Albania

Tirana is a lot nicer than its reputation. Lots of open spaces, green parks, a few low-key sights to tick off, and, most surprisingly, a normal functional city. Sure, some buildings are still decorated with socialist mosaics, nouveau-riche are whizzing by in black Hummers, and most roads are potholed - just like in the rest of Albania, but Tirana is a fascinating place to explore - and it doesn't hurt that the nightlife is as vivacious as in the rest of Eastern Europe.