{"id":26992,"date":"2020-02-03T12:20:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T11:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=26992"},"modified":"2022-12-28T10:31:06","modified_gmt":"2022-12-28T09:31:06","slug":"what-to-do-the-first-time-you-visit-eastern-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/what-to-do-the-first-time-you-visit-eastern-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do the First Time You Visit Eastern Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story was created in partnership with: <\/em>Trafalgar\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

Pick up any list of must-see destinations in Europe, and you\u2019ll find these countries from Eastern Europe have made their way onto those coveted round-ups! With fascinating countries such as Poland<\/strong>, Hungary<\/strong>, and Romania<\/strong>, the Eastern Europe region has often been overlooked by most travelers in favor of more traditional places like Italy, Paris, and Spain. The shift in traveler trends towards moving away from destinations that are overtouristed is making for an exciting change and paving the way for exploring alternate destinations in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve partnered with Trafalgar to show you how to make the most of your first trip to Eastern Europe. If you haven\u2019t visited these countries before and are hoping to plan an Eastern European vacation in 2021, then read on for the 101!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Umbrella Street, Romania | \u00a9 Haseeb Jamil\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best countries to visit in Eastern Europe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As defined by the United Nations, the following countries are considered to be part of Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, and Slovakia, as well as the republics of Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. Some sources consider the Baltics and the southwestern Balkan region also to be part of Eastern Europe. Here we are focusing on the highlights that are; Bulgaria<\/strong>, Czech Republic<\/strong>, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many destinations contending for the best countries to visit in Eastern Europe, each one packed with its own charms. While you might not be able to see all of them in one go, thanks to how close they are to each other \u2013 if you\u2019re visiting for a week to ten days \u2013 you could easily plan a trip around two to three different countries. This table gives you a very quick overview of what not-to-miss! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country<\/strong><\/td>Highlight<\/strong><\/td>Famous for <\/strong><\/td>Capital<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Bulgaria <\/td>Beaches<\/td>Black Sea beaches<\/td>Sofia<\/td><\/tr>
Czech Republic<\/td>Beer culture<\/td>Medieval architecture<\/td>Prague<\/td><\/tr>
Hungary<\/td>Nightlife <\/td>Thermal baths<\/td>Budapest<\/td><\/tr>
Poland<\/td>City culture <\/td>Fascinating history <\/td>Warsaw<\/td><\/tr>
Romania<\/td>Transylvanian towns<\/td>Dracula\u2019s castle <\/td>Bucharest <\/td><\/tr>
Slovakia<\/td>Nature<\/td>High Tatras Mountains <\/td>Bratislava<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n
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Read the article: <\/em>Trade the Classics for These Eastern European Gems<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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The must-see cities in Eastern Europe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Character, immaculately-preserved architecture, and modern-day culture mixed with heritage \u2013 you\u2019ll find incredible experiences in each one of these cities, and you can visit many of them with Trafalgar. Should you choose one of their carefully curated itineraries, you\u2019ll enjoy unique activities that rival any old bucket list. Trafalgar\u2019s Be My Guest<\/em> experiences will give you the chance to dine with locals, learn about traditions first-hand and immerse yourself entirely in Eastern Europe.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Matthias Church, Budapest, Hungary | \u00a9 Florian van Duyn\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Budapest, Hungary <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eastern Europe\u2019s darling, Budapest, has plenty of romance and atmosphere. Packed with all the attributes of an enchanting European city: stunning views along the Danube river, beautiful buildings, art, delicious food, and the thermal baths to top it off \u2013 don\u2019t leave Budapest off your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bratislava, Slovakia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in between several wine-producing regions, Bratislava\u2019s nearby vineyards are a playground for people that love to drink and be merry. With nature on its doorstep and a penchant for bars and cafe culture, there\u2019s more to this city than meets the eye. This cozy gem is easily combined with Vienna, Austria, but trumps its ‘big Imperial sister’ when it comes to affordability, so don’t let it slip you by!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Krak\u00f3w, Poland <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The city has a long and fascinating history, from its Medieval Wavel Castle right up to the famous Schindler factory and its WWII heritage. Don’t be fooled; however, today, Krakow is a bright and living city with cozy streets to wander from Asian fusion restaurants to craft beer bars, and the Polish know how to party if you’re keen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Warsaw’s Old Town is a sight to behold, winter and summer alike | \u00a9 Elijah G\/Unsplah<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Warsaw, Poland <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Easily one of Eastern Europe\u2019s most dynamic capitals, Warsaw will grab your attention in a trice. After World War II, the entire Old Town had been bombed beyond repair but was meticulously rebuilt following pre-war paintings. This is a city where you go from exploring old-world neighborhoods and Soviet-era relics one minute and modern skyscrapers with hip restaurants and bars the next! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brasov, Romania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This city will make you want to run free through cobbled streets \u2013 and there\u2019s no better place to do it than in Brasov. Caught somewhere between fantasy and reality, the truth of this colorful medieval throwback-of-a-city is that, for the most part, it is a living legend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prague, Czech Republic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unusual, quirky, and packed with interesting things to do \u2013 you\u2019ll find everything from bizarre attractions to the downright macabre, and that\u2019s what makes Prague both weird and wonderful. Let your inner child run loose at museums that deal in magic and astronomy, and use exploring the rich history and art as a carrot for nightly discoveries of the many Czech beers loved around the globe.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Discover the quirky vibes of Prague | \u00a9 Mathilda Khoo\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Eastern Europe vacation ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By now, we\u2019ve established just how rich Eastern Europe is, and while exploring this sprawling region, it helps to have a local expert by your side. Trafalgar has plenty of itineraries and choices that will enable you to find a vacation that speaks to the traveler in you. Here are some itineraries you can consider while planning your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prague, Czech Republic | \u00a9 Julia Solonina\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n