Category: Destinations

A Mini Guide Of Where To Eat In Tallinn Estonia
Like many others, I’d loooong dreamt about visiting picture perfect Tallinn. Then in 2019, I finally got to spend a weekend in the Estonian capital and naturally, Tallinn didn’t disappoint. From strolling through Old Town, to touring the KGB Museum, hanging out in Telliskivi Creative City, and zipping off to Helsinki for the day, there were plenty of things to see and do

Of course, I further experienced Tallinn by eating at a handful of good restaurants. From a hipster brunch spot, to a high end grill house, a fun Mexican place, and another serving up modern cuisine, I indulged in plenty of good meals. As I love to share my travel recommendations, I created this mini guide about where to eat in Tallinn Estonia. And as an added bonus, I’ve even featured one bar recommendation as well.

A Mini Guide Of Where To Eat In Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn’s the capital of Estonia, as well as the most populated city at 435,000. In addition to being a frequented tourist destination, Estonia also has the highest number of startups per person in all of Europe. When a creative scene booms and the startups arrive, your city immediately amps up it’s cool factor, and people have long been hailing Tallinn as the place to be. In such instances, the creativity doesn’t stay confined to the tech space, it extends to the culinary arena as well, and the dining scene is top notch.

Recommended reading: Read what others have to say about where to eat in Tallinn Estonia – the Guardian’s Tallinn’s ‘new Nordic’ food scene – and the restaurants leading the way article, Visit Tallinn’s local guide, Top places to eat in Tallinn, and this in depth report from a Finnish blogger, The best restaurants in Tallinn.

My list of places to eat in Tallinn is a very small and humble selection compared to the lovely guides featured above, but I do hope you’ll enjoy the recommendations all the same.

1) Restoran Pull

Situated in the historic Rotermann Quarter, the stylish and trendy Restoran Pull has been around since 2016. Run by three well known grill masters, the perfectionist owners strive to dole out high quality steaks and other grilled dishes by cooking meats in their open kitchen over fire and hot charcoal. One of their signature dishes, the “Dirty Steak” is even cooked directly in charcoal.

I had dinner at Restoran Pull on my first night in Tallinn. As it was my birthday that weekend, I wanted at least one fancy meal at an upscale place and this was it. I feasted on a salmon ceviche with lime, orange, celery, onion, chili, garlic, and coriander, as well as a lamb shank with mashed potato, mozzarella, green bean, and meat sauce. I also splurged on a couple glasses of wine to compliment my meal.

Total costs came to around €48, all in.

Address: Rotermanni 2 Hobujaama ja Ahtri tn nurgal, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia

2) F-Hoone

F-Hoone is one of those cool places that everyone raves about and from it’s comfortable shabby chic decor, could just as easily be located in Berlin. Set in a former industrial warehouse, the hip and popular café is just as suitable for a leisurely brunch as it for dinner in the evening.

Here for lunch, I opted for a burger served with homemade fries. The Aberdeen-Angus veal cutlet is topped with bacon, rocket spinach, tomato, parsley, chilli pepper oil, red onion, an cheddar cheese, all encased in a dark bread bun. I also had a local IPA and a coffee.

The cost of the meal came to about €18.

Address: Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia

3) Sveta Baar

Note: This cafe/bar is now closed. However, as we love unusual places and things, we’ll leave this as a memory of what once existed.

Sveta Baar is obviously not a place to eat in Tallinn but a cool place to hang out for a quick drink during the day or a longer session in the evening. Sveta Bar hosts different events showcasing new and upcoming artists and exhibitions; best of all; it is one of the only LGBTQ-friendly places in the city.

I dropped by Sveta Baar for a quick beer and to get out of the rain for a bit before visiting Fotografiska. As usual, I chose an IPA that cost around €3.

Address: Telliskivi 62, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia

4) Taqueria

I came to Taqueria on the night of my birthday because I was craving Mexican food. The vibe of Taqueria is all around fun from the friendly staff, to the amusing signage above the bar, as well as the blaring music. Not only that, their take on Mexican cuisine and cocktails is on point. I went with a couple of spicy beef tacos, a margarita, and another local IPA.

All told, my Mexican experience came to about €20.

Address: Rotermanni 14, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia

5) Nomad Resto

Last but not least on this guide about where to eat in Tallinn, Estonia is Nomad Resto. Priding themselves on offering only local and fresh ingredients, their modern cuisine is unusually innovative as Nomad continually experiments with new and unique dishes.

I took my last meal here and my starter was cauliflower quinoa balls served with curry sauce, while my main was the the bao with beef. Obviously, paired with one glass (or two) of wine. My meal came to around €30.

Address: Roseni 9, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia

Even better, watch/share this video about where to eat in Tallinn and better yet, subscribe to my Youtube channel for even more travel related videos.

What do you think about this list of Tallinn restaurants? Do you know any places we missed? Let our readers know and drop a comment below.

Where To Eat In Tallinn Estonia: Locations

Download this Google Map to eat your way through Tallinn a la “cherylhoward.com“ style – it highlights all five places in our Tallinn restaurant guide.

