Backpacking Central & Eastern Europe – EPIC Travel Guide

A quick side note before we start: for this guide, we’ve broken the region down into three loose areas:

• Central & Eastern Europe
• The Baltic States
• The Caucasus

We’ve left the Balkans out because we already have a full and rather excellent Balkan Backpacking Guide already on this site.

This guide focuses on destinations that are currently practical and accessible for independent travellers. Russia, Belarus and Ukraine are not included due to the ongoing conflict in the region and current government travel advice.

For me, backpacking through Central & Eastern Europe is where things start to get really interesting. Sure, Western Europe has its charms, but if you’ve had your fill of overpriced pints, tourist queues and €8 coffees, then heading east can feel like a breath of fresh air.

This part of the continent has a bit of everything. Fancy a long weekend spent eating your body weight in dumplings and drinking excellent beer? Head to Prague or Kraków. Want mountains, castles and villages that look like they’ve wandered out of a fairy tale? Romania has you covered. Looking for somewhere that still feels a little different from the standard European backpacking trail? The Baltic States and the Caucasus might be exactly what you’re after.

One of the best things about travelling here is the sheer variety. You can be exploring medieval old towns one week, hiking through mountain ranges the next and somehow still find yourself arguing over which country serves the best pastries.

Whilst prices aren’t quite as low as they once were, much of the region still offers solid value compared to Western Europe, especially if you’re travelling slowly and making use of local buses and trains.

In short? If you’re looking for history, culture, adventure, good food and a few surprises along the way, Central & Eastern Europe delivers in spades.

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To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a few sample itineraries covering some of the best of Central & Eastern Europe, whether you’ve got a week, a month, or anything in between.

Central & Eastern Europe By Interrail – 1 Week

One of the classic ways to get a taste of Central & Eastern Europe is by using an Interrail pass. The rail network is generally excellent and, assuming you’ve got the right visa access, getting between countries is usually far easier than first-time visitors expect.

Kick things off in Prague. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, somebody will try to sell you an overpriced trdelník. And yes, it’s still absolutely worth visiting (and paying for the trdelník). Spend a couple of days wandering the old town, admiring the architecture and sampling enough Czech beer to understand why people keep coming back.

From Prague, it’s a short ride to Bratislava. Slovakia’s capital often gets unfairly treated as the place people pass through on the way to somewhere else. Stick around for a day or two though, and you’ll find a pleasant old town, plenty of cafés and far fewer crowds than Prague.

Next up is Budapest, a city with absolutely no interest in being subtle. Massive parliament building? Check. Thermal baths? Check. Ruin bars in abandoned buildings? Also check. Give yourself a few days here because Budapest has a habit of making people extend their stay. If you’ve got time, head out to Memento Park and marvel at the fact that somebody looked at a giant collection of communist statues and thought, “Let’s keep those.”

From Budapest, head north to Kraków. Most backpackers arrive in Kraków planning to stay a couple of days and end up staying longer. The city is beautiful, easy to explore and has a habit of emptying your wallet slightly slower than many Western European cities. While you’re here, consider visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. It’s not an easy day out, but it’s an important one.

To round things off, head to Warsaw, Wrocław or all the way north to Gdańsk if you don’t mind a longer train ride. There’s even an overnight sleeper if you’re feeling thrifty and don’t mind swapping a hostel bed for a train bunk.

The Baltic Triangle – 10 Day

This itinerary offers a great introduction to the Baltic States and can comfortably be done in under two weeks. If you’re short on time and don’t mind moving quickly, you could squeeze it into a week, but 10 days is a much nicer pace.

Kick things off in Vilnius, Lithuania’s fun and slightly quirky capital. Spend a couple of days exploring the old town, checking out the cafés and bars, and don’t miss the self-declared Republic of Užupis. It’s a bohemian neighbourhood that takes itself just seriously enough to be charming.

From here, head to Šiauliai. The city itself isn’t the main attraction, but that’s fine because you’re really here for the Hill of Crosses. It’s one of the strangest and most memorable sights in the Baltics. You can reach it by bus, taxi or, if you’re travelling on a backpacker’s budget and feeling optimistic, by hitchhiking.

Next up is Riga. Latvia’s capital has enough good food, nightlife and architecture to keep you occupied for a few days. While you’re here, make time for a trip to Sigulda and its impressive castles and surrounding countryside.

From Riga, continue north towards Tallinn. It’s not the shortest journey in the world, so if you’ve got a few extra days, consider breaking it up along the coast. Pärnu is a solid choice, especially in summer when the beaches and outdoor bars fill up with locals escaping the city.

Finally, arrive in Tallinn. Estonia’s capital somehow manages to be medieval and trendy at the same time. Spend a few days exploring the old town, checking out the cafés and soaking up the atmosphere. If you’re not quite ready for the trip to end, Helsinki is only a short ferry ride away.

The Caucasus Region – 1 Month

If you’ve got a month to play with and fancy heading a little beyond the standard European backpacking trail, then the Caucasus is hard to beat. Between the mountains, ancient monasteries, incredible food and famously warm hospitality, this is a region that gets under your skin surprisingly quickly.

Seriously, Georgia is one of those countries where you should spend as much time as possible. Crawl, if you must, across the entire country and sample everything it has to offer: the mountains, the wine, the food, the culture… the lot. Plenty of backpackers arrive planning to stay a week and end up hanging around for a month, wondering where all the time went.

