Europe is home to some of the world’s grandest architecture. Without a doubt, you’ve heard of great buildings on the continent, perhaps the Sagrada Família, the Louvre, or Neuschwanstein Castle. But what about the architecture of the East? While the name recognition of the buildings there might be less familiar, in no way is it less stunning, novel, and universal. We’re here to share a guide to exploring the most essential buildings to see in four under-visited countries: Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.

Warsaw: Classic and pioneering structures Europe’s phoenix city 

In the fabric of Poland’s capital is a dynamism that’s contagious. Life moves fast, young people are creating and recreating, and human energy hisses in every corner of the city. While you may know Warsaw as being a city rebuilt in the wake of the Second World War, it is actually a place where the old and the new work together in beautiful harmony. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is where we must begin. Every corner of this ancient part of Warsaw is gorgeous. From the cobbled streets to the sprawling castle, it represents the beauty of old-world European heritage. And yet, you’ll be shocked to learn that after being razed by the Germans during the war, it was meticulously rebuilt, brick by brick, thanks in part to a series of 18th-century oil paintings. 

Poland is a country that has had many influences over the centuries, and that fact is acutely visible in its capital. At the very center of town stands the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, a relic of socialist realism. The best part of the building is its panoramic views. Take the time to ride its elevators for a glimpse of the entire city. And come back in the evening for cocktails in several fantastic bars in the ground level of the building. Spectacular contemporary architecture is also visible across town, with perhaps the best example being the building that houses the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Designed by Finnish architects, its façade is a gleaming combination of glass and copper, which is meant to signify openness and transparency. Inside, it features a wavy entrance with undulating ceilings, a reference to the parting of the Red Sea. It is truly worth a visit. Also make special note of the dozens of glittering skyscrapers being erected around the city each year. Warsaw is truly a city on the rise, literally and figuratively.  

Vilnius: Gems from centuries of architectural innovation 

Vilnius is a convenient train ride from Warsaw, and boy is it worth it to make the trip. The Lithuanian capital is exceptional in part because it’s home to a treasure trove of architectural wonders that span several important styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Brutalist. That means winding your way through its streets takes you back over 700 years of design history.  

But which buildings and monuments should you stop and really take the time to experience? Start with the Gediminas Castle Tower, a symbol of the city and nation from the medieval time that offers panoramic views from its hilltop position. Next, a place of worship demands attention: the Vilnius Cathedral. Completed in 1783 in majestic neoclassical style, it is a symbol of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. From there, make the walk to the Gate of Dawn, the historic gate of the city and a significant religious landmark because of the three churches of different denominations just beside it. In addition to being a place of immense beauty, it also stands as a testament to religious tolerance and coexistence.  

For most of us, architecture touches our lives most as part of our homes and neighborhoods. That’s why we suggest ending your tour of Vilnius by exploring Fabijoniškės, a cool neighborhood that combines brutalist architecture with natural beauty and happens to be a shooting location for the tv show Chernobyl. Then make your way to Užupis, an older artsy district filled with quirky bars and studio spaces. 

Riga: Europe’s jewel of Art Nouveau and so much more 

After another train journey north, you’ll step onto one of Europe’s most cherished cities, the great home of Art Nouveau. That’s not to say, however, that Riga’s roots don’t run deep. While Art Nouveau (circa 1890-1910) might make it a jewel, its heritage back to medieval times make it truly great. The links to a millennium in the past are visible if you know where to look, especially in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a taste of middle and late middle age Riga, consider visiting the Three Brothers, a trio of homes dating back to the 1400s that feature magnificent Gothic façades, and the Riga Castle, built in 1330 and expanded over the following centuries.  

Just a short stroll from the Old Town and its medieval marvels is the Art Nouveau district, where nearly a third of the buildings—some 800!—showcase this intricate and elegant style. There are two streets where the best examples can be found: Alberta Street (Alberta iela) and Elizabetes Street (Elizabetes iela). It is here that you’ll find the heart of this movement, characterized by its flowing lines, intricate decorations and nature motifs. There’s also the Art Nouveau Museum for the curious!  

Riga has one other feature that makes it notable: the wooden houses that dot districts like Āgenskalns, Grīziņkalns, and Maskavas forštate. Extremely rare in Europe of the 21st century, structures built in wood showcase centuries of architectural master craftsmanship. Pay special attention to the leafy Āgenskalns district, where some of the most spectacular wooden homes are found.

Tallinn, Fairytale beauty with modern influences  

There’s a distinct fairytale vibe in Tallinn. This is likely due to the fact that it has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in all of Europe. As you walk its streets, you can almost imagine yourself on horseback, a sword dangling from your side, sauntering through town before dismounting at an inn for ale and roast meat. The cool thing about Tallinn is that little has truly changed in the Old Town since those times. One great place to experience the many facets of medieval Tallinn is the Kiek in de Kök Museum. In one place, you can explore centuries-old defence tunnels, enjoy the view of the city from atop a medieval guard tower and take a stroll on the city wall, still standing after several centuries.  

Tallinn isn’t all medieval. A few places that demand a visit include Kadriorg Palace, a gorgeous baroque palace now housing European art, the Seaplane Harbour, a former airplane hangar turned maritime museum, and just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town, you’ll find the dynamic Rotermann Quarter. This former factory area is now infused with elements of modern architecture, transforming its 19th-century industrial edifices into trendy offices, commercial areas, and apartments. Art lovers: don’t miss the fantastic Poco pop and contemporary art museum featuring legends like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Happy exploring!   

These four cities offer such a wide variety of architectural histories and styles to explore.

• In Warsaw, you’ll find impressive buildings like the Palace of Culture and Science, though also many 18th and 19th century gems in the Classical style.

• Vilnius, once a hub for different cultures and peoples, offers immense diversity, from Gothic to Baroque, which can be seen in Vilnius Cathedral or Gediminas Castle Tower.

• Riga is the region’s capital of Art Nouveau. Don’t miss the Three Brothers!

• And finally, Tallinn’s nearly perfectly preserved Old Town is ideal for anyone fascinated by a city built during the medieval times.