These Are Europe’s 3 Most Captivating Old World Destinations

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When you envision Europe, it’s likely one of two things — iconic cities you’ve seen in the movies or time capsule destinations that never seem to age.

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

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

We scoured through Going’s list and hand-picked 3 jaw-dropping Old World destinations our whole team would move to in a heartbeat, so let us serve as your guide to plan your next epic escape ‘across the pond’.

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

Prague, Czechia 🇨🇿

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 had the fortune of visiting Prague last December (and the new 2 cities we’ll be covering down below).

But don’t think for a second this storied city sheds its charm once the sun hits its medieval marvels — the only thing shedding is your layers of clothes from warming up in the frigid weather, and maybe even a few pounds since the aromas of grilled sausage aren’t permeating the air in every plaza.

That said, Prague is even more enticing in spring as it’s a lot more enjoyable to walk around and see the sights.

Of course, straddling the Vltava, a boat ride is always in play. Many tourists don’t know about Prague’s Venice flair, I had the pleasure of discovering — definitely check out this Prague Venice tour.

Largely considered one of Europe’s safest and most affordable capitals, you can wander the gorgeous cityscape at all hours — but just know Prague’s nightlife scene is just one notch below Berlin for its wild party scene.

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

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

Tallinn, Estonia 🇪🇪

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

If you want a quaint townscape oozing centuries-old history with staggering spires, a maze of cobbled walkways, meticulously designed cathedrals, and a town square seemingly plucked from a Brothers Grimm tale, the only thing missing is Lord Farquaad bossing you around.

The city itself feels like a living museum, but there are actual museums giving 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 rising start-up scene, which is drawing digital nomads to move here, there’s little juxtaposition.

Besides the few high-rises in the distance, this is truly a medieval dreamscape and feels as such even in restaurants where you might battle temptation to say “Hear ye, hear ye!” before placing your order.

Tallinn is also very affordable and safe, and makes for a great add-on from Helsinki by ferry if you care to level up your adventure.

Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻

Dare we say Riga is Europe’s trendiest destination right now?

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

Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Riga boasts far fewer crowds but equally snobby attitudes. Well, at least one grouch at Europe’s largest market, but I digress…

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

But after a half-day spent here, you’ll want to wander Riga’s own fairytale streets lined with Art Nouveau masterpieces and similar cobbled walkways like those of Tallinn.

Digital nomads may be flocking here too, but this Old World stunner has immaculately preserved its core, making it one of Europe’s most captivating cities no matter if its Christmas markets that feel like its from a Lord of the Rings film set or summertime escapes as a surprising beach getaway in nearby Jurmala.

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

Sam Sears

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Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.