanstein Castle is their cafe and prices are exorbitant there!

Neuschwanstein Castle

Exploring the outskirts of the Neuschwanstein Castle is free but you’d see very little compared to what is inside. For €12 (S$19), you can sign up for a guided tour  at the castle’s ticket center. It’s a 1.5km uphill walk from the ticket centre to the castle so do factor enough time to arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated tour timing!

There’s also the option to ride up in a horse carriage for €6 (S$9.50) uphill and €3 (S$4.75) downhill but I personally would not recommend it as the horses look dehydrated and mistreated.

We weren’t allowed to take photos within the castle but got an interesting perspective viewing the castle, not only through the eyes of his servants — going through hidden passageways — but also enjoying the views from the King’s bedroom.

Neuschwanstein Castle’s ticket centre

Cost: €12 (S$19) for the guided tour Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there:  After alighting at Füssen, take bus 73 or 38 to get to the village of Hohenschwangau , which is also the foot of all the attractions. It costs €4.60 (S$7.30) for a round trip and you pay the bus driver upon boarding.

Best view of the Neuschwanstein Castle 

Whether you decided to get on the guided tour or not,  Marienbrücke  is a must-visit as it’s one of the best viewpoints of the Neuschwanstein Castle from afar. You will see signs pointing to the Marienbrücke once you exit the castle.

*Pro-tip: Capture better pictures from the other end of the bridge. Majority of the crowd would be huddled at the entrance.

Munich Airport to Hauptbahnhof Station: The Lufthansan Express Bus Transfer ( S$16.10 via Klook ) runs every 15 minutes. The service picks you right from your terminal and stops at two different train stations   — Munich Nord/Schwabing or Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station at the City Center).

Accommodation in Munich:  Jaeger’s Munich Hostel   — a 5-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof station. Dorm beds start from €25/pax (S$39.55).

Getting Around Munich:  The Eurail Pass lets you take the S Bahn for free but we explored the city on foot as the sights we visited were within walking distance. Local transport passes weren’t needed here.

DAY 3: Prague, Czech Republic

The architecture in the capital city of Czech Republic will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-school Disney movie — the brightly-coloured baroque structures and gothic churches, especially at the Old Town Hall, had us snapping away with each step we took.

Highlights in Prague: – Explore the Prague Castle – Have beers in a monastery – Walk through the scenic old town hall

Charles Bridge

We made this our first stop of the day to enjoy the serene beauty of the Vlava river. Charles Bridge is lined with amazing baroque stone statues, representing religious figures.

*Pro-tip:  Head here before 7AM to avoid the crowds. Most tour groups start streaming in at 9AM.

Address:  Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

The Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall boasts colourful buildings and gothic architecture. It also has lots of activities happening like fire-breathing performances, especially in the evening.

Photo credit: Prague.eu

The Astronomical Clock is currently under repair work until August 2018 but we were told that the clock was a beautiful spectacle with its movements, especially during its hourly performance.

Address:  Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Breakfast at Bistro Sisters

Photo credit: Lilies Diary

Get a soup and sandwich at the Bistro Sisters to begin your day! This cafe prides itself on using only fresh ingredients — no additives and as easy to grab as fast food.

Opening Hours:   Mon – Fri, 8AM – 7PM; Saturdays, 9AM – 6PM Address:  Dlouhá 727/39, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Dancing House

You definitely can’t miss this quirky building — the arched lines and unique arrangements of the windows stand out against the older neighbouring buildings.

You can catch a view of Prague from the rooftop of the Dancing House  for a fee of 190 CZK (€7.40, S$11.70) but here’s a tip: get the same view for free by purchasing a drink at the cafe on top!

Address:  Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Praha 2-Nové Město, Czechia

NH Hotel Cable Car for a view of Prague

Photo credit: Czech Up

Another great viewpoint of Prague would be from the mini cable car that takes you from one building of the hotel to another, starting at the main entrance of the  NH hotel .

*This funicular is currently undergoing some changes but will be available after August 2018.

Cost:  Free Address: NH Hotel,   Mozartova 261/1, 150 00 Praha 5, Czechy Prague

Walk around the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

With an area of 70,000m², the  Prague castle  is so big, it’s even gotten into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world !

If you only have time for one place here, it’s the  St. Vitus Cathedral . Look out for the intricate details at the entrance as well as the gorgeous stained glass windows that will probably spoil your expectations of every other stained glass window you’ll see on the rest of the trip.

Entrance Fees  Free Opening Hours:  6AM – 10PM Address:  119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

Strahov Monastery Brewery and Library

Photo credit: Prague Stay

After yet another climb, we were ecstatic to be greeted by the amount of beers available at the Strahov Monastery Brewery  — two of which are only available over specific seasons.

