Things to do in Eastern Europe for Indian Travelers!

So what exactly is Eastern Europe and what countries make up this bloc? 

Finding an answer to this question is easier said than done, and it's actually impossible to come to a list which is agreeable to everyone. During the cold war days, it was all the countries which were across the invisible 'Iron Curtain' which divided the Soviet bloc from the West. East Germany before reunification was also part of Eastern Europe. Clearly the boundaries of Eastern Europe are not as fixed and keep changing, and will continue to do so even in future.

A church in Romania

Wikipedia currently defines Eastern Europe as this:

A cultural (econo-cultural and religious) entity: the region lying in Europe with the main characteristics consisting of Byzantine, Orthodox, and some Turco-Islamic influences.

The definition is more about culture than geography, though 'Eastern' does sort-of refer to geography of this econo-cultural and religious entity.

According to this brilliant piece Eastern Europe is defined as the Hidden Europe, simply because it is much less well known,even to many Europeans. According to this, there are about 25 countries which make Eastern Europe. Of course not everyone will agree to this, but then Eastern Europe is more than a line - it's a sentiment too and it's always impossible to bottle up emotions.

So now that we have sort of settled on the definition of Eastern Europe, let's check out five popular countries which are on my dream list :)

Romania

Romania describes itself as Authentic, Natural and Cultural and the travel experiences within the country encompasses all of these experiences. From it's cultural city Bucharest to the Black Sea to the historical regions of Bucovina or Maramures, there are unique experiences almost everywhere.

Romania

There are numerous resorts along the coast of Black Sea, palaces and castles, painted monasteries, biking paths for bikers of all skill levels, and much much more.

Start your travels from Bucharest and then move inwards.

Pro-tip: Did you know that Romania is a great destination for road-trips as well? Read this guide to know more: Romanian Road Trip.

Capital city: Bucharest
Language: Romanian
Currency: Romanian leu
Visa: own visa

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Bosnia and Herzegovina calls itself the last undiscovered region of Southern Alps. The heart shaped country is also the meeting point of the West and the East in Europe, though often these meetings were clashes.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

For a small country with a long name, it's full of other surprises too. It has some of the most beautiful medieval towns like Mostar and Sarajevo which still have the old towns beautifully preserved and largely unexplored. If you love nature, you can always go up to Sutjeska National Park as well.

Capital city: Sarajevo
Language: Bosnian, Crotian & Serbian
Currency: Convertable mark
Visa: Own visa

Poland

Poland has been a bit slow to come of the shadow of the Soviet Bloc and is a bit more conservative compared to the rest of Europe. But now tourism plays a large part in the economy of the country and is actively being promoted as well. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Krakow, Wrocław, Gdansk and Warsaw.

Winters in Poland

There are resorts on the Baltic coast which are popular during summers as well as resorts for skiing and hiking during winters. Many atrocities were committed against the Jews during the second world war when Poland was under occupation and many people come to the country to explore it's Jewish past as part of the Holocaust and Shtetl tourism.

Capital city: Warsaw
Language: Polish
Currency: Polish zloty
Visa: Schengen visa

Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world and with size comes a variety of tourist destinations spread across the country. Despite that, Russia remains much less explored and for me it's actually the number one destination in Eastern Europe to explore.

Winters in Russia

From the historical and beautiful cities of St Petersburg and Moscow, to the Ural mountain range, and then all the way to China and Mongolia border, the country is simply full of hidden wonders - both natural and man-made.

One of the best, though not the only, way to explore the country is through the Trans-Siberian railway.

Capital city: Moscow
Language: Russian
Currency: Russian ruble
Visa: Own visa

Czech Republic

Over the last few years, Czech Republic has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, especially the beautiful capital city Prague. Prague has a brilliant and vibrant night life and the costs are remarkably low.

Prague in Czech Republic

For nature lovers there is Bohemian Paradise, Bohemian and Sumava National Park. while for lovers of architecture, the country is home to some of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the world (something in common with the nearby Dresden in Germany).

Czech Republic is just the kind of place I would love to visit and I can't wait to get there. Hopefully soon. If it's on your mind too, here's an excellent guide: Itinerary for Czech Republic.

Capital city: Prague
Language: Czech
Currency: Czech koruna
Visa: Schengen visa

Slovenia

Slovenia is a country which is often placed both in Central Europe as well as Eastern Europe, but no matter where you place it, it's one of the most beautiful countries to explore in Europe.

From climbing Mt Triglav, to exploring it's capital city Ljubljana and Piran, to hiking, trekking and adventures, the country literally has something for everyone.

Read more: Travel guide to Slovenia

Slovenia

Capital city: Ljubljana
Language: Slovene
Currency: Euro
Visa: Schengen visa

Hungary

Now, some consider Hungary as central European, but traditionally it's also often been called a Eastern European country. The country has two main rivers, Danube and Tisza, and the country is also often described geographically with reference to these two.

Budapest Parliament building

Though the country is Catholic, it's also the home to the largest synagogue in the whole of Europe built in 1859, apart from the biggest bath in Europe. The country, especially it's capital Budapest (read more: attractions of Budapest), is known for gorgeous architecture and some of the largest cathedrals. The music in the country is a mix of traditional folk music as well as classical music.

Capital city: Budapest
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Forint
Visa: Schengen visa

Exploring Balkans

Many of the countries (not all) that are part of Eastern Europe, also form the Balkans, and some of the most popular of these are Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania.

Read more: Balkan Travel Guide

Afterword

These were just five of the total of about 25 countries which loosely form Eastern Europe, and I believe each one of those are worth spending a few days in.

Unfortunately, Schengen visa doesn't work for many of these and you need to apply for a separate visa for many of these. Apart from that, English isn't as common as Western Europe and many of these countries use their own currency, and not Euros.

Note: all images sourced from Pixabay - home for free high quality images.