The best tourist destinations in Eastern Europe?

Question

I've been to lots of countries in western europe, and am currently living in Russia, for this winter holiday, I plan to backpack through some of the countries in eastern europe. Can someone list me some good tourist destinations?

I have Prague in my mind already, and maybe Bran and Brasov in Romania. What about other countries?

Thanks for all your replies! I am really in love with ancient cities. Old cities with cobblestone path, with an ancient and historic castle cast in the background, that's my idea of a dream holiday. Can anybody suggest a place like I had just described?

Oh, another thing, I am not a Russian, just a foreigner living here. But I am used to the cold weather here (there was once when temperature dipped as low as -25 degrees on an afternoon). Would it be similiar in eastern europe too? Snows and cold winds?

Answer 1

A trip to Romania, Bulgaria and Macedonia to me seems a good idea.
The Romanian city of Brashov is my favourite. Among many other things, Chaushesko's palace in Bucharest, the biggest building in the world, is also a must see.
In Bulgaria do visit the old Capital Veliko Turnovo, but also go to see the Ivanovo Rock churches (Unesco site), Cape Kaliakra, the ruins of Pliska and Preslav, Sveshtari Thracian tomb. A walk on the cobbled street of Zheravna, Tryavna, Arbanasi, Bozhenci and Koprivshtica will take you 100 years back in time.
http://www.bgglobe.net/?l=1
In Macedonia, see the gorgeous Ohrid lake from the terrace of the St. Naum monastery and the murals in the 9th century church, built by order of Tsar (later Saint) Boris Michail of Bulgaria.

Answer 2

I like Bucharest, and I used to take the train from Bucharest overnight to KishinevMoldova. The train was a lot of fun, and at the border one had to wait hours so the train could change wheels to fit the new guage of track. I have family in Moldova and I love the place, but it's not a fancy touristy place. The world's largest wine gallery is in Moldova, and it's fantastic and you get a great dinner and gift bottles of wine at the end of the tour. You can continue on the train a few hours from Kishinev to Ukraine and visit Odessa and the Black Sea. Until a few years ago one had to get a visa to get to Kishinev from the USA, but now you can fly directly there without one... In Kishinev the nightlife is okay, there's shopping malls, and a huge park dedicated to the War Against Fascism...and there's Pushkin Park which is a lovely place to walk... Years ago I felt like a king there ie. I rented a flat with 2 balconies , fully furnished with chandaliers that overlooked the president's residence - and it only cost me $300 US per month. I had a dinner for two of venison, salad with caviar and ice cream and wine and for two of us TOTAL the bill was less than $20. Times have changed, and prices are much higher now. I almost cry now and then because about ten years ago I could have bought a beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath flat in the best section of town for less than $25,000.

Answer 3

Just avoid Romania!!! Its the poorest and dirtiest country in Eastern Europe!!!
Bulgaria Croatia Serbia Slovakia Poland are cool...

Answer 4

...well...if you like so much old cities...then you should see Sibiu and Sighisoara in Romania. You'll love it!And if you want to go during holidays you will see the traditions which are beautiful !!!From there you can go to Brasov, also a beautiful city, and to Bran Castle(Dracula's Castle).
Budapest is also good choice!Nice city,romantic...
Whatever you choose to visit I wish you a great holiday...
Best regards...

Answer 5

Have you considered Bulgaria? The old town of Veliko Turnovo and Nessabar sound just the sort of places you would enjoy. Veliko T has a castle and many quaint shops, cobbled streets etc and Nessabar [old town] is similar but much more oldie worlde, tiny narrow lanes, no cars, many stalls and shops - the only problem is that in winter many may be closed there. Bulgaria itself is rich in culture and tradition with many more interesting places than those I have mentioned. Check it out and enjoy yourself where-ever you go.

Answer 6

The castles are very nice in Romania, also check out Budapest and some of its castles if ur into that. Praque is beautiful and lots to see there to.you can also go down to Istanbul and check it out.

Answer 7

All cities in eastern europe are beautifull, but if you want cheaper places to go, you can try the main cities in Romania, Budapest in Hungary and Crotia.
You can also make a tour,starting in Czech Rep.,Slovakia,Hungary,Romania and Bulgaria.
I dunno if you are russian,but in case you arent and u havent felt very low temperatures,i advise you to take very very very warm clothing and good shoes!
If you need a companion,let me know,ill go inside your bags =D (Prague is my dream destiny too,lolol)
Kisses and hope i helped!

Answer 8

Czech Republic and Slovakia are worth a lot of your time. Ancient castles, etc. Just beautiful.

Answer 9

why not a bit more south?! ;o) Try Ohrid, Macedonia, perfect place for you. There's a lil bit of everything, great nature, unesco protected lake, culture on every step (365 churches, one for every day of the year), great food (try special Ohrid trout... yummy...), nice and hospitable ppl and it's pretty cheap!!!

have fun

www.exploringmacedonia.com

Answer 10

Dubrovnik in Croatia