We asked some of the internet’s best travel bloggers to contribute to this extensive list of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities. There are over TWENTY cities here that are perfect for single travellers, couples and families. If you’re looking to visit Eastern Europe but can’t decide which of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities is best for you, check out these fantastic entries.
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Albania
Berat
Berat, is one of Albania’s two UNESCO listed historical centres. It is located on the Osmum River in central Albania and it is known for it white Ottoman, riverside houses. Berat is a compact city, perfect as either a day trip or an overnight stay, thus making it easily one of Eastern Europe’s most walkable cities.
The city is divided into two; Gorica and Mangalem. Gorica is traditionally Christian whilst Mangalem is Islamic. Both sides have narrow Ottoman stone alleyways with wooden houses and traditional tiles.
The Mangalem quarter is especially beautiful as it features three grand mosques: the Sultan’s Mosque, the Lead Mosque and the Bachelors’ Mosque. The 16th-century Sultan’s Mosque is one of the oldest in Albania whilst the Helveti teqe has a beautifully carved ceiling and was specially designed with acoustic holes to improve the quality of sound.
On the hilltop above the city is the enormous Berat Castle (the Kala). Within its walls are Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum. The 18th-century house features an Ethnographic Museum, displaying traditional crafts and part of a reconstructed medieval bazaar.
Make sure you take the Bulevardi Republika, a pedestrianised route, for a walk by the river and a chance to cross the Gorica stone bridge.
Albania has a rich history of winemaking so definitely sample some local wines and maybe find a vineyard to visit too. See the Get Your Guide below for wine-tasting tours,
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family. See more from Emma on Pinterest.
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Tirana
Tirana might not be the most popular city to visit in Eastern Europe, but it’s certainly one of the greenest, cleanest and definitely making it one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities.
The best way to discover Albania’s capital is by participating in a local tradition, the xhiro – essentially a twilight stroll. Come late afternoon, thousands of locals pour onto Tirana’s main pedestrianised boulevard, Shëtitorja Murat Toptani, to walk, gossip, and eat ice cream cones.
Tirana is compact and pancake-flat, so you can comfortably circumnavigate the entire city in a matter of hours. Start at Skanderbeg Square, the main plaza. Some of the city’s most important monuments and cultural institutions are scattered around the square, including the National History Museum, Et’hem Bej Mosque, and the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral.
Walk west towards the Lana River and cross over the historic Tanners’ Bridge (an 18th century stone bridge built for livestock), then follow the riverbank west to visit the iconic Pyramid of Tirana. Continue to Blloku, a former residential area reserved for communist party members that have been transformed into Tirana’s most vibrant neighbourhood. Soak up the street art and stop for a macchiato at one of the many cafes (Komiteti is a great choice).
From there, it’s a short stroll to the Grand Park of Tirana. Right on the edge of the park, you’ll find Mullixhiu, Tirana’s most sought-after reservation. This contemporary restaurant marries Albanian culinary traditions with organic ingredients, serving a very reasonably priced seasonal tasting menu with local wine to accompany.
Written by Emily from Wander-Lush. See more from Emily on Facebook
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Bulgaria
Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria, stands out as one of Eastern Europe’s most walkable cities, offering a captivating blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy.
Its pedestrian-friendly layout allows visitors to effortlessly explore its rich cultural and architectural tapestry on foot. The city’s well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian zones guide walkers through a plethora of landmarks, including the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic Serdika district, and the picturesque Vitosha Mountain backdrop.
The compact city centre with its fantastic selection of small boutique stores lined across multitudes of cobbled stones and small squares lined with coffee houses, facilitates leisurely strolls amidst charming parks, vibrant markets and diverse culinary offerings.
Sofia’s walkability enhances the intimate connection between locals and visitors, fostering a sense of community engagement. Beyond its tangible beauty, Sofia’s walkable nature contributes to a sustainable urban environment, reducing reliance on vehicular transportation and promoting a healthier, more immersive experience for those eager to discover the heart and soul of this Eastern European gem.
Written by Emma
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar
Mostar is situated along the Neretva River and was once a Turkish garrison town in the 16th century. Due to this, it has a strong Islamic culture which is reflected in the architecture around the city.
Before the Crimea war of 2014, Mostar was the last city in Europe to suffer from war. In the mid-’90s, the city played a big role in the Bosnian Civil War with Serbians poets and scholars organising a nationalist movement & uprising.
The city centre of Mostar is quite small and thus enjoyably walkable. Most of the interesting things to do in the city surround the Stari Most which makes it easy to tour around the area.
Stari Most is the historical Ottoman bridge that connects the two parts of the city. Named after the bridge keepers, Mostari, the bridge is said to be the perfect symbol of the Balkan Islamic architecture and the most popular and easily recognisable landmark of the town, Mostar. The original bridge was ruined in 1993 during the war and was rebuilt with the current, iconic, stone bridge.
Aside from Stari Most, Mostar attractions include the Old Bridge Museum, Herzegovina Museum, Museum of War and Genocide Victims, the Biscevic House and the Mostar Old Bazaar – all can be found within 600 meters from the bridge.
