2 Weeks in Eastern Europe: Underrated Cities You’ll Fall in Love With

Europe is packed with iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam, but this summer, I decided to shake things up and head east. And wow — I’m so glad I did.

After visiting London twice in a row (yes, I love that city and no, I never skip it even for two nights), I figured it was time to explore a different side of Europe. I wanted culture, energy, and places with soul — not mountain views or sleepy towns. Just real cities where things are happening.

If you’re planning your first or second Europe trip and want something fresh, underrated, and affordable, this 2-week itinerary through Eastern Europe might be your new favorite.

📍My Eastern Europe Itinerary (Summer Edition)

Here’s how I split my two weeks:

• Days 1–3: Budapest, Hungary

• Days 4–6: Belgrade, Serbia

• Days 7–9: Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Days 10–12: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Days 13–14: Venice, Italy (optional)

Yes, Venice sneaks into the edge of Eastern Europe — but hear me out. More on that later.

💸 Budget: $4,000 (€3,500) — Is It Enough?

Short answer: Yes, if you plan ahead. I’m a light traveler. I don’t splurge on five-star hotels or eat at fine-dining restaurants. What I love is wandering local neighborhoods, checking out street food scenes, and soaking up the vibe of a place.

Here’s roughly how my budget broke down:

Pro tip: Train tickets in Eastern Europe are way cheaper than Western Europe. Book in advance and skip the Eurail Pass — you’ll save more with individual tickets. Just remember to factor in reservation fees on some popular routes.

🎶 Why Eastern Europe Was Perfect for My Dad Too

For part of this trip, I brought my dad along. It was his first time in Europe, and I didn’t want to do the whole Eiffel Tower → Louvre → tourist circuit. This man raised me on Pink Floyd and Zeppelin — we needed something with grit and soul.

If you’re traveling with a parent or just want a more authentic vibe, here are my top picks:

🎸 Budapest, Hungary

This city blew both our minds. From its steamy ruin bars (which double as dive bars/art spaces) to its wild mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and socialist architecture, Budapest oozes character. Cheap eats, vibrant nightlife, and that dreamy Danube skyline? Yes please.

• Must-do: Szimpla Kert ruin bar, free walking tours, the local food market, and live music spots in the Jewish Quarter.

🎤 Belgrade, Serbia

Super underrated. Belgrade’s got that Eastern edge — bold, raw, alive. The Savamala district is full of street art and late-night bars with vinyl spinning everything from psych-rock to Balkan beats.

• For rock lovers: Head to Zaokret or KST – both are local hangouts with an alternative scene.

☕ Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Imagine a city where churches and mosques share skyline space, where East meets West, and where history stares you in the face at every corner. Sarajevo is deeply moving and culturally rich — not touristy, just real.

• Dad’s favorite: Drinking thick Bosnian coffee in Baščaršija and chatting with locals at a smoky vinyl café.

🚆 Travel Tips & Route Advice

• Train vs. Eurail Pass: For this route, individual tickets win, especially if you book 1–2 weeks ahead. Don’t forget to factor in seat reservation fees.

• Avoid flying if possible — long-distance trains are more scenic, comfortable, and less stressful.

• Venice tip: If you include Venice at the end, don’t stay more than 2 nights. It’s beautiful but expensive, and better as a finale than a base.

⚡ Final Thoughts: Skip the Obvious

Europe is so much more than the big-name cities. If you’ve already done London (like me, twice), maybe try swapping it for something more unexpected — Krakow, Bucharest, or even Timișoara if you want a creative twist.

You don’t need a huge budget, just a curiosity for places with stories and soul. Eastern Europe is full of them.

✈️ Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. If anything, I’d spend more time in fewer places. Budapest alone deserves a full week if you ask me.