Few cities are a better reminder of the divide between East and West than Narva. Here two castles face each other across the river dividing Russia from Estonia. We recommend Narva for those looking to get off the beaten path and explore Eastern Europe’s Soviet legacy. The Swedes developed the city, building a Baroque Old Town and extensive fortifications in addition to the castle. Largely destroyed during World War II, Narva was rebuilt and resettled by Soviet citizens. We recommend visiting the border, where one of Imperial Russia’s largest factories sits on an island between waterfalls. When the weather is warm, visit the beach near the two castles, one of Estonia’s most photographed spots. The seaside district of Narva-Joesuu, with its pine forest and fine sand, is the best place in town to stay, due to its calm surroundings and higher quality accommodations than available in the center of town. Next to Narva’s surviving Baroque town hall is an impressive new university building, with a roof that slopes outwards beyond the floor area of the building, and plenty of cozy places for travelers to rest. Photographers are fond of Narva’s Soviet architecture and Russian Orthodox and Lutheran churches, but the surrounding countryside has its own scenic and historic beauty.