Bratislava City, Slovakia

The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. The Top 10 Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
  3. Recap
  4. Conclusion

Introduction

From the Slovak “Little Big City” of Bratislava to the beer-celebrating city of Munich, the Habsburg Empire capital of Vienna, the seat of the Bohemians – Prague, and a one-time European Best Destination city of Ljubljana, I present in this post the top 10 best cities to visit or live in Central Europe.

Do you want to experience Europe from a perspective that takes you back into the rich history of the continent amidst ever-thriving modernity and without the hyped “distractions” of Western Europe? Most people satisfy this kind of desire by visiting or embarking on an itinerary to an alternative region like Central Europe.

As a nature lover, who is also interested in modern “German-Bohemian” hospitality in its purest form, Central Europe is the only place to be and I will show you why in this post. This region is the source and core of this unique flavour of European hospitality, recreation and entertainment.

With a plethora of attractions and activities to enjoy in the region, from the chilly Alps of Switzerland and Austria to the Slavic territory of the Poles, the Bohemian hospitality of the Czechs and the Magyars city of Budapest, Central Europe will leave you with rich experiences that will either make you want to come back or stay a bit longer!

Krakow Polga Carriage Cab, Krakow, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Krakow Polga Carriage Cab, Krakow, Poland

The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe

The top 10 best Central European cities that I will be presenting in this post were reviewed and ranked in my post: A Review and Ranking of the Best Countries and Cities to Visit in Central Europe.

This ranking of the cities was based on the evaluation of human development indices such as Quality of Life (Liveability), Cost of Living (Affordability), and Safety.

From the review, the top 10 best Central European cities to visit and live in are;

  1. Vienna, Austria
  2. Zurich, Switzerland
  3. Munich, Germany
  4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
  5. Prague, Czech Republic
  6. Berlin, Germany
  7. Bratislava, Slovakia
  8. Warsaw, Poland
  9. Krakow (Cracow), Poland, and
  10. Budapest, Hungary

Now, let’s discuss these amazing Central European cities one after the other.

Castle in Ljubljana, Slovenia - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Castle in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Vienna, Austria [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life1
Cost of Living (Affordability)4
Safety7
Overall1
Performance Ranking for Vienna in Central Europe

Lying on the Danube River (one of the most prominent rivers in Europe) is the city of Vienna (Wien), Austria’s capital and the most populous city in the country. Vienna is home to more than 1.9 million people.

A city of palaces, green spaces and cafes, Vienna is a prime destination in Central Europe. The city is one of the most visited cities in the region welcoming more than 17 million visitors annually.

Vienna is both historically significant and also a world-class modern reference. Austria was the seat of the Habsburg Empire and home to the Habsburg family. The historical significance of Vienna is exemplified by its huge palaces, castles and beautiful old architectural styles.

Castles & Palaces

The Schloss Schonbrunn Palace is by far the most significant historical masterpiece in Vienna. The castle which is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors every year. Located in Hietzing, the Schonbrunn Palace served as the primary summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

If you love anything classically European, Vienna is probably a great city to experience the glorious past of one of the most notable European Empires. To get acquainted with the rich historical characters of Vienna, visit other worthy Castles such as:

  1. Burg Kreuzenstein
  2. Hochosterwitz Castle
  3. Hofburg Castle
  4. Hermesvilla Castle, and
  5. The Belvedere Palace

Liveability

Aside from playing a significant role in the history of Central Europe, Vienna is also an important city in the modern world. The city is not just world-class it is literally “on top of the world”!

For the third time within the last five years, Vienna ranked again as the most liveable city in the world for 2023. This annual ranking produced by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) reveals a list of the world’s most liveable cities.

Other Attractions in Vienna

Beyond its authentic historical charm, this cosmopolitan Central European city has a lot of other visit-worthy attractions. Some of the attractions in Vienna include [Source];

  1. The Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper)
  2. Albertina Museum
  3. The Vienna Zoo (Schonbrunn Zoo/Tiergarten Schonbrunn)
  4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral – an important Gothic landmark
  5. The Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum)
  6. Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
  7. Leopold Museum & Vienna’s Museum Quarter
  8. Burgtheater: Austria’s National Theatre, and
  9. The Prater and the Giant Ferris Wheel

You can also have a taste of the unique flavours of Austrian coffee at The Famous Demel – Vienna’s Ultimate Café, have a view of the city from the Danube Tower (Donaururm), witness the colourful houses at Hundertwasserhaus or take a stroll on the Danube Island (Donauinsel)

[External Link: Sightseeing in Vienna]

The Schönbrunn Castle Vienna Austria - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Schönbrunn Castle Vienna Austria

Where to Stay in Vienna?