If you’ve nearly used up your 90 days in the Schengen Area, Georgia is also a handy place to continue your travels without immediately heading back home.

I’d suggest starting in western Georgia and gradually working your way east before crossing into Armenia. Along the way you’ll find some of the best trekking in the region, ridiculously good food and more monasteries, fortresses and mountain views than you’ll know what to do with.

From Tbilisi, head west towards Samtskhe-Javakheti. Stop off in Gori on the way if you’re interested in Soviet history, then base yourself in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe for a few days. From here, you can visit Vardzia, Khertvisi Fortress and Sapara Monastery, all of which are well worth the effort.

Next up is Kutaisi. Georgia’s second city often gets overshadowed by Tbilisi, but that’s part of the appeal. Spend a few days exploring the city and visiting nearby sites such as Gelati Monastery, Bagrati Cathedral and Motsameta Monastery.

Finally, head north to Mestia in the Svaneti region. The scenery alone is worth the journey. Medieval watchtowers dot the landscape, hiking trails disappear into the mountains and it’s the kind of place where “I’ll stay one night” often turns into three or four before you’ve noticed.

Central & Eastern Europe is absolutely stuffed with places worth visiting. The hard part isn’t finding somewhere interesting; it’s deciding what to leave out.

To make life easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite destinations from across the region and organised them by country.

Czechia

Czechia has been on the backpacker trail for decades now and shows no signs of going anywhere. Great beer, beautiful cities, decent public transport and enough castles to keep history buffs happy for months make it an easy addition to almost any Central & Eastern Europe itinerary.

Presumably, Prague needs no introduction. It is now well and truly established as one of Europe’s classic city-break destinations and attracts almost as many visitors as Venice, Paris and Stoke-on-Trent.

But, be warned, in peak season, the city can become an unholy mess of tourists all trying to take the exact same photo at the exact same time. The city’s popularity does mean there is a huge range of accommodation to choose from and some of Prague’s hostels are genuinely fantastic. Others should probably be investigated by the authorities.

The country’s second city, Brno, is also a backpacker favourite and suffers from none of the mania of the capital. It’s smaller, cheaper and generally a bit more relaxed.

Summer is festival season, with rock, techno, psytrance and EDM (oh, the horror) events popping up across the country alongside food, beer and jazz festivals in the major cities.

What to Know Before Visiting Czechia

• Don’t miss… The Bone Church in Sedlec. Around 70,000 human skeletons fashioned into chandeliers, coats of arms and all manner of other decorations. Medieval Gothic at its least tasteful.
• Know what’s overrated? Prague’s reputation as Europe’s ultimate party city. Maybe I missed the good stuff, but I enjoyed the beer halls, cafés and wandering far more than the nightlife. Then again, I may simply be getting old.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel Elf in Prague. One of my favourite hostel experiences anywhere. Great people, brilliant atmosphere, and regular BBQs.
• The best food is at… Lokál in Prague. A traditional Czech beer hall serving excellent pilsner and hearty Bohemian classics.

Slovakia

Formerly joined with Czechia, landlocked Slovakia is one of the most overlooked countries in Central & Eastern Europe. Whilst Bratislava gets its fair share of summer interrailers, plenty of travellers still pass through without really giving the country much thought.

There is quite a bit to do in Bratislava. The old town is worth a wander, there are plenty of bars and cafés and it’s an easy place to spend a few days.

There is quite a bit to do in Bratislava. The old town is worth a wander, there are plenty of bars and cafés and it’s an easy place to spend a few days. If you’re only visiting Slovakia for a short time, Bratislava makes the ideal base.

Away from the capital, there are over 100 castles in Slovakia. The most famous of these is probably the 12th-century Bojnice Castle, which overlooks the town of the same name. Looking more like something from a fairy tale than a defensive fortification, it’s one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.

Of course, castles aren’t the only reason to visit. Slovakia is also home to some excellent hiking, particularly in the High Tatras, where you’ll find some of the best mountain scenery in the region. If you’re looking to escape the cities for a few days, this is where I’d head.

What to Know Before Visiting Slovakia

• Don’t miss out… Spiš Castle. One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, which dominates the landscape for miles around.
• Keep an eye out for… The architectural gems of Banská Štiavnica. The UNESCO-listed town centre is arguably one of the most photogenic spots in Slovakia.
• The coolest hostel is… Wild Elephants Hostel in Bratislava. There are no wild elephants in Bratislava. Still, this is one of the city’s best party hostels, complete with a beer pong room (why?) and, most importantly, a bar.
• The best food is found in… Restaurants and beer halls that don’t spend much money on décor, serving proper Slovak comfort food. Don’t leave without trying bryndzové halušky, stodgy potato dumplings topped with sheep’s cheese.

Hungary

Budapest is one of the great cities of Central & Eastern Europe and for many travellers it ends up being the highlight of their trip. The Hungarian Parliament Building, sitting on the banks of the Danube, is genuinely one of the most impressive buildings in Europe, whilst Fisherman’s Bastion looks like it was designed by somebody who thought castles weren’t quite castle-y enough.

The famous ruin bars (pubs built inside abandoned buildings and courtyards) are Budapest backpacking 101. They’re quirky, chaotic and well worth checking out, even if they’re not quite the hidden gems they once were.

