Sex Tourism in Eastern Europe: 7 Hot Spots

Want to know more about sex tourism in Eastern Europe?

Sex tourism is big business with travellers choosing to visit countries where prostitution is legal and/or where there is a positive view towards foreigners when it comes to ‘hooking up’. People choose their destination for different reasons; some are motivated by cheap travel and low costs of entertainment whilst some opt to visit countries that offer more than just a cheap night out. And it’s not just men who partake in this pastime; sex tourism for women is on the rise too.

In this feature, we look at why Eastern Europe has become a popular destination for sex tourists plus where in the region are the hottest spots for a wild weekend away.

Why is Eastern Europe a Sex Tourism Hot Spot?

Traditionally, the most popular places to head for adult entertainment have been in parts of Asia such as the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia. Other popular destinations include the Netherlands, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Spain. Over the last few decades, however, Eastern Europe has been growing in prominence as a location for sex tourism and exotic hook ups.

Not only does the region offer some of the most beautiful cities and cultural landmarks but several countries not only have legalised prostitution but also regulated and licensed sex industries. With many other European countries now offering cheap flights, travelling to some of these hot spots is quick, easy and affordable. Couple this with the relatively low cost of accommodation, food and beer and you have all the ingredients for a dirty weekend away on a moderate budget.

There’s another reason why Eastern Europe appeals to men:

The women are invariably very very beautiful!

So, which countries have the best places to head to?

Top 7 Eastern European Sex Tourism Hot Spots

Defining Eastern Europe can sometimes get a little complicated as some definitions are geographical whilst others are socio-political. For the purposes of our feature, we have taken Eastern Europe to include the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania Latvia, , Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine.

Though each has their own upsides and downsides, we’ve selected the best eight cities in Eastern Europe for sex tourism…plus a few extras to give you options.

Bulgaria

We’ll start by taking a look at the legal status of the adult industry in each destination. That’s not to say that ‘sex tourists’ are primarily interested in paying for sex – most prefer casual dating and hooking up without money changing hands! – but we can’t discuss these destinations without touching on the liberal nature of the sex industry laws.

Prostitution is legal in Bulgaria although organised sex trade is prohibited so you cannot find any licensed brothels in the country.

The capital city of Sofia is home to an estimated 8,000 sex workers servicing locals and tourists. Although most of these advertise their services as independent escorts, there are many street hookers around the city.

There are several main strip clubs in Sofia where it’s said that you can often get more than just a lap dance with some also providing a few interesting sex shows. The Peep Show Bar are two great locations in the city for some titivation and you can enjoy shows which include lesbianism and masturbation with toys and even a shower.

Sofia is a popular destination for stag parties and there are lots of event planning companies that run weekends for lads which take in some adrenaline fuelled activities before heading into the city to experience a more feminine welcome. As well as taking in a strip club (or even enjoying a ‘strip bus’), a group can enjoy a low cost pub crawl and a choice of several nightclubs.

Sofia is a stunning location to enjoy scenic city views and is rich in the cultural heritage of both the recent communist past and its centuries of Ottoman rule. Though you may head here for the adult thrills and beer, you may well remember it for more.

You can read more about the sex scene in Sofia in our full city guide.

Bonus Destination: If you are thinking heading to Bulgaria then it is worth considering Varna. Situated in the east of the country, on the Black Sea coast, Varna is Bulgaria’s resort city. Famed for its golden sand beaches and archaeological treasure Varna has a laid-back holiday vibe. As the country’s third largest city and a popular tourist destination, the city also has several strip clubs, peep shows and salons to further enjoy the female form.

Czech Republic

Paying for sex in the Czech Republic is legal and, as poster campaigns go, the country has a lot of traction right now in the porn industry. Adult websites like Czech AV and Czech Casting have proved that amateur Czech girls are not only gorgeous but they are also up for some serious good times.

A popular pick of sex tourist hot spots in this Eastern European country is in the Bohemian capital of Prague.

Though a liberal country where prostitution and pornography are both legal, running brothels is prohibited. The laws are not strictly enforced and conservative estimates place the number of brothels in the capital city of Prague at around the 200 mark. You can even score in night clubs as well as gentleman’s clubs and strip clubs. Some allow services to take place in private rooms on the premises whilst others offer a ‘takeaway’ service.

The city is one of the largest in Europe and offers a huge range of ways to entertain its many visitors including those who come to sample more than the local cuisine. Prague is a modern city exquisitely packaged inside beautifully preserved and important historical architecture.

Though there is no official red-light district, Wenceslas Square is a notorious hot spot where you are likely to be propositioned. Considered the heart of Prague’s nightlife, just head off down any of the side streets to get a taste of the darker side of the Czech Republic’s capital.

You can find our more information about the kind of entertainment you can find in the city in our Prague Escorts and Sex Guide.

Estonia

A popular sex tourist destination for Scandinavians as well as Russians, buying and selling sex in Estonia is legal.

The capital city of Tallinn is the only spot to head in this Baltic State for good nightlife and great looking girls. One of the most well-preserved mediaeval cities in Europe, Tallinn is a modern city, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’ due to the high number of tech start-ups.

Tallinn is visited by around 1.5 million people each year with a third of these being from the constant stream of cruise ships. The city offers guests a lot of ways to relax and be entertained and this is no different for those visitors who are interested in the sex trade.

