Every year without fail, visitors flock to Europe in record numbers. The continent receives more tourists than any other on the globe. In fact, of the most popular vacation destinations worldwide, Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom consistently rank in the top ten. Other European nations like Greece, Austria and Switzerland are not so far behind.

While all of these locations boast a slew of reasons to merit a visit, from architecture to cuisine, beaches to ski resorts, culture to commerce, there is more to Europe than the obvious list of vacation candidates. No coincidence that these three former Socialist republics qualify as veritable hidden gems and appeal not only to those who want to stray from the beaten path but to those who want more bang for their buck.

Tbilisi, Georgia

With just under 5 million residents, Georgia is a wonderful amalgam of ancient Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. The capital city of Tbilisi boasts a cultural flair that affirms this blended heritage. While political unrest and demonstrations have plagued this nation over the years, the usual caution wise travellers would otherwise exercise will keep you in good stead.

Tbilisi has much to offer eager tourists, especially those who want to stretch their finances. Cash, either Euros or USD, is advisable as a primary method of payment and a daily budget of $50 will go a long way towards securing spacious, clean accommodations and great food. Georgian cuisine is delicious and rich and for most, restaurant meals will appear almost unfairly affordable.

Tbilisi is a modification of the Georgian word for “warm”. If nothing else, this European capital of almost 1.5 million people is decidedly that. Residents are gracious and hospitable, despite reports to the contrary, which only augments the rustic charm of the city. Although public transportation is cheap and plentiful, the best way to see Tbilisi is simply to walk. Nestled within three mountain ranges and the Mtkvari River on one side, the city is akin to an amphitheater in shape, with panoramic views of the rugged Georgian geography. The structures within the city are indicative of the dominant cultural forces over the past several hundred years. The results are an architecture afficionado’s dream, with strong examples of Byzantine, Middle Eastern and classical Russian design. Walk the streets with your camera and try to take a bad shot – it would be near impossible to do so.

Georgia experiences four seasons, so plan your trip to Tbilisi with that in mind. When in town, try to catch a Dinamo Tbilisi football match. The team is the easternmost on the continent to win a major European championship and plays to capacity crowds at Boris Paichadze National Stadium. A performance at the Paliashvili Opera House is another highlight to consider, as are visits to the 8th century Sioni Cathedral and Narakala fortress.

Vilnius, Lithuania

The “new Prague”, as many now refer to the capital of this Baltic state, has much to boast about. With an old Baroque town without peer on the continent and a UNESCO World Heritage site, a population of bright young minds and a vibrant economy to boot, there has never been a better time to discover Vilnius.

The city has had residents in one form or another since the 5th century. The establishment of the city in the 16th century as a major center of trade, industry and culture is a major bonus for present-day tourists. Simply put, there is much to see in Vilnius.

Like many post-Communist era towns, Vilnius is a study in polar opposites. Visible remnants of Communist rule vie for attention alonside a robust arts scene that thrives amid exquisite Baroque architecture. Most attractions, accommodations and meals are well within reach of even the most stingy budget, in comparison to other European capitals. The Lithuanian Lita is the currency of choice.

A visit to Vilnius should begin with a long walk through the Old Town. Take time to digest the architecture and observe residents as they go about daily life. The Museum of Genocide Victims may sound grisly but it provides a unique look into what life was like under KGB rule for countless Lithuanians. The Gates of Dawn area of the city features some of the best views of the Tbilisi’s Baroque structures. Gediminas Hill is a great location to observe the sunset over the city, after which many head to the New Town pedestrian zone for dinner and a taste of Tbilisi nightlife. If basketball season is in session, try to score tickets to a Lietuvos Rytas match.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

On the borders of Austria, Hungary, Italy and Croatia and over fifteen years removed from independence as a member of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has become a modern European nation. The pretty capital of Ljubljana, devoid of tourist hordes and the pomp and pretenses of larger towns, is the example par excellence of what is possible out of the shadows of communist rule. The pace of life is measured without being leisurely, but quiet enough that one can take it all in with grace and peaceful ease.

The Ljubljanica river snakes through the center of the city and delineates the Baroque from the modern. To the west, the commercial and modern Ljubljana. To the east and perhaps of more interest to visitors, the old city, replete with churches and castles. The numerous bridges that connect both sides illustrate the utter quaintness of the city. Small enough to walk, a tour of the old town is no surprise, a wonderful start. This is where tourists flock to take in major monuments, religious iconography, trendy shops and boutiques and the best restaurants Ljubljana has to offer. While prices have gone up in Slovenia over the past decade and since the adoption of the Euro, seasoned travellers will note that deals and steals abound if you look hard enough and get off the beaten path.

Lovers of architecture will be happy to discover the work of native Jo?e Plecnik. His masterpieces are evident throughout Ljubljana, from the famous Triple Bridge to the Museum of Architecture itself. The National Museum of Slovenia is worth a visit, as are the Roman ruins at the center of town. A zoo may seem like a tired tourist trap but Ljubljana boasts one of the best on the continent. Tivoli Park is an ideal spot to rest sore feet and have a picnic amid locals and for superlative culture and entertainment, take in a performance at the Opera House and check out the lively nightclub scene. Residents are a fun lot, love revelry and encourage visitors to get in on the act.