Most backpackers are perfectly happy spending their entire Hungarian adventure in Budapest and, honestly, that’s understandable. But those willing to venture beyond the capital will find wine regions, castles, hiking trails and plenty of smaller towns that rarely make it onto the typical backpacking circuit.

Lake Balaton is particularly worth a look in summer, whilst the countryside near the Romanian border is dotted with fortresses and historic towns. Getting off the beaten track in Hungary is surprisingly easy.

By the way, festivals are something Hungary does exceptionally well. I once attended the O.Z.O.R.A. Festival near Dádpuszta and can confirm that if you’re into psytrance, strange art installations, and not sleeping very much, you’ll probably have a great time.

What to Know Before Visiting Hungary

• Don’t miss out…The Hungarian Parliament Building. You can get right up close to it, but I actually think it looks best from across the Danube, where you can properly appreciate just how grand it is.
• Keep an eye out for… Taxi scams. Budapest has improved a lot over the years, but it’s still worth sticking to licensed taxis or using a ride-hailing app. If you do jump in a cab, make sure it’s properly marked and that the meter is running.
• The coolest hostel is… Maverick City Lodge has long been one of the safer bets thanks to its central location, clean rooms and comfortable common areas.
• The best food is found in… If you’re exploring the old Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov remains a popular choice and a good introduction to the area’s food scene.

Poland

Poland rarely tops people’s Central & Eastern Europe wish list, which is odd because it has some of the best cities in the region.

Warsaw doesn’t always make the best first impression. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and whilst large parts have been painstakingly rebuilt, it can still feel a little grey in places. Stick with it though. Dig beneath the surface, and you’ll find excellent museums, great food, lively bars and one of the most interesting capitals in the region.

Wrocław is arguably the prettier city and is justifiably popular for city breaks. Then there’s Kraków, a city that seems to win over just about everybody who visits. With its castles, cobbled streets and communist-era trams rattling along the tracks, it’s one of the highlights of any trip through Central & Eastern Europe.

If you do visit Kraków, then make time for a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. It’s one of the most visited historical sites in Europe and offers an important insight into the Holocaust and the horrors of World War II

What to Know Before Visiting Poland

• Don’t miss out… The Poles love to drink and be merry. Get into a bar and make some new friends over some Tysky and Schnapps. 
• Keep an eye out for… Warsaw’s layers of history. Few European cities suffered as much during the 20th century. Don’t miss the Palace of Culture and Science, the enormous tower “gifted” to Poland by Stalin.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel Sienkiewiczówka in Kielce. It’s clean, spacious, and has actual horses. Start your day with breakfast, then head out into the countryside on horseback or explore the area by bike.
• The best food is found in… Kraków’s old Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes, not exactly known for being light, but that’s half the fun.

The Baltics (Lithuania, Lavia, Estonia)

The Baltics are some of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe and a dream for backpackers. Whilst they aren’t quite as cheap as they once were, they still offer excellent value, great hostels and enough history, weird attractions and lively nightlife to keep things interesting.

The hostel scene in Tallinn is thriving. Estonia’s capital is often described as having one of Europe’s most beautiful old towns and whilst it’s easy to see why, don’t make the mistake of only stopping there. Estonia is one of the greenest countries in Europe and offers excellent hiking in Lahemaa National Park, horse riding on Saaremaa Island and some fantastic cycling routes. Make sure you stop in Tartu too and check out the famous Kissing Students statue. Who knows, it might even improve your love life.

In Latvia, you can spend a weekend partying in Riga before recovering in the spa town of Jūrmala or heading out to Sigulda for hiking, castles and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Lithuania is perhaps the least visited of the three and is perfect for lovers of all things strange and unusual. Explore the world’s largest private collection of devil memorabilia in Kaunas, visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses or check out the curious sculptures dotted around the coastal city of Klaipėda.

Travelling between the Baltic countries is easy thanks to an extensive and affordable bus network. Since all three countries are in the EU, moving between them is generally hassle-free. The region might look small on a map, but it packs a surprising amount into a relatively small corner of Europe.

What to Know Before Visiting The Baltics

• Don’t miss out… Visiting Užupis, the bohemian neighbourhood in Vilnius that famously declared itself an independent republic. Read the constitution, wander the streets and don’t forget to grab a souvenir passport stamp while you’re there.
• Keep an eye out for… Soviet history. The Baltic States regained their independence in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and reminders of that period can still be found throughout the region.
• The coolest hostel is… The Naughty Squirrel in Riga is an award-winning hostel with friendly staff and lots of events to get you socialising
• The best food is found in… Tallinn, where Scandinavian influences meet Baltic traditions. Expect modern fine dining to hearty local dishes that have barely changed for generations.

Moldova

Tiny little Moldova (even as a Brit, I can call Moldova tiny) is tucked away between Romania and Ukraine and is the kind of country that plenty of people still know very little about. Like many overlooked destinations, that’s very much their loss.

Old Orhei is probably Moldova’s most important historical site. Set amongst limestone cliffs and rolling countryside, it’s an easy contender for the country’s most impressive attraction.

Moldova also offers excellent wineries, cave monasteries, castles and the obligatory Orthodox monasteries. The country’s wine culture is a big part of its identity, and a visit to one of the vast underground wine cellars should be high on your list.

