The Balkans is a geographical area in southeastern Europe that meets the Balkan Peninsula. While the Balkans don’t have a particular agreement as to what countries constitute it, some countries make the list and are universally accepted as part of the Balkans. These countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, most of Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and parts of Slovenia. Aside from these ten nations, parts of Greece and Turkey also fall in the Balkans. Now that we’ve dusted off the complexities let’s talk about the best places to visit in the Balkans. While there are countless, we’ve picked the top ten for you:
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1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations, and a short trip will show you why. Dubrovnik is known for its Old Town, whose construction was completed in the 16th century yet remains almost perfectly preserved. Tourists can explore Old Town’s infamous stone walls, which offer views of the Old Port. Fort Lovrijenac, an ancient theater and fortress, is another popular destination that gives tourists dramatic views. Fort Lovrijenac isn’t Durovnik’s only star-studded destination; the city is home to several filming locations for Game of Thrones, and you’ll even find a few tours exploring them. Don’t forget to take the Dubrovnik cable car; a simple glance downward will help you understand why this Croatian city is one of the best places to visit in the Balkans.
2. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lying on the Miljacka River, Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, bringing you some of its finest vistas. The town has an intense history; it was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, thus witnessing the effect of the First World War firsthand. Parts of Sarajevo still bear the marks of this war, which is why it’s such a popular destination for history buffs. But while you’ll love exploring Sarajevo’s historical landmarks, there’s much more to the city. Sarajevo boasts countless stunning mosques and churches, giving you a glimpse into its architectural finesse. You’ll also love to stroll through its cobblestone streets to Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar and one of its most popular destinations. Naturally, with everything Sarajevo offers, there’s no question why it’s one of the best places to visit in the Balkans.
3. Kotor, Montenegro
A fortified town on the Adriatic coast, Kotor brings you a coastal charm you might not find anywhere else. Kotor overlooks a stunning turquoise coastline, but the parallel cliffs covered with dense trees add an unmistakable glamor. Kotor’s diverse landscape makes it a natural delight for all naturalists, who can’t help but escape into its wilderness and try to scale its peak. There’s plenty to do, from hiking to Lovcen’s mountain peaks to picnics along the pristine Kotor Bay. Of course, you can’t skip the trips to Kotor Old City Walls, whose historical allure makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
4. Ohrid, North Macedonia
Head to North Macedonia, and you’ll find Ohrid, one of the best places to visit in the Balkans because of its diverse landscapes and tranquil environment. Ohrid is the largest city on Lake Ohrid, so while it’s incredibly peaceful, you’ll also find an intense hustle and bustle here. The town is most popular because of the lake; Lake Ohrid is a geological landmine, providing a safe habitat to more than 200 endemic species of flora and fauna. You’ll also find gorgeous fortresses and churches at Ohrid, taking you back to the country’s rich history. Ohrid straddles the border between North Macedonia and Albania, so don’t be too surprised if you find its culture remarkably diverse and sharing influences from its neighbor.
5. Theth National Park, Albania
You wouldn’t expect a national park to be counted as one of the best places to visit in the Balkans, but that’s part of what makes Theth National Park so unique. Not only is it one of Albania’s finest destinations, but it’s also abundant with flora and fauna, making it a goldmine for naturalists. Theth National Park offers countless places to stay, including guesthouses, camping grounds, and onsite resorts. Of course, you’ll have to spend at least a week enjoying Theth National Park’s beauty since it offers so much. You can visit the wildlife refuge, hike up to the neighboring peaks, and explore the dramatic mountain passes. The Thethi Zipline is another attraction but more suited for thrill-seekers.
6. Sibiu, Romania
If you’ve always wanted to escape life, even if it’s just for a while, head to Sibiu, a dainty city in Transylvania, Romania. Here, you’ll find a serene environment that parallels its stunning allure, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale destination. Sibiu is home to the largest concentration of medieval buildings, giving you a glimpse into its rich history. Although Romania is known for its medieval castles, some of which share land with Sibiu, there’s plenty more to explore, including attractions like the Large Square, a historical city center. One of its most popular destinations is the Bridge of Lies, a pedestrian bridge with a dramatic history that puts even the most creative storytellers to shame.
7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, but that’s not the sole reason why it’s considered one of the best places to visit in the Balkans. Plovdiv is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, with some estimating it dates back to the 6th millennium BC. Plovdiv has a fantastic outdoor cafe culture, so it’s perfect for foodies who can stroll its streets with some delicious food. Plovdiv is known for the Roman-era Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which once seated 6000 people. Today, the Theatre of Philippopolis hosts operas and concerts, so tourists will love it. The Old Town of Plovdiv is worth a trip, too.
8. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s largest city and capital, receives its fair share of tourist footfall. Despite being incredibly populated, Ljubljana is surprisingly tranquil, so you can take romantic walks through its scenic streets and enjoy the surrounding pastel buildings. Ljubljana’s castles are yet another reason why it’s not only one of the best places to visit in the Balkans but also Slovenia; Ljubljana Castle’s intricate architecture and dramatic panoramic views make it one of the most highly sought destinations in the city. Ljubljana’s Dragon Bridge is another popular destination, but Tivoli Park also receives countless compliments. Don’t forget to visit Ljubljana’s Central Market, where you’ll find fresh food and a serene canal.
9. Pristina, Kosovo
Pristina lies in the middle of Kosovo, which is a landlocked nation in the central Balkans. Pristina is the capital of Kosovo, and its location makes it a cultural, financial, and political center of the country, so it’s pretty much at the center of attention. Pristina’s vibrant energy and eclectic atmosphere are a big part of why it’s one of the best places to visit in the Balkans, and you’ll find its charm increasing throughout your stay. The Ethnographic Museum is one of its most unique destinations, while the Great Mosque invites you to explore its peaceful and architectural interiors.
10. Perast, Montenegro
A coastal delight just a few kilometers northwest of Kotor, Perast is incredibly close to the islets of St. George Our Lady of the Rocks, two of its most popular destinations. Perast isn’t as grand as the rest of the destinations in Montenegro, but its small size makes it even more attractive for tourists who want to stay away from tourist crowds. While visiting Our Lady of the Rocks is always on the list, you can see other destinations like Smekja Palace and the Perast Museum.
Video Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in the Balkans (Coming Soon)
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to the Balkans
To make planning your trip to the best places in Slovenia easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to the Balkans?
Planning and looking for the best places to visit in the Balkans? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to the best places in the Balkans are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” here.
Have questions for us? Schedule a FREE Call with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at [email protected], call/text us at (888)223-2316 today.