Where To Eat In Tallinn Estonia: Good To Know

1) You can reach the Tallinn city center in various ways:
- Flights land in Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), which is only 5 kilometers from the city center. A taxi into the city will take 10 – 15 minutes and shouldn’t cost you more than €10. Alternatively, for about €2, you can take bus #2 into the city (be sure to take the bus going into the city toward Reisisadam) or tram #4, which runs daily. You can save money on the tram if you buy a ticket from the machine in the airport before boarding – a one-way ticket is only €1.
- Trains arrive at the Baltic Station railway terminal located directly in Old Town. Depending on where you’re staying, you can jump on public transit or use Bolt or Uber to get to where you need to go.
- Buses arrive at the main station (Tallinna Bussijaam). To get to the city center, take buses #17 or #23 or trams #2 or #4. The trip will take about 15 minutes. A one-way ticket is €2.
2) Estonia uses the Euro, so there’s no need to worry about a currency exchange if you live in another country using the Euro.
- If you’re from elsewhere, check xe.com to see how the Euro fares against your local currency.
- You can easily go without cash in Estonia, as you can use bank or credit cards in most places.
- When you pay by card, you may be asked which currency you would like to pay in – Euros vs your home currency. Choose to pay in the local currency as you’ll save money on the exchange rate.
3) Experience a guided tour when you’re visiting Tallinn, Estonia:

4) Looking for things to do in other European cities? Check out these posts:
- A Mini Guide Featuring Six Cool Places In Riga Latvia – A mini guide to Riga, spotlighting six cool places in Riga including coffee shops, trendy bars, and a stylish design hotel.
- Urban Exploration, A Walking Tour of Lisbon – Take a walking tour of Lisbon to sample Portuguese cuisine, take in notable landmarks, and explore some of its multicultural neighbourhoods.
- Visit The Nobel Library In Stockholm, Sweden – With one of Europe’s largest literature collections, the Nobel Library in Stockholm features work used to evaluate potential Nobel Laureates.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
October 13, 2025
Journey To Middle Earth At The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland
There are plenty of things to do in Krakow, like visit the New Jewish Cemetery, the Pharmacy Museum or the Plac Nowy Jewish Market. There are also plenty of other activities you can do just outside of the city, like making the short journey to Wieliczka to see out the world’s oldest salt mine, dating back to the 13th century.

While touring a salt mine doesn’t top most people’s travel bucket lists, you might be surprised to learn that about 1.2 million people visit this UNESCO World Heritage site every year, including the likes of Pope John Paul II and Bill Clinton.

For me, the idea of making a “journey to Middle Earth” to depths of 135 meters, seeing the cathedral carved out of salt, and observing various works of salt art appealed to my fondness for all things weird and offbeat sites.

Book a Wieliczka guided tour with KrakowBooking.

All About The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland

An excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines is probably one of the most touristy things you do in Krakow. I easily booked a half-day tour through my hostel. The tour even included pick-up and drop-off services so you can avoid the stress of rushing to a meeting point and/or figuring out how to get there on your own. We recommend, this Wieliczka salt mine tour!

Arriving at the site, the group waited around while our coordinator fetched the tickets and took care of other logistical arrangements. Despite it being low season, the salt mines were packed with swarms of people. As it was too cold to wander the grounds outside, I chose to warm myself up with a delicious cup of cappuccino at their little cafe.

Eventually, our coordinator rounded us up to wait in line for one of the uniformed tour guides (employed by the mine) to lead us to a 380-step staircase that would take us down 64 meters underground. The overall tour involves walking over 2 kilometers, lasts about 3 hours, and finishes at 135 meters underground. The mine actually stretches along 3 kilometers and reaches depths of 327 meters, most of which are closed to the public.

If you think the hike sounds tough or you suffer from claustrophobia, you need not fret as the passage ways are very open and quite easy to walk along. You also stop for frequent breaks to listen to your tour guide speak abut the history of the salt mines and point out interesting items along the way.

The miners were a religious bunch; throughout the mine, you’ll encounter various chapels like this one. Then there’s a rather special story about a Hungarian princess who is said to have “inspired” the culmination of salt in this particular mine. As the mines brought great prosperity to the region, Princess Kinga came to be viewed as the guardian angel of miners in the area. Some statues depict the story of the princess, and of course, they are carved out of salt.

Walking, you’ll see many recreations providing insight into how laborers ran the mine. Not only were miners religious, but they were also superstitious about gnomes! The group stopped as music played, and we were treated to a super cheesy light show. This is where I almost regretted making a trip to the salt mine, as I could have been doing something a lot more fun, like snapping photos of street art around Krakow.

Then, as we continued walking, things started to get more interesting. It finally felt that we were descending into Middle Earth, and it started to look and feel like we were in a real-life Lord of The Rings movie.

Finally, the absolute best part of the entire tour is the rather iconic cathedral, all of which is entirely carved out of salt. Even the chandeliers are comprised of salt pieces. Weekly church services are held here and people even book weddings and other religious events in this deep underground location.

Next, we were treated to some rather stunning views of some mine shafts.

The tour ends, and you can purchase stuff from the gift shop. I picked up some rose-scented bubble baths containing salt from the mine, which reportedly yield great health benefits. You can also stop for lunch at the restaurant or gaze wonderingly at the ballroom, where wedding receptions and other events are held.

