Exploring Eastern Europe

Are you planning a holiday in Europe this summer? With Western Europe being a popular choice, it is easy to feel drawn toward countries such as France, Spain, or Italy for your summer getaway. That being said, Eastern Europe has so much to offer, it should definitely remain firmly on your holiday radar.

From Poland eastwards, countries including Hungary and the Czech Republic make perfect vacation spots. With English less commonly spoken, and fewer countries accepting the Euro, these countries are overlooked far too often.

Although their landmarks may feature in fewer blockbusters, you won’t be short of things to see and do during a holiday in Eastern Europe. Not only is there ample culture to immerse yourself in, but you can also take advantage of far cheaper prices than in Western Europe, while still benefiting from favorable climates throughout the summer months. 

With so many places on offer, it can be hard to know exactly where to choose. The following countries are just some that should consider. 

Hungary

For the perfect mix of partying and culture, Hungary should most definitely be on your bucket list. If you are only planning a short vacation, you should consider a trip to the capital, Budapest. There is a reason why this city has gained popularity in recent years and is now a go-to spot for friend groups and couples alike.

Divided into two halves, Buda and Pest, you can explore the gorgeous thermal baths and take in the stunning architecture during the day, and party in the world-famous ruin bars late into the night. 

If you are looking for something slower-paced, Hévíz could be just the ticket. Located in Western Hungary, this spa town is a nature lover’s dream. Home to one of the world’s largest thermal lakes, with water temperature reaching up to 37 degrees, it won’t take you longer to unwind here. As well as the lake, there are also forests to be enjoyed and a host of food festivals and outdoor concerts to attend throughout summer. 

The Czech Republic

While its capital Prague has gained quite a reputation as a party spot, the Czech Republic has a wealth of other places to boast about.

If partying is your thing, a trip to Prague can’t be missed, a popular choice for bachelor and bachelorette parties for a reason, the nightlife most certainly won’t disappoint. For when you aren’t painting the town, there are over 100 museums for you to explore, meaning a well-rounded holiday can most certainly be achieved here. 

With less than a thousand UNESCO world heritage sites in the world, the Czech Republic is proudly home to fourteen of them, meaning you won’t be short of both history and culture to digest. If you want to explore one of these sites and are looking for somewhere slightly more understated than Prague, you should consider the market town of Kroměříž. With an interesting history, admirable nature, and host to several music festivals, Kroměříž is well worth paying a visit for your summer holiday this year.