Sofia, Bulgaria (Photo: Envato)
When planning a summer getaway, cities like London, Paris, and Rome often top the list. But savvy travelers are increasingly looking beyond the classic western capitals. Eastern Europe, long underrated, is stepping into the spotlight. From fairytale cities to coastal gems, this region offers rich Jewish heritage, vibrant culture, and expanding kosher-friendly amenities.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to GlobalData, international arrivals to Eastern Europe reached 70.54 million travelers in 2023, with the region steadily returning to pre-pandemic tourism levels in 2024. Croatia's Ministry of Tourism reported over 21.3 million visitors in 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler named Croatia one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations, highlighting a 356% surge in travel bookings over the prior year.
What’s fueling this rise? A combination of affordability, smaller crowds, authentic experiences, and often-overlooked beauty. For Jewish travelers, these destinations offer rich history and surprisingly robust infrastructure—from Chabad centers to kosher dining and services. If you’ve never explored this part of Europe, this summer could be the perfect time to start.
Prague, Czech Republic (Photo: Shutterstock)
Top Kosher-Friendly Destinations in Eastern Europe
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague feels like a city from a fairytale, with winding cobblestone streets and dramatic architecture. The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is home to the oldest active synagogue in the world, the Old New Synagogue, as well as the Jewish Museum and historic cemetery. The city has several kosher dining choices and a vibrant Chabad presence.
Beyond its Jewish Quarter, Prague captivates with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the majestic Prague Castle, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, and enjoy panoramic views from Petřín Hill.
For a full guide, visit our Kosher Travel Guide to Prague.
Beyond its Jewish Quarter, Prague captivates with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the majestic Prague Castle, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, and enjoy panoramic views from Petřín Hill.
For a full guide, visit our Kosher Travel Guide to Prague.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is one of Europe’s most vibrant, with the grand Dohány Street Synagogue at its heart. The city offers kosher meat and dairy restaurants, bakeries, and mikvahs, alongside active Chabad and Orthodox communities.
Budapest offers a blend of historic and modern attractions. Relax in the city's famous thermal baths like Széchenyi Spa, cruise along the Danube River, or explore the grandeur of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Plan your visit with our Jewish and Kosher Guide to Budapest.
Budapest offers a blend of historic and modern attractions. Relax in the city's famous thermal baths like Széchenyi Spa, cruise along the Danube River, or explore the grandeur of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Plan your visit with our Jewish and Kosher Guide to Budapest.
Split & Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has become a favorite for kosher travelers seeking sun and history. Both Split and Dubrovnik have small Jewish community centers, though no daily minyan. Dubrovnik’s 14th-century Sephardic synagogue now serves mainly as a museum. Chabad of Zagreb provides kosher catering across Croatia with advance notice.
In Split, the ancient Diocletian's Palace forms the city's heart, surrounded by bustling markets and cafes. Dubrovnik's well-preserved city walls offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture.
Learn more in our Kosher Croatia Travel Guide.
In Split, the ancient Diocletian's Palace forms the city's heart, surrounded by bustling markets and cafes. Dubrovnik's well-preserved city walls offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture.
Learn more in our Kosher Croatia Travel Guide.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (Photo: Envato)
Tbilisi & Batumi, Georgia
Georgia offers a mix of dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality. In Tbilisi, visitors can find two historic synagogues, kosher-friendly hotels, and kosher dining including a local favorite. Chabad of Tbilisi provides meals, Shabbat services, and traveler assistance. Batumi, along the Black Sea, has become a peaceful getaway with kosher hotel options.
Tbilisi charms visitors with its eclectic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and the scenic Narikala Fortress overlooking the city. Batumi, on the Black Sea coast, boasts modern attractions like the Alphabet Tower and a lively seaside promenade.
Explore both cities with our Kosher Travel Guide to Georgia.
Tbilisi charms visitors with its eclectic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and the scenic Narikala Fortress overlooking the city. Batumi, on the Black Sea coast, boasts modern attractions like the Alphabet Tower and a lively seaside promenade.
