7 hidden gems of Eastern Europe

For many travelers, the words “Eastern Europe” likely bring to mind a few specific ideas. Maybe crossing the Charles Bridge on a trip to Prague or exploring Buda Castle on a tour of Budapest—perhaps even visiting Warsaw to stroll through the Old Town or Market Square. But beyond the region’s well-trodden cities are a few underexplored destinations with rich history, culture, and natural landscapes that make them worth visiting.

These are seven of Eastern Europe’s seven gems, spanning mountains, lakes, medieval cities, and lively capitals. Best of all, you can visit any—or all—of them on our tours of Eastern Europe. (But while these may be some of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe, don’t let us limit you! As Go Ahead staffer Shannon put it, “Every part of Eastern Europe is a hidden gem.”)

1. High Tatras Mountains, Slovakia

“The High Tatras Mountains are stunning jagged peaks along the border of Slovakia and Poland,” said Go Ahead staffer Tom. They comprise the world’s smallest Alpine mountain range, but they feel anything but small. In the surprisingly affordable region of Eastern Europe, the High Tatras Mountains take affordable—and spectacular—to the next level. Think of ending a hike to a mountain lake with a hearty meal (including a cold glass of beer, of course) for less than €10.

Plus, there’s so much traditional architecture to marvel at. “Surrounding the mountains are castles and villages with painted Goral houses and churches fully constructed out of timber,” said Tom. When you visit the region on one of our Slovakia tours, check out the colorful, three-room wooden houses in the tiny village of Zdiar, or visit Kezmarok to tour its UNESCO-listed wooden church in the shadow of Tatras’ pointed peaks.

What to do in the High Tatras Mountains:

• Soak in the breathtaking mountain views or spend your free time seeking a closer look. When you join our A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest tour, you’ll be surrounded by the sweeping views of the region as you absorb the local culture in charming country villages. However, if you’re itching for a closer view, set out on one of the High Tatras region’s many scenic hiking trails along the perimeter of Štrbské Pleso, a pristine glacial lake, or beneath Gerlachovský štít, the mountain range’s highest peak.
• Watch a traditional cheesemaking demonstration. The grassy foothills of the High Tatras Mountains are ideal for sheep husbandry, which also makes them the perfect place to visit if you enjoy sheep’s milk cheeses. Visit a Slovakian cheese farm on our A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest tour to watch a cheesemaker craft the ornate “Salash” cheeses, then sit down to taste them alongside a glass of local wine.

Traveler tip: If you’re a nature-lover or adventure-seeker, the best time to visit the High Tatras on a trip to Slovakia is in the spring or summer. The mountainside meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers, local wildlife emerges from hiding, and hiking and mountaineering conditions are at their finest. Of course, if you’re dreaming of a free-time ski experience at a resort overlooking Štrbské Pleso, you’ll want to plan your visit for the winter.

Hidden gem of the High Tatras Mountains: In both Slovakia and Poland, an area encompassing a portion of the High Tatras Mountains is designated High Tatras National Park, the oldest national park in Slovakia. It’s a biodiverse place home to many rare and protected species, like Eurasian lynx, Tatra marmots, and golden eagles. Keep your eye out for the Tatra chamois, a highly endangered, goat-like animal with curved horns and a striped face.

2. Masurian Lake District, Poland

In northeastern Poland lies a blue-and-green expanse of 2,000 lakes and verdant forests dotted with small farms and villages—surely one of the most beautiful places in Eastern Europe. While the Masurian Lake District isn’t well-known to travelers outside Poland, it’s a UNESCO-recognized biosphere of environmental importance. The rolling, hilly district centers around Lake Śniardwy, Poland’s largest lake, and many of the area’s surrounding lakes are connected to one another, either naturally or by man-made canals, creating a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Join us on a tour of Poland to visit the area, one of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe.

What to do in the Masurian Lake District:

• Venture out on the water. With so many interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals in the area, it’s no surprise that recreation in the Masurian Lake District tends to be based on the water. Spend a free hour swimming or kayaking in the crystal-clear water on our Poland & the Baltics Adventure: Warsaw to Tallinn tour before embarking on a leisurely float down the Krutynia River guided by a local expert in Poland’s rare flora and fauna.
• Slow down in charming villages. Before you embark on your river float, stop to enjoy lunch in the quaint resort town of Mikolajki. Known as the “Pearl of Masuria,” the town has a distinctive, small-town feel with a picturesque waterfront, cozy guesthouses, and traditional taverns.