If you are thinking of the best of the best accommodation in Vienna, Innere Stadt (Vienna’s 1st District) is by far the poshest and most luxurious area to stay in Vienna. The district is also the most expensive in the city. This is also where many of the top tourist attractions in the city are located.

Other great areas you can check out for accommodation in Vienna that are not as expensive as the Innere Stadt are [Source];

i. Margareten – best central area to stay on a low-budget
ii. Landstrasse – overall best area to stay for budget travellers
iii. Leopoldstadt – the most family-friendly district in Vienna
iv. Neubau – great for cultural consideration
v. Wieden – best hipster district in Vienna
vi. Mariahilf – the best area to stay for an authentic local experience, and
vii. Hietzing – best for countryside lovers

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$4,488 (EUR 4,128)$149.6 (EUR 137.6)
Single person$2,276 (EUR 2,094)$75.9 (EUR 69.8)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Vienna, Austria [Source]
Vienna City at Night, Vienna, Austria - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Vienna City at Night, Vienna, Austria

Zurich, Switzerland [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life2
Cost of Living (Affordability)1
Safety2
Overall2
Performance Ranking for Zurich in Central Europe

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is also a reputable international city. Known mostly for its contemporary art and high-end shopping, Zurich is a major global centre for banking and finance.

The city is located in North-central Switzerland and at the north-western tip of Lake Zurich.

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world and by a wide margin, it is the most expensive city to live in Central Europe.

According to the EIU global liveability rankings of cities around the world, Zurich is the 3rd most liveable city in the world for the year 2023.

The 2023 population of Zurich is a little above 1.4 million.

Top Attractions in Zurich

There are two sides to exploring the best of attractions and especially experiencing the main characters of Zurich.

These two sides span across the banks of the Limmat River which flows through Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt).

There is the eastern bank and the western bank.

The eastern bank is known for its shops, bars and restaurants while the western bank is where you will find most of the upscale shopping centres and galleries in Zurich.

A city of beauty and distinctive European character, here are some of the best attractions in Zurich, Switzerland:

  1. Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)
  2. Grossmunster, Munsterhof
  3. Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Arts)
  4. Fraumunster
  5. Uetliberg
  6. Lake Zurich
  7. The Old Town (Altstadt)
  8. Bahnhofstrasse
  9. Rieterpark, and
  10. Zurich-West

It is a popular saying that “if you haven’t seen Lake Zurich, you weren’t in Zurich” [Source]

Bridge Over the Limmat River, Zurich, Switzerland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Bridge Over the Limmat River, Zurich, Switzerland

Where to Stay in Zurich

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world and it is the most expensive city in Central Europe. The term “cheap” might not apply to Zurich especially when it comes to accommodation.

Generally, the areas closer to the city centre and the lake (Lake Zurich) are more expensive than other areas in the city.

Fluntern, Seefeld, Enge, Zurichburg, Hottingen and Escher Wyss are some of the most affluential areas to live or stay in Zurich.

If you are considering cheaper alternatives to these areas, you can look to districts such as Hard, Friesenberg, Affoltern, Leimbach and Schwamendingen.

Affoltern is considered the cheapest district to live or stay in Zurich.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$7,749 (CHF 7,079)$258.3 (CHF 235.9)
Single person$4,559 (CHF 4,165)$151.9 (CHF 138.8)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Zurich, Switzerland [Source]
Zurich, Switzerland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Zurich, Switzerland

Munich, Germany [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life3
Cost of Living (Affordability)2
Safety1
Overall3
Performance Ranking for Munich in Central Europe

You might have probably heard of the term “Oktoberfest” – an annual celebration of culture mainly characterized by unrestricted consumption of beer in the German state of Bavaria.

Bavaria is home to the finest of German beers and Munich is the capital and largest city in Bavaria.

As of March 2023, Munich has a total population of around 1.5 million people. It is the third most populous city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. Metropolitan Munich is inhabited by close to 6 million people.

Sited in south-eastern Germany and spanning the banks of the Isar River north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is an amazing city where you can experience authentic German culture and traditions in their purest forms.

As the core of the annual Oktoberfest celebration, Munich has many of the largest breweries in Germany. One thing any “drinking” visitor should not miss in this city is – its beers!

