These are the three most fascinating destinations in Europe’s Old World

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When you imagine Europe, it’s probably one of two things: iconic cities you’ve seen in movies or time capsule destinations that never seem to get old.

Experts from Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) have just revealed their thoughts on the must-visit getaways in Eastern Europe, a region of Europe that doesn’t have as many of the cookie-cutter experiences in places like London or Paris.

While it may be a bit more of a trek to get to, we at Travel Off Path promise that an extra movie on your flight is worth sitting through to get here.

We searched through it From going list and hand-picked 3 breathtaking destinations in the Old World that our entire team would move to in a heartbeatso let us guide you as you plan your next epic escape ‘across the pond’.

Without further ado, these 3 Old World destinations are Europe’s most fascinating destinations as we turn the page to spring (PLUS a quiz at the end to find your perfect match, so stick around!):

Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

The holidays have come and gone. That means Prague takes on a whole new vibe as a premier Christmas market getaway.

That’s why I was lucky enough to visit Prague (and the two new cities we’ll discuss below) last December.

But don’t think this legendary city will lose its charm once the sun shines on its medieval wonders. The only thing that loses is that your layers of clothing warm up due to the frigid weather, and maybe even a few kilos because the aromas of grilled sausage do not penetrate the air in every square.

That said, Prague is even more attractive in the spring, as it is much more fun to walk around and see the sights.

Of course, if you’re stretching across the Vltava, you can always take a boat trip. Many tourists don’t know about the Prague flair of Venice, I had the pleasure of discovering it – definitely check this out Guided tour of Prague Venice.

Largely considered one of Europe’s safest and most affordable capitals, you can wander the beautiful cityscape at any hour of the day – but know that Prague’s nightlife is just a notch below Berlin for its wild party scene.

Let’s just say Prague is home to one Hangover Museum for a reason…

Beer is a way of life here, and it doesn’t stop when the clock strikes midnight. There are plenty of beer houses to enjoy and pair with hearty dumplings.

Tallinn, Estonia 🇪🇪

If you’ve been dreaming of a real storybook destination, don’t be fooled into thinking Paris is the place for you (as magical as this great city can be).

If you want a picturesque cityscape that oozes ancient history with dizzying spires, a maze of cobblestone walkways, carefully designed cathedrals and a town square seemingly plucked from a Brothers Grimm story, then all you’re missing is Lord Farquaad showing you around.

The city itself feels like a living museum, but there are real museums that give credence to Tallinn’s bygone era, such as the Museum of Torture that absolutely blew my mind.

While we’d be remiss not to mention Tallinn’s emerging startup scene, which is attracting digital nomads to move here, there’s little juxtaposition.

Apart from the few high-rise buildings in the distance, this is truly a medieval dreamscape, which feels that way even in restaurants, where you might resist the temptation to say, “Hear, hear!” before placing your order.

Tallinn is also very affordable and safe, and makes a great addition to the ferry from Helsinki if you want to take your adventure to the next level.

Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻

Dare we say that Riga is currently the trendiest destination in Europe?

That’s hard to say, but it’s certainly on the rise for the off-path Balkans.

Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Riga has much less hustle and bustle, but an equally snobbish attitude. Well, at least one grumble Europe’s largest marketbut I digress…

In reality, the Central Market is a joy to explore, especially if you arrive hungry. It seems they have every imaginable international cuisine and also local delicacies.

But after spending half a day here, you’ll want to wander Riga’s fairytale streets, full of Art Nouveau masterpieces and similar cobbled walkways to Tallinn’s.

Digital nomads may flock here too, but this Old World stunner has impeccably retained its core, making it one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, whether for the Christmas markets that resemble a Lord of the Rings film set or spending the summer on a surprise beach getaway in nearby Jurmala.

Riga also remains safe and budget-friendly, despite its newfound fame.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.