To end the day, have dinner in one of the lovely restaurants overlooking the Neretva river and bridge. One of my personal favourites is Konoba Taurus which serves some of the best meals we had in Mostar.
Searching for accommodation in Bosnia? We stayed in a hostel.
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Croatia
Osijek
Osijek sits in a largely undiscovered area of Croatia that lies in a protected corner between Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia. The area is flat (making it one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities) and rural containing small villages that look lost in time.
The city is largely modern but with a historical twist and a big river that sits adjacent to it. From here you can cross the pedestrian bridge and climb the Crown Fort Catacombs’ an 18th-century fortress. Each side of the river benefits from a long and wide promenade which is frequented by walkers, cyclists, bladers and skateboarders alike. Osijek also boasts nearly 40 miles of local bike trails, if you’re keen to cycle in the area.
The river even has its own beach which was built in 1965; the Kopika is on the banks of the Drava River but close by is the very popular waterpark, Bazeni Copacabana.
15 minutes from Osijek is Kopački Rit Nature Park; a wetland paradise filled with boardwalks, turtles, birds, frogs and fish. It’s one of the largest wetland areas in Europe and you can hire a boat to take you out onto the waters. Alternatively, you could get lost at the Corn Maze; a labyrinth of 8,500 square meters.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family.
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Omis
Often overlooked, the walled city of Omis, which is pronounced Omish, is about 25km from Split. The town dates back to 500AD and like many Dalmatian Coast areas it has a turbulent history with pirates hiding around the river’s nooks and crannies, waiting to steal visiting boats.
The old town is small and comprises narrow, stoned alleys surrounded by high-rise, narrow buildings with painted shutters. Exploring the old town will take you roughly an hour but Omis also has two castles both accessible on foot. You can reach the very top of one castle’s spire by climbing up black iron ladders which are attached to the castle walls. Only go if you have a head for heights though!
Omis is situated at the mouth of the Cetina River which is 101km long. This part of the river is very wide and flat and you as well as walking its riverside promenades, you can take a leisurely boat with others or hire one yourself and explore this tranquil treed area of Croatia.
With two beaches close by, we think that Brzet beach is nicer. For a beach so close to a city, it is stunning with its clear, shallow waters and tree-lined banks.
If you’re looking for some adventure, you can book a number of adventure activities from here including canyoning which is family-friendly.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family.
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Czech Republic
Brno
Brno is the second-largest city of the Czech Republic and the capital of the Moravia region. It presents a perfect combination of a modern city with a long history. You will find here remarkable places, as well as delicious food, cosy cafes and world-famous beer, which isn’t just great but also very cheap! Brno has about 390 000 inhabitants and all the important and historical places can be visited within a walkable circle around the city centre.
Once you are there, visit Brno’s famous dominants – the Špilberk Castle, which is a massive baroque citadel with extensive casemates, and also the Petrov Cathedral. Another very impressive place, that should be on your list, is St. James Ossuary, which is the second-largest ossuary in Europe! If you find yourself as a fan of modern architecture, you shouldn’t miss Vila Tugendhat, which was built in the functionalist style and is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Check also more places and cool things to do in Brno. If you are looking for some typical Czech restaurant, where to try national cuisine, try Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice in the city centre or Hostinec u Semináru, which is not far from the centre.
Written by Adriana from Czech The World. See more from Adriana on Instagram.
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Olomouc
Olomouc belongs to one of the best towns in the Czech Republic to visit. It’s the 6th largest city in the country, but the city centre is compact and fully walkable.
You can even walk all the way from the train station and never use public transport. One can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes on foot.
The historical centre is charming and is sure to amaze you. Made up of two squares, the Upper Square and the Lower Square, it’s a wonderful showcase of Baroque architecture with a few scattered examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Art Deco mixed in.
The Upper Square features the main sights. The dominant structure right in the middle is the Olomouc City Hall with an astronomical clock. Right next you can find the only UNESCO-listed monument in Olomouc – the majestic Holy Trinity Column from the 18th century.
When in Olomouc, you must taste the local soft-ripened cheese called Olomoucké tvarůžky. It smells quite bad, but the taste is great, especially when incorporated into a meal. Any local restaurant will have a few dishes featuring the tvarůžky. Locals’ favourites include Riegrovka or Šnyt Mikulda, but if you don’t mind strolling 5 minutes away from the city centre, I can highly recommend the Moritz Microbrewery.
Written by Veronika from Travel Geekery. See more from Veronika on Instagram.
If you’re planning on visiting Olomouc, use this map to search for accommodation over multiple platforms.
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Estonia
Tallinn
Read anything about the beautiful city of Tallinn, capital of Estonia, and the word “fairytale” will come up.
While it is undoubtedly an excellent adjective for it, there is so much more to Tallinn than the fairytale medieval centre. What makes Tallinn such a great city is that within a compact walkable area there’s the UNESCO World Heritage old town (the “fairytale” bit), the bohemian neighbourhood Kalamaja, the super hip Telliskivi Creative City, ultramodern Rotermann district and some abandoned Soviet relics. All easily walkable.
