5 Eastern European destinations better than Vegas
If you’ve been battered by Storm Imogen and the February blues have got you thinking about your next big holiday, make Eastern Europe your go-to destination. The ex-communist block is quickly becoming one of the hippest holiday hotspots thanks to its cheap booze, stylish bars and sunny beaches. But if you’re not sure where to head to first, check out our pick of the top five cities that are even better than Vegas.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is easily Europe’s most decadent party town. Once the sun goes down, the Serbian capital comes alive on its legendary floating splavovi (barges). Eat, drink and dance the night away at its debauched riverside parties. Or head to Plastic, Freestyler or Blaywatch if you want to rub shoulders with the sociable Serbian locals. The Grand Casino Beodrad is another must-visit if you want to end your night in style.
Riga, Latvia
Located on the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the river Daugava, Riga offers everything you could possibly want from a holiday with boys. FHM named it Europe’s #1 stag party destination and it’s easy to see why. The city’s packed with old world beer halls, cheap bars and super-sleek nightclubs that will give you an unforgettable night out. Head to Club Essential if you want help from DJs like Tiesto and Armin Buuren, to party the night away.
Prague, Czech Republic
Vegas may boast the Stratosphere and Caesar’s Palace, but you can’t beat Prague for jaw-dropping architecture. The “city of a hundred spires” has tons of eclectic buildings to look at, while you’re nursing a hangover from the morning after the night before. For night-time fun, you can’t go wrong at any of its dazzling bars and nightclubs – after all this is the home of absinthe. We recommend tasting Prague’s best tipples at Café Slava – where the booze is mouth-wateringly cheap. Czech please!
Zagreb, Croatia
It has the best nightlife in Croatia, according to Time Out – but there are plenty more reasons to head to Zagreb. The live music scene is booming and bars like Spunk, Skola and Boban are the perfect way to polish your night off. Take a trip in summer, and you’ll find Lake Jarun bursting with beaches, bikinis and great-value booze. Blackjack and poker fans will love the buzzing Golden Sun Casino – so good it could rival Vegas.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow certainly has fighting spirit – it’s Poland’s only city not to have been reduced to rubble in World War II. The city’s a UNESCO World Heritage site which means there’s tons to see including Europe’s largest medieval market square and a fairy-tale castle. But don’t be put off, if culture’s not your thing. There’s an epic number of places to party and drink. The 24 hour nightlife means there’s always a good reason to continue the party until dawn. We especially recommend the Unsound festival in Autumn. Just make sure you stop by Krakow’s too-good-to-miss casinos before you head home.
If you can’t afford a trip to Eastern Europe, don’t poo-poo the idea of a staycation. At 32Red.com we’ve got a cracking range of online casino games that will keep you just as entertained as any holiday with the boys. From roulette and blackjack to every type of poker, say “do widzenia” (goodbye) to expensive holidays and hello to cracking online fun.