Munich is a city of several amazing tourist attractions as well as castles that seem as if from a fantasy movie.

Top Attractions in Munich

From medieval cathedrals to town squares, parks, gardens, museums, palaces and castles, some of the famous attractions you can experience in Munich include:

  1. The Nymphenburg Palace
  2. Frauenkirche
  3. Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square)
  4. Deutsches Museum
  5. Olympiapark (Olympic Park)
  6. Alte Pinakothek
  7. Tierpark Hellabrunn
  8. Oktoberfest
  9. Bayerische Staatsoper
  10. Alter Hof, and
  11. Viktualienmarkt

[External Link: The Official Website of the City of Munich]

The Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany

Where to Stay in Munich

Munich is naturally regarded as one of the most expensive cities to live in in Germany hence getting a place to stay or live in the city might cost more than the normal average for the whole of Central Europe.

Accommodation in and around the city centre is a little bit more expensive than in other parts of the city. A good choice might be to look towards the outskirts or suburbs of the city for accommodation if you are on a budget.

Neighbourhoods such as Bogenhausen, Lehel, Grunwald, Nymphenburg, Neuhausen, Maxvorstadt and the Altstadt (Old Town) are some of the most affluential areas to live or stay in Munich. Houses here are upscale and expensive.

Other great neighbourhoods and suburbs to live or stay in in Munich are Giesing, Pasing, Neuperlach and Berg am Laim.

[External Link: Areas and Suburbs in Munich – Expatarrivals.com]

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$5,228 (EUR 4,809)$174.3 (EUR 160.3)
Single person$3,120 (EUR 2,870)$104 (EUR 95.7)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Munich, Germany [Source]
Munich, Germany - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Munich, Germany

Ljubljana, Slovenia [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life4
Cost of Living (Affordability)6
Safety3
Overall4
Performance Ranking for Ljubljana in Central Europe

Do you want to experience a perfectly blended European cultural fusion? Ljubljana, though a Slavic city, is recognized as one of the most culturally mixed cities in Europe.

Ljubljana, a city in the heart of Slovenia is also the capital and largest city of the Central European country. Ljubljana is the economic, educational, political and cultural centre of Slovenia.

The city is sited on the Ljubljanica River which lies in central Slovenia in a valley nestled between the Julian Alps.

The population of Ljubljana is nearly 290,000 which makes the city one of the least populous capital cities in Europe. It is also the capital city with the smallest population in Central Europe.

Ljubljana is a lively green city of castles, parks, hills, scenic bridges and nature reserves. In 2022, the city was accorded the European Best Destination Award!

What sets Ljubljana apart from other Central European cities is perhaps its unique culinary flavours making the city a top culinary destination in the region and Europe at large.

With great food, amazing landscapes, colourful architecture, an abundance of green spaces and ever-friendly people, Ljubljana beckons!

[External Link: Visit Ljubljana]

Top Attractions in Ljubljana

From the cobble-floored Old Town to the ever-bustling Presernov Trg Square and the fiery-looking dragons of the Dragon Bridge, here are some of the most famous attractions to witness and experience in Ljubljana:

  1. Ljubljana Castle
  2. The Old Town
  3. The Central Market
  4. Presernov Trg Square
  5. Town Hall
  6. Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge)
  7. The City Museum of Ljubljana
  8. The Triple Bridge
  9. National Gallery of Slovenia, and
  10. Tivoli Park
Tripple Bridge in Old Town, Ljubljana, Slovenia - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Tripple Bridge in Old Town, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is not as expensive as the previous three Central European cities discussed and, as a matter of fact, the city is the 2nd most expensive in Slovenia after the coastal Slovenian city of Koper [Source].

Though Ljubljana is relatively cheap to visit and live in, it does not compromise its affordability for its Quality of Life (Liveability) and Safety.

Below are seven (7) of the best areas to live or stay in Ljubljana according to One Weird Globe.

  1. Old Town – best for first-timers
  2. Train Station – a great neighbourhood to experience everything Ljubljana
  3. City Centre – known for its amazing nightlife
  4. Koseze – the best neighbourhood in the city for families
  5. Rozna Dolina – if you are on a budget, this is the best neighbourhood to stay in in Ljubljana
  6. Trnovo – best neighbourhood for couples. Trnovo is also one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in the city
  7. Metelkova – the most upscale neighbourhood in Ljubljana

Other very liveable neighbourhoods you can also consider in Ljubljana are Bezigrad, Prule, Krakovo (great for experiencing the most local vibe of Ljubljana) and Moste.

