Sure, Paris, France in Western Europe is home to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Then there’s the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum in Sweden located in Northern Europe. But did you know that you would spend more on a trip to tourist destinations in Western Europe and Northern Europe than you would on a trip to Eastern Europe? Not as many tourists visit the eastern portion of Europe compared to the northern and western portions. Western Europe’s higher economic standing and better marketing of different attractions to tourists is why individuals flock here more than in the East.
However, Eastern Europe has an appeal that is unlike any other in the country because of its rich cultural roots of the Slavs and the Greek people and influences from Eastern Christianity. Let’s discover more about the 5 most fascinating places to visit within different countries throughout Eastern Europe.
#1 Russia
As the largest country in the Eastern European region and the overall biggest country in the world, Russia has so much to see and do. Visit the State Hermitage Museum in the heart of Saint Petersburg to relish in the fine arts of Western Europe all without having to leave Eastern European territory. There are more than 17,000 paintings, 12,000 sculpted masterpieces, and even more art pieces to explore during your visit. After browsing the museum, stop for lunch at Katyusha, a family-friendly Russian restaurant with a kids’ menu. After that, you can walk a few steps over to the Kazansky Cathedral to learn more about the rich history of the Lady of Kazan. Before visiting the country, be sure to apply for the Russia online visa at least a week before your planned visit. You will have from 60 days until the day that your visa is issued to utilize it for entry into the country.
#2 Romania
Transylvania is one of the most well-known regions situated in central Romania because of its beautiful medieval places featuring Gothic architectural influences. Explore Bran Castle, which sparked the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula, which was the home of the aforenamed vampire. Because of Romania’s diverse regions, you can go hiking in the Carpathian Mountains on one day of your trip and visit one of the beaches for beautiful views of the Black Sea another day. There are 11 beach resorts that you can visit within a 45-mile stretch of the Black Sea’s coastline in the Romanian region such as Mangalia, Venus, and Saturn beaches. I visited Romania in 2017 and it was an incredible experience, you can read more here!
#3 Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a melting pot of many cultures, including the quintessential Slavic and Greek influences along with a dash of Ottoman and Persian influences as well. The nation borders the coastline of the Black Sea, which means you can have many adventures near the water. Visit Cape Kaliakra to view a naturally made rock sculpture with a rich legend behind it. The legend foretells a woman named Kaliakra and 40 other women of Bulgarian descent who had to flee from the Ottomans, so they created these rock formations at Cape Kaliakra to cross the Black Sea. When you walk the streets of Bulgarian cities, do not be surprised if you hear bagpipes. It’s one of the most popular instruments in all of the country and is a key sound in Bulgarian folk music. A Bulgarian bagpipe is better known as gaida by locals.
#4 Estonia
Estonia is an awe-inspiring Eastern European country composed of 1,500 islands with many lakes, forests, and mountainous beach terrain to explore. Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and best known for its Old Town featuring Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets with many restaurants, meeting rooms, museums, hotels, and more for your convenience and pleasure. Take a trip to Japan without leaving Estonia by basking in a tasty dinner at Kanuti Ramen & Wine Bar. When it’s time to turn in for the night to explore more of Old Town the next day, you can enjoy the advanced accommodations at My City Hotel, which includes an allergy-free room or even rooms for disabled individuals. Take the whole family to the Kalev Spa and Water Park to round out the remainder of your trip.
#5 Serbia
While Serbia is one of the 16 landlocked countries in Europe, don’t pass up on the opportunity to visit this country. Serbia is the last location that the Sava River flows to before it dumps into the Danube River which eventually leads to the Black Sea. Many tours and adventures can be had within Belgrade near the Sava River, which is the capital of Serbia. Explore the nightlife and bars in the area on a local tour or take the Sunset Cruise to see the best sights of Serbia from the Sava River. Kayak the Great War Island to see wildlife such as herons and even relax at Lido Beach.
Where Will Your Trip In Eastern Europe Take You?
Whether you plan to visit one of these countries and their tourist destinations in Eastern Europe or another place in the region like Poland, Belarus, or Slovakia, we hope that planning your trip goes smoothly! Don’t forget to apply for an e-visa depending on what country you are visiting and where you are from.
