Krakow, Bucharest, Sofia, Belgrade, other?

[StillCoughingandLaughing]

Like most people at the moment, I feel desperately in need of a break. I’m due a small bonus in April (smaller than usual) and, given that I’d budgeted not to get anything given the current climate, I’ve decided to use it on a treat for once instead of being sensible

I’ve decided I want a proper 5-Star (or at least 4!) weekend away somewhere once travel restrictions are removed/softened. I’ve had some very interesting trips to Eastern Europe, so was thinking that would be a good starting point - the money would go a lot further and I’d get to see somewhere new and unusual.

Does anyone have any recommendations; either from the list in the subject line or somewhere else? I’ve been to Prague, Budapest, Dubrovnik, Bratislava, Riga and Tallinn... very much enjoyed them all, but would like to go somewhere new. Hit me with your recommendations!

Krakow is fabulous. The salt mines are incredible. Accessible to Auschwitz which is hard hitting but extremely worth a visit. The city is stunning. The Jewish quarter is interesting. This sounds morbid but there's a Jewish cemetery which is just fascinating.
Beautiful Churches all around the city and you can visit most of them.

I’m definitely keen to see the salt mines, and Auschwitz; as you say, sure to be harrowing, but something I feel it would be very important to see.

Have you considered Ljubljana? Sorry to throw another name in the ring. I haven’t been but friends absolutely raved about it and it’s on my list.

Don’t be sorry - the more suggestions the better! Will definitely look at Ljubljana

I wasn't keen on Ljublijana but some parts of Slovenia are lovely.

I thoroughly enjoyed Krakow when I went, there is loads to do! Salt mines are a must as well as Auschwitz, it's incredibly sad. Its definitely somewhere I would go again.

Another one I wondered about was Vilnius, if anyone has been? I do feel a bit bad that I’ve left out one of the Baltic capitals

Krakow 100%, one of the best city breaks I've been on.

Another vote for Krakow, i went when i was 16 and would love to go back. Beautiful place, very delicious and hearty food.
Of course Auschwitz is a must visit too. Incredibly moving and sad, and its true that birds do not fly over it.

Krakow is a lovely city, don't miss the superb art galleries, especially the one hidden away above the Cloth Hall Market in the main square. A tour of the old part of the University is fascinating with its Copernicus links, and the Cathedral and palace complex is worth devoting a whole day to.

A day trip to the mountains is also wonderful, your hotel desk will be able to arrange it for you.
My favourite hotel is Hotel Wentzl on the main square, very comfortable, with warm helpful staff, and gorgeous food. Nearby is the excellent Restaurant Szara (Number 6 on the Square) close to the church with the hourly bugle call from its tower.
You can't fail to have a super time in Krakow!

We had our best city break ever in Vilnius! Loved it. We went with our children so we're focused on family friendly stuff. But I'm sure it would be great for an adult only trip too. I love Eastern Europe.

Also love Krakow. The vodka bars are fab, and the salt mine is incredible.

How about Gdansk?
Lots to do, great food, interesting history.

Krakow is definitely worth a visit, it's a beautiful place. And definitely visit Auschwitz while you're there, it's one of those places I think everybody should go to at some point in their lives.

I love Eastern Europe, other than where you've mentioned I really like Kiev, well worth a visit.

I agree with those who've recommended Krakow and Kiev; both beautiful. Minsk doesn't have so much to see but is still nice for a couple of days.

Brasov in Romania is lovely in itself and you can also do a couple of good day trips. We went to Dracula's Castle (no evidence that it was Vlad the Impaler's castle but it was still interesting) and a wonderful bear sanctuary (the bears had a really large woodland to roam in so very un-zoolike).

I would choose Krakow of the ones you mentioned OP. Including Auschwitz because I think it is something everyone should visit, even though harrowing.

its true that birds do not fly over it.

It's really not! We saw several when we were there, both flying over and perched on the buildings.

Budapest and Lviv!

Also Tallinn and of course, Prague never gets old.
You could do Tallinn>Helsinki>St. Petersburg.

I too would recommend Krakow. Vilnius is on my list.

Vilnius is much nicer than Bucharest or Sofia (although both of the later give access to some beautiful parts of their respective countries).

I've only done a daytrip to Tallinn but found to very beautiful (easy to daytrip to Helsinki, too).

If you are open to going outside the Captital cities then have a look at Sighisoara in Romania - I loved it!

Yet another vote for Krakow - it really is fantastic and one of the last european places where you can eat out without even bothering to look at the prices

I'd advise against the tours at Auschwitz though, as you're rushed round with barely time to take anything in and no chance at all to reflect. Much better to DIY, using a bus from the Krakow station to arrive early and go around yourself (all the spaces have excellent information boards so you won't miss anything either)

I had a lovely time in Krakow with DM in my 20s. One of my favourite memories was being in a brick wine cellar/bar with a jazz band, drinking red wine and hearty food.

I’ve never been to Krakow but have heard good things. I’ve been to both Belgrade and Bucharest, and both are ok but not anywhere near my favourite Eastern European cities. Transylvania is lovely though, Sighasoara, Sinai and Brasov were all great places to stay.
Sarajevo has been one of the best places I have visited in Eastern Europe, lots to do, a fascinating history, and a really relaxed atmosphere.
And like a PP said, Ljubljana was nice city and had easy access to Lake Bled, which is very pretty.
I’m jealous, I’d love to be going on a city break sometime soon.