Most Beautiful Places in Eastern Europe

Explore dynamic urban avenues teaming with energy, and submerge yourself in the unspoiled magnificence of flawless sceneries.

The charm of Eastern Europe is found in its capability to amaze and please unexpectedly. 

For those adventurous wanderers in search of the most stunning jewels of the area, it assures an extraordinary and memorable expedition.

What to Know about Eastern Europe

The term "Eastern Europe" refers to a specific section of Europe. It's a vague phrase that can mean several things depending on the context (geopolitical, geographical, ethnic, cultural, and societal).

To the east are the Ural Mountains, while to the west are the borders of Poland and Romania.

Standard definitions include Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; more expansive ones include in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

Traditions of the Slavs and Greeks and the impact of Eastern Christianity as it built up through the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire have historically characterized the primary socio-cultural aspects of Eastern Europe.

Top 10 Beautiful Places in Eastern Europe

Let's dive into this extraordinary tapestry of beauty and charm in Eastern Europe.

Belgrade, Serbia

The city's Old Town architecture and the energetic young Serbian population make it hard to beat. The historic district of Belgrade, commonly known as Stari Grad, is a must-see.

Belgrade should be on your itinerary if you have any interest in learning about Yugoslavia's past.

Don't leave without spending a whole day at the beautiful Kalemegdan Park, located within the Belgrade Fortress!

The confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers is a spectacular sight, especially when accompanied by the dawn over the lake.

Belgrade is the ideal year-round vacation for those who enjoy the chill. Even in the dead of winter, there is typically not too much snow, making the city accessible by foot.

Brașov, Romania

Transylvania, a region of Romania, is known for its castles, eerie fog, and quaint towns and villages, including the metropolis of Brașov.

Even after ascending to the top of the notorious "Brasov sign" (a rip off of the Hollywood sign - yep, really! ), Brașov does not feel like a metropolis but rather a little village best explored on foot.

Bran Castle (aka Dracula's Castle) and Peles Castle (the most magnificent castle in Eastern Europe) are both easily accessible from here.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a hidden treasure that can be reached by boat from Helsinki, Finland, and is situated on the Baltic Sea.

This is one of the best-connected cities in the Baltics by air, land, and sea, making it a must-visit for anybody passing through the region.

When visiting Tallinn, the best way to take in the sights is to just meander around the city and see what you find.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

It's possible that nothing else in Europe looks more like it was plucked straight from a fairytale than this quaint little hamlet.

In the summer, the terra cotta roofs sparkle in the sun, but in the winter, they are typically covered in a thick covering of snow (which caused me to trip more than once!).

Cesky Krumlov is the one place in Eastern Europe I would recommend to you since it has a special place in my heart.

Golden Ring, Russia

This huge region is to the northeast of Moscow, Russia, and is home to several important Russian cities.

The medieval settlements around Moscow create a 'Golden Ring' and are considered living museums due to their significance in the origins of Russia and the Rus people.

Sergiyev Posad, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Suzdal, Yarislavl, Perislavl-Zalessky, and Rostov Veliky are among the most important cities there.

Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, a monastery founded in the 14th century, is only one of many magnificent cathedrals and monasteries in Russia that depict the tale of a thousand years of Orthodox Christianity in Russia.

Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor, often called Boka, is a large bay on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea in the southwestern corner of Montenegro.

It's a picturesque area with rolling green hills, medieval villages, and clusters of red-roofed homes flowing down into the beach.

The region is rich in spectacular sites, from ancient citadels to islands topped with monasteries, and is best explored by automobile along its meandering roads.

The Bay of Kotor is the most picturesque in the region, and it's possible to have fresh seafood and romantic candlelit meals by the water frequently.

The ancient town of Kotor is a Venetian marvel, and it's definitely worth staying there because of the stunning mountain scenery.

Saint Petersburg

St. Petersburg, the former imperial capital, is now Russia's cultural epicenter. It was established by Peter the Great in 1703 and has several ornate imperial structures.

The State Russian Museum is where you may contemplate Kandinsky's works, and the Mariinsky Theatre is where you can see world-class ballet and opera.

The Hermitage Museum has a stunning collection of antiquities in six buildings, the most famous of which is the stunning Winter Palace.

Expect excellent shopping, food, and nightlife in this canal city that also sits on the Baltic shore.

Lake Balaton, Hungary

In the months of July and August, the "Hungarian Sea" is overrun with vacationing Hungarians.

You may chill out with them at a lakeside resort or attend one of the many summer events held there, including the diverse Samsara yoga and trance music festival or the world-famous Balaton Sound.

Old Town, Lviv, Ukraine

The Old Town of Lviv is most known for its fascinating architecture, which blends Eastern European forms with Italian and German influences.

Since 1998, UNESCO has recognized the Old Town, which includes the High Castle, numerous beautiful churches, and the lively Market Square, as a World Heritage Site.

Tkalčića Street, Zagreb

In the heart of the Croatian city, you'll find a wonderful boulevard lined with excellent eateries open all hours of the day and night. Stop by Sjedi 5 for coffee first thing in the morning.

Enjoy a pint of Pivnica Mali Medo's house beer after a long day. Stroll about and take in the historic architecture that today serves as the city's main gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Conclusion

Our tour of Eastern Europe's most stunning locations has ended, and we've come away in awe of the region's undeniable charm.

Eastern Europe has proven to be a treasure mine of beauty and enchantment, from architectural wonders that whisper tales of the past to pristine landscapes that kindle a feeling of wonder.

These places have left indelible imprints on our souls, whether we spent time exploring the bustling streets of a major metropolis or lost ourselves in the majesty of a national park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eastern Europe still cheap?

Eastern Europe is still one of the best regions to visit on a tight budget, with many popular destinations being significantly cheaper than in the West.

How many countries are located in Eastern Europe?

Simply put, Eastern Europe refers to the continent's eastern half. Ukraine, western Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Romania are all considered part of Eastern Europe by the United Nations.

What is Eastern Europe called?

Eastern Europe is called the “Eastern Bloc.” Approximately between 1945 and 1990, a collection of Eastern European countries called the "Eastern Bloc" was politically, economically, and culturally associated with the Soviet Union.