A walk around the old town is an absolute must when visiting Tallinn. The winding cobbled streets, narrow passageways and covered sections of the old city walls are all packed with history, cosy cafés, art galleries and tempting boutiques. Don’t miss the two lookout platforms near the Dome Church for fabulous views across the city. From there it’s a quick hop across the railway tracks to the Balti Jaam market (good choice of street food) and the Telliskivi Creative City. This ultra-fashionable, grungy area in a reclaimed factory complex has some great street art, bars, food trucks and a flea market. It makes an excellent contrast with the quaint prettiness of the old town.
From Telliskivi it’s a short walk to the colourful district of Kalamaja to see traditional wooden houses and on to the Seaplane Harbour maritime museum housed in an incredible old hangar, a must for architecture lovers and maritime history enthusiasts as well as families (it’s super kid-friendly).
Written by Phoebe from Lou Messugo. See more from Phoebe on Instagram.
Look for accommodation in Tallinn? We stayed in a hostel.
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Greece
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is one of the oldest cities in Europe and as such is housing lots of ancient landmarks. The city was found around the 3rd century BC and was one of the main ports of Greece ever since. Back in the days, it was considered to be a port city of great importance and was often under attack. However, those days are over and Thessaloniki is a beautiful Greek city with lots of landmarks to visit. Luckily, all of those landmarks are close to each other and can be easily reach by strolling around and without relying on public transport.
The most prominent ancient landmarks in Thessaloniki that worth a visit are the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda and the White Tower. The Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda are part of an ancient Roman residential complex that was used by the Emperor. Interestingly enough is that the Rotunda was both a church and later a mosque when the Ottoman took over the city.
Going down to the White Tower you will witness lots of ancient remains of this residential complex reaching to the port itself. In addition to that, if you are an ancient history lover you should go to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which will fascinate you with its artefacts.
After that, you can head to the Umbrellas by Zongolopmoulos at sunset and enjoy one of the most romantic places in the city.
One of the most traditional places to eat in Thessaloniki is the Zorba tavern where you can get moussaka or stuffed eggplant, which is delicious. Recommend it!
Written by Alexandrina from Earthosea. See more from Alexandrina on Pinterest.
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Hungary
Szeged
Szeged, the third-largest city in Hungary, is located in the far south of the country, bordering Romania and Serbia. Just a two-hour drive from the capital of Budapest, Szeged is a popular weekend destination for local Hungarians but is seldom visited by other travellers. With its superb public parks and squares, fabulous local food and youthful vibe (it’s a university town after all), Szeged is the perfect choice for exploring on foot.
With the town centre being compact and easily navigated, you’ll discover plenty of laid-back things to do in Szeged, all neatly contained within a couple of kilometres. A stroll through Dom Square reveals the twin spires of the Votive Church and the historic Domotor Tower, as well as the Bridge of Sighs walkway.
Go on a heritage building hunt, spotting the many examples of art nouveau architecture for which the city is so famous. Discover grand buildings and former palaces such as Reok Palace with its water-lily design and the onion-domed Unger-Mayer House.
Pop into one of the riverside eateries on the banks of the pretty Tisza River to sample the famed spicy fisherman’s soup, or head to the wide boulevards around Klauzal Square, the heart of Szeged’s café scene. And don’t miss exploring the many parks and squares shaded with big, beautiful trees.
Written by Marie Moncrieff from ‘A Life Without Borders’. See more from Marie on Instagram.
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Latvia
Sigulda
Sigulda is one of the most picturesque hidden gems located in the Baltic States. Everything is located close by, so the most common transport in Sigulda is your feet.
While the majority of Latvian tourists tend to visit the capital of the city, Riga, there is another city nearby that 100% deserves your attention. Sigulda is all about retreats, activity sports, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, boating and it offers one of the best adventure parks for kids in entire Europe.
Sigulda is incredibly family-friendly. There are three adventure parks that offer tons of activities for your kids, such as bike and boat tours, skiing and snowboarding, there are bungee trampolines, tube sliding, toboggan track, flying chair, crazy rotor, kids’ driving school and more.
Apart from diving into Latvian culture and visiting numerous medieval castles and museums in Sigulda, you will be able to try the crazy Bungee jump, Aerodium, and Bobsleigh track that remains one of the only tracks in the world that are open to the public (and it was the only track existing in the former USSR too).
This is not to forget over ten different hiking trails up to 30 km in length, and up to 45-kilometre boating experience.
For those who do not have a lot of time, Gaujas National Park and Gaujas River are must-visit places in Sigulda. The Gaujas National Park is considered to be the largest and oldest national park in Latvia. You will find the best picturesque views here too. Must-sees are the cave, natural springs, sandstone outcrops and unique natural, cultural and historical monuments.
Written by Ana from Parenthood4Ever. See more from Ana on Instagram.