Our favourite was the Hazy IPA which paired well with the roast goose served with dumplings. Another thing we loved was the beef sirloin in cream sauce. They’re really generous with their gravies and that’s something we appreciated!

Photo credit: PraguebyKaty

We were a little disappointed with the Strahov Library . Situated across the brewery, the library stands alone as a building itself. Whilst the ceilings were stunning and rooms were magnificent, we had to pay on top of our entrance fees for a yellow sticker (€2 each) that allowed us to take pictures.

Entrance Fee:  €6 (S$9.50) Opening Hours:  10AM – 10PM Address:  Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1, Czechia

Getting From Munich to Prague:  Multiple trains run from   Munchen Hauptbahnhof Station (Germany) to Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station or Praha-Holešovice (Czech Republic) ~7.5 – 9hrs

Accommodation in Prague: Hostel Rosemary  — Dorm beds start from €10/pax (S$15.82).

Getting Around Prague: By foot since everything was nearby and convenient

DAY 4-5: Vienna, Austria

Third on our list: the capital of music home to many renowned musicians. We especially wanted to explore the woods that inspired Beethoven’s works, and an amusement park many have been raving about.

Highlights in Vienna: – Visit Schönbrunn Palace , the former summer imperial palace – Ride the craziest rides at the  Wurstelprater  amusement park – Take a day trip out to the Vienna Woods and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl  — an underground lake in a cave.

Visit the Kamelitermarkt

A quaint little farmers’ market,  Kamelitermarkt is a great place to explore and stop for brunch. Take note that these pop-up stalls are only here on Saturdays and close pretty early, so come in the morning!

Opening Hours:  Mon – Fri, 6AM – 7.30PM; Saturdays, 6AM – 5PM Address:  Karmelitermarkt, 1020 Wien, Austria

Kaffeestation

Photo credit: Falter

The coffee at Kaffeestation  was what we needed on a hot day to perk us up! €2.90 (S$4.60) for a cup of cappuccino was a steal for European standards. Look out for the little treats that they bake daily as well!

Opening Hours:  Mon – Fri 7.30AM – 6.30PM; Saturdays, 7.30AM – 5PM Address:  Stand 33-36, Karmelitermarkt, 1020 Wien, Austria

Tewa Karmelitermarkt

We shared a mixed platter comprising falafels, hummus and greek salad (highly recommended) and schitzel dish to share among 4 of us (€21.80, S$34.50 total) at  Tewa Karmelitermarkt .

Opening Hours:  7AM – 11PM; Closed on Sundays Address:  Stand 29-31, Karmelitermarkt, 1020 Wien, Austria

Laze at the Schönbrunn Palace

This former imperial summer residence offers guided tours but we realised there was so much we could explore on our own.

The bright yellow exterior of the baroque palace against the clear blue skies, with colourful flowers in the gardens definitely showcase why this UNESCO World Heritage Site  is one of Austria’s most significant monuments.

The gardens was what made the Schönbrunn Palace for me. You’d spot joggers enjoying their leisure run or families with picnics on the fields — the perfect place to laze about on a Saturday morning with your friends.

Entrance Fee:  Free without entry inside. Ticket prices inside vary from  €14.20 to €24. (S$22.45 to S$38) Opening Hours:  8AM – 5.30PM Address:  Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

Party at the Wurstelprater Amusement Park

If you told me you only had a day in Vienna, I’d point you straight to the  Prater ! What park can compete with a ride named “Olympia Looping” with 6 loops involved?

Cost:  Free entry. Individual rides range from €3 – €9 (S$4.75 – S$14.25) Opening Hours:  10AM – 11PM Address:  1020 Vienna, Austria

Austrian National Library

If the architecture doesn’t impress you, how about the fact that  Austria’s largest library  has 7.4 million items?

Harry Potter fans , think Hogwarts’ library. The mere exterior of the library will leave you breathless and thinking you’re in an old-school magical movie.

Entrance Fee:  €6 (S$9.50) Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM; Closed on Mondays Address:  Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Wien, Austria

Relax at Burggarten

Flowers at the entrance of the garden forming a treble clef

Burggarten even has a statue of Mozart — a nod to the fact that Austria’s the city of music and has had many musicians such as Beethoven and Sigmund Freud as residents.

Opening Hours: 7AM – 5.30PM Address:  Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Schmetterlinghaus (Butterfly House)

Leave your jacket out as you enter this two-levelled greenhouse! The glasshouse at Schmetterlinghaus has man-made caves, lush greenery and waterfalls.

The botanical butterfly house is filled with vividly coloured butterflies. Watch them flutter by as they flit to the plates filled with apples. If you’re brave enough to grab one of the fruits, you can get one on your hands!