What do you think about the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Would you visit this dark and deep underground location? Tell us more in the comments below.

Location

Good To Know

1) It’s a really touristy place, so be prepared for a lot of people at the salt mine. Luckily, tours are spaced out, so it never feels too bad.

2) Wear comfortable flat shoes, as there will be a lot of walking and stairs.

3) If you want to visit the mines, check out their website for more information and have fun reading through their FAQ. This was my personal favorite (and not just for the obvious typo):

Why cannot I touch and lick the salt sculptures?

The salt sculptures not only adorn the Mine, but are also very valuable historic monuments (the oldest ones along the Tourist Route date from the 17th century), so we protect them with particular care. The salt sculptures are exposed to the leaching process, or humid air dissolving salt. Tourists who touch the sculptures contribute to accelerating their destruction.

4) Admission prices vary, depending on whether you’re booked individually or with a group.

5) More independent souls who aren’t into group tours can also easily reach the salt mine via public transit and buy a ticket upon arrival.

6) Make your time in Krakow fun and take a tour. Try out these Krakow city tours.

7) If you like travel in Poland, check out some of our top posts.
- A Day Trip From Berlin to Visit Szczecin Poland – Find out why you should visit Szczecin Poland. From old castles, to modern architecture, numerous museums, & craft beer, learn how to spend the perfect day.
- How To Spend A Weekend In Gdansk Poland – How to spend a weekend in Gdansk, Poland. Think cool cafes, relaxing times at a sauna, eating pierogies, and enjoying the Old Town.
- Poznan Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner – The next time you’re visiting Poznan, Poland try out these delicious and tasty Poznan restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
October 13, 2025
Locals Recommend These 18 Day Trips From Berlin
As much as we all love Berlin, there are times when it’s good for our physical and mental health to briefly escape the city and go on an adventure. One of the best ways to do this is to take a day trip somewhere. One of the reasons I moved abroad was for all of the travel opportunities. And after living in Berlin for 10+ years, I’ve hopped all over the continent and spent weekends in places like Budapest, Paris, and Amsterdam.

I’ve also done plenty of day trips to nearby locations throughout both Germany and Poland. Day trips from Berlin have actually become one of my favorite things to do, and with the Deutschland ticket, I can’t wait to visit even more of the country.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable way to explore beyond Berlin, especially to places less accessible by train, Daytrip offers private, door-to-door transfers with local drivers and optional sightseeing stops along the way.

18 Exciting Day Trips From Berlin To Take In 2025

To help you plan some fun trips for yourself, I put together this list of 18 exciting day trips from Berlin to take in 2025.

You’re going to find some typical day trip ideas on this list, but also some suggestions for places that you won’t find elsewhere. For example, I often travel for the weird and offbeat, so expect some trips just for unusual architecture alone. Of course, I also recommend picture-perfect old towns, places filled with half-timbered houses, and others with dreamlike castles. As usual, I dish out (pun intended) tips for good places to eat and drink.

1) Bad Muskau, Germany

Why Bad Muskau? Most people come to spend time hanging out at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Muskauer Park with its luscious English gardens and the Neo-Renaissance castle surrounded by a small lake. Something special about this park is that its geography extends to both Germany and Poland, so a walk through the park includes a visit to two countries in one shot. There’s not really much to do aside from this, so a visit to Bad Muskau is best paired with other nearby attractions like the Devil’s Bridge (more on that below). (250 kilometers from Berlin)

2) Bad Saarow, Germany

Why Bad Saarow? There are two solid reasons for visiting Bad Saarow. The number one attraction for almost everyone is the spas. If you need to get away from it all, head to Bad Saarow and visit one of their well-known spas like SaarowTherme, Hotel Esplanade Resort & Spa, and Villa Contessa – Luxury Spa Hotels. Alongside the spas, the town also boasts some incredible restaurants with my favorite being Freilich am See where they serve up super yummy Bavarian food with a lake view. (78 kilometers from Berlin)

3) Braunschweig, Germany

Why Braunschweig? I’ll admit that I went to Braunschweig for no other reason than to visit the Happy Rizzi House. This flamboyant office building isn’t open to the public, but there’s no need to explore the interior, as all of the action is outside. Dubbed the “happiest place on earth”, the Happy Rizzi House will likely leave you smiling and laughing out loud. Other things to do in Braunschweig include walking around the Burgplatz, touring Dankwarderode Castle, and St Blasii Cathedral. If you want to keep up with the weird and offbeat theme, stop for a beer at Mutter Habenicht. Read this post to learn more about my impressions of Braunschweig back in 2012. (235 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour while you’re there:

4) Bremen, Germany

Why Bremen? Yes, at 400 kilometers away, this is a bit of a stretch for day trip consideration, but as I did a quick 24 hours there years back, I couldn’t leave Bremen off my list. Things to do in Bremen include having dinner in a beer garden on a boat, hanging out in the gorgeous Schnoorviertel, walking the short distance of the 100-meter long Böttcherstraße, and relaxing with coffee and cake at the base of a windmill. (400 kilometers from Berlin)

Try a guided tour in Bremen:

5) Dresden, Germany

Why Dresden? If you’re a fan of absolutely stunning architecture, then Dresden is a good day trip choice, as the reconstructed old town alone will take your breath away. Highlights of Dresden include the Zwinger Palace (said to be inspired by Versailles), the domed Frauenkirche, and the opera house. A mere 13 kilometers outside the city center, you can visit Moritzburg Castle situated on a small man-made island. Adventurous (aka athletic) types can add further excitement to their day trip by taking a hike through the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park, just an hour outside of Dresden. (195 kilometers from Berlin)

Try a guided tour of the city:

6) Görlitz, Germany

Image via Pixabay

Why Görlitz? Görlitz is Germany’s Eastern most city. In fact, one of the more fun things to do when there is to walk across one of the city’s bridges to get in a quick visit to Zgorzelec, Poland. The city escaped damage during WWII with its historic buildings remaining largely intact and the architecture is a mix is Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. So beautiful, Görlitz has been the backdrop for a number of movies like The Reader, Grand Budapest Hotel, and even, Inglorious Basterds. Görlitz remains one of my favorite day trips from Berlin and you can see some of my Görlitz photos here. (240 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour:

7) Hamburg, Germany

Why Hamburg? Hamburg deserves an entire weekend (at the very least), but if you’re short on time, it can also be done as a day trip from Berlin. Spend your day by wandering through the Speicherstadt, touring the new Elbphilharmonie, taking a quick river cruise, or indulging your inner child at Miniatur Wunderland. Be sure not to miss my guide to cool things to do around Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel. (290 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour in Hamburg:

8) Kromlau, Germany

Why Kromlau? Thousands of people descend upon Kromlau every year to see the 19th-century Devil’s Bridge (Rakotzbrücke) with their very own eyes. The arched bridge is extraordinary, as it forms a perfect circle using the water’s reflection. The bridge is located in Kromlauer Park, a large landscaped park perfect for short strolls and checking out attractions like Kromlau Castle. Kromlau’s one of the best day trips from Berlin, as it can be combined with stops in the Spreewald, Lubbenau, and Bad Muskau. This particular combination of destinations is best done as a fun road trip with friends.

Note, visitors aren’t permitted to walk over the bridge under any circumstances. Anything you see on Instagram was either Photoshopped or done by someone foolish enough to risk their personal safety and disregard their likely potential to damage the bridge. Give this place the respect it deserves and follow the rules. (160 kilometers from Berlin)

9) Leipzig, Germany

Why Leipzig? Leipzig has long been one of the many favored day trips from Berlin. The New York Times once went so far as to deem Leipzig way cooler than Berlin. But let’s be real, no city in German compares to Berlin and that’s not a bad thing, as Leipzig stands on its own as a pretty cool city. Hang out at cozy cafés by day, dive bars by night, peruse the numerous art galleries, and more. A few spots I liked were Meins Deins Unser, ELSTERARTIG, and Café Albert. (190 kilometers from Berlin)

Try a guided tour:

10) Lübbenau, Germany

Why Lübbenau? Lübbenau is a cute town well worth a day trip from Berlin. Famous for their Spreewald pickles, stopping somewhere for lunch or dinner to sample some of this delicious fare is a must – as is buying some pickles to bring back home with you. Hint – I have some fresh Spreewald pickles in my fridge right now! Another delight is canoeing through the Spreewald or for the lazier types, taking a punt trip with a guide and sipping beer while watching the world go by. (97 kilometers from Berlin)

11) Lüneburg, Germany

Why Lüneburg? It’s one of the prettiest towns in Northern Germany. You can easily pass by much of the day just walking around the city’s beautiful Old Town. Other things to do in Lüneburg include climbing the water tower to see a panoramic view over the town, stopping for a drink or bite to eat beside the river, or visiting the weird and offbeat, German Salt Museum (which is way more interesting than you may think!). (285 kilometers from Berlin)

12) Magdeburg, Germany

Why Magdeburg? Other day trips from Berlin? You don’t really need more than a day in Magdeburg, but there are a handful of fun things to do like visit the Gothic Magdeburg Cathedral (the oldest of its kind in Germany), check out the wild architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser at the Grüne Zitadelle, get educated at the Museum of Cultural History, and observe one of the tallest wooden structures in the world at the Millennium Tower. (155 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour:

13) Poznan, Poland

Why Poznan? First and foremost, for the incredible food scene. Eat and drink your heart out at traditional Polish restaurants, hip cafes, and other high-end establishments. Experience the pristine old town, enjoy the street art, visit the quirky Croissant Museum, and take in the poignant June 1956 Monument. If you’re looking for some gastronomic inspiration, read my recommendations for Poznan Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Book yourself a stay at one of the many hotels surrounding the main square (we recommend Brovaria) to be treated to stunning views from your room. (275 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour while in Poznan:

14) Quedlinburg, Germany

Why Quedlinburg? The better question is why not Quedlinburg? This quaint medieval German town close to the Harz mountains is filled with historic half-timbered houses, a massive castle complex, and plenty of cute places to eat and drink. Wander aimlessly along the cobblestoned streets, observe the local action in the Market Square, and sip local brews at Brauhaus Ludde. I visited Quedlinburg in the summer but can imagine how lovely it must be in winter when the Christmas market season is in full swing. (215 kilometers from Berlin)