Latvian accommodation across multiple platforms should save you time in finding accommodation
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Riga
Sometimes dubbed the ‘Paris of the north’, Riga makes for an ideal short break and is one of the top walkable cities in northeast Europe. The Medieval Old City is a listed UNESCO heritage site. You can spend hours wandering about the pretty cobbled streets and getting lost in the alleyways which are steeped in history.
Despite it being the capital of Latvia, Riga is an incredibly compact city. Most of the old centre is pedestrianised because the streets are too narrow to allow cars. However, I highly recommend wearing a decent pair of walking shoes as most of the old town has cobbled pavements, which are uneven as well as slippery when it rains.
Some of the best things to see in Riga are the Town Hall Square, which always has a bustle of people. From here you will find the colourful House of the Blackheads. You can’t miss St Peter’s Church with the iconic bulbous spire. Climb the tower for a beautiful panoramic view of the city and river.
Other areas in the centre I highly recommend are Livu Square, which once used to be an open harbour, the river dried up a long time ago because it was redirected and today it’s paved over and a buzzing place to grab a local beer, or the local drink, Riga Balsam.
Written by Becki from Meet Me In Departures. See more from Becki on Facebook.
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Lithuania
Vilnius
Vilnius is one of the best cities to visit in Eastern Europe and definitely one of the most walkable. All the city centre sights are within a short walk of each other – so much so that if you stay in the city centre your longest walk is likely to be from the train station to your accommodation.
Another reason why Vilnius is a wonderfully walkable city is that there’s so much to do. The huge Cathedral Square would be impressive in any case but the cathedral itself is absolutely stunning – a bright white wedding-cake of a building. The separate bell tower used to be part of the city’s fortifications, along with the nearby red-brick Gediminas Tower.
Other must-see attractions in Vilnius include the independent Republic of Užupis, a small area of the city with its own constitution. Heading the short distance back to the old town from Užupis you’ll find Literatų gatvė, where tiny artworks embedded into a wall commemorate writers with links to Lithuania.
Vilnius is one of Eastern Europe’s top places to go hot air ballooning. Even if you don’t take to the skies yourself, make sure you look up. Seeing the balloons drifting above the pretty pastel buildings of the old town is unforgettable.
Written by Helen from Helen On Her Holidays. See more from Helen on Instagram.
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Moldova
Chisinau
Chisinau is the capital city of Moldova, one of the smallest countries in Europe. Chisinau isn’t that big and the majority of tourist landmarks are compactly located downtown along the main street of the city, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, or in its parallel streets. This is why it is one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities.
It would require just a couple of hours to explore the boulevard and enjoy the masterpieces of the rigid Soviet architecture and amazing buildings erected when Moldova was part of the Russian Empire. You will need some more hours for the museums but everything is easily accessible on foot: the National Museum of History of Moldova and the Arts Museum are about 400 meters away from the main street.
Moldova is well known for is wine so don’t miss a wine tasting opportunity. You can find a huge selection of wines in supermarkets close to the main boulevard but for a better experience head to Carpe Diem or Invino, where they offer cheese, charcuterie, dried fruit and crackers as accompaniments.
For traditional food go to La Taifas (delicious food, but the place is expensive and touristy) or to La Placinte. La Placinte has several locations on Stefan cel Boulevard or really close to it and you must order zeama, mamaliga, sarmale and a glass of wine, of course.
Written by Marianna from Irma Naan World. See more from Marianna on Facebook.
Chisinau; where could you stay? Search here
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Montenegro
Kotor
Kotor town was constructed between the 9th and 19th centuries although the fortification’s walls did not create a continuous ring around the city until the 13th century. While the Venetians were responsible for the vast majority of the fortification, the Illyrians, Byzantines and Austrians also left their architectural identity in the old town.
Due to the fortification walls, the city has three main gates: the northern River Gate (dating to 1540), South Gate (Gurdić Bastion, 13th to 18th century) and the main Sea Gate (1555) on the western side. Most of the gates are surrounded by crystal clear water and you can see fish and jellyfish in the waters.
The Main Square (Trg od Oružja) of Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town) contains the impressive Clock Tower (1602) but off there is an impressive warren of charming streets. After you have explored Stari Grad on foot one of the more popular activities is walking the 1350 steps up to the San Giovanni Fortress Walls which sits high above Kotor and gives fantastic views over the city, bay and mountains which surround the area.
Check out the bakeries on the outskirts of the Old Town because in the summer cherries are plentiful in Montenegro and they bake delicious pastries with them.
If you’re looking for an active treat, you can canoe Kotor Bay but day trips from Kotor are also in abundance. The seaside towns of Perast and Rose are close by and gorgeously quaint but for us, the best trip was to visit Mamula the fortified island, Strand von Dobrec and the blue cave.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family.
We stayed in multiple locations around the water’s edge. Search for your accommodation here
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Poland
Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is a city on the Baltic coast in northern Poland. Its location on the Amber Road made it an important seaport and shipbuilding town and one of the wealthiest cities in Middle Age Poland. Its rich history involves periods of Polish, Prussian and German rule as well as being an autonomous free city-state and a member of the Hanseatic League.