Entrance Fee:  €5.50 (S$8.70) Opening Hours:  10AM – 4.45PM; Saturdays, 10AM – 6.15PM Address:  Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria

Grab lunch at Centimeter I beim Rathaus

Centimeter I beam Rathaus  encapsulates the perfect Austrian experience with their generous portions and especially friendly staff. Our waiter even went the extra mile to serve us water for free when his boss huffed that it was chargeable.

Food-wise, the ribs were the definite showstopper.

Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 8.30AM – 12AM; Fri & Sat, 8.30AM – 1AM Address:  11, Lenaugasse, 1080 Wien, Austria

*Pro-tip: Unless you’re looking to mingle and socialise, visit this bar during lunch as it gets pretty packed during the evening.

Explore Hundertwasser House and Village

Full of vibrant colours and interesting architecture, this apartment was conceptualised by a local artist and brought to life, merging nature and man together.

You aren’t allowed to enter this residential building of the  Hundertwasser House as the lodgers wish to maintain their privacy, but you can take pictures of the exquisitely-designed exterior!

Opposite the apartments is the Hundertwasser Village . Decorated in the same manner as the Hundertwasser House, it has a cluster of souvenir shops, a gallery and a cafe. You may pay to enter the museum as well.

Entrance Fee:  Free Opening Hours:  9AM – 6PM Address:   Kegelgasse 37-39, 1030 Wien, Austria

Vienna Woods and Mayerling Guided Half Day Tour

We decided to embark on this half day tour as we were intrigued about Beethoven and how he explored the woods whilst living in Vienna. The history behind the underground lake and its relation to WW2 was what sealed the deal for us.

This Vienna Woods and Mayerling Guided Half Day tour took us to 3 spots — the memorial chapter at Mayerling, Heiligenkreuz Abbey and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl — each showcasing a different side of Vienna’s outskirts.

First, a bus tour throughout Vienna Woods , while the tour guide talks about Beethoven and his relationship with the woods that probably inspired a majority of his music. In the summer, he would walk around Vienna Woods with his notebook.

Next, the  memorial chapel at Mayerling where we learnt of the scandalous history behind the Crowned Prince and his relationship with his 17-year-old lover.

We were also brought to  Heiligenkreuz Abbey — currently the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world.

Photo credit: 500px

The show stealer though, was the underground lake at Seegrotte Hinterbrühl . After exploring the hidden site that was used by the Nazis to secretly produce one of their first jet fighters during WW2, you get on a boat that explores the lake.

Tour Cost: $80.20 Pick-up Area:  Operngasse 8, 1010 Vienna

If you’re not into tours, I recommend visiting only the underground lake for €11 (S$17.40).

Vienna State Opera House

Photo credit: Vienna Now, Forever

After the day tour, you’d be dropped at the  Vienna State Opera House  around 1.30PM, the perfect time to check for standing tickets at the ticketing house for the show of the day.

The Opera House boasts of tablets that are available for people to read translations during the shows. Guided tours are also available if you’d prefer to just take a look at the interior.

If you do get tickets, remember to dress for the occasion! Avoid ripped jeans and dress nicely.

Address:  Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

*Pro-tip:  Ask for the 3PM standing tickets that cost only €2 (S$3.16). Alternatively, arrive at 5.30PM and pay €3 – 4 (S$4.75 – S$6.35) for the 7PM show.

Der Wiener Deewan

Photo credit: allRestaurants

Der Wiener Deween  has a pay-as-you-wish Pakistan cuisine buffet popular amongst students. The buffet comes with a wide variety of dishes including salads and desserts. Drinks (except for water) come at an additional cost.

Photo credit: Mali Svijet

Cost: Pay as you wish Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM; Closed on Sundays Address:  Liechtensteinstraße 10, 1090 Wien, Austria

Getting From Prague to Vienna:  Take the train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station (Czech Republic) to Wien Hauptbahnhof Station (Austria)

Accommodation in Vienna: Best Location Hostel   — €17/pax (S$26.90) for a private 4-bed dorm room

Getting Around Vienna:  The S Bahn line is free with the Eurail Pass but some of the places visited required us to use other lines. We purchased a 48-hour Vienna ticket , available at any cigarette store or online in advance for €14.10 (S$22.30). If you order it online you’ll have to print it first.

DAY 7-8: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is 1 city with 2 personalities — in the day, Buda is brimming with activities. Once night falls, Pest wakes up! Thermal baths. Ruin pubs. Cheap accommodation. What’s more to explain? All these drew us to Budapest for our next stop.

