Written by JJ from Travel Across The Borderline
Best Balkan Cities To Visit – Travel Guide
Looking for the best places to visit in the Balkans? I’ve got you covered!
The Balkans is a region in Southeast Europe comprising of the former Yugoslavia countries of Croatia, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Romania.
I spent a couple of months traveling around the Balkans enjoying the spectacular coastlines, learning about the communist history, exploring ottoman castles, hiking stunning mountain passes, and eating as much burek and gyros as I could get my hands on!
Here are my picks for the best Balkan cities to visit.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia and is one of the best Balkan cities to visit.
Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is one of Croatia’s most popular cities. It is a walled city with terracotta roof tiles and a turquoise sea surrounding it. This incredible old town is best known for being one of the main filming locations for the popular Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik’s old town is one of the most impressive walled cities in Europe. Stroll along its cobbled streets, visit historic cathedrals and wander around Lovrijenac Fortress for amazing views of the city below. Don’t forget to take the cable car up to Mount Srd for breathtaking views of the city and sea. If you are feeling adventurous try sea kayaking over to Lokrum island.
Dubrovnik has some excellent restaurants and bars. I recommend you sample some delicious Mediterranean cuisine at the esteemed Nautika restaurant or visit one of the city’s numerous cafes, such as Buza Bar, which is located inside the old city walls and offers spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea.
There are some great places to stay in Dubrovnik, from budget hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. I recommend you check out the Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel, located on the Lapad peninsula, for some serious luxury and stunning views.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is located in Montenegro on the Adriatic coast.
Kotor is a beautifully preserved medieval city situated at the base of Mount Lovcen. It is one of the best-preserved old town centres in all of Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town centre has many historic sites, including the impressive St. Tryphon Cathedral and Kotor Castle. You can explore these sites in an afternoon or spend a few days exploring the city’s historic churches and squares.
Kotor also has some great places to eat. Head to Restoran Galion for a delicious seafood meal or try one of the local restaurants for some traditional Montenegrin cuisine.
A must-see in Kotor is the nearby town of Perast, located just a few miles away. Here you can visit the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks Church, situated on an artificial island in the middle of Boka Bay. The church was built over two centuries and is said to have been built by sailors from the island of Perast.
One of the best things to do in Kotor is to hike up to the fortress in time for sunset. The hike is steep and will take about an hour, but the views are stunning and definitely worth it.
Accommodation options in Kotor range from budget hostels to luxury hotels. I recommend you stay at the Palazzo Drusko hotel for a luxurious stay in a great location.
So if you’re looking for one of the best Balkan cities to visit then Kotor should definitely be on your list!
Ohrid, Macedonia
Ohrid is a small city located in North Macedonia on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and was once home to over 365 churches.
Ohrid is known for its beautiful natural scenery, historic churches, and its unique culture. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with traces of human activity dating back to Neolithic times. Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans.
The city has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its many churches and monasteries. Its ancient sites include the stunning Church of St. John, the Church of St. Sophia, and the ancient Macedonian amphitheater.
Ohrid is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. You can spend your days exploring its many churches and cultural sites, wandering its cobblestone streets or taking a boat trip around Lake Ohrid to see some of its gorgeous scenery.
You can also take an excursion to see the breathtaking views from Galicica National Park or go paragliding in Struga.
Ohrid is home to some of the best restaurants in the Balkans. For traditional Macedonian cuisine head to The Lion, a popular restaurant located overlooking Lake Ohrid. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food will make you feel like part of the family. Other top restaurants include Kaj Kanevche and Restoran sveta sofija, both of which offer fantastic local dishes.
Accommodation in Ohrid ranges from affordable hostels to luxury hotels. I recommend you stay at the Villa St. Sofija Boutique Hotel for a luxurious stay with stunning views over Lake Ohrid.
Berat, Albania
Berat is a small city located in central Albania, about 100 km from the capital Tirana. It is one of the oldest towns in Albania and is known for its stunning Ottoman architecture.
I think that Albania is the most beautiful Balkan country and Berat is certainly one of the best places to visit in Albania.
The old town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. Its cobblestone streets are lined with historic churches and mosques, as well as Ottoman-era buildings.
Berat is known as the city of 1000 windows due to its distinctive white houses. You can spend hours wandering the streets of Berat, taking in its unique architecture.
The best thing to do in Berat is to visit the castle located high above the city. From here you will get some epic views!
Berat is also home to some stunning natural scenery, including the nearby Osumi Canyon. Here you can go rafting or take a boat trip along the river for some breathtaking views.
When it comes to dining, Berat is full of fantastic restaurants. My favorite restaurant here is Piccolo Grande Amore, where you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the city from its terrace. Another popular restaurant is Bar Restorant Tradicional Antipatrea, located inside the castle. This place serves up excellent traditional Albanian dishes.
Berat has many great accommodation options for all types of travelers. For a unique stay in Berat, try the Ottoman House, a traditional guesthouse located in the old town. A great budget option is Berat Backpackers.
Sofia, Bulgaria (Rila, Budluzha)
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country. It is one of the best Balkan cities to visit because of its unique mix of Eastern European and Balkan cultures.
The city has a rich cultural heritage and there are many interesting sites to visit, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National History Museum and the Sofia Synagogue.
Sofia is also known for its nearby stunning natural scenery, which can be explored at Mount Vitosha or Rila National Park. The latter is home to Bulgaria’s highest mountain, Musala, as well as seven glacial lakes and three ski resorts. I also suggest visiting the stunning Rila Monastery.