Explore both cities with our Kosher Travel Guide to Georgia.
Bulgaria
Sofia’s Jewish history dates back to Roman times, anchored by the stunning Moorish-style Sofia Synagogue. The local Jewish community is small but active, with kosher meals available through Chabad and at Hamsa, a kosher Middle Eastern meat restaurant under local supervision.
Sofia blends ancient history and modern energy. Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, stroll through expansive parks, browse lively markets, and admire the city’s growing reputation for vibrant street art and architecture.
For a directory of kosher dining and Jewish community resources, check our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Bulgaria.
Sofia blends ancient history and modern energy. Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, stroll through expansive parks, browse lively markets, and admire the city’s growing reputation for vibrant street art and architecture.
For a directory of kosher dining and Jewish community resources, check our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Bulgaria.
Albanian Riviera (Photo by Pudelek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Tirana, Albania
Albania is an emerging destination for kosher travel. In Tirana, Chabad has established a welcoming presence and a WhatsApp group to assist visitors. A kosher restaurant is scheduled to open soon. Albania offers colorful streets, the Bunk’Art Cold War museum, Skanderbeg Square, and the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
Tirana's colorful buildings and eclectic architecture reflect its dynamic history. Visitors can explore Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and take a cable car ride up Mount Dajti for panoramic views.
For kosher dining and Jewish community information, visit our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Albania.
Tirana's colorful buildings and eclectic architecture reflect its dynamic history. Visitors can explore Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and take a cable car ride up Mount Dajti for panoramic views.
For kosher dining and Jewish community information, visit our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Albania.
Bucharest, Romania
Romania’s capital surprises with its rich Jewish history and vibrant architecture. The Coral Temple and Jewish Museum stand as reminders of Bucharest’s once-thriving Jewish population. Chabad of Bucharest provides kosher meals and visitor support, and a handful of kosher restaurants can be found. Bucharest impresses with its wide boulevards and Belle Époque architecture. Key attractions include the massive Palace of the Parliament and the historic Lipscani district, known for its lively atmosphere.
Romania’s mountain regions, including the Carpathians, have become popular for kosher summer holidays, with a new kosher restaurant opening recently. Programs such as Avimor’s kosher summer experience also offer options for travelers seeking outdoor adventure with kosher convenience.
For kosher dining and Jewish community information, visit our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Bucharest.
Romania’s mountain regions, including the Carpathians, have become popular for kosher summer holidays, with a new kosher restaurant opening recently. Programs such as Avimor’s kosher summer experience also offer options for travelers seeking outdoor adventure with kosher convenience.
For kosher dining and Jewish community information, visit our Directory of Kosher and Jewish Life in Bucharest.
Montenegro
Montenegro’s coastline offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic scenery. The Jewish community is small, but Chabad of Montenegro, based in Budva and Podgorica, provides kosher meals and Shabbat services to travelers. With few kosher restaurants, the combination of nature and supportive hospitality makes Montenegro a rewarding adventure.
Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is renowned for its fjord-like beauty and medieval towns like Kotor and Perast. Adventure seekers can explore Durmitor National Park, home to the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe's deepest gorges.
Visit our Kosher Travel Tips for Montenegro for details.
Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is renowned for its fjord-like beauty and medieval towns like Kotor and Perast. Adventure seekers can explore Durmitor National Park, home to the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe's deepest gorges.
Visit our Kosher Travel Tips for Montenegro for details.
Budva, Montenegro (Photo: Envato)
Conclusion
From the historic streets of Prague and Budapest to the coastal beauty of Croatia and Albania, Eastern Europe has become a vibrant and accessible destination for Jewish and kosher travelers. Whether you’re exploring ancient synagogues, relaxing by the sea, or sampling new kosher dining scenes, these cities offer something for every traveler. With expanding Chabad networks, kosher services, and rich Jewish heritage, plus the ease of combining destinations via short flights or train journeys, this summer may be the perfect time to experience a different side of Europe.