As always, check the latest government travel advice before visiting, particularly given Moldova’s proximity to the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Backpacking Georgia

As far as Eastern Europe goes, backpacking Georgia is high up on the list of awesome countries to visit these days. Georgia is dotted with fun cities, hill-top monasteries, lush forests, and the Caucasus mountain range. Backpacking in Georgia is cheap, relatively easy, and truly feels like a real adventure destination. The hostel scene in Tbilisi is alive and well, and there are loads of great things to do in the capital.

If you like hiking, the Caucasus are a world-class trekking playground with almost none of the traffic received by the Alps and the other mountains of Western Europe. In addition to stunning mountains and outdoor pleasures, Georgia has several other things going for it. The country has amazing wine, great food, and some genuinely nice people. Somehow, Georgia has stayed off the general radar of people backpacking Europe. The country is also becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads, due to the low cost of living.

What to Know Before Visiting Georgia

• Don’t miss out on… Village-to-village hiking in the Svaneti region. It’s a bit like the teahouse treks in Nepal, except with fewer tourists, more wine and considerably more church towers.
• You know what’s overrated… Batumi. Plenty of people love it, but I never saw the appeal. If casinos and beachfront high-rises are your thing, then crack on.
• The coolest hostel is… Fabrika Hostel & Suites in Tbilisi. A huge hostel with great facilities, a great atmosphere and enough communal space to meet people without feeling like you’re trapped in a backpacker zoo.
• The best food is found in… Family-run restaurants where the menu hasn’t been translated properly and nobody is entirely sure how much food they’ve just ordered. Come hungry and make room for khinkali and khachapuri.

Backpacking Armenia

Depending on who you ask (or which map you’re looking at), Armenia is either in Europe or Asia. Either way, it’s one of the most fascinating countries in the Caucasus and a fantastic destination for adventurous backpackers.

Armenia is beautiful, unique and packed with history. Here you’ll find mountain monasteries, some of the oldest churches in the world, ancient ruins and plenty of opportunities for trekking and camping.

The capital city of Yerevan is also well worth a few days of your time. It’s a laid-back city where grand Soviet-era buildings sit alongside busy cafés, leafy squares and a thriving food and wine scene.

Armenia remains one of the Caucasus’ most rewarding destinations and is ideal for backpackers looking to get a little further off the standard European trail.

What to Know Before Visiting Armenia

• Don’t miss out… The Temple of Garni. It’s one of Armenia’s most recognisable landmarks and remarkably well preserved. The setting alone makes it worth the trip.
• Keep an eye out for… Wineries and tasting cellars. Armenia has been making wine for thousands of years, and you’ll find tasting rooms scattered throughout the country.
• The coolest hostel is… Kantar Hostel in Yerevan. It’s modern (something of a rarity in parts of the Caucasus), spacious and serves a seriously good breakfast.
• The best food is found in… Pretty much any local bakery. Whilst you’re in Armenia, make sure you try lahmacun, often referred to as Armenian pizza. It’s a thin flatbread topped with meat, herbs and spices, although vegetarian versions are easy enough to find. Cheap, filling and ideal backpacker food.

Backpacking Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a bit of an odd one. Soviet relics, futuristic skyscrapers, ancient Silk Road history and Middle Eastern influences all somehow coexist here, often within the same city block.

The capital, Baku, is genuinely fascinating. One minute you’re wandering through the old town, the next you’re staring up at some of the boldest modern architecture anywhere in the Caucasus. Love it or hate it, it’s certainly not boring.

Away from Baku, Azerbaijan offers plenty of quirky attractions. There are the famous mud volcanoes, a house made entirely out of bottles in Ganja and the remote mountain village of Khinaliq, one of the oldest settlements in the region.

Khinaliq is also a great base for hiking. The scenery is spectacular, the trails are quiet, and it’s still possible to spend a day in the mountains without seeing many other travellers.

Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan remain complicated, so be sure to check the latest entry requirements before planning your trip. Border rules and travel histories can sometimes affect entry.

Azerbaijan doesn’t always make the top of people’s Caucasus wish list, but that’s part of the appeal. If you’re after somewhere a little different, you’ll find plenty to like here.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Eastern Europe

Getting off the beaten path in Central & Eastern Europe is surprisingly easy. Cities like Prague, Budapest and Kraków attract plenty of visitors these days, but it doesn’t usually take much effort to escape the crowds.

Venture beyond the major capitals and you’ll often find yourself in places where tourism plays only a small role in daily life. Whether it’s a small town in Slovakia, a hiking trail in Georgia, a wine village in Moldova or a quiet corner of the Baltics, some of the region’s best experiences still happen away from the headline attractions.

One thing worth bearing in mind is that English isn’t always widely spoken once you leave the main tourist centres. A translation app will get you a long way these days, but learning a few basic words and phrases in the local language is always appreciated and can lead to some memorable interactions.

Now to the things backpackers really care about: what to do and what to see. With so many different countries, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. We’ve listed the best ones.

Ruin Pub Crawl in Budapest

If there’s one Budapest experience that has become backpacker folklore, it’s the city’s famous ruin bars.

The concept is simple enough: take a neglected old building, fill it with mismatched furniture, questionable artwork, cheap drinks and a healthy disregard for conventional interior design, then see what happens. As it turns out, what happens is usually a very good night.

The original ruin bars earned their reputation by turning abandoned buildings into lively social spaces and quickly became one of Budapest’s defining attractions. These days they’re a bit more polished than they once were, but they still offer a unique night out and remain a rite of passage for many backpackers visiting the city.