Traveler tip: While the Masurian Lake District may be covered by over 25% water, it’s draped in even more forest—more than 30% of the area, to be exact. Use your free time to venture out on one of the district’s many walking trails, or keep your eyes on the trees from onboard your boat for signs of local wildlife, like storks, cranes, bison, and red deer.

Hidden gem of the Masurian Lake District: Before you depart the region on our Poland & the Baltics Adventure: Warsaw to Tallinn tour, take a tour of Wolf’s Lair, the decaying complex of concrete bunkers hidden deep in the forest that served as Hitler’s primary headquarters during World War II.

3. Tokaj wine region, Hungary

“In the far eastern region of Hungary is UNESCO-listed Tokaj, the first wine region in the world to receive a ‘designation of origin’ protection,” said staffer Tom. The strict regulations that Tokaji winemakers must follow inspired the rules behind better-known appellations like Champagne, Chianti, and Burgundy. Not only is Tokaj the most famous Hungarian wine region, but it’s also one of the most respected—the grape fields of Tokaj are even mentioned in the Hungarian national anthem. “Tokaj is famous for its botrytized sweet wine, Imperial Tokaj, a wine so good it was reserved only for the Habsburg royals,” said Tom.

Tokaji Aszú, the region’s most famous wine, is a naturally sweet, golden wine that’s been made the same way for over a thousand years. The wine is made from grapes that are infected by the “noble rot” of a benign mold, which causes them to shrivel on the vine and become very sweet. Not only does the climate have to be perfect for this process to occur, but the grapes must be hand-harvested, making Tokaji Aszú a rare, coveted wine that’s only produced every few years. Louis XV of France once described the wine as “Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum”: the king of wines, the wine of kings. All that to say: If wine is your thing, the Tokaj wine region is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe. Join us on a trip to Hungary to explore its rolling vineyards, cool volcanic-rock cellars, and medieval castles that are as romantic and stunning as any of Europe’s better-known wine regions.

What to do in the Tokaj wine region:

• Tour a vineyard and wine cellar. The only thing better than sipping the sweet elixir known as Tokaji Aszú is enjoying it amid golden, sun-drenched grape fields and centuries-old underground wine cellars. Join us on our A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest tour to sample Hungary’s legendary wine at the source.
• Admire the nearby historical sites. The Tokaj region may live and breathe wine, but it’s also home to a wealth of historical sites that go beyond its famed vineyards. The Tokaj Castle ruins, located on a high hill above the town of Tokaj, is a reverent reminder of the region’s medieval history, while nearby Rákóczi Castle stands as a monument to Hungarian Renaissance art and architecture. If you don’t have enough free time to see them all on your tour of Hungary, visit the Tokaj Museum—it offers insight into the region’s history beyond wine and winemaking.

Traveler tip: When you visit the Tokaj region on our A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest tour, follow the adage of “what grows together, goes together,” and try pairing local wines with locally sourced dishes. Hungary is a top producer of llibamáj, or foie gras, and the velvety sweetness of Tokaji Aszú is its perfect match. Egri bikavér, Hungary’s famous “bull’s blood” red wine, is the perfect complement to the region’s hearty meat-heavy dishes like goulash or stuffed cabbage.

Hidden gem of the Tokaj wine region: The sweet Tokaji Aszú may be the wine to try in the Tokaj region, but don’t sleep on the crisp, dry whites that contemporary winemakers are experimenting with. The dry furmint is a particular favorite of ours that pairs especially well with Hungarian chicken paprikash.

4. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia offers an eclectic mix of history and cultures. When you visit the capital city on a tour of Bulgaria, you’ll find contrasts such as traditional Greek food with a Balkan twist, Roman ruins and a modern ski resort, and a square in the city center bordered by a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic cathedral, and an Orthodox church. The city is simultaneously one of the newest and oldest in Europe, with a history that spans thousands of years and an infrastructure that has undergone massive redevelopment both before and after Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. It’s also one of Europe’s most walkable capitals, which makes seeing its highlights simple and enjoyable.

