Amazing places in Eastern Europe where you need to go by car

March 7, 2025

Amazing places in Eastern Europe where you need to go by car
With a reliable car and a desire to make incredible discoveries, everyone has the opportunity to make an unforgettable trip to Eastern Europe. This subregion is unique in every sense of the word. It is incredibly diverse and interesting, so all travelers will enjoy exploring it. The eastern border of the subregion is located on the line of the Ural Mountains, and the western border varies depending on the interpretation of the concept of "Eastern Europe". Such uncertainty makes it possible to include countries connected with other states in this part of the continent by a shared history, culture, geography, socio-economic aspects, etc. Despite the lack of precise boundaries, millions of travelers strive to get to this subregion, and they want to visit many amazing places and see many unique attractions.

Prague (Czech Republic)
One of the most amazing places to visit in Europe is the capital of the Czech Republic. This city and its surroundings are magnificent at any time of year and it is better to use a car to explore them. With its help, you can quickly move from one area to another and enjoy unique sights. Prague was founded in the middle of the 13th century, so it is unsurprising that many architectural monuments from different eras have been preserved on its territory. In combination with local cultural features, they have turned the capital of the Czech Republic into a popular tourist center, which millions of people visit every year.
Going to Prague by car, every traveler will have the opportunity to quickly see everything this ancient city is rich in. The most famous local attraction is the Charles Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Vltava River. This object was built and put into operation in the 15th century. Also worthy of special attention are St. Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Monastery, the historic Old Town district with its unique square, and much more. There are many magnificent natural locations near Prague (for example, Quarry Little America, the Cave of St. John of Bohemia, etc.), which can be reached by car in just a few dozen minutes. In addition to the sights, the city has many objects that will amaze all travelers. These include the Prague Zoo (one of the largest in Eastern Europe), dozens of cafes and restaurants with a long history, unique museums and art galleries, and much more.

Wroclaw (Poland)
Wroclaw, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland and Eastern Europe, is an ideal place for travel lovers. It offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in history, see various architectural masterpieces, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Doing all this will be much easier if you have a car. Going to Wroclaw by car minimizes the travel time from one location to another, allowing you to see many amazing places in the Polish city.
Wroclaw received the status of a city back in 1214. Thanks to this, it is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe today. This becomes noticeable to travelers as soon as they enter the city. Most of it is occupied by historically significant areas and has architectural landmarks. The most famous are the Old Town, the Wroclaw Opera, the Ossolineum, and the National Museum building. The city is also known for its bridges over the Oder River. There are so many of them that many visitors often compare Wroclaw to Venice. Each bridge has unique features, so it is of interest to travelers. There are also many amazing things in the surrounding area. Just a few dozen minutes away by car is the Bystrzyca Valley Landscape Park. It appeared relatively recently but quickly became famous throughout Poland. In addition to the beauty of natural landscapes, many places on the territory of this object stand out for their diversity of flora and fauna.

Lviv (Ukraine)
Travelers who want to appreciate the beauty of Eastern Europe should visit Lviv. It is one of Ukraine's most attractive tourist cities, with a developed infrastructure and abundant attractions. Even in the conditions of the war unleashed by Russia, Lviv continues to remain itself, and many travelers dream of enjoying its beauty. This city should be visited by car. Its presence will give complete freedom of action and open access to exploring the surroundings of the famous settlement in western Ukraine. Lviv was founded in the middle of the 13th century. This feature makes many areas historically significant and turns local architecture into a famous attraction in Eastern Europe. For example, the Old Town, located in the center of Lviv, is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This place is full of historical buildings, each of which is an architectural monument. Lviv also boasts a variety of religious and cultural buildings. Anyone who comes to western Ukraine by car can freely explore the city's surroundings. They are rich in natural attractions and have some hidden gems. Most of them are in Skole Beskids National Nature Park. It is less than a two-hour drive from the center of Lviv and allows seeing the natural beauty of Ukraine.