[External Link: Where to Stay in Ljubljana First Time: 6 Best Areas]

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$3,405 (EUR 3,122)$113.5 (EUR 104.1)
Single person$1,677 (EUR 1,537)$55.9 (EUR 51.2)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Ljubljana, Slovenia [Source]
Ljubljana, Slovenia - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Prague, the Czech Republic [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life5
Cost of Living (Affordability)5
Safety3
Overall5
Performance Ranking for Prague in Central Europe

Prague, the historical capital of Bohemia is also today the largest city and capital of the Czech Republic.

Prague is the main cultural and economic hub of the Czech Republic.

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”, the city of Prague is intersected by and set on the Vltava River in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic.

The city has a population of about 1.3 million people and it occupies a total land area of around 496.2km2. Prague is one of the safest cities in Central Europe, the city is also relatively affordable.

Prague is mostly famous for its cultural life, its Old Town, bridges, castles, public spaces, architecture, affordability and of course the River Vltava upon which the city sits.

[External Link: The Official Tourist Website for Prague]

Top Attractions in Prague

There are plenty of attractions in Prague as well as sufficient activities to make your visit and stay positively memorable. If the city’s beauty does not enchant you, then the authentic European cultural ambience of the city will.

Various landmarks and attractions can be found in most parts of the city, from the city centre to its edges, Prague is a great Central European travel destination.

Below are some of the amazing places and attractions you can experience in Prague:

  1. Prague Castle
  2. Charles Bridge (Karluv most)
  3. The Vltava River
  4. Prague Zoo
  5. Aquapalace Prague
  6. Old Town Square
  7. Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti)
  8. The Municipal House, and
  9. The Dancing House

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions, if you have been longing to taste some “Bohemian” pork knuckles or have a sip of the world-famous Czech beer (pivo), here is your chance in the city of Prague.

The Petrin Hill (its observation deck and cable cars), Zizkov TV Tower, the Hilltop Fortress – Vysehrad, the National Gallery, the National Theatre, Kampa Island, and the Czech Beer Museum are some of the other notable attractions you should not miss in Prague.

[External Link: Official Prague Tourism Information SIte]

Charles Bridge, Prague, the Czech Republic - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Charles Bridge, Prague, the Czech Republic

Where to Stay in Prague

The closer you get to the city centre or the Metro in Prague, the more expensive residences and accommodation become.

The Old Town and the Josefov Quarter are two of the most expensive neighbourhoods to live in or stay in Prague.

Other great neighbourhoods you should consider for accommodation in Prague are; Nove Mesto (New Town), Vinohrady, Zizkov, Chadov, Prankrac, Nusle, Smichov, Dejvicka, Brevnov, and Letna.

Generally, Prague is a free and safe city for any guest or visitor – the third safest in Central Europe! So, no matter where you choose to stay or live in Prague, you will still have easy access to many of its attractions and amenities without having to fret about your belongings.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$3,939 (84,974 Kc)$131.3 (2,832.5 Kc)
Single person$2,109 (45,489 Kc)$70.3 (1,516.3 Kc)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Prague, the Czech Republic [Source]
Prague City, Capital of the Czech Republic - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Prague City, Capital of the Czech Republic

Berlin, Germany [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life6
Cost of Living (Affordability)3
Safety10
Overall6
Performance Ranking for Berlin in Central Europe

With a staggering population of over 3.5 million people, Berlin, the capital and largest city in Germany, is the most populous city in Central Europe as well as in the entire European Union (EU).

Berlin is one of the most outstanding cities in Central Europe where you can experience both a historical feel and modern aesthetics intermingled within the same city.

Some writers might be tempted to exempt Berlin from the list of Central European cities but the deep historical connection between parts of Berlin and other Central European cultures cannot be overlooked.

A city of an exceptional array of landmarks (both modern and historical), lively cultural vibes and an upbeat urban lifestyle, Berlin as the political capital of Germany is where you will find, naturally, most of the German Government offices and institutions.