What to do in Sofia:

• Admire the ornate beauty of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. While we’re not sure we would quite classify Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as a hidden gem of Sofia (its glimmering gold domes and central location are hard to miss) it’s still one of the hidden gems of Europe. It’s no less striking than its Western European counterparts, but receives fewer visitors a year than well-known sites like St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City or Notre Dame in Paris.
• Enjoy the cuisine. Bulgarian cuisine blends traditional Balkan and Mediterranean styles into dishes that are simultaneously hearty and fresh. You’ll find plenty of the meat-based dishes and pastries that Eastern Europe is known for, but you’ll also find refreshing salads like shopska salad, made with peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and grated cheese. Visit one of the local markets or cozy taverns on our Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania tour to try some of the city’s flavorful offerings, and be sure to wash it down with a taste of Rakia, the region’s famous fruit brandy.

Traveler tip: Beneath Sofia’s city center, you’ll find the remains of the ancient Roman city of Serdica. The Serdica Archaeological Complex is free and open to the public and is accessible from an entrance near the Serdika metro station. Stop by during your free time on our Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania tour to explore the ruins of homes, bath houses, and an early Christian basilica.

Hidden gem of Sofia: The unusual yellow paving stones of Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard will have you feeling like you’re walking the yellow brick road to Oz. The stones were a gift to the city from Austria’s Emperor Franz Josef in the early 20th century.

5. Sibiu, Romania

Artsy, elegant Sibiu is one of the most beautiful but underrated Eastern European cities. Truly one of the hidden gems of Eastern Europe, the city has been a bohemian playground since the days of famous composers Strauss and Brahms and was a thriving medieval town in the centuries before. The city’s Old Town was founded by Saxon settlers in the 12th century, and its well-preserved architecture reflects its Germanic roots. Today, the city stands as a historical and cultural hub—blending centuries of architectural styles, cuisines, and influences. It hosts dozens of annual art and music events and serves as the gateway to the Transylvanian countryside. The unique architecture of Sibiu also makes it one of the more unusual places to visit in Eastern Europe. When you visit on a tour of Romania, be on the lookout for the city’s “watchful houses,” which have small attic windows resembling curious, peering eyes.

What to do in Sibiu:

• Visit the Piața Mare. A stroll through this central square is first on our list of the best things to do in Romania and Bulgaria. Here, you’ll find buzzing cafes and restaurants, the Brukenthal National Museum (an art-lover’s paradise), fragrant bakery stands, and dancing fountains.
• Explore Dracula’s Transylvania. If you’re interested in the intersection of eerie history and macabre fantasy, join the Medieval Transylvania excursion offered on our Bulgaria, Serbia & Romania tour to visit Sighișoara. It’s the town where Vlad Tepes (better known as Vlad the Impaler and the inspiration for the titular character of Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel) was born. Just a short drive from Sibiu, in central Romania, you’ll also find the imposing, almost spooky Bran Castle, another famous site to explore in Dracula’s Transylvania.

Traveler tip: Sibiu is filled with narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards that are often overlooked by visitors. Take some time to wander off the main streets and explore the side paths that lead to charming cafes, local artisan shops, and secret gardens. We especially like the “stairs passage” between Piața Mare and Piața Mică. This narrow, cobbled path with its arched stone bridge is one of Sibiu’s most picturesque spots and dates to the Middle Ages.

Hidden gem of Sibiu: Legend has it that the cast-iron Bridge of Lies will collapse if you say something untruthful while standing on it. In truth, the quirky name has a simpler origin: It was originally called Liegenbrücke, German for “lying bridge” (as in “lying down”), which sounds similar to Lügenbrücke, meaning “bridge of lies.” Still, we wouldn’t take our chances telling lies while crossing it…

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia

“Slovenia has been on every list in the past few years as a must-see destination,” said staffer Shannon. “And Ljubljana, specifically. It’s small, it’s quaint, it’s beautiful.” In the Slovenian capital, the Old World meets eco-friendly modernity. Car traffic is restricted in the city center, so strolling through Ljubljana on a trip to Slovenia means worrying only about finding quiet spots in its leafy parks or open tables at its outdoor cafes lining the Ljubljanica River. “Slovenia was beautiful; one could spend several days there just exploring and wandering around,” said traveler Carol after visiting on our Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic tour.