Belgrade (Serbia)
People traveling to Eastern Europe never miss Belgrade. Even when it was the capital of Yugoslavia, this city was considered one of the most attractive in the subregion. After its collapse, it became Serbia's calling card. Here, the past and the present are successfully combined, thanks to which travelers can quickly travel back in time and see all the best of different eras. You need to explore Belgrade and its surroundings by car. This will significantly simplify travel and allow you to find the most remarkable objects quickly. Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is famous for its ancient architecture and can offer travelers many unique attractions. St. Michael's Cathedral, the National Theatre building, the House of the National Assembly, St. Mark's Church, and others are the most famous. The number of such objects is so great that they can be listed endlessly. There are not many architectural masterpieces near the Serbian capital, but there are many natural attractions. Most are in the Obedska Bara Nature Reserve and the Fruska Gora National Park. For those who come to Belgrade by car, both natural sites will be accessible after 1-1.5 hours of driving. Another unique place in the vicinity of the Serbian capital is called Deliblatska Pescara. It is a vast sandy area with its unique ecosystem and many entertainment options, which, with high-quality night optics, will be available at any time of the day.

Budapest (Hungary)
Finding a more fantastic place in Eastern Europe is complex than Budapest. The capital of Hungary attracts attention with its ancient architecture, many squares, each with its unique features, cozy parks, islands on the Danube River, and natural beauty surrounding the city. To explore all this better and see the maximum possible number of objects, travelers must come to Budapest by car. Its presence will open up unlimited opportunities for moving around the capital's streets and environs.
The presence of many architectural masterpieces makes Budapest an attractive tourist destination. Among the capital's main attractions is the Hungarian Parliament Building. This building is the largest in the country. It is located on the Danube's banks, giving it additional beauty and grandeur. Also famous throughout Eastern Europe are St. Stephen's Basilica, Nagyteteny Palace, Liberty Bridge and other buildings. You will be able to see all of them in a short time only if you have a car, so it is better to go to the Hungarian capital by car. The Godolloi Dombvidek Nature Reserve and the Duna-Ipoly National Park are a few dozen minutes' drive from Budapest. Both sites amaze with the beauty of the local nature, the abundance of living creatures, and the vast number of points from which magnificent views open up. There are also several villages near the Hungarian capital where you can have a good time and be away from the crowds of tourists.

Split (Croatia)
Croatia, often included in the Eastern Europe subregion, has one of the most amazing places every traveler should visit. The country's capital is not the capital but the ancient city of Split. Split was founded about 17 centuries ago, making it attractive to tourists who love history. This town is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, all beautiful and worthy of attention. Some attractions are outside the city, so it is best to explore Split by car.
Split has been called the cultural center of the country for many years. Its territory hosts various annual events that are visited by thousands of people. The city is also famous for having access to the Adriatic Sea. The central part of Split is of great historical value. There are several famous architectural landmarks here, the appearance of which can surprise all visitors. In the city's vicinity there are many beautiful natural locations where you can relax in silence, play sports or watch the wild nature. The most famous of them is the Svilaja mountain range. It takes a little over 1 hour to get there by car, but all the time lost will be forgotten immediately after visiting this place. There are unlimited opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. Another fantastic place is located 1.5 hours away from Split. It is the picturesque cascading waterfall Skradinski Buk, with abundant viewing platforms and entertainment options.

Brasov (Romania)
Romania is home to the most advertised tourist city in Eastern Europe. It is called Brasov and is visited by millions of tourists every year. This relatively small settlement was founded in the 13th century, and today, it is known far beyond Europe. This fantastic city should be explored by car, allowing you to explore each district and the natural locations surrounding Brasov.
Brasov is certainly well recognizable due to Bran Castle. It is only 25 km from the city center so you can get there by car in just a few minutes. This castle was built in the Transylvania region at the end of the 14th century. According to fictional history, this object is the residence of Count Dracula from the immortal works of Bram Stoker. It belonged to Vlad the Impaler, with whom the famous Irish writer associated his hero. Despite the lack of evidence of a connection between Bran Castle and Dracula, many travelers come to Romania to see the residence of the main vampire with their own eyes. Among other architectural masterpieces of Brasov, the White Tower, Council Square, Black Church, and St. Nicholas Church stand out. There are also several amazing places and objects near the city. One of them is the highest point in Romania – Moldoveanu Peak. It has a height of more than 2.5 km and is a paradise for hiking, mountaineering, and mountain recreation lovers.