Highlights in Hungary: – The Shoes on the Danube Bank — a tribute honouring the men of WW2 – Soak in the hot / cold Széchenyi thermal baths – Drink in one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, Szimpla Kert.

Hungary Parliament

Sitting at Pest’s riverbank is the world’s third largest parliament building. The  Hungary Parliament also happens to be the largest and tallest building in Hungary.

Guided tours to the Hungary Parliament are available when the National Assembly is not in session.

Cost:  €9.20 (S$14.55) [for students aged 6 – 24] Opening Hours:  Mon to Fri, 8AM – 6PM; Weekends, 9AM – 4PM Address:  Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary

*Pro-tip:  Pre-purchase your tickets online as they are limited.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Watching people place flowers and candles at the Shoes on the Danube Bank was a touching sight.

This memorial is a tribute to honour the men who were shot by firing squads during WW2 — they were commanded to remove their shoes, leaving them behind when their bodies fell into the bank.

Address:  Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary

Lunch at Aurum Bistro

Splurging on ourselves a little on this day, we tried the  Arum Bistro’s  medvehagyma rizottó (wild garlic risotto) which turned out to be one of the best dishes on this trip! The risotto’s creamy garlic sauce goes perfectly with the moist and well-seasoned chicken.

Cost:  €14.30 (S$22.60) per person Opening Hours:  11.30AM – 12AM Address:  Budapest, Zrínyi u. 5, 1051 Hungary

St Stephen Basilica

Whilst enjoying lunch, we also savoured the view of the  St Stephen Basilica . Many cafes and ice-cream shops surround this area, providing the perfect place to admire the church.

This beautiful church is situated on the square that has the same name and honours the first King of Hungary St. Stephen. What’s interesting is that it’s as tall as the Hungarian Parliament building, making both of them the tallest buildings in Budapest — this symbolises their equal importance religiously and politically.

Address:  Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

One of the largest bath complexes in Europe is the  Széchenyi Thermal Baths . Though generally crowded throughout the day, the area is big enough to find your own comfortable space and relax in.

There are outdoor baths that are warm even during the cold seasons, and indoor ones with countless hot and cold baths to soak in. Varying temperatures of saunas are also available for you to sweat out in too!

Entrance Fee:   €15 (S$23.75) Opening Hours:  6AM – 10PM Address:  Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary

Dinner at Street Food Karaván

Plenty of food choices await you from numerous food vans here at Street Food Karaván . Options like vegan burgers, creamy smoothies or sinful nachos are available.

Photo credit: Happy Cow

The forest burger ( €4.70, S$7.45 ) and smoothies ( €4.70, S$7.45 ) from Las Vegans did not disappoint!

Opening Hours:  Sun – Wed, 11:30AM – 11PM; Thurs – Sat, 11:30AM – 1AM Address:  Budapest, Kazinczy u. 18, 1075 Hungary

Szimpla Kert

Your night isn’t complete without a visit to Szimpla Kert . Chill at this iconic party place with beers listening to live bands, or run around exploring the pioneer of ruin pubs. The pub is pretty big so there are counters all around to purchase your next drink.

Photo credit: Ruin Pubs

At some point, we found ourselves hanging out in a bathtub and I’m sure you’d able to find something more random when you visit.

Cost:  €3 (S$4.75) for a pint of beer Opening Hours:  Mon – Sat, 10AM – 4AM; Sun, 9AM – 5AM Address:  Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary

Getting From Vienna to Budapest:   Multiple trains run from Wien Hauptbahnhof Station (Austria) to Budapest Keleti Station (Hungary) under 2.5hrs.

Accommodation in Budapest: Airbnb   — we paid € 6.28/ pax (S$9.95) a night for an apartment that came with laundry facilities and a kitchen.

Getting Around Budapest:  By foot or via transport apps like taxify .

*Pro-tip:  Change your currency to HUF before reaching Budapest. While most places accept €, the cost you pay in € is going to be a lot more than the current exchange rate.

DAY 9-10: Bled, Slovenia

If you’re looking for somewhere further away from cities, this quaint resort town surrounded by nature is a nice change of environment, home to the scenic glacial Lake Bled and Bled Castle.

Highlights: – Hike up to the Ojstrica Lookout Point to view Lake Bled – Eat the Original Lake Bled Cake – Dine at Ostarija Peglez’n, where we had one of our best meals during the trip

Dinner at Ostarija Peglez’n

Arguably the best meal we had on our trip, Ostarija Peglez’n ‘s food is worth every euro spent with its excellent food and kind staff.

Every dish is a winner in its own way — the tomato seafood risotto’s tanginess, the truffle pasta’s aroma fused in the creamy sauce, and the succulent prawns with roasted vegetables were all fantastic.

