If you’re not familiar with Eastern European culture, you also wouldn’t know where to start learning. Fortunately, we have resources like this interview with journalist, author, and historian Jacob Mikawnowski.
Mikanowski says the one thing that binds the region's core countries is “unity in diversity.”
“There is a shared experience of the empire. Of not having or having nation-states that have intermittent sovereignty. Sovereignty that exists and then doesn't exist, or doesn't exist for very long periods and comes into being,” Mikanowski said.
Religion is an integral part of Eastern European culture. As noted in a Pew Research Center survey, they tend to be more conventional in their religious behavior and consider their faith “very important” in their lives.
The survey also revealed that Eastern Europeans are more inclined to believe in fate and reincarnation, unlike their Western European counterparts.
Eastern Europe may not get enough shine as a tourist destination, but many cities across the region have outstanding pedestrian zones. If you’re a traveler who enjoys walking around instead of taking forms of public transport, this is welcome news.
The main street in Plodiv, Bulgaria, for example, is one of the country’s most significant features. It is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian zones filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
Budapest, Hungary, is another Eastern European city for people who love walking around. Váci Street (a.k.a. Váci utca) is the shopping district of central Budapest, also known as a prime people-watching spot.
But if you want to see more of the historic architecture, locals would like lead you to the Castle District. Here, you will find landmarks like the Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and labyrinths you won’t find anywhere in the world.
