Eastern Europe

According to the United Nations, Eastern Europe comprises Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation, and Slovakia, as well as the republics of Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.

However, many use the term “Eastern Europe” to refer to the countries that were ruled by the communist regime. This is because the concept of the “Iron Curtain” separates Western Europe from Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe.

The region of Eastern Europe comprises a number of different countries, ethnicities, languages, and histories. The different parts of the region are labelled according to various aspects. However, all the countries have one thing in common: they were all part of the Iron Curtain.

Sub-Regions in Eastern Europe

The Eastern European region is made up of different sub-regions. The widely recognised ones include:

• East Central Europe
• The Baltics
• Southeastern Europe/Balkans
• Eastern Europe

Countries of Eastern Europe

The Eastern European region includes many countries.

Russia

The largest Eastern European country is Russia. It is the country that separates Europe and Asia. The country of Russia spans a wide area and encompasses diverse cultures, terrains, and climates.

The capital city of Russia is Moscow. It is a cultural and historical centre. Moscow is the first destination any visitor to the country should explore. The city is home to many attractions, including the Kremlin, various museums, and Lenin’s Mausoleum.

Visiting Moscow is like reading an introduction to other Russian cities. However, other cities would reward their visitors with a plethora of sights, regional traditions, and more.

Czech Republic

Engulfing one of the region’s most popular destinations, Prague, the Czech Republic is an East Central European nation. The country was once part of Slovakia and was under the Soviet Union.

The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, offers visitors much to admire. It offers amazing sights for sightseers, cute attractions for romantic couples, beer for beer connoisseurs, shopping centres for shopaholics, and much more.

However, the Czech Republic is a lot more than Prague. Attractions outside Prague include castles, medieval towns, and spa centres. The Czech Republic’s World Heritage sites showcase its best heritage.

No matter which region of the Czech Republic you visit, Czech culture provides plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the year. You will be able to see through Czech souvenirs how much pride the people take in their traditions.

Poland

Poland is located in the north of the East Central European region. It is a culturally rich country but very easy to get around. Big cities and small towns are tucked into every corner of the country and offer extraordinary experiences.

Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is an interesting destination with a mixture of modernity and history. The historic core of the town has been carefully reconstructed to its pre-war state of elegance.

Poland has other cities worth visiting. Each town has its unique heritage and distinctive traditions to share with visitors. From its medieval castles and palaces to spacious national parks and mountains cutting through its virgin nature, Poland appeals to every type of traveller.

While you are visiting Poland, look for Polish castles. They are plentiful, and many have been turned into museums or hotels.

Polish culture, with its numerous holidays, festive traditions, colourful folk costumes, and charming handicrafts, makes Poland even more attractive as a travel destination.

Croatia

Croatia is a country with long coastlines and beautiful beaches. This alone is enough reason to pay a visit to Croatia. The country also has many cities full of interesting attractions.

Unlike other Southeastern European countries that are struggling to attract tourists, Croatia has a plethora of potential; cruise liners dock in its ports, spring breakers flock to its beaches, and honeymooners seek out its achingly romantic getaways.

The most famous destination in Croatia is Dubrovnik. It has the best seaside life in the whole of Croatia and is truly a must-visit. The city of Dubrovnik welcomes increasing numbers of tourists annually.

With all of the attractions in Dubrovnik, it is not the only destination worth visiting in Croatia. Other Croatian cities and towns reveal the mysteries of past civilisations, proudly serve local cuisines, and protect rare treasures of art and architecture. Consider Split, with its giant Roman palace, or Rovinj, with its legendary church.

Croatian culture is very colourful, as is the country. When you visit the country, make sure to check the embroidered folk costumes. Your visit would never be complete without buying a traditional Croatian costume.

Croatia is also known for its traditional songs and dances. These can be enjoyed during different festivals and holidays. The traditional festivals are an excellent way for you, as a visitor, to learn about the country’s identity and traditions.

Slovakia

This Eastern European country was once part of the Czechoslovak Republic. Right now, Slovakia is an independent country that is located in the centre of Europe. The country is an attractive travel destination because of the diverse monuments and activities it offers.

Slovakia has a stable economy. This is reflected in the country’s attractions. The most famous destination in Slovakia is Bratislava, the capital city. The city has so much to offer.