When it comes to dining, Sofia is a foodie paradise. For traditional Bulgarian cuisine try Daro or Aubergine restaurant. For something more modern head to Skapto for some amazing burgers.
Accommodation in Sofia ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels. I recommend staying at The Sofia Balan Palace Hotel for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city. For something more affordable, try Hostel Mostel or Hostel Like Home.
Pristina, Kosovo
Pristina is the capital of Kosovo, located in the central part of the country. It is one of the best Balkan cities to visit because of its vibrant nightlife, culture and international cuisine.
The city centre has some fantastic sites to explore, such as Mother Teresa Square with its ornate clock tower and Ottoman-era buildings. You should also visit the iconic Newborn monument, which celebrates Kosovo’s independence from Serbia.
To get the most out of your visit to Pristina I suggest taking a free walking tour so that you can learn all about Kosovo’s fascinating recent history. Pristina has some great natural scenery nearby, such as Gazimestan Hill with its sweeping views of the city and Mirusha Waterfall located in the Rugova Canyon. There is also a sanctuary for former performing bears, just outside of the city. This makes for a really fun and rewarding day trip.
When it comes to dining, Pristina is known for its great international cuisine. One of the best restaurants in the city is Liburnia, which serves up delicious Mediterranean dishes. Another must-visit spot is Tiffany where you can enjoy traditional Kosovan specialities such as cevapi and flija. There is no menu here and the available dishes change regularly depending on what fresh ingredients they have in.
Accommodation in Pristina ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury boutique hotels. For a luxurious stay, check out the Swiss Diamond Hotel, located right next to the main square. For something more budget-friendly, try Hostel City Centre or Rrajca Guest House.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, located in the northwest part of the country. It is often overlooked by travelers in favor of Croatia’s popular coastal town but in my opinion, Zagreb is one of the best places to visit in the Balkans.
The city centre has many interesting sites to explore, such as St Mark’s Church with its iconic colored roof, Dolac Market, the world’s shortest funicular and the world-famous Museum of Broken Relationships.
Zagreb is also a great base for taking a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is home to numerous breathtaking lakes and waterfalls. Visiting Plitvice Lakes is one of the best things to do in the Balkans.
Zagreb has plenty of great restaurants to offer. If you are looking for traditional Croatian cuisine, head to Bistro Apetit or Pod Zidom. For something more modern, try Pansitzky Restaurant or Gric Food & Wine Bar.
Accommodation in Zagreb ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury boutique hotels. One of the best hotels in the city is Timeout heritage hotel, which has a fun quirky vibe and a fantastic rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. I loved staying here.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is the capital of Albania, located in the northern part of the country.
The city centre has some interesting sites to explore such as Skanderbeg Square with its iconic statues and Bunk’Art museum, located in a former nuclear bunker.
The best way to explore the city is by taking a Tirana Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour so you can get an overview of all the main sites.
Tirana offers plenty of great international cuisines from Turkish kebabs to Italian pizzas and pasta. One of my favorite places to eat in the city is Taverna Zoto where you can enjoy traditional Albanian dishes such as byrek and burek.
There are plenty of great accommodation options in Tirana. Check out the Lord Hotel, which is located close to the city centre. I would also recommend staying at Homestel Albania if you are a budget backpacker. It has a great social atmosphere, an amazing roof terrace and a yummy breakfast.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, located in the southeast part of the country.
Bucharest is known for its vibrant city life and impressive architecture. It has an array of stunning buildings, from the iconic Palace of Parliament to the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum. There are also numerous museums and galleries including the National Museum of Art, the National History Museum and the Natural History Museum.
The city is home to many beautiful parks such as Cismigiu Gardens, Herastrau Park, and Carol Park. It’s also home to some great nightlife spots such as Buzduganului Street and Old Town.
When it comes to dining, Bucharest has a lot of great restaurants offering traditional Romanian cuisine as well as international dishes. Some popular places include Caru cu Bere, Amethyst sky bar and Osteria Zucca.
Accommodation in Bucharest ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. For a stylish stay check out Hotel Epoque or Grand Hotel Continental.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia, located in the northern part of the country. The city is known for its vibrant culture and impressive architecture, including the iconic Stone Bridge and the 16th-century Kale Fortress. It is a really quirky city and is one of the most unique destinations in the world.
When it comes to exploring Skopje’s cultural side, there are plenty of interesting sites such as the Mother Teresa Memorial House, Old Bazaar and Museum of Macedonian Struggle. There are also numerous parks and outdoor areas such as Vodno Mountain, City Park and Gjavato Canyon.
One of my favorite things to do in Skopje is to wander through the city centre and find as many kitschy statues as I can – there are over 100 for you to spot!
For dining options, Skopje has a wide array of restaurants from traditional Macedonian cuisine to international dishes. Some popular places include Old town brewery, Dva Elena and Pelister.
For accommodation in Skopje check out the luxurious Alexander Palace or the more affordable Hotel Ana.
Best Balkan Cities to Visit
The Balkans offer a wide variety of interesting places to visit, with something for everyone.
From Tirana in Albania and Bucharest in Romania to Skopje in North Macedonia, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s culture and history.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience or just want to take some time out from your travels, these cities have it all – wonderful accommodation options, delicious food choices and great attractions that will make your trip memorable.
Written by JJ from Travel Across The Borderline
After Exploring the Balkans let’s head to Venice!