15) Rostock, Germany

Why Rostock? More exciting day trips from Berlin? If you fancy a day breathing in the fresh sea air, head north to Rostock. Here you can walk along the picturesque Rostocker Stadthafen (harbor front), tour different cathedrals, and experience nautical-themed events like the Hanse Sail. Rostock will always hold a special place in my heart as it was one of the first day trips I took from Berlin after moving to Germany in 2011. Check out how Rostock transforms during the Hanse Sail and read, Getting Medieval In Rostock, Germany. (235 kilometers from Berlin)

Take yourself on a guided tour:

16) Schwerin, Germany

Why Schwerin? Around two hours from Berlin, Schwerin is another ideal day trip. With a population of 90,000 people, the crowning jewel of Schwerin is undoubtedly the majestic Schwerin Palace, also nicknamed the “Neuschwanstein of the North.” Come to tour the castle interior, stroll through its gardens, sip coffee at Cafe & Konditorei Rothe in the Market Square, and enjoy a stunning view over the town from the Schwerin Cathedral. If you’re a castle fan like me, Schwerin is just the place for you. For a sneak peek of what’s in store for you, take a look at these Schwerin photos. (215 kilometers from Berlin)

Do a guided tour while visiting:

17) Szczecin, Poland

Why Szczecin? Only two hours away from the capital, Szczecin’s an easy day trip from Berlin whether you go by train, bus, or car. Head to Szczecin to feast on tasty pirogies at Harnaś (I recommend the pork one stuffed with herbs), tour the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, walk around Solidarity Square, watch a performance at The Philharmonic, or take in the majestic architecture at Wały Chrobrego. This is a city I’ve visited time and time again, as it’s one of the best places to take visiting friends who want to hit up a different country when they’re touring around Europe. See my personal travel tips about how to make the most of your time in Szczecin – A Day Trip From Berlin to Visit Szczecin Poland. (150 kilometers from Berlin)

Go on a guided tour:

18) Warnemünde, Germany

Why Warnemünde? If you’re looking for some “vitamin sea”, head north to Warnemünde for a day, or even longer time permitting. Here you can feast on fresh seafood, spend the day on the beach chilling out on a beach chair (Strandkorb), go on a boat tour, and hang out in a sauna overlooking the Baltic Sea. Check out my article, How To Spend A Wonderful 24 Hours In Warnemünde. (240 kilometers from Berlin)

Try a guided tour:

Have we missed out on any exciting day trips from Berlin? Tell us about your suggestions in the comments.

Good To Know

1) If you like traveling in Europe, check out some of our popular destination guides and features of unusual places.
- A Perfect Day Trip From Athens To The Temple Of Poseidon – Visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a perfect day trip from Athens. Learn the history, find out where to eat, & what to do.
- The Biggest Flea Market In Barcelona Is Encants Vells Market – When in Spain, visit Barcelona’s biggest flea market, Encants Vells Market, and browse its many special treasures.
- Why You Should Visit Nis, Serbia – Many people fly into Nis and quickly move on to Belgrade. Read my top five reasons why you should visit Nis, Serbia.
Locations

Download this Google Map to keep track of these exciting day trips from Berlin.

*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
October 13, 2025
Visit Burano Italy: A Guide About What To Do & Where To Eat/Sleep
Burano, Italy is one of the world’s most vibrant and colorful locations. This tiny Venetian island with a population of around 3,000 people, just seven kilometers outside of Venice, is the most popular day trip destination from the city. For good reason, as Burano is well known for the rainbow coloring of residents’ homes. Burano had long been on my travel bucket list, so when I visited Venice for the weekend, I made sure to make my way there.

Seriously, the picture-perfect island feels unreal. It was as if it were whipped up in Photoshop. As you stroll through the streets, you notice that every house is painted a different color ranging from hot pink to lavender, to mint green, or even a bright blue. Locals play it up even more by throwing matching accessories into the mix like flower pots, bicycles, fabric sheets over their doors, and more. Against the island’s backdrop of canals and bridges, it couldn’t be a more romantic place.

Let’s look at why you should Visit Burano Italy. Browse through our detailed guide about what to do, where to eat, where to sleep, how to get there, and more.

Visit Burano Italy: A Guide About What To Do, Where To Eat, & Where To Sleep

A Brief History Of Burano

Historians speculate that Burano was first settled by the hedonistic Romans. While there are no lingering coliseums or temples to be found, remains found on the island confirm this theory. Later during the 6th century, mainlanders from Altino fled to Burano to escape attack from hostile invaders. They helped grow the island into a thriving but peaceful settlement, only making a name for themselves during the 1500s when some kickass women decided to get serious about lace work. These lovely ladies were masters at creating intricate handmade pieces using needles – with some of the ladies even specializing in certain types of stitches. Their masterpieces were so in demand that they exported lace across continental Europe. There was an unfortunate decline in lace-making during the 18th century, revived only in 1872 when a school was opened to train future lacemakers. Aside from lace making, Burano’s always been a well-known fishing village, with the industry still being a financial boon to the island today.