Top Attractions in Berlin

According to Visit Berlin, the top 10 attractions of this amazing Central European city are;

  1. Reichstag and the Glass Dome
  2. Brandenburg Gate – the signature attraction of Berlin
  3. Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm)
  4. Humboldt Forum
  5. Gendarmenmarkt
  6. Kurfurstendamm – the most famous shopping street in Berlin
  7. Charlottenburg Palace
  8. Museum Island
  9. The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre, and
  10. The Victory Column

Other places to visit, things you can do and/or activities to experience in Berlin include; the Berlinale, the Tiergarten, Mauerpark, exploring the charms of Berlin on a bike, the Freiluftkino, Markthalle IX, the Brandenburg Lakes and you can also just stroll down the streets of Berlin savouring the best of scenes and amenities that Berlin has to offer. [Source]

The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

Where to Stay in Berlin

Though Berlin is the third most expensive city in Central Europe, no matter your budget, Berlin will still reasonably cater to your visiting needs.

Mitte, Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer, and Grunewald are the most expensive neighbourhoods to live in or stay in in Berlin.

Other areas you might consider staying in that are not as expensive as these four are; Kreuzberg, Neukolln, Schoneberg, Zehlendorf, Lichterfelde, Wedding and Reinickendorf. [Source]

A few Things to Note

As a final tip on Berlin, in the analysis and ranking of Central European cities earlier presented in this post, Berlin ranks last (10th) in terms of safety among all the Central European cities reviewed.

Therefore, extra care is required when you are visiting Berlin.

Urban crimes such as pick-pocketing, theft, and assaults might be experienced in some parts of Berlin.

Overall, Berlin is a great Central European city to visit and in fact, it is a city that should not be excluded from your Central European Itinerary.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$6,153 (EUR 5,660)$205.1 (EUR 188.7)
Single person$3,704 (EUR 3,408)$123.5 (EUR 113.6)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Berlin, Germany [Source]
Berlin, Germany - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Berlin, Germany

Bratislava, Slovakia [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life7
Cost of Living (Affordability)7
Safety8
Overall7
Performance Ranking for Bratislava in Central Europe

A city set amidst vineyards and the Little Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia.

The city is planted along the Danube River in the extreme southwestern part of the country.

Bratislava conveniently sits at the border of Slovakia with Austria and Hungary.

With a population of over 440,000 inhabitants, Bratislava is the second least populated capital city in Central Europe after Ljubljana.

The city is very affordable without compromising the quality or quantity of attractions, hospitality services and recreational facilities it provides for its visiting guests hence the nickname – “The Little Big City”!

A city of amazing green parks and public spaces; appealing cafes, pubs and restaurants; cobblestone streets; art galleries; castles; and the Danube River.

Bratislava is a beautiful Central European city that deserves to be explored and savoured.

In Bratislava, you can easily walk around the city and feel its “small-city” vibes, take a bite at some traditional Slovakian food, have a sip of the local beer, party all night, visit some of its amazing vineyards and shop at one of its markets.

There are practically sufficient reasons why “The Little Big City” is one of the “must-visit” cities in any Central European Itinerary.

Top Attractions in Bratislava

Three important things you should not miss in Bratislava – the food and beer (or wine), the Old Town and the Danube River. Everything else in Bratislava is built on and revolves around these three.

Some of the other top attractions and worthy “sights” you can experience in Bratislava include:

  1. The Bratislava Castle
  2. Michael’s Gate
  3. Kamzik TV Tower
  4. Grassalkovich Palace
  5. Primate’s Palace
  6. Eurovea Waterfront
  7. Devin Castle
  8. Hviezdoslav Square
  9. The UFO Bridge, and
  10. Slovak National Gallery

You can also visit the colourful Kapitulska Street, the Bratislava Museum of Transport, the Blue Church, the Slovak National Theatre, and the Slavin War Memorial.

[External Link: Visit Bratislava: Top 10 in Bratislava]

The Bratislava Castle and the Danube River, Bratislava, Slovakia - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Bratislava Castle and the Danube River, Bratislava, Slovakia

Where to Stay in Bratislava

Out of the 10 Central European cities presented in this post, Bratislava is the 7th most expensive (that is, the 4th most affordable).

This means you should expect accommodation in the city to be relatively cheaper than in other Central European cities such as Vienna, Munich, Berlin and even Prague.

Naturally in Bratislava, the closer you are to the city’s Old Town (Stare Mesto), the more expensive properties, hence accommodation, become.

The Old Town is the location of most of Bratislava’s top attractions and this is one of the places you’ll want to be or stay especially if you are visiting the city for the first time.

Stare Mesto (Old Town) is unquestionably the most expensive neighbourhood to stay in or live in Bratislava.

