Europe has so much more to offer than Paris, London, and Rome. On your next Euro adventure, skip the busy hotspots and head straight into the heart of the continent. Discover the 10 best cities to visit in Central Europe with this bucket list itinerary. 

The best cities to visit in Central Europe

These 10 best cities in Central Europe offer something for every type of traveller, from history buffs to culinary connoisseurs. Most are more affordable to visit than Western European hotspots like Paris and London, so you’ll be able to live it up on your trip and still stay on budget.

We recommend starting your itinerary in the north and working your way down to a reward of beaches and islands. All cities are connected by bus, train, or plane, and we’ve included tips on the best modes of transportation. 

Looking for Central Europe vacation ideas? Here’s your guide to the best cities to visit across the region.

1. Riga, Latvia

Best for budget-conscious architecture enthusiasts

Settled along the River Daugava, which flows into the Baltic Sea, Riga is the cultural and political capital of Latvia. In addition to roughly 4,000 wooden buildings in the Grizinkalns, Sarkandaugava, and Kipsala neighbourhoods, the city has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. 

Food lovers can stop by Riga Central Market to indulge their inner foodie and sample Latvian specialties, including warm virtuļi (doughnuts) and speķrauši (pastries). After that, visit a bar in the Old Town and order the signature Riga Black Balsam. 

How to get there: Start with a flight to Riga International Airport (RIX). 

2. Vilnius, Lithuania 

Best for those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences

There are many reasons Vilnius should be at the top of your Central European bucket list. Nearly half of this Lithuanian capital is covered in parks and greenery, including the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University.

The city’s Old Town is packed with historical monuments, from the Church of St. Peter and Paul to St. John’s Church and the Gate of Dawn. During the summer months, travellers can take hot-air balloons over the city for panoramic views of its orange rooftops and Gothic spires. 

How to get there: Take a four-hour rail ride from Riga or a quick one-hour flight.

3. Gdańsk, Poland

Best for travellers in search of emerging underground scenes

Despite being one of the best cities to visit in Central Europe, Gdańsk has long been underrated. But more recently, tourists have been catching on to this Baltic city’s appeal. Even with its growing popularity, this sixth-largest city in Poland is still relatively affordable to visit. 

Despite the need for reconstruction after WWII, much of Gdańsk’s Old Town retains its medieval charm, with Gothic, Baroque, and modern architectural touches. Wide pedestrian sidewalks in Gdańsk carry travellers along streets bearing 500-year-old names, past Długie Targi (the Long Market), the city hall, the Neptune Fountain, and the Green Gate Royal Castle. From there, you can stroll through the Long Gardens to Stagiewna Street for a promenade around the marina.

How to get there: Your best bet is to fly or take a bus from Warsaw, Poland.

4. Berlin, Germany

Best for those who like a mix of urban art, history, and nightlife

East meets west in Berlin, the storied capital of Germany. Remnants of the Berlin Wall, which divided the capital in the aftermath of World War II, can be found scattered around the city. One of the most famous sections, The East Side Gallery, stretches along the Spree River and features murals decorated by artists from around the world. 

If you’re into history, pay a visit to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to treasures from the ancient world. Don’t forget to pay respects at the Holocaust Memorial, located nearby, close to the Brandenburg Gate, before heading to one of the city’s boutique hotels to recharge before a night out in the buzzing Berlin nightlife.

When you’re ready to take a break, visit the neighbourhood of Kreuzberg at Companion Coffee, one of Berlin’s top-rated cafés. 

How to get there: Take a full-day train ride or fly a one-hour flight from Gdańsk

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Best for sightseers in search of fairytale cityscapes

With its fairytale castle and spires as far as the eye can see, Prague is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in Central Europe. The capital is best known for its 600-year-old Astronomical Clock and the vibrant Baroque buildings of the Old Town. 

But there is also no shortage of modern attractions, such as the dynamic Dancing House and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Arts. No trip to Prague is complete without a paddleboat cruise down the whimsical Vltava River, where views of the Charles Bridge are unbeatable. 