Cost:  €15/pax (S$23.75) Opening Hours:  11AM – 11PM Address:   Cesta svobode 19a ,  Bled 4260,  Slovenia

Hike up to see Lake Bled

You can hike up here any time of the day but we’d recommend getting up early to catch the sunrise at the  Ojstrica Lookout Point , which also gives you some time to enjoy the beautiful landscape of  Lake Bled  before tour groups arrive.

Pack some breakfast and make sure you wear proper shoes, because you’ll be hiking up 610 meters. The climb uphill for us took around 30 minutes but will vary depending on the weather.

Address:  Lake Bled, 4260 Bled, Slovenia

The Original Bled Cream Cake

Created in 1953, the specific 7x7x7 dimensions is one of the elements that make this Bled Cake iconic. You can find Bled Cakes in other cafes and supermarkets, possibly for even cheaper, but we thought to try the OG Bled Cream Cake found at Sava Hotel Bled .

Though slightly pricier, the contrast was evident when compared to the ones found in other cafes and supermarkets. The crumbly and flaky puff pasty on top provided the perfect textural contrast with the fluffy cream cake below. The others’ puff pastries, however, were soaked by overly-moist cake.

Cost:  €5 (S$7.90) Opening Hours: 9AM – 9PM Address:  152, Dunajska cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Tobogganing at Straža Bled

Photo credit: Bled

For just €4 (S$6.35), you can ride a Toboggan sled in the summer or ski down over winter at  Straža Bled . It’s a mere few minutes walk uphill from the centre of Bled.

Opening Hours:  Sun – Mon, Wed – Thurs, 10AM – 8PM; Fri – Sat, Tues 9AM – 11PM Address:  4260 Bled, Slovenia

Getting From Budapest to Bled:  Budapest Deli Station (Hungary) to Ljubljana Station (Slovenia) to Lesce Bled Station (Slovenia).  

Accommodation in Bled: Vila Lipa   — a room for 2 – 4pax can go as low as €40 (S$63.30). Rooms are comfy and come with a beautiful balcony and spotless toilet!

Getting Around Bled:  The only time you’d need to get into a vehicle is from the train station to the villa. We hired a taxi that brought us to and from our accommodation for  €3 (S$4.75) each time.

DAY 11: Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital and largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is lined with many bridges and cafes around the river. This environmentally friendly city was something we wanted to check out, especially when not many knew of the country!

Highlights:

– Cross the Dragon Bridge – Alternative art at the Metelkova Art Center, also a former military barrack

Cross the Dragon Bridge

Photo credit: Lonely Planet

While the Dragon Bridge is nothing out of the ordinary, the statues are a pleasant element! Not too far from the city centre, every pillar has its own dragon. The dragon bridge is a popular spot for selfies and Instagram posts.

Legend has it, that the tails of these dragons would wag if a virgin walks past! 😉

Address:  Resljeva cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Check out the Open Kitchen Market

Photo credit: The Slovenia Times

Head down early to visit this Open Kitchen Market that only happens on Fridays. Since 2013, this market takes pride in selling yummy Slovenian and international delicacies from early spring to late fall.

Vendors sell a range of things from fresh strawberries and ice-cream to little glass trinkets and keychains.

It’s best to check their event calendar to see what’s happening that week.

Address:  Pogačarjev trg, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Druga Violina

Located in the old city centre, Druga Violina is a gostilna-style restaurant serving Slovenian cuisine in an al fresco setting.

We shared the Slovenska plošča platter (serves 2), an omelette and a steak for  €41.50 (S$65.65) altogether. The platter came with a generous mix of salad, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, a pork steak and more. We were stuffed at the end of the meal.

The drinks here are cheap as well — €2 (S$3.15) for a glass of rosé!

Cost: €10.40/pax (S$16.45/pax) Opening Hours:  8AM – 12PM Address:  Stari trg 21, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Metelkova Art Center

You can’t leave Ljubljana without visiting this hipster town!  The  Metelkova Art Centre  was a former military barrack and is currently the leading centre of underground music and art. It is pretty evident in all the walls of the buildings here.

Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals to find out what is happening, as there are performances occurring almost daily!

We paid €2 (S$3.15) to enter one of the buildings after making friends with an older gentleman. He invited us to watch his wife whom was performing with him that night; they were part of a Leftist movement. It was interesting to be exposed to something that we’d never seen in Singapore!

Address:  Metelkova ulica 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Getting from Bled to Ljubljana:  Multiple trains run from Lesce Bled Station (Slovenia) to Ljubljana Station (Slovenia) under 45mins

Accommodation in Ljubljana: Most Hostel   — single beds go as low as €15/pax (S$23.75). They come with a fridge, kitchen and an attached shower.