Other good neighbourhoods you can also check out in Bratislava are; Palisady, Devin, Ruzinov and Petrzalka. [Source]

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$2,957 (EUR 2,720)$98.6 (EUR 90.7)
Single person$1,446 (EUR 1,330)$48.2 (EUR 44.3)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Bratislava, Slovakia [Source]
Bratislava City, Slovakia - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Bratislava City, Slovakia

Warsaw, Poland [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life8
Cost of Living (Affordability)9
Safety5
Overall8
Performance Ranking for Warsaw in Central Europe

Warsaw, known in Polish as Warszawa, is the capital and largest city in Poland. Warsaw is located in the east-central region of Poland on the Vistula River.

With over 1.79 million residents, Warsaw is the third (3rd) most populous city in Central Europe after Berlin and Vienna.

Poland generally is the most affordable country in Central Europe and Warsaw is ranked 9th in terms of Cost of Living making the city the 2nd most affordable city in the region after Krakow, another Polish city.

The city’s Old Town a major cultural and historic site in Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Though Warsaw is considered “cheap”, you should not underestimate the potential attractions and the quality of what this city has to offer its guests until you have explored and experienced Warsaw by yourself.

A “bridge” between Western and Eastern Europe, Warsaw was before World War 2 called “the Paris of the East”.

There are several attractions to behold in Warsaw and some of these are highlighted below.

Top Attractions in Warsaw

After close to 85% of Warsaw was destroyed during WW2 and subsequent uprisings, Warsaw today has re-emerged from its ruins to be a visit-worthy European city.

Some of the important attractions you will find and should see (and experience) in Warsaw include:

  1. The Old Town
  2. The Royal Route
  3. Old Town Market Square
  4. The Royal Castle
  5. Lazienki Palace and Park
  6. Copernicus Science Centre
  7. Palace of Culture and Science
  8. Wilanow Palace
  9. Krakowskie Przedmiescie
  10. Nowy Swiat Street, and
  11. The Saxon Garden

[External Link: 25 Best Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland]

Old City, Warsaw, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Old City, Warsaw, Poland

Where to Stay in Warsaw

The southern part of Warsaw, on the left bank of the Vistula River, is the most developed part of the city, this is where most of the affluent neighbourhoods are located.

The most expensive area to stay or live in Warsaw is Srodmiescie. This is like the heart of Warsaw – it’s the city’s centre!

However, being in the city centre comes with its challenges like noise and crowds. But if you love to be at or close to the centre of action in Warsaw, Srodmiescie is the best place to be. This is also where many of the city’s attractions are located.

At the southern outskirts of Warsaw are Wilanow and Mokotow. Both are calmer affluential neighbourhoods than Srodmiescie.

Many of the wealthy people in Poland prefer especially Mokotow, the neighbourhood is serene and has a lot of parks and green spaces.

Zoliborz, Wlochy, Saska, Kepa, Sadyba and Powisle are some of the other prestigious (affluential) areas (districts/neighbourhoods) you can choose to stay or live in Warsaw. These districts are also great at accommodating all categories of visitors to the city.

If you are considering a cheaper alternative to the above-mentioned neighbourhoods, you may choose towns or suburbs on the northern outskirts of Warsaw such as Legionowo, Piastow, Pruszkow, Grodzisk Mazowiecki and Zyrardow. Many of these townships lack basic amenities and some could be very far from the city itself.

Generally, the Praga District on the right bank of the Vistula River is considered the cheapest place to stay or live in Warsaw proper.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$3,251 (14,034 zl)$108.37 (467.8 zl)
Single person$1,874 (8,088 zl)$62.5 (269.6 zl)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Warsaw, Poland [Source]
Warsaw City, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Warsaw City, Poland

Krakow, Poland [Map]

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland. The city serves as the capital of Poland until 1596.

This vibrant Polish city has often been recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Located on the Vistula River near Poland’s border with the Czech Republic, Krakow traditionally functions as one of the prominent centres of Polish economic, academic, and cultural life.

With a population of a little over 760,000, Krakow is the second largest city in Poland after Warsaw.

Krakow is probably mainly famous for its Old Town and the Wawel Royal Castle both of which in 1978 were among the first attractions in the world accorded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Like the rest of Poland, Krakow is a very affordable city. The city is the most affordable city [Link] among the 11 Central European cities reviewed and ranked here [Link]. Krakow also performs relatively well in terms of Safety ranking 6th among the 11 cities reviewed.

