For a lot of people, the first thing that pops into their minds upon hearing the words “Eastern Europe” is, well, cheap beer. And, at least to a certain extent, that is true! But of course, there is so much more to it than that.
Eastern Europe has a wealth of culture on offer, as well as a long and interesting history for you to uncover… but you’ve read the article title already, so you know that’s not what we’re talking about today.
Cheap beer might make you think of cheap-looking bars, but this is definitely not the case. In Eastern Europe you will be able to find some of the greatest bars on the planet – here are some of them!
Blue Light, Prague
This cocktail bar has a very extensive menus, consisting of a wide variety of local spirits and beers, as well as – of course – every cocktail you can think of, and then some. Tucked down a little side street in the Czech capital, Blue Light is well-loved among the locals and also by tourists.
The piano in the corner is available to be played by punters, which can certainly lead to a rather lively night! You can definitely get a good deal of drink for your money here, but it’s the atmosphere and the vibe that will keep you coming back for more.
With loads of distressed band posters covering the walls and the lighting coming from strings of small bulbs and dottings of candles, it’s a great, laid back place.
Szimpla Kert, Budapest
Szimpla Kert is a great big pub, part of a collection of different watering holes known in Budapest as “ruinpubs”. The name says it all, really – they are pubs, wineries, and cafés set up in the ruins of disused buildings. The atmosphere is something truly special because of this, which each one having its own unique look.
Get a Blacklane car to take you there and enjoy its unique décor while you drink. Each room is filled with bizarre decorations, like strings of fairy lights, exposed pipework, old fairground rides, little robots… there’s even as table made from a Trabant! A truly unusual night out.
Społem Pub, Krakow
Krakow supposedly has the highest density of pubs and clubs of any city in the world, so you certainly have a great deal of options to choose from here. Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed it down to just one – the Społem Pub, on Świętego Tomasza Street.
Walking into the pub is like taking a step back in time, specifically into Communist Poland. Sure, it’s a little bit “rose-tinted glasses”, but it certainly makes for an interesting bar! The DJ booth is made from an old Zuk (a Communist car), and the music selection is inspired – it is mostly popular Polish music from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. And don’t worry: yes, the drinks are cheap!