Bollywood and Europe have a long-standing love story. Over the decades, European cities have served as dreamlike backdrops to some of the most emotional, stylish, and memorable scenes in Indian cinema. While destinations like London, Paris, and Switzerland are well-known on this list, there’s a part of Europe that remains slightly less talked about but equally beautiful—Eastern Europe.
From baroque bridges and cobbled streets to charming cityscapes, Eastern Europe has quietly played host to several Bollywood hits. The region’s evergreen charm, rich architecture, and affordable filming locations have made it a favorite for Indian filmmakers. Let’s take a look at a few stunning locations that have added depth and drama to our favorite movies.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest isn’t just beautiful—it’s cinematic. With its striking blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, the city has everything a film needs: grandeur, character, and atmosphere. The Bollywood connection began two decades ago with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, where parts of Budapest doubled as Italy. The iconic Liberty Bridge and Opera House featured in the film gave audiences a taste of the city’s elegance.
Over the years, the Hungarian capital has hosted productions like Sultan, Raabta, and Harry Met Sejal. Even Indian commercials have been filmed here—Cadbury 5Star and Vivo with Ranveer Singh among them. The Chain Bridge, shown in a romantic scene between Vanraj and Nandini, remains a fan favorite. It’s now one of the most photographed spots by Indian tourists trying to recreate that iconic moment.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is as dreamy as it gets. It offers a fairytale setting with its red-roofed buildings, age-old castles, and riverfront charm. Bollywood found the perfect backdrop in Prague for movies like Rockstar and Harry Met Sejal.
The Prague Castle and Charles Bridge stand out as key locations. In Rockstar, scenes capturing Ranbir Kapoor’s emotional journey were shot in front of these landmarks. The song Aur Ho, in particular, showed Prague in its most haunting and beautiful form. The Astronomical Clock and cobbled lanes of Old Town gave Rockstar its unforgettable opening chase scene, capturing the soul of the city.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia may have gained worldwide attention with Game of Thrones, but Bollywood fans will remember Dubrovnik for its appearance in Fan. This coastal town, with its terracotta rooftops and medieval walls, was the perfect fit for a high-speed action sequence in the film starring Shah Rukh Khan.
Its blend of old-world magic and sea-facing views makes it an ideal setting for both action-packed and romantic sequences. While Dubrovnik’s Bollywood appearance was brief, it left a strong impression. It also proved that Eastern Europe has the scale and versatility to match any major production demand
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of Bollywood, but it’s gaining attention fast. Films like Shivaay and Dilwale were shot here, particularly in its capital, Sofia, and surrounding regions. The dramatic snow-covered landscapes in Shivaay were filmed in the Bulgarian mountains, showcasing a wild and untamed beauty not often seen in Hindi films.
Sofia offers modern infrastructure, trained film crews, and varied terrains, which make it appealing for directors looking for cost-effective European options. It’s a rising star when it comes to Bollywood movies shot in Europe.
5. Warsaw, Poland
Poland, especially its capital Warsaw, has begun appearing in Bollywood films in recent years. Its wide boulevards, postmodern buildings, and riverside views offer a refreshing contrast to more historic settings. The 2019 movie Chehre used Warsaw’s moody backdrops to set a mysterious tone.
While Poland is still new on the Bollywood map, its affordability and film-friendly policies are making it a serious contender for future shoots. For lovers of cinema, seeing lesser-known Eastern European cities like Warsaw on screen opens up new places to explore.
Wrapping Up
Eastern Europe has brought fresh life and elegance to Bollywood’s visual storytelling. Whether it’s Budapest’s grand bridges or Prague’s medieval magic, these cities offer far more than just good looks—they bring emotion, history, and atmosphere into every frame. As Indian filmmakers continue to explore new terrain, these locations have quietly become part of some of the most loved movies and songs.
So, next time you hum a tune or rewatch a romantic scene, look closer—you just might recognize the charming streets and skylines of Eastern Europe. These timeless spots have helped shape some of our favorite Bollywood songs shot in Europe.
You can catch some of these locations come alive in our Europe episode—stream it now to travel the same paths our favorite stars once did.