[External Link: Visit Krakow – Your Krakow Travel Guide]

Top Attractions in Krakow

In Krakow, you can tour the Old Town and see this thriving modern city from the glamorous lens of its past; absorb the scenic views of the Wawel Royal Castle and its beautiful gardens; and take a refreshing stroll through the city’s Planty Park.

Krakow, which has served in times past as the abode of Polish Kings is highly qualified to be on your Central European itinerary list.

Some of the attractions you should not miss in Krakow include;

  1. Old Town (Stare Miasto)
  2. Rynek Glowny (Main Square)
  3. Wawel Royal Castle
  4. The Royal Road
  5. Vistulan Boulevards
  6. Manggha
  7. Planty Park
  8. Rynek Underground
  9. Ghetto Heroes Square
  10. Plac Nowy
  11. Tyniec Abbey
  12. Polish Aviation Museum
  13. Kazimierz, and
  14. Schindler’s Enamel Factory

And, if the above attractions in Krakow are not enough for you, you can visit and enjoy some performances at the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre, explore the city’s Eagle Pharmacy Museum, play Pinball at the Pinball Museum, or take a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow, Poland

Where to Stay in Krakow

As the second largest city in Poland, there are many options to choose from when considering where to stay or live in Krakow.

Among all the neighbourhoods in Krakow, Stare Miasto (Old City) is the most expensive. This area serves as the city centre. And the farther you go from the Old City, the less expensive housing and accommodation becomes.

Kazimierz, Podgorze, Czyzyny and Wola Justowska are considered parts of the relatively expensive neighbourhoods to stay or live in in Krakow.

Other neighbourhoods you may want to check out in Krakow that are not necessarily as expensive as the Old City and others (above) are Grzegorzki, Ludwinow, and Kleparz.

There are different characters and facilities in every city and your choice of a neighbourhood to stay in Krakow will largely depend on your interest and objectives.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$2,851 (12,375 zl)$90 (412.5 zl)
Single person$1,503 (6,523 zl)$50.1 (217.4 zl)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Krakow, Poland [Source]
Street Tower, Krakow, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
Street Tower, Krakow, Poland

Budapest, Hungary [Map]

IndicesRankings
Quality of Life10
Cost of Living (Affordability)8
Safety9
Overall10
Performance Ranking for Budapest in Central Europe

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Danube” and known as the Spa Capital of the World, Budapest is an enchanting city on the River Danube in Central Hungary. The city is bisected by the Danube (known locally as Duna) River with Pest occupying one side of the River and Buda on the other side.

Budapest is a global city with a population of 1.7 million people.

The city is the most populous in Hungary and serves as the political, economic, cultural and financial capital of the country.

The vast majority (33%) of the people in Hungary live in Budapest.

Budapest is one of the most amazing cities in Central Europe. The city, just like the rest of Hungary is unique with a distinct ethnocultural identity.

Even though the city has witnessed social and cultural influences from past European powers e.g. the Romans, Budapest still retains its authentic Magyar characteristics in an unusually undiluted quality.

A Personal Disclosure

Personally, Budapest and Hungary in general are some of my favourite places in Europe. However, it is interesting that in my review of Central European cities, Budapest ranks 10th overall.

Out of the 11 cities reviewed, Budapest ranks 8th in Affordability (Cost of Living), 9th in Safety and 10th in Quality of Life.

This does not mean that Budapest is a bad city or that Hungary is the worst country in Central Europe. Far from it!

These metrics are based on data from a public data repository (Numbeo) which in some cases might not completely represent the actual reality on the ground. Factors such as quantity, completeness, validity, and accuracy of the available data can affect the overall result of a review or analysis.

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary

Many travellers and tourists have reported amazing experiences in Budapest, a city once nicknamed the “Queen of the Danube” and popularly recognized as the “Spa Capital of the World”.

In your Central European Itinerary, Budapest is a city that should top your “to-visit” list.

A city of gallant (art nouveau) architecture, rich culture, exotic ruin bars, castles, museums, world-known thermal baths & spas, and delicious cuisines, Budapest is one of the fastest-growing urban developments in Europe.

This beautiful Central European city which is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the biggest in both Central and Eastern Europe combined!

[External Link: Budapest – Official Tourist Information]

Top Attractions in Budapest

Budapest is not only globally famous for its spas and thermal baths, the city is also home to the second largest Parliament House in Europe.