The crowds can be a mixed bag, and some venues are undeniably touristy these days, but that’s the price of success. Fortunately, Budapest still has enough ruin bars that you can usually find one that suits your style.

You know the drill. Join a hostel pub crawl and let somebody else do the planning, or strike out on your own and see where the night takes you.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Central & Eastern Europe has its share of dark tourism sites, but none is more significant than Auschwitz-Birkenau. Located around 50 kilometres from Kraków, it was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. More than one million people, the vast majority of them Jews, were murdered here during the Holocaust, alongside Roma, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war and others persecuted by the Nazi regime.

Some people describe a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau as morbid, but I disagree. It is one of the most important historical sites in Europe and offers a powerful reminder of the consequences of hatred, intolerance and dehumanisation.

No book, documentary or classroom lesson can fully prepare you for standing in the place where these events occurred. It is a sobering, emotional and profoundly important experience.

An Electronic Music Festival

One thing Central & Eastern Europe does seriously well is electronic music. Whether you’re into techno, psytrance, house or something so obscure that only twelve people on the planet have heard of it, you’ll find a festival somewhere with your name on it.

Summer is festival season and there are events happening right across the region. From small woodland gatherings to massive multi-day festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to dance until sunrise and make a few questionable decisions along the way.

The cool kids head to Apokalypsa near Brno for some of Czechia’s best techno, whilst OZORA in Hungary remains one of the biggest names in the psytrance world and attracts festival-goers from all over the globe.

Just remember to pace yourself. Three-day festivals have a habit of turning into five-day recoveries.

Hiking in the Caucasus 

Stretching across Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Caucasus is one of the best hiking destinations in Europe that surprisingly few people seem to know about.

Whether you’re after a day hike or a multi-day trek, you’ll find no shortage of trails here. Think green mountainsides, crumbling fortresses, ancient cave monasteries and the occasional shepherd tending their flock in the middle of nowhere.

The Svaneti region of Georgia gets most of the attention, and for good reason, but there are fantastic hiking opportunities right across the Caucasus. Just don’t make the mistake of only packing for a few days in the mountains. Plenty of travellers end up staying a lot longer than planned.

Cruise on the Danube

The Danube cuts through the heart of Central Europe, and a cruise along it offers a completely different way to see the region. You’ll drift through places like Slovakia and Hungary whilst somebody else takes care of the transport for once.

Now, let’s be honest. This isn’t exactly the kind of activity that normally gets backpackers throwing their rucksacks in the air with excitement. It’s not cheap, and you’re unlikely to return home with any stories involving missed trains or questionable hostel decisions.

Still, if you’re after a slower pace of travel, there are certainly worse ways to spend a few days than floating down one of Europe’s most famous rivers with a drink in hand.

Joining an Organised Tour in Central & Eastern Europe

The Broke Backpacker is a travel site by and for backpackers, so we’re generally in favour of independent travel wherever possible. However, there are times when joining an organised tour can make life a lot easier.

This is particularly true if you’re short on time, want to visit remote areas or simply don’t fancy figuring out every bus schedule and border crossing yourself. Whilst travelling independently around most of Central & Eastern Europe is relatively straightforward these days, some of the more rural parts of the Caucasus and Moldova can require a bit more planning.

I once met an Australian couple who hired a guide to take them around Armenia. They reckoned it made reaching some of the more remote monasteries and mountain villages much easier and gave them a much better understanding of the country than they would have got travelling alone.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. If a tour helps you get somewhere you’d otherwise struggle to reach, then go for it.

Finding accommodation in Central & Eastern Europe isn’t all that different from Western Europe these days. You’ll find plenty of hostels in the major cities, whilst guesthouses, apartments and budget hotels are available pretty much everywhere else. Airbnb is well established across much of the region and can sometimes work out cheaper than a hostel, especially if you’re travelling as a pair.

Once you get into the more rural parts of countries like Georgia, Armenia or Moldova, hostel options can become a bit thinner on the ground. Fortunately, family-run guesthouses are often affordable, welcoming and a great way to experience local hospitality.

Couchsurfing can still be a fantastic way to meet people and get a glimpse of local life, particularly in destinations that don’t see huge numbers of tourists. Just don’t expect it to be quite as active as it once was.

The Best Places to Stay in Eastern Europe

Costs vary widely across Central & Eastern Europe, although you’ll generally find the region offers better value than Western Europe.

As a rough guide, budget backpackers can often get by on around $40-$70 per day, depending on the country and travel style. Destinations such as Moldova, Georgia and Armenia tend to be among the most affordable, whilst cities like Prague, Tallinn and Budapest can quickly eat into your budget if you’re eating out and enjoying the nightlife every night.

Public transport is generally affordable across the region, and supermarkets offer excellent value if you’re happy to self-cater from time to time. Local beer, wine and spirits are often considerably cheaper than imported brands, which is always welcome news for backpackers.

Of course, your actual costs will depend heavily on where you go, how often you move around and how much fun you intend to have along the way.

A Daily Budget For Eastern Europe

Money in Central & Eastern Europe

One thing you’ll quickly discover when travelling around Central & Eastern Europe is that there are a lot of different currencies in use. Keeping track of exchange rates can be a bit of a headache, so it’s worth downloading a currency conversion app before you set off.