Though illegal, Estonian brothels are commonplace and though few are well advertised, you only have to ask a taxi driver to take you to one. There are an estimated 50-60 venues in Tallinn which operate as bordellos. The old town also has a lot of erotic massage parlours.

Also popular are the city’s many strip clubs and gentleman’s clubs as well as night clubs.

There is a large escort community using online advertising.

A former Soviet city, Tallinn is a seductive city with a lot of charm with local girls that ooze Eastern European appeal.

Hungary

Paying for sex in Hungary is legal and it is one of the few countries in Europe where the industry is fully regulated and licensed. Prostitution and pornography net the government an estimated €855 million in taxes each year.

All major cities in Hungary are required by law to provide specific areas that are designated as red-light zones. The capital of Budapest is one such place where demand is so high that most of the city is demarked as being prostitute friendly. The capital has a reputation for being the sex capital of Europe and between the numerous brothels, street prostitutes and erotic massage parlours, it would be harder to visit the city and not get serviced!

The adult entertainment industry doesn’t stop there and there are peep shows available in many of the city’s sex shops as well as strip clubs and even three big clubs for swingers.

Budapest, known as the ‘Paris of the East’ is an attractive city with its stunning architecture and a cultural melting pot with plenty of interesting museums, galleries, festivals and concerts. Visitors seeking alternative diversions from simply sex will certainly find the city has a lot to keep the occupied.

You can read our Budapest Escorts and Sex Guide here for further information on all this city has to offer.

Latvia

Prostitution is legal in Latvia and is part of a regulated market where sex workers must submit to regular health checks and carry health cards. Organised prostitution is illegal and brothels are prohibited. The centre of this market is in the capital city of Riga.

Rising to prominence over the last few decades as a centre for sex in Europe, Riga (like Budapest) has a big red-light district. Though the authorities have been trying to clamp down on illegal street prostitution, they are still prevalent and can easily be spotted negotiating with punters after dark.

Most locals use the services of women who work in massage parlours. Though most will provide the basic rub and tug service, many also offer a range of other options to satisfy their clients.

You can also find a handful of strip clubs in Riga, some of which offer more than just a lap dance. However, strip clubs in Latvia are notorious for being pricey and if you do end up paying for more than a lap dance, it will cost you.

And, if the range of adult venues doesn’t tempt you then perhaps the fact that Latvia has the highest number of fashion models per capita than anywhere else in the world might help tip the balance. The women here are truly beautiful.

Riga is another jewel in Eastern Europe’s crown of majestic cities and is an extremely pleasant part of the world to spend time. The largest city in the Baltic States, it is emerging as an independent state with a good deal of historic character coupled with dynamic modernity.

Poland

When it comes to Poland, the best place for sex tourism can be found in the capital city of Warsaw.

Prostitution in the country is legal but operating brothels is not; as a result, most of the sex activity in Poland is arranged online via escorts or through erotic massage parlours. Though there is some street prostitution, it has declined considerably in recent years.

Freelance prostitutes can be found working in some of Warsaw’s many nightclubs as well as hitting the streets around the railway station, old town and banks of the Vistula.

Warsaw also has one of the highest concentrations of strip clubs and gentleman’s clubs in Poland and there is a good selection to choose from. Also popular are the sauna night clubs that provide guests with an erotic spa environment combined with the nightlife of a club. These unique venues are ostensibly run like the sex clubs you might find in Germany and are reasonably priced.

Swinging is also quite common in Poland and Warsaw has a good scene for couples and singles who are into the ‘lifestyle’.

With large parts of the old town faithfully rebuilt following the second world war using 17^th century paintings, Warsaw is a modern city that embraces and combines its history and its future. One thing to bear in mind though, it is the most congested capital in Europe and its not wise to hire a car. Instead, you should explore the city on foot and take in some of the cultural diversions on offer.

You can read our Warsaw Escorts and Sex Guide for further details of what is on offer in Poland’s capital city.

Bonus Destination: Poland’s former capital, Krakow, is also a hot spot for adult thrills and offers much of the same as in Warsaw. We have all the details in our Krakow Escorts and Sex Guide.

Ukraine

Though illegal, prostitution in Ukraine is largely ignored by the authorities and has become a widespread ‘norm’ in many parts of the country. In total there are an estimated 70,000 women working in the sex industry in Ukraine making it the second largest prostitution market in Europe (after Germany).

At the centre of this trade is Kiev where prices for sex on the streets are as low as €15. Take note however that unlike the other locations mentioned in this list, prostitution is still illegal, and it is not worth taking the risk of indulging when you could easily land yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Kiev has a more established adult entertainment industry with its lap dancing clubs, erotic massage parlours and strip clubs. Many massage parlours operate in the same way as brothels and make no great effort to disguise their true business activities when you book in for a service.

The nightlife in Kiev is colourful and vibrant with plenty of cheap alcohol on sale. Ukrainians are big drinkers and recent reports suggest that every Ukrainian over the age of fifteen drinks 15 litres of alcohol each year. That’s one litre more than the Irish and two litres more than the Norwegians. In fact, only Russians, Czechs, Hungarians and Moldovans drink more.

We’ve summarised most of the adult attractions in our city sex guides to Kiev.

Bonus Destination: Odessa has a similar sex scene to Kiev and offers much of the same kinds of adult venues as the capital. Odessa, on the southern coast is more of a resort city and has a holiday vibe. Positioned on the Black Sea, it offers a bit more by way of leisure activities than Kiev.

Featured image via Creative Commons Images.