Eastern Europe is a broad and much-debated geographic area that is often overlooked by travelers. Since the fall of the iron curtain, the region has grown and developed rapidly, to the point of being competitive on the world markets and sought after. Hundreds of millions of people choose to live in Eastern Europe and some of the biggest and most important European cities are located here:
Kyiv
The capital of Ukraine boasts a population of almost 3 million people, making it one of the largest capitals in Europe, the 7th largest city on the continent to be exact. The city is old with a complicated and bloody history, having changed hands many times through the centuries. The most apparent influences are those of Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union. Nowadays the residents of Kyiv have a Ukrainian identity and try to distance themselves from the Russians. Despite any conflicts in the east and the Euro Maidan protests, Kyiv is a safe and fun capital, worth a visit.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is the most northernmost city in the world, with a population of over 1 million people, it has roughly 5.4 million residents. It was founded on 27 May 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great and quickly became the capital of the Russian Empire, displacing Moscow. The city was conceived as a postcard of Russia, based on Western capitals like Amsterdam and Paris. There are many great palaces, boulevards, and monuments, some of the most magnificent in Europe. In many ways, Saint Petersburg is the hipster, art, trendy capital of Russia and one of the best cities in the country to live in. The only drawback is the climate.
Moscow
Moscow is arguably the largest city in Russia, with a population estimated at 12.4 million in the city itself and 20 million in the metro area. The ancient Muscovy capital has a longer and more colorful history than most nation-States and remains one of the most enduring, charming and alluring cities in the world. Moscow has experienced an unprecedented economic boom in the 21st century and is filled with billionaires, skyscrapers, and fancy nightclubs. If you want a wild and fun time, Moscow is the place. But keep in mind that it’s huge and very expensive.