Below are some of the top attractions to see, explore and experience in Budapest:

  1. Buda Castle & Castle Hill
  2. Hungarian Parliament
  3. The Danube Promenade
  4. Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
  5. Central Market Hall
  6. Szechenyi Thermal Bath
  7. Hungarian State Opera House
  8. Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
  9. The Museum of the Fine Arts
  10. City Park (Varosliget)
  11. Gellert Spa, and
  12. The Garden of Philosophers

[External Link: 22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Budapest]

The Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary

Where to Stay in Budapest

As the name Budapest suggest, there are essentially two sides to living in Budapest.

There is Buda at the left (west) bank of the Danube River and there is Pest on the right (east) bank of the River.

Buda has more historical sites, a more laidback attitude, and several green and open spaces.

Pest on the other hand is the heart of the whole city. This is where most of the actions and urban life happen.

Depending on your interest, the laidback calm neighbourhoods of Buda or the more fast-paced urban life on Pest, below is a list of seven (7) of the best areas to stay or live in Budapest [Source]:

  1. Budapest I – The Castle District
  2. Budapest V – Belvaros
  3. Budapest VI – Terezvaros
  4. Budapest VII – Erzsebetvaros
  5. Budapest VII – Jozsefvaros
  6. Budapest IX – Ferencvaros, and
  7. Budapest XIII – Ujlipotvaros and Angyalfold

One final tip about accommodation or residency in Budapest is that Buda has a solid reputation as the most upscale, classier and more expensive part of Budapest. So, if you desire to stay where the wealthy in Budapest live, Buda is the place to be.

However, if you don’t mind the urban bustle of the city and want to be where you can easily socialize, party and have fun, then the Pest side of the city might be most suitable for you.

Do make sure to check and compare the pros and cons of both sides of Budapest in relation to your travel interests and visiting objectives. This will help you come up with a satisfying choice of where to stay or live in Budapest.

IndividualsEstimated Monthly CostEstimated Daily Cost
Family of four (4)$3,083 (1,089,668 Ft)$102.8 (36,322.3 Ft)
Single person$1,448 (511,678 Ft)$48.3 (17,055.9 Ft)
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Budapest, Hungary [Source]
Danube River, Budapest, Hungary - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The Danube River passes through Budapest, Budapest, Hungary

Recap

As a recap, the top 10 best Central European cities presented in this post are reviewed and ranked using human development indices such as Quality of Life, Cost of Living, and Safety.

Based on these indices, the top 10 best cities to visit or live in Central Europe are;

  1. Vienna
  2. Zurich
  3. Munich
  4. Ljubljana
  5. Prague
  6. Berlin
  7. Bratislava
  8. Warsaw
  9. Krakow and
  10. Budapest

See Also: The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Europe

The City Town Hall, Krakow, Poland - The Top 10 Best Cities to Visit or Live in Central Europe
The City Town Hall, Krakow, Poland

Conclusion

Central Europe is a fascinating region that serves as a bridge between Western Europe and Eastern Europe.

However, European regional delineation is not discrete. Some countries are usually classified into more than one region. And more importantly, Central and Eastern Europe are in most cases treated together as an integrated region.

In this post, I presented the top 10 best cities to visit and live in in Central Europe. A ranking that is based on my review of the best countries and cities in the region using their respective Quality of Life (Liveability) Index, Cost of Living (Affordability) Index and Safety Index.

Overall, Austria is the best city to visit and live in in Central Europe. This is followed by Zurich, Munich, Ljubljana and Prague.

All the cities in Central Europe are 100% great travel destinations to be considered as part of any itinerary or visit to the region.

The fact that Budapest, one of the most popular travel destinations in Central Europe, appears last in this ranking does not mean that Budapest is the worst city in the region.

The indices or criteria for ranking do not consider other key hospitality and tourism variables such as the availability of attractions and social/recreational amenities which are also important to the overall guest/tourist experience in any destination.

Many people who visit Central Europe do so by planning their trips to more than one country/city in the region in what is popularly called an “itinerary”. Some also for various travelling reasons such as relocation, vacation or job opportunities may consider visiting or staying in a particular city for a longer time.

No matter your travelling objectives, this post presented the top 10 best cities to visit or live in Central Europe. This I believe has provided you with some decent knowledge about the various cities, their features and characteristics and inherent attractions in the region.

You can plan your itinerary, vacation, relocation or just visit around the best Central European cities discussed in this post.

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