How to get there: Prague is a short hop from Berlin by plane and about four hours by train. 

6. Vienna, Austria

Best for classical music aficionados and history buffs

The rich musical history is one of many reasons Vienna ranks among the best cities to visit in Central Europe. Legendary composers like Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss all called “The City of Music” home in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Lean into the city’s musical roots with breakfast at Café Mozart and lunch at Café Frauenhuber, a favourite haunt of the Requiem composer. After a full day visiting imperial palaces and the MuseumsQuartier district, catch a show at the Vienna State Opera or the Wiener Mozart Orchester in the Musikverein theatre’s Golden Hall. 

How to get there: From Prague, Vienna is less than an hour by plane and roughly four hours by train.

7. Budapest, Hungary

Best for travellers who love affordable luxury

On the banks of the Danube, Europe's second-longest river, sits Budapest, a city filled with grand architecture, rich history, and affordable luxuries. While visiting Hungary’s capital, visit Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Fisherman’s Bastion, a 19th-century fortress with sweeping city-wide views. 

After a day of sightseeing, indulge in a trip to Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest medicinal bathhouse on the continent. It’s one of the affordable luxuries that make Budapest one of the best-value cities to visit in Central Europe. 

How to get there: Fly non-stop, or follow the Danube by train.

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

Best for those who like to explore by bike or on foot

Looking for those “hidden gems” in Central Europe? Add Bratislava to your itinerary.

Start your visit to Slovakia‘s capital with a trip up Bratislava Castle’s 47-metre-high crown tower, or head to UFO, an observation deck that sits 95 metres high atop the SNP Bridge. Both vantage points showcase the palaces, cathedrals, and parks scattered across the city. 

Hailed as one of Europe’s most livable cities, Bratislava boasts several car-free and cyclist-friendly spaces that make it easy to explore on your own terms. In the summer, cafés and restaurants pour onto terraces throughout the city. Be sure to stop by Matej Krén Passage at Pálffy Palace, an art installation made of stacked books that creates an illusion of infinite space. 

How to get there: Bratislava is an easy two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Budapest.

9. Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Best for those keen on slow-paced pleasures, from riverboats to wine tastings

Pronounced Lyoo-blyah-nuh, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for Slovenia‘s capital, which translates to “loved woman.” Greenery is in abundance here, with several parks and natural protected areas surrounding the river Ljubljanica and its environs. 

Take a cruise in a wooden riverboat for views of Ljubljana Castle, the restored riverbank, the Baroque houses of the old town, and the Central Market. Along the way, you’ll pass under the city’s most famous bridges, including Cobbler’s Bridge and Dragon Bridge. Afterward, head to the Trnovo neighbourhood and sample Slovenian wine at a local bar. 

How to get there: Choose from cheap bus options, car rental, or short flights. The train corridor between Budapest and Ljubljana is not the most efficient.

10. Split, Croatia

Best for beach and nature lovers

Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is Croatia's second-largest city, known for its sandy beaches, historic sites, and nearby islands. Several well-preserved sites of ruins attest to the city’s history as a Roman stronghold. Chief among them is Diocletian’s Palace, a vast imperial palace and fortress constructed by the emperor in the 4th century. In the summer, the palace’s courtyard transforms into an open-air theatre for reenactments and performances. 

After exploring the labyrinthine streets of Split’s Old Town, connect with nature in Marjan Forest Park. You can also take a day trip to the nearby islands of Solta, Brac, and Hvar, which offer another way to escape the hustle and bustle and take in the Adriatic views.

How to get there: Flying is the fastest option, but the drive or train ride down the coast offers unbeatable views. 

Start planning your Central European vacation today

Ready to visit the best cities in Central Europe? Explore Skyscanner to find deals on flights, car rentals, and hotels across the region. Whether you’re heading to the historic streets of Prague or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Split, your European vacation is sure to be unforgettable.