Top City Picks
This list of best places to visit in Eastern
Europe is naturally subjective, and for
sure many travelers would choose very different
places as their top picks. However, this
list reflects the places that are most popular
among visitors to Eastern Europe, especially
on a first-time tour of the region. Of course,
there are many worthy places not included
on the list, and many of them aren't here.
So treat this list as a handy starting point
for travel planning, especially for travelers
making their first journey east.
 PRAGUE,
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague already attracts so many visitors
that annually they just about outnumber
the Czech Republic's population. Father
west than Vienna, Prague is easy to reach
by all modes of transportation. Historic
and fun at the same time, Prague meets
lots of traveler needs and goals.
Who Enjoys Prague
- People making their first venture
from familiar Western Europe. The city
is used to international visitors and
many locals speak English and German.
- Poeple who like history and culture.
- Families with children. The castle,
the astronomical clock with moving figures,
and city walks are just some fun things
to do.
- People who like cheap beer and a good
time. Prague lately has been a magnet
for British visitors who like to get
drunk and otherwise cavort.
- Shoppers. Prague will fulfill your
wishes, with shops lining the Old Town
and with department stores full of wares.
 KRAKOW,
POLAND
Truly a don't-miss city on an Eastern
Europe tour, Krakow is a city that delights
and awes visitors with its beauty and
liveliness. The Old Town holds 700 years
of treasured buildings ringed by a green
park where the city walls once stood.
Once the seat of kings, the city draws
visitors for its extraordinary architecture,
history and culture, and restaurant and
nightlife scene.
Krakow needs at least two days to see
the sights. Nearby are places for day
trips: Auschwitz concentration camp museum,
Wieliczka salt mine, and Zakopane.
Tips: Unlike Prague or Budapest, Krakow's
Old Town is flat and relatively compact.
If you want to walk to the old Jewish
quarter, though, it's about a 20 minute
walk. Also, you can purchase the Krakow
Card for free public transportation and
admission to some museums, but for many
visitors, the value isn't worth it.
Who Enjoys Krakow
- Families with children. Poles love
children so your family will feel welcome.
See the fire-breathing dragon, hear
the story of the trumpeter of Krakow,
visit the castle, and see where knights
are buried in Wawel Cathedral.
- People interested in culture and history.
There are many museums to choose from.
People interested in Jewish heritage.
Stroll through the old Jewish quarter,
eat in a kosher restaurant, and visit
museums.
- People who like to eat. Krakow is
known as one of the best places to eat
in Eastern Europe.
 BUDAPEST,
HUNGARY
Budapest is huge, with two million residents
and lots of tourists. Fortunately, the
public transportation system is wonderful.
Budapest is split by the Danube River.
On the hilly Buda side, tourists can spend
a whole day just exploring the Castle
district with its museums and cobblestone
streets. On the Pest side, the Parliament
building dominates the view. Visitors
here enjoy the stately buildings and the
shopping.
Tip: Take a cruise on the Danube. Most
cruises last about an hour and give visitors
a beautiful view of Budapest.
Who Enjoys Budapest
- People who like culture and history.
Of course, that's why you go to Europe!
Budapest has its share of culture and
history to enthrall visitors.
- People who like bridges. There are
seven bridges spanning the Danube in
Budapest, some of them quite beautiful.
- People who like spas. Budapest is
blessed with thermal water springs.
You can visit a bath or stay at a hotel
with a spa for a truly relaxing experience.
- People who like flavorful food. Hungarian
food is liberal with peppers. Dishes
are generally colorful and tasty.
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