Card payments are widely accepted across much of the region, and in some countries, you can get by almost entirely without cash. That said, don’t get too comfortable. Once you leave the bigger cities, cash can still come in handy for buses, markets, guesthouses and the occasional hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

ATMs are easy enough to find in most towns and cities, but can become less common in rural areas. It’s also worth carrying a spare bank card just in case an ATM decides it doesn’t like the look of the first one.

Travel-friendly cards such as Monzo and Revolut are popular with backpackers thanks to their low fees and favourable exchange rates. Whatever you use, make sure you know what your bank charges before you hit the road.

And yes, carrying a bit of emergency cash is still a good idea. You probably won’t need it, but you’ll be very glad it’s there when you do.

Central & Eastern Europe on a Budget.

To save money, the usual backpacker rules apply. Cook some of your own meals, shop at local supermarkets and don’t be afraid to venture a little beyond the main tourist areas. Local food is usually cheaper and often better anyway.

Couchsurfing can still be a good way to cut costs and meet locals, although it’s not quite as popular as it once was.

Hitchhiking is also possible in many parts of the region, particularly outside the major cities. Just don’t expect everybody to speak English.

If you’re sticking to countries like Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland, then an Interrail pass can offer good value and save a fair bit of hassle when moving between cities.

You know those tiny pieces of plastic you used to use to connect yourself to the internet abroad? Sim Cards, I think they were called? Well, yeah, we’re ditching those.

These days, wherever you go in the world an eSIM is by far the best way to stay connected from the minute you land. You can download an eSim before you leave home and then activate it when you are still sitting on the plane waiting to disembark.

You skip all the hassle of trying to figure out different providers and navigating airport prices to make sure you’re not getting scammed.

Of all the many eSIM providers out there, we suggest Jetpac. Jetpac works just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected before the pilot says you can stand up.

JetPac eSim Packages For Eastern Europe

1GB – 4 Days – $1

5GB – 30 Days $15

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Choosing when to visit Central & Eastern Europe is as important as choosing where to go. Winters across much of the region can be pretty brutal: cold, dark, long and snowy.

The Baltic States are so far north that winter days can feel alarmingly short, whilst temperatures across much of the region regularly plunge below freezing. Head into the mountains and things get even more interesting.

I’ve travelled in this part of the world in late autumn and can confirm that the cold is no joke. Pack properly and you’ll be fine, but don’t underestimate it. Broke Backpacker founder Will once had to rearrange his plans in Georgia after the mountain villages he wanted to visit were completely snowed in.

Summers are typically warm to hot and can get a bit sticky. It’s also prime festival season in Hungary, Czechia and Poland, whilst the Baltics really come into their own during the long summer days. If you stop by the Black Sea during July and August, expect it to feel like one big swimwear shoot.

Spring is also a great time to visit. The weather is pleasant, the countryside starts waking up, and you’ll generally encounter fewer tourists than in summer.

Festivals in Central & Eastern Europe

Despite their frosty outward demeanour, the peoples of Eastern Europe all share a real zest for life, which is perhaps best encapsulated in the many festivals which take place across the region.

From rock music to Pagan sacraments to foodie-free-for-alls, there is an Eastern European festival for everybody.

Summer is when the region really comes alive. Whether it’s a psytrance festival in Hungary, a techno weekender in Czechia or a midsummer celebration in the Baltics, you’ll find no shortage of excuses to stay out far too late and feel slightly worse for wear the following morning.

Orthodox Christmas

Did you know that some Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas in early January rather than on 25 December? Depending on where you are travelling, you may even get the chance to celebrate Christmas twice. Yay!

Countries such as Armenia and Georgia have strong Orthodox Christian traditions and Christmas remains an important religious and cultural event. Many people attend church services, gather with family and take part in long-established festive customs.

If you happen to be travelling through the region in January, it’s well worth factoring Orthodox Christmas into your itinerary. Just bear in mind that some businesses and attractions may operate on reduced hours during the celebrations.

Midsummer/St John’s Day – Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia

The Baltic States are so far north that they really feel the seasons. Winters bring short days, long nights and plenty of opportunities to question your life choices. Summer, on the other hand, seems to go on forever.

As such, Midsummer is a very big deal. The celebrations have roots in ancient pagan traditions and usually involve bonfires, folk music, flower crowns, feasting and a healthy amount of drinking. In short, it’s exactly the sort of festival backpackers tend to enjoy.

You can experience Midsummer celebrations across all three Baltic States. Lithuania is particularly interesting as many old traditions are still going strong, whilst Estonia is a great place to experience those famously long northern summer evenings for yourself.

Czech Beer Festival – Czechia

This one does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a festival celebrating beer by drinking beer (just not from tins). Boom.

Held in Prague each year, the festival offers plenty of food, live music and more Czech beer than any one person could reasonably be expected to sample. Whether you consider that a challenge is entirely up to you.

Jewish Culture Festival – Poland

Poland was once home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities before it was devastated during the Holocaust. Today, Kraków’s Jewish Culture Festival celebrates that heritage with a packed programme of music, art, exhibitions, film screenings and talks.

Held each summer in the historic Kazimierz district, it has grown into one of the largest Jewish cultural festivals in the world and is well worth checking out if you’re in the city.

