Eastern Europe ideas

[Darkdiamond]

I'm looking to surprise my husband with a city break to somewhere in Eastern Europe (or closeby with our 3 kids who are 9 and under (one is 2) for the October half term.

I would like somewhere that is obviously busy, interesting, historical with lots to see and which has excellent public transport from the airport to the city city. Somewhere east to get around on foot with a buggy!

We've done Prague, Slovenia, Crotaia, Slovakia and Estonia. We would also consider one of the Scandi countries.

I would also like to bring my husband somewhere really special for breakfast/brunch one of the days. He has been my rock this year and I want to really treat him. Somewhere really memorable!

He loves beautiful cities with rich history, bonus points if they somehow link to Irish writers, artists or musicians. You guys helped me with a trip to Berlin a few years ago and one of the suggestions was breakfast on top of the Brundestag and it was epic! So more epic ideas please!

Any tips would be very appreciated!

Vilnius.

Krakow

Krakow is really popular but don't know too much about it but I'm sure other posters will
I loved Copenhagen (prices similar to London though) really good metro system, great boat ride around the city, had a fantastic night out there in the dubliner Irish bar. I think Oslo and Stockholm are slightly duller in comparison to a Copenhagen.

If your looking for an Irish connection, would you consider Belfast? I went years ago and I could see they put alot of effort into the city centre and it's probably come on even more now.

Sound great, thank you. We are Irish (living abroad though) so Belfast wouldn't be much of a novelty 😀 some great ideas there, thanks!

Budapest! Loved it

I second Budapest. Széchenyi Thermal Baths are a must.

I was googling today and was surprised at how cheap Warsaw is. Now on my list for further research.

Helsinki, especially if you're interested in architecture. Some stunning modern architecture and an entire Art Nouveau neighbourhood.

Tblisi is really interesting!

Krakow is beautiful with loads of history and great public transport.

Copenhagen is extremely easy to navigate and quick into the city from the airport. It's pricey but good for a few days. We went without children but I got the impression it's very child friendly.

Krakow! I've been twice and still didn't do all I wanted. The castle is well worth it. Schindler's factory/museum is great. The market hall in the centre. A trio to the Salt mines. The carving there is fantastic, they have even made a cathedral. People very friendly. Most speak English. Food lovely. What's not to like. If you decide to go there pm me and I will ask my friend who lives there for some recommendations for eating places.

Budapest and Krakow would be my suggestions too! Budapest is quite vibrant and a lot of fun and great restaurants.

Also I know you wanted Eastern Europe but I would also highly recommend Stockholm if you havent been.

James Joyce lived and worked in Pula - it also has one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres and a rich history - but I know you've already been to Croatia.

Sarajevo is also amazing and has a really interesting, multicultural/multiethnic/multireligious history.

Krakow or Stockholm - both beautiful!

Tblisi is very interesting and the people are so friendly. I loved that old synagogue.

Ah my husband is obsessed with james Joyce! We follow all his adventures over Europe but yes we've been to Croatia before and we don't like to go to the same country twice. I'd love sarajevo but it doesn't fly direct on the days I want. Thank you though!

Another vote for Krakow. It's very walkable, with lots of history. Me and DH went in April and did an e-scooter tour round the old town one day, Auschwitz on another and Zakopane and the thermal baths on the third day. Poland is beautiful.

@Darkdiamond I get that!

If you do ever go to Bosnia, another option is fly into Dubrovnik, rent a car or take the bus to Mostar and spend a night or two there (really beautiful place and UNESCO protected), and then go on to Sarajevo. It definitely doesn't fit your brief for this time, but perhaps one to keep in your back pocket if you're interested in the region!

Budapest was a let down after going to Prague shortly before. The statue park was a laugh though.

Plovdiv in Bulgaria is stunning too

Poland is cheap and lovely. Try Gdańsk or Wrotslaw if Krakow seems too crowded. Bosnia is very different, definitely one to visit but not necessarily an easy, relaxed trip in my experience.

So many great suggestions; Krakow, Budapest, Vilnius, Plovdiv (and Sofia too). And I would like to add Tallinn to your list. It has an amazing Soviet hotel museum, lovely parks and brilliant spas. You can also take the ferry over to Helsinki for a day trip.

Mostar in Bosnia is lovely but more of a day trip

Wrocław is definitely worth a visit.