Many of us, presented with suggestions of traveling to the best European cities, turn our minds to thoughts of the Eiffel Tower, the Spanish Steps, the Ramblas or St. Paul's Cathedral. We might say there's a certain western bias. This is likely a result all those years Eastern Europe spent shut off by the Iron Curtain.
Time to catch up to reality! Times have changed. Yes, it's true, these eastern gems don't glimmer like back in the 90s, when the doors suddenly blew open. Nonetheless, the cities of Eastern Europe are still great opportunities and bargains. Stunning architecture, delicious food, delightful culture, economizing costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism: these remain the hallmarks of the best European cities of the east.
Check out our top three must-see East European cities:
BUCHAREST
This is one that may not come to mind immediately for a lot of people. However, being a bit under the radar is likely part of its appeal. Don't wait too long, though. This great getaway is stirring up more and more attention each passing year.
Dubbed little Paris as a result of its distinctive French influence, Bucharest is a great city that survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians in far better shape than might have been anticipated. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest experienced a developmental flourishing.
These great achievements remain among the cities destination landmarks. Topping that list is Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and Casa Capsa.
Among the city's other little Paris legacies are its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high style. All this makes the bustling metropolis that is Romania's largest city and capital a must see among aficionados of the best European cities of the east. Oh, and Dracula himself lived here. So, really.
2. PRAGUE
Okay, so our number 2 spot is somewhat more predictable, but don't let that put you off. Prague may be the best-known city in Eastern Europe. It comes by the fame honestly, though.
Replete with wondrous bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, this historic city is pure eye-candy. Somehow it manages to blend the old, medieval, with its cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires, with the modern, replete with contemporary fine dining, music, and art.
It goes without saying, when you're visiting Prague there are certain venues you simply have to experience. At the top of that list are the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Goodness, though, don't stop there. There are too many other marvelous secrets to discover.
Take the ubiquitous cafe; Prague is rightfully famed for its grand cafes. Check out this hot tip though. When you go in search of your coffee break, turn your gaze upward. Little known to the average tourist, Prague's best and most refined, atmospheric downtown cafes are up on what they call the first floor.
These are amazingly overlooked by most tourists. But, trust me, you will be astounded by the remarkable period interiors. The coffee is a constant delight. And the venues come well appointed with a smart clientele exuding old European charm. Top choices include the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre, which, back in the day, enjoyed the regular patronage of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein.
KRAKOW
If you thought our number 2 spot was predictable, maybe we can make up for it with our number 1 choice. Krakow holds some of the best kept secrets of Europe, with its beautiful architecture and old world charm. The restaurants of Krakow have a reputation for quaint atmospheres and excellent food, all on offer for very reasonable prices.
Despite all this, Krakow is no longer the undiscovered hideaway of even recent years. Steven Spielberg's much decorated movie, Shindler's List, filmed and based on events that took place in Krakow, has brought the city to the attention of tourists in a renew way. It is still possible and relatively easy, though, to get a taste of the real Krakow - of the feel of the city prior to its Hollywood generated tourist industry. Here is our suggestion: get over to Podgrze.
A working-class area being slowly revitalized by Krakow's boho set, seeking refuge from the tourist influx into the town center and Jewish district, Podgrze is surprising easy to access. Simply cross the Laetus Bernatek footbridge. It's easy to do, but most tourists just don't venture across it. Once you're into Podgrze, you'll find a vibrant area with plenty of bars and cafes, for all tastes. You'll have to choose what the right flavor is for you.
One venue we'd highly recommend is Klub Drukarnia. This happening jazz club offers spectacular sunset views over the Wisla River. The club's basement is the local for frequent concerts and DJ nights. Its features include a saloon-style smoking room and a smarter side with velvet seats and a long bar with expansive windows issuing out over the river. Hang with the cool kids of Krakow.
The coolest thing on this side of the river, though, and in fact, an experience so surreal, it was what tipped the balance to making Krakow our number one pick is Liban Quarry. You've got to check this out! It was a working quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company. Nazis made it into a forced labor camp. When serious about forced labor, as were the Nazis, it means worked-to-death.
Following the war this area was turned into a memorial to the victims of Nazi atrocities. However, it seems that irony was yet to have the last laugh. For, as the decades have gone by, the city has turned its back on the quarry. As a consequence, gradually, nature reclaimed it. Once a thriving business reflecting Jewish acumen, then a blight of Nazi barbarism, it now is a spontaneous wildlife sanctuary. Home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals, the Liban Quarry seems to have found its own peace. Still, when looking over the rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones surrounded by ponds and draped in dense vegetation, ever surveyed by the sentinels of limestone cliffs, symbolism endlessly forces itself upon the imagination. I'll leave you to your own interpretations.
If a visit to Liban Quarry has left you a little spooked, on your way back across the bridge from Podgrze stop off for a pick me up. There are two delightful cafes just on the city side of the bridge: Mostowy Art Cafe is a large and elegant gallery cafe. And if seeking something more subdued, Po Drodze, just next door, is a cosy old kitchen cafe where you can spice up your coffee with a vodka shot.