Dress standards are broadly similar to those in Western Europe. Jeans, t-shirts, trainers… you know the drill. That said, some parts of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan can be a bit more conservative, particularly around religious sites, so it’s worth keeping that in mind.

What you pack will largely depend on when you’re visiting. Summers are generally warm to hot across much of the region, although a rain jacket is still a good idea as the weather can turn surprisingly quickly.

If you’re visiting in winter, don’t underestimate the cold. Pack a decent coat, thermal layers, gloves, a hat and suitable footwear. Being cold for a few hours is annoying. Being cold for two weeks is a very different matter.

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The good news is that Central & Eastern Europe is generally a very safe region to travel in. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon and most backpackers will encounter little more serious than the occasional scam, overpriced taxi or hangover.

That said, common sense still goes a long way. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas, be cautious around train stations and don’t leave your phone sitting on a bar table whilst you head off to order another round.

It’s also worth remembering that driving standards can be a bit more enthusiastic than many travellers are used to. If you’re hiring a car or crossing busy roads, pay attention and don’t assume every driver has spotted you.

If you’re planning to visit Moldova, keep an eye on official travel advice given the country’s proximity to the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine. Ukraine itself is not included in this guide due to the ongoing conflict and travellers should consult the latest government advice before making any plans.

One final thing: winters in this part of the world can be genuinely harsh. Every year people underestimate the cold, especially after a few drinks. If temperatures are below freezing, make sure you have a way of getting home and somewhere warm to sleep.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Central & Eastern Europe

Central & Eastern Europe knows how to have a good time. Whether it’s a beer hall in Czechia, a ruin bar in Budapest or a psytrance festival in the middle of nowhere, there is no shortage of opportunities to stay out later than you intended.

Drinking culture is alive and well across much of the region and local beer, wine and spirits are often dangerously affordable. Just remember that the hangovers work exactly the same way over here as they do back home.

Drug use certainly exists, particularly around clubs and festivals. Just bear in mind that penalties for possession can be severe in some countries and crossing international borders with anything in your backpack is a truly terrible idea.

As for romance, well, backpackers have been making questionable dating decisions abroad since backpacking was invented. Just remember that attitudes towards dating and relationships can vary quite a bit from country to country and you’ll generally get a lot further by being respectful than by trying out whatever nonsense some influencer told you online.

LGBTQ+ travellers should note that attitudes vary across the region. Major cities tend to be more open-minded than rural areas, although it’s always worth checking local advice before you visit somewhere new.

Travel Insurance for Central & Eastern Europe

Look, nobody buys travel insurance because they expect to need it. You buy it because there is always a chance you’ll miss a flight, break a leg hiking in Georgia, lose your backpack on a night train or discover that six shots of suspiciously cheap local vodka was in fact five shots too many.

Most trips pass without incident, but when things do go wrong they can get expensive very quickly. Travel insurance won’t stop bad decisions, but it can sometimes soften the financial consequences of them.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting into Central & Eastern Europe is pretty easy these days. Most backpackers simply fly into one of the big cities and start from there. Prague, Budapest, Warsaw and the Baltic capitals are all well connected and budget airlines compete fiercely enough that you can sometimes find flights cheaper than a night out.

If you’re already travelling around Europe, then coming overland is half the fun. Vienna makes a particularly good jumping-off point, with easy train connections to Bratislava, Budapest and Prague. Grab a window seat and watch Western Europe slowly give way to something a bit different.

The Caucasus takes a little more effort to reach, but not much. There are plenty of flights into Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku and they’re often cheaper than people expect.

One thing worth knowing before you start planning your route: Azerbaijan’s land borders remain closed for entry, so if you want to visit you’ll need to fly into Baku. Annoying? Slightly. A decent excuse to book another flight? Also yes.

Entry Requirements for Central & Eastern Europe

Every country has its own entry requirements, so always double-check before travelling. The good news is that for most backpackers, getting into much of the region is pretty straightforward.

Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Baltic States are all part of the Schengen Area, so the usual Schengen rules apply (see additional info below!). The planned ETIAS scheme is expected to come into force in late 2026, adding one more bit of travel admin for us all to forget about until the last minute.

Georgia is famously welcoming and grants visa-free access to many Western passport holders for up to a year. Armenia is also easy enough to enter, whilst Azerbaijan generally requires an e-visa which can usually be arranged online without too much drama.

As always, visa rules change, governments change their minds and border officials occasionally wake up in funny moods, so check the latest requirements before you book anything.

Schengen Area Entry Systems for Non-EU Travellers

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

EU citizens have free movement within the Schengen Area and require only their passport or ID for travel.

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and others) will need to obtain online travel authorisation, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), before visiting European countries in the Schengen Area. A small fee will apply. It’s similar to the US ESTA.

The EES (Entry/Exit System) is the digital border system for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area. The system records passport details, fingerprints and facial image, replacing traditional passport stamps. Travellers do not need to apply for anything in advance. Registration happens at the border. First-time registration can add time to border crossings, so it’s worth being aware of potential delays.

Other nationalities may require a visa.

Remember, visa-exempt travellers can only stay in Schengen Zone countries for 90 days out of every 180. You’ll need to get creative if you want to travel long-term in Europe.

Getting around Central & Eastern Europe is generally pretty straightforward. In countries like Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Baltics, trains and buses connect most places you’d realistically want to go. If you’re covering a lot of ground, an Interrail pass can be a decent investment.