DAY 12-13: Venice, Italy

How can one not visit Venice when in Italy? Explore the city that was built on 118 little islands on water taxis and roam through the canals. Visit their museums and learn how Venice placed itself on the map with its history, lace and glass.

Highlights: – Ride the gondola in Venice – Visit Burano and learn about lace-making – Visit Murano for its high quality glass

After getting off at Venezia Mestre Station and checking into our hostel, we took a bus (53E or 19) into Venezia S. Lucia. The ride takes about 20–30 minutes.

Getting Around Venice: Since our accommodation was slightly out of Venice, we got the 48-hour pass ( €30/S$47.45) for unlimited water bus rides.

Ride the Gondola

To ride on the iconic gondola, head to the pick up point at Calle Larga dell’Ascensione — in front of the Poste Italiane (close to Correr Museum). Tickets cost from  €80 – €100 (S$126.55 – S$158.20) if  you purchase on the spot, so we  pre-booked ours at S$47 via Klook.  Each gondola carries 4–5 so you’d be able to enjoy the majestic city without crowding with tourists.

Piazza San Marco

One of the most famous squares in Venice, the architecture of St. Mark’s Square is immense and beautiful but the star here is the Basilica. Restaurants with orchestras playing and cafes offering teas and cute little cakes are also available for you to rest at.

Address:  Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Murano, The Glass Islands

Murano consists of 7 islands, linked together by bridges and is quite different compared to the main island — you’ll find the colours of the buildings much more vibrant and fewer tourists around.

Depending on where you’re at, getting to Murano can be tricky.  Here’s a guide  on how to get there based on your location.

In 1921, under the orders of the Doge of Venice, all Venetian glass makers had to move their furnaces to Murano. This action as a prevention against fires allowed Murano to build their reputation as the producer of high quality glass.

Currently, most glass factories in Murano give free showcases on how they make glass. They also have shops selling them.

*Pro-tip: When visiting shops, look out for the “Vetro Murano Artistico” trademark logo. This means they’re selling authentic Murano glass.

Visit the Museo del Vetro Glass Museum

Photo credit: Inexhibit

The  Museo del Vetro Glass Museum  should not be missed if you’re in Murano for their glass.

The extensive history of glass making from Venice to Murano is showcased here. Understand more of glass production history, and watch a video explaining how glass is made.

From time to time, glass-making demonstrations are held there too.

Entrance Fee:  €10 (S$15.80) Opening Hours:  10AM – 6PM Address: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy

Only 1 ferry runs between Burano and Venice — Ferry 12. It begins from Venice’s San Zaccaria stop (near St. Mark’s) and takes about 45 minutes.

Photo credit: Amusing Planet

Similar to Murano, its four islands are currently linked by bridges. Out of all three, Burano wins as the island with the brightest colours. Back in the day, families used to paint their homes a certain colour for themselves to earmark where their home began and ended. The tradition of painting their homes strong colours has since continued.

Burano also boasts of being a fisherman’s island with fresh seafood available at most of its eating joints.

The Lace Museum

Photo credit: livingVENICE

The Lace Museum  showcases the 16th and 17th century laces and history behind this specific textile. On certain days, you can capture lace makers at work.

Back then, the women of Burano would specialise in sewing a specific stitch. They’d combine all 7 stitches to create the lace, making it a delicate and calculated practice.

Entrance Fee:  €5 (S$7.90) Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM; Closed on Mondays Address:  Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, 187, 30142 Burano, Venezia VE, Italy

Eat at Ristorante Pizzeria Rio Novo

Craving for good pasta, we chanced upon this busy restaurant,  Rio Novo  and good pasta they had! We ate 4 different pastas — aglio e olio, pesto, bolognese and carbonara, that set us back an average of  €14.20 (S$22.45) per person. We even requested for a different type of pasta for our dish and they catered to it!

*Pro-tip:  Eat your meals outside of Venezia Mestre unless necessary; the dishes there are much cheaper and higher quality.

Address:  Santa Croce 278 , 30135 Venice, Italy

Getting from Ljubljana to Venice:  Take a bus from Ljubljana (Slovenia) to Trieste Centrale Station (Italy), then from Trieste Centrale Station to Venezia Mestre Station (Italy)

Accommodation in Venice:   Camping Rialto Venezia   — this was an amazing find outside of Venice: a camping ground providing clean shower and toilet facilities, with a mini mart to boot! We paid €11 (S$17.40) per person and scored 2 3-bed chalets for the 4 of us.

*Pro-tip:  Find your accommodations outside of Venice. It’s much cheaper and you get to interact with real Venetians. Plus, those are where you get to eat real Venetian food!