Gdańsk is a paradise when it comes to walking tours. You will find there extensive sandy beaches, a coastal island with nature reserves, and forests on the moraine hills surrounding the city. There are also marked hiking trails with a total length of 100 km, which lead to Sopot and Gdynia, the 2 neighbouring cities. The bicycle trail on Sobieszewska Island is a great route for lovers of two wheels.
The richness of cultural heritage was used to create tourist routes In the footsteps of famous people like Günter Grass or related to romantic stories with Gdańsk in the background.
Apart from the walking trails, you should take a stroll around the Old Town and Dlugie Pobrzeze, a water promenade full of cafes, pubs, and restaurants along the west bank of the Motława river. Finally, visit the Amber Museum and if you want to bring a souvenir from Gdańsk, it should definitely be something made from amber.
Written by Anna from Liquid Traveling. See more from Anna on Instagram.
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Lodz
If you’re looking for a city in Eastern Europe that can be easily explored on foot, Lodz is a great option. This budget-friendly city in Poland is full of history and has a lot to offer visitors. A lot of the things to do in Lodz are either on, or just off the main street. It’s easy to explore the city without needing to catch a bus or pay for a taxi.
Lodz which is pronounced ‘woodge’ was a textile manufacturing hub in the 19th century and the Polish city fell into a period of post-WW2 decline known as “Grey Lodz”. However, rather than dying it has reinvented itself and has become a fine city to visit.
Lodz is probably most famous for its street art which is easy to enjoy just by simply walking around. As well as street art there are cool art installations to check out such as Rosa’s Passage which has been transformed into a mirrored mosaic masterpiece.
At 4.2km, Piotrkowska is the longest commercial street in the country and the most eclectic. From its northern tip at Plac Wolnosci (Liberty Square) to the junction with Pilsudskiego, you’ll find a mix of architectural styles from the neo-baroque House of Schiebler to art-nouveau, Wilhelm Landau’s Bank House. Then there’s “Holly-Lodz”, the city’s take on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Close by to Rosa’s Passage is Izrael Poznanski Palace which is not only open to the public to experience the rich interiors but is also home to the City of Lodz Museum where you can learn about the important textile industry that once played a key role in the city’s history. The old factory buildings can be walked around as they have been turned into a shopping and leisure complex featuring barbershops, artisanal ice-cream, irresistible boutiques, food trucks, restaurants and cafes.
Mitmi Restobar is a cool spot for lunch, dinner or a prosecco cocktail with lychee and grapefruit liqueur and has tables spilling out onto the square.
Written by Claire from Curious Claire. See more from Claire on Instagram.
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Poznan
Poznan, one of the largest cities in Poland, is known for its historic old town and Ostrów Tumski cathedral. Poznan is popular among tourists looking for day trips from Warsaw for renaissance architecture, history and parks. Surprisingly, despite its vast size, most of the attractions are nearby, making it one of the most walkable cities in eastern Europe.
Visit the historic old market square, royal castle, and learn about the origin of the Polish state in Poznan at Tumski island. You can take the walking tours and do them yourself pretty much on foot. Outside the old town, check out the Freedom square (Plac Wolności), a popular hangout place for the locals. Next, spend an evening taking a stroll around Lake Malta, which offers excellent views of modern Poznan skyline. If you have time, before the lake, you can also check out Malta Ski Entertainment centre across the lake.
If you want to taste the best Polish food, milk bars – old canteens serving large quantities of delicious homemade Polish food at low prices, are your best bet. Some of them that I’d recommend are U Dziadka, Apetyt and Pyra Bar for best pierogis, potato pancakes and clear beetroot soup.
Written by Reshma from The Solo Globetrotter. See more from Reshma on Pinterest.
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Wroclaw
Wroclaw is situated in the south-western part of Poland and it’s a real hidden gem of Europe.
Visit Rynek, which is Wroclaw’s old Market Square. It is situated in the heart of the city surrounded by colourful townhouses and the Town Hall in the centre which today houses gripping exhibitions of the Bourgeois Art.
Walk round to find a range of excellent restaurants with Polish and international cuisine. Sample traditional Polish dumplings that come with different stuffing at Pierogarnia. And when you’re done, pop in for a Cuban cocktail straight from Havana and a Latino music at Casa de la Musica.
From Rynek walk to Ostrow Tumski which is the oldest part of Wroclaw and a picturesque island surrounded by the River Oder and home to many stunning churches and other monuments. There is also a beautiful garden and an iron bridge where couples attach their padlocks to immortalise their love.
If you’re a fan of history, there is the Royal Palace nearby that houses the Historical Museum of Wroclaw, and a unique rotund building (Panorama Raclawicka) devoted entirely to the visualisation of one of the greatest battles in Polish history – Battle of Racławice.
And if you’re in need for some retail therapy, Wroclaw houses 18 large shopping centres, with Galeria Dominikanska that is within walking distance from the Market Square.
Written by Mal from Raw Mal Roams. See more of Mal on Instagram.
