Eastern Europe in the winter

Hi,
wonderfull idea to go there. But, believe me, I live here and it's not the best time to enjoy this region in February...
Cold, rainy or snowy and wet and cloudy. If you like it, do it;-)
BTW, I'd like to recommend you some smaller cities too. There are a plenty of it and they have a specific atmosphere for example Niedzica with its castle by the lake in the South of Poland, Zakopane (also South Poland) just next to the Tatra mountains with its wooden houses style typical only for that region. Just next to Kraków there is a wonderfull castle called Piaskowa Skała. Also just next to Kraków there is a abbey of Benedictines called Tyniec.
In Czech Republic I recommend you Kutna Hora and Cesky Krumlov.
The best time to go here is imho April to June, but avoid 1-3 of May in Poland. There is a lot of people everywhere than.

Then why did you choose travel at this time of year?

These are all major cities. Life goes on, culture continues. They don't close for winter any more than a North American city does. There will be other tourists around as well, although of those that you have named Prague is likely to be the city that is busiest with tourists.

Winter in Budapest is an especially good time to visit the various thermal baths, as the summer crowds are away. If you're brave, and can manage a few steps in bare feet across icy ground, the steaming outdoor baths at Széchenyi are a treat:

• http://www.szechenyibath.hu/

And others:

• http://www.spasbudapest.com/

For information about all the cities you've listed you can use the destination pages on this site to inspire you further:

• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe

But here are some thoughts on places to visit outside of Prague:

• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/permalink/post/22320963

Yes, everyone is indoors and we are enjoying our cosy, wintery mode. In the big cities you mentioned it is the peak of cultural season and everything is open and in a full swing except obvious summer activities like botanical gardens, city beaches or river cruises. So more culture, less outdoors.

Hi hendersonhe88!

I agree with the other guys, Eastern Europe is probably more about culture than outdoors activities in winter. Apart from the thermal baths (which are a great idea), Budapest also has a crazy nightlife that attracts plenty of travellers all year round. I'd expect less travellers in winter but you definitely won't be the only guy in the hostel, especially if you go to popular ones. All the cities you mention are major European cities and will have lots of indoors options in February :)

Yes,agree with above.

Pretty much all the 'main attractions' will be open.Apart from a very few things like outside beer gardens etc.

There will be fewer people staying in hostels than in summer,sure,But still some people.In the most popular places (which you list above)the hostels won't be empty.....

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