What really brings people to Burano Italy right now is those colorful houses. The tradition of painting houses dates back to the 16th century. Legend has it that the bright colors made it easier for fishermen to find their way home during foggy and overcast conditions. Others say the tradition started when residents wanted a way to clearly depict the marking of where their property ended and where their neighbors began.

The color scheme actually follows a very specific and well-established system. Locals are required to repaint their homes every two years and they cannot be the same color as their neighbors. Locals are not allowed to choose the color but are assigned a color by municipal authorities who manage color schemes for different parts of the island.

How To Get To Burano From Venice

Getting to Burano from Venice is pretty easy:
- Take the Vaporetto (water bus) 12 from either San Zaccaria (near St. Marks) or from Fondament Nove in Venice.
- Boats depart every 20 – 30 minutes throughout the day, less frequently in the evenings. It will take 40 – 45 minutes to reach Burano.
- A one-way ride is €7,50. If you’re visiting multiple islands during your stay in Venice, it’s worth buying a day pass for around €20,00. Find more info at Mouversi a Venezia.
- As the water bus makes its way to Burano, you’ll pass the cemetery island of San Michele and other islands in the lagoon like Murano – where you’ll briefly stop. If you reach Murano from a different part of Venice, simply transfer to the 12 at the Murano Faro stop to get to Burano.
- If you’re a wealthy 1% elite, you can take a private water taxi from Venice to Burano and back. It will run you approximately €150 each way.
Pro tip – As the journey to Burano is so picturesque, be sure to grab a seat outside to soak up the views and snap plenty of photos.

What To Do In Burano, Italy

As Burano is a small island, there’s not a heap of things to do. Here are some of my top picks:

1) Shop – Walk along the island’s main drag, Via Galuppi. It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Here you can watch locals in action, working on stitching together labor-intensive lace pieces. These days, few possess the skills of previous generations. Making a single piece is not only expensive but time-consuming. For example, a lace tablecloth can take up to an entire year to make. So if you see lace on the cheap, it’s likely not the real thing (don’t buy fake!). Top shops to buy lace from include Martina Vidal, Emilia Burano, and La Perla.

2) Eat – You’re on an island, so why not eat yummy and way fresh seafood sourced locally? See our where to eat section for more details.

3) Wander – Walk around the island, get off the main streets, take photos, delight in all of the canals and bridges, and simply have a fun time. Some of the best streets are Via Giudecca, Via San Mauro, and Via San Martino Sinistro.

4) Church of San Martino – Visit the 16th-century Roman Catholic church and marvel at its 53-meter-high leaning bell tower. Yes, the tower in Pisa is not the only one that leans! Just beside the church, you can also visit Oratorio di Santa Barbara, a small chapel.

5) Museo del Merletto – Set in the former lace school, come and check out the lace museum with rare 16th and 17th-century pieces and even a lace-trimmed gown worn by Queen Margherita (the same woman who inspired the Neapolitan pizza).

6) Take A Boat Tour – See a different side of Burano, as told to you by locals, by doing a sustainable tour around the island in an authentic fishing boat.

7) Burano Carnival – The Carnival isn’t limited to only Venice, but extends to the island of Burano as well. Come here for an extra special experience.

8) Pescarìa Vecia – This spot at the old fish market is great for photo opportunities at sunset.

Where To Eat In Burano, Italy

When you visit Burano Italy, sampling seafood is a must. Recommended places include:

1) Riva Rosa – Stop for a glass of wine and enjoy their rooftop terrace with killer views over the island and the surrounding lagoon. Skip eating as the reviews online report the food as being overpriced and not so delicious.

2) Trattoria al Gatto Nero – A long-standing place in Burano that’s heartily been endorsed by Jamie Oliver. Come for fresh seafood and homemade pasta.

3) Trattoria da Primo e Paolo – Another gem in Burano is this place, well known for its seafood risotto, soft-shelled crab, and grilled turbot.

4) Trattoria da Romano – This family-owned seafood restaurant also doles out a decent risotto, as well as many other meat and vegetarian dishes. Try sardines, octopuses, prawns, soles, and more.

5) Venissa Restaurant – Foodies look no further and visit this special Michelin-starred place with its vineyard for an extraordinary culinary experience.

6) Try Bussolà – Another thing to do when you’re in Burano is to taste the local specialty, Bussolà, a puffy S-shaped biscuit.

Tips For Tolerating The Tourists In Burano

Burano is one of the top day trips from Venice. As such, the island’s population swells during the day and becomes very tourist heavy. Here’s how to handle or avoid the crowds:

1) Having the patience of a saint is a necessity. You’ll find the streets very crowded. You may not be able to take a photo without hordes of people in it. You may even have to queue.

2) Avoid the tourist crowds, by coming early or late in the day. Visit on a weekday instead of a weekend. Visit in the off-season or shoulder seasons. Note, the island suffers from severe flooding each winter, so plan your visit accordingly.

3) Even better, stay on the island for a night to experience the vibe when all the tourists have gone back to Venice. Enjoy the slower and softer side of Burano and appreciate the solitude. See the island through the eyes of a local, if only for a brief time.

