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Eastern Europe Travel Destinations

By , About.com Guide

Destinations in Eastern Europe include cosmopolitan cities, historic villages, seaside escapes, romantic castles, frozen landscapes, and luxury retreats. Travel destinations in Eastern Europe are varied and exciting, especially when flavored with local culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
  1. Prague and Czech Republic
  2. Russia
  3. Poland
  4. Bulgaria
  1. Romania
  2. Hungary
  3. The Baltics
  4. Ukraine

Prague and Czech Republic

Prague National Theater

The city of Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe. Despite this, many travelers don't know that Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic! While Prague has clubs, pubs, restaurants, sights, and shopping galore, exploring the other regions of the Czech Republic is also a worthwhile experience.

Russia

Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi Island

Russia's uniqueness is its draw. Large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as rural villages, have distinct personalities. Russia is also known for its beautiful wilderness, icy northern regions, picturesque cathedrals, and sheer size.

Poland

Chess Players near Wawel Castle in Krakow

As a destination, Poland's popularity is quickly rivaling that of Prague's. With cities that maintain historical beauty, castles that host overnight guests, delicious local cuisine, and still-reasonable prices, Poland is a destination that will give travelers great photographs and fond memories.

Bulgaria

Bulgarian Table

Bulgaria is an up-and-coming Eastern Europe travel destination. With Byzantine churches symbolizing a strong Orthodox heritage, ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout the country, and monasteries and villages tucked away in the mountains, Bulgaria is a travel destination full of secrets and mystery.

Romania

Romanian Woman

Romania is a country best known for its Dracula heritage. Whether you're vampire hunting in Transylvania, or seeking to experience other aspects of Romanian culture, Romania is an Eastern Europe destination that can offer a peek into Eastern European life as it has been lived for centuries.

Hungary

The Danube River in Budapest

The "Country of the Magyars" is a convenient starting destination for exploring the rest of Eastern and Central Europe. It capital city, Budapest, is the country's commercial center.

The Baltics

Street in Vilnius Lithuania

The Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - are often not given credit for being individual entities with unique cultures, languages, and histories. However, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia all contribute to the region's richness individually. The geographic relationship the Baltic countries share makes them easy to see during one trip - so you can compare and contrast their similarities and differences.

Ukraine

St. Michael's Monastery Kiev

Ukraine is a country that has often played second fiddle to Russia, but Ukraine is not a part of Russia. In Ukraine, historians find the origins of ancient Rus', where Kievan princes encouraged the development of law, learning, and Christianity. Today, Ukraine is a country with goals to remove itself politically and socially farther from its neighbor, Russia. When traveling to Ukraine, visitors will find remnants of Soviet rule, the memory of Rus', and indications that Ukraine has plans for the future.

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