If you really really want to get intimate with "local" Eastern Europe, the best way is to walk it. Moscow or Prague may seem too large and sprawling to get much walking in . . . and the vast distances are sure to make your feet hurt. Eastern Europe has many of walkable towns, cities, and villages, which offer layouts perfect for really getting to know where you're at in a short amount of time. Choose any of these walkable destinations to get up close and personal with Eastern Europe
This walkable Central European town in Hungary has archaeological significance. Roman and early Christian ruins are main sights of this small town. Seasonal festivals are cultural displays that will entertain the traveler who plans ahead.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest Balkan towns. With a Roman stadium, museums, shopping centers, and art galleries, a central hotel is preferable if you want to be able to walk to the most interesting sights of Plovdiv.
Stara Zagora, though one of Bulgaria's more populated cities, is still a walkable Southeastern European destination. Having less tourist-centered entertainment than other cities, Stara Zagora is a good place to observe authentic Bulgarian life. See the famous Neolithic Dwellings and Roman ruins in Stara Zagora.
Ljubljana is one of Eastern Europe's most walkable capital cities. With a compact Old Town, museums and galleries of note, a castle, and bridges, there is plenty to see - all within a walkable radius.
Kazimierz Dolny is both a famous Polish tourist retreat and an arts center. Stroll down almost any street, and you will be able to window shop for art or pop into galleries. Charming architecture also makes this small town a great place to hoof it - then take a break in one of the many spas Kazimierz is known for.
While a bus can take you to Snagov, Romania, most of this village requires walking. Most known for the monastery which houses Vlad the Impaler's tomb, Snagov is great for Dracula enthusiasts.
Targoviste is a small town in Romania rich in history. Both Vlad the Impaler and the dictator Ceausescu are remembered here. Take a walk around the Princely Church, the Sunset Tower, the History Museum, and the monasteries for a look into Romania's sometimes violent past.
See all of Vyborg, Russia, on foot. Visit castles, military fortifications, and a souvenir market. An annual film festival and yacht regatta make Vyborg even more interesting for those drawn to the arts or to yachting.
Krasnoyarsk's main drag is great for walking, shopping, dining, and enjoying. Stop by one of the city's numerous fountains, take a break in a cafe, or while away an afternoon at the Regional Museum. This walkable city is both tourist-friendly and very Russian.
Prospekt Lenina in Tomsk is easily walked, though buses are frequent, reliable, and inexpensive. However, a stroll around the Tomsk State University campus, by the central fountain, or down past the Lenin statue will give visitors a good idea of what life in this Siberian city is like.