4) We know you want your next Tinder profile pic or that epic Instagram photo that will garner you 1000s of likes, but don’t hog a location for too long. Lots of other people are around and want to get that same shot. Be cool and respect their time. Don’t ask other people to get out of your way or get mad at them for sneaking into your frame. They have just as much right to be there as you do.

Tips For Respecting The Locals In Burano

Not only do you have to tolerate the tourists in Burano, but so do the locals. They know that tourism helps them to survive, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a jerk. Some things to keep in mind:

1) If you want to take a picture of someone, ask first.

2) If you want to take a picture in front of someone’s house, there are several obvious no-nos. Don’t peek into their window, creep into their door frame, or move around their lawn furniture and house plants to stage a photo. Remember, the house you’re posing in front of is someone’s home, and you’re invading their personal space and touching their private property. Don’t be loud and obnoxious or remain in one location for too long. If they tell you to get lost (which is in their every right), oblige their request and get the hell out of dodge.

That’s a wrap on our Visit Burano Italy travel guide. Have we missed anything? Drop us tips and tricks in the comments below.

Locations

Use this map to find some of the places mentioned in this guide.

Good To Know

1) Experience the best of Burano with one of these tours:

2) For more Italy travel inspiration, check out some of my other popular blog posts:
- A Real-Life Fairytale At Isola di Loreto In Italy – Isola di Loreto is a private island in Italy’s Lake Iseo. With a 2 story Neo-Gothic castle, 2 lighthouses, & marina, this fairytale place is a must-see.
- Down By The Sea In Porto Venere, Italy – Porto Venere, Italy is best seen from the sea. View scenic photos of the coastline and historic landmarks and see how this place could easily be a set location for Game of Thrones.
- Dreamy Amalfi Coast Photos That Will Convince You to Go There Now – Looking to travel to Italy? Then check out these 15 Amalfi Coast photos that will convince you to visit as soon as possible.
3) Read these posts to get even more travel inspiration for Italy – 20 Best Wine Regions in Italy – Indulge in Vineyards and More and How To Avoid Getting Lost in Venice Italy.

*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
October 13, 2025
10 Cheap European Destinations You Should Visit
One of the best parts of living in Europe is the countless opportunities to explore other countries. The best is that travel around Europe not only means relatively short travel times, but more importantly, affordable and budget-friendly trips.

That’s why I’ve partnered with the friendly folks from JustFly to highlight some cheap European destinations that you should visit right now. JustFly has a platform where you can search and compare the best deals across more than 440+ airlines.

10 Cheap European Destinations You Should Visit

I’ll be honest and say it from the start – this is a fairly subjective list, as I’ve only featured places I’ve traveled to and found to be cheaper than more popular destinations around Europe like Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona. While all of those cities are absolutely lovely, I’ve chosen locations that are more off the beaten path and deserve more people visiting them.

1) Brno, Czech Republic

Why Brno? Prague is being overwhelmed by tourists, and thankfully, Brno hasn’t experienced the same effects. With a pristine Old Town full of grand squares and cathedrals, castles overlooking the city, and a top-notch dining scene, you can’t go wrong with Brno. Brno is budget-friendly, and it’s easy to travel on the cheap there – for example, I stayed at a cute Airbnb apartment for a mere €25 a night, and you can dine at an upscale restaurant for less than €20. Brno’s also the perfect location to base yourself for day trips to places like the Moravian Karst where you can go caving and hiking.

Recommended reading: Read my tips about the best places to eat in Brno.

Where to stay in Brno? Book one of these hotels in Brno.

2) Bucharest, Romania

Why Bucharest? Bucharest is not only a budget-friendly destination, but it’s also full of plenty of things to do like visit the massive Palace Of The Parliament (the heaviest parliament in the world!), cute museums like the Romanian Kitsch Museum where Romanians poke fun at their own culture (sadly now closed), and a bookstore that you could spend hours in without ever leaving. If you’re working while you’re there, you’ll be happy to know Why Romania’s Internet Is So Much Faster Than America’s. Work away, or watch some Netflix.

Recommended reading: My post about the world’s most beautiful bookstore, Cărturești Carusel and this post, 20 Magical Things to Do in Bucharest in Winter.

Where to stay in Bucharest? Select from more than 2000 hotels in Bucharest.

3) Budva, Montenegro

Why Budva? The greater question here would be … why not Budva? With sandy beaches, an Old Town that looks like it was ripped out of a Game Of Thrones set, a mountainous backdrop, a happening nightlife, and cheap local wine and seafood (on repeat), it’s a hard city to leave behind. Thankfully, it’s free from cruise ships unlike nearby Kotor, and is a great place to base yourself as you explore more of Montenegro.

Recommended reading: Experience Budva’s old town through these Budva photos.

Where to stay in Budva? Find your Budva accommodation now.

4) Budapest, Hungary

Why Budapest? I can’t go on enough about Budapest as it’s literally my favorite city on the planet and I think I’ve visited there more than anywhere else. Budapest is easy on the pocketbook no matter what you do, be soak in one of the city’s thermal baths, saunter around Buda castle, indulge your inner child by playing pinball for hours, or seek out odd statues like the Ronald Reagan statue or the Columbo statue.

