Before I begin, I just want to say that for the purposes of this post, I’m lumping all countries east of Berlin into the greater category of “Eastern Europe,” although this term is more complicated than that, and many of these countries are under more specified regions, like the Baltics or the Balkans. I also am including many countries that are more Central Europe but it’s all for the purpose of simplification, not to offend! And to get you interested in this under-explored but highly deserving region of the world.
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Now that Eastern Europe is in my rearview mirror (sob!), I can’t stop thinking about this region of the world. Being back in the States for a little while, many people are surprised we spent three years in places like the Czech Republic and Hungary. Apparently there’s still a stereotype alive and well amongst our American family members and friends–that Eastern Europe is depressing, gray, dingy, and fairly uniform.
Well, I’m here to tell you that this area of Europe quickly climbed up my list as one of my favorite regions in the entire world. Not only is it incredibly diverse, but it’s full of gorgeous landscapes, cities that rival the likes of Paris–at a fraction of the cost!, intricate architecture, unique cultural institutions, and tons of amazing food!
So if Eastern Europe isn’t on your radar, here are 20 pictures to inspire you to visit–and if you do, let me know, so I can live vicariously through you (I miss it so much!).
prague
prague
cesky krumlov, czech republic
budapest
budapest
eger, hungary
bratislava, slovakia
lower tatras, slovakia
belgrade, serbia
transylvania, romania
brasov, romania
korcula island, croatia
kotor bay, montenegro
athens, greece
santorini, greece
lake ohrid, macedonia
krakow, poland
wroclaw, poland
lake bled, slovenia
smartno, slovenia
Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday.
Esther @ YourDutchGuide says
I have just returned from Prague and it was gorgeous. I have also traveled to Budapest and Bratislava and loved those cities as well. I highly recommend trying Belgrade as well, a very interesting city!!
#WanderfulWednesday
AmyMacWorld says
Yes! There’s a Belgrade shot in the post :). I didn’t spend much time there, but it’s such a fun little city!
Tanja / The red phone box trav says
great photos!
AmyMacWorld says
Thank you 🙂
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
Gorgeous! You have definitely managed to inspire me with these colourful shots 🙂 Eastern Europe isn’t a place I have visited much of, but I would certainly like to!
AmyMacWorld says
Go now, while it’s still cheap! 😉
Amanda says
Yup, these photos confirm that I need to book my Europe trip ASAP. I still have never really been there! Ugh Greece looks so dreamy. <3
AmyMacWorld says
Greece is one of my favorites! And the food! Ugh I miss it…
Camila @ AdventitiousViolet says
This all looks amazing!! I definitely want to visit eastern Europe, but it’s a bit too far away to do weekend trips from Scotland haha, but will definitely make it there 🙂
AmyMacWorld says
Yeah, probably better for a long weekend or a longer vacation 🙂 it’s such an awesome part of Europe!
Jessi @2feet1world says
Oooh so many gorgeous shots – that one from Bratislava is definitely one of my favourites though. I’ve still got so many of these beautiful places to see!
AmyMacWorld says
Bratislava is the perfect weekend trip! Not sure how easy it is to get to from London–but it’s a day trip from Vienna 😉