Day 14-15: Rome, Italy

Viewing one of the Seven Wonders of the World was a bucket list item for one of our friends. We decided to end the trip with Rome and help cross that out for her — the Colosseum! Italy’s capital city is also home to many other ancient ruins from the Roman Empire.

Highlights: – Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain – Visit the Vatican City (where the Pope lives) – Head down to the Colosseum (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) – Eat the best pizzas at Bonci Pizzarium.

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

According to the legends, you should prepare 3 coins to toss in the  Trevi Fountain  — the first to ensure your return to Rome, a second to meet someone from Rome and a third to secure your marriage with him/her! Of course, you could just throw as many coins and make as many wishes as you’d like.

We were told to either get there super early or late to avoid the crowds.

Address:  Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Climb the Spanish Steps

Photo credit: The Telegraph

Though many may complain that the Spanish Steps are just mere steps and nothing special, you’d be pleasantly surprised. Waiting atop the 130 steps is a huge array of beautiful flowers, with buskers serenading passers-by with love songs.

We even saw a couple taking their wedding photos there — made me wish I had a lover in Rome!

Address:  Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Note: As of 8 July 2019, sitting, eating and drinking on the Spanish Steps is illegal and can result in a fine of up to €400 euros. The ordinance also applies to other photogenic sites in Rome, like the Trevi Fountain.

Cajo & Gajo for Dinner

We chanced upon Cajo & Gajo when we saw how popular this place was, and how well they handled their customers. On a busy night, you’d even get a glass of white wine to drink while you wait.

Their Cartoc Calamari’s (€9, S$14.25) batter was perfectly crispy and the meat of the squid was just the right kind of chewy. We enjoyed a bottle of house wine paired with our pizza and pastas, leaving us spending  €16.75 (S$26.50)  per person.

Address:  Piazza San Callisto, 10, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Opening Hours:  10AM – 2AM

Arrive early at the Colosseum 

There’s no question why this iconic amphitheatre is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walk around the Colosseum and take in the sight of the beautiful ruins. It’ll transport you back to a time that countless movies have tried to recreate.

Unless you’d love to know every single detail, there isn’t a need to join guided tours to “skip lines” if you arrive early. You’ll be able to explore the area adequately yourself.

Admission is free every first Sunday of the month.

Entrance Fee:  €12 (S$18.90) Opening Hours: 8.30AM – 7PM Address:  Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

*Pro-tip: If you’re traveling with a friend, get either of you to purchase the entrance tickets whilst the other queues to enter the Colosseum. It’ll also work to your advantage if you reach before 8AM.

Cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo

Cross this pedestrian-only bridge whilst on your way to the Vatican City. A scenic view of Castel Sant’Angelo can be observed from this bridge. Look out for the 10 various angel statues as well.

Address:  Ponte Sant’Angelo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Explore Vatican City and visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Remember to dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered as a form of respect.

Entrance Fee:  €15 (S$23.75) Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM; Closed on Sundays. Address:  Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

*Pro-tip: Entry to   the Vatican Church is free every last Sunday of the month. If you’re unable to visit then, bring your student ID to enjoy discounts. Arrive 2 hours before opening hours as it’ll get crowded.

Chow Down at Bonci Pizzarium

Head over early to get your mind blown with the crazy amount of pizza toppings and combinations available at Bonci .

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 11 AM – 10PM; Sunday 12 – 4PM, 6 – 10PM Address: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy

Ending our Eurail journey in Rome with tasty pizzas was definitely a good way to conclude our trip!

Venice to Rome: Multiple trains run from Venezia Mestre Station (Italy) to Roma Termini Station (Italy) ~3.5hrs

Accommodation in Rome:   Mandarin Overseas Guesthouse   — single beds go as low as €20.50/pax (S$32.40).

Getting around Rome:  We didn’t buy the 48-hour bus pass; we bought a ticket whenever we rode the bus instead, costing us €1.50 (S$2.40) each time.

Travelling with the Eurail Pass

The Eurail Global Pass  is truly your ticket to exploring all of Europe. If it’s your first time, this is a great itinerary to start with but if you have the time, definitely maximise all 30 days of your pass — just be sure you have enough days left to catch your flight home!

Ticket office in Munich, Germany

With our 7-days in 1 Month Eurail Global Pass , we saved a total of S$161.35. You can check out our breakdown (on the second tab) but do note that train fares differ quite a bit everyday. This is because there are many trains taking varying routes to get from point A to point B.

For trains that require reservations, you can either reserve them at least two weeks before your trip — you’ll need to wait for the reservation tickets to be mailed to you in 7-10 working days — or just make reservations at the ticket office when you arrive in Europe on day 1.

More about the Eurail pass in this  Eurail Guide .