Recommended reading: Learn about how to have a really good weekend in Budapest, find cool things to do, and peruse the local street art in District VII.

Where to stay in Budapest? Choose any of these hotels in Budapest.

5) Kyiv, Ukraine

Why Kyiv? Next on our cheap European destinations list? I visited Kyiv for the first time in October 2019, and I immediately knew that once wasn’t enough. Things I really enjoyed about Kyiv were spending hours at the Mother Motherland Monument, taking in socialist modern architecture at the Expocenter Of Ukraine and local crematorium in Memory Park , attending a Borscht party in the home of a local, and visiting the Chernobyl Museum to learn more about the nuclear tragedy. You can enjoy dinner out in places like Mama Manana and feast on Georgian food and wine for around €10 or take an Uber around the city for an average €2 – €4 a trip.

Recommended reading: Visit one of the most quirky museums out there – The Museum Of Toilet History.

Where to stay in Kyiv? Rest your pretty head at these hotels in Kyiv.

6) Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Why Mostar? Mostar is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit Mostar to see the reconstructed Old Bridge, explore different abandoned sites like the Old Sniper Tower, and watch locals dive off the bridge. Take day trips to swim under waterfalls at Kravice Waterfalls, visit the majestic holy site at Blagaj tekija, and go to the UNESCO World Heritage site at the medieval fortified town of Pocitelj. Food and accommodation are also cheap, so living large while you’re in Mostar is easy.

Recommended reading: Find out all of the reasons you visit Mostar, learn more about the local street art, and find out why there’s a statue of Bruce Lee in the middle of the city.

Where to stay in Mostar? Check out our handpicked list of where to stay in Mostar.

7) Nis, Serbia

Why Nis? It’s natural that most people traveling to Serbia will visit Belgrade, but all too many skip out Nis when there are many reasons to visit. It’s full of interesting and important historical sites like the Red Cross Concentration Camp, where the first ever successful escape of inmates happened; Bubanj Memorial Park, which pays tribute to people who died under Nazi rule in WWII; the Skull Tower, which honors people who died under invading Ottomans, and Nis Fortress filled with Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Medieval architectural remains. Serbia tends to be very budget-friendly – for example, I stayed at a four-star art hotel for about €40 a night.

Recommended reading: One of our blog’s most popular posts explains the reasons why you should visit Nis Serbia.

Where to stay in Nis? Take a gander at these properties in Nis.

8) Podgorica, Montenegro

Why Podgorica? I feel that people are way too harsh on Podgorica and that more than a few bloggers have unfairly written about why it’s a such terrible place. It might not be a city where you’d spend too long and it’s surely not as stunning as Budva or Kotor but the Montenegrin capital deserves at least a day of your time. Some notable highlights for you to visit include the Millennium Bridge, Old Bridge, and St. George Church. It’s a city where it’s easy to stay within a backpacker’s budget and live like a king or queen.

Recommended reading: We’ve detailed a bit about why you should visit Podgorica, but read our full post for the lowdown.

Where to stay in Podgorica? There are tons of options available. See these hotels in Podgorica.

9) Poznan, Poland

Why Poznan? Poznan is one of the cheap European destinations that is just too pretty for words. It has one of the most gorgeous Old Towns I’ve seen yet, is packed full of budget-friendly places to eat and drink, has historic castles and cathedrals, is home to one of the most hipster clubs outside of Berlin, and so much more.

Recommended reading: For a list of where to eat in Poznan, check out our mini guide.

Where to stay in Poznan? Book a place to sleep and check these hotels in Poznan.

10) Sofia, Bulgaria

Why Sofia? Well, I admit that my time in Sofia wasn’t the best after a bank machine chewed up my bank card, and I was left cashless for a couple of days. Despite the mishap, I enjoyed walking around and taking in top sites like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. I even took a day trip to visit the amazing Rila Monastery and hike through the nearby mountains on a snowy day.

Recommended reading: A perfect day trip from Sofia is heading to Rila Monastery – check out my photos of Rila Monastery in winter.

Where to stay in Sofia? Check out these hotels in Sofia.

What do you think about our list of cheap European destinations? Do you know any other places that deserve a special mention? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Good To Know

1) If you want to book a hotel to a destination not featured above, do it with booking.com.
Booking.com
2) Want to make your next European trip even better? Then book a guided tour.

3) Take a road trip across Europe and rent a car. Be sure to protect yourself and get rental car damage insurance with Bonzah. Even better, take an epic adventure and rent a camper van.

4) For more European content, check out some of our top posts:
- 25 Photos That Will Tempt You To Head to Mdina Malta Right Now – Let these photos fuel your wanderlust to travel to Mdina Malta. Find out where to eat and sleep, plus all the things there are to do in this Maltese city.
- A Perfect Day Trip From Athens To The Temple Of Poseidon – Visiting the Temple Of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is the perfect day trip from Athens. Learn the history, find out where to eat, & what else there is to do.
- Visit Burano Italy: A Guide About What To Do, Where To Eat, & Where To Sleep – Visit Burano Italy, one of the most colorful places out there. Let this photo-filled guide be your inspiration about what to do, where to eat, & where to sleep.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
December 7, 2024