Kyiv (Ukraine)
Kyiv is one of the top 3 cities in Eastern Europe by population. The capital of Ukraine is the cultural, historical, and religious center, so even in wartime, it attracts the attention of many travelers. The city, located on the Dnipro River, has a large area, so to explore the capital's surroundings, one should use a car. Its presence will allow us to quickly move from one location to another and enjoy the variety of available attractions.
Kyiv has a centuries-old history, so, unsurprisingly, most of the ancient buildings are of historical value for Europe. Some of these objects are included in the UNESCO list and are considered among the most impressive structures on the continent. The main attraction is Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This monastery is the center of Orthodoxy in Eastern Europe, and many believers dream of visiting it. Also worthy of special attention are Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv Opera House, Golden Gate, Mother Ukraine, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, and others. In addition to architectural masterpieces, Kyiv has many other attractions that all travelers to Eastern Europe should see. The city's surroundings are home to several excellent natural sites that can be explored with various day and night optics. For example, Zalissia National Nature Park, about an hour's drive away, has unique flora, fauna, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Skopje (North Macedonia)
The capital of North Macedonia deserves to be included among the most amazing places in Eastern Europe. It is the largest settlement in the country and is of great interest to travelers. Skopje has a rich history, so many historically significant places and architectural monuments exist. At the same time, it is developing rapidly, due to which the past connects with the present, creating an unusual urban landscape. To explore Skopje and the surrounding areas, you need a car. Without it, it would be tough to quickly get to places of interest. Travelers can study the past of Skopje through the remains of ancient buildings. Many of them are partially destroyed, which adds to their historical value. Among the more modern objects, the Skopje Fortress, the Church of Saint Panteleimon, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and the Church of the Ascension of Jesus are worth highlighting. These buildings, along with their appearance, give visual pleasure to everyone who sees them. Travelers who come to North Macedonia by car have the opportunity to pay much attention to the sights surrounding Skopje. The main one, according to locals, is the Solunska Glava peak. It is part of the Jakupica mountain range and is over 2.5 km high. The surrounding area is excellent for a quiet and active holiday and for observing wildlife. Another place that can surprise tourists is located 1.5 hours away from Skopje. The Mavrovo National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems and fauna.

Dubrovnik (Croatia)
On the shores of the Adriatic Sea is the fabulously beautiful city of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Balkan Peninsula, the countries of which are often included in Eastern Europe. This city was founded in the 7th century, so many historical sights have been preserved here, gradually restored and brought to an ideal state. In the vicinity of Dubrovnik, there are dozens of amazing places where you can have a good time and see many interesting things. Those who want to get to know Dubrovnik should go on a trip by car. It will help you get to various city attractions faster and find the most interesting places outside the town. In Dubrovnik, all travelers should see the different religious buildings with their own eyes. The most amazing are Saint Blaise's Church, Saint Ignatius Church, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Franciscan Monastery. In the area surrounding the city, special attention should be paid to Mljet National Park, located on the island of the same name. Many extraordinary objects are here, such as Veliko Lake, Malo Lake, the Isle of St. Mary, and others. Also, travelers with a car can quickly get to unique natural locations in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the borders of which need to drive only a few dozen kilometers from Dubrovnik. Sofia (Bulgaria)
This Eastern European capital attracts the attention of travelers from all over the world. It has a long history, which began in the 7th century BC, and stands out for its advantageous geographical location. Combining these two factors makes Sofia a fantastic place where it is pleasant and comfortable to spend a vacation. The capital of Bulgaria is known not only for the variety of man-made attractions, but also for the many natural locations in the vicinity of the city. In this regard, it is recommended that you come here by car, which will help you quickly get to the places of interest.
Sofia is a fantastic place that is beautiful at any time of the year. On the city's territory, visitors can see unique architectural monuments left over from the reign of the Romans, Byzantines and Austro-Hungarians. The capital also has more modern buildings that harmonize with ancient masterpieces. Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, and the Church of Saint George are just a few man-made attractions that fit perfectly into the urban landscape of the modern Eastern European capital. To enjoy the nature of Sofia, it is enough to drive to the city's outskirts. There, travelers will be able to see the Vitosha mountain range, at the foot of which the capital of Bulgaria is located. This object is part of the local nature park, famous for its magnificent mountain scenery and various available outdoor activities. Just an hour's drive from the center of Sofia are the Rila Mountains. They are attractive for their Musala peak, the highest point in the country (almost 3,000 meters). This natural object and its surroundings are ideal for recreation and adventures in nature.

Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Slovenia, along with the Czech Republic, is the westernmost country included in this subregion in various interpretations of the concept of "Eastern Europe". It is known for its untouched nature, magnificent architecture, and a large amount of entertainment available at any time of year. All this makes its capital, Ljubljana, attractive to travelers. This city was founded in the 12th century. It is compact, perfectly clean, and beautiful even in a cloudy winter. Despite the relatively small size of the Slovenian capital, it is better to explore it by car. It will open access to the outskirts of the city and nearby small settlements, where many amazing and interesting things can be found. Ljubljana has a long history, during which it has changed its owner many times. This is reflected in the appearance of the city and its architecture. Today, in the capital of Slovenia, one can find buildings of different styles, which makes this place amazing and attractive for travelers. Preseren Square, Town Hall, Slovenian Philharmonic Building, Grand Hotel Union, Presidential Palace, and Tivoli Castle are the main attractions. Visitors who have a car have access to a vast number of natural locations near Ljubljana. One of them is Polhov Gradec Hills. They are just an hour's drive from the capital's center and allow you to enjoy magnificent mountain scenery. Those who want to see something even more extraordinary should go to the northwest. After 45-50 minutes of driving, they will notice the main symbol of Slovenia on the horizon - Triglav. This peak is depicted on the country's flag and coat of arms, so everyone who comes to Eastern Europe should see it.

Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic)
In the Czech Republic, near the border with Austria, there is a small town called Cesky Krumlov. Its population is only 13 thousand people, and the same number of people are on its territory daily. They are attracted by the city's incredible beauty and the unique atmosphere on its streets. According to various ratings, Cesky Krumlov confidently occupies a place in Europe's top 10 most beautiful settlements, so every traveler to Eastern Europe should visit it. This fantastic place is far from Prague, Brno, Plzen and other large cities, so you must get there by car. This will reduce travel costs and devote more time to local beauties. Cesky Krumlov is a small town. However, its territory has more attractions than many megacities worldwide. The main one is Cesky Krumlov Castle. It was built in 1253 and became the basis for the formation of the city. This object is majestic, and its top point is visible from all areas of Cesky Krumlov. Among other man-made attractions, the following stand out: St. Vitus Church, the Church of the Corpus Cristi and the Virgin Mary, Lazebnicky Bridge, and the Town Hall on the Svornosti Square. There are many equally attractive places in the vicinity of Cesky Krumlov. One of them is Sumava National Park. It is far from large settlements and popular tourist routes, so its territory is dominated by wild nature, observing which will be the best entertainment for any traveler. With night optics, this activity will be available even after sunset and will give everyone a lot of positive emotions. Capljina (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
A small town in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina is called a fantastic place by all travelers who come to its territory. It is almost at the border with Croatia, 20 km from the Adriatic coast. This settlement is far from the large cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so one needs to go to it by car. Such a trip in itself will be an exciting adventure and will become a preparation for the main event. Capljina has a long but not very rich history. It was founded before our era by the Romans, who owned the entire territory of the Balkan Peninsula. After that, the city changed its owners, and in 1994, it became part of the independent Bosnia and Herzegovina. Capljina may seem like a paradise for many travelers. There are few tourists here, but there are stunning landscapes, architectural attractions and famous natural sites. All of the above makes Capljina a must-see for anyone traveling around Eastern Europe. Visitors can see various religious buildings and ancient ruins of once-famous fortifications in the city. However, if you drive a little away from Capljina, you can find dozens more man-made objects. In addition to them, near the town, there is the famous Nature Park Hutovo Blato, which is located throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. This object is a habitat and breeding ground for many bird species. Several rare birds and many more common ones live here. With high-quality night optics, the reserve will be an excellent place for birdwatching at any time of the day and hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. Turning 360 degrees and heading north, you can get to another fantastic natural object - Kravica Waterfall. It is so beautiful that travelers linger in this place for as long as possible and do not want to leave it.

Kotor (Montenegro)
This picturesque city can surprise even people who have traveled all over Eastern Europe. It has a relatively small territory, but it is far from Montenegro's capital and other large settlements. Most often, because of this, travelers come to Kotor by private or rented car. This city was founded in the 5th century BC. Today, it is part of the cultural and historical region of the same name, which UNESCO included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Kotor is available to visit at any time of the year. It is most attractive in spring and summer, so it is during this period that there are more tourists than locals in the city.
Kotor is fantastic, so it is often included in the list of the most popular places in the country. This city is visited annually by more than a quarter of a million tourists searching for something extraordinary and beautiful. They often find what they are looking for in the local medieval architecture. It has been well preserved to this day and has remained almost untouched. The main objects are Kotor Cathedral, Church of St. Luke, Kampana Tower, and Church of St. Mary. The leading natural attraction of Kotor, Lovcen National Park, is not far from the city's outskirts. It covers part of the mountain range of the same name and the neighboring region. On the park's territory, there are several architectural monuments and many places where one can enjoy the beauty of the local nature. In addition to Lovcen National Park, there are several other locations near the city where can see wild nature and enjoy a holiday in peace.

Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
Many travelers call this large city south of Bulgaria the pearl of Eastern Europe. It is beautiful at any time of the year, so thousands of foreigners dream of visiting it. You need to do this by car because without it, it will be challenging to explore many amazing and interesting local attractions and surrounding areas. Plovdiv was founded around the 7th century. The long history of the city, combined with the enormous influence of various cultures, allowed it to collect more than 200 architectural monuments in its territory. All of them belong to different eras and are of interest to many European historians.
The primary man-made attractions of Plovdiv are buildings that date back to the period of Roman rule. Among them, the most famous are the Roman theater of Philippopolis and the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis. Also, on the city's territory, many religious buildings are recognizable far beyond the borders of Eastern Europe. Such objects include the Cathedral of St Louis, Dzhumaya Mosque, Plovdiv Synagogue, and Sveta Marina Church. The surroundings of Plovdiv are no less interesting than the city itself. Central Balkan National Park is only 1 hour away by car. This site is where one can see wild nature and find dozens of outdoor activities. If you do not go to the north, but to the west of Bulgaria, then in 2 hours you can get to Rila National Park. It is a mountain reserve known for its peaks, crystal clear lakes, and various ecosystems. Here, travelers can breathe fresh air, enjoy beautiful views, and see some rare representatives of local fauna.

Blagaj (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
This small village in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fantastic place to spend an unforgettable vacation. It is located near Mostar, which is interesting for travelers. Blagaj is quite far from other large settlements, so it is best to visit it by car. If you have one, you can explore the village's surroundings, where there are many noteworthy objects. The first mentions of Blagaj appeared in the 15th century. This indicates the long history of this place and its historical significance for the whole of Eastern Europe. Every year, the village is visited by thousands of tourists who want to understand the past of Bosnia and Herzegovina better and make many amazing discoveries.
Blagaj was part of the Ottoman Empire for a long time. The latter began the construction of the settlement, or rather the medieval fortress Blagaj Fortress, which was later recognized as a separate territorial unit. Today's remaining parts of this fort are the prominent architectural landmark of the entire region, which history buffs worldwide come to see with their own eyes. In addition to this object, in Blagaj, you can see two bridges, Karadoz-beg and Leho. Both were built in the 16th century, so today, they interest travelers. Blagaj is surrounded by wild nature on all sides. This feature is popular among travelers who want to relax in peace. Near the village there are several places for camping, hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. Among them, the most popular is the Bunski kanal ecopark. You can get there by car in just a couple of dozen minutes, which will make it possible to avoid the need to travel to more remote locations. Here, visitors can enjoy nature's beauty and choose from various available activities. All of them will give unforgettable emotions and allow you to have a good time near Blagaj.

Sibiu (Romania)
This small Romanian town is popular among tourists. It is known for its architecture, history, and unique local cuisine, which gourmets from different continents come to study. Sibiu is far from Romania's capital, so you need to visit this city by car. With its help, you can eliminate the problems of moving around the country and get extra time to explore local attractions. There are quite a lot of the latter in Sibiu. Most of them are associated with the history of the city and the entire region, so it will be interesting for all travelers to see them.
The most famous object within the city is Piata Mare. This square is one of the largest in Romania. It is surrounded by dozens of beautiful buildings and many cozy establishments where you can spend a few hours of your free time. Not far from the square is the famous old Turnul Sfatului. This tower is as tall as a 7-story building, so its top point becomes an excellent observation deck. Also in Sibiu, you should pay attention to Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Bridge of Lies. There are several equally interesting sites in the vicinity of the city. First, as mentioned in this article, Moldoveanu Peak stands out, and it only takes 65-70 minutes to get there by car. Also worthy of travelers' attention is Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park. On its territory, many natural attractions are accessible at any time of the year. If travelers have night vision devices, these objects can be seen even in the dark. Don't forget about Apuseni Natural Park. It is in a mountainous area where everyone can see several rare species of fauna and enjoy the available outdoor activities.
Eastern Europe is a unique subregion that is ideal for road trips. It offers visitors unlimited opportunities to explore local history and culture and enjoy the beauty of architecture and nature. Most popular destinations in this subregion are within a few hours’ drive so that visitors can visit several amazing places in one trip. With careful planning and preparation for possible surprises, you can have an unforgettable adventure in Eastern Europe that will remain in your memory for a long time and provide many pleasant moments.