Renowned for its cheap pints and rich history, Eastern Europe is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination and here are three to take, off the beaten track.
While Budapest and Prague are the go-to tourist spots, these underrated gems offer an authentic window into Eastern Europe.
1. Sofia, Bulgaria
Although due to transport delays I only visited Sofia for a couple of days, the intricate churches here and stunning greenery place it on the map of great tourist destinations.
The city is affordable and packed with beautiful streets and architecture. It feels very peaceful and safe for young travellers. Punctuated with quirky market stands and independent cafes, the St Alexander Nevski Cathedral and St Nicholas Russian church and their surrounding parkland are a must-visit.
Inside and out these churches display impressive stained glass scenes and ornate architectural designs. To escape the city bustle, you can hike or take a cable car up the Vitosha mountain, a 2,292-metre mountain which lines the city and offers panoramic views across it.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
For a more dynamic slightly chaotic but lively atmosphere, head to Istanbul in Turkey. The striking contrast between the bustle of the Grand Bazaar and the reflective peacefulness of the mosques in Istanbul makes it a thrilling culture-packed city to visit. A visit to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque is essential.
Head to the Spice Bazaar to collect an array of free samples of Turkish sweets, before relaxing in Gulhane park and Topkapi palace with a kebab. Whilst tourist cruises across the Bosporus river are expensive, you can see the waterfront and ride to the Asian side of Turkey for just 50p on a commuter ferry from any of Istanbul’s ports.
3. Bucharest, Romania
The quaint old town in Bucharest and ornate gothic castles in Transylvania make Romania a vastly underrated destination.
It is easy to lose a few hours strolling through vintage shops and craft stalls along Bucharest’s streets and admiring the fountains, galleries and huge parliament building in the city centre.
Peles castle in Transylvania is only a 90-minute train journey from the capital and offers rich gothic architecture and history set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.