Krakow, Poland
A traveler’s delight – this city is perhaps the most popular city to visit in Poland and comes up trumps whenever you look for cities to visit in Poland.
Poland’s second city is quickly catching up to the capital Warsaw in the popularity stakes, which could be down to its amazing food, buzzing nightlife scene, incredible history, or all of the above.
Krakow is the ideal destination for history buffs who can marvel at the extraordinary Wawel Castle, explore the famous salt mines, or even take a short trip from the city to visit Auschwitz.
Belgrade, Serbia
Embrace your wild side – Belgrade is Serbia’s hedonistic, party-loving capital where the clubs are at capacity every night of the week.
The nightlife here is somewhat unorthodox – bars can be found everywhere from an ex-politician’s home to an old slaughterhouse! The city is buzzing all year round but really comes alive in summer when the party moves from underground clubs to open-top barges that cruise down the Sava river until sunrise.
Spend your days rejuvenating in Skadarlija, the city’s picturesque, bohemian district, where cobbled streets host traditional Serbian cafes, local artists, and street performers. And be sure to visit some of Belgrade’s museums to learn about Serbia’s tumultuous recent past.
Bruges, Belgium
The stunning Belgian city of Bruges doesn’t compromise when it comes to sights to see and things to do, despite the fraction of the price attached to it.
Relatively close to Tanner’s square, Rozenhoedkaai is possibly one of the best things to do in Bruges for the views alone! It’s just such a stunning area of the city and one place you won’t wanna miss. Rozenhoedkaai Is centered around where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, making it a picture-perfect spot to see with the gothic buildings that surround it. Bruges City Hall sits in Bruges’ main plaza and is one of the oldest city halls in the entire region.
Dating all the way back to the 12th century, it’s one of the most impressive and best things to do in Bruges as it showcases a huge amount of incredible gothic architecture. Oh, and the Main Hall inside is magnificent to see.
Tallinn, Estonia
Since gaining independence from Soviet rule in the nineties Estonia has blossomed, and the once grey streets of Tallinn are now bursting with color and just waiting to brighten up your Instagram feed. Tallinn is a small city with a slow pace of life; get lost amongst its Medieval streets, enjoy the laid back cafe culture by day and sample some seriously good beer – Estonia’s favorite drink.
Tallinn becomes even more magical in the winter when heavy snow and traditional Christmas markets turn the city into a fairytale scene. The bravest of travelers may also be interested in the bastion tunnels that run beneath the city and are said to be full of ghosts…
Athens, Greece
Pretty much anyone you speak to who has been to Athens, will not only tell you how amazing it to visit (all that Greek history, the delicious food, the Acropolis…etc). They’ll also be quick to tell you how pleasantly surprised they were at the price of things here.
- Visit Parthenon and the Ancient Sites. After all, why else are you in Athens?
- Check out the Acropolis Museum. Acropolis Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Greece. It houses more than 3000 artifacts from the Acropolis.
- Climb the Philopappou Hill. Philopappou hill is a beautiful park with great views of the Acropolis. There you can discover the Philopappou Monument, handmade cobbled roads, and the church of Ayios Demetrios Loumbardiaris, a 16th-century basilica with great murals.
- Visit Anafiotika, an island in the center of Athens. Anafiotika is located in the upper area of Plaka, just under the Acropolis. It is a beautiful area constructed by builders from the Aegean island of Anafi.
- Try Souvlaki: The most typical Greek food that can be found in every restaurant in Athens.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
This once troubled city is now opening its arms to tourists, and its cheap cost of living means that it’s starting to attract backpackers from across the globe. Sarajevo is a fusion of cultures with a mixture of Balkan and Turkish influences dating back centuries.
This is apparent in the city’s people, shopping bazaars, and incredible food served up in the Old Town’s many restaurants. Think hearty dumplings, pastries, and stews stuffed full of top-quality local meat – and don’t forget to try the famous local plum brandy!
Also, be sure to take the newly reopened cable cars to the top of Mount Trebević for unmissable views.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Archaeological evidence shows that civilizations flourished in North Macedonia as early as 7000 years BC.
Dating back to the Byzantine rulers of the 6th century, Kale Fortress should certainly be on your Skopje sightseeing list. A walk up Kale Fortress’s ancient walls guarantees beautiful views over the entire city and the Vardar River.
The Old Bazaar (or Carsija) has been the city’s center of trade and commerce since the 12th century. Here you can visit the area’s mosques, tombs, bathhouses, and churches. Or simply potter around the shops, looking for souvenirs, folk costumes, and traditional jewelry.
In addition, look out for Skopje’s Stone Bridge. This stunningly photogenic bridge spans the Vardar River and is just another reason to visit Skopje.
Edirne, Turkey
Capital of the Ottoman empire before Mehmet II conquered Constantinople and moved his court there, Edirne (Adrianople) is blessed with imperial building stock, a notable culinary heritage, and a lingering and much-cherished sense of civic grandeur.
Close to the Greek and Bulgarian borders, the city has a European flavor that is best appreciated in summer, when locals party on the banks of the Tunca and Meriç Rivers and cheer on the contestants at the world-famous Kırkpınar oil-wrestling festival.
The 16th-century Selimiye Mosque, built by architect Mimar Sinan, is considered an Ottoman classic and can be found in the city center.