For me, there is no other part of Europe that is as exciting to explore as the Balkans.
Travel to the Balkans is authentic, filled with breathtaking landscapes, quirky capitals, vibrant cultures and delicious food.
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If you want to visit a region of Europe that will pleasantly surprise you, travel to Balkans!
From ancient cities to pristine natural wonders, each destination promises a unique adventure.
Let’s look at 30 incredible places in the Balkans, each offering reasons to explore:
Step into the fairy-tale setting of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, encircled by majestic medieval walls. This is the jewel of not just Croatia but also the whole region, and each year, thousands of visitors come here.
Discover the maritime history at the Maritime Museum, then ascend Mount Srd for panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and azure Adriatic Sea or enjoy a drink in one of the bars within the old city walls of Dubrovnik.
And, an experience not to be missed, we recommend you take a boat trip to the nearby island of Lokrum. Absolutely gorgeous!
Wander the cobblestone streets of Mostar’s Old Town, where the iconic Stari Most bridges the Neretva River. This bridge is not only the highlight of your visit to Mostar, it’s part of an important history.
Learn more about its complete destruction, why it was rebuilt, and what it symbolised for the people of this town.
See the centuries-old tradition of bridge diving (just hanging around on the top of the bridge for a while), where daring locals leap from the bridge’s arch into the crystal-clear waters below.
This is a great place to try local delicacies such as borek, cevap or baklava.
Prepare to be amazed by the mind-blowing beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Cross the wooden boardwalks suspended over emerald lakes and admire the cascading waterfalls that seem to emerge from the forest canopy, creating nature’s grandeur. This place has to be seen to be believed!
You can spend an entire day walking or hiking along the park, and boats connect various paths.
If there were a prize for the quirkiest capital in Europe, Tirana would probably win. The city’s architecture truly is a mix of everything, and the squares and streets are filled with people on summer evenings.
Explore the Bunk’Art museum, housed in a sprawling underground bunker. It offers a glimpse into Albania’s tumultuous past under communist rule.
Recommended Day Trip: Visit Prishtina & Prizren in Kosovo
Lose yourself in the tranquillity of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered for its crystal-clear waters and ancient monasteries.
Two popular towns, Sturga and Ohrid, are nearby. Ohrid offers an array of things to do.
Wander the cute streets filled with restaurants and shops, ancient amphitheatre and the famous Church of Saint John the Theologian.
Explore the bustling streets of Sarajevo, where East meets West in a harmonious blend of cultures. The city that was the postcard of the Winter Olympics soon after became the centre of a bitter war.
Join this guided tour and delve into the city’s shocking history at the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants during the Bosnian War.
Sofia remains one of the lesser-known capital cities. You’ll find diverse architectural styles ranging from Byzantine churches to communist-era monuments.
Ascend Vitosha Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the city framed by snow-capped peaks, or visit the huge Nevsky Cathedral.
Hidden in nature and about a 1.5-hour drive from Sofia, Rila Monastery is one of the most fascinating places to see in the Balkans.
Rila Monastery is an architectural masterpiece nestled amidst the misty Rila Mountains. This is a must-see with its intricate frescoes adorning the monastery’s walls, depicting scenes from religious folklore and Bulgarian history.
Don’t miss the inside of the church, and just behind the monastery, you will find some delicious local hot doughnuts.
A journey through Transylvania is not complete without a visit to the legendary Bran Castle, often associated with the fictional character Dracula.
Explore the castle’s labyrinthine corridors and secret passages, then soak in panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains.
And if you can, stay here overnight to enjoy the castle views without the crowds.
Bask in the charm of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quaint capital city, framed by the emerald waters of the Ljubljanica River.
Ascend Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views of the cityscape, then unwind in the leafy embrace of Tivoli Park.
This city has excellent local cuisine and wine, this small group culinary tour is recommended to taste the best of Slovenian food!
Read more: 11 Best Things to Do in Ljubljana
Surrender to the gorgeous beauty of Lake Bled, where a medieval castle perches atop a rocky ridge overlooking the azure waters.
Oh, and to top it off, a small island in the middle of the lake has a church. It’s beautiful.
You can take a small traditional Pletna boat to the island, or even better, walk the length of the lake and then have the famous Vanilla Cake at one of the cafes with a view of the lake.
