Top 6 Eastern European Travel Destinations

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the countries of Eastern Europe have worked hard to fuel tourism, and many American travelers have embraced travel to this region. If you’re interested in traveling there, or if you’re looking to go farther afield in Eastern Europe, here are some places to consider.

Estonia

Estonia is a Baltic state, and along with sister states Lithuania and Latvia has a long history of intellectualism and cultural richness.  

The country's history of diverse influences has resulted in a delightful blend of Finnish, Russian, and German elements, which you’ll notice in both the people and the cuisine. The place to start in Estonia is Tallinn, the capital. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, looks like it was lifted from a medieval fantasy novel. The countryside is pleasant, and the Baltic Sea can is beautiful.

All the Baltic states are worth visiting, but Estonia is the place to start.

Things to see:

Tallinn's Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tallinn's Old Town is a beautifully preserved medieval city center with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and charming squares.

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle: Located on Saaremaa Island, this well-preserved medieval castle offers a glimpse into Estonia's past.

Pärnu: Known as Estonia's summer capital, Pärnu boasts beautiful beaches, spas, and a lively promenade.

Matsalu National Park: One of Europe's best bird-watching destinations, this park is a haven for nature lovers.

Georgia

How do you find Georgia? Start at Mississippi and head east – way east. What you’re looking for is the country nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

Tbilisi, the capital, is a mashup of Soviet-era buildings and colorful wooden balconies you wouldn’t expect to see this side of Nepal.

Their food tends to be heavy on walnuts, with plenty of cheese and bread across all meals. Another specialty is churchkhela, which is basically grape-and-walnut jerky. It’s different but not too different, and very good.

Georgians take hospitality seriously, like it's a competitive sport. This helps alleviate some of the skepticism away when approaching a country that many American travelers simply know nothing about.

Things to see:

Mtskheta: One of Georgia's oldest cities, Mtskheta is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Kazbegi National Park: Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, this park is perfect for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

Batumi: A coastal city on the Black Sea, Batumi is famous for its modern architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant nightlife.

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North Macedonia

North Macedonia has a unique name that stands out. Interestingly, there's no country called South Macedonia, which makes it even more distinctive. Unlike North Dakota, which has a southern counterpart, North Macedonia stands alone with its rich history and culture. Name aside, the country’s a gem. It’s got ancient ruins, stunning lakes, mountains that look like an AI-created painting (in a good way), and a capital city, Skopje, that's a little bit of everything – heroic statues, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern shopping districts.

It also has a special local liquor called rakija made from fermented fruit and anise. If you ever wondered what Good ‘n’ Plenty shots would taste like, North Macedonia has the answer.

The country’s an incredible place for hikers and bikers – especially the  interior, which features gem-blue lakes bordered by mountains … just what you’d expect from a country called North Macedonia.

Things to see:

Skopje: The capital city features a mix of historic and modern attractions, including the Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and the Millennium Cross.

Ohrid: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ohrid is known for its beautiful lake, ancient churches, and historic architecture.

Matka Canyon: A popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Mavrovo National Park: This park offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for skiing and hiking.

Also Read: Travel Protection Claims Tips to Know Before You Go

Moldova

Moldova may not be the first place that comes to mind, but it's a hidden gem for wine lovers. This country boasts some of the world's most impressive vineyards and wine cellars, rivaling even the famous Napa Valley. The Milestii Mici wine cellar is an underground city of wine, with more than 200 kilometers of tunnels and a wine collection that made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.

The rest of the country is worth exploring, from the cathedrals of the capital city of Chișinău to the inhabited caves and historical ruins of Orheiul Vechi.

Slovakia

After the breakup of the Soviet bloc, many countries went their separate ways, but none more notably than Czechoslovakia. The country split into two independent nations: the Czech Republic (Czechia) and Slovakia.Slovakia is the lesser-known of the two countries, primarily because it doesn’t have Prague. What it does have is Bratislava, a city so close to Vienna you can almost smell the Sachetorte, and a whole lot of countryside worth exploring.

All of Slovakia gives off Old Europe vibes, with narrow streets, medieval buildings, markets, and quaint city centers. What it doesn’t have is as many tourists as you’d find in Hungary or Czechia.

Things to see:

Bratislava: The capital city offers a mix of historic and modern attractions, including Bratislava Castle, the Old Town, and the Danube River.

High Tatras: A mountain range perfect for hiking, skiing, and enjoying breathtaking views.

Spiš Castle: One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, Spiš Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bojnice Castle: A fairy-tale castle known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque setting.

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Romania

Once more for the record: There are no vampires in Romania. While all the conditions are right for vampires – dark forests, gloomy castles, bats, coffins ­– they just never took. Bad soil, probably.

And to be clear, Transylvania is just one part of Romania – a totally cool, heavily wooded, castled and hilled region that you should explore regardless of your feelings about vampires, but not all there is to Romania.

Bucharest, the capital, is probably the best place on earth to see communist-era architecture.  The city features numerous monuments and buildings from that period, offering a unique glimpse into its history.

Romania has a rich history influenced by various civilizations. The remnants of communist-era architecture coexist with traces of earlier conquerors, including the Romans (hence Romania), Goths, Avars, Huns, Slavs, Bulgars, Hungarians, Mongols, Ottomans, and Germans. Each of these cultures left behind fascinating artifacts, making Romania a treasure trove of historical sites and museums. Finally if it’s countryside you want, most of the country is bike-friendly and ripe for exploration.

Things to see:

Bucharest: The capital city is known for its communist-era architecture, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament.

Transylvania: Famous for its medieval castles, fortified churches, and picturesque landscapes.

Bran Castle: Often associated with the Dracula legend, Bran Castle is a popular tourist destination.

Danube Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Danube Delta is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Also Read: Travel Resources: Theft and Loss on a Trip

Note that many of these countries are in the non-English-speaking regions of Europe, so see our suggestions for the best language and translation apps to take along.

Europe is more diverse and explorable than ever, which means more trips to Europe are in the offing. Be sure to protect them with travel protection and assistance services from Generali Global Assistance.

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