Jun 5, 2019
From breathtaking scenery to historic towns and friendly locals, Eastern Europe still holds onto its old world charm, having not been too heavily influenced by its Western European neighbours.
Known for its hospitality and friendly, warm people as well as delicious cuisines, here are five must visit places in Eastern Europe you need to add to your bucket list.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Begin your Eastern Europe adventure in Hungary’s capital city Budapest, known as the ‘City of Spas’. Known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, Budapest is becoming an increasingly popular destination to visit. Separated by the meandering Danube River, Budapest is split into two sides: Buda and Pest. Head to the Buda side for the Castle district where you can hike up Buda Castle Hill if you’re feeling energetic or take the funicular to the top.
Be sure to visit Fishermen’s Bastion for breathtaking views over Budapest and the Danube River and head inside Matthias Church, a Roman Catholic Church with stunning interiors and Neo-Gothic features.
Be sure to visit Fishermen’s Bastion for breathtaking views over Budapest and the Danube River and head inside Matthias Church, a Roman Catholic Church with stunning interiors and Neo-Gothic features.
Cross the Danube River via the iconic Chain Bridge to arrive on the Pest side of Budapest. Here you can admire the breathtaking Parliament Building, go shopping along Váci Street, visit Heroes’ Square or simply enjoy the therapeutic, healing waters of the Széchenyi Baths, one of the best and largest spa baths in Europe, home to 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools.
2. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of the Republic of Slovakia is home to an enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Meander along the cobbled laneways and browse the artisan stores or grab a coffee at an outdoor café and admire the historical plaques, monuments and statues.
Be sure to find the famous statue Čumil, known as ‘the watcher’, rumoured to be either a typical communist era worker, who’s not too worried about his work or he’s actually peeping up women’s skirts.
Be sure to find the famous statue Čumil, known as ‘the watcher’, rumoured to be either a typical communist era worker, who’s not too worried about his work or he’s actually peeping up women’s skirts.
A highlight of the city is Bratislava Castle, which can be seen from many places within the city. Hike to the top for picturesque views over the Danube River and learn about Slovakian history from the middle ages until the present day.
3. Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia’s vibrant capital city Belgrade, known as ‘the city that never sleeps’, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and built on the confluence of two rivers – the Danube and the Sava. Home to some remarkable architecture, you can find great examples of art nouveau, art deco and baroque, particularly by Republic Square and along the pedestrian street Kneza Mihaila.
Whilst in Belgrade, be sure to visit Tito’s Memorial, or “House of Flowers”, a shrine to Yogoslavia’s communist leader, as well as St Sava Church, the world's largest orthodox cathedral.
Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views over the Danube and Sava rivers particularly at sun set from the Belgrade Fortress, built between the 2nd and 18th centuries. Afterwards, take a stroll through Kalemegdan Park, the largest and most central park in Belgrade.
4. Iron Gates, Romania/Serbia
One of the highlights of a river cruise through Eastern Europe is passing through the iconic Iron Gates, which mark the border between Serbia and Romania.
This steep, narrow gorge is a picturesque place to cruise through, and one of the most scenic spots along the Danube River.
Look out for the Romanian hero Decebalus, carved into the rock cliffs of the Iron Gates on the Romanian side, who fought many battles with the Romans.
This steep, narrow gorge is a picturesque place to cruise through, and one of the most scenic spots along the Danube River.
Look out for the Romanian hero Decebalus, carved into the rock cliffs of the Iron Gates on the Romanian side, who fought many battles with the Romans.
5. Bucharest, Romania
Once named the ‘Paris of the East’, Romania’s capital city Bucharest is alive with history. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, overflowing with bars and restaurants as well as being home to some of Europe’s oldest monuments.
One of the most famous landmarks to visit is the Palace of the Parliament, also known as the House of the People, from the communist period.
This building has more than 1,000 rooms and even includes a nuclear shelter in the basement and allegedly has secret tunnels to other nearby government buildings.
One of the most famous landmarks to visit is the Palace of the Parliament, also known as the House of the People, from the communist period.
This building has more than 1,000 rooms and even includes a nuclear shelter in the basement and allegedly has secret tunnels to other nearby government buildings.
Experience the enchantment of Eastern Europe during a 9 day river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest with Evergreen cruises & tours.