Exploring Eastern Europe’s Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Krakow - A Walkable City Full of Culture and History
Krakow is one of the most charming and walkable cities in Eastern Europe. As a solo 30-something woman, I found Krakow to be very safe and easy to navigate on foot. The Old Town is compact, with medieval architecture and cobbled streets that transport you back in time. Top sights like Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and St. Mary's Basilica are all located steps from each other.
For history buffs, Krakow offers ample opportunities to learn about Poland's complex past. On a free walking tour, I visited Schindler's Factory Museum to learn about Krakow under Nazi occupation. The Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz spoke to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived here. I also took an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau to reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust.
In addition to its history, Krakow exudes unique culture through its cuisine, entertainment and people. I tried classic dishes like pierogi dumplings, ogródek beer gardens, and obwarzanek bagels sold from carts around town. In the evenings, I joined pub crawls and jazz concerts in the Main Square. Krakovians were so friendly, making it easy to meet fellow travelers.
What else is in this post?
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Krakow - A Walkable City Full of Culture and History
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Prague's Majestic Architecture and Vibrant Nightlife
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Budapest's Thermal Baths for Relaxation
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Sofia's Trendy Cafes and Emerging Art Scene
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Warsaw's Palaces and Museums
- Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Bucharest's Colorful Buildings and Parks
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Prague's Majestic Architecture and Vibrant Nightlife
Prague dazzles with stunning architecture from different eras. Marvel at the soaring Gothic spires of St. Vitus Cathedral, dating back to the 14th century. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with Baroque statues, for picture-perfect views of Prague Castle. Wander the cobblestone lanes of Old Town Square to admire pastel-hued buildings in Rococo and Art Nouveau styles.
For breathtaking city views, hike up to Petřín Lookout Tower, a mini Eiffel Tower offering panoramas over Prague's red rooftops. Or get a bird's eye perspective from the top of the Zizkov TV Tower, an eccentric Communist-era tower with giant crawling babies.
When the sun goes down, Prague comes alive. Kick off the night at a brewery like U Fleků, which has been pouring beer since 1499. Continue pub crawling through areas like scenic Kampa Island or the gritty neighborhoods of Žižkov and Karlín.
For late nights, head to Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square, where crowds spill out of lively bars and dance clubs. Or discover underground venues in Prague's Holešovice district, home to experimental art spaces and indie music clubs.
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Budapest's Thermal Baths for Relaxation
After long days exploring Budapest's hills and sights, unwind at one of the city's many thermal baths. Budapest sits on a patchwork of hot springs, and bathhouses have been built here since the 16th century. Today, "taking the waters" remains an essential local ritual.
For the classic experience, head to Széchenyi Baths, housed in a stunning yellow Neo-Baroque palace. Outdoor pools of various temperatures, steam rooms, saunas and massage services offer limitless ways to relax. Challenge yourself to a few laps in the lap pool, play chess with new Hungarian friends in the outdoor baths or pamper yourself with a massage. Don't miss Széchenyi's iconic outdoor pool, where locals play chess while soaking in the warm azure waters.
Gellért Baths, open since 1918, dazzles with an interior of colorful tiles and stained glass. Soak in the hot thermal waters under elaborate domed ceilings and arched colonnades. After, unwind inside the steam rooms or book a spa treatment. The wave pool provides gentle water massages while the outdoor pool offers scenic views of the Danube and Buda Hills.
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Sofia's Trendy Cafes and Emerging Art Scene
Beyond its historical landmarks, Sofia also charms with chic cafes and a blossoming contemporary art scene. Start your day sipping cappuccinos at cozy cafes like Mura, set in a restored 1940s home. Take your coffee al fresco and people watch in the lush garden. For excellent brunches, try hip Backyard, offering avo toast and smoked salmon bagels. At night, grab craft beers and taps of rakia at Fabrika, a massive art complex in a converted socialist-era factory.
Once fueled up on caffeine, dive into Sofia's art galleries. The city is home to the national modern art museum along with independent exhibition spaces. Gallery SO showcases Bulgarian contemporary art while Sariev Gallery exhibits an avant-garde collection. Look out for up-and-coming Bulgarian artists making waves. Every September, mural-style street art takes over the city during the Open Arts Foundation Festival, turning Sofia into an outdoor exhibition.
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Warsaw's Palaces and Museums
As a solo female traveler, I found Warsaw to be a cultural gem filled with stunning palaces and world-class museums. A walk through the city center brings you face-to-face with the splendid architecture that gives Warsaw its regal atmosphere.
The immense Royal Castle is a must-see, rebuilt to its original 16th century style after being destroyed in World War II. Wander through the lavish staterooms and galleries exhibiting paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto. For panoramas over the city, climb the Castle's Clock Tower for views of the river and Old Town.
Nearby, the elegant Wilanów Palace impresses with Baroque styling and manicured gardens. The palace’s royal apartments provide a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Poland’s kings. Don’t miss the interesting collection of carriages on display.
For museums, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews left a powerful impression with its multimedia exhibits recounting the vibrant Jewish culture that once flourished here. The Warsaw Rising Museum, meanwhile, offered an immersive experience honoring the city’s brave resistance fighters during WWII.
The National Museum treated me to works by Polish artists like Jan Matejko along with an impressive collection of medieval art and artifacts. For a dose of Chopin, I visited the Chopin Museum to learn about the famous composer’s life through photographs, letters and musical scores.
Exploring Eastern Europe's Charming Cities as a Solo 30-Something Woman - Bucharest's Colorful Buildings and Parks
Wandering Bucharest's streets, I was delighted by the city's vibrantly-hued buildings in styles from Baroque to Art Nouveau. Many structures still flaunt their original 19th century paint colors like burnt orange, sea green and buttery yellow. For striking facades, head to the northern Lipscani district to ogle pastel beauties like the lime green Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse from 1852. Nearby, the bohemian Calea Victoriei avenue dazzles with salmon and ochre buildings housing chic cafes and galleries.
When needing an urban oasis, I found respite in Bucharest's lush parks. Cismigiu Gardens, the city's oldest, charms with English and French-style sections, blooming rose gardens and a small lake dotted with row boats. Tour the 1860 Cantacuzino Palace hosting an art museum. For forest trails, Herăstrău Park offers boating, bike rentals and a Japanese garden. I also wandered the Village Museum's collection of traditional Romanian homesteads and churches relocated amid tranquil parkland.