A huge part of rail travel is the experience of being in the train itself. Day trains offer some of the most scenic views and sleeper trains help save time especially when your journey is going to be half your day. Imagine going to bed in one country and waking up in another!

This Europe itinerary suggests taking day trains as the most economical option but if you’re short on time and willing to splurge a little (these can cost quite a bit more than a night in a hostel), we’d definitely recommend experiencing one.

For more on the Eurail Pass, check out our Eurail Pass Guide .

Start planning your own Europe backpacking journey now! Start with checking flight prices for your first stop:

If you can’t see the widget above, click here to check flights from Singapore to Munich .

This post was brought to you by Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow our adventures on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  YouTube !

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 25, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT

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This is a good trip to travel 6 Countries Over 16 Days. cost of the tickets is low.

Very detailed itinerary! Nice! But when is best month to travel those places?

Hi Rhuel, we actually visited Europe in late spring/early summer for this, the weather was warm but the skies were clear! I’d personally recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons —— spring and autumn when Europe generally sees fewer crowds of tourists.

can you call out which days of 1-5 did u use for 7 days?

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It’s another Singapore Travel blog – Escapes from the Little Red Dot

About the author

My name is Yeo Zi Yi . I come from a tiny city named Singapore, known to some as the Little Red Dot. I have been living here since birth thus I often get the urge to escape from this dot from time to time. Getting away from the stress and the sea of people to see the world brings me great pleasure.

When I graduated in 2005, I took a 20ish days trip with a Contiki tour to Central Europe and bringing out wander-lust in me. Since then, I have been travelling at a minimum of 2 times a year if I can afford it. I travel usually with my wife, whom shares the same interest and we aspire to travel the world. We have been to many places but as we reminisce now, memories of some visits have started to become foggy. And so I started this blog to jot down interesting events that have happened. Hopefully this would be able to bring us back to the time when we were there, when we revisit these pages.

Why write another Singapore Travel Blog?

I wrote this blog as detailed as possible in order to remember the little interesting info and experiences that I picked up during my travel. Each page represented a day of the trip (if it was worth a page) and it might be a little confusing. If lost, always start back at Home and then to the Past Escapes pages.

I have included the itineraries that we have done for the trip and were trips from Singapore. Hopefully this would become not only a blog for me to ramble on but also a blog with itineraries for like minded travellers to refer to when planning for their travel.

Just like life itself, the itineraries started to change from being a couple only travel (BC – Before Child) to being more family friendly/oriented (AD – As Dad) post 2014. The trip also evolved and became more inclusive of our son’s interest as he grows up. Therefore, those without kids might find post 2014 lacking, shallow and even boring.

Last but not least…

Read if you enjoy, and comments are always welcomed! Have fun exploring! Follow me on Instagram @madyeomad for pictures. Reach out to me, while planning for that trip, by dropping a comment or email and I will try to help as much as I can remember!

©Escapes from the Little Red Dot – A Singapore Travel Blog

6 thoughts on “ Home ”

Hello! We’d like to sponsor your post! Do you have a contact email we can reach at? tks!

You can reach me at [email protected] Not sure what you meant by sponsor though

Greetings from Singapore from a fellow traveller! 🙂 Stumbled to your website while researching on our upcoming Switzerland trip (Been there 10 years ago…revisit thus need planning again.. 🙂

We have added your blog to our list of Singapore Best Travel Blogs! http://discoverbooktravel.blogspot.com/p/singapore-best-travel-blogs.html

Have fun travelling!

Tommy Discover . Book . Travel

Thanks for dropping by and also placing my ramblings under your list of blogs! Hope you find something useful during this visit and enjoy your travels!

Just dropping by to inform that we have moved to a new domain @ https://discoverbooktravel.com .

Your listing @ Our Singapore Best Travel Blogs has also been moved to https://discoverbooktravel.com/singapore-best-travel-blogs/

Thank you for your continued support! 🙂

Beautiful webpage! Thanks for the notice.

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Highlights of Eastern Europe

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17 Day Eastern Europe Tour of Vienna, Budapest, Kraków, Berlin and Prague

17 days, 8 countries and 14 cities

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16 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 7 Dinners

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Shine a spotlight on Prague's colourful medieval streets and good times with a local Hungarian family at their winery. On this exciting eastern Europe trip you’ll get to know all the highlights and hidden gems of eight spellbinding countries.

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17 days itinerary trip from Vienna to Vienna visiting 8 countries and 14 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague with a Local Specialist

Discover Dresden

Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia, Castle Hill District in Budapest, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, Berlin TV Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague and Tábor

View Lake Balaton, the Archbishop's Palace and the Opera House in Zagreb, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

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Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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