Not sure if still counts as hidden, but I loved Gdansk. Also Krakow.

Highly recommend Bratislava--a short train ride from Vienna or Prague, but a world away. It's very affordable and has a beautiful old center than feels like a real-life Disney movie.

Belgrade. But, if you are into eating and partying. Wait for demonstrations to end/remove the regime.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

Hungary is Central Europe.

The OP mentioned Poland.

Pro tip: if you go to Poland, don't reder to it as "Eastern" Europe when talking to the locals. Lots of great places to visit, although many, like Gdansk and Wroclaw, aren't necessarily hidden to other Europeans.

FWIW, Croatia as a country isn't overrun with tourists either, but you need to move away from the tourist hubs.

Anonymous wrote:I think Montenegro is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Perast, Kotor and Budva are gorgeous.

We also loved lake skadar (we had an air bb facing it and it was gorgeous), queens beach was also lovely (quiet compared to sveti Stefan).

+1 Montenegro. Slovenia is pretty. Western Serbia was green and great for outdoorsy stuff and Belgrade was a fun city.

I think Montenegro is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Perast, Kotor and Budva are gorgeous.

This is a very specific question. I hope you get answers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

Hungary is Central Europe.

The OP mentioned Poland.

Yes, I see that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

Hungary is Central Europe.

Does Bulgaria count? It was one of the Central Powers during WWI.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

Hungary is Central Europe.

The OP mentioned Poland.

Transylvania absolutely. Blew us away.

Anonymous wrote:Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

Hungary is Central Europe.

Sopron and the Esterhazy Palace in western Hungary.

What recommendations do you have for underappreciated, affordable, intriguing places to visit in Eastern Europe? Not cheaper knockoffs of Western European cities, but places with their own unique charm.

Not looking for places that aren't worth the hassle or that have already become overtouristed or overpriced.

For example, Croatia sure is a gem, but is no longer "hidden."
Vlore, Albania has nice beaches but it is surprisingly not "affordable."
Tbilisi, Georgia is cheap but not worth the hassle and Lviv, Ukraine was once charming but now a hazard obviously.

Interested in underrated destinations in Poland, Romania, maybe the Baltics, or wherever you might recommend.