The top spots in Eastern Europe: From Berlin to Budapest
The vibrant energy of Berlin, the romantic Prague, the imperial elegance of Vienna, and the majesty of Budapest . Eastern Europe is a crystal ball that fulfills the dreams and desires of travelers from all over the world, with destinations that shine for their cultural diversity, history, architecture, and many other virtues.
Eastern Europe is a canvas that houses countries that have witnessed momentous historical transformations and opens itself to adventurers as an invitation to explore the richness of its heritage and the beauty of its cities.
Below, we detail the main spots in Eastern Europe, which you can travel to by train and thus discover up to four countries in the same vacation: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary.
The Eastern European route begins in Berlin
A city that breathes history on every corner and at the same time pulsates with a modern and creative energy. Berlin , from the imposing Brandenburg Gate to the East Side Gallery , a section of the Berlin Wall transformed into urban art, is a fascinating mosaic that reflects the vicissitudes of the 20th century and the resilience of its people.
Spring and summer awaken the city, filling the parks with life and color. The Festival of Lights , which illuminates Berlin from September to October, is an unmissable event that transforms the most iconic monuments into luminous masterpieces.
Besides the Brandenburg Gate and the East Side Gallery, other tourist attractions in Berlin include Museum Island , which houses five impressive museums, the vibrant Kreuzberg district, Berlin Cathedral , and the iconic TV Tower .
Immerse yourself in the city's art scene and discover the vibrant nightlife in iconic venues, where you can try signature dishes such as currywurst , cooked and then sliced pork sausages with a curry and ketchup sauce, and traditional German beer.
Prague, the bohemian heart of Eastern Europe
Prague is known as the City of a Hundred Spires, a fairytale city brought to life by its cobblestone streets and medieval monuments. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the romantic atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter make this city an unmissable destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Sites like St. Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square , and the rest of Prague's attractions await you in spring and autumn, the best times to visit the historical heritage and bohemian atmosphere of the Czech Republic.
In addition, Prague is very popular in December due to the fame of its Christmas markets , which add a magical touch to this destination during these special times.
On this stop in Eastern Europe, you must taste Czech goulash (meat stew with paprika, onion, garlic and other spices), local sweets and Czech beer, the perfect accompaniment to every dish in the iconic taverns.
You might also be interested in: Traditional Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Canakkale
Imperial Vienna
Vienna , the city of music and imperial elegance, invites visitors to discover the grandeur of its past. The State Opera is one of the main attractions of the Austrian capital, renowned worldwide for its concerts.
Also noteworthy are Schönbrunn Palace and the baroque architecture of the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles Borromeo) , which transport tourists to an era of splendor and refinement, Belvedere Palace and its gardens, and the Museum of Art History and Natural History.
If you're passionate about music and art, the Vienna Festival in May awaits you. It's a celebration of classical music that attracts culture lovers from all over the world, and coinciding with spring, it guarantees exceptional weather for exploring the city.
Vienna delights even the most discerning palates with classic Viennese cafes, where you can try Sachertorte , a rich chocolate cake, Wiener Schnitzel , a thin and tender breaded veal cutlet, then fried to perfection, and traditional hot dogs.
The Pearl of the Danube: Budapest
Budapest is known as the Pearl of the Danube, and as the name suggests, it is a true gem of Eastern Europe. Hungary's main city captivates with its rolling hills, thermal baths, and impressive architecture.
From Fisherman's Bastion to Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube River, the city combines the majesty of Buda with the vibrancy of Pest. Cross the famous Chain Bridge into Pest, explore Buda Castle and the imposing Parliament Building , relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and stroll along Andrássy Avenue , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For those looking for nightlife, Budapest offers something special. You can embark on a fascinating Danube River cruise to admire the illuminated monuments of the city from the water. Additionally, the ruin pub scene in District VII is spectacular.
During spring and summer, Hungary hosts numerous festivals and outdoor events, taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures. Hungarian wine perfectly complements the culinary experience, most notably the local goulash.
You might also be interested in: The best routes for traveling by motorhome in the United States