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Romania
Brasov
The Romanian city with the Hollywood signs! Sitting at the bottom of Mount Tampa, Brasov was attacked by Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) in 1459. He dismantled the citadel and impaled forty merchants on top of the hill.
Brasov, like most medieval cities, has a sordid past. Two hundred years ago, Brasov sat on the border between the Austro-Hungarian empire and the Ottoman empire and its culture vividly reflects this. Start in the Piața Sfatului (Council Square) where the clock tower from the 13th-century town hall chimes. During the Middle Ages, this square was home to public trials and executions although no sign of it remains. Biserica Neagra, The Black Church is just off the main square and is the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe.
Every cobbled street that sits off the square is a delight to visit but make sure you visit Strada Sforii or String Street, which is the narrowest street in Europe. At just 134cm at its widest point and 111cm at its narrowest point, it’s more like an alley. Admire Catherine’s Gate (1500’s) and Brasov’s fortified walls as well as both Black & White towers, Bastionul Țesătorilor, Weaver’s Bastion.
Every night is a free walking tour lasting around 2-3 hours. It walks through the historical Saxon centre and out past the old fortified walls into the Schei District where Romania’s first school is found on the grounds of the 16th-century Church of St Nicholas (Biserica Sfântul Nicolae).
Like many ancient cities, Brasov is best appreciated from above. To do this you’ll need to either hike up Mount Tampa or just catch the cable car!
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family
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Sibiu
If you are searching for a walkable city in Romania, Sibiu is a great choice! Located at the border of Transylvania, in the heart of Romania, the city is 300 kilometres away from Bucharest, so you can get there by car or by train. Compared to other cities in Romania, Sibiu has one of the largest pedestrian areas.
The charm of Sibiu is given by its cobblestone streets, colourful, old buildings and intimate cafes. On a long walk in the old town, you will discover interesting places to visit: medieval towers, a large market framed by museums and a small piazza, both separated by the Council tower.
In the piazza called “Piata Mica” you can find some great restaurants offering traditional and international dishes. Another spot you shouldn’t miss is the Stairs passage. Part of the old fortification system of the city, the Stairs passage has an amazing glow during sunset, especially in summer.
After walking through this passage and crossing the Huet piazza, another colourful place will be revealed in front of you: Liars’ Bridge. This important attraction in Sibiu took its name from the lovers that swear eternal love on it.
Two days are enough to explore Sibiu’s main attractions. And if you want to discover more of Transylvania, Sibiu is a great base for day trips around it.
Written by Corina from Another Milestone. See more from Corina on Facebook.
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Corina Preda
Sighisoara
Sighisoara, located in the heart of Transylvania, is a beautiful and quaint city filled with medieval architecture and colourful streets.
No matter which street you follow you will be greeted by bright-coloured medieval houses and the most spectacular views from the citadel, where most of Sighisoara’s sights are located. Pay a visit to the house where Vlad the Impaler (Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula) was supposedly born, climb the clock tower, try to find all the guild towers located along the edges of the citadel while learning more about Sighisoara’s history.
Or make your way up the 17th-century Scholars’ Stairs for the best view over Sighisoara, walking through this city is like stepping into a fairytale. After walking around the city and admiring all of the medieval architecture, make sure you stop by the Citadel Square to enjoy a drink, some food or perhaps even to buy some souvenirs to commemorate your visit to this beautiful city.
Sighisoara is a city where it is a pleasure to get lost for a couple of hours because every corner you turn you’re sure to find another stunning view and another new sight to discover.
Written by Odette from Omnivagant. See more from Odette on Instagram.
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Odette Haye
Serbia
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia that lies on the banks of the Danube and it’s easily one of Eastern Europe’s most walkable cities.
The Petrovaradin fortress, which stands atop a riverside bluff, is the symbol of the city and dates from the Middle Ages. With an iconic clock tower and a network of tunnels, it’s definitely worth a visit but for the last decade, it has been home to EXIT, one of the best music festivals in Eastern Europe attracting over 150,000 people.
Walk around the old centre of the city and visit Trg Slobode (freedom square) from the 18th century, the neolithic church of Maria, Zmaj Jova street will take you to the Vladičanski Dvor and don’t forget the walk along the oldest street in Novi Sad – Dunavska street
Take some time out to relax in Dunavski Park and visit the museum of Vojvodina which is located in the 19th-century palace on Danube Park.
Novi Sad’s sandy beach on the Danube is open all year and during summer months you can rent a sun lounger.
If you’re visiting Novi Sad in September go to the centre of the Fruška Gora wine route, Sremski Karlovci, and see the traditional grape harvest. Don’t miss tasting Bermet, which is the region’s speciality dessert wine.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family. See more from Emma on Pinterest.
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Subotica
Subotica is a city in the very north of Serbia. It is on the main transit route from Hungary to southern Europe. The proximity of Lake Palić makes the city a very attractive tourist destination and a walk by the lake is a great choice for relaxation and recreation.
The main street in Subotica is a story unto itself. Remains of rich architecture from the time of Austro-Hungarian rule make this city of Vojvodina very special. The beautiful National Theater with 6 Corinthian pillars makes the central square and the promenade a memorable sight.