The most famous destination in Bratislava is its small, compact Old Town. The Old Town is the centre of all festivals that take place during the holidays. Some of the holidays celebrated in the town include New Year’s Eve and Christmas.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bratislava’s Old Town usually conquer all others that take place in nearby European capitals. Furthermore, the best thing about spending Christmas in Bratislava is enjoying traditional dishes and handmade Slovakian crafts sold at the various markets around the capital.

Slovakia’s castles are a great excuse to explore the Slovakian countryside, where mountains, hills, lakes, and fields create romantic settings for picnics and hikes.

Hungary

Hungary is located in the centre of Eastern Europe. The country has a distinctive culture that differentiates it from other Eastern European countries. However, it still shares some similarities with neighbouring cultures.

The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, features 19th-century architecture. This makes Budapest one of the top Romantic cities in Europe. The buildings in the city are known for their intricate details.

Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture drips with detail—Hungary’s Parliament Building is one example of Hungary’s symbolic architecture. Even less officious buildings, like the Great Market Hall, glow with the beauty of past centuries.

Aside from Budapest, Hungary has other cities worth exploring. These include Pécs, famous for its Roman archaeological sites, and Lake Balaton, Hungary’s most popular resort area. Hungary’s castles, from medieval strongholds to temporary structures, offer opportunities to see even more of this country.

Romania

Another Eastern European country is Romania. Even though Romania is not a very popular tourist destination, the country has haunting beauty. Romania has traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

The country is full of hidden surprises that would reveal themselves to the visitors who are patient enough to seek them out. Romanian culture dates back to Roman times when the Dacians inhabited the region.

Archaeological sites reveal information about the earliest Romanians and offer clues to modern Romania’s origins. Romania today preserves much of its past in the countryside, in traditions, castles, churches, and historic towns.​

Moldova

Even though many people wrongly believe that Moldova is a part of Romania, it is actually an independent country. However, Moldova has a culture very similar to Romania’s, and they speak the same language.

The most famous city to visit in this tiny country is its capital, Chisinau.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the most mysterious country in Eastern Europe. It is located in the southeastern part of the region, and it is pretty much unexplored by travellers. This largely undiscovered country boasts a wealth of landscapes of great beauty.

There are many landmarks in Bulgaria. They will teleport you back to the country’s historical times. The Cyrillic alphabet was first introduced here in the 9th century, and this heritage is proudly preserved by its people.

Unlike other European countries, the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia, is not the country’s leading destination. Bulgaria has many mountainous towns and coastal cities that overlook the Black Sea. Furthermore, other cities, such as Plovdiv, reveal Bulgaria’s long heritage through their architectural artefacts and museums.

Another popular tourist attraction in Bulgaria is the Rila Monastery, a centuries-old pilgrimage site. This popular attraction, nestled in the Rila Mountains, is the most important seat of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. While you are around Rila, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the most stunning group of glacial lakes, the Seven Rila Lakes.

Ukraine

Despite being one of the largest countries in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is not popular amongst tourists. Despite unrest in the eastern part of the country, the rest of Ukraine is safe to travel through.

Ukraine has plenty of attractions to see and explore. From the magnificent golden domes of Kyiv to the summer sun on the Black Sea and local delicacies, Ukraine will charm all types of foreign tourists.

A great advantage Ukraine enjoys is its affordability. This makes it an excellent destination for budget travellers. Furthermore, applying for a Ukrainian visa can be done online within only a few minutes.

With a distinct culture full of captivating history, Ukraine is as far from touristy as you can get. Explore glorious cathedrals, Orthodox churches, ancient castles, lush forested hills, and Black Sea beaches.

Belarus

Considered a true hidden gem, Belarus is one of the Eastern European countries that does not attract many tourists. Only recently have travellers paid more attention to this gem of a country and started flocking from every corner of the globe to experience its beauty.

Belarus is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Forests cover its land, and it has significant marshy areas. This unique natural environment crowned the country as the home to many rare animals and plants.

One of the most popular attractions to visit in Belarus is the capital city, Minsk. It is a green city that has many parks and museums. Some of the museums in Minsk include the popular Belarusian Folk Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life. This skansen attracts a wide range of travellers.