By Yasi Agah
You just got to Europe and you’re ready to plan your semester of travel. You want to hit all the popular spots like Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona…but where else should you explore? Eastern Europe is an absolute must if you’re abroad in Europe.
This area of the world has a rich history that shows through its culture, architecture & atmosphere. Whether you’re going exploring the vibrant nightlife of Prague, walking alongside a castle in Vienna or exploring museums about the communist era in Budapest, there is something for everyone.
Not only are these places amazing to look at but the food is to die for. From sugar chimney cakes to scrumptious beef stews to deep-fried dough covered in cheese & sour cream, you can’t go wrong in any of these cities.
If you want to hit some of the most underrated cities in Europe, here are the cities you must go visit:
Prague
Ahoy! Or “hello” in Czech! Welcome to the Czech Republic. Where the language is almost impossible to learn and the beer is cheaper than water. If you can imagine a fairytale come to life, it’s Prague. Prague never fails to show off its immense beauty whether it’s the Prague Castle, Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square or gothic architecture.
You can explore the museums that show Prague’s history or enjoy a trdelnik, or chimney cake, by the Charles Bridge. Besides the history & architecture, you can’t forget about the iconic John Lennon wall. This wall began after the assassination of John Lennon in 1980 & has been a canvas for art, motivational sayings & a tribute to Lennon himself. You can’t go to Prague without snapping a picture here! Whether you want history, beauty, excitement or a relaxed experience, Prague will deliver!
Budapest
Want to kick back and relax in a thermal outdoor spa? Or marvel at the lit up buildings along the Danube River on a dinner cruise? Or even better…try traditional Hungarian beef goulash?! Then Budapest is a must. The city is divided into two parts by the river, Buda and Pest. The Buda side of this city is the more architecturally significant & cultural side — you can see the Buda Castle along with the Chain Bridge connecting the two sides for a stunning picture.
This side of the city is much more luxurious with its traditional palace architecture & history. On the Pest side, you have the party. You have the Széchenyi thermal baths, bars, restaurants & cafes that make for an eventful weekend. So whether you want the peaceful tour of a palace or a fun night out on the town at the ruin bars (they are so cool), Budapest is perfect for any travel experience you want. And don’t forget about the food — if you want to try some popular Hungarian dishes, check these out!
Vienna
Imagine a town that makes your jaw drop whenever you turn your head — there’s a beautiful opera house to the right, stunning cathedrals to your left and an imperial palace to top off all of the one-of-a-kind architecture. Besides the stunning buildings, there are a plethora of museums as Vienna is a huge cultural hub! As the centerpiece for Beethoven, Mozart & Sigmund Freud’s heydays, this city has an intellectual flair that is showcased through its museums, contemporary buildings & historic district.
After checking out St. Stephen’s Basilica or the Vienna Opera Ball, you can check out Vienna’s nightlife for a night out on the town. You can do it all here — from exploring Mozart’s home or grabbing a drink under the Austrian stars, Vienna will find its way into your heart.
Salzburg
These are a few of my favorite things… sound familiar? Salzburg, Austria is where the famous Sound of Music was filmed. The hills truly ~are~ alive with the Sound of Music! You can explore lush rolling hills where this iconic movie was filmed on a tour that will bring you all the way back to your childhood.
Not only does Salzburg offer this once in a lifetime tour, but there is also incredible shopping and sightseeing in Salzburg. So if you want a day filled with pop culture, new shopping bags & beautiful scenery, Salzburg is the place for you! There is also a Starbucks in Salzburg which, for the countries that don’t have Starbucks, can definitely be a highlight for those coffee drinkers.
Czech out our Prague weekend here (great pun, right?). If you want to see more cities in one weekend, take a look at our Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg weekend! You read that correctly, 3 cities, 2 countries, 1 weekend – you can’t go wrong with any of these trips! Don’t miss out on where else we travel including incredible spring break trips – all your travel problems can be solved here.
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