On the other side of the square is the Town Hall, for some of the most exquisite buildings in Subotica. It is beautifully decorated with countless decorative patterns of tulip flowers. In front of it is an unusual fountain, which the locals call the “Blue Fountain”.
In the very centre of the city, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, pizzerias, everything that would complete the atmosphere for the locals and tourists who visit this city. One of the inviolable places to visit, which offers an unusual interior, top service, as well as delicious food and the best coffee in town is the restaurant “Boss”. A place where famous people meet, where famous musician Zvonko Bogdan drinks his first-morning coffee and is simply something that must be experienced by coming to Subotica.
The city is definitely a unique place in Europe worth visiting and one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities.
Written by Mark from Vogatech. See more of Mark on Facebook.
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Slovakia
Bratislava
Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital city but it’s a compact one and easily one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities. The Old Town, in particular, is a delight to walk with its alleys and squares, dainty fountains, Baroque places, monuments, plaques and don’t forget to grab photos of the creative statues. The most popular is Cumil, a cheeky sewer worker resting on the manhole cover.
Many places in Bratislava are historically important; the University Library building is a former government building from the Hungarian Reform Era and Michael’s Gate which date to the 14th century. The Slovak National Gallery, which is an 18th-century palace, details Slovakia’s rich art history from the 13th century. Bratislava Castle, the former seat of rulers is today the Museum of History. There is a wonderful view of the city from its position above Bratislava.
The park of Sad Janka Kráľa is the oldest public park in Europe designed in 1774-1776. It’s a beautiful shaded park with its century-old trees and a gothic gazebo; the upper section of a 15th-century Franciscan church tower. It’s a 30-minute walk over to the Slavin War Memorial and you’ll need to hike up Bratislava’s highest hill to reach it but it’s a nice way to show respect to the Soviet troops killed whilst liberating Bratislava in 1945. You’ll find six mass graves, holding the remains of 6,845 Soviet soldiers here.
Don’t forget to visit the art nouveau Blue Church, climb the UFO tower or take some time for cat therapy at the Cat Cafe. For a really quirky stay, book a room in the Boat Hotel, Botel.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family.
Want to see where we stayed? See here, alternatively use this interactive map to search for accommodation in Bratislava.
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Banska Bystrica
The city of Banska Bystrica is the 6th largest city in Slovakia and it sits right in the centre of the country. Because Banska Bystrica is in a narrow valley and surrounded by mountains, the city is slow to expand population-wise as well as business-wise.
The life of the city takes place on and around its main square which is called SNP Square. This square is very spacious and long and it is lined with many historic buildings. There are a fountain and several monuments. Locals love to come here for meetings with their friends and family as well as for shopping. Also, many offices are located around this central area.
The rest of the city and all residential zones are on the hillsides of the nearby hills and valleys. Many residents have great views from their windows. It is also very close enough to walk everywhere. From most of the residential areas, you can reach downtown within 20-25 minutes of leisurely walking which is why I think it’s easily one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities.
If you get to Banska Bystrica, make sure you climb up the yellow Bell Tower in the upper part of the SNP Square. Then walk a bit further to explore the WWII memorials and the SNP Museum. In the main square, you should try some of the excellent pubs, coffee shops, and pastry shops as well as great restaurants with outdoor terraces. Food in Slovakia is very tasty and filling. Don’t omit the coffee and a slice of cake.
Written by Slavka from On2Continents. See more from Slavka on Facebook.
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Slavka Kosc
Slovenia
Koper
When heading to Slovenia you cannot miss Koper! This city has been made entirely car-free which makes this easily one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities. You can stroll through the many small alleyways and little streets and dine on the amazing squares and plazas tucked away between the high historical buildings.
Koper is a little harbour village by the Mediterranean Sea and it used to be controlled by Venice. You can still visit the Praetorian Palace which is a remnant of that era. It also makes that Koper feels a lot more ‘’Italian’’ than for instance the capital Ljubljana.
One of the best things to do in Koper is to explore the little streets and find out where they take you – up the hill towards the fort, or maybe to a beautiful little square only known to locals? Also visit the cathedral and Plaza Tito, and don’t forget to try the cheese and bacon calamari – a regional favourite with a bottle of the local beer or wine.
You can also decide to go to the beach although the beach in copper is quite rocky. There is a small strip of sandy beach yet it will be filled by locals trying to catch a few rays of sunshine.
Written by Lieze from Glitter Rebel. See more from Lieze on Instagram.
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Kranj
Kranj the so-called Capital of the Slovenian Alps is an under-rated Slovenian city that absolutely fits the bill for one of Eastern Europe’s Most Walkable Cities or even in Europe.
Just a 27-minute drive from Ljubljana, the Old Town of Kranj is amazingly compact and you can explore it on foot with great ease. It is, in fact, beautifully pedestrian-friendly. It takes just an hour or two to walk past the beautiful squares, charming cafes, medieval churches and castles in Kranj. The intriguing street art scene makes walking the streets of the old town all the more fascinating.