Once you head beyond the Schengen Area, things get a little less seamless. Border crossings are still usually straightforward enough, but you’ll want to keep your passport handy and make sure you’ve checked any visa requirements before setting off on an overnight bus to somewhere you’ve never heard of.

Speaking of buses, they’re often the backpacker’s best friend in this part of the world. They’re usually cheap, surprisingly comfortable and go to places the railways never bothered with. FlixBus operates across much of the region and is often the easiest place to start when planning a route.

Within cities, trams, metros and local buses are generally the quickest and cheapest way to get around. Taxis can also be reasonably priced by Western European standards, although it’s usually wise to agree a fare beforehand or use an app if possible.

Most people don’t move to Central & Eastern Europe to get rich. Local wages are generally lower than in Western Europe and North America, which is one reason many people still head west in search of work.

That said, if you’re earning a foreign salary, the maths can suddenly start looking very attractive. Cities such as Prague, Tallinn, Tbilisi and Budapest have become popular with remote workers, digital nomads and the occasional backpacker who accidentally turned a two-week trip into a two-year stay.

If you can make money online, then Central & Eastern Europe can be a great place to base yourself. The cost of living is often lower than in Western Europe, the internet is generally reliable and there are plenty of cafés willing to tolerate somebody nursing the same coffee for three hours whilst pretending to work.

Estonia deserves a special mention for its pioneering e-Residency programme, which allows entrepreneurs from around the world to establish and run an EU-based business remotely.

Work Visas in Central & Eastern Europe

If you’re an EU citizen, then working in EU countries such as Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Baltics is relatively straightforward. For everybody else, each country sets its own rules and visa requirements, so don’t assume Schengen rules automatically mean you can work there.

Outside the EU, things can get a bit more bureaucratic. In most cases you’ll need a job offer before applying and may have to prove that the position couldn’t easily be filled locally. There will almost certainly be forms. There may be queues. There may even be more forms.

One notable exception is Estonia’s e-Residency programme, which allows entrepreneurs and remote workers to establish and run an EU-based business remotely. It’s not a magic ticket to live and work anywhere you please, but it is one of the more interesting digital nomad initiatives out there.

Teaching English in Eastern Europe

Like pretty much everywhere else in the world, there is usually some demand for native English teachers across Central & Eastern Europe. Exactly what’s required varies from country to country, but having a degree and a TEFL qualification will certainly improve your chances.

Don’t expect to get rich teaching English. Salaries are generally lower than in Western Europe, although the cost of living is often lower too. Plenty of teachers find they can live comfortably enough whilst still having a bit left over for weekend trips and the occasional poor financial decision.

The EU countries tend to have stricter requirements for teachers, whilst places such as Georgia and Armenia can sometimes be a little more flexible. Armenia in particular places a strong emphasis on English language learning and can be a good option for first-time teachers looking for international experience.

Just don’t go into it expecting an endless holiday. Standing in front of a classroom at 8am explaining irregular verbs is still work, no matter how exotic the view outside the window happens to be.

Food, glorious food. The cuisine across Central & Eastern Europe varies a lot from one country to the next, but there are a few common themes. Portions tend to be generous, calories are rarely in short supply and nobody seems overly concerned about your cholesterol levels.

A lot of the traditional food was shaped by long winters, hard work and the need to fill people up for the day ahead. Expect plenty of meat, potatoes, bread, dumplings and other hearty fare.

The Baltics are a bit different and do some excellent seafood thanks to their long coastline. Across the region you’ll also find everything from mountain cheeses and village wines to enough varieties of sausage to keep a German happy.

Let’s take a look at some local favourites.

Trying to sum up the culture of Central & Eastern Europe in a few paragraphs is a bit like trying to explain Europe itself after a few beers: you’re probably going to miss a few important details.

The region stretches from the heart of Central Europe to the Caucasus and the cultures, languages, religions and traditions can vary enormously from one border to the next. In Slovakia you could almost be forgiven for thinking you were in Germany. In Azerbaijan, you’ll hear the call to prayer drifting across the city. In Georgia, a quick lunch has been known to turn into an all-night feast involving enough food to feed a small army.

The one thing most countries in the region do seem to share is a strong sense of identity and pride in their history, traditions and way of life. Also, if somebody’s grandmother is cooking, it’s generally considered rude not to accept a second helping.

So… Does Anybody Speak English?

With so many different languages spoken across the region, you’re probably not going to master them all before your flight leaves. The good news is that English is fairly common in tourist areas, hostels and amongst younger people, especially in the EU countries.

Once you get out into smaller towns, rural areas or onto the occasional mystery bus heading somewhere unpronounceable, things can become a bit more challenging. Learning a few basic phrases such as “hello”, “please”, “thank you” and “cheers” will usually earn you a smile and occasionally better service.

These days, translation apps do most of the heavy lifting anyway. Just remember to download the language packs before you find yourself trying to order dinner with 2% battery and no signal.

Central & Eastern Europe remains one of the best backpacking regions on the planet. Come with an open mind, a bit of flexibility and a willingness to occasionally abandon your carefully crafted plans and you’ll have a fantastic time.

You’ll find incredible cities, spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and some of the best value travel anywhere in Europe. You’ll also probably find yourself on at least one overnight bus questioning every decision that led you to this moment.

Go. Explore. Make some questionable decisions. Just try to keep them this side of an international incident.