Time to catch up to reality! Times have changed. Yes, it's true, these eastern gems don't glimmer like back in the 90s, when the doors suddenly blew open. Nonetheless, the cities of Eastern Europe are still great opportunities and bargains. Stunning architecture, delicious food, delightful culture, economizing costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism: these remain the hallmarks of the best European cities of the east.
Check out our top three must-see East European cities:
BUCHAREST
This is one that may not come to mind immediately for a lot of people. However, being a bit under the radar is likely part of its appeal. Don't wait too long, though. This great getaway is stirring up more and more attention each passing year.
Dubbed little Paris as a result of its distinctive French influence, Bucharest is a great city that survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians in far better shape than might have been anticipated. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest experienced a developmental flourishing.
These great achievements remain among the cities destination landmarks. Topping that list is Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and Casa Capsa.
Among the city's other little Paris legacies are its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high style. All this makes the bustling metropolis that is Romania's largest city and capital a must see among aficionados of the best European cities of the east. Oh, and Dracula himself lived here. So, really.
2. PRAGUE
Okay, so our number 2 spot is somewhat more predictable, but don't let that put you off. Prague may be the best-known city in Eastern Europe. It comes by the fame honestly, though.
Replete with wondrous bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, this historic city is pure eye-candy. Somehow it manages to blend the old, medieval, with its cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires, with the modern, replete with contemporary fine dining, music, and art.
It goes without saying, when you're visiting Prague there are certain venues you simply have to experience. At the top of that list are the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Goodness, though, don't stop there. There are too many other marvelous secrets to discover.
Take the ubiquitous cafe; Prague is rightfully famed for its grand cafes. Check out this hot tip though. When you go in search of your coffee break, turn your gaze upward. Little known to the average tourist, Prague's best and most refined, atmospheric downtown cafes are up on what they call the first floor.
These are amazingly overlooked by most tourists. But, trust me, you will be astounded by the remarkable period interiors. The coffee is a constant delight. And the venues come well appointed with a smart clientele exuding old European charm. Top choices include the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre, which, back in the day, enjoyed the regular patronage of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein.
KRAKOW
If you thought our number 2 spot was predictable, maybe we can make up for it with our number 1 choice. Krakow holds some of the best kept secrets of Europe, with its beautiful architecture and old world charm. The restaurants of Krakow have a reputation for quaint atmospheres and excellent food, all on offer for very reasonable prices.
Despite all this, Krakow is no longer the undiscovered hideaway of even recent years. Steven Spielberg's much decorated movie, Shindler's List, filmed and based on events that took place in Krakow, has brought the city to the attention of tourists in a renew way. It is still possible and relatively easy, though, to get a taste of the real Krakow - of the feel of the city prior to its Hollywood generated tourist industry. Here is our suggestion: get over to Podgrze.
A working-class area being slowly revitalized by Krakow's boho set, seeking refuge from the tourist influx into the town center and Jewish district, Podgrze is surprising easy to access. Simply cross the Laetus Bernatek footbridge. It's easy to do, but most tourists just don't venture across it. Once you're into Podgrze, you'll find a vibrant area with plenty of bars and cafes, for all tastes. You'll have to choose what the right flavor is for you.
One venue we'd highly recommend is Klub Drukarnia. This happening jazz club offers spectacular sunset views over the Wisla River. The club's basement is the local for frequent concerts and DJ nights. Its features include a saloon-style smoking room and a smarter side with velvet seats and a long bar with expansive windows issuing out over the river. Hang with the cool kids of Krakow.
The coolest thing on this side of the river, though, and in fact, an experience so surreal, it was what tipped the balance to making Krakow our number one pick is Liban Quarry. You've got to check this out! It was a working quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company. Nazis made it into a forced labor camp. When serious about forced labor, as were the Nazis, it means worked-to-death.
Following the war this area was turned into a memorial to the victims of Nazi atrocities. However, it seems that irony was yet to have the last laugh. For, as the decades have gone by, the city has turned its back on the quarry. As a consequence, gradually, nature reclaimed it. Once a thriving business reflecting Jewish acumen, then a blight of Nazi barbarism, it now is a spontaneous wildlife sanctuary. Home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals, the Liban Quarry seems to have found its own peace. Still, when looking over the rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones surrounded by ponds and draped in dense vegetation, ever surveyed by the sentinels of limestone cliffs, symbolism endlessly forces itself upon the imagination. I'll leave you to your own interpretations.
If a visit to Liban Quarry has left you a little spooked, on your way back across the bridge from Podgrze stop off for a pick me up. There are two delightful cafes just on the city side of the bridge: Mostowy Art Cafe is a large and elegant gallery cafe. And if seeking something more subdued, Po Drodze, just next door, is a cosy old kitchen cafe where you can spice up your coffee with a vodka shot.
About the Author:
Travel enthusiasts need to follow the breaking news on European travel opportunities at our Best European Cities blog. Mitchell Jones is a widely published travel writer, who provides the lowdown on the breaking travel trends. See his fascinating article on the wellness travel industry in India.
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