Learn more about vanilla cake and the most popular Slovenian foods here.
Explore the labyrinthine streets of Kotor’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site framed by towering limestone cliffs.
You can climb the ancient city walls to the fortress of San Giovanni, offering unrivalled views of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor.
The old town is small, filled with churches and shops and restaurants. And not far, the Bay of Kotor is not to be missed.
Step back in time in Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where Roman ruins mingle with Ottoman architecture.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, adorned with colourful Renaissance facades and lively cafes.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of Belgrade, where centuries of history converge along the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Explore the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, then savour the city’s vibrant nightlife in the bustling Skadarlija district.
Belgrade is considered one of the best cities for partying, and for history buffs, don’t miss Tesla Museum.
For nature lovers, why not embark on an adventure in Durmitor National Park, home to rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests?
Hike the trails of the Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest gorge, and marvel at the breathtaking vistas that unfold before you.
Journey through the medieval streets of Sibiu, a cultural gem adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and Gothic spires.
Explore the labyrinthine passages of the Passage of Stairs, then ascend the Council Tower for panoramic views of the city below.
Oh, and look at the roofs of the houses. They have eyes.
Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
Discover the eclectic charm of Skopje, a city where ancient history coexists with modern urbanity.
This city is filled with statues, from the grandeur of the Alexander the Great Statue to statues of philosophers near the Art Gallery.
Cross the Stone Bridge to explore the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar.
Lose yourself in the charm of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, where Austro-Hungarian architecture and vibrant street art converge.
Zagreb and Dubrovnik might be two cities in Croatia, but they are so different!
Wander through the verdant expanses of Maksimir Park, then ascend Zagreb’s funicular for sweeping views of the city below.
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Step back in time in Split, where the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace stand as a testament to the city’s Roman heritage.
Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, then unwind along the sun-kissed promenade of the Riva waterfront.
For an unforgettable road trip, you must drive the Transfagarasan Highway, a winding mountain pass renowned for its breathtaking vistas and hairpin turns.
You will pass cascading waterfalls and glacial lakes along this truly scenic road.
Relax on the sun-drenched beaches of Budva, where azure waters lap against the medieval walls of the Old Town.
Explore the cobbled streets lined with Venetian palaces, then ascend the citadel for panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline.
This is the perfect summer destination.
Ascend to the hilltop perch of Bled Castle, one of Slovenia’s oldest castles, offering commanding views of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps.
Explore the castle’s museum, then savour traditional Slovenian cuisine at the castle restaurant overlooking the lake.
Uncover the university town of Nis, Serbia’s third-largest city, where Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture tell the story of its diverse heritage.
Visit the enigmatic Skull Tower, a monument to the city’s turbulent past, then relax in the shade of the sprawling Nis Fortress.
For something different from Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, explore Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, to learn about Bulgaria’s medieval past.
Explore the ruins of Tsarevets Fortress, then stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, adorned with artisan shops and quaint cafes.
Discover the cultural hub of Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, where vibrant street art and historic architecture converge.
Explore the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress, then unwind in the lively cafes and bars lining the Danube River’s banks.
Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Krk National Park, where secluded coves and crystalline waters await.
Snorkel amid colourful marine life, then hike the coastal trails for panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline.
Explore the cultural heritage of Peja, a city nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains.
Discover the medieval frescoes of the Decani Monastery, then embark on a scenic hike to the breathtaking Rugova Canyon.
Wander through the medieval streets of Brasov, a city framed by the imposing peaks of the Carpathian Mountains.
Explore the iconic Black Church, then ascend Mount Tampa for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Transylvanian countryside.
Cross the border into Greece to explore the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, where ancient ruins and Byzantine monuments stand as a testament to its rich history.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade, then sample the city’s culinary delights at the bustling Modiano Market.
Nestled in central Greece, Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars.
These monasteries date back to the 14th century, initially built by monks seeking solitude and protection from invasions.
Today, six of the original 24 monasteries remain active and accessible to visitors. Join a group tour
These are my 30 favourite places if you are planning to travel to Balkans.
You will find everything from castles, lakes, cute old towns, happening nightlife, markets, stunning beaches, and so much more!
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.
Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).
If your travels in Europe are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming European departures, or view Tourradar for great deals on group tours in Europe.
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