The present study is an overview of the temporal route of the waterfront-hosted projects, as they evolved within modern port-cities. We are interested in the methodological and organizational experience gained to advance such large-scale urban operations, calling on all the forces that act in the contemporary society. Further on from momentary influences on urban development, we speak of how public authorities, together with private enterprises, have agreed to apply the urban planning techniques in connection to urban waterfronts, thus redefining the port-city image. In Eastern European countries both theory and practice regarding urban waterfronts are still in their infancy. Conditions of law have made the most valuable urban land at the confluence with water to be protected and preserved only for recreational areas. This led to strictly following the principle of using different city areas for one type of activity only. Therefore, to plan and implement a large waterfront urban operation in the present conditions is a major challenge for any urban planner.