Eastern Europe has lots to offer if looking for a holiday abroad where you can relax, but also feed your curiosity about history, culture and cuisine. With affordable flights and accommodation once you land, here is a list of cities you should consider for your next trip.
Why Eastern Europe Deserves Your Attention
Eastern Europe works well for travellers who value substance over spectacle. You cover more ground without exhausting transfers, and you stretch your budget without compromising quality. English-speaking tourism infrastructure continues to improve, yet places retain local rhythms that reward curiosity. Start by choosing one anchor city, then build outward using trains or short drives that locals rely on every day.
Many of these regions have invested steadily in tourism over the last decade, improving rail links, restoring historic centres, and supporting small-scale accommodation. As a result, you benefit from modern comforts while local communities retain control over how tourism develops. Travelling now allows you to experience this balance at its most authentic.
Dramatic Landscapes in Montenegro
This is a country that proves that size does not matter. In the morning, you can walk the medieval streets of Kotor – by afternoon, you can reach mountain viewpoints in Lovćen National Park. Your Montenegro holidays will benefit most by hiring a car for two or three days, which allows spontaneous stops at villages like Perast, where swimming platforms replace busy beaches. You only need to choose one base to avoid hotel-hopping fatigue.
Serbia: Culture, Nightlife, and Warm Hospitality
Serbia feels instantly welcoming, especially in Belgrade, where cafés spill onto pavements and conversations start easily. The city rewards evenings as much as days, and riverfront nightlife thrives year-round. You get the most value by staying centrally and exploring neighbourhoods on foot, then using day trips to places like Novi Sad for contrast. Local restaurants serve filling national dishes like kajmak and burek, and many locals linger over dinner so you can take your time socialising and delving into the culture.
Romania: Castles, Countryside, and Folklore
The castles and architecture in Romania, when paired with village stays and walking routes through the Carpathians, are a great blend between myth and reality. You experience this best by booking small guesthouses, which give you home-cooked traditional Romanian dishes and local advice on trails and transport. Trains connect major towns reliably, so you can travel independently without driving unfamiliar roads.
Bulgaria: History, Beaches, and Mountain Retreats
Bulgaria suits travellers who want variety without constant repacking. You can combine Roman ruins in Plovdiv with Black Sea beaches, then retreat into the Rila Mountains for cooler air. Prices stay reasonable even in peak season, which allows you to upgrade accommodation or add guided experiences. Choose regional buses for longer journeys, as they run frequently and keep costs predictable.
