Europe is one of the busiest tourist destinations today. Year after year millions of people embark on a journey through the history of one of the richest regions on the planet.

Generally, countries on the western side of the continent such as France, Italy, and Germany receive the largest number of visits per year; However, what does the other side of the old world and the Eastern European Cities have to offer us?

Eastern Europe may for some travelers be a less attractive destination than the large traditional metropolis that houses the west of the continent; However, nothing is further from reality. This area brings together some of the most transcendental capital cities of art and culture in history that undoubtedly make a vacation in these places an unforgettable adventure inspired with a unique and different essence, worth living. 

In today’s article, we will point out five Eastern European cities that you need to visit as soon as possible and finally enjoy all the well-hidden wonder of this part of the world.

Bucharest – Romania 

Romanian capital city is undoubtedly one of the first cities that pops up in our minds when we think of well-hidden capitals of the “Old World”. After decades of communist isolation, this bustling city today houses internationally recognizable Bucharest stag do weekend parties and some of the wildest clubs that you can enjoy for a very low cost. All in all, it has become an increasing trend among foreign travelers to explore lesser-known cities of Europe in recent years and Bucharest is a must stop on their adventures. 

Countless empires roamed through these lands in the past and each of them left a visible mark from architectural heritage to mouthwatering national cuisine. The reign of notorious communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was both brutal and unforgettable. During his regime, the city went under major reconstruction even so that a great part of the city was destroyed only to be transformed into surrounding that he selfishly envisioned for himself. 

One of the most visible results is undoubtedly the humongous Palace of the Parlament that is at the same time the second largest man-made construction in the world (right after Pentagon). Visitors are known to spent many hours admiring the gigantic construction that took many lives as it was built in inhuman conditions. 

All around “The Old Town”, which is at the same time UNESCO heritage site, you can find Art Nouveau and Renesainse buildings and churches that testify about last three centuries of Romanian tradition. Lush paradises better know as Bucharest city parks can be found in every corner of the city, in fact, there are nine of them and nearly all of them house charming lakes where you can enjoy moments of serenity at any moment of the day. Romanian capital city is also widely known for its magnificent and widest boulevards in Europe that are also the heritage of harsh communist regime.  

One of the newly created attractions that magnetize visitors is the largest indoor beach complex of EU, better known as Therme Bucuresti, where anyone who doesn’t want to travel to Constanta (nearby seaside resort) can enjoy moments of summer in a beautiful surrounding. Oh, and final reminder, Romania is on average 30-45% more affordable than the rest of the EU. This information will come super handy once you start calling for another round during these unforgettable nights under Bucharest sky.

St. Petersburg – Russia

Did you know that Moscow was not always the capital of Russia?  In times of the immense Russian Empire, its titular city for more than 200 years was “The Venice of the North”, St. Petersburg. Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg is listed as one of the most splendid port cities in Europe and the world.

On the shores of the Baltic Sea, the “Window to the West”, as conceived by its founder, presents Italian, French, Swiss and Russian architectural features constituted in a majestic work that also includes a large number of monuments that resembles Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.

Made in the image and likeness of the canals of Venice and Holland, St. Petersburg stands as the cultural capital of Russia, the birthplace of countless great poets and writers and revolutions that changed the course of the world; It is not surprising that UNESCO has named its historical center as a world heritage site.

The stay in this gem of the Baltic could never miss the visit of its most emblematic buildings, such as  The Winter Palace, the residence of the tsars during the empire and facade of the February revolution that led to its fall.

How every you plan to spend your time in this city do not forget to pay a visit to these landmarks that will never leaver your mind; The Cathedral of the Resurrection is one of them. With 300 unique mosaics in its interior and marbles brought from all over Europe on the banks of the Griboédov canal. 

Next one is The Cathedral of St. Isaac with one of the largest domes in the world. This Orthodox church is a true flagship of Russian architecture of the nineteenth century. And lastly the famous The St. Petersburg metro, listed as one of the most efficient and prestigious works of engineering, built under the largest rivers in Europe and it is the deepest metro system in the world.

Dubrovnik – Croatia

Few tourist destinations offer such a mix between culture, tranquility, landscapes, beaches, history, architectural works, and activities as does this city of just over 40 thousand inhabitants. Being the vestiges of what was once the Christian Republic of Ragusa, whose legacy is still preserved in its forts on the seashore, Dubrovnik is a destination that can not be missed on your journey through Eastern Europe.

From a past of fluorescence during the Middle Ages as the cultural, naval and commercial power of Ragusa, to a time of terror during the Yugoslav wars, the fact is that today Dubrovnik is one of the most important historical centers of the region that has Survived the time.

An example of this is the old part of the city, an area where the main historical buildings of the urban nucleus are located. The set of walls that surround the coasts which can be pleasantly covered.

The Cathedral of San Asunción and The Church of San Bals are both beautiful buildings with the characteristic of the Christian tradition of the region. And also Sponza’s palace, building that at one time held the national treasure and now serves as the city’s heritage and a recurring wedding site.

Another striking point of interest in Dubrovnik is its maritime museums ideal for children or those memorials about the war that leaves you with goosebumps.

And if you want to have a better perspective of the city while enjoying the Adriatic Sea, the best for you are the famous 2 and a half hour kayak tours. It not for nothing that UNESCO declared this place a world heritage site since 1979, and just as you step foot in the now famous Kings Landing from Game of Thrones you will understand why…