Make an ice-cream on your own at the Ice Cream Bar Grefino and stroll the narrow winding streets of Kranj, stopping by the art museums, galleries and other historical attractions.
One of the most interesting things to do in Kranj is exploring the secret tunnels under the historic city centre. They built the tunnels to protect citizens from air attacks during WWII. You can even experience wartime through simulated airstrikes.
While you might love the walkable vibes of the town, it’s worth getting out of the city to hike the stunning Kokra River Canyon at Sava and Kokra rivers’ confluence. Did you know that Kokra River Canyon is Europe’s second-highest city canyon? You sure wouldn’t want to miss that.
To get the taste of the classic food scene of Kranj, try Kranj culinary trio (Kranj sausage, Kranj craft beer, and Kranjski štruklji) at Gostilna Kot.
Written by Anjali from Travel Melodies. See more from Anjali on Instagram.
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Anjali Chawla
Skofja Loka
Skofja Loka, which translated to Bishop’s Meadow, is Slovenia’s best-preserved medieval town, at the foot of the Slovenian mountains, a mere half an hour drive from Ljubljana.
Located between two branches of the Sora river, this fairytale town can be accessed over bridges that take you to a magical world. Laden with a history that starts with a flourishing trading centre from the Middle Ages, continues with a uniformly rebuilt Baroque centre after an earthquake in 1511, a castle hill that homes several mass graves of war prisoners from WWII and ends with a forward-looking authentic destination. The town of Skofja Loka is best discovered on foot which is why it is one of Eastern Europe’s most walkable cities.
Get lost in space and time while browsing historical sights, market places, and artisan shops in the charming cobbled streets of Skofja Loka. Besides walking around and marvelling at the uniqueness of every facade in town, you can also visit the Capuchin Church with a monastery whose library hosts over 30,000 volumes.
While the town castle is rightfully turned into a museum, what makes Skofja Loka famous is the historical reenactment of the Passion Play, part of the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visitors can follow the plot of the play through an interactive app.
Stop for refreshments at Kavarna na Stengah and lunch at Gostilna Starman. Worth the 6 km drive to Retece is the Gault Milau recognised gostilna and vinotheque Danilo.
Written by Anca from Dream Book & Travel. See more from Anca on Facebook.
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Ukraine
Kyiv
Kiev or Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine. It is in north-central Ukraine which sits on the Dnieper River.
Kyiv is a city of juxtapositions; hip cafes serving coffee & elegant restaurants sit on nearly every street and street art here is prominent but vintage trams creak along dilapidated streets whilst being watched from above by gold-domed spires.
Ukraine is no stranger to heartache having suffered from both Chernobyl and Genocide. Visit the Holodomor Genocide Museum to understand how the Soviet Union killed up to 10 million people by creating famine and the National Chernobyl Museum to understand the role of the disaster in this country.
The Motherland statue, Rodina Mat, stands at 340ft tall and is located on one of Kyiv’s hills part of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. You can even climb the statue but make sure to get there early in the morning for this chance.
Maidan Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) is the huge, central square where the free walking tours start but it has also seen an enormous amount of protests and uprisings over the last century which you should learn about.
Kyiv is a beautiful city to explore on foot; stop off at all the small markets dotted around the city and stand in awe at the beautifully, coloured jars of pickled vegetables and even catch the funicular up Volodymyrska Hill.
Written by Emma from Journey of a nomadic family. See more from Emma on Pinterest.
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Lviv
When it comes to Eastern Europe, Ukraine is a country that is often overlooked. However, it was in Lviv, a beautiful city in the western part of Ukraine, that I found my favourite Eastern European walkable city.
It is hard to find the words to describe Lviv, partly because there is so much history to it. The city of Lviv was founded in 1250 by King Daniel of Galicia and as you walk down the cobble-stoned streets, you will unquestionably encounter various types of architecture: renaissance, baroque, classic and more.
The historical centre of Ukraine is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly due to the incredible architecture and various communities established within the city. Many travellers compare Lviv to Prague or Krakow and it is not surprising that they do. The historic centre of Lviv is idyllic, and a stroll around its beautiful streets is like walking down a time machine. The centre is bursting with more than 2,000 registered landmarks, many in pristine condition despite being 500 years old.
When you visit Lviv, there are several attractions you must see. The first one is definitely exploring the historic old town of Lviv. Visitors that wish to get a panoramic view of Lviv must not miss a visit to the High Castle, a viewpoint on a 400m hill that is only a short walk away from the historic centre. The second is “Under the Black Eagle Pharmacy” which opened in 1735, and is the oldest pharmacy still in business in Ukraine. There’s a large display of historic lab equipment such as presses, scales, stills and pestles & mortars, as well as cabinets laden with medicine jars and antique books from the 1700s.
Also, don’t miss the chance to try the national dish of Ukraine, Borscht. It is a sour soup common to Eastern Europe and Asia that is made with beetroot as one of its main ingredients. It can be seriously addictive.
Written by Sean from Living Out Lau. See more from Sean on Instagram.
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Sean Lau
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