What to do in Ljubljana:

• Admire Ljubljana Castle. The crown jewel of the city is Ljubljana Castle, whose 1,000-year history is a fascinating hodgepodge of purposes and residents. It rises above the treetops on a wooded hill overlooking the downtown area. Over the centuries, it has been a medieval fortress, a prison, a noble residence, an exhibition space, and a museum.
• Cross the Triple Bridge. At the heart of the city lies Ljubljana’s Triple Bridge, one of the world’s most beautiful and unique bridges. As the name suggests, the bridge is made up of three side-by-side bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River. Stroll across the bridge on our Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic tour and admire the surrounding architecture—some of the most beautiful in the city—before pausing for a riverside coffee at a nearby cafe.

Traveler tip: Ljubljana is a city guarded by—and against—dragons. According to legend, the city was founded by Jason and the Argonauts after they defeated a dragon on the site. Over time, dragons grew into symbols of protection for the city and were featured on the coat of arms and in art and architecture around the city. When you visit Ljubljana on our Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic tour, see how many dragons you can spot—we recommend starting with the famed Dragon Bridge, one of the main gateways to the city center.

Hidden gem of Ljubljana: Lolita, a bakery and cafe with soaring ceilings and views of the river from its enormous plate-glass windows, serves “to-die-for cake,” according to Go Ahead staffer Shannon.

7. Riga, Latvia

“Riga is reliably the favorite destination for travelers to the Baltics,” said staffer Tom. “The city is UNESCO-listed and an architectural gem, with highlights ranging from the Hanseatic town hall to the Art Nouveau districts.” You can spend hours just staring at the Art Nouveau architecture in the Central District, where a third of the buildings are emblematic of the style. Keep an eye out for the kaķu nams, or cat house. This butter-yellow building features two cat sculptures with arched backs atop its roof. Legend has it that the wealthy merchant who commissioned the sculptures had them placed so that the cats’ backsides would point toward the Great Guild, an organization that had denied him entry.

What to do in Riga:

• Shop and snack your way through the Central Market. Riga’s Central Market houses more than 3,000 stalls and is a must-see stop on our Poland & the Baltics: Warsaw to Tallinn tour. “Built in former zeppelin hangars, it’s the largest covered market in Europe,” said staffer Tom. Under the market’s soaring, arched roofs and spilling out into the surrounding streets, you’ll find stands selling everything from clothing and housewares, to local treats and fresh ingredients. Be sure to try the piragi—handheld breads filled with bacon and onions that are a staple snack in Latvian households, especially during special occasions.
• Head to the countryside. Riga’s lively bars and eclectic architecture make it one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe, but after you’ve explored places like the ornate, rose-hued House of the Blackheads and tasted Riga’s Black Balsam liqueur on our Poland & the Baltics: Warsaw to Tallinn tour, join an excursion to explore the surrounding Latvian countryside. Our Kemeri National Park Scenic Walk excursion will take you to Jūrmala, an artistic beach town famous for its Baltic amber, and our Latvian Countryside: Castles, Valleys & Villages excursion will show you what 18th-century life was like in the Latvian countryside at an open-air Ethnographic Museum. Latvia is a country with a complex history, where people from many cultures and backgrounds live side-by-side, both in vibrant Riga and its peaceful surrounding countryside.

Traveler tip: Visit Latvia in June for the annual summer solstice festival known as Jāņi. Many locals head to the countryside to celebrate with family and friends, but the largest festivities take place along the riverbank in Riga. Here, locals and visitors gather around large bonfires to dance, drink, and celebrate until the sun rises. You’ll see women donning crowns of flowers and men wearing oak leaves as part of the festival’s ancient traditions of fertility and protection.

Hidden gem of Riga: Visit the Three Brothers, a complex of three colorful houses built between the 15th and 17th centuries, for a miniature timeline of the city’s distinctive architecture.

What’s the hidden gem in Eastern Europe that you dream of visiting? Let us know on our Facebook page.